sport, local-sport, Woodchopping, Tasmanian Axemen's Association, David Foster, Penguin Axemen's Club, Kody Steers, Dale Beams
There will be more than prize money up for grabs on Saturday when the North-West's best axemen take to the arena for the first state title of 2021. Hosted by the Penguin Axemen's Club, the meet's feature events will include the Tasmanian 300m standing block championship and the 300mm standing Lyle and Audrey Willcox memorial. Tasmanian Axemen's Association president David Foster said the annual meet would be a welcomed start to the new year, following the cancellation of many events last year. "Last year with COVID, the woodchopping shows could decide if they wanted to have an official state title or not, and some pulled out because of the amount of money that you need," Foster said. "You need about $800 to cut a state title, so the choice was theirs. "So Penguin putting on the state title will be fantastic." Sheffield chopper Kody Steers will be looking to continue his dominant state title run across with a win in Penguin. Close to 45 axemen are expected to compete in the carnival, according to Foster, who said there would be no shortage of competition. "We've got Dale Beams coming and he's won that championship quite a few times," he said. "So, he'll be out there to try and beat Kody Steers. "I think Kody has won every championship in Tasmania this season, so it'll be a great day." ALSO IN SPORT While COVID-19 restrictions saw the cancellation of sports across the nation, Foster believed there had been a resurgence in woodchoppers taking to the blocks. "We're getting a lot of axemen who chopped years ago that are coming back, which is really good," he said. "I think maybe people's circumstances changed; they might have given the sport away because they were starting a family and then all of a sudden once you get to a certain stage of your life, you become more independent. "So, I think that's a thing that's bringing people back." Action at the Penguin Woodchopping Arena is expected to get underway at 9.30am. Sign up for The Advocate's sports email newsletter here
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January 8 2021 - 5:30PM
Penguin Axemen's Club will host the highly sought after event
Emily Clooney
There will be more than prize money up for grabs on Saturday when the North-West's best axemen take to the arena for the first state title of 2021.
Hosted by the Penguin Axemen's Club, the meet's feature events will include the Tasmanian 300m standing block championship and the 300mm standing Lyle and Audrey Willcox memorial.
Tasmanian Axemen's Association president David Foster said the annual meet would be a welcomed start to the new year, following the cancellation of many events last year.
"Last year with COVID, the woodchopping shows could decide if they wanted to have an official state title or not, and some pulled out because of the amount of money that you need," Foster said.
"You need about $800 to cut a state title, so the choice was theirs.
"So Penguin putting on the state title will be fantastic."
Sheffield chopper Kody Steers will be looking to continue his dominant state title run across with a win in Penguin.
READY TO FIGHT: Dale Beams (right) will be out for glory in the Tasmanian state title in Penguin. Picture: File
Close to 45 axemen are expected to compete in the carnival, according to Foster, who said there would be no shortage of competition.
"We've got Dale Beams coming and he's won that championship quite a few times," he said.
"So, he'll be out there to try and beat Kody Steers.
"I think Kody has won every championship in Tasmania this season, so it'll be a great day."
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Little Athletics carnival to serve as preparation for state meet
Reigning premiers ready to avenge 'hit and miss' season start
While COVID-19 restrictions saw the cancellation of sports across the nation, Foster believed there had been a resurgence in woodchoppers taking to the blocks.
"We're getting a lot of axemen who chopped years ago that are coming back, which is really good," he said.
"I think maybe people's circumstances changed; they might have given the sport away because they were starting a family and then all of a sudden once you get to a certain stage of your life, you become more independent.
"So, I think that's a thing that's bringing people back."
Action at the Penguin Woodchopping Arena is expected to get underway at 9.30am.
Sign up for The Advocate's sports email newsletter here