Forestry Graduate is Creating a Buzz in the Timber Sports World

Logan's fans cheerLogan Scarborough, recent Forest Management graduate and past president of the NC State Forestry Club, is a sensation in the growing sport of timber sports.  After sweeping the all four disciplines in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Collegiate Series Southern Division during conclave in Arkansas, Logan went on to the Collegiate Championship, held this year during the U.S. Nationals presented by Carhartt in Salem, Oregon, August 27-29th.

The competition was fierce at nationals, with some collegiate times nearing those set by the professionals at the event. But Logan, drawing on years of practice, determination and discipline, pulled out a comfortable win, taking the gold with all of the composure that his fans have come to recognize and admire in him.

Logan Scarborough is interviewed for ESPN by Dave Jewett

Logan Scarborough is interviewed for ESPN by Dave Jewett

While anyone in his shoes (or chaps) could find an experience like that overwhelming, Logan had a few additional stresses. Having graduated with his Bachelor of Science in May and working for Kiker Resource Management, LLC. , he was eligible to take the 4-hour, level 2, North Carolina Registered Forester Examination. The exam just happened to be only two days before his flight to Oregon. Add on the fact that he never travelled far from the east coast, and it is easy to imagine the stress that Logan might feel when he arrived on the championship stage in front of the ESPN cameras. “One of the best things about the experience,” Logan later said, “was the opportunity to travel to the west coast.”

He would have the opportunity to see much more. In a surprising turn, STIHL decided that this year’s college series champ would join the rookie relay team at the World Championship in St. Johan, Austria.  After only one day back in Raleigh, Logan was off to Europe as one of five athletes from five countries selected to make up the international rookie team – the only amateur competitors at the World Championship. The rookie team shocked the field by setting “blazing times” and placing them directly into the second round. Logan’s performance on the single buck created a big stir. “This validates what we are trying to do in the U.S.,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL.  “Our focus has been on developing young competitors in the U.S. and providing them opportunities to experience the sport. Bringing Logan to the world championships and watching him do as well as he did, shows that the future of our sport in the U.S. is strong.”

Logan in Rookie Relay

Logan at the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS World Championship in Rookie Relay

“He has come a long way,” said Barry Goldfarb, head of NC State’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources. “I remember Logan when he visited the department as a high school senior. He was nervous!” Logan also recalled that he was nervous during that first visit and remembered that Dr. Goldfarb tapped him on the head with his clipboard and told him, “Get ‘A’s and study for the SATs!” “Now look at him,” said Goldfarb smiling, “He is a grown-up professional, poised for a great life.”

As the 2010 Collegiate Champ, Logan has secured a spot to compete in the 2011 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Professional Series. Until then, he’ll be returning to Kiker Resource Management, where his family and Wolfpack roots run deep.  Owner Jason Kiker (’00) and founder Paul Kiker (’70) also received their forestry degrees from NC State.  “I really enjoy consulting,” said Logan, “there is a lot of variety to the job, and I like the interaction with landowners. I’m looking forward to getting more experience.”

Logan with WolfpackWhen asked what advice he has for students, Logan said, “Be open-minded, and listen more than you talk. Sometimes we just study for the next test, but really you should be studying to learn it for your future career – your profession.” He also recommended that students become involved in Forestry Club. “Forestry Club got me into timber sports, gave me the chance to meet good friends, provided leadership opportunities, AND it taught me about discipline. You can’t get a four-year degree without discipline!” It has obviously served him well.

Watch It:
Television schedule for the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Professional Series presented by Carhartt –

Date Time Location/Network
Oct. 10, 2010 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET Championships / ESPN2
Dec. 25, 2010 Noon – 1 p.m. ET U.S. Championship / ESPN2
Dec. 25, 2010 1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET World Championship / ESPN2
Dec. 25, 2010 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET Highlights / ESPN2

See the full TV schedule at sports.espn.go.com

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