Logging Sports Women Coast to Northeast Women's Division Title

PAUL SMITHS, N.Y. - This past weekend, the Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) Women's Logging Sports Team clinched the Northeast Women's Division title at the celebrated 2024 Spring Meet hosted by Paul Smith's College. Competing against opponents from twelve colleges and universities across the Northeast, the Lakers put together a standout performance amidst the four divisions—Women, Men, Jack and Jill, and Open.

The FLCC women's team, composed of six student athletes, outperformed rivals by significant margins, amassing over 200 points more than their closest competitor, SUNY ESF, and leading by 261 points over Colby College of Maine. Their victory included first-place finishes in nine out of the nineteen events.

Morgan Cheney and her teammates shone in the portage canoe race, while Mackenzie Ferris and Rachel Joseph secured a win in the standing block chop. Team captain Nita Schumacher demonstrated her skill in the super bow saw event, with Lydia Culbert and Naomi Weed excelling in the doubles scoot load. Nita Schumacher described the event briefly, "It's like track and field but with saws and axes. I'm so thankful for my time at FLCC and everything this team has done for me; it's been a big confidence booster and a super fun sport."

The win is even more noteworthy for the Lakers competing as the only two-year college amongst a competition pool of four-year institutions. Institutions like UConn, UMaine, Dartmouth, and various SUNY schools highlight the list of notable competitors. FLCC's two-year program is known for preparing athletes who often transfer to the four-year schools they compete against, bringing with them the skills and lessons forged at FLCC. Former Laker Owen Probst, now at Paul Smiths College, contributed to his new team's victory in the Men's Division.

Coach Ryan Staychock praised the collective effort "This team is about all six of our women, and the entire squad of 18 with coaches Brandon Graves, Hanna Quigley, and Blaise Cox creating a culture of fun, respect, and hard work." Staychock went on to highlight the history the Lakers carry with them into competition, "This is FLCC's 39th championship over 50 years and we are excited about the future and looking forward to recruiting young people to help us win 100 more."

As the FLCC Women's Logging Sports Team celebrates their impressive victory, they continue to honor a 50-year-old tradition that has led the Lakers to become one of the most dominant programs in logging sports. To learn more about logging sports, visit flccathletics.com or reach out to head coach Ryan Staychock at Ryan.Staychock@flcc.edu.