The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
There are many unique sports in the world that we live in.
Here at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, our own Ben Hansen has represented our school in Timbersports.
Now in his senior year, Hansen has come a long way.
As a freshman, Hansen was introduced to the sport by his roommate, Joe Huber. He instantly became involved with lumber sports.
“I made a lot of friends, got out to competitions, and started training hard,” Hansen said. “Once I realized what an opportunity I had been presented with, I took it and ran with it.”
Hansen competes on the Timbersports team through the UWSP Society of American Foresters. He competes in four disciplines in theStihl Collegiate Timbersports Series; the stock saw, single-buck, standing block chop, and underhand chop. Hansen is looking to add springboard and hot saw to that list.
After his first competition in 2010, Hansen improved his skills and won his first event, the underhand chop, in the Midwestern Conclave in spring of 2011.
Following his 2011 season, Hansen went on to sweep the Stihl Collegiate Series Midwest Qualifier in 2012, but finished last in the national championships.
Using the motivation of last year’s run, Hansen received his revenge when he won the Stihl Collegiate Timbersports Series National Championship.
As a result, he was given a spot in the International Rookie Relay Team, which competes at the world championship level in Stuttgart, Germany.
“This season was a great start to my professional career as a Timbersports athlete,” Hansen said.
Hansen’s goal of making the college level championship is now complete, but he has no intentions of stopping there.
“A collegiate national championship was my first goal and it was amazing to accomplish that. Next is a national championship as a professional,” Hansen said.
As Hansen continues to grow and compete on the international level, his family and friends are always there to support him.
“This sport requires a great deal of self-motivation to accomplish any success, but my contribution to my accomplishments is greatly overshadowed by the incredible support I have from a lot of people,” Hansen said.
Connor Daniels
