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Spring Update - LWC and more

04/05/2023 6:44 PM | Meredith Ingbretson (Administrator)

"Written by John Pappadopoulos"

In what’s been described as a “good problem to have,” the United States
Logrolling Association, in conjunction with the Lumberjack World Championships, is now preparing for what could be a major turning point in the sport of Logrolling.  For the first time in recent history, the number of professional rollers could exceed the total allotment of the 24 competitors allowed to compete at LWC.  For this reason, several pro rollers might not qualify to compete at the 2023 World Championships in Hayward, WI this summer. 

 On the women’s side, it’s possible that between 25 to 30 pro women, mostly considered high level rollers, could be competing for the allotted 24 spots.  On the men’s side, it’s less likely, but possible the number could also go over 24.  As for the notion of too many being a good problem to have, several officials and competitors within the pro circuit site the issue as a positive reflection of growth.  The number of high caliber female rollers is perhaps at its highest point since women began competing professionally in the 1930’s.  And with a large number of both male and female competitors expected to turn pro in the next few years, the numbers are only expected to increase for both men and women.

“It’s really a great thing for the sport,” says LWC event director Sam LaSalle. “It’s awesome to see that hopefully there’s more than 24 pros who want to compete at this high of a level.”

The challenge for officials this summer now becomes -- Who gets to compete at LWC, and who gets left out?    The Lumberjack World Championship Foundation ultimately decides who makes the cut, and will do so under the direction of an athlete advisory committee, the same committee that ranks and decides who qualifies for chopping, climbing, and all other disciplines at LWC. 

For logrolling, the committee will lean heavily on the USLRA rankings, but also has discretion to qualify a competitor with a lesser ranking over one with a higher ranking.  Or for that matter, a roller with no ranking may be considered.   For example, rookie rollers have no rankings as of this spring.  However, if an incoming first year pro has a skill set deemed higher than a ranked pro, the rookie may get in over the veteran pro.  The top three finishers in U-17 from the previous season at LWC will get strong consideration, but U-17 rollers outside the top three will also be looked at closely.  

Adult sport rollers moving up to the pro level will also get strong consideration based on their resume and skill set.  Also, non USLRA members from different parts of the country and throughout the world will be considered based on their resume, the competition they’ve faced, and their record at the shows and tournaments they’ve competed in.  If a former pro who is no longer ranked wants to return to LWC, the committee will strongly consider them based on past and recent performances, as well as their current skill set.  To be clear, the committee will use the USLRA rankings as one of several tools, but not as an exact measure on who gets in or left out.

According to LaSalle, the Advisory committee will make the final decision on which rollers qualify among the top 24, but the committee will rely on consultation from the USLRA, along with other officials and experts they deem helpful.

“There’s really not a magic formula,” says LaSalle.  “If we’re looking at six athletes for three spots, it’ll go to the athlete advisory committee to rank them, but (the committee) will also take guidance from the USLRA as well.  If there’s a close call on who gets the last few spots, they’ll use all resources to get the best 24.  Our approach is if we have to make 50 phone calls we will.  We’re going to do our due diligence.”

According to LaSalle, while the number of pro rollers qualifying at LWC could be limited starting this year, the 24 athlete limitations have been the norm in virtually every other discipline for several years.

“There are people in chopping and sawing that are told, thanks for applying but unfortunately you don’t make the cut,” says LaSalle.  “Every year that happens.  And it’s just going to be something new for the Log rollers this year.  (Having a cut line) is not uncommon, it’s just uncommon in Logrolling because we haven’t seen these numbers before.”

According to USLRA President Brian Joas, the USLRA board is in full support of the format the Lumberjack World Championship Foundation uses – both in terms of limiting the number of rollers who qualify for LWC, and the manner in which they choose who gets in.

“LWC wants to be consistent,” says Joas.  “They can’t make different rules for different events.  They can’t have certain rules (to qualify) for Logrolling, and other rules for chopping events.  We’re going to follow the LWC practice for their event.”

As for those that miss the pro Logrolling cut this summer at LWC, it hardly means no season at all.  Every declared pro is heavily encouraged to participate in other 2023 pro events, where USLRA rankings points can be earned, which could be highly beneficial in qualifying for the 2024 LWC event.

It should also be noted that while the USLRA rankings will only be part of the process LWC uses to determine who gets into World championships – the rankings will have a more direct impact once championship week arrives on July 20.  According to Joas, the actual seeding for LWC will be determined purely based on the pro rankings, which are based on results from all pro tournaments throughout the course of the summer.

According to LaSalle, a new system will also be in effect this spring that requires all athletes, whether they’re defending world champions, or applying for the first time at LWC, to include a resume in their application.

“New this year athletes will have to fill out a resume,” says LaSalle.  “With the pro athlete application and email link, there will be a resume attached.  Any event you are applying to compete in, you have to put at least one finish from the last two years, which is basically your report card. With chopping and sawing this has been a common thing, but with Logrolling and boom running this is something new.”

The resume request in the application will also ask for a host of other items, including tournaments competed in, place you finished, whether you rolled on carpet or wood, etc.  Any athlete looking for information on the application process this spring, and in particular those who have questions pertaining to their possible status for qualifying this summer, are encouraged to contact Sam LaSalle (LWC Event Director) at info@lumberjackworldchampionships.com.

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