Lumberjacks

Rob, founder of the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, has spent over 25 years building the business into the world-class experience it is today—all while continuing to compete at an elite level. The first-ever IRONJACK World Champion and a 3-time World Champion 90’ Speed Climber, Rob proves that experience is just as powerful as youth. Even at 67, he still holds his own against competitors decades younger. When he’s not in the arena, you can find him ranching in Wyoming or out on his boat in Florida.

Ethan began competing in 2019 with his collegiate timbersports team, where he eventually served as president and led the team to back-to-back victories at the Northeast Championships in 2022 and 2023. He joined our crew in 2023 as a rookie and is now completing his second season as an Ironjack! Ethan has had an outstanding year, earning 2nd place in the U.S. STIHL Rookie Series and 4th in the Alaskan Ironjack. A true all-around competitor, Ethan now serves as Assistant Jack Boss, bringing skill, leadership, and enthusiasm to every event.

Tom began performing in lumberjack shows at just 16 during the summer months. Since 2012, he has been a regular competitor in Ketchikan, earning numerous titles over the years. His achievements include Alaskan Ironjack Champion (2014, 2022, 2023, 2024), Novice Underhand World Champion (2011), and 90-foot Speed Climbing World Champion (2018). In 2022, he claimed victory as the Squamish Single Buck Champion. Tom has also been a Stihl Series Competitor since 2021, continuing to showcase his skill and dedication to the sport.

Originally from Detroit, MI, Joe has been a respected performer in Ketchikan since his arrival in 2017. He began pursuing the professional arts at 17, receiving private instruction in various vocal techniques, singing background for local artists in Metro Detroit, and fronting several bands. A visit to his uncle in Alaska turned into a new chapter, as he decided to stay and build a life in Ketchikan.

Daniel discovered timbersports as a college freshman, and his passion for the sport quickly took off, eventually leading him to perform in lumberjack shows across the U.S. In 2024, he earned an impressive 2nd place at the STIHL Rookie National Championship, won the Northeast Spring Meet Conclave, and set a Paul Smith’s College record for the fastest underhand chop. He continued his momentum into the 2025 season, placing 1st in the Alaskan Ironjack and 3rd at the STIHL World Rookie Series. With his drive and talent, we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes this season!

Aidan discovered his passion for timbersports during Ranger School before transferring to SUNY ESF, where he earned a spot on the Men’s A Timbersports Team. As Vice President for two years, he played a pivotal role in the team’s success. His competitive drive and skill have earned him top honors, including 1st place in the 2023 Northeast Championship and MVP of the SUNY ESF Timbersports Team in 2024. Now in his second year with us, Aidan is building on last season’s success and quickly proving himself as one of the sport’s rising stars.

Nedelcho started chopping wood at a young age alongside his dad, developing a deep passion for the sport. In college, he naturally joined the woodsmen team, where he thrives in all events, with a special love for crosscut, single buck, and axe throwing. Now returning for his second year with us, Nedelcho is dedicated to sharpening his skills and proving himself among the best in the sport.

Caleb began his journey in timbersports during his collegiate years, quickly making a name for himself in the sport. Competing with the Paul Smith Men’s Team, he secured 1st place in 2024, with the team also earning 2nd and 3rd place finishes in other competitions. Now returning for his second year with us, Caleb brings steady skill, reliability, and a strong team spirit. A true outdoorsman, he stays active year-round and also competes in both indoor and outdoor target archery.

Harrison began his timbersports journey at Haywood Community College a few years ago, where he quickly developed a deep passion for the sport. Committed to sharpening his abilities, he competes in as many events as he can across the East Coast. He currently serves as president and co-captain of the Western Carolina University timbersports club. After completing his degree in Natural Resource Management, Harrison is returning to continue refining his skills as an Ironjack.

James discovered his passion for timbersports during his collegiate years, eventually rising to Men’s A Team Captain and leading his team to back-to-back Northeast Spring Meet championships in 2022 and 2023. Now a Wildland Senior Firefighter, he relies on his woodsman skills every day and is eager to bring them to the competitive arena. James is also an amateur chainsaw carver, serves as our Axe Throwing Manager, and is beginning his second year with us.

Wesley got his start in timbersports at Haywood Community College, where he quickly made a name for himself. He dominated the Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen Meet, taking 1st place in the single buck, jack & jill, and pulp toss competitions. He also secured a first-place finish in the jack & jill event at the Rolleo Meet. This season marks his first in sunny Alaska, and he’s ready to bring his skills to a whole new stage.

Jacob’s passion for Timbersports began in college when he joined the school’s team and quickly fell in love with the sport. He dominated as the fastest speed climber in the Northeast for three consecutive years and was recruited straight out of college. In 2022, he earned the title of Northeast Collegiate Timbersports Champion. Since then, Jake has claimed the prestigious Bull of the Woods title twice at Juneau Gold Rush Days and secured 2nd place in the Alaskan Ironjack Competition.

Brittany Rickard is a performer, radio host, and entertainer based in Ketchikan, Alaska. She finds joy in creating and producing events around her community. With a background in musical theatre, burlesque, live music, and more, she brings a lively stage presence to every performance. Brittany also shares her life online with a wide audience who enjoy her style of storytelling. Stumbling onto Ketchikan during a work trip, she quickly found her home and decided to move her life to this thriving artistic community.

Originally from the Midwest, Matt earned his B.A. in Drama/Speech from Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, later furthering his
training at the International Stunt School in Seattle. He then spent 13 years working in Los Angeles as a professional actor, stunt
performer, fight choreographer, and educator. Always an adventurer at heart, Matt felt the pull to the Last Frontier, arriving in Ketchikan
in May 2024 to work as a hiking guide in the Tongass National Rainforest, and it’s been his home ever since.

Britton got his start in timbersports while competing in college at SUNY Cobleskill, where he developed a passion for the sport and the hard-working culture behind it. He made his way to Ketchikan to join the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and quickly embraced life in Southeast Alaska. In 2024, Britton competed in the Lumberjack World Championships, showcasing his skills on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Spenser discovered timbersports at the University of Idaho during a College of Natural Resources BBQ, where campus clubs were recruiting new members. Growing up in the woods cutting firewood, the sport was a natural fit. At his first practice, he met his now wife, Makayla, at the speed climbing poles—she introduced him to climbing, and he quickly fell in love with the event.  A dominant force in his discipline, Spenser has earned numerous titles, including Kaslo Novice Speed Climb Champion (2023–2025), Squamish Days Novice Speed Climb Champion (2023 & 2025), AWFC Speed Climb Champion (2023), Orofino Lumberjack Days Open Speed Climb Champion (2025), and American Lumberjack Association Top Overall Speed Climber (2025). Now in Ketchikan for his first season, he’s excited to take his skills to the next level.

Beckett discovered his passion for timbersports as a freshman at NC State University. Go Pack! Specializing in crosscut and pole felling, Beckett has quickly made a name for himself on the collegiate circuit. His impressive list of accomplishments includes multiple Men’s Crosscut Overall titles (John G. Palmer Woodsmen’s Meet 2025, Rolleo 2024 & 2025, and Timberbeast 2025 & 2026), Jack & Jill Crosscut Overall Champion (Timberbeast 2026), Pulp Toss Champion (Rolleo 2023 and Timberbeast 2024 & 2025), and Men’s Single Buck Overall Winner (Timberbeast 2025). Beckett is making his debut season in Ketchikan, where he’s excited to continue pushing his limits in the sport.

Makayla got her start in timbersports as a member of the University of Idaho Vandaljacks team, where she quickly developed a passion for the sport. Specializing in treetopping, she has already made her mark in competition, earning Linn County All-Around Jill honors in 2025 and placing 3rd in treetopping at Orofino the same year. This is Makayla’s first season with the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, making the journey to Ketchikan alongside her husband, Spenser, who was also recruited to the team. Embracing the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, she’s excited to compete, grow, and take in everything Alaska has to offer.

Chase found his way into timbersports during his junior year at NC State University after friends encouraged him to give it a shot and he hasn’t looked back since. With a strong focus on crosscut, Chase has quickly built an impressive competition record, earning 1st place in Men’s Crosscut and 2nd in Men’s Underhand at the Cradle of Forestry Competition in 2025, as well as 1st place in Men’s Crosscut at the NC State Rolleo in 2025. Now in Ketchikan for the first time, Chase is excited to take on a new challenge and continue growing in the sport.

Luke discovered timbersports during his freshman year at SUNY ESF, quickly progressing to earn a spot on the Men’s A Team by his sophomore year. Specializing in log rolling, he has become a standout leader and competitor, serving as Men’s A Team Captain for the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 seasons, as well as Vice President of ESF Timbersports. Luke was named MVP for the 2024–2025 season and helped lead his team to victory at the Northeast Collegiate Spring Meet. Drawn by his passion for the sport, a sense of adventure, and connections with ESF alumni, Luke is heading to Ketchikan for his first season, eager to continue competing and growing as an athlete.

Troy has been competing in timbersports for three years at Colorado State University in the AWFC, after discovering the team at the start of his sophomore year and jumping in right away. With a lifelong athletic background and experience working in the forestry industry since his teenage years, the sport was a natural fit. Troy has earned top results across multiple events, including 1st place in Steeple Chase (84th AWFC Conclave, 2024) and 1st place in the Men’s Choker Race (2025 University of Idaho Lumberjack Classic), along with multiple top-six finishes in log rolling, underhand chop, and standing block chop. He also placed 5th Overall Competitor at the 2025 U of I Lumberjack Classic. New to Ketchikan this season, Troy is excited to continue growing in the sport.