The Flathead Valley Community College logger sports team will host the 2017 Stumpjumper Days competition April 8. The event is free and open to the public. It will run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the FVCC Logger Sports Arena, accessible via the first exit off the Hutton Ranch Road roundabout.

The purpose of logger sports is to acknowledge the history of forestry and logging and to keep traditions alive. Athletes will compete for the Bull of the Woods, Belle of the Woods and Top Team Awards. Competitive events will include axe throw, horizontal hard hit chop, obstacle pole buck, single buck and bonzaii logger.

FVCC has hosted Stumpjumper Days annually since 1972, with the exception of 2006 when the campus arena was under construction.

The FVCC team has taken home 14 first-place wins from the Association of Western Forestry Clubs Conclave and has captured more national championships than any other logger sports team in the country.

This year’s Stumpjumper Days competition is expected to attract students from at least six western colleges and universities, including the University of Montana, Montana State University, University of Idaho, Spokane Community College, University of Montana-Western and FVCC.