Matt Cogar Wins STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® U.S. Professional Championship

"It was so amazing. It was such a wonderful event with some tough competition," said Cogar. "I'm thankful for my family, who mean everything to me, and who supported me in all that I do." In addition to the glory of being named U.S. Champion, Cogar was awarded a brand new Ram 1500 for his victory.

En route to his fifth title, Cogar dominated in the underhand chop, setting a new American record at 13.78 seconds. He needed that effort and more to win one of the most difficult championship victories of his career.

Going into the final event – the hot saw – he was tied with up-and-coming star Matt Slingerland at 30 points. Cogar managed to hold on for the win after a wild hot saw finish, which saw four competitors disqualify or not finish.

The 2017 Championship spanned three days, with a professional qualifying round, a professional Championship and a Collegiate Championship. Twenty professional competitors competed in six disciplines: springboard chop, stock saw, standing block chop, single buck, underhand chop and hot saw.

During the Championship round the finalists proved why STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® is known as "The Original Extreme Sport." Fans saw lead changes, chip-flying action, and a down-to-the-wire finish. Walt Page finished in second place and Slingerland – who's just 26 years old – finished third. Page earned a John Deere Gator and Slingerland earned a Brute Forge racing axe.

"It was such a thrilling Championship weekend," said STIHL Corporate Communications Manager Roger Phelps. "Matt showed why he's one of the best lumberjack athletes in the world, and German Fest Milwaukee was an unbelievable host with such great fans."

The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® U.S. Professional Championship, presented by RAM, will air on ABC on Oct. 8, Oct. 15 and Oct. 22. Sponsors of the 2017 STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series are  Duluth Trading, John Deere, and Dinty Moore. Fans can follow the Series through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and visit STIHLTIMBERSPORTS.com for the full results.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chainsaws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through independent servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast - not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit STIHL's website at www.stihlusa.com.

STIHL Inc. is the official underwriting sponsor of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series. The series airs throughout the year on ABC. The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® SERIES is the pinnacle event in lumberjack sports. Since 1985 the Series has grown to become the premier showcase of the decades old sport of lumberjacking with competitions held around the world. 

The term TIMBERSPORTS® is a registered trademark owned by ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG. and refers to the series of disciplines and competitions that are part of the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® Series. As such, it should not be used as a generic description of the overall sport of lumberjack sports. This trademark refers to all modifications of the term TIMBERSPORTS such as timber sports, or timbersport. The term TIMBERSPORTS should always appear in conjunction with "STIHL."

SOURCE STIHL TIMBERSPORTS(R)