Matt Cogar Triumphs Again at North American Trophy, Carving His Legacy in Timber Sports

A Legacy in the Making: Matt Cogar's Historic Win

In a thrilling night filled with unexpected twists, Matt Cogar from Grafton, West Virginia, added another feather to his cap by clinching the second consecutive North American Trophy during a gripping event held in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The competition featured the best STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® athletes from both the United States and Canada, and Cogar's precision and endurance solidified his growing legacy in the sport.

The event kicked off dramatically as one of the favorites, Jason Lentz from Diana, West Virginia, faced disqualification during time trials due to incorrect handling of his stock saw. This unexpected turn shifted the spotlight onto Cogar and positioned him against Lentz in the highly anticipated opening heat—a rematch of the previous year’s North American Trophy finals. The crowd was electrified as Cogar showcased his prowess, speeding past Lentz by six seconds to secure victory in the round of 16.

As the competition progressed to the quarter-finals, another shockwave rippled through the audience when reigning world champion Nate Hodges from North Fork, California, was ousted by Walt Page from Tollhouse, California. Hodges struggled during the Single Buck discipline and failed to keep pace, allowing Page to advance with an impressive lead.

Amidst this turbulence, Ben Cumberland from New Brunswick, Canada, displayed remarkable consistency throughout the matches. He battled his way through the heats, ultimately defeating Page in the semi-finals to secure a spot in the finals opposite Cogar.

As the final showdown approached, fans held their breath while Cogar, riding a wave of momentum, continued to improve his times. With wood chips flying and adrenaline pumping, he clocked a staggering 57.01 seconds in the final match—solidifying his victory with a nearly ten-second advantage over Cumberland.

Reflecting on his win, Cogar expressed, “This trophy format is all about speed, precision, and endurance. Coming into the day after battling respiratory issues, this win means everything. The competition had so many surprises, showcasing the hard work of athletes from both the U.S. and Canada.”

For those who might have missed out on the action, the exhilarating moments can be relived through a livestream available on the official STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® website.

Looking ahead, fans of the sport can gear up for the upcoming 2025 U.S. Championships scheduled for July 25-27 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The event promises to be action-packed as the top 24 lumberjacks will go head-to-head in all six TIMBERSPORTS® disciplines. The spotlight will also shine on the top 12 lumberjills during the U.S. Women's Championship. Tickets and more details are available on the event's official page.

Adam Wolff, the USA Team Manager, remarked, “The adrenaline was pumping and the sweat was flying for another exciting North American Trophy competition. That last round had everyone on the edge of their seats as we witnessed Cogar give it his all.”

The final rankings for the North American Trophy were: 1st Matt Cogar (USA), 2nd Ben Cumberland (CAN), and 3rd Walt Page (USA). The competitive spirit of the event highlighted the resilience and determination of the athletes in the timber sports arena.

For further results from the event, fans can check the official tracking page to relive the highlight moments of the competition. The world of timber sports continues to evolve, and with Cogar firmly planting his flag, the future of this thrilling sport looks brighter than ever.

For more information about STIHL TIMBERSPORTS®, the disciplines involved, and the history of the sport, head to STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Official Site.