Above: Kamryn Johnson (left) rolls against a smaller competitor at the Rusty Ankle log rolling tournament. Log rolling is based on quick feet, good balance, endurance, and technique, so size rarely matters in competitions. Left: Ali Duclos (left) finished second in the girls’ U-10 division at the Rusty Ankle tournament.
Only two members of the Cook County YMCA North Shore log rolling team attended the Rusty Ankle Log Rolling Tournament in LaCrosse, Wisconsin on Sunday, May 1, but both rollers had fun and gained some much needed competitive match experience.
Alessandra “Ali” Duclos had another great day, placing second in the U-10 girls’ division while Kamryn Johnson, who is new to the sport, finished seventh in the same class.
Once again Ali lost to Libby Magnone of Wauconda, Illinois, but the matches were long and competitive, said Ali’s mother Silviya Duclos. Ali also had some tough matches with Reese Sheehan of Hayward, Wisconsin, who placed third, and Grace Berg, of LaCrosse, who finished fourth.
As for Kamryn, Duclos said, “Kamryn made new friends and was super excited to be part of the tournament. She is looking forward to participating in other tournaments.”
Now the hard work begins, as rollers get ready to transition from practicing and competing indoors to training and competing outdoors on less predictable lakes and rivers.
There will be a two-month break from competition as the kids train for outside tournaments.
While there will be many chances to compete, three big meets loom: the Lumberjack World Championships held July 28-30 in Hayward, Wisconsin; the Minnesota State Championships to be held in Grand Marais on August 6 during Fisherman’s Picnic; and November Nationals that will be held in Hudson, Wisconsin, on November 5.
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