WOODBURY — Originating in the spring of 2021, the Woodbury FFA Timber Team has come a long way. While being the most recent team to join the timber sports community in Connecticut, and being in the midst of their third fall season, the group is still going strong and constantly looking for ways to improve. 

“I am looking forward to seeing the team grow, both in how many students are on the team as well as the growth of the team overall with improving times in each of the events that students participate in,” said coach Andrew Zielinski.

“I’m looking forward to beating my personal records and getting better at the sport, especially in bow saw,” junior Nathan Hayes added. “I’m also looking forward to just having a good time with friends and encouraging others to do the best they can.”

On Sept. 2, students participated in a competition that took place at the Goshen Fairgrounds, giving them the opportunity to feel out their strengths and weaknesses and for new members, a glimpse of what’s to come.

“I feel the season is going really well,” said Abby Risi, a junior. “I had a few injuries, but besides that I performed really well and so did everyone else. We’re really improving as a team.”

On Sept. 8, the team planned to take part in the competition held at the Bethlehem Fairgrounds, but it got shut down by thunderstorms. 

“I think besides Bethlehem getting canceled, the competitions went pretty good and we all did really well,” said Hayes.

Despite the chaos of the storm, competitors Hayes, Emma Cummings, Risi, and Tommy Faull came back to compete alongside coach Andrew Zielinski at the professional competition the following morning. 

“I’m really glad to be able to be in the adult competitions, especially with my dad and having him be more involved overall,” said Risi. “I think the team is really benefiting from him being there, and it’s helping Mr. Zielinski focus on other things and improve the team in other ways.”

Within the three-week break between competitions, the team has been working hard to improve times, technique, and performance, and are eager to finish strong. 

“I am looking forward to improving the rest of the season and getting to know my teammates better,” said Elsie Crocco, a sophomore. “I am looking forward to seeing how my team and I can approve, especially in bow saw. I feel like we have been practicing a lot and trying some new techniques that can lower our times in different events.”

On Oct. 6, the group will finish out their competition season at the Harwinton Fair. Additionally, on Oct. 14, seniors will compete alongside Coach Zielinski at the Riverton Fair. As the winter season approaches, the team is beginning to put together fundraisers that will help ensure they come back strong for the upcoming spring season.