Derek Pouchnik
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Nickname:
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Duke
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Location:
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Viola, Idaho
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Height:
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5'10"
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Weight:
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185
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Birthday:
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April 9, 1970
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Job:
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Research Scientist -- Director of the Molecular Biology and Genomics Core Lab at Washington State University
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Interests:
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Outdoor sports, hunting, fishing, hiking, ice hockey, and of course logger sports
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Athlete since:
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2011
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How did you get involved in lumberjack sports?
Family. My Step-father, Dave Stadler introduced me to Lumberjack sports when I was young.
When did you begin participating/competing in lumberjack sports and the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series?
This will be my second year competing in the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series. However, I have competed in lumberjack sports since I was 12 years old (1982).
How do you train for the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series and other lumberjack competitions?
During the winter I pretty much am restricted to weight lifting and physical activity such as ice hockey and skiing. As soon as the weather gets better I train as much as possible doing each event.
Are you related to any current or former STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series competitors?
No
Best/strongest STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series discipline:
Springboard Chop
Any advice for the collegiate competitors?
Keep practicing and don't get frustrated. I have helped coach the University of Idaho logger sports club for over 15 years. I've found that it really takes at least 2-3 years to become proficient at many of our events especially wood chopping. It truly takes a lot of effort and dedication to get good at this sport so don't get frustrated if you are not winning events in your first season. Keep working hard and it will pay off.
Name three songs on your training/working out playlist?
Dragula (Rob Zombie)
Favorite TV Show:
Modern Family
Favorite Sports Team:
Washington State University Cougars/ University of Idaho Vandals
Proudest moment in your life so far:
Watching my two children grow up…Amanda (6 y/o) and Chase (5 y/o)
Anything else you'd like to share?
Being a second generation competitor, I can honestly say that I grew up with lumberjack sports. For nearly as long as I can remember, I've been either competing or watching lumberjack competitions. Some of my first friends were other kids whose families also competed like Arden Cogar Jr., I've made friends from all over the world, and even met my wife through logger sports. This sport has given me a lot over the years and now I'm really glad to get to participate in one of the greatest competitions around, the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series!