Finger Lakes Names Brandon Graves as Next Head Coach of Logging Sports

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. – Finger Lakes Community College has announced the hiring of Brandon Graves as the new head coach of the Lakers logging sports program. Graves succeeds long-time coach Ryan Staychock, who led the program for 14 seasons, and becomes just the third head coach in program history.

Graves' connection to the program goes back more than a decade, when he was first recruited to FLCC as a student-athlete in 2013. A former hockey player at Canandaigua Academy, Graves quickly found a new passion in timber sports, helping the Lakers capture the first-ever Jack and Jill Team Northeast Championship during his sophomore year. He later transferred to Paul Smith's College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management and Policy and added a Men's Northeast Championship to his resume.

While at Paul Smith's, he met his wife, Samantha, who has since become one of the top lumberjills in the world. Together, the pair have traveled the country competing in professional competitions from Alaska to Maine, as well as internationally, including a stint in New Zealand with Tina Scheer's Great Maine Lumberjack Show. Graves also works in lumberjack entertainment and is known for his expertise in grinding and maintaining high-end specialty axes, with his craftsmanship helping set world records in the sport.

In 2016, Graves suffered a severe accident while chopping, severing his sciatic nerve with a racing axe. The injury left him with a paralyzed left foot and sidelined him from competition for three years. During that time, Staychock encouraged him to return to the program in a new capacity, and in 2019, Graves joined FLCC as an assistant coach. He has since recovered enough to return to professional competition while continuing to wear a brace for stability.

Graves now steps into the head coaching role with energy and vision for the program's future.

"I am incredibly excited to accept the position as head coach," said Graves. "I have big plans for the program and have hired some of the best assistant coaches in the Northeast; Hanna Quigley, Ben Minkau, and longtime volunteer coach Blaise Cox. The groundwork set for me walking into the Fall 2025 season is incredibly solid, and I am going to continue with the culture we have established."

Recruiting, Graves explained, will focus on visibility and student engagement.

"When other students see how much fun the Logging Sports Team is having, they can't help but want to join in and swing razor-sharp axes, build fires for speed, race canoes, and run chainsaws," Graves said. "There's something inherently primal in learning and using primitive skill sets. It brings out a special semblance of healthy competition and a connection to nature."

Graves also emphasized his coaching philosophy, shaped by his experiences both as a competitor and coach.

"My experiences in logging sports have made me a coach that focuses on safety and fairness," he said. "I never want any student to feel marginalized or left out. There is a place for everyone in logging sports. There are so many different events that everyone fills a niche."

Looking ahead, Graves plans to continue strengthening FLCC's role in the Northeast Intercollegiate Logging Sports Association (NEILA), an organization the Lakers helped create. He also aims to keep alumni closely involved through the FLCC Logging Sports Alumni Group, which he helped create.

"It is an exciting time to be an FLCC Laker," Graves added.

The Lakers logging sports program will return to action this fall, kicking off their season on October 4th at Paul Smiths College. For more information or to get involved, contact Coach Graves at Brandon.Graves@flcc.edu.