Wow…just wow. My minimal writing skills could never do justice for the conclusion to the 2011 Total Outdoorsman Challenge finals. And while I won’t give away how this six-month journey culminated right here, I’d suggest you pick-up the November issue of Field & Stream in mid-October and you may just be lucky enough to learn who won. Regardless, I will highly suggest you do not miss the show later this year. There’s something to this one that may not happen again for long time.

I’ve worked in competitive outdoor events for long enough to know when one of them is special. While the TOC always has that “it” factor, none of the previous seven come close to Dogwood 2011.

Those that live the outdoor sports lifestyle understand it’s far more than a kill or catch. Those that participate in the finals of the TOC understand it’s far more than a title or a check. It’s a code that adheres to doing more than what is required. It’s taking care of those around you before yourself. It’s who you are and how you conduct your business when no one else can see you, or know what truly lies in your heart.

With a National title and a big check on the line, all 16 who made the journey to the Canyon, exemplified a higher standard that all of us who consider ourselves outdoorsmen/women will be more than proud of. The open information sharing, the encouragement to fellow competitors, the heartfelt emotion that each of you demonstrated toward one another was very genuine. There’s enough sportsmanship on film to make a weeklong instructional course, much less a four-segment TV show.

It comes down to the final skill, of the final pairing, of the final discipline. To get the full drama, you do need to watch from start to finish. Otherwise it will be cheapened to a 5-minute peep show that we are forced-fed daily.

After the final stroke of the paddle, there was a moment that will stay with me long after my time of organizing these things is over. The gentleman who wins the title is sitting in his kayak staring back at the gentleman who lost the same title in heartbreaking fashion. On the winner’s face is an expression of authentic concern for a friend lying face down in water, physically spent and likely emotionally broken. But at a time where there should be pain, his buddy’s face emerges from the mud and water, with nothing but joy for his friend.

Pure selflessness…this stuff doesn’t come staged or canned; it only comes when it’s real. And I got to see it from a heartbeat away.

Thanks, to all 16 competitors, my job was a pleasure.

The Outdoor Channel has announced the time slots for the show. Beginning November 30 until December 24, times are as follows:

Wednesday’s, 5PM EST
Friday’s, 11:30PM EST
Saturday’s, 10:30AM EST

Mark your calendar now, this is something special to see.

Comments (1)

from andrew345 wrote 26 weeks 3 days ago

it's nice!

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from andrew345 wrote 26 weeks 3 days ago

it's nice!

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All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.