BEAR SPORTS NEWS—NEW BEAR

AN ICONIC ADDITION TO CAMPUS

Landon is beginning a major strategic plan and this happenstance event suggests that the decision-making team knows how to husband the campus’ natural resources.

The school became aware that a 180 year old large tulip poplar on the Landon School campus was dying. Seeing that the tree posed safety risks, the immediate answer was to cut it down. Damage to boys and buildings no longer a hazard, but a popular arbor would be lost. Safety 1 Nature 0 (the classic zero sum game)

However, Jim Neill and the Director of Buildings and Grounds Max Webber discerned something closer to a win/win decision. The Landon management team opted to repurpose all of the wood for good causes and to remember this wonderful old tree was carved the Landon mascot, a Kodiak. This Eighteen feet of the tree was carved, using chainsaws, by Paul Waclo and Kris Conner of Chain Saw Creations by Paul.

The terrific 18’ Kodiak Bear is located between the Middle and Upper Schools on the road to Bradley Boulevard.

Having walked the Landon grounds for 60 years, I am impressed by our new Kodiak [anonymous donor]. So pleased by this addition/repurposing, the Bear will be the new banner for the BearSportsNews.

Rewards will be given for any new Kodiak  pictures,  in particular those with great focus, light or composition. His expression, face, musculature and pose are all worthy subjects.

Technically a repurposing of an existing natural asset.

One worries that this huge symbol of their mascot may be an advantage for the KODIAKs in the Bear Games.

If you want an original bear for your home, go to http://www.chainsawcarvingbypaul.com/bears/

Coach Turner contacted the IAC Commissioner , arguing that the age of a Kodiak perennial should translate 20 tree years to one of human years and thus the new Bear should be eligible.