Messer brothers enjoy trending new sport
by Trinity Gruenberg
Two Bertha natives have turned their passion into a job. Gavin Messer, 34, of Alexandria and Caleb Messer, 32, of Carlos enjoy the sport of axe throwing. It’s more than a game at the Renaissance Fair.
Gavin is a 2005 graduate of Bertha-Hewitt and Caleb is a 2007 graduate. The brothers work separate jobs by day, and by night, work at United States Axe.
United States Axe was founded by Niki and Dustin Knight last year just before the first pandemic shutdown occurred.
They began in the Alexandria area and have recently moved into the Alexandria VFW.
They held an axe throwing tournament in Alexandria at Copper Trail Brewery in May of 2020. The Messers’ sister, Monica, decided she wanted to participate for her birthday. The group of family, friends and significant others participated and “did very poorly.”
“We all liked the sound of throwing an axe,” chuckled Gavin.
The event sparked an interest and the two brothers continued to pursue the sport that continues to grow in popularity.
“Throwing a hunk of sharp steel at a target is a lot of fun every single time. It doesn’t get old,” said Caleb. “It’s a ton of fun.”
The brothers joined United States Axe’s summer league and offered to assist the league.
A fall league was held and Caleb ended up winning and was also victorious in the men’s singles division. The brothers also won the men’s doubles competition. . .