Up North: Yellowjackets catch mushing bug at UWS dog sledding demonstration

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon may be over, but that’s not stopping local college students from learning the ins and outs of the sport.

It’s not every day that you can learn about dog sledding right on your campus. Last Thursday however TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) and Cast Outdoor Adventures headed to the University of Wisconsin Superior (UWS) to give students that one-on-one experience.

"The purpose of this is to give students the exposure to great winter recreational sports, and possibly job career tracks for them in the future with outdoor recreation. We are really trying to reinvigorate and get students involved and engaged in things," said Danny Frank, the Director of TRIO Student Support Services.

Students in attendance were able to meet a team of sled dogs, learn how to handle the animals, talk about potential careers in outdoor recreation, plus take a ride on one of the sleds at the event.

"I learned that huskies are really friendly and they are a lot more excited to do hard work than I really thought," said Molly Mason, a UWS senior.

The event was free and put on by TRIO, ‘a support program targeted to help disadvantaged students progress from middle school to post baccalaureate programs’. All in an effort to help young adults understand, you don’t have to be cooped up inside all winter.

"Understanding that 365 days a year there is stuff to do in this northern climate and I think a lot of times people hold up in the winter and forget that there are a lot of outdoor pursuits. With the right clothing and conditions you can have fun outside," added Frank.

It’s also an activity that more students, along with Northlanders, should take part in.

"It’s really cool, I have never been on a dog sled before so it wasn’t at all what I expected. Now I’m considering like actually going on the tours they offer now because even just a little taste of that, was super cool, concluded Mason.