CityView Magazine

Discove r Cit yV iewN C.co m's fre s h up d ate d loo k ! | 49 "ey've become a second family to me," Alex said of the couple. "As an Army brat, I lived away from most of my family and axe throwing built a little community for me with people who have similar interests and ideas as I do." Axe throwing has also had a positive impact beyond the adults in the Blank family. When Travis Blank throws at his homemade target in his back yard, his 7-year-old son sometimes joins him. e couple said they noticed their 11-year- old daughter put my effort in at soccer practice aer seeing how hard her father worked at his sport. "e kids are asking questions, (they're) interested in what we're doing," Allison Blank said. "ey see when we go out and come back, we're happier, we're joking and laughing. It's good for them to see." Fayetteville may be home to only two axe-throwing businesses but NATF is in more than 75 cities and eight countries, according to its website. WATL is in 16 countries with more than 130 locations. NATF has more than 6,000 league members and WATL touts more than 4,000 axe throwers, according to their websites. It's becoming more of a recognized sport with WATL's world championship being aired on ESPN. Travis Blank aspires to compete at the event someday. He admits he has more work to do to score 1,500-plus points. "My goal is a bit simpler," Allison Blank said with a smile. "Be a little better than the week before." Alex Gephart has other plans for axe throwing. It helped her decide what she wants to pursue in the medical profession. She wants to be a travelling nurse. "So I can visit cities and throw wherever I go," she said. "I've made friends on social media that I've never met because of axe throwing." How long does Alex see herself throwing axes? In her words: forever. Dr. Gerald & Naoma Ellison Quality clothes and accessories for men, women and children with friendly service! 910.223.0170 817 Elm Street Eutaw Village North Near DMV www.lily-kats.com

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