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By MARK MARONEY
Williamsport Sun-Gazette
MUNCY -- Three years ago, John T. Henninger went to his best friend's birthday party at an axe throwing venue and decided to give it a try. That sparked a sharp idea.
Henninger wanted to open an axe throwing business that would help grow the sport of axe throwing as a recreational activity for family and friends, as well as increase the competitive side of the sport through leagues and tournaments.
That is when he got together with his wife, Lisa; brother-in-law, Michael Myers and friends Christie and Mike Badger.
"I thought, 'We need one in our area,'" Henninger, who goes by JT, said.
The axe throwing club would become known as Axe of Faith because this is a Christian owned business. The name openly declares that faith. It's also a fun play on words because sometimes it truly is an act of faith when people throw their first axe.
Through Axe of Faith, the owners see an opportunity to provide a community atmosphere that not only looks different but feels different. Customers may not always be ready for Jesus, but they'll immediately feel welcomed and at home when they walk through the door.
The owners give back to the community through a program they call "Random Axe of Kindness" by donating to local charities.
"We give back because we appreciate what we have received," Henninger said.
The sport has grown across the nation.
It can be seen on the popular ESPN Sports Network as the World Axe Throwing League.
"We wanted it to be more than recreation," Henninger said. "We wanted it to grow here in north central Pennsylvania," he said. It has.
It has a major presence on Facebook, with axe league members following the latest information and news.
Today, there are three different leagues at Axe of Faith. One is recreational (partners). One is an Official World Axe Throwing League (WATL) competitive league. The third is an all-women's league on Fridays. Women do compete evenly in the other leagues, but the Bad Axe Women's League provides an atmosphere that novice throwers feel comfortable participating in.