By day Avery Daniels is the mild-mannered archivist at SC State's
Miller F. Whitaker Library.
His third-floor office is packed with more than 130 years of the school's history.
Daniels helped my students with a research project a few years ago.
Thanks to a recent University Relations feature story I learned about a passion of Daniels outside the library. The Orangeburg Times & Democrat has also featured Daniels and his world-class skills in throwing knives, hatchets and axes.
The coverage headlines say how he is aiming for national and world titles in a sport that is growing in popularity around the globe.
Daniels has honed his throwing at his home "court" you could say. This is at Black Water Axes & Ales located in the Orangeburg Mall, a short drive from campus.
In an interview recorded for both my video and audio production classes, Daniels says he finds the sport therapeutic...this after the loss of a loved one two years ago.
SOT: Avery Daniels :25
In: Yes, absolutely
Out: competitive drive going
Listen to his response here.
If you watch Daniels throwing you may notice he uses both hands. Is he naturally ambidextrous?
SOT: Avery Daniels :20
In: I was in a car accident
Out: my left hand
Listen to his response here.
Daniels is earning a name for himself in throwing competitions locally, nationally and internationally.
Next month November 9-11, he will will be in Appleton, Wisconsin for the inaugural World Ax and Knife Throwing League Pro-Am Championships.
In an interview my students and I had with Daniels at Black Water Axes and Ales, he was asked about the challenges of competition.
SOT: Avery Daniels :57
In: The challenge is nerves
Out: it comes second nature
Hear his answer here.
We wish Avery Daniels great success at the upcoming world competition in Wisconsin! May he bring home the gold and prize money too.
As if ax and knife throwing wasn't enough of a passion hobby for him, Daniels told us he also plays pickleball several days a week.
