KILLEEN, Texas —
Want to throw an Axe at a wall as hard as you can? A couple of veterans in Killeen are now giving locals that opportunity. Axe throwing competition facilities have been popping up around Texas in recent years, and the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) was established in 2016 to connect competitors and standardize rules across the country, according to its website.
When Fort-Hood-based veteran Kyle Bower got out of the Army, he quickly became hooked on the sport in Massachusetts and eventually worked at an “axe house” there. He later started going to competitions. One night, on the way back from a competition, friend and competitor Lorenzo Giltamag suggested they make it more than a sport.
“He’s like, 'what if we opened our own?' and we kind of laughed at the idea,” Bower said. “It’s been a long road but since March first this idea was borne.”
Bower wanted to bring the business to Killeen so it would be available to local veterans and their families. He wanted to make the business a place that both soldiers and their kids could enjoy.
“There are not a lot of axe houses we have come in contact with that are soldier friendly,” Bower said.
To make it work, Bower got in touch with Killeen local Michael Powell, also a veteran, to help run the business. Powell knew nothing about axe throwing at the time, so it was an interesting conversation.
“Kyle calls me and he says ‘ hey man what do you think about opening an axe house?’ I’m like, ‘man, what are talking about?’” Powell said. “At first I was hesitant… I sat on it a couple of months.”
Once Powell looked up more information about the industry and learned about competitions, however, he decided it would be a great opportunity for both the City of Killeen and local soldiers.
“It would be a great way to build family bonding and help soldiers transition from combat or long times away from home,” Powell said.
Bower, Giltamag, and Powell now have the business open five days a week from Tuesday to Sunday, but people can still make appointments Monday and Tuesday. Axed Out Texas allows kids 10 and up to participate.