Our Athletes (old)
Our Athletes
![Scott Blanton](http://initialascent.net/initialascent/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Scott-Blanton-300x225-circle.jpeg)
Scott Blanton
Husband, Father, Firefighter, Outdoor Enthusiasts, ASCENT TEAM ATHLETE
Nickname: Captain
Did you know…? Opening day 2016, Scott and his two sons harvested 3 bucks in 3 minutes at “no till’m creek”
Favorite Backcountry Meal: Mountain House Beef Stroganoff
Favorite Non-Essential Item you take into the Backcountry: Fingernail clippers
![Alex Blanton](http://initialascent.net/initialascent/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Alex-Blanton-300x225-circle.jpeg)
Alex Blanton
College Student, Backpacking Enthusiast, Hunting Fanatic, ASCENT TEAM ATHLETE
Nickname: Ax
Did you know…? Lived in the bush in Africa for two months establishing safari camps at age 14
Favorite Backcountry Meal: Zac Griffith’s oats protein mix (protein powder, nuts, rolled oats)
Favorite Non-Essential Item you take into the Backcountry: Gum
![Tom douthit](http://initialascent.net/initialascent/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Tom-douthit-170x300-circle.jpg)
Tom Douthit
Husband, Father, Physician Assistant, Air National Guard, Outdoor Enthusiast, ASCENT TEAM ATHLETE
Nickname: TD
Did you know…?
Favorite Backcountry Meal: Mountain House Lasagna
Favorite Non-Essential Item you take into the Backcountry: Book
![Nathan Dinardi](http://initialascent.net/initialascent/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Nathan-Dinardi-240x300-circle.jpg)
Nathan DeNardi
Husband, Father, Taxidermist, archer, with an uncontrollable passion for everything outdoors
Nickname: Tater, Doinker, Rambo
Did you know…? The average person gives up at 40% of their true potential
Favorite Backcountry Meal: Mountain House Sausage and Egg Breakfast Burritos. Bring tortillas. They are not included!
Favorite Non-Essential Item you take into the Backcountry: pink lemonade water flavoring
![Steve Eccard](http://initialascent.net/initialascent/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Steve-Eccard-300x300-circle.png)
Steve Eccard
Taxidermist, father, avid hunter and hiker, ASCENT TEAM ATHLETE
Nickname: Birdman or Capt. Redbeard
Did you know…? I've been fond of wildlife from a young age and have spent lots of time studying and trying to understand what and why animals are doing what they do.
Favorite Backcountry Meal: tuna fish and Gatorade
Favorite Non-Essential Item you take into the Backcountry: camera
![Jeff Mikus](http://initialascent.net/initialascent/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/Jeff-Mikus-300x300-circle.jpg)
Jeff Mikus
Husband, Father, Hunter, Fish Catcher, Advocate of Agriculture, Runner, Music Aficionado, Amateur Foodie, Texan
Nickname: NA
Did you know..? Officiates Collegiate Football, Ran the Olympic Torch in 1996.
Favorite Backcountry Meal: BACON! Fat and protein, what else do you need!?! And, there’s always some kind of candy in my pack!
Favorite Non-Essential Item you take into the Backcountry: Satellite Phone. Hearing my family’s voice always makes the day better.