The Scottish Highland Games are not for the faint-hearted. Events such as tossing the caber, throwing the hammer, the stone put, and tug-of-war demand exceptional skill, strength, and endurance. Traditionally held during the summer months in Scotland, the Games are fiercely competitive and have grown immensely popular among the Scottish diaspora around the world.
The earliest recorded reference to the Highland Games dates back to November 1093, when King Malcolm III organised a race to the summit of Craig Choinnich near Braemar to identify the swiftest runner—worthy of serving as the king’s messenger. (More information can be found here and in Wikipedia)
Once an arena defined almost entirely by male prowess, the Highland Games have evolved. Women now compete alongside men and are proving, with remarkable success, that they more than hold their own.
Yet the Games are about far more than feats of strength and athleticism. They are a vibrant celebration of Scottish culture, showcasing traditional Highland dancing, pipe bands, storytelling, poetry, and, of course, haggis. Wherever they are held, the Highland Games bring a living piece of Scotland to the far corners of the globe, inviting everyone to share in its heritage and spirit.
Clan Hunter has two members who compete regularly in Scottish Highland Games around the USA, Avery Wacker and Chase Esmiol. We are proud to present them to you here below.
Avery Wacker is a keen competitor
Avery Wacker
Avery Wacker’s Hunter roots run deep, tracing back through her maternal grandmother, and sport has always been part of her story. A lifelong athlete, she played lacrosse from childhood through high school, where competition became second nature. In recent years, Avery has traded team sports for the demanding and unforgiving disciplines of the Scottish Highland Games—and with remarkable success.
Read on to discover how, in just two years, one woman’s determination has propelled her to the highest levels of sport within our Scottish culture. The Wacker family is proud to share her journey.
Our family has attended the Central Florida Scottish Highland Games since our children were small, and it has always been one of the happiest days of the year. Every year, we’d go, soak it all in, and have the best time together.
In 2023, Avery happened to be home for the month of January—she was living in Philadelphia at the time—and about a week before the Games she casually announced that she planned to compete. Her dad and I exchanged looks and said something along the lines of, “Ummmm… you have no idea what you’re doing, and you’ve done zero training.” Without missing a beat, she replied, “I’ll watch YouTube videos. It’ll be fine!”
Avery had been a lacrosse goalie from childhood through her sophomore year of college and has always been incredibly strong—but we truly could not believe she was about to roll out of bed and compete in all those events. And yet, she did—and finished 4th overall.
They didn’t even place her in the novice category.
Avery Wacker
In 2024, she was finally placed in the novice division (with only two other women) and swept all but one event. In 2025, after moving back home to Florida, she competed against regular amateurs and placed 3rd overall—still without training throughout the year. This year, facing a much larger and more competitive field, she finished an impressive 2nd overall.
She now has her own pitchfork and even made her own sheaf to practice with—just two days before the competition, lol—right in our backyard. Encouraged by other competitors, Avery has signed up for additional Games, including the Mount Dora Games and the Northeast Florida Games in Jacksonville later this month.
It’s always such a joyful day for our family, and we absolutely love cheering her on.
Rising Star Chase Esmiol
A rising star in the Highland Games arena, Chase Esmiol is quickly making his presence felt in this demanding and historic sport. Standing at 6ft 6in (1.98m), he combines impressive stature with determination, discipline, and a deep pride in his heritage. Chase traces his Hunter ancestry through his grandmother, whose competitive spirit clearly lives on in him. Here, he shares his journey into the Games, his commitment to training, and what it means to represent Clan Hunter.
A Conversation with a Modern Highland Games Competitor
The Beginning
How did it all start? Were you always a keen sportsman — and why the Highland Games?
“I’ve always loved competition,” Chase explains. “Growing up, I played soccer and swam competitively, so being active was just part of life.”
After high school, he turned his focus to lifting and bodybuilding. While he enjoyed the training, he missed the thrill of competing head-to-head. Then, an unexpected invitation changed everything.
“A training partner asked if anyone wanted to try Highland Games practice. I had no idea what it involved, but I was curious.”
At the same time, Chase was learning more about his family heritage on his father’s side. His grandmother, Elizabeth Hunter — a professional tennis player and golfer — had always encouraged both his father and him to pursue athletics.
“Everything seemed to align at the right moment,” he says. “At my first practice, I discovered I had a natural feel for the heavy hammer. I threw about 30 feet (9.1m) farther than my friend — and he’d been competing for seven years! After that, I was hooked.”
The Training
Do you have to train hard? The competition looks tough.
“The competition is very tough — and that’s part of the appeal.”
For the past four years, Chase has trained seriously, and in the last year he has competed professionally across the United States, with international competitions now on the horizon.
His weekly training schedule typically includes:
- Five days of lifting and high-intensity conditioning
- Three days of throwing practice
- Ongoing recovery, mobility, and technical work
Balancing this demanding routine alongside full-time work as a teacher and coach, while also completing a master’s degree, has required significant discipline.
“It’s challenging,” he says, “but it’s shaped me into a focused and high-performing athlete.”
The Disciplines
Do you have favourite events?
Two disciplines stand out.
The Caber Toss — the iconic event most closely associated with the Highland Games. “There’s nothing like hearing the crowd react when the caber turns perfectly,” Chase says.
The Heavy Hammer Throw — the event where he first discovered his natural talent, and one that remains especially meaningful to him.
Beyond the individual events, however, it’s the atmosphere that truly sets the Games apart.
“The crowd, the heritage, the camaraderie — it feels less like a competition and more like a gathering of family.”
Representing Clan Hunter
How do your Hunter roots connect with competing in the Games?
For Chase, competing is more than sport — it is a physical expression of heritage.
The Highland Games are deeply rooted in Scottish clan tradition, celebrating strength, skill, and community. Knowing that the Hunter name is part of that history adds a deeper sense of purpose to every throw.
“My grandmother’s competitive spirit laid the foundation,” he reflects. “The Games became the place where that athletic drive and my cultural identity came together.”
Future Plans
What does 2026 and beyond look like?
Chase already has six confirmed Games this year, with additional opportunities likely:
- March – Hye, Texas & San Antonio, Texas
- June – Milford, Massachusetts (No Fame Games)
- July – Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, North Carolina
- October – Salado & Austin, Texas
He also performs throughout the year at the Texas Renaissance Festival and the Georgia Renaissance Festival.
Looking ahead, his goal is clear: to continue competing professionally in the United States and expand into international competition. He is grateful for the support of his sponsors, including Valkyrie’s Kiss Meadery, who have helped make this professional journey possible.
Advice for Aspiring Competitors
For fellow Hunters interested in competing — how do you get started?
“The Highland Games are one of the most welcoming strength sports in the world,” Chase says. “There’s no selection committee, and you don’t need elite status to begin.”
To get started:
- Find a local Highland Games association or throwing group and attend a practice (most clubs provide equipment).
- Enter as a novice athlete.
Competitors are grouped by ability level:
- Novice
- Amateur classes
- Masters (age divisions)
- Professional
His advice is simple and encouraging:
“Don’t wait until you feel ready — just show up. You don’t need to be the strongest person in the gym. Technique matters more than brute strength at first. The community will teach you everything you need to know. Train consistently, respect the traditions, and enjoy the camaraderie.”
And for those with Hunter heritage, he adds with a smile:
“If you have Hunter blood — you already belong on the field.”
A huge thank you to Avery and Chase for representing and competing in the name of Clan Hunter at Highland Games! We wish them both success in their athletic competitions and we look forward to hearing from them again soon.
If you would like to represent Clan Hunter at a Highland Games or Scottish Event then please get in touch with our Games and Events Coordinator, Wendy Hunter Johnson at wendyhunterjohnson@gmail.com. Wendy will send you a Clan Hunter events pack and other clan information.
