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Being an integral part of the community is more than the ability to throw an axe, and no one proves this more than everyone's favorite "coach dad," Mark Tishko. He described our community and its welcoming nature as "an overwhelming group of wonderful people," and the addition of he and his son to the community has only added to that abundance.
Mark's amazing wife, MaryAnn, whom he describes as his rock, is the primary reason he has had so many opportunities and why he's achieved so much during their 40 years together. She has been a constant through a variety of Mark's projects and job opportunities, and he is grateful for their teamwork and dedication. Mark himself has had several jobs of his own in the past few decades including working as an EMT, a volunteer firefighter, a certified online auctioneer selling antique glass, a wedding entertainment coordinator, and, most recently, spending time with and watching his granddaughter.
Mark considers the time he now gets to spend with his granddaughter, daughter, and with Mark Jr. to be a true blessing in his life. For much of his kids' childhood, Mark owned a wedding business at which he worked as a DJ, entertainer, coordinator, and officiant. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the business, this meant that nights and weekends were typically spent with other people's families, and many of his own family's milestones and events were missed. Fortunately, that hard work has paid off in the long run. His children have seen the value of dedication and hard work, propelling them to bright careers, and Mark himself was able to retire and get some of that time back.
Most notably, as most of us know, Mark spends much of his time traveling with his son on his journey into the sport of axe throwing. His granddaughter also loves watching her uncle throw and will always ask where they're going next, following a long and viewing the livestreams when available. He treasures the time he now gets to spend with his son and reflected on what a unique opportunity it has been, stating, "most people don't get to watch their children do something they love once they are grown, let alone get to travel and have that time with them."
Mark will tell you he and his family have been blessed in so many more ways than he can count, from family experiences to random encounters, to the amazing community he and his son have found in axe throwing. While there have certainly been triumphant moments (Mark Jr. winning the US Open, having an amazing finish at the first Capitol City Classic, and his first big placement at the first ThrOHIO), Mark also clearly remembers the moments that brought him the most joy, not typically associated with "success." Perhaps one of his favorite moments was seeing Mark Jr interact with some young throwers at a Father's Day event at Las Hatches venue, "watching his face light up as the kid smacked a kill shot, not caring about his own score (of a measly 64) at the time."
Mark also reflected on all the ways the community has welcomed and supported them over the years. Since they first began their journey into WATL at the height of Covid, the entire community was incredibly welcoming and supportive. We threw down at Mountain Man in West Virginia during that time and would continue to do so post-Covid, leveling up next to throwers like Mike Philabaum. Shortly after that, competing in a very long day tournament in Ohio, Sean Beamish (among others) offered them some food they were grilling in the parking lot, having never interacted before, great friends from Bearded Axes . Finally, Brett Williamson, on their way to the US Open, provided them with a fantastic practice space at 608 Axe Throwing and a great place to stay and get some good rest before heading to the event. All of their encounters and friendships forged over the years are something both of them will cherish for a lifetime.
As integral members of the community, Mark Jr and Sr both hope to pay all of that goodwill forward. While his focus is obviously on his son most of the time, he is happy to act as "coach dad" to anyone looking for tips or advice (and he knows what he is talking about more than most, as someone who only ever watches and has watched every top thrower in serious detail). As Mark describes, being part of a good community is a two-way street, and he only hopes to live up to and reciprocate the incredible hospitality he and his son have received.
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