PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers announced today that Joey Webber has been named the club’s new official mascot following the retirement of long-time team icon “Timber” Jim Serrill earlier this year. Webber has served as the team’s guest mascot since Timber Jim’s departure.
“Following an icon like Timber Jim isn’t easy, but from the moment Joey stepped on the field, he has been embraced and accepted by the fans,” said Timbers president Merritt Paulson. “Joey possesses a humbling yet energetic attitude and an inspiring charisma and we whole-heartedly endorse Joey as the Timbers’ new mascot.”
An official induction ceremony with Webber and Timber Jim will take place during halftime of tonight’s Timbers exhibition match against Italy’s Juventus Primavera at PGE Park.
Webber, 28, was born and raised in the timber town of Philomath, Ore., where he attended the School of Forestry as a youth. He competed in state forestry and timber competitions and ranked in several events including, pole climbing, jack double bucking, fire hose relays, axe throwing, log rolling and hot saw operation.
Growing up, Webber was a competitive rugby player and was a member of the U.S. National Rugby Team’s U-19 pool for two years (1996-97). He competed as a bare-back bronco rider in the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association from 1996-2000, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2000.
Webber currently operates his own construction company that specializes in concrete finishing and also serves as the security manager at a local restaurant.