From the Bench: Cherry Wood Trophies for Henderson Wrestling Warriors
A few weeks back, Sandy reached out with a special request — about 15–16 custom trophies for the Henderson High School Wrestling program. The moment I saw the designs, I knew exactly what wood had to carry them: the rich, deep-toned cherry I picked up from Al at the local (https://www.alfredkoppwoodworking.com) sawmill. That cherry has such incredible figure and warmth — it practically glows under finish, perfect for honoring grit, discipline, and heart on the mat.
Sandy’s design for the Coaches plaque.
In the Surf City Cedar workshop, the process unfolded the way good projects always do: one deliberate step at a time. I started by cutting the plaques with a cross cut sled on my table saw. Planed and sanded them flat. Added slot for on the back to hang them with on the Onefinity CNC, watching perfect clean cuts emerge from the solid stock. Then came the satisfying rhythm of sanding — faces first, then every edge, until the wood felt smooth as glass under my hand.
Details count
A careful hand chamfer edge at the router table to softened the profiles just right, giving each piece that polished, professional touch without losing its handmade soul. Finally, I laid down a couple coats of crystal-clear poly, building a protective satin sheen that lets the cherry’s natural beauty shine through for years to come.
These weren’t just awards — they were tangible thanks for coaches and athletes who pour everything into the sport. From coach plaques shaped like singlets to elegant recognition boards for dedication and leadership, each one carries the weight of a season’s effort.
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning beautiful raw material into something that celebrates other people’s hard work. That’s the heart of what I do at Surf City Cedar and the Garden State Makers Guild: turning wood, time, and care into pieces that matter.
If you’re looking for custom trophies, plaques, live-edge pieces, or anything made with the same attention to detail (and maybe some of that same cherry), drop me a message. I’d love to bring your idea from sketch to finished bench.