MADISON, Wis. — The possibilities are endless in the Men's Endurance race for gold at the ESPN Great Outdoor Games in Madison, Wis.

It could be an all American final or an all in the family feud. And if an American even makes the final, then one or more upsets will be the story for the day.

After a day of qualifying, the four men advancing to the finals of the Men's Endurance on Saturday are some of the top competitors in the endurance game. Jason Wynard of New Zealand will face Arden Cogar Jr. of West Hamil, West Virginia and Dion Lane of New Zealand (Wynyard's brother-in-law) will compete against Matt Bush of Croghan, New York in the semifinals.

At present, the odds-on favorites are Wynyard and Lane. Wynyard won gold last season, while Lane finished somewhere off the map. This season, though, Lane has dropped about 50 pounds and has surprised even himself by whizzing through the competition that includes pounding through a 12-inch log in the Underhand Chop, then slicing through a similar log in the Standing Chop and finishing up by sawing through another in the Single Buck.

Lane produced the fastest time in the qualifying rounds with a 54.53 second round. Wynyard's time was 55.27, while Cogar finished with 1:02.56 and Bush had a 1:12.60.

The times give a good indication of what the Americans are up against. But that doesn't mean you can count anyone out, yet.

Rob Scheer the Great Outdoor Games Timber Sports Organizer, and a champion timber sports athlete himself, feels any of the four semifinalists can win, but gives a nod to either Wynard or Cogar Jr.

"Jason is just so consistent, he did not slow down once in any of his events during these games," said Scheer. "He would get a comfortable lead and just keep going. The same can be said of Arden. He dominated in his quarterfinal match. At the end he seemed to have a lot left with plenty of strength to punch out more."

Both Cogar Jr. and Wynard are at the top of their games right now, Scheer said. The deciding factor in their match will probably be a slight mistake. A bent saw blade or possibly a misplaced ax stroke might decide who goes for the gold.

"These two are so close it is hard to say who has an advantage," said Scheer. "A mistake is probably what will separate the two, otherwise it will be a battle to the finish."

Although Scheer favors Wynard and Cogar Jr., he warns not to count out Lane and Bush.

"These two guys are really doing well right now," said Scheer. "Since I feel the two best are going to compete in the semifinal round against each other one of these athletes has a solid chance.

"Lane in particular is the favorite, but you never know, we may end up seeing an all American final between Bush and Cogar Jr. Actually, any four of the semifinalists could win the gold, they are that close in ability."