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ISHPEMING -- For 124 years, the Ishpeming Ski Club has hosted a ski jumping tournament.

The volunteers responsible for making it happen this year have been with the club since they were winning titles in the tournament themselves.  They say a lot has changed since then.

"Flying through the air is the closest thing anybody could ever do to fly like a bird in flight," says Coy Hill, former ski jumper and coach.

Coy Hill made the very first jump off the current Suicide Hill ski platform in 1973.  He scored seven first place jumps at Suicide Hill in his time.  He isn't competing anymore, but he's still a big part of the Ishpeming Ski Club.

He's not alone.  The club is made of many former jumpers and coaches, working to protect a sport that's unfortunately dwindling in popularity.

They say years ago, there were many more ski jumpers at these tournaments from all over the world.

It's not just fewer jumpers, Hill says these events used to bring crowds of up to 7,000 spectators.

"Because there's so many other distractions for the young people," says Don Hearst, former ski jumper and coach.  "Sometimes ski jumping is a little bit too much work."

One big change:  the equipment.  New uniforms and skis ushered in new regulations and rules.

"It's more critical because the skiers can go farther, easier," says Tom Sodergren, Hill Chief.  "If the wind comes up and they start flying on that wind, they can go too far, land on flat ground, and get hurt."

He says the new expenses of that equipment could be limiting participation today.  But, thanks to the opportunity to host this year's Junior World Trials, the numbers are up from last year, and the kids here today are some of the best.

"Talent is the same, whether it's old or new," Hurst said.  "Ski jumping, by far, is the greatest thrill, biggest challenge."