Is a tree climbing competition (TCC) just a competition—a structured and timed group of individual events for the registered climbers—or is it so much more than that? I have found that, here in Wisconsin as well as in other chapter competitions I have attended, the participants are friendly and passionate. Some come to hone their abilities and some to network and share gear knowledge, but they all gather to share camaraderie and support others in the industry. This year’s WAA TCC, held September 13–14 at Goodman Park in Madison, lived up to expectations, once again. Two days of preliminary events set the stage for an exciting Masters Challenge Saturday after noon. Congratulations to Andrew Gollnick and Johanna O’Boyle, our chapter champions, who will be representing us at the International Tree Climbing Competition (ITCC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 7–9, 2020. The overall results are below.
What a great venue to challenge yourself, get to know like-minded people and learn in a friendly environment. All participants, whether volunteering or climbing, grow from their experience. If you are “on the fence” about trying competitions, join us by volunteering and see what the excitement is about. Anyone interested should contact Gary Kohler, TCC Chair, at jkohler@wi.rr.com.
But, of course, this event would not be of world-class caliber without the generous and dedicated sponsors that give back to the industry and this event, year after year. Special thanks to @Height, Arbor Master Inc., Altec Industries, ArboRisk, American Tree Experts, Bassett Inc., Crawford Tree and Landscape, Gollnick & Sons Tree Service, Hoppe Tree Service, M&M Tree Service, Stephenson Tree Care, and Wachtel Tree Science Inc.
