Tree Climbing Championship
OUR 23rd ANNUAL EVENT was held on September 10, 2010 in Midland. Earning three straight Ontario tree climbing titles may seem like an extremely difficult task, but Hamilton’s Krista Strating made it look easy at the 23rd Annual Ontario Tree Climbing Championship (OTCC). After sweeping the preliminary events, Strating faced veteran Lisa Moore in the Master’s Challenge and gave a near perfect performance to earn her 3rd straight women’s title.
Joining Strating at the champion’s podium was Huntville’s Ben Sauvé, whose third place finish in the preliminaries earned him a place in the Master’s Challenge against past champions John Ransom and Sean Hoondert and Master’s newcomer Aaron Strickland. Sauvé’s performance in a majestic ash was flawless and earned him his second men’s title, with Ransom and Hoondert taking second and third places respectively.
Little Lake Park in the Town of Midland was the host site for another fantastic event, with Hydro One serving as show sponsor. Midland Mayor Gord McKay brought greetings on behalf of the Town and assisted in planting a red oak to commemorate the event.
Event Chair Paul Kobold noted, “The event was blessed with perfect weather,” adding that it “was very well attended by family and friends, as well as many residents of the Town of Midland and surrounding area.” Kobold gave special credit to Midland Town Arborist Peter Wright, who served as the local representative for the OTCC Committee and worked tirelessly to make the event a success. Kobold also gave credit to event sponsors, judges and volunteers, all of whom made the event a reality.
OTCC head judges chose first-time competitor Katrina Van Osch-Saxon as winner of the Spirit of the Competition Award. Generously sponsored by Arboriculture Canada Training and Education, this award is given to the competitor who embodies the spirit of teamwork and professionalism so important to the success of the arboriculture industry.
Strating and Sauvé will represent the Ontario Chapter at the International Tree Climbing Championship in Summer 2012 in Portland, Oregon.
— Michael Bradley, OTCC. Photo Courtesy of Arborwood Tree Service.
Our mission is to enhance and promote the care and benefit of trees for present and future generations in Ontario through education, research and awareness.
