Tower techs Joe Hayes, left, and Ethan Preston of SBA Communications took first place in the Tough Tower competition held over the weekend in Jackson, Ohio. Their perfect score in the complex rescue challenge helped them secure the top spot,
Although exceptional physical condition is a requisite for being a tower tech due to many challenging circumstances, this weekend’s second annual Tough Tower competitors were judged upon their proficiency in complex rescue, simple rescue, full install, lighting install, level lift, maneuvering, punch items, and JLG/azimuths.
Seven teams of two technicians competed in the North Jackson, Ohio, event on Saturday. In yesterday’s elimination judging, SBA Communications team members Joe Hayes and Ethan Preston edged out a first-place win over Dan Combs Consulting. In last year’s competition, Robert Merrihew and Robert Moulton of Dan Combs Consulting captured first prize and narrowly missed getting the coveted trophy again this year.
Father-son team Mike and Cole Bryson of American Power Tower claimed the third-place prize. Other contestants were Tim Coles and Rodney Wozab of Liberty Electric, Scott Tucker and Dan Lilly of Speelman Electric, Nick Kuschke and Nick Dluzak of MRR Logistics & Network Services, and Steven Kirsch and Christopher Pierce of Elevated Services.
STG Communication Services and Tri-County Towers organized the event.
Competitors were required to be members of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, and at least one member of the two-person team held certifications in a competent climber, competent rescue, qualified rigger, CPR, First Aid, and OSHA 10.
Tough Tower champions the core values of safety and skill mastery while creating an unparalleled platform for educational growth and professional networking.
