Ohio Tree Climbing Championship
May 31-June 1, 2025
The Ohio State University/Chadwick Arboretum
2201 Fred Taylor Dr. Columbus, OH
Competitor Registration & Sponsor Opportunities
The purpose of the Ohio Tree Climbing Championship (Ohio TCC) is to provide a competitive learning environment for individuals working in the industry and to showcase the highest level of professional skills and safety. Competitive tree climbing also introduces the public to the skills professional tree climbing arborists must use for safe, professional tree work.
In-state and out-of-state climbers may now register for the competition. The maximum number of climbers in the competition will be forty-five (45). In-state climbers must be current Ohio Chapter ISA members to compete.
The entry fee is $110.00 per person. It is non-refundable; however, it may be transferred to another individual from the same company. Pre-registration is required.
SCHEDULE Subject to Change
| Friday, May 30 | |
| 8:00 am | Event Preparation (Volunteers Only) |
| 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Early Gear Check |
| Saturday, May 31 | |
| 7:00 am - 9:00 am | Gear Check Continued |
| 9:00 am - 11:00 am | Recreational Climb for kids & adults |
| 9:15 am | Walk-Through |
| 10:00 am - 4:30 pm | Preliminary Events |
| 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Recreational Climb for kids & adults |
| Sunday, June 1 | |
| 8:00 am | Preliminary Events Continued |
| 11:30 am | Lunch Break |
| 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Masters' Challenge & Awards |
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Contestants may compete in five preliminary events to qualify as one of the top contestants to earn the right to advance to the championship round – the Masters Challenge. The preliminary events include Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, and Throwline. The top in-state contestants with the highest combined point totals for the preliminary events will advance to the Masters Challenge. Unless otherwise dictated by ITCC, the Masters' Challenge will be on an “accumulative” format; points earned during the preliminary events by the top contestants are carried forward into the Masters Challenge. Out-of-state climbers may participate in all preliminary events and are eligible to place in these events. Only in-state climbers can advance to the Masters Challenge. The male and female division winners of the 2025 Masters Challenge will have an opportunity to represent Ohio at the 2025 ITCC. |
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| For the Public |
This event is FREE and open to the Public. We encourage you to bring chairs or blankets and stay for the day. A food truck will be on-site where you can also purchase food and beverages or bring your own. Ohio TCC is an outdoor event that uses the park's natural surroundings for a unique experience. Please dress for the weather, walking, and possible insects. |
| Climber Materials |
Review the following forms for more information on the guidelines for competing. |
What is Arbor Fair?
Arbor Fair consists of tables and tents at the Ohio TCC and is free for the general public. In addition to displays highlighting environmental issues and promoting proper tree care, industry suppliers will have equipment and service demonstrations for arborists.
On April 26 & 27, the annual Ohio Tree Climbing Championship was held at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati. Although there were some strong winds and light rain, the park was a spectacular setting. Established in 1845, Spring Grove has been serving the Cincinnati area for over 175 years. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, Spring Grove is a hidden gem in the Queen City with over 700 acres to explore.
Tree climbing competitions held around the world simulate the working conditions of arborists in the field. This year, we had forty competitors from Ohio, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Canada, and Sweden competing in five preliminary events: Aerial Rescue, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, Throw Line, and Work Climb. First, second, and third-place medals were awarded in the men’s and women’s divisions in each event. Masters’ Challenge first-place received an ArborMaster
Competitors' scores for all five events were combined, and the top three Ohio competitors in each division with the highest combined score from the preliminary events moved on to the Masters' Challenge and an opportunity to represent Ohio in the International Competition that will be held in Atlanta in August. Congratulations, Evan Beck and Lily Soderlund – you made Ohio proud at the 2024 International Competition in Atlanta!
CONGRATULATIONS...
2024 OHIO TREE CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIPS
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MASTERS' CHALLENGE |
Men’s Division |
Women’s Division |
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1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place |
Evan Beck (Score 119.67) Jacob Nau (Score (74) Mac McGuire (Score 26.67) |
Lily Soderlund (Score 126) Jenny Rexroad (Score 96.67) Anna Sonnenfeld (Score 93) |
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Aerial Rescue |
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1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place |
Jacob Nau (OH-Score 43.00) Selvin Diaz (OH-Score 41.33) Bailey Hordyk (Canada-Score 39.33) |
Anna Sonnenfeld (OH-Score 35.67) Jenny Rexroad (OH -Score 29) Lily Soderlund (OH-Score 28) |
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Ascent Event |
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1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place |
Abdon Leon-Espinosa (MI-Time 17.18) Evan Beck (OH-Time 17.29) Cody Schwartz (MI-Time 19.10) |
Jenny Rexroad (OH-Time 30.05) Lily Soderlund (OH-Time 31.24) Anna Sonnenfeld (OH-Time 33.07) |
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Belayed Speed Climb |
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1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place |
Sam Baltodano (OH-Time 18.98) Evan Beck (OH-Time 22.75) Bailey Hordyk (Canada-Time 23.03) |
Boel Hammarstrand (Sweden-Time 40.97) Lily Soderlund (OH-Time 42.19) Jenny Rexroad (OH-Time 42.25) |
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Throwline |
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1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place |
Abdon Leon-Espinosa (MI-Score 26) Mac McGuire (OH-Score 26) Cody Schwartz (MI-Score 26) |
Boel Hammarstrand (Sweden-Score 19) Lily Soderlund (OH-Score 13) Jenny Rexroad (OH-Score 10) |
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Work Climb |
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1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place |
Sam Baltodano(OH-Score 74) Brennan Kissman (PA-Score 69.37) Jacob Nau (OH-Score 68.85) |
Lily Soderlund (OH-Score 65.67) Jenny Rexroad (OH-Score 59.10) Boel Hammarstrand (Sweden-Score 57.47) |
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