NEWS RELEASE
South Dakota Department of Agriculture
Media Contact: Aaron Kiesz
800-228-5254
For immediate release: May 21, 2004

South Dakota Tree Climbing Champion Named

On May 13, 2004, the South Dakota Arborists Association (SDArA) held the first ever state tree climbing competition.  Four events were held to determine the winner: throwline, workclimb, belayed speed climb and the secured footlock climb.

The winner, Sam Kezar, a graduate student in fisheries and wildlife at SDSU, will be sponsored by the South Dakota Arborist Association at the Midwest Chapter’s tree climbing competition held June 11 in Springfield, Missouri.

Along with winning a free trip to the Midwest competition, Kezar picked up a new climbing saddle, compliments of Vermeer Equipment and Sherrill’s Arborist Supply.  He was also awarded a $100 gift certificate from Ron’s Saw Sales in Watertown, South Dakota.

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