High Stakes: Tower Technicians Battle in Tough Tower Competition

NORTH JACKSON, Ohio – Tower technicians from across the United States went hard hat to hard hat in a close battle during the second annual Tough Tower competition June 8 and 9 at Tri-County Tower.

Joe Hayes and Ethan Preston of SBA Communications in Pennsylvania took the top prize.

Robert Merrihew and Robert Moulton of Dan Combs Consulting in Michigan took second place, and the father/son team of Mike Bryson and Cole Bryson of American Power Tower in Ohio placed third.

The two-day competition began with seven teams of two tower technicians each competing in eight preliminary challenges, which ranged from simple and complex rescue to maneuverability and installation. All competitors are professionals in the telecommunications field.

STG Communication Services and Tri-County Tower launched the event in 2023 to draw attention to career opportunities in the industry.

“Being a tower climber is a very difficult job. It requires a special kind of person to take on that kind of challenging career,” said Amanda Gonzalez, STG Communications events coordinator. “Every competitor exemplified the courage and skill that goes into being a tower technician.”

 Tri-County Tower CEO Chris Thomas said industry support for the competition was remarkable.

“The spirit of professionalism and camaraderie was strong throughout the entire event,” Thomas said. “We appreciate every sponsor, volunteer and competitor who made this possible, and we can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Pictured at top: Tower technicians participate in the Tough Tower competition.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.