I would like to thank all the out of staters who drove to IL to volunteer their time; Wes and Meagan Tregilgas (Happy belated anniversary), Greg (the man) Manning; Ann (the good sport) Koenig; Joe (the Champ) House; Andrew (the climber) Wagner; Cody (the climber) Shoemaker and last but certainly not least, Chris (the fill in) Bramlage. Chris rolled up as an observer. I asked if he would step in as a 'Head Judge' in the Secured Footlock event. He responded with an enthusiastic "Yes". My stress level dropped about 10 points. "Thank you Chris."
Greg Manning is also a wonderful help. Thanks Greg.
A big thank you to all the other set-up volunteers and volunteer judges, techs and timers. April Toney is also a tremendous asset to the Illinois Arborist Association. Thank you April for all you do.
This was most definitely the most challenging IL comp I have ever done. Lots of "No Shows" the day of the event, and someone majorly "dropped the ball".
Without all of the volunteers that showed up, this event would not have happened. Thank you all, Norm Hall.