Tree climbers ascend to glory

TRENTON, N.J. – These guys bring a whole new meaning to the phrase “Going out on a limb.”

On Saturday, 19 men competed for glory – and chain saws – in the 21st annual New Jersey State Tree Climbing Championship here.

The competition wasn’t child’s play. Using ropes and harnesses, competitors climbed 100-foot trees as judges graded their every move.

Most competitors work in the tree industry. The games were designed to resemble workday tasks such as throwing climbing lines into trees or using techniques to get up the rope quickly. Competitors also were tested on how well they move up in a tree, walk on limbs and saw branches.

The winner, Mark Chisholm, got an expense-paid trip to the international championship in Tennessee Aug. 5-6.

Prizes for runners-up included chain saws and hand saws.