Kyle McCabe, a senior Urban Forestry student finished in 6th place (by 0.4 points) out of 70 participants at the North American Tree Climbing Championships in Savannah, GA. 
Participants in this competition must have previously won or placed in a regional tree climbing competition, making Kyle’s achievement very impressive. Even more impressive is the fact that nearly all of the other competitors are full-time, professional tree climbers. Kyle tied for first place in the aerial rescue event, and placed in the top 5 in both the belayed speed climb and footlock events. “Kyle was a good climber when he came to Stockbridge a few years ago, and he’s gotten much better since he’s been at UMass. It wouldn’t surprise me if he wins the International Tree Climbing Championship in the recent future,” said Brian Kane, MA Arborists Association Professor of Arboriculture.