(WAUSAU, Wis.) – Northcentral Technical College (NTC) welcomed sixty high school students from ten area high schools to compete in the third annual Wood Olympics competition at NTC’s Antigo Campus this week. The competition is comprised of a variety of challenges that are designed to showcase students’ knowledge of wood manufacturing, wood products and wood working.

Fifteen teams competed in challenges throughout the day and toured NTC’s Wood Technology Center of Excellence including the new sawmill training facility. Students also participated in a career fair that gave them the opportunity to explore the wood industry and develop interpersonal skills with industry employers, which was made possible by:

  • Central Wisconsin Woodworking Corporation
  • Central Wisconsin Woodworking Corporation
  • Forte Opening Solutions
  • Granite Valley Forest Products
  • Kolbe Windows and Doors
  • Kretz Lumber Co., Inc.
  • LP Building Solutions
  • Menzner Hardwoods Co
  • Pukall Lumber Company
  • Quanex
  • Robbins Sports Surfaces, LLC
  • Witmer Furniture

“It’s so rewarding to see students get excited about the future of the forest product industry,” said Logan Wells, Wood Science Faculty at NTC. “The success of this event is largely due to our collaboration with our high school and industry partners.”

Prizes for the competition were due to the generosity of prize sponsors:

  • Ace Hardware of Antigo
  • Kreg Tool
  • Rockler Woodworking and Hardware
  • Lake States Lumber Association Education Inc
  • NTC Wood Technology Education Fund

Competition Winners Include

Woodworking (Under $100)
First Place – Holden Schmitz, Rhinelander High School
Second Place – Gavin Barth, D.C. Everest Senior High School 
Third Place – Ayden Meyer, Rhinelander High School

Woodworking ($100 and Over)
First Place – Ethan Ramsey, D.C. Everest Senior High School
Second Place – Aiden Kell, Merrill High School
Third Place – Colton Cveykus, D.C. Everest Senior High School

Top Individual Scores
First Place – Ayden Meyer, Rhinelander High School
Second Place – Samuel Schumacher, Wausau West High School
Third Place – Soren Dumar, Rhinelander High School
Fourth Place – Iain Rumney, Rhinelander High School
Fifth Place – Jonah Haupt, Mosinee High School

Top Team Scores
First Place – Rhinelander High School
Second Place – Wausau West High School
Third Place – Wittenberg – Birnamwood High School