Masonry Magazine November 2001 Page. 12
from the editor
MCAA'S FASTEST TROWEL - IT'S MORE THAN JUST A COMPETITION
Every year during the MCAA's Masonry Showcase, the finest journeymen masons from across the country come together to compete to claim the title of "Fastest Trowel" in one of the most exciting events on the program lineup. For those of you who haven't heard of the Fastest Trowel Competition or have never taken the opportunity to witness this event in person - it's surely a something to see! This year's competition will pit only the top twenty-four journeymen masons against one another in a show of both speed and craftsmanship.
Tim Schroeder demonstrates the "double-trowel" technique in last year's Fastest Trowel Competition.
Due to this intense race against the clock, the contestants must think on their feet and produce a final, quality product while adhering to the seven categories being judged. These categories are: production, void, plumb, story, level, true and workmanship. How they decided to do this is purely a judgement call, since technique is not a criteria that is judged in this competition. Take a look at Tim Schroeder of Schroeder Masonry, Inc. in Leipsic, OH in the accompanying photo, as he demonstrates the "double-trowel" technique! Tim placed fourth in last year's competition. Only one person with the skill, the speed and the confidence will take home the number one prize in this year's competition. Last year's first-place winner was Jeff Goebel of Sutter Masonry, Inc. in El Mirage, AZ took home $5000 cash.
Now doesn't this sound exciting? Of course it does! But there's more to it than just the competition, the winners and the prizes. It's about promoting masonry. It's about motivating our workforce. It's about inspiring the future masons of our industry... and we all know that in times like these, with all the uncertainty and terror in the world, we all could use some inspiration and something to cheer about. The great thing about the Fastest Trowel Competition is that it not only brings the members of the industry together, from the journeymen masons, to the sponsoring industry suppliers, to the many mason contractors in attendance cheering these contestants on... it generates a renewed interest in the masonry trade. It gives masons something to strive for, that goes above and beyond the cash prize. It's about workmanship and taking pride in the art and beauty of masonry. (But don't get me wrong, the cash prize is certainly a nice incentive!)
To my surprise, as rewarding as the event has been, there has been some criticism regarding this competition. Some feel that all this competition is about is "people just slamming block together". Well, whoever made that criticsm or whoever believes this to be true, I ask you to not lose sight of the big picture... and come on down to Phoenix on Saturday, February 9th at 9:00am and see for yourself... that this fun, exciting, crowd-pleasing event is good in more ways than one for everyone involved. But most of all it's great for the industry and the future of masonry.
For more information about this year's Fastest Trowel Competition, see our ad on page 35.
Debra J. Mitchell, Editor-in-Chief
12 MASONRY NOVEMBER, 2001