Apprentices Show Off Their Skills in Vegas

Words: Tim O'toole
https://masoncontractors.azurewebsites.net/Public/News/20100210063000-1.jpg" width="530" height="298" border="0" alt="Michael Sapp, Third Year Apprentice winner.">
Michael Sapp, Third Year Apprentice winner.

The eleventh annual International Masonry Skills Challenge at the 2010 MCAA Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry on February 2, 2010 showed off the best apprentices our industry has to offer. Contestants in first, second and third year skill levels throughout the country came to compete.

Each contestant was presented with a project drawing appropriate to their skill level just moments before the competition began. Contestants only had three hours to construct the project based on the materials provided. The final projects looked great; the apprentices should be very proud of their three hours of hard work. The judges were impressed with the quality of the apprentices' construction, and had the tough decision of choosing the winners.

The top-placing contestants for each skill level were:

https://masoncontractors.azurewebsites.net/Public/News/20100210063000-2.jpg" width="530" height="298" border="0" alt="Darren Tolbolt, 2010 International Masonry Skills Challenge First Year winner.">
Darren Tolbolt, 2010 International Masonry Skills Challenge First Year winner.

First Year Apprentices

First Place
Darren Tolbolt
Studer Obringer, Inc.
New Washington, Ohio

Second Place
Jerrod Beheler
Lucia, Inc.
Houston, Texas

Third Place
Bradley Lovin
Wasco, Inc.
Knoxville, Tenn.

https://masoncontractors.azurewebsites.net/Public/News/20100210063000-3.jpg" width="530" height="298" border="0" alt="Daniel Sapp, 2010 International Masonry Skills Challenge Second Year winner.">
Daniel Sapp, 2010 International Masonry Skills Challenge Second Year winner.

Second Year Apprentices

First Place
Daniel Sapp
Adams Masonry, Inc.
Chattanooga, Tenn.

Second Place
Rhett Hallman
McGee Bros., Co., Inc.
Monroe, N.C.

Third Place
Joshua Moss
Valentine Contractors, Inc.
North Canton, Ohio

https://masoncontractors.azurewebsites.net/Public/News/20100210063000-4.jpg" width="530" height="298" border="0" alt="Michael Sapp, 2010 International Masonry Skills Challenge Third Year winner.">
Michael Sapp, 2010 International Masonry Skills Challenge Third Year winner.

Third Year Apprentices

First Place
Michael Sapp
Adams Masonry, Inc.
Chattanooga, Tenn.

Second Place
Todd Terwilliger
Giambrone Masonry, Inc.
Hudson, Ohio

Third Place
Eric Cambrom
Artisan Masonry, Inc.
Garland, Texas

All winners received trophies, cash prizes, and Marshalltown tool bags and tools. First place winners also received concrete calculators from Calculated Industries.

The Mason Contractors Association of America would like to thank the judges from across the country for donating their time and expertise and the sponsors and service/material donors for their contributions including:


  • Lafarge

  • EZ Scaffold

  • Mortar Net USA, Ltd.

  • Non-Stop Scaffolding

  • QUIKRETE

  • SPEC MIX

  • Angelus Block Co.

  • Calculated Industries

  • EZ Grout Corporation

  • Gatorback

  • Grout Grunt

  • Marshalltown

  • Masonry Construction

  • MK Diamond Products, Inc.
Who Knows Most About Keeping Masonry Workers Safe?

As a safety professional who has specialized largely in masonry safety since the late 1980s, I’ve grown to think that I know a great deal about keeping masonry workers safe. That being said, I must admit that my colleagues and I know more about complianc

Recognizing Women in the Industry

Masonry was introduced to the world through the imagination, determination, and pure strength of mankind. The first masons’ unique abilities harnessed the earth around them to create the structures that provided the security that allowed us to advance. Th

About: Featured
Understanding Different Types of Trowels Originating Through Government Specifications

Trowels are essential tools in masonry, each one designed with specific functions and specifications to aid in various tasks. Knowing the right type of trowel to use can greatly impact the quality and efficiency of your work. This article dives into the f

Natural Stone Institute Holds Utah Study Tour

Oberlin, OH, September 17, 2024—157 attendees from 48 member companies and 5 architectural firms attended the annual NSI Study Tour, which took place in Salt Lake City August 25-28, with an optional extension to Idaho on August 29. Highlights included an