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COVER STORY 10 airportbusiness April 2017 the rodeo firsthand. With the competition and a barbeque catered by Fat Bob's, the event is just a way they can thank the workers out there who keep airports open in winter weather with a fun event. "It's hard work so we really wanted to recog- nize them for the work they do," Guarino said. Not only is there awards for the top three participants for the rodeo, but Ball said there's also a traveling trophy that goes back to their home airports for the year. Pittsburgh International Airport took the top honors in 2016 and Ball said he knows there are plenty of airports out there looking to knock them off the top spot in 2017. "I know I have one operator that's just ready to go," Ball said. "It's the excitement and it's something different at the snow symposium, which is down at the convention center and this gets them out to the airport and they can drive the equipment and compete, which is just human nature." "It's a good time. Not only is it fun, but you're building comradery with other snow fighters from other airports," Ball said. "And there's the overall competition. You can talk the talk, but let's see if you can walk the walk and get out there and run with the big dogs if you will." Creighton Pritzlaff, director of sales and marketing for Wausau Equipment Co., said the company got involved in the rodeo because it's not only an opportunity to extend gratitude to the snow removal workers, but to give them a chance to showcase their skills. "We recognize it's a terrific opportunity for equipment operators to demonstrate their skills and it gives them some well-deserved recog- nition for the hard work that they do to keep airports open in the middle of winter," he said. "These guys who actually run the equipment are sort of the unsung heroes of civil aviation and we've got a lot of respect for the community of airport field maintenance workers." Prtizlaff said the snow removal workers have an incredibly difficult job, but tend to be invisible to the general public, so events like the rodeo provide a valuable chance to raise awareness of the valuable skills the snow removal equipment operators possess. "I think this is a great opportunity for these guys to get some appreciation and recognition and there's some good natured competition that takes place," he said. "These guys have unique jobs in a unique environment, so there's natural comradery and this sort of event talks to that." Pritzlaff said the event's popularity comes from the pride snow removal workers have in their jobs and recognizing not everyone can do this type of work. "People take a lot of things for granted and this is an opportunity for them to see just how challenging it is to operate this oversized runway equipment. The plows are practically twice the length of an ordinary highway plow that people encounter of a daily basis. It's a much more challenging job than run- ning your average snow plow. Matthew Wilson, Second Place, 2016 Rodeo f Age: 32 f Title: Operator, Field Maintenance f Years at the airport: 12 f What brought you to this profession? I started working at the airport in the grounds maintenance department on the grounds at the airport and moved into field main- tenance when a position opened. I've always been interested in horticulture and have two associate degrees. f What do you like the most about this industry? I like being on the airfield. I enjoy running the equipment, pay- ing attention to details and am good at holding others accountable. f What is it you like most about being on the snow removal team? The money is good for over-time (with a smile). When you think two inches of snow isn't a lot, it adds up in a hurry. There's a lot more to snow removal than people would expect, including knowing surface conditions at all times and all of the coordination and communication that is required. f What is the most challenging thing about being on the snow removal team that people may not realize? For employees with families, the schedule can be challenging. But, having the multi-functional equipment we have at CVG allows us to be more efficient and allows for better schedules for employees. f What was the most challenging storm you ever worked and what made it so difficult? Each storm has its own challenges because they are so different. One degree colder or warmer changes everything. f What is it about the snow plow rodeo that makes it an important competition for you and your peers? I get to meet and get to know people from around the country that do the same work and get to see how seri- ously we all take our work. It's interesting to learn what weather conditions other airports work in. f How did you prepare for the rodeo in 2016? I practiced a scenario of the course. f Why would you recommend others like yourself should participate in the snow plow rodeo? Yes, I would recommend it to others. It's fun to get competitive. f What makes the rodeo so challenging and how do you prepare yourself? I do this every day so feel comfortable and confident with my skills. But, when it's time to compete, your adrenaline kicks in and it can become nerve raking. f What is it about your airport's snow removal team that you think makes them one of the best in North America? CVG runs an efficient program, and we take care of our equipment. Our people are committed and hard work- ing with a great work ethic. Our training is high-quality and begins in August every year to prepare for the upcoming season. Matthew Wilson, operator, field maintenance, Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport