Hard Hats, Hot Wings & Hoops: NUCA’s Pop-a-Shot Tournament Brings the Heat!

March 26th, 2026, saw a record 22 teams gathering for NUCA’s 6th Annual Pop-a-Shot Hoop Shoot Tournament, ready to shoot, score, and enjoy some friendly banter! The competition was fierce, networking proved to be highly rewarding, and Buffalo Wild Wings kept everyone energized throughout the evening. This year's tournament not only provided a chance for friendly rivalry and camaraderie but also played a vital role in raising funds to support our legislative development initiatives.

President Marshall Sampson welcomed members and provided an update on NUCA’s Safety Committee and upcoming legislative efforts. As our industry evolves rapidly, active engagement in legislative processes is crucial for supporting our members and their businesses. The funds raised during this tournament will be vital for advocating our interests. By contributing, we are not just enjoying a fun event; we are investing in our future and ensuring our voices are heard where important decisions are made. Executive Director Sheri Nowlan, recently honored with the Executive Director of the Year award, followed with a pitch for Dozer Day and shared sponsorship details as we anticipate another successful Dozer Day 2026.

The Final Scoreboard

When the dust settled and the last basketball bounced, six competitors built their way onto the winners’ list:

🏀 1st Place: Cade Dovenberg, DP Nicoli nailed the top spot and took home the ultimate bragging rights, along with the Fireside Fun Pack: a smokeless fire pit and everything needed for a spectacular s’mores sunset.

🏀 2nd Place: Brooks Goff, Western States Cat’s resident athlete put up an impressive performance, earning the Backyard Bash Prize. His package included a powerful 50,000 BTU patio heater, non-breakable beverage service, and a pest-repellent fan—perfect for relaxing Pacific Northwest evenings with friends.

🏀 3rd Place: Chris Allison, Allison Grading showed up late but wasted no time getting to work, securing third place and the Sip & Snacks Sound Pack. With Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth speakers, a Titan insulated bottle tote, two bottles of wine, and charcuterie snacks, he’s ready to take the party on the road!

🏀 4th Place: Aaron McCabe, Marsh McLennan Our “mystery

winner” was excited to claim the Ultimate Game Night & Backyard Battle Pack, complete with an Ozark Trail bucket cart and wagon to haul his giant Yahtzee and Spikeball games. For Aaron, the thrill of competition is clearly a year-round operation!

🏀 5th Place: Rocky Adams, ACI Northwest representing the HVAC side of ACI Northwest, this “youngster” brought home the Turn It Up & Remember package, featuring a Bose SoundLink Flex speaker for camping or the jobsite and a Carver 10.1-inch digital picture frame.

🏀 6th Place: David Davis, ACI Northwest. Another ACI Northwest win! David headed home with the Chill Zone Prize Pack: a 90-quart Igloo MaxCold cooler filled with beach towels and cold beverages for a future day on the lake or river.

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  Brooke Kelly tasked to bring home David's prize.

Andy-the most enthusiastic winner, Rocky-1st time placer and Brooke-prize delivery system.

A Slam Dunk for Our Sponsors

Our sponsors helped build a great night of competition, connections, and fantastic prizes. Please join us in cheering on this starting lineup:

• ACI Northwest — With expertise ranging from excavation to heating and cooling, ACI Northwest brought a well-rounded team—and two winners—to the court: Rocky Adams and David Davis!

• Aldrich — Helping construction businesses navigate accounting, taxes, and financial planning, Aldrich knows that keeping score matters both on and off the court.

• Copenhaver Construction — From earthmoving and site preparation to underground utilities, Copenhaver knows how to build a strong foundation—and we appreciate them helping build this event!

• IQ Construct — Bringing precision to the jobsite with construction technology and machine control, IQ Construct knows that a good shot starts with good aim!

• Lee Equipment — Providing Bobcat equipment, parts, and service, Lee Equipment knows a thing or two about bringing the right tools to the job.

• Marsh McLennan — Helping contractors manage risk through insurance and surety solutions, Marsh McLennan also brought us fourth-place “mystery winner” Aaron McCabe!

• Modern Machinery — Providing heavy equipment, parts, and service to construction crews, Modern Machinery helped us keep the tournament rolling.

• Owen Equipment — Supporting utility and public works crews with specialty equipment for sewer maintenance and hydro excavation, Owen Equipment helped make this night a winner.

• Pape Machinery — Supplying construction equipment, rentals, parts, and service, Pape helped bring the horsepower to our sponsor lineup.

• Western States — Supporting contractors with Cat equipment, rentals, parts, and service—and sending resident athlete Brooks Goff to the second-place podium!

• Winkler — Known for concrete and civil construction, Winkler helped us lay the foundation for a great night of hoops.

Thank you to all our sponsors for stepping up and helping make this year’s Pop-a-Shot tournament a slam dunk! 🏀

To everyone who came up just short of the prize table: there’s always next year to fine-tune your shot, bring your best trash talk, and build your way to the top of the scoreboard. Game on!