WernerCo., a leading manufacturer of climbing products and fall protection equipment, again partners with the NCAA, celebrating its 15th year in the sports partnership by providing custom ladders for the net-cutting ceremonies in both the Men’s and Women’s championship basketball games. 

The 2023 season includes a special edition Werner Podium Ladder that features a larger platform and taller guardrails, built specifically for this year’s champions, that will safely accommodate taller student-athletes and larger shoe sizes.

“We are honored to partner with the NCAA for the 15th year and always enjoy the excitement and festivities the championship games bring,” Stacy Gardella, head of Global Marketing Technology and Operations at WernerCo., said. “Now more than ever, these winning moments and experiences provide memories for a lifetime.”

The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Semifinals games will take place in Dallas, Texas, on March 31, and the Championship game will take place on April 2. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Semifinals and Championship games will take place in Houston, Texas, on April 1 and 3, 2023, respectively.

Custom Podium Ladder Designed to Reach New Heights

Werner noted that 28 Werner Championship Podium Ladders were shipped to select conference championships along with Division I, II and III men’s and women’s NCAA championship games. Each ladder will be used in the ceremonious net-cutting moment, where the championship-winning schools’ student-athletes and coaches climb the Werner Ladder to cut parts of the net. This tradition dates back to the 1940s and is integral to every basketball championship season.

Fans can engage with the Werner brand through social media for unique opportunities to win memorabilia, post photos of themselves, tag @wernerladderco or use the hashtag #ReachNewHeights on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Celebrating the Talented Coaches This Season

Werner said it is also a proud sponsor of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), Women’s Basketball Coaches Association [WBCA], and the Naismith Men’s and Women’s College Coach of the Year awards. 

Werner has been the title sponsor for the Naismith Awards since 2017, which is presented annually to the men’s and women’s college coaches who achieve outstanding on-court success. This season, there are currently four finalists for the 2023 award, with the award ceremony being held on March 29 for the Women’s Coach of the Year and April 2 for the Men’s Coach of the Year.

For more information about Werner products, visit werner.com.