PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — After advancing from the Duke Energy Midwest Lineman’s Rodeo over the weekend, 15 Duke Energy lineworkers from the Midwest will compete in the International Lineman’s Rodeo this fall.
The lineman rodeos showcase the skills that line technicians use every day to restore power, typically under extreme weather conditions. During the competition, the linemen compete to score in various categories such as pole climbs, equipment repair and hurt person rescues. The participants are graded on their safety procedures, technique, agility, and speed.
Duke Energy holds the regional linemen competitions annually in the Carolinas, Florida, and Midwest for lineworkers to then qualify for the international competitions.
“Our crews’ agility and depth of knowledge continue to impress me each day, but I’m even prouder of their dedication to keeping the lights on for millions of customers who depend on them,” said Scott Batson, senior vice president, and chief distribution officer at Duke Energy. “Safety, skills, and efficiency are integral in the job of a lineworker – and Duke Energy truly has some of the best talent in the world.”
Duke Energy Midwest regional rodeo winners will join the lineworkers from the other competitions in Florida and the Carolinas to then compete at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas on October 14.
Duke Energy Midwest competitors advancing from regional rodeos to the International Lineman’s Rodeo include:
- Apprentice overall awards
- 1st place | Oliver Huhta (Princeton, Ind.)
- 2nd place | Logan Pollei (Rochester, Ind.)
- 3rd place | Nick Gearhart (Carmel, Ind.)
- 4th place | Calvin Fettig (Noblesville, Ind.)
- 5th place | Tyler Adrian (Carmel, Ind.)
- 6th place | Riley Hilty (Huntington, Ind.)
- Journeyman teams’ overall awards
- 1st place | TJ Lewis (Aurora, Ind.), Bret Lewis (Madison, Ind.), and Nick Meyer (Madison, Ind.)
- 2nd place | Andrew Hall (Carmel, Ind.), Jason Washburn (Noblesville, Ind.), and Cody Kennedy (Noblesville, Ind.)
- 3rd place |Travis Vidal (Columbus, Ind.), Nick Minnich (Columbus, Ind.), and John Menefee (Columbus, Ind.)
