Linemen from EMCs, investor-owned utilities, municipalities, and contractors gathered in Kansas on October 19 for the International Lineman’s Rodeo. The 40^th installment of the annual event saw 227 teams competing to demonstrate the determination and passion linemen hold for their work. The rodeo events mirror the challenges linemen face daily, including climbing poles, changing insulators, reconfiguring fiberglass arms, and completing a simulated rescue of an injured co-worker, all while racing against the clock

We are proud to share that among hundreds of these world-class linemen, Snapping Shoals EMC placed 5^th in the EMC Division and 14th overall. The success of SSEMC within this competition is a testament to the dedication and pride our linemen hold in performing their job.

Here are some highlights of how our teams performed at this year’s event:

TEAM 303

The team of Dakota Conner, Randy Nixon and Dustin Kerbow placed 43rd among all 227 teams with an overall time of 26:36.51 and a point total of 396, just 4 points shy of a perfect score.

• 10^th in Journeyman REA Division
• 43^rd in Journeyman Best of the Best
• 44^th in Journeyman Pole Climb
• 20^th in Journeyman Mystery Event #1
• 36^th in Journeyman Mystery Event #2

TEAM 304

The team of Caleb Nix, J.C. Bradshaw and Chris Harper placed 14th among all 227 teams with an overall time of 24:51.39 and a point total of 398, only 2 points away from a perfect score.

• 5^th in Journeyman REA Division
• 14^th in Journeyman Best of the Best
• 90^th in Journeyman Pole Climb
• 16^th in Journeyman Mystery Event #1
• 6^th in Journeyman Mystery Event #2

TEAM 305

The team of Drew Buckhault, Richie Clark and Hunter Norman placed 83rd among all 227 teams had an overall time of 35:01.01 and a point total of 394, 6 points from a perfect 400.

• 16^th in Journeyman REA Division
• 83^rd in Journeyman Best of the Best
• 59^th in Journeyman Hurtman Rescue
• 57^th in Journeyman Mystery Event #2

TEAM 602

The senior division team of Don Ritchey, Terry Buffer and David Hawkins placed 5th in the senior division, with an overall time of 34:50.40, the fastest among all senior teams, and a point total of 386, 14 points from a perfect score.

• 5^th in Journeyman Seniors Division
• 60^th in Journeyman Hurtman Rescue
• 92^nd in Journeyman Mystery Event #1
• 96^th in Journeyman Mystery Event #2

Lawson Beshears and Brett McDevitt competed against 380 other apprentice linemen from around the world in the Apprentice Division. Beshears placed 57^th in Mystery Event #1, while McDevitt placed 43^rd overall amongst REA Apprentices.

For more information and results from this year’s International Lineman’s Rodeo, click here.