It may not involve cowboys, horses and roping, but the annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo, held Sept. 28, showcased the talents of 13 teams of linemen and individual competitors from 11 cooperatives as they competed to safely complete a variety of tasks.
The event, held each year at the Chuck West Lineman’s Training Ground at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, highlights some of the skills linemen use to work safely and efficiently. This year’s skills included the Pole Top Hurtman Rescue, H-Structure Obstacle Course, Neutral Down, Egg Climb and a mystery event.
The winner of the Best Overall honors went to the team from Shelby Electric/EnerStar Electric Cooperatives of Russ Camp, Enerstar; and Brian Chevalier and Jamie Sharp of Shelby Electric. First runner-up was the Corn Belt Energy Corporation team of Mitch Behrends, John Lee and Jack Ross. Second runner-up honors went to the Clinton County Electric Cooperative team of Mike Faust, Justin Hubert and Kyle Wiegmann.
In the Individual Lineman category, best overall went to Russ Camp of EnerStar Electric Cooperative. First runner-up was Ralph Bowersock, Norris Electric Cooperative and second runner-up was Erik Steffen of Norris Electric.
The third category of Individual Apprentice Lineman honors went to Luke Brown, Shelby Electric, best overall; Mitch Behrends, Corn Belt Energy, first runner-up; and Blake Kuhl, Norris Electric, second runner-up.
