With the hot sun beating down on their backs, Mid-South Synergy lineman competed in the 14th Annual Texas Lineman’s Rodeo.
Held in Seguin, the Lineman’s Rodeo is not what one might think typically of a rodeo. There are no steers or bucking broncos. This is a full on competition between cooperatives around the state to see which linemen have the right stuff.
With a series of challenges mimicking typical work scenarios, these trials test whose linemen are the most efficient in their job and committed to excellence.
We’re proud to say Mid-South Synergy lineman won 3rd place in the Pole Climb competition. That’s a huge accomplishment considering every co-op in the state came out vying to say they are the best. LineSuperintendent Jim Woods attributes the award to our lineman team “working hard and showing professionalism in their job.”
In this event, Mid-South’s linemen were tested in their ability to climb quickly and safely up an electric pole. Once at the top, each lineman had to put an egg in their mouth and come down without cracking the shell.
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The Pole Climb journeyman team of Clayten Owens, Jared Anderson, and Jeff Danford scored the winning 3rd rank placing. Apprentices Brandon Taylor, Darren Dean, Jacob Duke, Mathew Petri, and Sam Johnson also had excellent overall times.
Their scores reflected the precision and safety each competitor displayed that day.
“A lot of what linemen do in the field revolve around safety” says Safety Officer Mark Finke who helped prepare this year’s competitors. “That means to get a high score, competitors not only need to finish the challenge but they must complete it safely. Speed is a factor but not the most important one.”
According to Woods, the judges are also grading the scorecards around efficiency. Every bolt or tool needs to be properly handled, placed, and used to get the highest score. “With so many tools used in each competition,” says Woods “the real challenge is not getting them mixed up or confused.” After months of practice, the team was rewarded for their determination and commitment. Even though our local community and staff already know how efficient and committed Mid-South Synergy lineman are, it’s nice every once in a while to have the rest of the state know that too.
Congratulations to the 2010 Lineman’s Rodeo Team. You make us all proud!