Xcel Energy journeymen and apprentices took home several honors this past week (Oct. 14-15) at the 33rd Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo, held at the National Agricultural Hall of Fame fairgrounds in Bonner Springs, Kan.
Jeremy Jones, an Xcel Energy lineman apprentice in Colorado, took top honors internationally among investor-owned utilities and finished third overall in the apprentice category (which also includes municipal or other government-related utilities). He finished more than nine minutes ahead of the competition in the investor-owned utilities division, which includes pole climbing, a rescue event and a written test focusing on standards, safety, techniques and best practices.
In the journeymen senior division, the Lubbock-based crew of Shea Bramlet, David Elder and Steve Lowery finished 14th overall. In addition, a journeymen crew from Lubbock, made up of Kenneth Munton, Seth Jeter and Jason Moseley, finished 18th in the Journeyman Pole Climb.
Kansas City Power & Light and Westar Energy were the host sponsors for the international event, which featured more than 50 utilities. A total of eight crews and eight apprentices from Xcel Energy’s various service territories qualified for and competed in the international competition.
The Lineman’s Rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world to compete in multiple events, based on traditional lineman tasks and skills. The first Lineman’s Rodeo was held in September 1984, with twelve participating teams from Kansas and Missouri. The rodeo has grown to more than 200 teams and 250 apprentices.
(News release from Xcel Energy Media Relations)