All Roads Lead to Kansas
All Roads Lead to Kansas
Third in a three-part series.
After earning their ticket to compete at the International Lineman’s Rodeo, Southern California Edison teams flew to Kansas, ready to go up against some of the world's best lineworkers.
Up against nearly 300 teams, SCE linemen showcase their world-class skills on a global stage at the annual International Lineman's Rodeo in Kansas.
This rodeo was bigger and tougher than any of the ones they’d competed in so far this year. To get a spot on the podium, they would need to score higher than the nearly 300 teams of lineworkers also gunning for a win.
“You have to be well rounded to win this rodeo,” said Mathew Katz, SCE lineman on Team 73 from Tulare.
“Last year there were about 300 teams, and we placed in the top 15,” added Vinnie Sanchez, e-crew foreman on Team 73 from Tulare. “I think that’s respectable, but for us it’s not good enough.”
The day before competition, the teams got their packets which outlined what the events would be — previously a secret — and the order in which they would compete.
Competition events:
- Pole Climb
- Hurt Man Rescue
- Mystery Event 1 (Fuse Coordination)
- Mystery Event 2 (4-kV Insulator Change Out)
Even after a rocky start for teams 71 out of Covina and 76 out of Tulare, the teams ended the day in a solid position with hopes of taking home a win in any of the event categories.
“After the hiccup on Pole Climb where we got 10 points deducted for breaking an egg, every other event went perfectly,” said Brandon Gloria, SCE lineman on Team 76 from Tulare.
“In the Mystery Event, we dropped a pin and got two points deducted,” said Jose Leon, SCE lineman on Team 71. “It was our first event, so after that we just went 100%, all out.”
When the results were announced, it was clear the teams’ resilience, even after early setbacks, had paid off.
All three teams would be walking across the awards stage, taking home a win for SCE in every single category.
SCE winners from the 2026 International Lineman’s Rodeo included:
Journeyman teams (Overall)
- 1st Place: Team #73 Vinnie Sanchez, Justin Maple, Matt Katz (SCE)
- 5th Place: Team #74 Stephen Gomes, Jonathan Gutierrez, James Bylow (SCE)
Journeyman teams (IOU Division)
- 1st Place: Team #73 Vinnie Sanchez, Justin Maple, Matt Katz (SCE)
- 3rd Place: Team #74 Stephen Gomes, Jonathan Gutierrez, James Bylow (SCE)
Pole Climb
- 3rd Place: Team #77 Ramon Torres, Bryan Casas, Paul Guevara (SCE)
- 5th Place: Team #71 Fabian Gutierrez, Jose Leon, Fernando Valenzuela (SCE)
Hurt Man Rescue
- 2nd Place: Team #76 Brandon Gloria (SCE), Matt Newton (SCE), David Angove (LADWP)
Mystery Event 1
- 4th Place: Team #76 Brandon Gloria (SCE), Matt Newton (SCE), David Angove (LADWP)
Mystery Event 2
- 1st Place: Team #76 Brandon Gloria (SCE), Matt Newton (SCE), David Angove (LADWP)
- 3rd Place: Team #73 Vinnie Sanchez, Justin Maple, Matt Katz (SCE)
For more information, visit sce.com/careers.