After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lineworkers across Southern California were energized to return to the Southern California Edison Lineman’s Rodeo to greet old friends, meet new competitors and reach new milestones.

“It is a great feeling to finally achieve the top spot on the podium at the Edison rodeo,” said Kyle Vanderpool, an SCE journeyman whose team received a perfect overall score.

The 30^th annual Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic brought together 23 journeyman teams and 28 apprentices from SCE, Pacific Gas & Electric, Pasadena Water & Power, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, City of Anaheim, Henkels & McCoy and various lineworker contractors. Events included the Hurt Man Rescue, Pole Climb, 4 kV Fuseholder Changeout, Obstacle Course and a mystery event not revealed until competition day — Ground a Single Phase Line.

The rodeo is an opportunity for lineworkers to showcase their skills and earn the opportunity to move on to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas City later this year.

“There will be a lot of solid competition in Kansas City. We will continue practicing like we have been doing and pushing forward,” Vanderpool said. “Returning to Kansas City will be a lot of fun, and we look forward to competing against the best of the best.”