Teetering atop power poles or scaling transmission towers is just another day on the job for Southern California Edison’s lineworkers. Every year at SCE’s Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic, an ambitious group of participants add a little extra adrenaline and a healthy dose of competition to the profession. At stake for the highly skilled teams from utilities across the state is a spot at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas.

SCE lineworkers Ramon Garcia, Wil Robinson and Jacob Lybbert are hoping to clinch the international title for the third time.

“We already have two international championships. That is something that no one has ever done as a complete team. So that is something we already have in the record books, but we’re hoping for a third,” Garcia said. “We just really love the competition.”

The three have known each other for more than two decades, competing as a team in rodeos for over 10 years. They say the secret to their success is chemistry.

“I think what makes us a good team is we all know each other. I would not do it without them. It’s a team thing. It’s family,” Lybbert said.

This year, 29 teams of lineworkers and 50 apprentices competing as individuals showcased their skills in events such as the Hurt Man Rescue, Pole Climb, 16 kV Tap Changeout and two mystery events revealed the day of the competition.

To be the best, you not only have to be the fastest but also the safest.

“The goal is to run as clean as possible,” said Robert Torres, SCE principal manager for Health and Safety. “You have to be productive and efficient, but at the same time, you have to do it safely, so you don’t get any deductions.”

This year’s qualifiers included SCE journeyman Kyle Vanderpool, who teamed with two non-SCE employees to take sixth place overall and move on to the international competition.

No stranger to the podium, Vanderpool and his previous team won last year’s all-around title at the SCE event. With new teammates, his aspirations are the same.

“We want to win. Bad,” Vanderpool said. “It’s 100% a team effort.”

Also securing their chance at another international title were the two-time champs Garcia, Robinson and Lybbert. While they placed 12^th overall, their confidence is unshaken as they prepare to try for their third Kansas victory.

“When we click, it’s magic,” Robinson said. “I feel like those are my brothers. We come here, hang out and win a couple of trophies along the way.”