Linemen and Apprentices Showcase Skills at SCE’s Lineman’s Rodeo

2018 SCE Lineman's Rodeo Journeyman Team Results
2018 SCE Lineman's Rodeo Apprentice Results
2018 SCE Lineman's Rodeo Groundman Results

Since the 1980s, the top utility linemen and apprentices from around the world have headed to Kansas each year to compete in the International Lineman’s Rodeo.

But to get there, linemen and apprentices must first compete in local lineman rodeos and place high enough to qualify for the international competition in October.

Southern California Edison’s elite competitors and several from other utilities took part in various drills on June 2 at the company’s Lineman’s Rodeo and picnic to test their individual and team skills. The top winners will now head to Overland, Kansas Oct. 10-13 to compete for the top prizes.

Below is a list of winners from SCE’s Lineman’s Rodeo in various categories.

For more information on lineman jobs at SCE: edison.com/careers.

Photo: Carollyn Nguyen

Full List of SCE Lineman’s Rodeo Winners (All teams SCE unless otherwise identified)

Journeyman Overall Winners

First Place: Richard Lopez, Bryan Casas and Marcos Hernandez
Second Place: Chris Podergois, Cody Cessna and Jason Jones
Third Place: Ryan Araujo, Eric Brusseau and George Murillo

Journeyman Mystery Event: 4KV Fuseholder Change-Out

First Place: Wil Robinson, Jacob Lybbert and Ramon Garcia
Second Place: Chris Podergois, Cody Cessna and Jason Jones
Third Place: Ryan Araujo, Eric Brusseau and George Murillo

Journeyman Top (Hot) Tie

First Place: Richard Lopez, Bryan Casas and Marcos Hernandez
Second Place: Enoc Verdin, Jake Difiore and Daniel Jameson (Sturgeon)
Third Place: Chris Podergois, Cody Cessna and Jason Jones

Journeyman Pole Climb:

First Place: Richard Lopez, Bryan Casas and Marcos Hernandez
Second Place: Wil Robinson, Jacob Lybbert and Ramon Garcia
Third Place: Henry Calero-Garay, Edgar Castillo and Eric Giandalia

Journeyman Hurtman Rescue:

First Place: Ryan Araujo, Eric Brusseau and George Murillo
Second Place: Alex Plascencia, Phil Sonoqui Jr. and Ray Delgado
Third Place: Chris Podergois, Cody Cessna and Jason Jones

Senior Team Overall Winner: Steve Lekvold, Bryan Lee and Oscar Perez

Photo: Carollyn Nguyen

Apprentice Overall Winners

First Place: Michael Gossett
Second Place: Christopher Espinoza
Third Place: Eric Danna

Apprentice Mystery Event: Lightning Arrestor Change-Out

First Place: Dustin Swank (H&M)
Second Place: Jarred Little
Third Place: Carlos Lopez (LADWP)

Apprentice Pole Climb

First Place: David Angove (LADWP)
Second Place: Carlos Lopez (LADWP)
Third Place: Alex Cortez

Apprentice Hurtman Rescue

First Place: Alex Cortez
Second Place: Brandon Branch (PG&E)
Third Place: David Angove (LADWP)

Apprentice Dead End Shoe Change-Out

First Place: Alvaro Jimenez-Guzman
Second Place: Jesus Navarrete
Third Place: Tyler Crowell

Apprentice Written Test

First Place: Michael Gossett
Second Place: Peter Vilander
Third Place: Christopher Espinoza

Groundman Overall Winners

First Place: Aaron Crosby
Second Place: Anthony Gossett
Third Place: Eduardo Ceja

Groundman Mystery Event: Rope Toss

First Place: Kevin Reyes
Second Place: Julius Carthan (LA Trade Tech)
Third Place: Rodolfo Torres

Groundman BURD Transformer Installation Prep

First Place: Aaron Crosby
Second Place: Jacob Gilmer
Third Place: Eduardo Ceja

Groundman Written Test

First Place: Anthony Gossett
Second Place: Aaron Crosby
Third Place: Jonathan Gutierrez