Linemen Contend for Coveted Spot at International Competition

Utilities compete at the annual SCE Lineman’s Rodeo event to earn a spot at the international rodeo this October in Kansas.
Contributors
Photo Credit: Elisa Ferrari

For some linemen, standing on top of the podium at Southern California Edison Lineman’s Rodeo has become a familiar and regular event. For others, it’s a new taste at victory.

This year’s annual SCE Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic brought together 27 teams, 39 apprentices and 19 groundmen to the event in Chino. Competing utilities included: SCE, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Portland General Electric and Pacific Gas & Electric.

The top winners from the SCE Lineman’s Rodeo will head to Overland Park, Kansas for the International Lineman’s Rodeo in mid-October. Teams and individuals will compete with entrants from Canada, Europe and the U.S. at the annual international event.

Top winners from the SCE Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic will head to the international competition in Kansas this October.
Top winners from the SCE Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic will head to the international competition in Kansas this October.
SCE Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic brought together 27 teams, 39 apprentices and nine groundmen to the event in Chino.
SCE Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic brought together 27 teams, 39 apprentices and 19 groundmen to the event in Chino.
SCE Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic brought together 27 teams, 39 apprentices and nine groundmen to the event in Chino.
SCE linemen, groundmen and apprentices competed against various utilities at this year's SCE Lineman’s Rodeo and Picnic.

Winners from this year’s SCE Lineman’s Rodeo competition, included:

Groundman Overall

  • 1st - Jacob Gilmer / SCE Tulare 
  • 2nd - Jonathan Gutierrez / SCE Tulare
  • 3rd - Garrett Sadro / SCE Santa Ana

Apprentices Overall

  • 1st - Peter Vilander / SCE Wildomar
  • 2nd - Brandon Gloria / SCE Tulare
  • 3rd - Brandon Branch / PG&E

Senior Team Overall

  • Steve Lekvold, Bryan Lee and Richard Richardson / SCE Wildomar & Tehachapi

 Journeyman Teams Overall

  • 1st - Ramon Garcia, Wil Robinson and Jacob Lybbert / SCE Covina & Ontario
  • 2nd - Robert Valenzuela, Mariano Molina and Andrew Regalado / SCE Fullerton, Ontario & Whittier
  • 3rd - Jason Jones, Chris Podergois and Cody Cessna / SCE South Bay

Click here for the full list of winners.