Rodeo Teams Advance to Kansas

Standout performances at the SCE Lineman’s Rodeo send several teams to compete on an international stage.
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Rodeo Teams Advance to Kansas

Standout performances at the SCE Lineman’s Rodeo send several teams to compete on an international stage.
Taylor Hillo
Taylor Hillo
ENERGIZED by Edison Writer
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Photo Credit: Colton Walter
Video Credit: Colton Walter
 
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Second in a three-part series. Follow as the teams continue their journey all the way to Kansas.

Months of rigorous training were put to the test when over 30 teams went head-to-head at the Southern California Edison Lineman’s Rodeo in Chino.

Two teams from Tulare and one from Covina arrived with hopes of placing high enough to earn their tickets to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas.

The goal: complete each event more safely and swiftly than the next team.

Two SCE teams from Tulare and one from Covina battle through four events at the SCE Lineman’s Rodeo in Chino, chasing clean runs and fast times to secure their spots in the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas.

The events consisted of the standard Hurt Man Rescue and Pole Climb, plus two mystery events announced that morning: Avian Protection Installation and 12kV Tap Change.

“There are going to be other teams that push just as hard, start to finish,” said Vinnie Sanchez, an e-crew foreman in Tulare. “It’s tough, especially when you get into the later events and you are tired — you have to push a little bit harder. That could be the difference between us over them.”

By the end, each of the three teams felt like they ran a solid rodeo. That was confirmed at the awards ceremony when they heard their names included in the eight teams advancing to Kansas.

Keep watching to find out who leaves Kansas as an international champion.

Utility workers in safety harnesses climb wooden power poles amid overhead electrical lines against a clear blue sky.

After strong performances in Chino, eight SCE teams earned a place at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas.

Two utility workers in safety gear climb a wooden power pole, repairing equipment and electrical lines against a clear blue sky.
The SCE Lineman’s Rodeo gave competitors an opportunity to showcase their dedication to safety and precision.
Utility workers in hard hats gather around wooden poles at an outdoor pole-climbing competition, with spectators and tents behind them.

SCE competitors relied on communication and teamwork as they tackled each rodeo event.

Winners from the 2026 SCE Lineman’s Rodeo included:

Journeyman teams (Overall)

  • 1st Place: Team #22 – Ramon Garcia, Jacob Lybbert, Wil Robinson (SCE)
  • 2nd Place: Team #30 – Ramon Torres, Bryan Casas, Paul Guevara (SCE/Local 47)
  • 3rd Place: Team #27 – Vinnie Sanchez, Justin Maple, Matt Katz (SCE)

Apprentices (Overall)

  • 1st Place: Apprentice #3 – Andrew Casas (SCE)
  • 2nd Place: Apprentice #24 – Tony Gonzalez (SCE)
  • 3rd Place: Apprentice #31 – Hale Atwell (LADWP)

For a full list of winners, click here.

For more information, visit sce.com/careers.

Tags: SCE lineworkers, SCE Lineman's Rodeo, International Lineman's Rodeo