Top Lineworkers Compete on International Stage

Southern California Edison teams show off their skills at the International Lineman’s Rodeo.
Skip to content
Stories : People
Stories : People

Top Lineworkers Compete on International Stage

Southern California Edison teams show off their skills at the International Lineman’s Rodeo.
Taylor Hillo
Taylor Hillo
ENERGIZED by Edison Writer
Contributors
Photo Credit: Mark Archuleta and Jill Anderson
Subscribe

Scaling poles, stringing wire and braving unpredictable environments — lineworkers have an unusual but essential job.

It takes skills not many possess, and every year, the best of the best go toe to toe, showcasing their talents at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

This year, 227 journeyman and 380 apprentices from around the world competed in events like the Pole Climb, Hurt Man Rescue and two mystery events — scored based on speed and safety.

Winners from the competition include:

  • Hurt Man Rescue: 3rd Place — Brandon Gloria SCE, David Angove PG&E, Jacob Hunt PG&E
  • Mystery Event #2: 1st Place — Brandon Gloria SCE, David Angove PG&E, Jacob Hunt PG&E
  • Overall Journeyman IOU Division: 4th Place — Matthew Katz, Justin Mapel, Hunter Coe SCE

See a complete list of winners here.

Check out photos from this year’s event:

Teams compete in the Pole Climb, Hurt Man Rescue and two mystery events.
Teams compete in the Pole Climb, Hurt Man Rescue and two mystery events.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jill Anderson
Journeyman compete in teams of three and are scored on how quickly and safely they can complete the event.
Journeyman compete in teams of three and are scored on how quickly and safely they can complete the event.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Archuleta
During the Pole Climb event, competitors must climb as fast as possible without breaking an egg in their mouth.
During the Pole Climb event, competitors must climb as fast as possible without breaking an egg in their mouth.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jill Anderson
Five teams of SCE journeyman and eight apprentices joined the more than 600 utility workers at this year’s competition.

Five teams of SCE journeyman and eight apprentices joined the more than 600 utility workers at this year’s competition.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Archuleta
During the Hurt Man Rescue, competitors must safely bring a mannequin that represents a fallen team member to the ground.
The Hurt Man Rescue event mimics what is required to help an injured colleague who is stuck on a power pole.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jill Anderson
(l-r) Richard Lopez, Bryan Casas and Paul Guevara gear up for their next event at the International Lineman's Rodeo.

(l-r) Richard Lopez, Bryan Casas and Paul Guevara gear up for their next event at the International Lineman's Rodeo. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Jill Anderson
Matthew Katz, Justin Mapel and Matthew Katz, accept their award for fourth overall in the Journeyman IOU division.

(l-r ) Hunter Coe, Justin Mapel and Matthew Katz, accept their award for fourth overall in the Journeyman IOU division.  

PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Archuleta
Tags: International Linemans Rodeo, SCE crews, lineworkers