Huntsville linemen place top in the nation at Lineworkers Rodeo

Huntsville is no stranger to bizarre weather events, but we can rest assured that we have some of the best crews in the nation taking care of us. And I mean it—Huntsville Utilities linemen are officially some of the best in the nation, taking home eight trophies in a competition amongst top linemen across the country.

Keep reading to see what the event was all about, plus what awards they won! 🏆

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Huntsville Utilities hosted 60 public utilities companies in John Hunt Park

Crowds gathered at John Hunt Park for a weekend of fun and friendly competition. (Huntsville Utilities + Alabama Public Power Association)

In case you missed it, teams representing 60 public electric utilities traveled from 20 states for the APPA Lineworkers Rodeo. Crowds gathered for the event on Saturday, March 28, to watch participants competed in high-stakes events that simulate the real-world challenges lineworkers face in the field, such as pole climbing, equipment change outs and hurt-man rescues.  

Beyond that, the event celebrates the heroic efforts of local utilities crews and fosters community among them. While they were rivals for the day, these crews come together year round in public relief efforts, such as restoring power in Tennessee during February’s severe cold weather.

“It’s all about people helping people. The rodeo gives us the chance to meet utilities across the country and build relationships and friendships.”

Wes Kelley, President & CEO of Huntsville Utilities

This was Huntsville Utilities’ first time hosting—their team has been preparing for two years for the event, including planting 160 power poles in John Hunt Park for the occasion.

8 awards won at the APPA Public Lineworkers Rodeo

Of course, the most fun part of any competition is winning. Not surprisingly, Huntsville Utilities continued their winning streak in a testament to the hard work and dedication these local crews have for our city.

The awards won by Huntsville Utilities included:

• Cole Border, Adam Thomas, Colby Lipham (Journeyman Team)
  • 1^st Place: URD New Install 12KV
  • 1^st Place: Storm Restoration
  • 1^st Place: Hurtman Rescue
  • 1^st Place: Overall Journeyman Team (Large Utilities/100,000+ customers)
  • 1^st Place: Overall Journeyman Team (Overall Competition)
  • 2^nd Place: OCR Replacement
  • 3^rd Place: Pin and Insulator Change Out 12KV
• Zeb Ferguson, Taylor Weakley, Dakota Hill (Journeyman Team)
  • 1^st Place: OCR Replacement

“We are incredibly proud of how well our teams did in this year’s Public Power Rodeo. We already know we have some of the best lineworkers in the nation, and it’s especially meaningful to see their skill and dedication recognized among their peers on the national stage.”

Wes Kelley, President & CEO of Huntsville Utilities

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