OUC Journeyman Team Wins Big at 2024 Florida Lineman Competition

OUC made a strong showing at the 2024 Florida Municipal Electric Association Lineman Competition in Jacksonville on February 23 and 24.

The journeyman team of Austin Houk, line technician II; Evan Englert, line technician II; and Nelson Rodriguez, distribution operator, placed second in the 4kV 600 Amp Disconnect Change Out event, second in 35kV Suspension Bell Change Out, fifth in Hurtman Rescue, 10^th in Wire and Transformer Location and 10^thin the “Mystery Event”

Their results earned the trio a fourth-place finish overall in the competition, which is popularly known as the Lineman Rodeo. This was the first time since 2012 that OUC has placed a journeyman team in the top 5.

“The sense of unity with the OUC rodeo teams this year was truly remarkable. It was evident in the way that they supported each other both on and off the competition field. Bringing their families to the event added an extra layer of support. Everyone played a part in uplifting the teams, whether it was through cheering from the sidelines or offering help behind the scenes. I have no doubt that with the continued support for one another, the line technicians will achieve even greater accomplishments in the future,” said Rick Taylor, electric distribution construction and maintenance manager.

Attila Miszti, OUC chief operating officer, right, and Rick Taylor, construction and maintenance manager, left, flank OUC’s winning journeyman team of (left to right) Nelson Rodriguez, distribution operator, Evan Englert, line technician II, and Austin Houk, line technician II.

The OUC journeymen faced off against 22 other teams from 15 FMEA-member utilities.

The journeyman team of Nelson Rodriguez, distribution operator, Evan Englert, line technician II, and Austin Houk, line technician II, receiving their second-place trophies for the 4kV 600 Amp Disconnect Change Out event (top) and 35kV Suspension Bell Change Out events.

OUC apprentices also performed well at the competition. Garrett Accomando, line technician III, was a standout, placing ninth out of 74 competitors in the Hurtman Rescue and 11^th in the Written Test, which is a category for apprentices only.

“All of the OUC competitors showed true grit, dedication, heart, and teamwork throughout this year’s practice and in the competition. I believe this is just the beginning of OUC’s next generation demonstrating their talents and I’m ecstatic to witness what their future holds!” said James Alexander, senior technical trainer and FMEA Lineman Competition journeyman master judge/committee head.