As the 2024 APPA Lineworkers Rodeo draws near, OUC’s Line Technician team is hard at work preparing and training. The event, hosted by Lafayette Utilities Systems in Lafayette, Louisiana, takes place this week on April 5-6. The prestigious competition brings together lineworkers from across the country to showcase their skills and expertise in various challenging scenarios.
Leading up to the national rodeo, the team has practiced twice weekly for the past month. However, last week, they intensified their training with daily practices. The final training sessions will be held today, Monday (4/1), and Tuesday (4/2), as they travel to the competition on Thursday (4/4).
OUC is proud to announce its participation with two Journeyman teams, three Apprentices, three judges, and three support staff members.
Apprentice Events:
- Hurtman Rescue
- Single Phase Conductor Tie-In with Armor Rod
- Single Phase Angle Bell Replacement
- Alley Arm Insulator Change Out
- Written Test
Journeyman Team Events:
- Hurtman Rescue
- 4KV Alley Arm Insulator Change Out
- 200 Amp Swollen Elbow Repair
- 12KV Single Phase Deadend Transfer
- 12KV 900 Amp Switch Change Out
Team Composition:
- Team 1: Austin Houk (Line Technician II), Evan Englert (Line Technician II), Nelson Rodriguez (Distribution Operator/ Line Technician I)
- Team 2: Brendan Laflamme (Line Technician I), Frank Akkerman (Line Technician I), Shane Paras (Line Technician I)
Apprentices:
- Garrett Accomando (Line Technician II)
- Elijah Venn (Line Technician III)
- Sal Martinez (Line Technician III)
Judges:
- James Alexander (Sr Technical Trainer – Electric)
- Bryan Walsh (Sr Technical Trainer – Electric)
- Sean Carrol (Line Technician I)
- Zachary Rochester (Line Technician I)
Support Staff:
- Attila Miszti (Chief Operating Officer)
- Rick Taylor (Manager, Construction & Maintenance)
OUC’s Line team is dedicated to excellence and looks forward to showcasing their skills, teamwork and commitment to safety at the 2024 APPA Lineman Rodeo. Good luck to all participants!
