OUC had a strong showing at the recent American Public Power Association’s Lineworkers Rodeo, which took place April 5 and 6 in Lafayette, Louisiana.

The trio of Austin Houk, Line Technician II; Evan Englert, Line Technician II; and Nelson Rodriguez, Distribution Operator/Line Technician I, were recognized as the fifth-place overall journeyman team. Some highlights from their performance include 4th place finishes in the Hurtman Rescue and 4KV Alley Arm Insulator Change Out events. They missed out on 3rd place in each by seconds, which would have earned them additional trophies.

Austin Houk, Line Technician II; Nelson Rodriguez, Distribution Operator/Line Technician I and Evan Englert, Line Technician II, receive their fifth-place overall trophy from Journeyman Master Judge Shawn Blomgren, Huntsville Utilities. Photo Credit: Jackson Bedbury, APPA

This is the same team that brought home three trophies from the Florida Lineman Competition in February, including a fourth-place finish overall.

OUC’s other journeyman team also placed well at the national competition.

Frank Akkerman, Brendan Laflamme, and Shane Paras, who are all Line Technician I, brought home third place in the 200 Amp Swollen Elbow Repair event.

Brendan Laflamme, Shane Paras and Frank Akkerman, all Line Technician I, receive their trophy for third place in the 200 Amp Swollen Elbow Repair event, flanked by Chief Judge Billy White, Kissimmee Utility Authority (left) and Journeyman Master Judge Shawn Blomgren, Huntsville Utilities (right). Photo Credit: Jackson Bedbury, APPA

In the run-up to the Lineworkers Rodeo, the OUC teams trained hard. They met twice weekly at the Pershing training facility throughout the month before the competition, ramping up that schedule to daily practices during the final week.

The Lineworkers Rodeo brought together competitors from 57 community-owned utilities from across the nation.

Various events test skills, speed and safety awareness in tasks that line techs typically see in the field. Participants are timed in each event, with judges deducting points for violations of competition guidelines and “gigs,” a.k.a. mistakes. The lines are not energized during the events, but they are treated as if they are.

The OUC team also included a team of apprentices, featuring Garrett Accomando, Line Technician II, Elijah Venn, Line Technician III, and Sal Martinez, Line Technician III.

OUC’s presence at the event was rounded out by James Alexander and Bryan Walsh, both Senior Technical Trainers, and Sean Carrol, Line Technician I, who acted as judges.