Plainfield, In. — Seventy-one Duke Energy line workers from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky will compete this Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the annual Midwest Lineman’s Rodeo, to be held at the Duke Energy Indiana headquarters, 1000 East Main Street, Plainfield, Ind.
The lineman’s rodeo gives line workers the opportunity to compete with one another using skills that are unique to their profession. Events include a speed climb up a wood pole (with the additional challenge of holding a raw egg in their mouths and not breaking it), simulating rescuing a hurt co-worker from atop a utility pole and other events designed to mimic the unexpected challenges linemen face on the job.
Many teams and individual competitors have put in dozens of hours training and honing their skills prior to the rodeo.
In addition to competing for the best elapsed time in these events, the linemen are also evaluated on how safely they complete their tasks by adhering to specific safety practices for each task.
Contestants are divided into three groups: apprentices, who have fewer than four years of utility experience; journeymen, who have more than four years of utility experience; and senior journeymen who must be at least 45 years old.
After this regional event, the best of the best will be selected to compete for honors at the International Lineman’s Rodeo Oct. 16-19, 2019, in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
The rodeo also features several teams competing in a barbeque contest on the rodeo grounds, with prizes being given away to the winning contestants.
