Plainfield, In. — Fifteen Duke Energy apprentice and journeyman line workers from Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky earned the right to advance to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kans., Oct. 12-13, after competing in the Duke Energy Midwest Lineman’s Rodeo in Plainfield on Aug. 11.
Contestants were tested on job-related skills such as equipment repair and pole climbs, while being judged on speed, agility, technique and safety procedures. This year, 79 line workers from Duke Energy’s Midwest service area participated in the regional event.
“Line workers are continually refining their skills,” said Andy Cassidy, who leads the Midwest rodeo planning committee. “Every event helps our linemen perfect their skills to work at the highest level of safety and customer service.”
Family-friendly activities at the regional rodeo included a rock wall for climbing, corn hole games, rides in a bucket truck and face painting for the children.
Duke Energy Midwest winners advancing to the international event include:
APPRENTICE OVERALL AWARDS
- 1st place – James Riddell, Fairfield, Ohio
- 2nd place – Daniel Goley, Madison, Ind.
- 3rd place – John Wilson, Avon, Ind.
JOURNEYMAN OVERALL AWARDS
- 1st place team
o Bryan Fry, Terre Haute, Ind.
o Jan Newton, Terre Haute, Ind.
o Kyle Tapp, Greencastle, Ind.
- 2nd place team
o Andy Irwin, Sullivan, Ind.
o T.J. Lewis, Aurora, Ind.
o Marc Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio
- 3rd place team
o Matt Dugan, Cincinnati, Ohio
o Chris Simpson, Milford, Ohio
o T.J. Ball, Connersville, Ind.
SENIOR OVERALL (only one senior team competed)
o Curt Addison, Cincinnati, Ohio
o Dave Barricklow, Fairfield, Ohio
o Craig Allen, Milford, Ohio
