For the second time this year, a team of Electric Department employees traded hard hats for cowboy hats, this time at the 57th Annual North Carolina Association of Municipal Electric Systems (NCAMES) Lineman’s Rodeo in Morganton, NC, on May 17th. Public power teams from around the state competed in events that test their knowledge and ability to perform tasks safely and quickly.

Employees volunteer to participate in the rodeo, which involves Apprentices (less than four years of experience) and Journeymen (more than four years). GUC’s Journeyman team included Underground Lineworkers David Guy and Travis Ransom, along with Overhead Lineworker Brian Baker. Overhead Lineworker Jordan Hill, along with Substation Lineworker Remington Gaskins and Tree Trimmers Matt Board and Spencer Corey competed in the Apprentice division.

The Apprentice group took a written test before both groups headed to the competition field, where all the events involved tasks on a 40-foot utility pole.

Our team performed well again this year! In the Apprentice competitions, Jordan brought home the first place trophy for the Hurt Man Rescue. Spencer placed fourth in the Rope Toss and fifth in the Sidewalk Guy, while Matt placed 5th in Hurt Man, and Remington placed 8th Overall.

In the Journeyman Division, David placed second Overall by placing third in both the Crossarm Change Out and the Jumper Replacement, and an overall perfect score of 400.