Pictured from left, front row, Jordan Lang, Hunter Sparks, Kolton Stotesbury, Jordan Bradshaw, and Carter Gaskins; from left, back row, David Guy, Jason Gaskins, Davis Wynne, Chandler Fornes, Holden Stotesbury, Tyler Bradshaw, Joey Dash, Gus Smith, Garrett Ward, Jacob Johnson, and Cole Hartley.
GUC’s Electric Department brought nine trophies home from the 2026 North Carolina Association of Municipal Electric Systems (NCAMES) Lineworker Rodeo held in Hickory, North Carolina.
In the Apprentice Division, Lineworker Second Class Jordan Bradshaw took 1st place overall, and Lineworker Third Class Hunter Sparks took 3rd place overall.
In the Lightning Arrestor Changeout and Hurtman competitions, Jordan Bradshaw also placed 2nd.
In the Transformer Load Switch competition, Hunter won 1st place, and Lineworker Third Class Kolton Stotesbury placed 2nd.
In the Journeyman Division, Lineworker Third Class Carter Gaskins placed 5th overall and 1st in the Single Phase Cutout Changeout competition.
Lineworker Second Class Jordan Lang placed 2nd in the Double Pin Insulator Changeout competition.
The Journeyman (more than four years of experience) team included Lineworker Second Class Cole Hartley, Jordan Lang, and Carter.
The Apprentice team (less than four years of experience) included Jordan B., Hunter, Kolton, Lineworker Second Class Gus Smith, and Lineworkers Third Class Holden Stotesbury, Davis Wynne, Tyler Bradshaw, Chandler Fornes, Jacob Johnson, and Garrett Ward.
The team coaches were Electric Crew Leader Jason Gaskins, Electric Crew Leader Joey Dash, and Lineworker First Class David Guy.
“They worked hard, did their best during the competition and made us proud,” said Electric Distribution Engineer Doug Boone.
In conjunction with the rodeo, NCAMES also offered opportunities to learn and network.
“It provided an opportunity for us to listen to others in the industry talk about excellence in safety, see new equipment and tools, and connect with vendors,” Doug said. “It was also a good opportunity for the guys to meet with their peers from other areas and learn how they do things and share information.”
