Duke Energy lineworkers advance to International Lineman’s Rodeo

Six lineworkers from Hamilton County will compete in Kansas

Fifteen Duke Energy lineworkers from the Midwest will compete this fall in the International Lineman’s Rodeo after advancing from the Duke Energy Midwest Lineman’s Rodeo in Plainfield, Ind., over the weekend.

Lineman’s rodeos showcase the job-related skills that line technicians rely on daily to restore power – often under extreme conditions such as high wind, heavy rain, freezing cold and sweltering heat.

Lineman compete to score highly in equipment repair, pole climbs and hurt man rescues, and get graded for their speed, agility, technique and safety procedures. Each year, Duke Energy holds regional competitions in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest to qualify lineworkers for the international competition.

“Our crews’ agility and depth of knowledge continue to impress me each day, but I’m even prouder of their dedication to keeping the lights on for millions of customers who depend on them,” said Scott Batson, senior vice president and chief distribution officer at Duke Energy. “Safety, skills and efficiency are integral in the job of a lineworker – and Duke Energy truly has some of the best talent in the world.”

The Journeyman team will advance to the International Lineman’s Rodeo. (From left) Andrew Hall (Carmel), Jason Washburn (Noblesville), Donald Broadhurst (Duke Energy’s Regional SVP Customer Delivery) and Cody Kennedy (Noblesville). (Photo provided by Duke Energy Indiana)

High poles, top talent

Duke Energy Midwest regional rodeo winners will join lineworkers from Duke Energy rodeos in Florida and the Carolinas to compete at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kan., on Oct. 14. For 20 years, Duke Energy lineworkers have showcased their talents at the global competition.

Duke Energy Midwest competitors advancing from regional rodeos to the International Lineman’s Rodeo include:

Apprentice overall awards

• First place – Oliver Huhta (Princeton, Ind.)
• Second place – Logan Pollei (Rochester, Ind.)
• Third place – Nick Gearhart (Carmel)
• Fourth place – Calvin Fettig (Noblesville)
• Fifth place – Tyler Adrian (Carmel)
• Sixth place – Riley Hilty (Huntington, Ind.)

Journeyman teams overall awards

• First place – TJ Lewis (Aurora, Ind.), Bret Lewis (Madison, Ind.) and Nick Meyer (Madison, Ind.)
• Second place – Andrew Hall (Carmel), Jason Washburn (Noblesville) and Cody Kennedy (Noblesville)
• Third place –Travis Vidal (Columbus, Ind.), Nick Minnich (Columbus, Ind.) and John Menefee (Columbus, Ind.)

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2023 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “World’s Best Employers” list. More information is available at duke-energy.com.