UI’s Top Linemen Compete in 40th Annual International Lineman Rodeo, Showcasing Technical Skills, Safety Training, and Industry Knowledge

Nine journeymen, organized into three teams, and three individual apprentices, compete against more than 200 teams from across the United States and Canada


Linemen host food drive, collecting 1,009 pounds of food to serve over 250 families in Northern Johnson County, Kansas


 
OVERLAND PARK, KS. — November 8, 2024 — This month, United Illuminating (UI), a subsidiary of Avangrid (NYSE: AGR), in partnership with the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 470-1, sent nine qualifying journeymen, organized into three teams, and three individual qualifying apprentices to compete in the 40th annual International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas. The event attracted over 255 journeymen teams and nearly 400 apprentices from around the world. Participants competed in events based on traditional linemen tasks and skills, designed to test their speed, agility, strength, and precision, with a strong emphasis on safe work practices. UI’s journeymen teams achieved top 100 placements in four events and top 20 in two events, while the competing apprentice placed in the top 100 in three events and top 25 in one event.

“We are incredibly proud of our lineworkers who participated in the International Linemen Rodeo, showcasing our organization’s commitment to excellence in training, efficiency, and safety,” said Frank Reynolds, President and CEO of UI. “Our linemen face numerous on-the-job hazards daily, making continuous training and practice essential to perform their work safely and effectively. The annual competition provides an excellent opportunity for our frontline workers to enhance their skills and techniques. We look forward to continuing our participation in this event, representing our organization’s dedication to safety and training in performing this critical job.”

The Rodeo Competition features four events for journeymen: Hurtman Rescue, Pole Climb, and two Mystery Events. Apprentices compete in five events: Hurtman Rescue, Pole Climb, two Mystery Events, and a written test assessing their basic skills. In the Hurtman Rescue event, a mannequin simulating an injured or unconscious coworker is “rescued” from the top of a utility pole. The Pole Climb is a timed event that tests a lineman’s skill by requiring them to climb up and down a pole without breaking a raw egg carried in their mouth. The Mystery Events involve repairing or replacing equipment, requiring teammates to collaborate to solve problems quickly and safely.

All events are graded on safety and proficiency, aiming to provide linemen with opportunities to sharpen their abilities, maintain proficiency, and improve productivity, while prioritizing safety. Events take place on de-energized equipment in a simulated environment, with participants scored based on their performance in these simulations. Deductions are made for mistakes. Competitors are judged on efficiency, agility, technique, and adherence to safety procedures.

“I am truly honored to represent UI and the UWUA Local 470-1 at the International Linemen Rodeo for the past 20 years, standing alongside hundreds of dedicated linemen from around the world,” said William Coleman, Chief Line Group Leader at UI. “My passion for continuous technical training and safety drives me to ensure that my teammates are equipped with the proper skills and techniques to perform their daily duties safely and efficiently. I am excited to see our qualifying teams continue to grow and to welcome others into the tradition.”

In addition to participating in the Linemen Rodeo Competition, UI and UWUA Local 470-1 organized a food drive for Tiny Pantry Times (TPT), a food pantry in Northern Johnson County, Kansas. TPT, which began as a tiny book library in 2020 during the pandemic, aims to combat poverty, food insecurity, food waste, and homelessness. To support this mission, UI lineman Matthew Martinelli led the effort, resulting in over 1,009 pounds of food being collected over four days. These donations were then repackaged and redistributed, providing meals for 250 families who depend on TPT.
UI and UWUA Local 470-1 have been participating in the International Rodeo for over 20 years. In recent years, sister companies Central Maine Power (CMP), New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG), and Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation (RG&E) have also qualified and participated in the annual event.

Below are the results from the Rodeo Competition for UI and UWUA Local 470-1. They can also be found on the International Linemen Rodeo’s website at: https://event.linemansrodeokc.com/results-final/

Journeyman Best of Best

  • 115 – Jason Wilson, Anthony Zervos, David Horan
  • 124 – William Coleman, Dan Ranfone, Steve Fargo
  • 176 – Zach Trapp, Justin Marquez, Codie Jones

Journeyman Pole Climb

  • 70 - Jason Wilson, Anthony Zervos, David Horan
  • 95 - Zach Trapp, Justin Marquez, Codie Jones
  • 113 - William Coleman, Dan Ranfone, Steve Fargo

Journeymen Hurtman Rescue

  • 19 - William Coleman, Dan Ranfone, Steve Fargo
  • 22 - Jason Wilson, Anthony Zervos, David Horan
  • 120 - Zach Trapp, Justin Marquez, Codie Jones

Journeyman Mystery Event #1

  • 147 - Zach Trapp, Justin Marquez, Codie Jones
  • 210 - Jason Wilson, Anthony Zervos, David Horan
  • 212 - William Coleman, Dan Ranfone, Steve Fargo

Journeyman Mystery Event #2

  • 76 - Jason Wilson, Anthony Zervos, David Horan
  • 120 - William Coleman, Dan Ranfone, Steve Fargo
  • 224 - Zach Trapp, Justin Marquez, Codie Jones

Journeyman IOU Division 

  • 54 - Jason Wilson, Anthony Zervos, David Horan
  • 59 - William Coleman, Dan Ranfone, Steve Fargo
  • 86 - Zach Trapp, Justin Marquez, Codie Jones

Apprentice Best of the Best

  • 147 - James Christiano
  • 263 - Jay Donaldson
  • 370 - Kyle Shamer

Apprentice Pole Climb

  • 75 - Jay Donaldson
  • 296 - James Christiano
  • 346- Kyle Shamer

Apprentice Written Test 

  • 212 - James Christiano
  • 271 - Jay Donaldson
  • 289 - Kyle Shamer

Apprentice Mystery Event #1

  • 127 - James Christiano
  • 332 - Jay Donaldson
  • 371 - Kyle Shamer

Apprentice Hurtman Rescue

  • 25 - James Christiano
  • 253 - Jay Donaldson
  • 346 - Kyle Shamer

Apprentice Mystery Event #2

  • 152 - Jay Donaldson
  • 167- James Christiano
  • 356 - Kyle Shamer

Apprentice IOU Division

  • 71 - James Christiano
  • 126 - Jay Donaldson
  • 164 - Kyle Shamer

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