SSVEC Sparks Top 10 Finish at International Lineman’s Rodeo

If you've ever been to a traditional rodeo, you've watched a wide range of events that challenge cowboys on important ranch skills.

The International Lineman's Rodeo does the same thing, but you won't find bronc and bull riding; this is a test of skills for linemen. Cochise County not only competed this year, but they also proved their mettle against some of the best in the business.

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SSVEC Sends Journeymen Linemen to this Competition

For the first time in its 87-year history, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) sent a team of journeymen linemen to compete alongside apprentices at the prestigious International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Our hometown team not only showed up, but they showed out!

The competition was held October 15–18 and tested linemen on essential skills: hurt-man rescue, pole climbing, and some mystery events meant to separate the seasoned pros from the rookies.

SSVEC sent a trio of journeymen to the event. Efren Gallego, Jacob Shull, and Jesus Hernandez nailed a clean sweep, and they placed 7th among Rural Electric Association (REA) teams with zero-point deductions. SSVEC's team delivered flawless execution, making Cochise County proud.

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Thoughts on the Competition

The impressive team did an outstanding job in the competition.

“This is our first year competing in the journeyman division,” said Jason Bowling, SSVEC’s CEO. “The results and performance of our journeymen and apprentices make us proud and speak to their level of professionalism.”

How Did the Rest of the SSVEC Team Do?

The trio weren't the only members of SSVEC's team to do well in this year's competition. Apprentices Sawyer McDonald, Marcus Olivares, Coby Hall, and Austin Barney brought their A-game, delivering disciplined, safety-first performances that reflected the cooperative’s core values.

“That's really where it starts,” added Nathan Hodges, Senior VP of Operations. “Thanks to the experience and skills of our journeymen, SSVEC has developed a strong culture of safety and proficiency that gets passed on to our apprentices.”

With more than 40 years under its belt, the Lineman’s Rodeo remains the electric utility industry’s ultimate proving ground, and SSVEC just made its mark.

Each year, the best linemen and apprentices from around the world compete in the events at the Lineman’s Rodeo, and this competition is the best event of its kind in the world.

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative proved our hometown team is on par with the best in the industry, and we're proud they're part of our community.