Climbing the career ladder

Texas Lineman’s Rodeo Competition gets underway this Saturday in Seguin

(Seguin) – Get ready to rodeo! Seguin is again the destination for utilities journeymen and apprentice linemen who have all traveled from across the state to compete in this weekend’s Texas Lineman’s Rodeo at Nolte Island Park.

The best of the best linemen began arriving on Thursday and are gearing up for the open-to-the public event in which the men and women will be attending training sessions, practicing essential safety skills and competing for professional recognition.

The contest on Saturday will include utility team competitions such as pole climbing, hurt man rescue, a mystery obstacle pole event, and a team barbecue cookoff.

Ready to welcome all teams and cheer on Seguin is Mayor Donna Dodgen. Dodgen says the city is always well represented and looks forward to another year of success.

“I want to tell the community to come on out and I know it’s hot but it’s an interesting, interesting event and our folks, our women and men that are in that electrical department have been practicing. They have been involved in this for years and years and years and go to nationals almost every single time,” said Dodgen.

 The Texas Lineman’s Rodeo was originally designed to offer the State of Texas line workers a way to showcase their skills in a family-oriented, fun, and competitive environment. Dodgen says in many cases, the rodeo is the only way for the line worker’s family and community to witness first-hand what being a lineman is all about.

“I know for them, it’s a chance to show off their skills and what they do and that’s important for our community to see because just flipping on a light switch, it just doesn’t happen. There are things that have to be done on a daily basis and especially when we have had emergencies which we’ve had quite a few in the past few years — that they come and take care of it and they take care of it quickly. Our community is very very blessed in that and so I think this is a good time to show our appreciation and for them to showcase what do and what they can do,” said Dodgen.

City of Seguin Apprentices who will be competing include Nathan Thiry; Taylor Ross, Steven Eldridge and Joe Cruz.

This year’s Journeyman Team includes AJ Martinez; Eli Santos and Derek Ranft.

Also displaying their skills at the grill will be members of this year’s BBQ cook-off team. Employees of Team Real BBQ include Bobby Hyatt, Jimmy Herrera, and Freddy King. They’ll be competing for the best brisket, pork ribs and chicken. The contests get underway at 6:45 a.m. and and will continue through mid morning.