CHATTANOOGA – Turns out 10 wasn’t perfect for the team from Huntsville Utilities, which won that many awards at last year’s Tennessee Valley Public Association Lineman Rodeo, setting the stage to win more hardware at the national competition in April.
The Huntsville Utilities squad went back to the 27th annual regional competition over the weekend and “roped” 12 awards with two groups of three leading the way:
Cole Border, Colby Lipham and Adam Thomas – who earned second and fourth-place finishes at nationals last year in Louisiana – corralled three firsts, a second and third in Chattanooga; and Andrew Brown, Matthew Hubbard, and Ronny Mullins – who secured first-place finish at nationals – also a second and third in the Scenic City.
The rodeo includes competitive events for apprentices, journeyman teams of three, individual linemen, and a seniors category for linemen aged 45 and above.
Linemen are judged on their speed, safety, thoroughness of the job, and following procedures. This year’s rodeo was the largest to date, with lineworkers from 35 utilities competing.
The Huntsville Utilities winning teams and individuals:
- Team of Andrew Brown, Matt Hubbard, and Ronnie Mullins
2nd Place in A-6 Polybell Changeout
3rd Place in Best Overall Teams - Team of Cole Border, Adam Thomas, and Colby Lipham
1st Place in A-6 Polybell Change Out
1st Place in Tap Change
1st Place in Best Overall Teams
2nd Place in the Mystery Event
3rd Place in Hurtman Rescue
- Team of Montana Walker, Corey Hill, and Noah Smith
3rd Place in Tap Change
- Brandon Carden
3rd Place Apprentice Written Test
3rd Place Cutout Challenge Apprentice
- Zeb Ferguson
2nd Place Jack Jumper
- Dakota Hill
3rd Place Best Overall Apprentice
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