UDWI Linemen shine in first IEC Linemen Rodeo appearance

For the first time, UDWI REMC linemen Michael Nail, Will Padgett, and Zane Anderson participated in the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Lineman Rodeo at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds August 22 and 23.

The Indiana Electric Cooperatives Lineman Rodeo allows for electric co-ops across the state to come together and compete against each other, aiming for professional recognition among their peers. Throughout the rodeo event, the three linemen— made up of two Journeymen, Michael Nail and Will Padgett, and one Apprentice, Zane Anderson— competed in a variety of team events.

The team events, meant to display how the cooperative linemen are able to navigate high-pressure situations and solve crises, were Hurt Man Rescue, OCR Changeout, Phase Down Line Restoration, and Cross Arm Changeout. The UDWI REMC linemen took on these event challenges for the first time this year, and were able to navigate the competition smoothly, ending with scores in the middle of their competitors— an impressive accomplishment considering UDWI linemen have not competed in the Lineman Rodeo before.

“We are all very proud of our fantastic linemen and are proud of the skill and professionalism they displayed,” expresses Doug Childs, CEO of UDWI REMC. This sentiment is shared by all those at UDWI REMC who are thrilled that their linemen were represented in the rodeo.

“We were all very grateful that management gave us the opportunity to compete with other linemen throughout the state,” comments participant and Journeyman Michael Nail. He continues, “We felt that we did very well for our first time at the event, and we now know areas that we can improve. Hopefully we get the opportunity to compete again and show our improvement.”

In the future, UDWI REMC is looking forward to continuing to show off their skills through the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Lineman Rodeo. Thank you to all those who came out to Hendricks County Fairgrounds to cheer on the linemen; UDWI is excited to see supporters at the Lineman Rodeo again next year.

To stay updated on event news and other UDWI REMC announcements, follow UDWI on Facebook or visit their website at www.udwiremc.com.