Xcel Energy Lineman’s Rodeo Friday in Amarillo
Media Release, Xcel Energy
AMARILLO, Texas — Xcel Energy linemen will showcase their skills at the 32nd Lone Star Lineman’s Rodeo starting at 6 p.m. Friday at Xcel Energy’s Don Taylor Rodeo Grounds at 7801 E. Interstate 40 in Amarillo.
The rodeo ground is in the rear of Xcel Energy’s Amarillo Technical Center, the company’s primary training facility for line personnel in Texas and New Mexico.
The rodeo has both individual and team events that score linemen on their knowledge of electricity, safety and their skills in climbing poles and performing construction and repair tasks atop utility poles. Despite the name of the competition, there are no cattle or horses involved.
Teams will compete in the Pole Climb with Raw Egg, Hurt-Man Rescue and two mystery events.
The pole climb involves a lineman climbing a pole with an egg in a canvas bucket, removing the egg and placing it in his mouth, knocking loose an existing bucket atop the pole, and descending with the unbroken egg in his mouth.
The Hurt-Man Rescue scores a lineman’s ability to rescue a 165-pound, life-size dummy from atop a pole and bring the dummy safely to the ground, secured in rescue rigging. Mystery events are unknown events that cannot be practiced ahead of the competition but involve everyday job and safety skills expected of a utility lineman.
Teams consist of three participants – two climbing journeymen and a groundman. Scoring is based on correct work procedures and attention to safety.
The competition also includes an apprentice division where individuals compete in five events: Apprentice Hurt-Man Rescue, pole climbing events, a written test, and two mystery events.
