October 11, 2023 – Ameren lineworkers, apprentices and judges have wrapped up practice and are headed to Overland Park, Kansas, to compete in the 39th annual International Lineman’s Rodeo, Oct. 13-14.
Billed as the “Lineman Olympics,” the Rodeo brings together the most talented lineworkers from utilities all around the globe to compete in events based on the common tasks performed by journeymen lineworkers and apprentices.
Ameren held a competition earlier in the year to select lineworkers from Illinois and Missouri. Ameren Illinois is sending 24 linemen, 14 apprentices and 35 judges/committee members to Overland Park, while Ameren Missouri is sending 24 linemen, 12 apprentices and 16 judges.
Locally, 15 individuals from the Decatur Operating Center and Training Center will be representing Ameren Illinois this year as committee members. Ameren will have nearly 75 individuals representing Ameren Illinois at the event, Oct. 13-14.
“The rodeo is all about our lineworkers competing to the best of their abilities in a safe manner,” said Craig Gilson, vice president of electric operations for Ameren Illinois. “It also gives family members an up-close look at what it takes to do this type of work on an everyday basis.”
“Our dedicated team of lineworkers and apprentices work every day to provide safe and reliable power to our electric customers,” said Ryan Arnold, vice president, energy delivery for Ameren Missouri. “They take great pride in representing Ameren and their local communities at this event, which gives them the opportunity to competitively showcase their skills that simulate real-life scenarios they could encounter in the field.”
Ameren Illinois lineworker, Jason Novak, has participated in the competition for several years. Novak has won the Hurtman Rescue event in the past.
“A 175-pound dummy is hung up in the air to simulate an injured coworker,” said Novak, who has been a lineworker for more than 30 years. “You start the event with your tools laying on the ground. You put your tools on, climb the 40-foot pole, tie the dummy off and safely lower him to the ground without dropping him.”
