Eleven teams of linemen from 10 electric cooperatives and one municipal electric company participated in the 22nd annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo sponsored by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) on Friday, Sept. 27. The rodeo gives linemen the opportunity to showcase their skills in a friendly competition with other lineworkers across the state.
Austin Aschemann, Brennan Caspermeyer and Logan Schutte represented Adams Electric Cooperative at the event, held on the Chuck West Lineman Training Grounds at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) in Springfield.
Each year, teams of linemen from Illinois electric co-ops and municipal utilities participate in competitive events using skills that focus on agility, speed and accuracy. While these skills are part of the judging criteria, above all, the linemen are judged on safe work practices.
Line personnel competed in four team events, three individual events and a head-to-head climbing challenge. Team and individual events included hurt man rescue, egg climb (linemen climb a 30-foot pole with a raw egg in their mouth) and an H-structure obstacle course. Additionally, teams competed in a crossarm change. At the end of the day, individuals competed in a head-to-head climbing challenge and were seeded in a bracket based on their scores from the egg climb.
Adams Electric’s team took third place in the Egg Climb and Apprentice Brennan Caspermeyer placed first in the Individual Apprentice Egg Climb. In the H-Structure event for individual apprentice, Austin Aschemann received second place.
Scores for each event use a 100-point scale and are based on completion time, proper execution of the task and safety. Deductions were made to a team or individual’s overall performance score due to mistakes such as slipping when climbing poles, dropping tools or executing inappropriate procedures or methods.
Congratulations to our linemen on their team and individual efforts.
Adams Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy — a national alliance of local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service to members large and small. More than 730 Touchstone Energy cooperatives in 46 states are delivering energy and energy solutions to more than 32 million members every day. Touchstone Energy cooperatives serve their members with integrity, accountability, innovation and a longstanding commitment to communities.
Adams Electric Cooperative is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 8,784 meters over 2,242 miles of line in parts of Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, Pike and Schuyler counties. For more information visit adamselectric.coop.
From (l-r): Brennan Caspermeyer, Logan Schutte, and Austin Aschemann represented Adams Electric Cooperative at the 22nd annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo on Friday, Sept. 27.