The International Lineman’s Rodeo is not your typical rodeo with horses and cowboys. It’s a competition between those who keep the juice flowing by repairing power lines.
Lineworkers from the United States and several countries compete in Bonner Springs, Kan., at events testing skills such as rescuing an injured teammate, repairing equipment and climbing poles. Competitors are judged on speed, agility, technique and safety procedures. More than 1,000 from the United States, Canada and Australia participated this year.
Three Duke Energy lineworkers from North Carolina took the top prize in the senior division for competitors who are at least 50 years old.
Mike Haynes of Marion and David Phillips and Neal Walker attended the International Lineman’s Rodeo more times than most, but on Saturday, they walked across the stage as world champions for the first time. Haynes said he has been after this title for a long time, since he has been participating in the rodeo since 2005
The rodeo conditions this year were rough with cold and rain. For lineworkers though, conditions are rarely perfect, and they don’t quit when things get tough. They’re used to working in all kinds of weather, from hurricanes to ice storms.
