Behind every reliable connection is a team of lineworkers whose technical expertise, grit and dedication play a critical role in maintaining and improving the grid our communities depend on.
Since its founding in 1984, the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas, has put those skills to the test, bringing lineworkers together from across the country to compete in events that mirror the real challenges they face on the job.
What began with just 12 teams has grown into an industrywide celebration of the talents at the heart of the trade, with more than 300 journeyman teams and 450 apprentices participating this year.
Safety at the center
Working with high-voltage equipment leaves little room for error, with every task requiring focus, sound judgment and a commitment to safety procedures. Rodeo events such as the hurtman rescue and pole climb reflect those demands, reinforcing the importance of preparation and disciplined execution.
“Rodeos showcase the safety and skills necessary to provide service to our customers every day,” remarked Tony Leeling, Xcel Energy director of Distribution Operations. “They allow our employees to interact with people from all aspects of the trade, from vendors, safety professionals, contractors and friends they have made that work for other companies.”
Beyond the job site
Keeping the lights on in your neighborhood comes with a unique sense of pride. For many lineworkers, the rodeo provides a rare opportunity to share that energy with friends and family, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the expertise it takes to keep safe, reliable power flowing every day.
“One of the main things for me is that spouses and children get to see what their significant other does when they leave home in the morning to go to work,” shared Leeling.
From loved ones cheering on the sidelines to the camaraderie between competitors, it’s clear the passion shared for this work extends far beyond the job site.
The road to the rodeo
Participation in the International Lineman’s Rodeo is the culmination of months of competition and preparation. Local rodeos, such as the Mile High Rodeo in Colorado and Xcel Energy’s own North Star Rodeo in Minnesota, serve as qualifying events, identifying the country’s top talent and bringing them together for the international gathering in Kansas.
We’re proud to have been well represented by 38 members of the Xcel Energy crew — 9 journeyman teams and 11 apprentices who stepped up to compete among the industry’s best.
The skills showcased throughout these rodeos aren’t just part of a competition. They’re put to the test every day — during long hours and through adverse conditions — to ensure communities are safe and powered around the clock.
