UDWI Linemen shine in first IEC Linemen Rodeo appearance

For the first time, UDWI REMC linemen Michael Nail, Will Padgett and Zane Anderson participated in the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Lineman Rodeo at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds on August 22 and 23.

The rodeo allows for electric co-ops across the state to come together and compete against each other, aiming for professional recognition among their peers. Throughout the rodeo event, the three linemen, made up of journeymen Michael Nail and Will Padgett and one apprentice, Zane Anderson, competed in a variety of team events.

The team events are meant to display how the cooperative linemen are able to navigate high-pressure situations and solve crises.

Team events included Hurt Man Rescue, OCR Changeout, Phase Down Line Restoration and Cross Arm Changeout.

The UDWI REMC linemen took on these event challenges for the first time this year and were able to navigate the competition smoothly, ending with scores in the middle of their competitors, an impressive accomplishment considering UDWI linemen have not competed in the Lineman Rodeo before.

“We are all very proud of our fantastic linemen and are proud of the skill and professionalism they displayed,” said UDWI REMC CEO Doug Childs. “This sentiment is shared by all those at UDWI REMC who are thrilled that their linemen were represented in the rodeo.

“We were all very grateful that management gave us the opportunity to compete with other linemen throughout the state,” said Nail. “We felt that we did very well for our first time at the event, and we now know areas that we can improve. Hopefully we get the opportunity to compete again and show our improvement.”