Competing at New Heights: S.C. Lineman’s Rodeo

The First S.C. Lineman’s Rodeo took place March 15–16 at the Pee Dee Touchstone Energy Commerce City Park in Florence. Lynches River Electric Cooperative was represented by two journeyman teams that showed off their skills in five different events. Our journeyman team competitors were: Joe Wright, Alex Honeycutt, and CJ Roberts; and Cody Hough, Jason Smith, and Cody Faile.

The family-friendly event provides a chance for spectators to watch well-trained linemen showcase their skills in a safe and fun environment.

LREC employees also participated as volunteers and judges. Patricia Covington and Erica Shehane volunteered in the kids zone, while Tyson Blanton helped at the merchandise tent. Russell Hovis, James Eason, and Chris Johnson all volunteered as judges for the various rodeo events.

Rodeo activities began with a special flag-raising ceremony that featured linemen from each participating electric cooperative climbing a pole to mount the American and S.C. flags at the top. Competitions took place throughout the day and included two divisions—Apprentice, for individual competitors with less than four years’ line experience, and Journeyman, for three-person teams of two climbers and one groundman. Each division completed five events and winners were determined based on points earned by meeting the judges’ criteria in all events.