PEC lineworkers prepare rigorously for the rodeo and do whatever it takes to get a leg up on the competition.

“These guys train hard and expect to win,” said Safety and Program Development Manager Darrell Hall. “That’s the attitude for PEC at this event.”

PEC’s apprentices had an outstanding showing, sweeping several events and coming away with the top three awards in the overall category. Apprentices are lineworkers who are working their way through the several years of on-the-job training required to become a certified journeyworker.

“You look around and our guys are some of the fastest, some of the smartest lineworkers in the country,” Apprentice Lineworker Darren Donhauser said.

Donhauser’s teammate Garrit Afman seconds that notion.

The rodeo is a great opportunity for PEC and the greater lineworker community to come together. Many families of PEC employees come to watch their loved ones compete. For a lot of children, it’s how they learn what their parents do at work. If you ask anyone at the rodeo what makes it special, it’s likely “family” will be the first thing they say.

“It’s a brotherhood,” said Substation Technician JR Lombard, who competed on one of PEC’s three barbeque teams. Two journeyworker teams and six apprentices will represent PEC at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas, Oct. 16-19. Join us in wishing them the best of luck on the biggest stage of competition!

The journeyworker teams heading to the international competition include Charley Goines, Jayce Johnnson, and Derek Morgan of Kyle/Buda and Chris Gerchman, Nick Morris, and Asuncion Menchaca of Canyon Lake. The apprentices are Garrit Afman, Evan Bradfield, Caleb Brodock, Neil Dodson, Darren Donhauser, and Joshua Herrick.

Congratulations to all our competitors. As always, you make us PEC Proud!