State Rodeo gives lineworkers a chance to show of their skills

Around 50 Apprentice Lineworkers from electric cooperatives and electric districts across Arizona competed in the state Lineworkers Rodeo on October 29, 2024 at Trico. It was Trico’s first time hosting the event.

“We witnessed incredible skill and teamwork in action,” Trico CEO & GM Brian Heithoff said. “The event showcased not only technical expertise required in our line of work, but also the camaraderie that defines our industry. The rodeo allowed Trico to shine.”

The rodeo is a unique competition event designed to help lineworkers compete safely, as well as showcase their physical ability and technical skills. The competition included an obstacle course, hurt-man rescue, written exam, mystery event, and two team events – installing an overhead secondary and cross‑arm change out.

Trico Apprentice Lineworker Conor Garcia won the Obstacle Course event in a time of

4 minutes and 19 seconds. “We’ve been doing a lot of training. It was nice to be rewarded for all the hard work.”

Conor said this year’s event was well organized. “Everyone I talked to said it was a blast. It was nice having it here and having everyone cheering for us.”

Trico’s Anthony Anaya placed second in the Hurt-Man Rescue, just 5 seconds behind winner Efren Gallego of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC). Trico’s Matt Ward finished second in the Mystery Event and third in Hurt‑Man Rescue and the Obstacle Course. Conor, with Joseph Brandt of SSVEC, placed second overall in the team events. Trico’s Troy Mead and Shelbey Joel Fulton of SSVEC finished fifth in the team events.

Lisandra Teran, Records Management Specialist at Trico, said watching the Lineworker Rodeo was a great experience. “Getting to see them in their element and support them at their competitions was fun. They take great pride in their work and have a great culture of teamwork.”

“It was such a great experience to be able to see our apprentices in action, doing what they do every day. It was extra special for me watching my son (Tyler Hornung) compete,” Yoli Lazos said.

Trico will be hosting the 2025 Arizona Lineworker Rodeo April 14–16.