During the 33rd annual Lone Star Lineman’s Rodeo, several Xcel Energy line workers from the South Plains were recognized for their skills and dedication in Amarillo on July 30.
Nearly 100 line workers from Texas, New Mexico and Colorado competed in the Lone Star Lineman’s Rodeo, which tests the technical skills, teamwork and focus needed to maintain electrical infrastructure and restore power for customers.
The annual competition featured hands-on challenges based on the daily work performed by line crews in the field. More than 700 employees and family members attended the rodeo to support competitors as they demonstrated the skills required to keep communities powered.
The top-performing journeyman team included employees from local service centers. O.J. Zapata from the Littlefield Service Center, along with Sterling Justus and Sean Williams from the Lubbock Service Center, earned first place in the Journeyman Team competition.
Other South Plains employees also placed in the competition with the journeyman team, including Guillermo Ramirez from the Seminole Service Center, Stephen Byrd from the Plainview Service Center and Eric Paredez from the Levelland Service Center, placing third.
In the apprentice division, several area employees finished among the top 10 competitors. Austin Taylor and Korey Moczygemba from the Seminole Service Center placed fourth and fifth, while Greg Adame from the Plainview Service Center finished sixth. Lubbock Service Center employees Bradley Reed and Caleb Lusk placed seventh and 10th.
Several of the top finishers will represent Southwestern Public Service Company, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas City this fall.
“The rodeo gives our line workers a chance to challenge themselves, learn from one another and take pride in the work they do for our customers and communities. It is also a reminder of the dedication and care they bring to the job, no matter what conditions they’re facing,” said Brad Baldridge, interim president of Xcel Energy.
For more information,
please visit xcelenergy.com.