New crop of linemen sprout success

Walton EMC linemen have a legacy of doing well at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, a day of competition designed to test participants’ knowledge and skill. Their performance at the recent 2025 edition shows the tradition is still going strong.

Especially encouraging is that the large contingent of apprentice linemen competitors – those still in training – had a multitude of top-ten finishes over a number of individual events and overall placings.

Your co-op sent 12 apprentices to the rodeo, making up almost 10% of those competing. Four finished in the top 10 overall, including Phillip Mork who placed fourth, Mason Tolbert who placed fifth, Hollis Lucas who placed seventh and Nate Howell who placed ninth. Additionally, nine of the apprentices had top 10 individual event placements with all 12 earning perfect scores in the hurtman rescue event.

“The Lineman’s Rodeo shows exactly what being a lineman demands—skill, strength and mental toughness,” said Greg Pannell, Walton EMC line superintendent. “What you see at the rodeo is what our crews do every day to keep the power on, no matter the conditions.”

Several journeyman linemen volunteer to serve as coaches for the apprentice competitors. Most of the practice in preparing for the rodeo is done outside of working hours.

The co-op’s experienced journeyman team also made a good showing, placing fourth in the mystery event and 12th in the lightning arrestor change, earning perfect scores in both.

By being a mystery event, the journeymen have no idea what to expect until the instructions for the event are revealed.

The rodeo, in its 31st year, is held the first Saturday in May at the Camp John Hope FFA-FCCLA Center near Fort Valley. Both EMC and municipal electric teams from across the state compete, with winners advancing to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in October.

The Walton EMC team made another impressive showing at the 2025 Lineman’s Rodeo held in Fort Valley, Ga. Representing the co-op are, front row (L-R): Cody Jarrett (apprentice), Ryan West (journeyman coach), Harry Ruiz (apprentice), Brandon Short (apprentice), Jacob Daria (apprentice), John Spence (judge), Adam Simmons (apprentice coach), Bryce Watson (apprentice), Phillip Mork (apprentice), Adrian Mendoza (journeyman), and Nate Howell (apprentice). Back Row (L-R): Steven Favinger (apprentice), Preston Roberts (journeyman coach), Cody Underwood (apprentice), Hollis Lucas (apprentice), Mason Tolbert (apprentice), Shooter Brooks (journeyman), David Peters (journeyman), Tyler Standridge (apprentice), Blaine Ogle (apprentice coach), and Tommy Ledford (apprentice coach). Not pictured: Brad Adcock (judge), Jacob McNary (judge), Josh Mercado (judge) and Greg Pannell (judge).

Rodeo Recap Video

Rodeo Photo Gallery

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