The right stuff

Two Walton EMC apprentice linemen are among the world’s best at what they do.

Mason Tolbert and Phillip Mork represented Walton EMC at the 40th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kan. Competing against nearly 400 apprentice lineworkers, Tolbert earned top honors, placing second overall among electric cooperative competitors and third among all apprentices. Mork earned a seventh-place finish in the co-op division. Walton EMC was the only electric co-op with two representatives finishing in the division’s top 10.

The apprentices’ exceptional performance is a testament to their hard work and the dedication of the entire Walton EMC team, said Line Superintendent Greg Pannell.

“To see representatives from our co-op compete at such a high level and bring home top honors speaks to the high standards we’re known for,” he said. “Their accomplishments reflect our dedication to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to our customer-owners.”

Adam Simmons, a Walton EMC journeyman lineman, coached Tolbert and Mork. Also representing the co-op at the event were John Spence, who served as a judge, and Preston Roberts, lineman supervisor.

The international contest brought together nearly 1,000 elite lineworkers from electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, contractors and electric providers for the military. Tolbert and Mork qualified for the event after recording impressive finishes at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo in May.

During the rodeo, apprentices (individuals with four or fewer years of experience) individually compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks and skills. Preparing for these challenges provides valuable opportunities for linemen to sharpen their abilities, stay proficient and improve productivity, all while prioritizing safety.

Tolbert said the experience was an opportunity to spotlight his co-workers and the co-op’s customer-owners. “The people at the rodeo won’t remember my name, but they’ll remember Walton EMC,” he said. “And that’s what matters – we’re out there representing something bigger than just ourselves.”

Representing Walton EMC at the 40th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland, Kan., are, from left, Preston Roberts, Mason Tolbert, Adam Simmons, Phillip Mork and John Spence.