Walton EMC dominates at Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo

Walton EMC’s apprentice linemen showed up and showed out at the 31st Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, claiming nearly every award presented to win the event’s competitive apprentice division.

Team members swept the top five overall placements, with seven of the top 10 finishers being Walton EMC linemen. Hollis Lucas led overall scoring to earn first place. Ranking second through fifth were, respectively, Mason Tolbert, Phillip Mork, Landon Robertson and Mason Byron.

Walton EMC apprentices, who competed as individuals, also shut out fellow competitors to claim first place in all five of the skill-based events. Out of 143 apprentice linemen competing, Walton representatives brought home 13 of the 15 event awards presented.

The team’s impressive showing continued in the journeyman division. Two of the co-op’s journeyman teams were among the division’s top 10 overall.

With 31 individuals competing, Walton EMC fielded its biggest team ever for the 2026 rodeo. Six veteran Walton EMC linemen coached the team. Another 10 co-op employees served as contest judges.

The competition pushes linemen to perform at a high level while showcasing skills demanded in the electric linework trade.

“It takes strength, skill and focus to succeed in this profession,” said Adam Simmons, safety and training instructor for Walton EMC. “By training and competing together, our line team develops the confidence and coordination they need to work safely and efficiently — real-world skills our co-op customer-owners depend on.”

Top Performers

Apprentice Division

Top 10 overall:

• 1st: Hollis Lucas
• 2nd: Mason Tolbert
• 3rd: Phillip Mork
• 4th: Landon Robertson
• 5th: Mason Byron
• 7th: Cody Jarrett
• 8th: Nate Howell

Other individual event winners:

Harry Ruiz, Bryce Watson, McCray Reynolds

Journeyman Division

Top 10 Overall:

• 8th: Brad Adcock, Brandon Brooks, Blaine Ogle
• 9th: Tyler Gray, Ryan West, Jacob Brooks

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