Annual Linemen’s Expo for OGE resumed this month

  • August 15, 2022

 

Linemen teams from across OG&E’s service area gathered in Oklahoma City on Aug. 6 to compete in the company’s annual Linemen’s Expo. This was the 31st year for the event, after a two-year pause due to health and safety concerns of COVID-19.

OG&E linemen kicked off the day with a moving salute to the American flag before showcasing their technical craft skills and commitment to safe work practices by competing in timed events like pole climbing, transformer change out, hurtman rescue, extendo stick and more.

“Congratulations to all the competitors,” said Andrea Dennis, OG&E vice president of transmission and distribution operations. “The athleticism and technical skills we witnessed among our linemen was incredible. It was an amazing day of competition with the largest turnout ever.”

The top three overall teams will go on to represent OG&E in the International Lineman’s Rodeo competition in October in Overland Park, Kansas. The winners were:

  • 1st place: From various areas Carl Bilyeu, Chad Gleave and Gerardo Soto
  • 2nd place: Shawnee-area linemen Jay Cottman, John Edgmon and Hunter Royal
  • 3rd place: Ardmore-area linemen William Powell, Keith McMillan and Wayne Tow

In addition, the top three winners in the Over 45, and Apprentice competitions will also represent the electric utility at the International Lineman’s Rodeo. Winners in those categories were:

Over 45 Competition:

  • 1st place: Oklahoma City-area Construction Foreman Shawn Hill
  • 2nd place: Oklahoma City-area Transmission Lineman Steve Highfill
  • 3rd Place: Kellyville-area Construction Foreman Tommy Finch

Apprentice Competition:

  • 1st place: Ardmore-area Lineman Apprentice Lane Miller
  • 2nd place: Durant-area Lineman Apprentice Tad Holt
  • 3rd place: Ft. Smith-area Lineman Apprentice Haydon Hall

Hundreds of the electric company’s employees and family members attended the event and enjoyed a variety of activities, which included a car show, grill master contest, Lineman’s Museum tours, kids rides and games, and a 5k Run & Fun Walk, in addition to the competition.

Jerry Bohnen