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NBU Linemen Earn Honors at International Lineman’s Rodeo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Reagan Peña
Director of Enterprise Communications
830.312.7979 | rpena@nbutexas.com

(New Braunfels, Texas – Oct. 22, 2024) New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) Journeymen and Apprentices competed in the 2024 International Lineman’s Rodeo (ILR) Saturday, Oct. 19, in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Competing against hundreds of the best linemen worldwide, NBU’s team ranked in the top ten percent across multiple categories, a testament to their dedication, skill, and professionalism.

ILR offers linemen the opportunity to showcase their expertise in events that simulate real-world challenges encountered on the job. NBU’s journeymen and apprentices faced rigorous competition in events testing power restoration, pole climbing, intricate repairs, safety adherence, and strategic problem-solving under pressure. These exercises replicate the high-stakes, fast-paced conditions that linemen face every day in the field.

“NBU linemen work tirelessly to keep the lights on and our communities safe,” said NBU’s Chief Operations Officer Mark Steelman. “The International Lineman’s Rodeo allows our linemen to test their abilities, and reinforces their commitment to operational excellence, all of which translate into safer, more reliable service for our customers.”

The journeyman team included Ty McFarlin, Bradley Dietert and Chris Gavigan. Overall, they placed 17th out of 46 municipal teams and 72nd out of 227 teams consisting of municipal, cooperatives, investor-owned, contractor, and military divisions.

Apprentices participating in this year’s competition included Brenner Magott, Chance Miller, Klayton Rothrock and Nate Wallsmith. Highlights for the apprentice team included Nate Wallsmith placing 3rd out of 380 apprentices in the Mystery Event #1 and Brenner Magott placing 7th overall out of 73 apprentices in the Municipal Division. In the Best of the Best Overall, Magott landed in the top 10 percent with a 32nd place out of 380 apprentices while Klayton Rothrock was in the top 25 percent with an 87th placing. Complete results for all journeymen and apprentices can be found here.

These accomplishments reflect NBU’s continued investment in the development of its workforce. NBU’s journeyman apprentice program is a comprehensive training initiative combining hands-on experience with classroom instruction to develop highly-skilled journeymen. During the four-year program, apprentices work alongside experienced journeymen learning essential skills, preparing apprentices to handle the demands of maintaining and repairing critical electrical infrastructure. In addition, they are trained in cutting-edge safety protocols and industry best practices, ensuring they are ready for any challenge. More information on NBU’s Electric Lineman Apprenticeship Program can be found here.

ILR is recognized as the premier venue for linemen to compete against peers from around the world. NBU’s remarkable showing reflects ongoing dedication to operational excellence and our mission to provide reliable and resilient service to the New Braunfels community.

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About New Braunfels Utilities:
New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) is a nonprofit, community-owned provider of electric, water and wastewater services. NBU strives to be a trusted community partner with a mission of providing resilient essential services to over 60,000 customers. Utility revenues are continually invested back into the very systems that provide electricity and water to our customers’ homes and businesses. Additionally, New Braunfels Utilities makes an annual transfer to the City of New Braunfels, which in turn helps to pay for services such as fire, police and city parks. NBU is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of the mayor and four appointed residents. Visit nbutexas.com to learn more about our services and follow NBU on Facebook at facebook.com/newbraunfelsutilities, on X at @nbutexas or on Instagram at @nbutexas.