Bluebonnet’s 2024 senior journeyman team members test their skills in safely replacing an electrical disconnect switch, a critical task when restoring power. For the second year in a row, the team — Brandon Johnson, left, Michael Guajardo, right, and Kenneth Roush, not pictured — won first place in the senior journeyman division. A senior team will compete again in July. Sarah Beal photo
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative will send lineworker interns, journeymen, judges and a barbecue team to compete in the annual Texas Lineman’s Rodeo, set for July 19 at Nolte Island Recreation Area near Seguin.
This rodeo is not for cattle and cowboys. Lineworkers compete against others from electric utilities across the state in intense, timed challenges that showcase skills they perform every day, such as climbing utility poles, repairing power lines and fixing equipment.
One of the most challenging events is the pole-top rescue. Competitors must simulate saving an injured lineworker, using a human-sized mannequin. These events test their precision, speed and safety under pressure.
Bluebonnet’s teams will be joined by families and guests to support the event.
The competition takes place in a field near the Guadalupe River, with de-energized utility poles set up for the events, and is open to the public.
Come cheer on Bluebonnet’s team members or follow their progress on Bluebonnet’s social media pages throughout the day.