Line workers, barbecue team contend in annual competition at Nolte Island Park near Seguin

By Sidni Carruthers

Under the hot Texas sun, fueled by unwavering dedication, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative line workers, barbecue pitmasters and staff judges joined hundreds of colleagues from across the state in mid-July at Nolte Island Park near Seguin for the 27th Texas Lineman’s Rodeo. Before the temperature started to soar, over 200 line workers from electric cooperatives and utilities across the state got an early-morning start showcasing their skills and commitment to safety.

Nine journeymen and eight apprentice line workers from Bluebonnet competed at the July 15 event, and eight staffers were competition judges. Four line workers-turned-pitmasters competed for barbecue cook-off honors. 

The Bluebonnet teams’ day ended on a high note when the senior journeyman team of Michael Guajardo, Brandon Johnson and Kenneth Roush won first place in their division. 

Bluebonnet’s barbecue team of  Tra Muston, Kyle Kasper, Tim Grimm and Logan Lancaster competed against other pitmasters for best brisket, ribs and chicken. “We really enjoy coming out and competing. Everyone on the cooking team likes to come together and work toward a goal,’’ Kasper said. 

Daniel Fritsche, one of Bluebonnet's rodeo team coaches and an assistant superintendent of field operations in Bastrop, spoke with pride of the line workers’ efforts. “All of our competitors worked hard to get here. These guys not only practice for this day, but they also live it. They are out working for Bluebonnet members and then they commit to doing this as well. It takes a lot of dedication,’’ Fritsche said. “The senior team did a great job showing the apprentices how it is done. The skills they practice are good for competition, and also our ability to provide safe, reliable service to our members.’’

The 2023 rodeo team members were Brayden Bauer, Brad Young, Matt Mole, J.D. Boecker, Parker Redwine, Andrew Murphy, Nick Baker, Cooper Lucherk, Chris Rivera, Kendal Fiebrich, Troy Moore, Derek Morgan, Ty Duesterheft, Joe Lockhart, Michael Guajardo, Brandon Johnson, Kenneth Roush, and coaches Fritsche and Danny Bolding, a crew supervisor in Red Rock.

To stay safe and beat the heat, competition started at sunrise. “I reminded the guys to stay hydrated and take breaks between events. We have been training in this heat all summer, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t tough,” Fritsche said.

During competition, line workers raced against the clock to climb and work on unelectrified power poles, and to practice safely rescuing an injured co-worker from atop a pole using a heavy mannequin. Competitors also faced off in several ‘‘mystery events” that were revealed just two days before the competition. Line workers showcased their skills in wiring a transformer and changing out overhead power line equipment.

“I had a great time at the rodeo. I see what it takes to work hard and compete with other linemen. Overall it was a great experience and I learned a lot,” said Lucherk, an apprentice. Bluebonnet competitors were cheered on by their families, Bluebonnet members and other cooperative employees. 

Founded in 1996 and hosted by the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo Association, the rodeo events are designed to mirror challenges encountered daily by utility crews who work, sometimes in dangerous conditions, to provide reliable power to more than 28 million Texas residents. 

Two high school seniors represented Bluebonnet at the government youth tour

Some of the nation's most famous sites and symbols were among memorable stops for Johnique “J.T.” Thomas and Tara Williams, high school seniors who represented Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative on the 2023 government youth tour in Washington, D.C. 

   The two spent 10 days in the nation’s capital in June. Thomas, a student at Manor Early College High School, and Williams, a student at Colorado River Collegiate Academy in Bastrop, joined hundreds of teenagers from across the nation for the annual trip. 

   At Arlington National Cemetery, Thomas participated in the wreath-laying ceremony that pays tribute to the sacrifices of unknown U.S. soldiers. One of Williams’ favorite stops was the Library of Congress. Their Government-in-Action Youth Tour included visits to the U.S. Supreme Court Building, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives' chambers, the Lincoln Memorial, Mount Vernon and many other iconic locations.

‘‘I was surprised how accessible the people who run our government are,’’ Thomas said. ‘‘They had welcome signs on their doors saying, ‘Please come in.’ ’’

   Applications for the 2024 youth tour will become available on bluebonnet.coop in November.