Thirty-five years ago, the first Lineman's Rodeo was celebrated in Manhattan, Kansas, with a handful of utilities. Fast forward to today, and the International Lineman's Rodeo is gearing up for its biggest event to date.
Do you remember the early days of the competition? For this year's Lineman Supplement, we are featuring a story on the history of the Lineman's Rodeo. If you have photos and stories from past rodeos, please email Amy Fischbach, Field Editor.
We are also including a story on "Line Legends," journeymen linemen who have made a difference in the industry during their careers. For example, Joe Torres (shown at the International Lineman's Rodeo back in 1999) has spent his 50-year career at San Diego Gas & Electric, where he has helped to organize local rodeos and train the next generation of linemen. If you know of a veteran lineman who should be in the spotlight, email Amy. Also, look forward to meeting Joe and the other Line Legends in the supplement, which will be distributed at the 2018 International Lineman's Rodeo at the T&D World booth.
About the Author
Amy Fischbach
Electric Utilities Operations
Amy Fischbach is the Field Editor for T&D World magazine and manages the Electric Utility Operations section. She is the host of the Line Life Podcast, which celebrates the grit, courage and inspirational teamwork of the line trade. She also works on the annual Lineworker Supplement and the Vegetation Management Supplement as well as the Lineman Life and Lineman's Rodeo News enewsletters. Amy also covers events such as the Trees & Utilities conference and the International Lineman's Rodeo. She is the past president of the ASBPE Educational Foundation and ASBPE and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Kansas State University. She can be reached at [email protected].