For Cody Case and Briar Houser, the latest recipients of Hoosier Energy’s Daniel L. Schuckman and W. Eugene Roberts memorial scholarships, becoming linemen not only provides them with career paths.
It’s about becoming part of a team.
That was the takeaway when they graduated from the North American Lineman Training Center in McEwen, Tennessee, this past December.
As a member of the football, baseball, and wrestling teams at North Central (Farmersburg) High School, Houser connected with being part of something bigger during his time at NALTC.
“The one big thing that stood out was the bond created among the guys and the teamwork that filled out the crew sessions,” he said. “I’ve played sports all my life, and I love that feeling. Somebody’s got your back. You aren’t just doing a job on your own, but somebody is there with you.”
Growing up in Shelburn in WIN Energy REMC territory, Houser wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do for a career. But his senior year of high school came fast, and as an honor roll student, he was originally thinking of business school at a place like Indiana University or the University of Alabama. As he looked into the options, Houser was less sure of
his choice.
He also participated in archery, and the coach of a neighboring team was a lineman. That prompted Houser to begin investigating the possibilities, quickly changing his thoughts on
the future.
Case also changed his plans over the course of high school, initially planning to study wildlife biology. But after two years of high school, he realized the prospect of another six-plus years in college was not appealing.
“I like to be out working with my hands and in the field,” he said.
Fortunately, he had a good example of what a career as a lineman could be in his older brother, Waylan, who was among the inaugural recipients of the Hoosier Energy scholarship in December 2021.
“Once I saw what my brother was doing, I realized that I wanted to do that too,” said Case, an avid hunter. “He taught me a few things, and I learned quickly. Now, instead of working in an office, I can spend time with wildlife on the weekends and do my hunting.”
He applied to NALTC early and was accepted midway through his senior year at Greensburg High School. When he began training, it was clear he made the right choice.
Among the recent graduates of the North American Lineman Training Center are Hoosier Energy scholarship recipients Cody Case and Briar Houser. Andy McComas, institutional director of the center, congratulates Case and Houser on their achievements.
