The 2025 Indiana Electric Cooperatives Lineman Rodeo took place on Aug. 21 and 22. This annual two-day event showcases the skills and safety training of Indiana electric cooperative linemen. 

This year, five employees participated. Journeyman Linemen Craig Smart, Michael Witvoet, Brett Wilhite, Matt Beasley, and Apprentice Lineman Jake Steinke competed in team and individual events. Hidden #30751001. Several employees and family members attended each day to cheer for them. 

One of the main skills used for all of these events is climbing a pole. Our linemen are trained how to climb a pole using the proper gear, but climbing is not done in the field as often due to bucket trucks. Once they climb the pole, they perform whatever task has been assigned, whether it is as serious as simulating a rescue of a fellow lineman, changing out equipment, or safely bringing an egg down the pole. The egg climb was a timed event that involved carrying an egg up in a pouch, swapping that pouch out at the top of the pole, and climbing back down with the egg in their mouth, without cracking it. 

The team events showcased the need for communication between the linemen who have climbed the pole and the linemen on the ground. The coordination of efforts allowed equipment that was being replaced to be safely brought to the ground. Then, the new equipment was sent up in the same manner. 

A couple of our linemen won individual awards. Journeyman Lineman Brett Wilhite won third place in the egg climb. Journeyman Lineman Craig Smart participated in the senior division. He placed second in the egg climb and third in the hurt man rescue. His combined ef forts landed him an overall third-place finish in the senior division. 

Congratulations to Craig, Jake, Michael, Brett, and Matt on a successful 2025 lineman rodeo!