When you see a Boone Power lineman high above the ground, there is a lot more happening than climbing a pole and stringing wire.

Equipment must be handled correctly, connections must be made precisely, and when something goes wrong, linemen need to know how to respond quickly and safely.

Those were the types of skills on display Aug. 20–21, when eight Boone Power linemen competed in the Indiana Electric Cooperative Lineman Rodeo at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville. 

Journeyman Linemen Dustin Baker and Nick Shepherd, and Apprentice Lineman Seth Thompson, competed in individual events. Baker also competed as part of Boone Power Team 1, alongside Apprentices Ryan Taylor and Nathan Funk. Boone Power Team 2 was comprised of Journeymen Marcus Pingleton and Trevor Jones, and Apprentice Cole Van Enkevort.

Baker completed the Hurtman Rescue event in 2 minutes, 53.38 seconds, with a perfect score and a third-place finish among 28 journeyman competitors. In the A2.3 Clip-In competition, he finished fourth with a time of 3:00.58 — just 1.20 seconds behind the third-place finisher.

In the Apprentice division, Thompson finished in seventh place overall out of 27 competitors, with a perfect score across all three events, as well as seventh place in the A2.3 Clip-In event.

Team 2 placed 10th overall in the Fiberglass Crossarm Changeout.

But the rodeo is about more than speed or trophies. The competitions are designed to showcase the skills linemen use on the job, including climbing, safely handling equipment, responding to emergencies, and working as a team. 

The annual Indiana Electric Cooperative Lineman Rodeo is a chance to recognize the people who put skill to work every day to help us provide safe, reliable electricity to our members. At Boone Power, we are proud to have many hardworking, dedicated linemen on our team!

Journeyman Linemen Dustin Baker and Nick Shepherd, and Apprentice Lineman Seth Thompson, competed in individual events. Baker also competed as part of Boone Power Team 1, alongside Apprentices Ryan Taylor and Nathan Funk. Boone Power Team 2 was comprised of Journeymen Marcus Pingleton and Trevor Jones, and Apprentice Cole Van Enkevort.

Competition 101

What do linemen do at a rodeo? Here’s a quick look at the 2026 events:

Individual events

A2.3 Clip-In: Working from a 40-foot pole, the lineman moved a primary power line from temporary rollers onto permanent insulators and secured it with specially formed ties.

Hurtman Rescue: The lineman responded to a simulated emergency in which a coworker was injured on a pole. The lineman climbed to the victim, secured the manikin, cut it free, and lowered it to the ground in a controlled manner. The goal wasn’t simply speed — it was to get the injured worker down without causing further injury.

Knot Tying: Linemen use a variety of knots and hitches to secure equipment and materials. Competitors moved through stations and tied commonly used knots, which were judged for accuracy.

Three-person team events

Three-Phase Dead-End Changeout: The team replaced three insulators that support the power lines on a pole. They also spliced and repositioned one of the lines, making sure all three phases were properly aligned and secured.

Hurtman Rescue: All three team members worked together to rescue an injured lineman mannikin from a pole. One climbed to reach the injured worker while the ground crew assisted with the rescue and lowered them safely to the ground.

Fiberglass Crossarm Changeout: Teams replaced the 75-pound fiberglass crossarm that supports power lines on a pole. They had to safely secure the lines, remove the old crossarm, install the new one, and reconnect the lines.

Underground Riser Arrestor Change: Teams replaced equipment that helps protect underground electrical equipment from voltage surges. The event tested their ability to work safely and efficiently as a team while making the necessary change out.