Local Ameren linemen win big at International Lineman's Rodeo

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — Several central Illinois linemen were recognized at the 40th International Lineman's Rodeo in Overland Park, Kan. in October.

A trio from the Marion Operating Center (OC) was recognized as being the best in the world after finishing first overall. Jason Novak, Clayton Gulley and Austin Lewis dominated with two second-place finishes to earn the best-of-the-best title at the competition. More than 255 journeymen teams and nearly 400 apprentices competed this year, according to Ameren.

"To win the title 'Best of the Best’ is an amazing feeling," Novak said. "We practiced hard, but it takes a special day to win it all against the most elite competitors in the world. We developed a game plan before each event, but anything can happen, and we adjusted on the fly. I couldn't be prouder of how my teammates performed and how the other Ameren competitors did as well."

In the pole climb event, Ameren Illinois cleaned house. The trio of Jacob Carr (Beardstown OC), Patrick Rodgers (Champaign OC) and Teddy Brinkoetter (Decatur OC) finished first overall with a time of 1-minute-and-9.15 seconds. Novak, Gulley and Lewis were second with a time of 1- minute-and-20.11 seconds followed by the team of Blake Mette (Effingham OC), Jason Kenter (Mattoon OC) and Clint Dasenbrock (Effingham OC), who finished third with a time of 1-minute -and-26.25 seconds.

Novak, Gulley and Lewis also finished second overall in the tie change-out event. Carr, Rodgers and Brinkoetter finished fourth in the cutout change-out event. Both are tasks linemen do on a routine basis.

"The women and men who keep the lights on for our customers have demanding jobs that require skill, physical and mental strength," said Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois. "The International Lineman’s Rodeo is the ultimate test of their ability to do this work safely, providing a quality product and leveraging their experience and training where speed becomes an advantage. I am so proud of our teams for demonstrating they are truly the best of the best.”