Zack Gough Three-peats at International Lineman’s Rodeo
Since being hired by PEC, Canyon Lake Lineworker Apprentice Zack Gough has climbed to remarkable heights. His accomplishment of winning Top Overall Apprentice and Top Apprentice in the REA Division at International Lineman’s Rodeo three years in a row solidified that.
At the competition in Bonner Springs, Kansas this year, Gough came out on top on a sunny, spring-like morning against 380 other competitors with a total competition time of 26:00.60, a competition-low eight deductions, and 492 total points. He earned second place in the Written Test category.
“When I went the first year, I didn’t think it would happen and it kind of surprised me, and the same with the second year,” he said. “This year, I just went into it the same way. I did everything in my power to try to run clean and do well on the test.”
In 2023, he scored 494 points in a time of 23:03.08 with only six deductions to come out on top against 440 other lineworkers. He noted that the competition was fierce every year.
“It was definitely a real moment when I heard (my name),” he said. “I went over to everybody and said, ‘I have a chance, I might be able to win again,’ so it was pretty cool.”
Gough will soon graduate to journeyworker status, meaning this is the final year he will compete as an apprentice. If he wants to compete going forward, he’ll need to work with other journeyworkers and form a team.
“There’s a lot I have ahead of me,” he said. “I’d like to be on a journeyworker team someday, and hopefully, I can in the future.”
His performance these past three years hasn’t gone unnoticed by his coworkers. Canyon Lake Regional Operations Supervisor David Hernandez praised Gough for his performance, positive attitude, and leadership.
“What I’m always impressed about with Zack is that he always does well on the test, but he also is always in the top 10 in the field,” David said. “He’s going to try to win at everything he does.”
Canyon Lake Regional Operations Director Brian Magott also congratulated him at the PEC Board of Directors meeting on November 15.
“Zack, your consistency, passion, and hard work inspire us all,” he said. “Your commitment to excellence is a testament to what PEC values most in our people.”
As Gough readies to move into his next stage of linework, he offered some advice to those looking to perform at future rodeos.
“Especially with the written test, you’ve got to put in a lot of time, read through the book, and figure out a way that works for you to study,” he said. “In the field, keep running the events over and over again. Work on your transfers, your position, and getting your gear on. You can save a lot of time on those parts of the event.”
Congratulations, Gough. Your performance, dedication, and leadership are things everyone at PEC strives for. To learn more about this year’s International Lineman’s Rodeo performance, click here.
