Team places second, third, and fourth in co-op division
(OVERLAND PARK, Kansas) Oct. 19, 2026 — Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) journeyworkers competed in the International Lineman’s Rodeo October 14-17 in Overland Park, Kansas. More than 650 teams of crews tested their skills in safety and power restoration competing among the best lineworkers in the world.
PEC sent three journeyworker teams to the competition and brought home awards for second, third, and fourth place in the cooperative division.
These PEC journeyworkers placed at the international rodeo competition:
- Second place: Garrit Afman, Russell Albright, and Andy Ridge
- Third place: Caleb Brodock, Justin Ferry, and Jesse Salazar
- Fourth place: Darren Donhauser, David Hernandez, and Michael Thyberg
“We’re so proud of our journeyworker teams for their commitment to excellence and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete on the international stage with the best utilities and lineworkers in the business,” said PEC Director of Regional Operations Brian Magott.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo brings together teams from across the world to showcase their skills in high-voltage linework while emphasizing safety practices. The same skills tested in the rodeo are those used out in the field, which help PEC crews provide enhanced service and reliability. PEC continuously invests in the safety of its crews and the reliability of its system for its members and communities. PEC lineworkers and journeyworkers practice and grow their skills at PEC’s Safety and Technical Training Center in Marble Falls, which includes pole climbing lessons, transformer labs, and arcing demonstrations. PEC’s training program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and exemplifies our commitment to training the very best lineworkers in the industry.
“By investing in safety and training for our crews, we’re also investing in the co-op and our members, improving reliability and providing opportunities for our crews perfect their craft and provide the best possible service,” Magott said.
Visit jobs.myPEC.com to learn more about PEC careers in linework and apply for job openings.
