Overall Winners Advance to International Competition This Fall
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(SEGUIN, Texas) July 22, 2026 — Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) lineworkers competed against the best in the state at the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo and Barbecue Cook-off, bringing home first place in four events and earning 19 total awards. More than 200 lineworkers from utilities across Texas participated in the rodeo that took place July 18 at Nolte Island Park near Seguin.
“The talent that showed up to this year’s event was extraordinary and we’re so proud of our crews and their performance,” said PEC Director of Regional Operations Troy Whitehead. “Rodeo events are a unique opportunity for our crews to showcase everything they do day in and day out on the job. Our crews worked so hard to get here and it takes a lot of time and sacrifice so sharing this moment with their families and friends makes it all the more meaningful.”
The competition brings together lineworkers from across Texas to highlight their skills in high-voltage linework, while emphasizing safe work practices. The same skills tested in the rodeo are those used out in the field, which helps PEC crews provide enhanced service and reliability.
PEC received the following awards:
Overall Journeyman Teams:
- First Place: Darren Donhauser, David Hernandez, Michael Thyberg
- Second Place: Garrit Afman, Russell Albright, Andy Ridge
- Third Place: Caleb Brodock, Justin Ferry, Jesse Salazar
Cooperative Division Journeyman Teams:
- First Place: Darren Donhauser, David Hernandez, Michael Thyberg
- Second Place: Garrit Afman, Russell Albright, Andy Ridge
- Third Place: Caleb Brodock, Justin Ferry, Jesse Salazar
Journeyman Hurtman Rescue:
- First Place: Caleb Brodock, Justin Ferry, Jesse Salazar
- Third Place: Garrit Afman, Russell Albright, Andy Ridge
Journeyman 12kv Hot Tie Double Insulator Change:
- First Place: Darren Donhauser, David Hernandez, Michael Thyberg
- Second Place: Garrit Afman, Russell Albright, Andy Ridge
- Third Place: Caleb Brodock, Justin Ferry, Jesse Salazar
Journeyman Downed Conductor:
- Second Place: Darren Donhauser, David Hernandez, Michael Thyberg
- Third Place: Garrit Afman, Russell Albright, Andy Ridge
- Fourth Place: Caleb Brodock, Justin Ferry, Jesse Salazar
- Fifth Place: Crispen Davis, Journey Gonsoulin, Asencion Menchaca
Apprentice Hurtman Rescue:
- Third Place: Steven Jazdyk
Apprentice Transformer Bank:
- Third Place: Nathan Buckingham
Barbecue Competition:
- Second Place Chicken: Jeremy Abbott, Aaron Alvarez, Marshall Swoda, and Chris Wells
- Third Place Ribs: Bobby Hyatt, Javier Soto, Cory Thompson, and Layo Zurita
Overall winners of the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo will advance to the International Lineman’s Rodeo, Oct. 14-17 in Overland Park, KS to take the stage against the best in the world.
For additional information, visit tlra.org.
