Bluebonnet lineworkers test skill, knowledge and grit at 29th annual Texas Lineman’s Rodeo

Fourteen apprentice lineworkers, 12 journeymen and 12 staff judges plus two barbecue pitmasters from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative joined competitors from other electric cooperatives at Nolte Island Park near Seguin for the 29th Texas Lineman’s Rodeo on July 19. The daylong, multievent competition, hosted by the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo Association, simulates the challenges lineworkers encounter daily in providing power to members.  

As it does every year, the rodeo began at 6:30 a.m. Lineworkers raced against the clock to climb and competitively work on unenergized power lines to replace equipment. Apprentices tested their knowledge with a written exam. Family, friends, coworkers and employees from other electric utilities cheered on participants.   

Apprentices Cooper Lucherk, Lane Magnuson, Tucker Saegert and Taylor Burney secured first, second, third and fourth places, respectively, in the written test component of the competition.  

‘‘The most challenging part of the competition was the practices, and of course, the test,” Saegert said. “At the event, it was nothing but support from coaches, journeymen and fellow teammates. Even when something went wrong, they pushed us to do better on the next event.” 

Lucherk and Magnuson also received first and second places, respectively, in the overall apprentice competition.  

Magnuson said the experiences helped him grow professionally. “It allows me to become more comfortable and efficient while working,” he said. “We always practice going our fastest, trying to beat our previous times. It was an amazing feeling knowing all the hard work paid off.” 

Danny Bolding, a journeyman coach, praised the team’s dedication. “These apprentices put in hours of practice, and it showed. Their performance reflects the pride and professionalism we strive for at Bluebonnet,” he said. 

Other apprentices include Ty Berreth, Carter Brymer, Jace Cordova, Lance Kay, Justin Lewis, Kyle Miller, Drayten Morgan, Matthew Rodriguez, Larry Salinas, and Dartanian Wallace. Journeyman team members include Ty Duesterheft, Kendal Fiebrich, Michael Guajardo, Obed Guajardo, Kyle Kasper, Logan Lancaster, Joe Lockhart, David Martin, Troy Moore, Chris Ribera, Kenneth Roush and John Zamora. Coaches were JD Boecker, Danny Bolding and Daniel Fritsche.