Huntsville Linemen Dominate National Lineworkers Rodeo

Huntsville Utilities crews take home 8 top awards at prestigious national competition.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A vibrant, energetic painting featuring lineworkers in action, with neon-colored brushstrokes capturing the raw power and athleticism of their work.Huntsville's top utility crews showcase their skills and competitive drive at the national Lineworkers Rodeo.Huntsville Today

Huntsville Utilities linemen proved they are among the best in the nation, winning 8 awards at the APPA Lineworkers Rodeo held in Huntsville. The event featured 60 public utilities companies from 20 states competing in events that simulate real-world challenges lineworkers face, such as pole climbing, equipment change outs, and hurt-man rescues. Huntsville Utilities' 2 journeyman teams took home 1st place awards in several categories, including overall journeyman team, demonstrating the skill and dedication of the local crews.

Why it matters

The Lineworkers Rodeo celebrates the heroic efforts of local utilities crews and fosters community among them. While they compete as rivals for the day, these crews come together year-round in public relief efforts, such as restoring power during severe weather. Huntsville's strong performance highlights the city's ability to attract and retain top talent in the utilities industry, which is crucial for maintaining reliable power and rapid emergency response during extreme weather events.

The details

The APPA Lineworkers Rodeo was hosted by Huntsville Utilities in John Hunt Park, with 60 public electric utilities teams from 20 states competing in events that simulate real-world lineworker challenges. Huntsville Utilities had been preparing for 2 years, including planting 160 power poles in the park for the occasion. The Huntsville Utilities journeyman teams took home 1st place awards in several categories, including URD New Install 12KV, Storm Restoration, Hurtman Rescue, and Overall Journeyman Team (both large utilities and overall competition). They also earned 2nd and 3rd place finishes in other events.

  • The APPA Lineworkers Rodeo was held on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Huntsville Utilities has been preparing to host the event for 2 years.

The players

Huntsville Utilities

The public electric utility company serving the Huntsville, Alabama area. They hosted the 2026 APPA Lineworkers Rodeo and had two journeyman teams compete, winning multiple top awards.

APPA

The American Public Power Association, the organization that hosts the annual Lineworkers Rodeo competition for public utilities crews across the United States.

Cole Border, Adam Thomas, Colby Lipham

Huntsville Utilities journeyman team that won 1st place awards in URD New Install 12KV, Storm Restoration, Hurtman Rescue, and Overall Journeyman Team (large utilities and overall competition).

Zeb Ferguson, Taylor Weakley, Dakota Hill

Huntsville Utilities journeyman team that won 1st place in OCR Replacement.

Wes Kelley

President and CEO of Huntsville Utilities.

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What they’re saying

“It's all about people helping people. The rodeo gives us the chance to meet utilities across the country and build relationships and friendships.”

— Wes Kelley, President & CEO of Huntsville Utilities

“We are incredibly proud of how well our teams did in this year's Public Power Rodeo. We already know we have some of the best lineworkers in the nation, and it's especially meaningful to see their skill and dedication recognized among their peers on the national stage.”

— Wes Kelley, President & CEO of Huntsville Utilities

What’s next

Huntsville Utilities plans to continue investing in training and development for their lineworker crews to maintain their status as one of the top utilities in the nation. The city will also look to host the Lineworkers Rodeo again in the future to showcase the skills of their local crews and foster camaraderie within the public power industry.

The takeaway

Huntsville's dominance at the national Lineworkers Rodeo demonstrates the city's ability to attract and retain top talent in the utilities industry. This is crucial for maintaining reliable power and rapid emergency response during extreme weather events, which are becoming more common. The competition also highlights the heroic efforts of local lineworkers and the importance of public power utilities in serving their communities.