State Tech students win big at lineman rodeo

Published on May 18, 2016

In a leading competition that tests traditional lineman task and skills in a safe environment, State Tech students in the Electrical Distribution Systems program took home the overall team championship of the 2016 Collegiate Lineman’s Rodeo in Alpena, Michigan.

The team of Isaac Jones, Jacob Kumm, Clay Nolte and Luke Roberts placed first in all four of the team events which included cross arm change out, climbing obstacle course, C1 pole framing and a knowledge test.

In addition to the overall team championship, Jacob Kumm won first place overall individual champion and Issac Jones won second place individual award in the obstacle course event.

A total of 109 students from eight colleges competed in the competition. Twenty-four teams competed in the rodeo.  State Tech was represented by a first year team and a second year team.

“It was a real stiff competition this year,” said David Peterson, Instructor and Department Chair for Electrical Distribution Systems.  “However, competition brings out the best in the best.”

Peterson stated that the EDS program has won their share of competitions over the years, most recently in 2014.  “I don’t believe we have ever swept the entire show,” he said.

According to Peterson the students performed with integrity and represented us all proudly.  State Tech competes against colleges from all over the nation and most all of them have had programs equivalent to EDS for much longer than us, with more property, equipment, sponsorships and faculty.

“What we have that most can’t match is passion and pride for our students,” he commented.  “What shines through for us in this rodeo is the fact that we truly do prepare our students for profitable employment and a life of learning.”

The first year team students included Austin Alexander, Jacob Barks, Brian Hartman and Jed Oidtman.