Local linemen practice for international rodeo competition

SOUTHEASTERN NC (WWAY) — Four Duke Energy line technicians from the Wilmington area will compete in the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas.

Wilmington area linemen practice in Wake County for international competition (Photo: Duke Energy)

The rodeo brings together the best linemen from around the world who compete in events that test job-related skills such as equipment repair, pole climbs, hurt-man rescues, and other events designed to simulate unexpected challenges on the job.

Duke Energy says competitors are judged on speed, agility, technique, and safety procedures.

Wilmington area linemen practice in Wake County for international competition (Photo: Duke Energy)

Richard Soblotne, Taylor Brown, Eddie Elliott, and Heath Watkins are the four men from Wilmington, Winnabow, and Leland who will be competing at the National Agricultural Hall of Fame rodeo grounds in Bonner Springs on October 14.

They spent Tuesday practicing in New Hill, NC.

All Duke Energy participants at the rodeo earned their spots by competing in regional Duke Energy competitions in 2016 and 2017. Competitors who earned a spot in 2016 were unable to participate due to Hurricane Matthew power restoration efforts.