Scott AFB still reigning champs at Sheppard's Linemen's Rodeo

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tonnette Thompson
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  There was no sleet or snow, though there was plenty of rain - but not enough to stop pole jocks from across the Air Force from competing in the Linemen's Rodeo May 19.

Though the drizzle of constant rainfall splattered in their eyes as they spent the morning scaling utility poles, the journeyman team from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., maintained their status as overall champions for the fourth year running.

"It was good competition," said Staff Sgt. Morgan Schmitz, a member of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron and of the winning team. "Our wins get a little closer each time; this time it was only by a matter of minutes. Next year could be even more of a challenge, and we're looking forward to it."

With categories for apprentices and journeymen, the electrical systems workers were timed and scored on their ability to speed climb, rescue injured workers and repair electric components, all from atop the poles.

Scott AFB and Hill AFB, Utah, tied with 486 total points. Scott, however, bested Hill in terms of time, taking only 24:10 to complete their tasks to Hill's 31:19.

Sheppard instructors from the 366th Training Squadron also participated in the Rodeo, but didn't directly compete for the championship since their status as instructors would have given them an unfair advantage. Instead they broke into two teams, and played against each other for the goal of inter-squadron bragging rights. Team 9, consisting of Tech. Sgt. Brian Drennan, Staff Sgt. Soluman Abdul-Rahim and Mark DeWoody, won.

The other bases that attended the Rodeo were Andrews AFB, Md.; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Dyess AFB, Texas; and a team made up of civilian linemen from Indiana.