The spirit of teamwork and friendly rivalry spread throughout Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va., when the 21st annual Gaff-n-Go Rodeo lineman’s competition kicked off one very warm weekend in mid-May. There was much shared laughter and mutual respect; the enthusiasm was electric among the more than 350 lineworkers from 12 states as they showcased their skills and hard work.
Three lineworkers, six apprentices and five grillers were on hand representing MEC, showcasing their skills and determination. In the Apprentice division, Heath Doss, from MEC’s Gretna district, placed first overall with a score of 496 out of 500, and placed third on the written test. Devin Letterman placed fourth in the Apprentice Dead End Transfer event and Matthew Newcomb was fifth in the Apprentice Hurtman Rescue competition. Both work in the Chase City district.
“All of our guys did an excellent job representing MEC. They each exhibited strong skills in their events and showcased tremendous professionalism in their work,” said Casey Logan, MEC president and CEO. “I am very proud of them all.”
The rodeo also featured the Gaff-n-Grill, a grilling competition with 22 teams competing. MEC’s Fire-n-the-Wire team — B.J. Seamans and Brian Woods — walked away with a second place win in the sweets category, fifth place for their ribs, and third place overall for their combination of barbecue, ribs, pork belly and sweets. Bringing home a fourth place win in the sweets category was MEC’s Smokin’ & Jokin’ team of Mitch DeJarnette, Kyle Hadley and B.J. Hensley.
Additionally, MEC tied for third place in the T-shirt design competition.
The Gaff-n-Go Rodeo was hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. By participating in the rodeo, journeyman lineworkers and apprentices connect with, and learn from, other teams of lineworkers from around the region.
Visit gaff-n-go.com for additional results and photos, as well as on Facebook at facebook.com/gaffngo.
