Jacob Nieman graduated from Ross High School. He’s been a lineman for five years, and at Duke Energy for two years.
James Riddel is a Preble Shawnee High School graduate and former firefighter in Butler County. He became a Duke Energy lineman five years ago.
Now in its 35th year, the rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world. Participants travel from as far away as Australia. More than 320 individual competitors and nearly 250 teams will vie for top honors.
Events test job-related skills such as simulated hurt-man rescues, equipment repair and pole climbs. Competitors are judged on speed, agility, technique and safety procedures.
All Duke Energy participants at the rodeo earned their spots by winning regional company competitions in 2018 and 2019. Competitors who earned a spot in 2018 were unable to participate due to Hurricane Michael power restoration efforts.
Duke Energy linemen will participate in the apprentice, journeyman and senior team divisions.
An apprentice is a line worker with less than four years of utility experience. A rodeo journeyman has greater than four years of utility experience, and a senior-journeyman must be over 50 years old.
The best line workers at Duke Energy and its legacy companies have showcased their talents at the International Lineman’s Rodeo for more than 20 years.
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