REC Lineworkers Shine at Gaff-n-Go Rodeo
REC lineworkers delivered a strong showing at the 21st Annual Altec Gaff-n-Go Rodeo held May 16–17 at Meadow Event Park in Doswell.
The Gaff-n-Go competition is the only event of its type held in Virginia. The name Gaff-n-Go refers to the “gaff,” a metal spike that lineworkers attach to their boots to help in climbing wooden utility poles.
Besides the competition, the gathering provides a variety of benefits for the linemen — and REC’s members. “It’s an outstanding opportunity for our lineworkers and our crews to show off their skills in action, to demonstrate their commitment to safety and to show how they team up and partner to get the job done,” said John Hewa, REC’s President and CEO.
In the Equipment Operator’s category, the team of Thomas Bailey, Alister Pollard and Addison Spicer brought home first place overall with a perfect score. The trio also earned perfect scores in the Wire Transfer and Bucket Truck Hurtman Rescue events, and the Digger Derrick/Mini-Excavator Obstacle Course, where they secured a first-place finish.
The team of Chris Farmer, Chad Foster and Trey Roberts also earned perfect scores in both the Wire Transfer and Bucket Truck Hurtman Rescue events. Additionally, Sean Davis, Cameron Lewis and Thomas Mullen received perfect scores in the same events.
In the Journeyman division, the team of Brandon Hudson, Devin Hudson, and Kory Settle placed seventh overall with a nearly perfect score of 494 out of 500. They also took third place in the Working Skills event with a perfect score and earned perfect scores in the Hurtman Rescue and 15-KV Fuse Coordination events.
Also earning perfect scores in the Journeyman Hurtman Rescue and 15-KV Fuse Coordination were Colby Monroe, Matt Murphy and Steven Savage; and in the 15KV Fuse Coordination event, Cameron Lewis, Foster Pearson and Randy Wright.
In the Apprentice division, Jordan Stevens placed fourth overall with 494 points out of 500, and Austin Lambert placed seventh with 492 points. Stevens also placed in the top 10 on the written test.
REC Teams Bring the Heat at Gaff-n-Grill BBQ Competition
While Gaff-n-Go competitors were climbing poles and tackling obstacle courses, REC’s barbecue teams were serving up smoky flavor at the Gaff-n-Grill competition.
Team Smokin’ and Smotherin’, made up of Allie Wilfong, William Wilfong and Kevin Ryan, placed seventh overall. They earned fourth place in the pork butt category and secured a top 10 finish in the sweets category.
Second Hand Smoke, represented by Kristie Lockhart, Cody Lockhart and Matt Fauver, took eighth place overall. The team landed a top 10 finish in the pork belly category and claimed third place in the pork butt category.
