On May 20th, 7 Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) apprentice linemen competed in the 19th annual Gaff-N-Go lineworkers’ rodeo, hosted by the Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC). The record-breaking event brought thousands of spectators who hailed from as far away as California and New York to watch the competitors, including 100 fellow apprentice lineworkers from 7 states as they competed in events designed to simulate the work they do every day to keep the lights on – safely and efficiently.
Competitors were judged on safety, work practice, neatness and ability, equipment handling, and timely completion of each event. CVEC apprentices Travis Burnett and Graham Hughes finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Hurtman Rescue event, while Burnett also brought home a 2nd place finish in the Layout Insulator Change-out event.
“We couldn’t be prouder of all of the CVEC apprentices who competed this year” stated CVEC President and CEO Gary Wood. “These guys go out year-round, day and night, in rain and snow to answer the call and keep the lights on for our members. We are proud to celebrate their hard work and dedication while having a little bit of fun and friendly competition with others in the industry.”
The weekend concluded with a sold-out awards banquet where speakers continued to emphasize the importance of worker safety and efficiency — key principles of the lineworkers’ rodeo — and VMDAEC leadership announced the winners of the Gaff-N-Go competition.
