Becoming a lineman is not a competition, but it does not mean it can’t be fun. Alpena Community College (ACC) in Alpena recently hosted the 2016 College Lineman Rodeo, a national collegiate event designed to inspire and promote the lineman trade for today and the future.

In a Lineman Rodeo teams compete in events based on traditional linemen tasks and skills. Over 100 students from seven schools competed in 24 teams, including nine teams from ACC. Visiting students came from schools in Nebraska, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and Missouri.

ACC students took home a variety of individual and team awards, as well as an experience that they won’t forget. “Students who normally wouldn’t have had the chance to compete were able to this year,” said Utility Tech Instructor Roy Smith. “Hosting the rodeo gave our students a chance to broaden their skills and themselves.”

For some at ACC this was their first rodeo, but hopefully it won’t be their last.