NES Linemen Climb to the Top of the Ranks

NES Linemen Climb to the Top of the Ranks

NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville Electric Service’s Donelson crew doesn’t mind their second place finish at the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association (TVPPA) Lineman Rodeo in Sevierville, TN. That’s because their teammates brought home first.

“It’s our best performance yet.” Frank Travis, Operations Manager with NES says, “West and Donelson have never grabbed the top two spots before. It just goes to show how hard-working all of our linemen are.”

The West team finished with a score of 498, just two points off from a perfect performance. Donelson’s crew earned 494 points.

“You can’t expect to be the best if you aren’t prepared.” Bill Braswell, a West team lineman says, “We spend a lot of time working together as a team to perfect each exercise. It takes precision, speed and a little luck. We had everything working for us this time around.”

Rodney Gooch is on the Donelson team. “It’s a good feeling to know that the only linemen better than us are our own co-workers and friends.” He laughs, “Of course, next year we’ll make sure the outcome is reversed.”

Seventeen teams competed in five different events simulating real life situations. The Lineman Rodeo is designed to promote safety on the job.

NES crews also competed in April at the American Public Power Association (APPA) Lineworkers’ Rodeo in Memphis, TN. The West team finished ninth out of 65 teams at that event.