FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reynolds | October 23, 2025
Flint Energies’ linemen proved their skills at the 41st International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo. This year marked an exciting milestone for the cooperative: Apprentice lineman Hunter Walton was awarded Overall Lineman Apprentice taking the top spot amongst 366 participants from around the world. His win is proof of the talent and safety-first attitude that runs deep across Flint Energies.
The Lineman’s Rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world to compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks and skills. The first Lineman’s Rodeo was held in September 1984, with twelve participating teams from Kansas and Missouri. The Rodeo has grown to over 300 teams and 450 apprentices. This included five competitors from Flint Energies who were the best from the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo hosted earlier in the year.
The rodeo is more than competition, it’s a celebration of the craftsmanship, precision and teamwork that define the lineman profession. Each of our competitors put in the work, had each other’s back and showed what our commitment to safety and excellence is all about. When asked what this competition meant to them, each lineman proudly declared that the comradery and the brotherhood between the linemen meant the most.
Apprentice linemen and journeyman from Flint Energies travelled to Overland Park, Kansas, to showcase their skills at the International Lineman’s Rodeo, an annual event now in its 41st year.
After weeks of training and preparation, Flint’s Rodeo team competed against 366 other apprentices from electric utilities across the country for the top spots in a series of events. Each apprentice and journeyman team had to complete a pole climb, hurtman rescue, roller relocation, armor rod installation and insulator change out. Apprentice Lineman also participated in a written exam.
Judges score each participant on accuracy first and then time of completion if a tie breaker is needed. Out of 364 apprentice lineman participants, Flint’s own Hunter Walton took the stage as the Overall Apprentice.
“Our guys deserve recognition for the all the work they put in,” said Flint Energies VP of Engineering & Operations Walker Fricks. “But it takes more than participants to make the rodeo happen. I really appreciate all of the employees who serve as coaches and judges, and come out to support our lineman on competition day.”
About the International Lineman’s Rodeo
The Lineman’s Rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world to compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks. After more than 40 years, the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo still proves to be the industry’s most valued premier event of its kind for the electric utility industry. For more information, visit linemansrodeokc.com.
About Flint Energies
Flint Energies is a not-for-profit electric cooperative owned by its members in parts of 17 central Georgia counties. Flint employs 207 employees and serves almost 100,000 electric meters. We are 100% locally controlled and democratically governed by nine Directors elected from among the membership. In 1937, Flint Energies was created to bring people together to meet common needs like reliable electric energy, and our mission remains focused on improving the quality of life in Middle Georgia. Flint Energies is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Follow Flint on X and Facebook.
Contact:
Blair Brown, Youth & Education Specialist, 478.218.5547, bbrown@flintemc.com
Marian McLemore, VP, Cooperative Communications, 478.218.5600, mmclemore@flintemc.com