NORFOLK – Several Northeast Community College Utility Line (UL) students earned trophies at the 13th College Lineman Rodeo, held at Metropolitan Community College Business and Technology in Kansas City, MO.

Northeast took five teams to the competition. Team One earned second place overall. It also captured first place in team crossarm change out; second place in team obstacle climb; and third place in team C-1 framing.

Northeast Community College Team One student Ethan McGowan, Grand Island, was second overall in the individual competition. He also placed first in the individual cross arm change out and second place in individual climb. Rob Keeney, Callaway, was third in the individual crossarm change out. Josh Suckstorf, Norfolk, was also a member of Team One.

Northeast’s Team Three placed third overall and second place in the team crossarm change out. Team members include Tyler Berner, Syracuse, Austin Koehlmoos, Pierce, and Cody Thompson, North Bend.

Takoda Batenhorst, Madison, a member of Team Four, placed second in individual crossarm change out. Other members of Team Four include Riley Ryan, Ansley, and Brock Schueth, O’Neill.

Other Northeast utility line students competing in the UL Rodeo include Tristan Bettenhausen, West Point; Justin Comer, Beatrice; David Jimenez, Shelton; Alex Meeks, Taylor; Conner Lusche, Columbus; and Tyler Stelk, Grand Island. Trey Dasher, Bellevue, and Parker Hughes, Columbus, served as alternates.

Kyle Voecks, Northeast utility line instructor, accompanied the students to the event. Other Northeast UL faculty members include Matt Johnson, Tom McKeon, Roger Nelson, and Larry Oetken.

“The Utility Line Rodeo is considered the ‘ultimate venue’ for college lineworkers across the nation to demonstrate their skills and knowledge,” Voecks said.” College lineworkers compete for professional recognition, attend training courses, and practice essential skills in a safe environment.”