Competition on the line: Duke linemen compete

West Orange Times & Observer
Neighborhood

Twelve local Duke Energy Florida line technicians have been practicing their skills in preparation for an upcoming competition to see who is the best in the world.

They are traveling this week for the International Lineman’s Rodeo, at the National Agricultural Hall of Fame rodeo grounds, in Bonner Springs, Kansas. This is the sixth competition for Winter Garden resident Josh Wilson and his teammates, Sean Cook and Clay Baxter.

Practice has been taking place at the Winter Garden Training Center on East Crown Point Road.

The local trio, performing as a journeyman team, won the Florida rodeo in April. Other Central Florida teams will be traveling and competing, as well. The trainers on staff in Winter Garden are Marvin MacDonald and Mike Leininger.

Wilson has been a Duke employee for 15 years. He said he enjoys the competition because it’s a chance to have some fun at work.

For more than 20 years, Duke Energy linemen have participated in events such as hurt-man rescues, equipment repair and pole climbs. They are judged on speed, agility, technique and safety procedures.

author

Amy Quesinberry

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital and raised in Winter Garden. Aside from earning her journalism degree from the University of Georgia, she hasn’t strayed too far from her hometown and her three-mile bubble. She grew up reading The Winter Garden Times and knew in the eighth grade she wanted to write for her community newspaper. She has been part of the writing and editing team since 1990.