Sixty Duke Energy line technicians to compete against the best in the world at International Lineman's Rodeo Oct. 19

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sixty Duke Energy technicians will compete in the International Lineman's Rodeo Oct. 19 at the National Agricultural Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kan.

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Now in its 30^th year, the rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world competing in events that test job-related skills.

"We are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to preparation for this year's rodeo," says John Lowe, technical training specialist at Duke Energy Carolinas. "The rodeo allows our line technicians to think outside the box and to apply this experience to their everyday jobs in ensuring the delivery of safe, reliable electricity."

The best line workers at Duke Energy and its legacy companies have showcased their talents at the International Lineman's Rodeo for more than 20 years; competing in events such as hurt-man rescues, equipment repair and pole climbs, while being judged on speed, agility, technique and safety procedures.

All Duke Energy participants at the rodeo earned their spots by competing in regional competitions. Sixty line technicians, representing Duke Energy's six-state service area, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, will participate in the apprentice, team or senior-team divisions.

"Many of our line technicians prepare for the rodeo on their own time, in addition to structured practice sessions," said Lowe. "They compete because they love their profession, and the chance to contend against world-class linemen is a reward itself. But the opportunity to cross the stage with a trophy in-hand and the inherent bragging rights don't hurt either."

The rodeo competition begins Oct. 19 at 8 a.m. Central Standard Time with individual competitors and teams vying to earn the top honors. Live updates will be provided on Twitter at @DukeEnergyStorm and Facebook (www.facebook.com/dukeenergystorm).

Duke Energy employs more than 5,000 line workers across its six-state service area.

Duke Energy's 2013 International Lineman's Rodeo Team:

Midwest

Andy Irwin, Bloomington, Ind.
TJ Lewis, Moores Hill, Ind.
Marc Lewis, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Ryan Keitel, Columbus, Ind. 
Matt Volrich, Bloomington, Ind.
Brandon Combs, Columbus, Ind.
Steve Abrams, Somerville, Ind.
Matt Dugan, Amelia, Ohio
TJ Ball, Harrison, Ohio
Curt Addison, Florence, Ky.
Joe Lilly, Fairfield TWP, Ohio
Steve Maddin, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Joey Hyrkas, Huntington, Ind.
Chris Wilson, Westfield,Ind.
Mitch Nelson, Lafayette, Ind.

Carolinas West

Josh Young, Franklin, N.C.
Tony Rice, Franklin, N.C.
Matthew McConnell, Franklin, N.C.
Joseph Wilson, Franklin, N.C.
Lucas Leatherman, Franklin, N.C.
Jeff Porter, Cullowhee, N.C.
Neal Walker, Shelby, N.C.
David Phillips, Huntersville, N.C.
Mike Haynes, Marion, N.C.
George West, Asheville, N.C.
Richard Padgett, Black Mountain, N.C.
Terry Ponder, Burnsville, N.C.
Tyler Coates, Weaverville, N.C.
Tryston Fain, Gastonia, N.C.
Jamie Bannister, Belton S.C.

Carolina East

Jeramy Wilson, Youngsville, N.C.    
Joshua Greguire, Rolesville, N.C.
Mark Perkinson, Warrenton, N.C. 
Shawn Martin, Holly Springs, N.C.
Colby Quaife, Avon, Ind.
Preston Pernell, Kittrell, N.C.
Allen Denning, Newport, N.C. 
Dan King, Trenton, N.C.
Josh Haithcock, Timmonsville, N.C.
Cory Walters, Siler City, N.C.
Julian Stephenson, Bear Creek, N.C.
Don Williams, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Dustin Richardson, Henderson, N.C.
Taylor Brown, Wilmington, N.C. 
Ryan Denning, Angier, N.C.

Florida

Richard Clark, Groveland, Fla.
Neil Crighton, Apopka, Fla.
Tom Larson, Winter Garden, Fla.
Sean Cooke, Orlando, Fla.
Clay Baxter, Orlando, Fla.
Josh Wilson, Winter Garden, Fla.
Brad Sumlin,Clearwater, Fla.
Bob Rommelt, Palm Harbor, Fla.
Jackie Lynn,Tampa, Fla.
Joe Badger, Iverness, Fla.
Ed Filor, Crystal River, Fla.
Steve Langston, Bushnell, Fla.
Cody Ellis, Eustis, Fla.
Daniel Klemmer, Odessa, Fla.
Ronnie Bailey Jr., Wildwood, Fla.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com. 

Contact: Meghan Musgrave
Office: 980.373.2556 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy