Years of experience and months of practice paid off as Savannah Electric’s Lineman’s Rodeo Team returned from the International Lineman’s Rodeo and Expo with four awards.

Savannah Electric captured first place trophies for two events -- replacing a pole-top electric insulator and replacing a utility pole crossarm.

They placed third in the Investor Owned Utility division and -- in a very close finish -- the team took third place overall among 227 teams from across the United States and from countries as far away as Great Britain.

The 18th annual event held in Kansas City Sept. 6-8, 2001 was a test of safety, skill, speed and teamwork. Participants competed in a range of events that included quickly “rescuing” a full-weight mannequin from the pole-top, climbing a pole without breaking an egg and mystery events such as replacing a pole crossarm and insulator.

Training and systems supervisor Bobby Logue coached the team, which included linemen Herb Hendrick and Richard Hall, groundman Brian Gracen and alternate Tim Merritt.

“We have always known that we have some of the world’s best employees,” said Savannah Electric President and CEO Anthony James, “but it’s great to see that fact recognized in such a competitive environment as the International Lineman’s Rodeo. We’re very proud of their performance.”

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Broadcast Media Note: All three Savannah television stations captured video of the team in a live field practice session on Friday, Aug. 24, 2001. Please call corporate communications at 912.238.2225 if interviews, photos or other information is needed.