Co-op’s Zackery Gough wins Top Overall Apprentice for second consecutive year
Pedernales Electric Cooperative lineworker apprentices and journeyworker teams competed against the best in the world October 11-14 during the International Lineman’s Rodeo competition.
The event, held just outside of Kansas City featured nearly 300 teams from across the world. Despite moderate winds, cool temperatures, and sporadic rain, PEC teams powered through the events, bringing home seven awards in the following categories.
Zackery Gough – PEC lineworker apprentice
- First Place: Top Overall Apprentice
- First Place: Top Apprentice, Rural Electric Administration (REA) Division
- First Place: Apprentice Written Test
- Fifth Place: Hurtman Rescue
Daniel Wilson – PEC lineworker apprentice
- Third Place: Top Apprentice, REA Division
Matthew Mabry – PEC lineworker apprentice
- Second Place: Apprentice Written Test
- Fourth Place: Top Apprentice, REA Division
With a nearly perfect score, PEC lineworker apprentice Zackery Gough earned first place against 440 competitors from across the U.S., Canada, and Brazil in the Best of the Best, Top Overall Apprentice category. Gough also won top apprentice in the REA Division, as well as first place in the Apprentice Written Test, and fifth place in the Hurtman Rescue event.
“It’s an honor to receive such a high achievement against the best in the world two years in a row,” Gough said. “We put in a lot of work to become the best lineworkers we can be for our members and our communities, and although we don’t do it for the accolades, it is nice to be recognized for our efforts.”
Skills tested in rodeo competitions are the same skills performed in the field and practice helps ensure PEC members receive the best possible service and reliability.
“Our apprentices and journeyworkers take on tough tasks safely and efficiently day in and day out, and it was great to see the hard work they perform for our members on display in Kansas,” said Brian Magott, PEC Canyon Lake Regional Operations Director. “We’re fortunate to have these men on our team and we extend our congratulations to everyone who participated.”
PEC encourages those interested in a career in linework to learn more and apply online at jobs.pec.coop.
