Walton EMC team dominates at Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo

Linemen representing Walton EMC at the 2026 Georgia Lineman’s rodeo are, front row, from left: Adam Simmons, Adrian Mendoza, Blaine Ogle, Harry Ruiz. Mason Byron, Cody Wright, Cody Stewart, McCray Reynolds, Jacob Daria, Nik Harrison, Cody Jarrett, Brandon Short, Bryce Watson, Brayden Horne. Back row: Greg Pannell, Brad Adcock, Shawn Thurston, Brandon Brooks, Jacob McNary, Colin Phelps, Mason Tolbert, Cason Stracner, Landon Robertson, Isaiah Glasper, Tyler Standridge, Hollis Lucas, Phillip Mork, Coby Pickett, Tyler Gray, Preston Roberts, Ryan West and Jacob Brooks. Not pictured: Nate Howell and Logan Burleigh. Contributed photo

MONROE, Ga. ­_­­­— Walton EMC linemen are Georgia’s best at what they do, and they have the hardware to prove it. Earning seven of the top 10 scores, including all of the first five spots, the co-op team combined to win the apprentice division at the 31st Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo.

The co-op’s apprentice team members, who compete in skill-based challenges as individuals, finished in first place in each of the five contest categories. Among a field of 143 of the state’s best electric utility linemen, co-op team members collected 13 of a possible 15 trophies presented to the top three finishers in competition events.

“Preparing for this contest allows us to sharpen what matters most: the skills we use every day in our work serving the members of Walton EMC,” said Hollis Lucas, the overall winner in the apprentice division. He was followed closely by fellow linemen Mason Tolbert, Phillip Mork, Landon Robertson and Mason Byron, who were second through fifth place overall, respectively. 

Two of the co-op’s journeyman linemen teams added to the honors. Each finished among the top 10 in the division.

Walton EMC fielded its biggest team ever for this year’s event, which attracted competitors from electric cooperatives and municipal utilities across the state. The co-op’s 2026 team included 22 apprentice linemen and three, three-person journeyman teams. Six veteran Walton EMC linemen coached the team. Another 10 co-op employees served as contest judges.

The hands-on competition pushes linemen to perform at a high level while showcasing their commitment to the precision, safety and teamwork demanded in the electric linework trade. 

“It takes strength, skill and focus to succeed in this profession,” said Adam Simmons, safety and training instructor for Walton EMC. “By training and competing together, our line team develops the confidence and coordination they need to work safely and efficiently — real-world skills our co-op customer-owners depend on.” 

Top performers

Walton EMC linemen earning outstanding scores and honors are:

APPRENTICE DIVISION

Apprentices are those who are completing a seven-year course of on-the-job education to earn the title of journeyman lineman. They compete in four timed, skill events and also must complete a written exam.

• Hollis Lucas, first overall; first, hurtman rescue; third, known event (armor rod placement); second, #1 mystery event (transformer replacement). 

• Mason Tolbert, second overall; first, known event; first, #1 mystery event; first, written exam.

• Phillip Mork, third overall; first, #2 mystery event (polymer changeout).

• Landon Robertson, fourth overall; third, #2 mystery event.

• Nate Howell, second, hurtman rescue.

• Harry Ruiz, second, written exam.

• Bryce Watson, third, written exam.

• McCray Reynolds, third, hurtman rescue, and second, #2 mystery event.

JOURNEYMAN DIVISION

Walton EMC’s veteran linemen competed in a field of 37 three-person teams in timed skills challenges.

• Brad Adcock, Brandon Brooks and Blaine Ogle, eighth overall.

• Tyler Gray, Ryan West and Jacob Brooks, ninth overall.

View full list of participants, results, photos and videos at http://www.waltonemc.com/rodeo.

ABOUT WALTON EMC:

Walton EMC is an innovative, customer-owned and -focused electric utility serving accounts in 10 Northeast Georgia counties between Atlanta and Athens. In its long history of meeting members’ needs, the cooperative established successful natural gas and security subsidiaries as well as nationally recognized residential and commercial solar initiatives. For more information, visit waltonemc.com.