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Northeast earns top honors at powerline rodeo

Northeast earns top honors at powerline rodeo

SCOTTSBLUF, NE – Northeast Community College utility line (UL) students dominated an event designed to showcase the skills they have learned in the classroom and lab. Northeast took first place overall in the team competition at the 2017 College Powerline Rodeo, held recently on the Scottsbluff and Alliance campuses of Western Nebraska Community College.

Northeast excelled over eight college and university teams from across the region to capture the top prize. Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Wadena, MN, was second, followed by Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac, WS, in third.

Teams competed in three physical events as well as a written exam. The competition allows students the opportunity to practice skills and techniques that they have learned in preparation for their careers in the electrical industry.

Northeast utility line students dominated in the team events.

In the written exam, the Northeast team of Trey Mueller, Avoca, Andy Yrkoski, Columbus, and Kevin Sullivan, Norfolk, placed first. In Cross Arm Change Out, the Northeast team of Justin Goesch, Spencer, Kellon Hall, Alliance, Austin Urkoski, Columbus, and Kaleb Trausch, Omaha, took first place while the team of Mueller, Yrkoski, and Sullivan was second.

Northeast captured the top three spots in the Rope Toss Event. The team of Mueller, Yrkoski and Sullivan finished first with Goesch, Hall, Urkoski, and Trausch placing second. Third place went to the Northeast team of Trey Keaschall, Pleasanton, Connor Lusk, Beatrice, Aaron Norquest, York, and  Ben Kuhr, Leigh.

In the individual competitions, Northeast utility line students also performed well.

Yrkoski was first in the individual written exam; Mueller earned the top honor in Rope Toss, and Goesch placed third in the Cross Arm Change Out event.

Other Northeast utility line students competing in the Powerline Rodeo included Brandon Bailey, Rushville, Bryce Buss, Beatrice, and Tom Sieczkowski, Ravenna. 

“The Powerline Rodeo is considered the ‘ultimate venue’ for college utility line workers across the nation to demonstrate their skills and knowledge,” said Kyle Voecks, Northeast utility line instructor. “College utility line workers compete for professional recognition, attend training courses, and practice essential skills in a safe environment.”

Voecks accompanied the students to the event. Other Northeast UL faculty members include Matt Johnson, Tom McKeon, Greg Nelson, Cleve Stolpe and Larry Oetken, job training and safety coordinator.



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                 PHOTO CUTLINE

 

The Northeast Community College Utility Line Team took first place overall in the team competition at the 2017 College Powerline Rodeo, held recently at Western Nebraska Community College. Team members include, (front row, from left) Justin Goesch, Kellon Hall, Austin Urkoski, Andy Yrkoski, Trey Mueller and Kevin Sullivan. Back row (from left) Kaleb Trausch, Brandon Bailey, Bryce Buss, Thomas Sieczkowski, Connor Lusk, Trey Keaschall, Aaron Norquest and Ben Kuhr.