The 2026 Tn Valley Lineman Rodeo this past weekend in Florence, Ala., brought together top lineworkers from across the region. The weekend events tested safety, skill, efficiency, and teamwork through real-world challenges.
The Jackson Energy Authority team showed up well-prepared, putting in the time beforehand to refine their skills, build consistency, and support each other — and it paid off.
That preparation was evident all day, leading to strong performances across the board.
-Trey Hatch, of Chester County, earned First Place Overall Apprentice, one of the top honors of the event. Notably, Hatch placed in every individual event, demonstrating a remarkable level of consistency, precision, and skill across all phases of competition.
-Carson Winchester also had an outstanding showing, securing Third Place Overall Apprentice.
-On the journeyman side, Chris White competed at a high level and earned Fifth Place Overall Lineman, finishing among the top performers in a highly competitive field.
-Ryan Calderon, of Chester County, received second in the Hurtman, third in the Tie in Event, and fourth in the A-6 Bell Challenge!
As a team, JEA placed ninth overall out of 31 teams, a strong result considering the caliber of competition present.
Achieving a top-five placement in any event at this rodeo is a significant accomplishment, reflecting a high level of expertise and dedication to the trade.
Local residents from the JEA team inlcude Trey Hatch, Cole McEarl, Ryan Calderon and Tanner Mills, as well as mentor Adam Phillips.
Congratulations to this dedicated group of linemen.
