We had an amazing time hosting the 2016
International Utility Locate Rodeo! Held on the grounds of the University of Texas at Arlington, the event showcased the skills of the men and women who actually locate your underground utility lines and cables - after you've made the free call to 811 to ask for that free service BEFORE you do any digging.
The rodeo course featured all kinds of locates, from water to gas to electric to telecommunications and so on - including the dreaded Locate from Hell. Line locators from around the United States competed on a set course, locating underground lines of all types, and were judged on speed, accuracy and other factors.
The 81 competitors were advancing on to the big show in Arlington. They came from 17 different states and represented over 38 participating companies and stakeholder groups.
It couldn't have been done without the assistance of over 120 volunteers - from judges down to the people who drove the golf carts to ferry contestants around the large campus. These volunteers came from at least 12 states and represented over 30 companies and stakeholder groups.
Texas811 shout-outs go to Texas811's Director of Damage Prevention JimBob Sims and Image Manager Shakheana Fields who organized the whole show - to Texas811 Swag'n Master David Medina who managed to feed lunch to over 200 people on site - to Texas811's Jason and Jared Crocker, who lugged camera gear in the blazing sun to shoot video and photographs - and Texas811's Cindy Graham, who kept the "base camp" running smoothly throughout the day.
Also, a big thank you to our sponsors: Rust-Oleum, USIC, Cox Utility Services Inc., Krylon Industrial, NULCA, 3M, SPX Radiodetection, Vivax/Metrotech, McLaughlin, Subsite Electronics, CGA, Staking University, HALFF, Benton, EGW, South Dakota 811, Arkansas One Call, Illinois One Call, Georgia 811, South Carolina 811, Ohio Utilities Protection Service, S&N Communications, EGW, Heath Consultants, Atmos Energy, Green Equipment Company and N-line Traffic for traffic cones.
And finally last, but certainly not least, our most distinguished volunteers:
2016 Event Site Committee:
Alison Goodgame, Consultant
Rick Routh, Liaison Manager, Georgia 811
Holly Files, Liaison Director, Georgia 811
Carlton Sellers, Subsurface Utility Engineering Manager
Eddie Stevens, Training and Operator Qualification Manager, Benton GA Inc.
Sharon Holder, Owner, Utilities 1st, LLC
2016 Master Judges:
Ron Peterson, President, Baker-Peterson, LLC
Jim Weldon, Retired, Manager of Cable Locating and Claims, Georgia Power
Chris Stovall, EVP, COO, Texas811
Pete Pedersen, Compliance Manager, Atmos Energy Mid-Tex Division
And - here are the first place winners!
Gas Division Winner
Billy Tolar, City of Tallahassee
Power Division Winner
Russell Brock, Georgia Power
Telecom Division Winner
Miguel Mendez, USIC
Water Division Winner
Donald Conner, Clayton County Water
Locate from Hell
George Ross, USIC
Congratulations from Texas811 to everyone who won and placed - and we hope to see you next year!
