Teams from Missouri and Illinois set to compete in multiday competition showcasing skills and teamwork
ST. LOUIS (Oct. 15, 2025) – Dozens of Ameren lineworkers, apprentices and judges will travel to the 41st annual International Lineman's Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas, later this week. Often dubbed the “Lineman Olympics,” this high-energy showdown draws the best of the best in the world to compete in events that test skill, speed and safety.
Ameren Missouri is sending 12 lineworkers, eight apprentices, and 17 judges and committee members to the rodeo, while Ameren Illinois is sending 21 lineworkers, six apprentices, and 10 judges and committee members. The rodeo also provides co-workers' families the opportunity to see firsthand the skills that make these men and women vital to our everyday lives.
“Ameren’s lineworkers and apprentices are deeply dedicated to their craft,” said Tim Lafser, senior vice president of energy delivery, operations, and technical services for Ameren Missouri. “The International Lineman’s Rodeo gives them a platform to demonstrate their skill, precision, and teamwork—representing Ameren and the communities we serve. Competing alongside the nation’s best, they tackle challenges that reflect the critical work they do every day to keep the energy grid safe and reliable for our customers.”
Teams will compete in events such as the Hurtman Rescue, Pole Climb contest, and two mystery challenges based on common tasks performed by lineworkers. Competitors will be evaluated on speed, safety standards, and other criteria. Apprentices will compete in the same events, in addition to a written test.
In 2024, a trio of lineworkers representing Ameren Illinois took home the top prize at the rodeo. Jason Novak, Clayton Gulley and Austin Lewis finished with two second-place awards to earn best-of-the-best out of more than 255 teams in the competition last year.
"Jason, Austin and Clayton's pursuit of a second consecutive championship reflects teamwork, training and the highest standards of safety in the field – values that drive our entire organization each and every day," said Luke Wollin, vice president of electric operations for Ameren Illinois.
About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.5 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.