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Local journeyman teams, apprentices earn spots representing Illinois on global stage

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (May 22, 2026) – Ameren Illinois lineworkers will once again showcase their skill, teamwork and commitment to safety on an international stage after earning top spots at a recent play-in competition at the company's Decatur Training Center to qualify for the 2026 International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Five journeyman teams and four apprentices secured their place in the prestigious event, which brings together the world’s top lineworkers to compete in events that showcase precision, safety, and technical expertise.

The following Ameren Illinois journeyman teams qualified to compete:

• Matt Dewitt, Beardstown Operating Center, Braden Weder, Tuscola Operating Center; and Jakob Weder, Danville Operating Center
• Brian Courtwright, Decatur Operating Center, Clayton Gulley and Austin Lewis, Marion Operating Center
• Clint Dasenbrock, Effingham Operating Center, Blake Mette and Austin Weber, Mattoon Operating Center
• Jay Leathers, Galesburg Operating Center; John McDonough, Washington (Eastern Operating Center) and Vinny Napolitano, Peoria (Pioneer Park Operating Center)
• Neil Scott, Tommy Fisher and Ryan Ivers, Belleville Operating Center

The following apprentices will represent Ameren Illinois:

• Jared Lockmiller, Belleville Operating Center
• Caleb Brune, Centralia Operating Center
• Thomas Gettings, Decatur Operating Center
• Bret Beckmann, Belleville Operating Center

“These journeyman and apprentice lineworkers earned their spot through hard work, training, and a relentless focus on safety,” said Jason Klein, vice president of Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois. “The Rodeo is a chance to showcase the skills our lineworkers use every day to safely deliver reliable energy to our customers.”

The International Lineman’s Rodeo, scheduled for October 2026, features events such as the hurtman rescue, pole climb and mystery challenges. Competitors are judged on safety, technique and efficiency, mirroring the real-world conditions lineworkers face in the field.

Apprentices also complete a written test in addition to field events, highlighting their growing technical knowledge and readiness for the next stage of their careers.

The annual event not only highlights excellence in the trade but also reinforces the importance of safety, training and teamwork – core values that guide Ameren Illinois crews every day as they serve communities across the state.

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us at @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.com/AmerenIllinois.