This month, as GVEC hosts the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo (TLR) 2023, I’d like to acknowledge the contributions to this event of Senior Executive Manager Bobby Christmas. Bobby retires from GVEC on December 31 after more than 42 years. The last 28 of those, he’s been deeply involved with TLR and the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo (TLRA).
Launching and Growing an Electrifying Statewide Tradition
In 1995, a member of GVEC’s line crew approached Bobby with a magazine article about the International Lineman’s Rodeo held each October in Kansas. The lineman asked if GVEC could participate in something similar, and the idea lit a fire in Bobby and in GVEC’s then-General Manager Marcus Pridgeon. Pridgeon sent Bobby on a mission to the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), Electric Power Job Training and Safety Division, to propose establishing a local rodeo. Things developed quickly from there, and soon after, Bobby attended another meeting at TEEX. This one involved representatives from CenterPoint Energy, Bryan Texas Utilities, TLT Construction, HILCO Electric Cooperative, Texas-New Mexico Power and others. This group partnered to form the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo Committee, naming Bobby Chair.
The first Rodeo happened in 1996 at the San Antonio TEEX Training Center. Bobby recalls that only he, one truck operator and a groundman prepared the 15-acre field. The work included hauling, handling and setting up 25-30 utility poles. Bobby was the only person qualified to climb the poles, and string and tie the conductors. In ensuing years, he would have a lot more help, though. By 2001, the San Antonio facility had become untenable for various reasons, and the Rodeo Committee ultimately moved the event to Nolte Island in Seguin. In 2005, the Rodeo reorganized, forming the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo Association, Inc., and electing Bobby as the Chairman. In the years since, his leadership has helped TLR become one of the top lineman’s rodeos in the nation.
What it Means ‘To Rodeo’
The TLR has become an important part of lineman culture not only at GVEC, but also at other participating organizations. It not only helps linemen become better at their jobs and develop closer bonds with peers, but also helps grow and support relationships between individual power providers. These interorganizational connections help build natural comradery and familiarity amongst utilities, making it easier to reach out to one another for information and, more importantly, for support during emergencies.
We don’t know what role Bobby will play in the Rodeo after retirement, but we do know this event will continue, as strong and as vital as ever. Thank you, Bobby, for your tireless commitment to growing the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo into the statewide competition it’s become. We wish you well in retirement but remain hopeful we’ve not seen the last of you on the field at Nolte Island.
