GARLAND, Texas, July 20, 2005 -- GP&L linemen were the fastest pole climbers at the 9th Annual Texas Lineman's Rodeo held in Seguin, Texas on July 16.

Linemen Tommy Powell placed first and Scott DeHoyos placed second in the timed Individual Pole Climb event. Combined, their scores resulted in a first place finish in the Team Pole Climb event for Powell, DeHoyos and teammate Brad Price.

Apprentice lineman Josh Rotan continued to excel in his events, taking third place in the Overall Apprentice competition.

Competition at the Lineman's Rodeo included a series of competitive events in which linemen compete against each other to demonstrate safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handing and timely event completion. In all, 42 lineman teams and 48 apprentices from not-for-profit community-owned electric utilities in Texas participated at this competition.