Texas811 wrapped up hosting its first ever International Locate Rodeo this past weekend at the University of Texas at Arlington campus.
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 was held on a course allowing 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 themselves winners of regional contests, 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 – here are the first place winners!
Gas Division Winner
1st place
Billy Tolar
City of Tallahassee
Power Division Winner
1st Place
Russell Brock
Georgia Power
Telecom Division Winner
1st Place
Miguel Mendez
USIC
Water Division Winner
1st Place
Donald Conner
Clayton County Water
Locate from Hell
1st place
George Ross
USIC
Congratulations from Texas811 to everyone who won and placed – and we hope to see you next year!
Until next week, safe digging.
