REC Lineworkers Shine at 21st Annual Gaff-n-Go Rodeo

Fredericksburg, Va. — REC lineworkers delivered an impressive showing at the 21st Annual Terex Gaff-n-Go Rodeo, held May 16–17 at Meadow Event Park in Doswell.

The Gaff-n-Go competition is the only event of its type held in Virginia. The name Gaff-n-Go refers to the "gaff," a metal spike that lineworkers attach to their boots to climb wooden utility poles. Besides the competition, the gathering provides a variety of benefits for the linemen — and REC’s members.

“It’s an outstanding opportunity for our lineworkers and our crews to show off their skills in action, to demonstrate their commitment to safety and to show how they team up and partner to get the job done,” said John Hewa, REC’s President and CEO.

In the Equipment Operator’s category, the team of Thomas Bailey, Alister Pollard and Addison Spicer brought home first place overall with a perfect score. The trio also earned perfect scores in the Wire Transfer event, the Bucket Truck Hurtman Rescue, and the Digger Derrick/Mini-Excavator Obstacle Course, where they secured a first-place finish.

The team of Chris Farmer, Chad Foster, and Trey Roberts also earned perfect scores in both the Wire Transfer and Bucket Truck Hurtman Rescue events. Additionally, Sean Davis, Cameron Lewis, and Thomas Mullen received perfect scores in the same events.

In the Journeyman division, the team of Brandon Hudson, Devin Hudson, and Kory Settle placed seventh overall with a nearly perfect score of 494 out of 500. They also took third place in the Working Skills event with a perfect score and earned perfect scores in the Hurtman Rescue and 15KV Fuse Coordination events.

Also earning perfect scores in the Journeyman Hurtman Rescue and 15KV Fuse Coordination were Colby Monroe, Matt Murphy, and Steven Savage; and in the 15KV Fuse Coordination event, Cameron Lewis, Foster Pearson and Randy Wright.

In the Apprentice division, Jordan Stevens placed fourth overall with 494 points out of 500, and Austin Lambert (BG) placed seventh with 492 points. Stevens also placed in the top 10 on the written test.

Numerous REC apprentices earned perfect scores across several event categories.

• Austin Lambert – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer, Guy Strain Change Out
• Jordan Stevens – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer, Guy Strain Change Out
• Bradley Wiley – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer, Guy Strain Change Out
• Christian Koontz – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer, Guy Strain Change Out
• Hunter Jost – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer
• Matt Rulapaugh – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer
• Blake Rhodes  – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer
• Clayton Gay – Hurtman Rescue, Dead End Transfer, Guy Strain Change Out
• Hunter Graham – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer
• Cole Scruggs – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer
• Keaton Perry – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills, Dead End Transfer
• Chad LaVigne – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills
• Zachary Carlisle – Hurtman Rescue, Climbing Skills
• Bradley Hobbs – Hurtman Rescue, Dead End Transfer
• Kevin Fines – Hurtman Rescue, Dead End Transfer
• Carter Christopher – Hurtman Rescue

REC Teams Bring the Heat at Gaff-n-Grill BBQ Competition

While Gaff-n-Go competitors were climbing poles and tackling obstacle courses, REC’s barbecue teams were serving up smoky flavor at the Gaff-n-Grill competition.

Team Smokin’ and Smotherin’, made up of Allie & William Wilfong and Kevin Ryan, placed 7th overall. They earned 4th place in the pork butt category and secured a top 10 finish in the sweets category.

Second Hand Smoke, represented by Kristie & Cody Lockhart and Matt Fauver, took 8th place overall. The team landed a top 10 finish in the pork belly category and claimed 3rd place in the pork butt category.

“Gaff-n-Go allowed REC employees to showcase their skills, professionalism and team spirit throughout the weekend,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director - Communications and Public Relations. “The Gaff-n-Go Rodeo continues to be a proud tradition where REC shines --demonstrating a commitment to safety, skill and service to our members.”

Serving more than 182,000 connections across 22 Virginia counties, REC is a pillar in its communities, with over 18,000 miles of power lines extending from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. For more information on REC’s initiatives, visit www.myrec.coop and follow REC on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.