MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) showcased top-tier talent and community spirit as its linemen earned 17 awards during the annual Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo, held May 30–31 at Williamson Family Farm in Murfreesboro.
Hosted and organized by MTE, the two-day rodeo brought together nearly 250 lineworkers from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) power distributors, highlighting excellence in safety, skill, and technical knowledge. The event featured individual and team competitions, drawing attention to the demanding work linemen do every day to maintain reliable electric service.
“It’s always an honor for my teammates to participate in the Lineman Rodeo, and hosting the event in Murfreesboro this year made it even more special,” said MTE CEO Chris Jones. “Many people worked behind the scenes to make this a great event, not only for lineworkers and those competing but also for the Murfreesboro community.”
Leading the highlights were Branson Hammrich, who earned second place overall in the Journeyman Lineman Division, and Mike Diggs, who claimed second place overall in the Senior Lineman Division.
The rodeo kicked off with a charity golf tournament on May 29, where MTE employees raised $6,865 for Line Brother’s Keeper, a nonprofit supporting fallen and injured lineworkers and their families.
Team Excellence
MTE’s team of Billy Jack Alexander, Nolan Farris, and Adam Montgomery took third place overall in the Team Division and won first in the Relay Challenge and second in Hurtman Rescue. Another MTE team—AJ Hamlet, Dylan Parker, and Matt Patrick—placed fifth overall.
“[Lineworkers] are incredible first responders. Sometimes people forget that,” added Jones. “It’s always exciting to watch them display the immense skill their craft takes at the rodeo.”
MTE Award Highlights
Journeyman Lineman Division
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Branson Hammrich – 2nd Overall, 3rd in Hurtman Rescue, 3rd in Cross-Arm Cut-Out Relocation
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Manny Bibian – 3rd Overall
Apprentice Lineman Division
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Preston Campbell – 1st in Fused Cut-Out Relocation
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Nathan Robertson – 2nd in Hurtman Rescue
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Tyler McClendon – 4th Overall
Team Events
Team 8: Billy Jack Alexander, Nolan Farris, Adam Montgomery
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1st – Relay Challenge
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2nd – Hurtman Rescue
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3rd Overall
Team 13: AJ Hamlet, Dylan Parker, Matt Patrick
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5th Overall
Senior Division
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Mike Diggs – 2nd Overall, 2nd in Hurtman Rescue, 2nd in Fused Cut-Out Relocation, 3rd in Tie Event
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Chris Gossett – 1st in Fused Cut-Out Relocation, 2nd in Tie Event
