Electrical lineman student competition set for OSU-OKC

Thursday, April 3, 2025

The Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City campus will host a lineman rodeo from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 12. The event will feature students from OSU-OKC and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology competing in a series of student skills demonstrations and timed technical student competitions outside the Engineering Technology Center.

The lineman rodeo is a new event, planned to become an annual occurrence.

“The goal of the event is to bring the two campuses together and give a space for the students to showcase their skills,” said Terry Clinefelter, department head of construction technologies in the School of STEM at OSU-OKC.    

The rodeo will demonstrate the talents and skills of students training to become electrical linemen. Participants will demonstrate their proficiency in various tasks, including pole climbing, equipment repair, and safety procedures. The competitions are designed to simulate real-world scenarios that linemen encounter in their daily work, providing students with valuable hands-on experience.

"It's the first time that we've looked at having both of the programs here at OSU-OKC, and the program from OSUIT, having students involved,” Clinefelter said. “As the two campuses become closer together, we have programs that mirror each other, and it's a good way to build that relationship.”

Spectators can expect to see a range of events, from speed climbs to hurt-man rescues, where students must safely lower a simulated injured worker from a utility pole. These events not only test the students' technical abilities but also their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The rodeo provides an opportunity for students to network with industry professionals and potential employers. Representatives from local utility companies and trade organizations will be in attendance, offering students a chance to make connections and learn more about career opportunities in the field.

The event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring their families to enjoy a day of exciting competitions and demonstrations. Food trucks and vendors will be on-site, providing refreshments and local fare.

For more information about the lineman rodeo, contact Patty Webb at 405-945-3220.