When it comes to being an AmerenUE lineman, Chet Trent knows he has some big gaffs to fill at the International Lineman's Rodeo, held annually in Bonner Springs, Kansas. Over the last several years, his father, mentors and fellow crew members have set records and won awards.

In 2006, AmerenUE journeyman lineworkers Joey Prenger, Mike Vrbka and Anthony Huber set a new record time to win the journeyman hurtman rescue. Huber also won the apprentice hurtman rescue in 2004, and Prenger won the speed climb as an apprentice a year later. Then there is Chet's father, Brad Trent, who won the journeyman speed climb in 1989 while working out of AmerenUE's Dorsett district (Missouri). Brad now works as a supervisor for the utility's electric operations department in Louisiana.

Competing in the Rodeo

Chet Trent got his first taste as a participant in the rodeo in 2008. He was hoping to keep the Wentzville, Missouri, tradition alive and equal his dad's feat. However, one of his steps cut out on the way up the pole, costing him valuable tenths of a second. He finished in 19.33 seconds. The overall winning time was 18.07 seconds.

“I still had a good time, but I was a lot slower than I usually go,” Chet said. “My best time is 14.4 seconds. I have been around that time three or four times. I've been at 15 seconds on a regular basis. It takes me about eight to nine seconds to get up and buckle in. It takes me another two seconds to do my exchange and two-and-a-half to three seconds to get down. I usually take three long steps on the way down.”

While there may be some trash-talking as to who is the fastest climber in the Wentzville district, Brad says there is no denying who is the quickest in the Trent family.

“Chet is undisputedly faster,” Brad said with a proud grin. “We climbed 45-foot poles. My fastest time was 20 seconds flat. The ones in today's competition are 40 footers.”

Brad was asked whether Chet got his speed and form from him or his wife.

“I think he's got a little from both of us,” Brad said. “I'd like to take some credit. I'm awfully proud of him.”

Following in His Father's Footsteps

Chet was about a year old when his father won the speed-climb event. The Trents hauled their son and daughter to several rodeos throughout the next few years.

Chet was 11 years old when he strapped gaffs on for the first time. Several years later, he began seriously looking at line work as a career choice.

“When I got into high school, I started looking around at things I wanted to do. And the more I looked around, this was kind of up my alley,” Chet said. “So, I decided this is what I wanted to do, and I'm glad I made that decision. It's fun and exciting.”

And with some practice and persistence, Chet may follow in Brad's footsteps again — this time to be an International Lineman's Rodeo champion. Chet, who tops out as a journeyman lineman in September, will compete in the journeyman division at this year's rodeo on Oct. 17.

“If he keeps on practicing, it'll be there,” said Brad. “It takes perseverance.”

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Brian Bretsch works for the communications department for AmerenUE (St. Louis, Missouri). He wrote this article for his company's publication, the Ameren Journal.

2009 RODEO FAST FACTS

Linemen nationwide are gearing up for the 26th Annual International Lineman's Rodeo. Here are some details about the event.

Date: Oct. 15-17, 2009

Location: The expo and the Safety & Training Conference will be held Oct. 15 and 16 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas, and the rodeo will be held Oct. 17 in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

2009 team events: Hurtman rescue, pole climb and two mystery events

2009 apprentice events: Apprentice written test, hurtman rescue, pole climb, CPR with AED and one mystery event.

For more information, visit www.linemansrodeokc.com.

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