An Ameren Illinois apprentice line worker who graduated from Taylorville High School finished among the top competitors at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas.
Thomas Gettings, who works out of Ameren Illinois’ Decatur Operating Center, finished fifth in the apprentice pole climbing event and seventh in a mystery event at the 42nd annual competition.
Gettings was among the top 10 finishers in individual events, competing against apprentices from investor-owned utilities across the country.
Ameren Illinois also had a strong showing in the journeyman team competition. Brian Courtwright of the Decatur Operating Center teamed up with Clayton Gulley and Austin Lewis of the Marion Operating Center to finish fifth overall in the investor-owned utility division. The team competed against 117 teams and placed 17th in the pole climb event.
Two other Ameren Illinois teams also earned top 10 finishes in the pole climb. Braden Weder, Jakob Weder and Matt DeWitt finished seventh, while Blake Mette, Austin Weber and Clint Dasenbrock placed ninth.
“Finishing among the top competitors at the International Lineman’s Rodeo is an impressive accomplishment,” said Jason Klein, vice president of Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois. He said the results reflect the skill, training and focus on safety that line workers bring to their jobs every day.
The competition also supported a charitable cause. Ameren Illinois line workers raised $96,000 through the annual Climbin’ for Kids campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Jim and Trudy Maloof St. Jude Affiliate Clinic in Peoria.
Since the campaign began in 2021, it has raised more than $500,000 to support research, patient care and families affected by childhood cancer.
For more information, visit the Ameren Illinois website.
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