Ameren Illinois had a strong showing at the 42nd International Lineman’s Rodeo with two apprentices and three journeyman teams bringing home bragging rights from this year’s event in Overland Park, Kansas.
Apprentice line worker Caleb Brune (Centralia Operating Center) finished sixth overall among 143 competitors in the investor-owned utility division. His best individual event was the pole climb event where he finished 12th overall.
“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. “Congratulations to our top 10 finishers and to everyone who represented Ameren Illinois. Their performance reflects the skill, training and focus on safety they bring to the job every day.”
In addition to the competition, Paul Koehler (LaSalle Operating Center) and other line workers once again led an effort to use the competition to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The annual Climbin’ for Kids campaign raised $96,000 for St. Jude’s and its affiliate in Peoria, Illinois—the Jim and Trudy Maloof St. Jude Affiliate Clinic—advancing research, patient care, and family support in the fight against childhood cancer. More than $500,000 has been raised since Climbin’ for Kids started in 2021.
“Climbin’ for Kids is a great example of the generosity and sense of community that exists among line workers,” said Luke Wollin, senior vice president of Operations and Technical Services for Ameren Illinois. “We’re proud that our teams can be part of an event that not only celebrates their profession, but also supports the children and families served by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”
