There were no horses, bulls, or cowboys at the rodeo that took place this past week in Kansas City. Rather, it was all about shovels, service runs, pipe cutters, gas meters and teams of “gas hogs” competing to be the best of the best in their trade – and having a darn good time doing it.
We sent five employees to the annual National Gas Rodeo: a four-person team plus an alternate who dubbed themselves “Aces in the Hole.” Team names at the Gas Rodeo were colorful, some akin to superhero personas, like Mercaptan ‘Merica, High Pressure Hitmen, Gas House Gorillas, Gas Avengers, and Lil’ Gashouse Gang.
Instead of capes and masks, contestants donned safety gear: hard hat, safety glasses, and work boots. Strength, sportsmanship and professionalism were their super powers. These pros competed in teams in events such as meter set, pipe cut, hand dig, and truck/trailer backup.
The National Gas Rodeo is a program of Midwest Energy Association (MEA). It was started to promote the skills and team work of those working in the natural gas delivery industry. The team-based events build leadership and focus on safe, time-efficient performance of job skills.
The No. 1 Interest in Common: Safety
Teams from energy companies across America participated in the rodeo: some came by air; many caravanned across the country in motorhomes. What they all shared in common was a deep commitment to safety.
The multi-day get-together kicked off with an orientation that featured a safety training segment. The training covered electric hazards for gas crews as well as body mechanics to avoid injuries.
Aces In the Hole Did Us Proud
Our Gas Rodeo team, Aces in the Hole, comprised crew members from our Beach Cities, Metro and Eastern districts. They first started practicing together only in June, whenever their busy schedules allowed. Three of the team members were new to the competition. They faced teams that had been training like athletes on a rigorous schedule to shave off fractions of a second.
Our team did not disappoint.
“SDG&E's team, our Aces in the Hole, did well, improving on their past time despite not having much time to practice together,” said John Koch, our gas operations area manager and one of the team coaches. The other coach for the team was Chris Kenyon, gas operations site lead. The team included Danny Ferriera, Keith Mulligan, Thomas Godbey, Dylan Inman, and Malosi Luli.
“You have to consider the national rodeo is a cut above – a different level of competition – and some of the best teams there have been training closely together for years, working on a muscle memory…building confidence, setting them up to break records,” Koch added.
P.S.
In case you are wondering what the term “gas hogs” mean, it’s an affectionate name for those who compete in the National Gas Rodeo. “Hog” is a reference to a “pig,” a tool used to clean underground pipes.