Gabriel Miclette (on the left) stands alongside Chris Lange, the regional Senior Vice President of power grid operations for Duke Energy. Photo provided by Duke Energy.

News Release

PLAINFIELD —  Congratulations are due to Gabriel Miclette of Wabash, who came second place in the Apprentice Overall Awards at the Duke Energy Midwest Lineman’s Rodeo 2025, qualifying him to compete at International Lineman’s Rodeo this fall in October.

The air was electric and the energy was tangible at a competition over the weekend where 12 Duke Energy lineworkers from Indiana took home top awards at the Midwest Lineman’s Rodeo in Plainfield, earning the opportunity to move on to one of the most prominent and celebrated lineworker events in the world.

Lineman’s rodeos showcase the skills and abilities of electrical lineworkers and involve various challenges that test proficiency in traditional job-related tasks such as climbing poles, handling tools, making equipment repairs and performing rescue operations – while also promoting safety, camaraderie and teamwork. Categories scored included equipment repair, pole climbs and “hurt man” rescues.

Winners include lineworkers who tackled recent Indiana storm response and restoration, as well as supported hurricane response last fall.