Teams from Missouri Gas Energy and Atlanta Gas Light Named Champions of the National Gas Rodeo

The National Gas Rodeo congratulates team Intense from Missouri Gas Energy for their 2-person championship win on September20, 2008. Trouble Shooters from Atlanta Gas Light are the 4-person team champions. Natural gas crews from the across the nation came to compete and showcase their skills, knowledge, and professionalism at this 14th annual

Eagan, MN (PRWEB) October 3, 2008 -- The National Gas Rodeo congratulates team Intense from Missouri Gas Energy for their 2-person championship win on September20, 2008. Trouble Shooters from Atlanta Gas Light are the 4-person team champions. Natural gas crews from the across the nation came to compete and showcase their skills, knowledge, and professionalism at this 14th annual event.

Natural gas crews, the people who place the pipe, install the meters, and bring natural gas to homes and businesses often do not receive the recognition they deserve. "This is our opportunity as a company to show our pride in their work and our support for their efforts," said Al Jablonowski of We Energies and chair of the National Gas Rodeo committee.

"It's their time to celebrate what they do and how well they do it. Teams take this very seriously, designing their own tools and equipment. Months can be spent in the garage adding touches to specially designed shovels for the hand dig," said Stephanie Menning of Midwest ENERGY Association.

This year 43 teams competed. Dominion, Ameren, Puget Sound Energy, Atmos Energy, We Energies, City Utilities of Springfield, Gainesville Regional Utilities, Washington Gas, Xcel Energy, Questar Gas, Jackson Energy Authority, and Atlanta Gas Light sent multiple teams.

Qualifying event winning teams 4-person

Meter Set - Insane Methane from Piedmont Natural Gas

Pipe Cut - Nipple Twisters from Xcel Energy

Service Install - Trouble Shooters from AGL Resources

Hand Dig - Pacific Coast Pressure Controllers from Southern California Gas

Qualifying event winning teams 2-person

Meter Set - Retired Steel from We Energies

Pipe Cut - Gashouse Gorillas from City Utilities of Springfield

Service Install - Intense from Missouri Gas Energy

Hand Dig - Tennessee Patriots 2 from Jackson Energy Authority

Rodeo relay-only winning teams:

4-Person - Trouble Shooters from AGL Resources

2-Person - The Regulators from Dominion

Wild Card winning teams:

4-Person - Big Dogs from Questar Gas

2-Person - The Meter Beaters from Ameren

The 2009 Natural Gas Rodeo will take place September 18-19 in Fairview Heights, Ill. For complete National Gas Rodeo results, visit www.nationalgasrodeo.org, or contact Stephanie Menning at 651.289.9600 x114. And Saddle Up!

The National Gas Rodeo is the proving ground for the elite gas crews from across the United States. The intense competition and camaraderie of the Rodeo offer competitors an opportunity to showcase their skills and professionalism. The National Gas Rodeo is proudly administered by Midwest ENERGY Association and supported by American Gas Association and American Public Gas Association.

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