Press Release

Indianapolis, IN – At 6am on Saturday August 28th, while most people were just starting to think about their weekend activities, three of SM&P’s best Locators prepared to compete in the 2004 International Utility Locate Rodeo in Atlanta, Georgia. Tony Howerton, Jim Fredrick, and Don Eppars boarded a shuttle van that transported them to the event’s competition site on Mercer University’s Atlanta Campus. There they joined eighty-eight competitors from sixteen states and at least thirty different Companies and Municipalities to compete for prizes and recognition in four utility locate Divisions: telecommunications, water, power and gas.

Over the course of the day-long competition, each competitor within their respective Division completed three locates. The overall score from all three locates was calculated to name the 1st Place Winner for each Division. SM&P’s very own Jim Fredrick garnered the First Place win in the Power Division. His overall score was 33 points ahead of the 2nd Place winner for his Division, making him the clear Power Division Champion. “Jim swept the entire Division!” said Tim Boatfield, Chairman of the 2004 International Utility Locate Rodeo. “What he did was quite remarkable in our eyes.”

Jim Fredrick said when he wasn’t competing, he was getting to know the other competitors, learning about the various challenges they face on the job, and trading tips and techniques. When asked if he would consider attending the event again, Fredrick replied, “I would definitely go back next year if I were given the opportunity.”

Tony Howerton competed in the Water Division and Don Eppars competed in the Telecommunications Division. While they competed very well, they did not place. Speaking of their performance and the event, Albert Rodriguez, Senior Director of Operations for Texas, Michigan, and Oklahoma said, “Their performance and professional conduct represented SM&P very well and made us proud. All of our competitors were genuinely excited to be in Atlanta. They were supportive of each other’s efforts and really bonded as a team. All three competitors used the competition as a learning experience.” Albert Rodriguez attended the event to lend his support to the Competitors and their Supervisors.

The International Utility Locate Rodeo recognizes professional underground facility location and demonstrates the safety, skills, and on-going educational efforts associated with high quality workmanship in the profession. In addition, it provides professionals in the Field with a forum in which to exchange ideas and techniques. “We increased the level of difficulty for this year’s competition,” explains Boatfield. “Some competitors complained that the locates were too difficult. We believe that increased difficulty allows the true talent to rise to the top. Many competitors arrived at the competition knowing they were very good Locators. Many left realizing they still have a lot to learn from their fellow professionals.” When asked if the event would be held again, Boatfield replied, “This has been a breakthrough year for us. You could feel the excitement generated at the Awards Banquet. The reaction from sponsors, vendors, participants, and spectators was electrifying. We certainly hope to do this again.”