Spire claims the flame

ST. LOUIS (Oct. 3, 2019) — For the fourth consecutive year, Spire teams dominated the National Gas Rodeo winning both the two-person and four-person competitions. The National Gas Rodeo is a program of the MEA Energy Association that highlights the skill and teamwork of natural gas workers.  

This year, more than 50 teams gathered in Kansas City, Missouri to test their efficiency, safety and speed in four events — the dig box; pipe cut; meter set; and service installation. The top 12 teams advanced to a relay round, and teams with the combined fastest time won.

This year’s winners all reside in St. Louis, Missouri. The two-person team champions are Jason Ficke (captain), Jimmy Barnard and Kevin Fahnstock (alternate). The four-person team champions are James Grofe (Captain) Deveron Rampani, Carl Monda, Cody Hammond, and Kyle Whitt (alternate). The only competition’s only female team, Spire’s Gashouse Gals, placed fifth overall in the two person-category.

Champions are awarded rings and the flame trophy until the next rodeo. In 2020, the National Gas Rodeo will be Sept. 17-19 in Springfield, Missouri.