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Knowing the Ropes

HILCO EC lineman Michael Zamzow masters his rodeo skills

Michael Zamzow can compete among the best when it comes to ropes and zeal. The HILCO Electric Cooperative lineman of two years won a share of a $150,000 grand prize at the World Series of Team Roping Finale XI in Las Vegas in December 2016 and a second-place trophy at the Texas Lineman’s Rodeo in Seguin in July 2017. He roped steer in one event and a mock-injured lineman in the other.

How did he do it? “Lots of practice and hard work,” Zamzow says. “It takes a lot of time to get to where you want to be.”

The Whitney native grew up riding horses and going to rodeos. He began practicing his roping skills daily and soon was traveling to compete in rodeos every weekend. Qualifying for the World Series was a dream.

“Man, it was pretty cool,” he says of his first trip to Las Vegas. “I was in bed pretty early every night, getting ready to rope the next morning and take care of my horse.”

Zamzow heads back to Vegas, to compete in the WSTR Finale XII, December 10–16.