Father & Son Journeymen: The Dynamic Downums

By Melissa Whitfield | BEC Staff Writer

If you get a chance to attend a Texas Lineman’s Rodeo, you’ll notice friends and family members also braving the heat and humidity to cheer on the lineworkers as they move from event to event. Many of the wives wear custommade T-shirts rooting for their lineman and children show off their onesies or T-shirts declaring themselves “future lineman.”

Lineman wife and mom Angie Downum found herself celebrating not only her husband Brad Downum’s win in the 45+ or Senior Division but also her son Scott Downum’s three first-place wins—Overall Journeyman, Journeyman Mystery Event Number One and Cooperatives.

“The last time they competed together, Scott was an apprentice, so this is the first time they competed in the same level. The last few years that Brad has not competed in, he really liked being able to watch Scott compete. He did judge a year or two, but did not like not being able to watch Scott,” Angie said. “To be blessed enough to watch them both walk the stage, well, you can be sure I will never forget.”

The journey to the stage wasn’t always clearcut for Scott, but his dad was always supportive.

Brad was encouraging of his sons to choose their own careers and was supportive of Scott when he enlisted in the Marines. When he completed his service, Scott decided to enroll in lineman training school.

Brad Downum, BEC Lineman

“Scott has always done everything with his whole heart, so I knew he would do well. I was happy and confident,” Brad said.

Asked how it’s been following his dad’s footsteps, Scott replied, “It’s been hot!” But it’s clear that Scott has been observing and learning from his dad for years.

“When I was a kid, I rode on an outage and held a light for him while he climbed in a storm to restore power. I was soaking wet and thought, ‘He must be crazy,’ ” Scott said.

Throughout the years, though, Scott’s opinion of his dad has become more enlightened.

Scott Downum, BEC Lineman

“Work ethic and dedication to his job and being proud of what you do—that’s what I’ve learned from watching my dad. I have never met anyone who is prouder of what they do than my father,” Scott said.

While Scott was learning the trade, Brad looked out for him and made sure he was getting the right training, especially things which might be overlooked in books, such as the linemen’s creed: “You are your brother’s keeper.”

Brad’s teaching wasn’t limited to just Scott. He served as a mentor to Scott’s team, “The Leakey Boys”—young men whom Brad and Angie watched grow up.

“Brad has worked with Jesse [Salazar] and Javier [Salazar] and knows their dedication and determination. They were very supportive when Brad found himself drained near the end of the competition. Jesse said they learned from the best, and Brad’s team, John Hernandez and Kenny Alf, stood beside him as the sun took its toll on Brad. I wanted to take him straight back to the room and cool him off, but I knew he wanted to try to make it through. After deciding to sit out the rest of the competition, Brad made it to the Jeep on his own two feet, feeling defeated, never expecting to later walk the stage as third place in the senior team,” Angie said.

“It was satisfying, knowing that it was my father’s last time to compete, and I was proud that he was able to walk out being successful,” Scott said.

To his father, he added, “Enjoy retirement. You’ve earned it.”