Climbing electrical poles comes naturally to Niles’ Nate Prenkert.

So it is to no one’s great surprise that Prenkert rose to the top of a recent lineman competition.

Prenkert, who graduated from Lake Michigan College’s utility lineman program last year, won four of five individual events and was named the overall champion among apprentices at the Indiana Municipal Electric Association state lineman’s rodeo in Anderson, Ind., in August.

The competition tested the workmanship skills of linemen from Indiana. Prenkert is employed as an apprentice lineman with Mishawaka Utilities.

“I was pleased to see him do so well, but I wasn’t surprised,” said Tim Erickson, general manager at Mishawaka Utilities.

“I saw him climb back when he was at college, and he was good then. Both of his instructors told me not to let him get away.

“I’ve always expected big things from him.”

One event required Prenkert to rescue a dummy from the top of a 35-foot pole.

“It was a lot of fun, but I love competing,” Prenkert said. “I have to give a lot of credit to the guys I work with. We spent a lot of time practicing to get ready for the rodeo.”

Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood recognized Prenkert and other members of Mishawaka Utility’s lineman team for their efforts at a public meeting in September.

The City of Mishawaka helped sponsor the team’s trip to an international competition called the 28th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo & Expo that took place in Kansas in mid-October.

Mishawaka Utilities didn’t fare quite as well at the international rodeo, but the competition was much more stiff. Prenkert said it was a great experience.

“There were guys there from Russia, Jamaica, Hawaii, all over the world — it was pretty neat,” Prenkert said. “It is something I won’t forget.”

Prenkert was 66th out of 210 apprentices at the international rodeo.