IBEW 1245 members made their mark at the 2026 National Gas Rodeo in Florence, Kentucky, last week. PG&E’s Gas Godz — Santos Sandoval, Richard Thomason, Kyle Balestrieri and Alex Mena — took home the overall four-person championship and first place in the Service Install event.
“We knew coming into this year it was going to be tough competition,” Balestrieri said. “It was overwhelming and exciting when we found out that we won the national championship. All our hard work had finally paid off.”
The team, which has been competing together for two years, practiced weekly leading up to the national event, working to improve their times and avoid penalties.
“We’re more than just friends and coworkers. We’re family,” Balestrieri said. “I think having that bond with our crew made it even more special for all of us.”
And the team didn’t just perform well— they looked good while doing it. Gas Godz also took home the competition’s best jersey honors. “All of the stars aligned for us this year. It was a very special moment for us,” added Balestrieri.
IBEW 1245 was well represented in Kentucky. “Gas Money” included Kevin Gonzales and Nic Reed; “Hot Tie-In” included Tom Peterson and Brandon Northcutt; and “Hott Headz” included Cavan Conner, Isaac Luperico, David Luperico, Noe Estrada and Jose Martinez. Brett Jackson and Kevin Reis competed as “Squeeze Eazy,” while German Luna, Sean Conroy, Manuel Molina and Freddy Mora competed as “Gas Holes.”
IBEW 1245 Business Representative Steve Lange, a 21-year PG&E GC Gas veteran, was at the competition serving as a judge. “The level of skill at this competition is exceptional, and as a former Gas Rodeo competitor, I was incredibly proud to see our 1245 members out there competing with the best in the country,” Lange said. “These events take the work our members do every day and put it on a national stage.”
The National Gas Rodeo brings together gas workers from across the country to test their safety, speed, accuracy and teamwork in events based on the skills of the trade. For 2026 National Gas Rodeo results and standings, click here.
Congratulations to all of our IBEW 1245 competitors — and to Gas Godz on bringing home the national championship. We’re already looking forward to seeing what our teams can do next year!
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 17, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.
IBEW Local 1245 members from PG&E compete in the National Gas Rode in Florence, Kentucky on September 18, 2026.