Wrenches, teamwork and top talent: Ameren teams take on National Gas Rodeo

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 14, 2026) - Six Ameren teams will saddle up for a different kind of rodeo this week as they compete against the best natural gas journeymen from across the country at the 2026 National Gas Rodeo in Florence, Ky.

Three teams from Missouri and three from Illinois will represent Ameren at the national competition, held Sept. 16-18 at Turfway Park. The annual event puts participants through a series of challenges that mirror the real-world work they perform every day to safely deliver natural gas service to customers.

"The rodeo gives us a chance to demonstrate our commitment to safety and excellence in natural gas operations," said Brad Kloeppel, vice president of natural gas for Ameren Illinois. "We're thrilled to see our teams represent Ameren's values on a national stage."

Hosted by the MEA Energy Association, the National Gas Rodeo highlights the skill, safety and teamwork of natural gas professionals from across the United States. Competitors are tested in four events: Meter Set, Service Installation, Pipe Cut and Hand Dig. Each challenge is designed to showcase the precision and expertise required in the field.

While there's no bucking bull or barrel racing, the competition can be just as intense. Teams are judged on safety practices, accuracy, efficiency and teamwork as they tackle tasks that help keep natural gas flowing safely and reliably to homes and businesses.

"Every day, our natural gas operations teammates go above and beyond to ensure our customers receive safe and reliable service," said Pam Harrison, senior director of Missouri Gas Operations. "The National Gas Rodeo is a unique opportunity to showcase the expertise, precision and dedication our teams bring to their work while celebrating the vital role they play in serving our communities."

Ameren Illinois will have three teams representing its regional divisions:

• Peoria
  • Captain Jonathan Dorich, Scott Snedden, Colt Foster, Mike Harenberg and alternate Sam Hunt
• Springfield
  • Captain Justin Langley, Zach Roberts, Clayton Dees, Ty Draper and alternate Colton Beams
• Marion (two-person team)
  • Captain Dakota Wagoner, Taylor Jackson and alternate Anthony Muex

Ameren Missouri will have three teams representing its regional divisions:

• Captain Chad S. Crawford, Moberly Office, Chad L. Crawford, Jefferson City Office, Cameron Crawford, Louisiana Office, Nick Hunter, Columbia Office and alternate Nate Wallis, Columbia Office
• Rolla (two-person team)
  • Captain Daniel Jahnsen, Brendon Harris
• Dexter (two-person team)
  • Captain Austin Aldridge, Justin McCollough

The top-performing teams from the qualifying events will advance to the final relay competition, where speed, accuracy and teamwork are key to victory.

About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.5 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 67,700-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Amere

Contact:
Ameren Communications
314.554.2182
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