We’ve got exciting news to share about one of our very own! If you’ve had The BiG GiG® Fiber Network installed recently, or if you’ve seen our trucks around town, you may already be familiar with our friendly and professional technicians. But did you know we have literal, national-level champions right here at Whidbey Telecom?
In June of 2025, the Fiber Broadband Association launched its first-ever OpTIC Path Rodeo: a nationwide competition designed to put the country’s best fiber technicians to the test. They were judged on speed, precision, and technical skills required to build the future of broadband.
And guess who walked away with the grand prize, bragging rights, and a shiny new champion rodeo belt and buckle? Our very own Keagen Beumer! In fact, Whidbey Telecom swept the competition that year. Along with Keagen taking first place, Fiber Splicer Instructor Jeff Baesler took home second, and then Manager Gabe Renville landed third.
Passing the Torch (and the Belt!)
Fast forward to this year’s 2026 Fiber Connect OpTIC Path Rodeo. Keagen headed back to the national stage, this time as an expert judge, overseeing a new round of skilled technicians eager to prove their stuff. It was a bittersweet but incredibly proud moment when Keagen officially handed off his shiny champion belt to the 2026 Rodeo winner, Dillon Ferguson. Congratulations Dillion!
A Community Effort
Keagen has been working in broadband for over a decade, and he doesn’t just keep our community connected! He’s also helping to train the next generation. He serves as an OpTIC Path Instructor at our Optical Telecom Installer Certification program at Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center.
The OpTIC Path Rodeo is inspired by a robust curriculum that teaches the fundamental skills essential for designing, installing, and troubleshooting fiber optic networks. When our team competes (and wins!) on a national stage, it proves that the folks building and maintaining your network are trained to the highest possible standards. Beyond the competition, it’s a celebration of the dedication it takes to bring reliable, high-speed broadband to rural communities like ours.
Please join us in giving a round of applause to Keagen for representing Whidbey Telecom so brilliantly on the national stage, both as a champion and a judge. We couldn’t be prouder!
