Just like offensive linemen protect the quarterback and keep him from getting his lights knocked out in a football game, Entergy lineworker Steven King protects customers from being in the dark by keeping the lights on and getting them back on after a storm, high winds or other factors have caused an outage. His expertise, positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond to help customers has earned him the opportunity to be recognized during the annual banquet held at the end of the college football regular season to recognize the state’s best on the gridiron each year.

The Entergy Kent Hull Lineman of the Year Award is given annually to the best collegiate offensive lineman in Mississippi who most displays the strength, quickness, toughness, intelligence, intense work ethic and humility that Greenwood native Kent Hull displayed when he played on the Mississippi State University and the Buffalo Bills football teams and when he created the Hull Foundation, whose mission is raising funds to support organizations serving the needs of less fortunate children, specifically in Mississippi. It is chosen by a panel of former coaches, former NFL players and scouts.

The Kent Hull Trophy is presented by Entergy annually at the C Spire Conerly Banquet at the end of the college football regular season and Entergy Mississippi also selects one of our all-star lineworkers to be recognized for outstanding work in the field. This year, the Kent Hull Trophy was awarded to University of Mississippi offensive lineman Patrick Kutas and Entergy’s all-star lineworker recognized at the banquet was Steven King, a shift serviceman working out of the Natchez office, who was recognized because of his hard work, dedication to customers and commitment to his fellow team members.

“Steven’s work ethic and attitude are unmatched,” said Daylon Self, line supervisor for the Natchez network. “His selfless dedication to both the team and the network in service of our customers demonstrates the tremendous value he brings to Entergy.”

Having a friend who worked as a lineworker influenced King to look into it and give it a try. He joined Southwest Mississippi Electric Power Association, where he received his training and worked for several years before joining Entergy four years ago.

“I enjoy being able to help people whenever the lights are out and we’re able to get our customers’ power restored,” said King.

This is not the first time King’s skill and expertise have been recognized. He was selected to serve on Entergy’s Safety Advisory Board for two years. Comprised of individuals from each of the four states in the company’s service area, the board met quarterly. This experience gave him the opportunity to learn from team members from different states and various levels of the company while brainstorming ideas and sharing his knowledge with them.

“Working as a lineman can be very demanding and include a lot of long hours,” said King. “But I have found it to be a great, rewarding career. I would advise anyone new to the profession to listen and learn as much as you can.”

A great example of blooming where you are planted, King lives in Fayette, where he grew up. He and his wife, Jermonique, have three children. In addition to spending time with his family, he also enjoys spending time outdoors hunting.