Messages from October 2008
posted 10.28.08
I'm sure you all think I haven't been doing anything since the rodeos wrapped up because I haven't been posting anything. But I've actually been pretty busy. I won't bore you with the details. A lot of it involves cleaning and organizing. But believe me when I say I am getting a lot done.
Kirk and Shawnay Sparkman and Tom White and I traveled to Dallas last weekend for a State Board meeting. I need to review my notes and then I will fill you in on what all happened between the endless traffic jams.
I have gone through all of the fundraising items that have been turned in so far and posted charts on each of the News pages so you can see where you stand on getting your donations turned in.
In the process of adding those charts, I've messed up some of the pages. Don't ask me how. So if some of the headings look strange, don't worry. I will try to fix them tomorrow. It shouldn't affect the information that is posted.
posted 10.20.08
The 50/50 ticket from Sunday at Canadian has not been claimed. Today is the deadline or the money will go into the first drawing in the spring semester. It was a black and white ticket - #615636. The clock is winding down to claim your share of $335.
Just an FYI: we raised just over $1200 for the scholarship account this semester through 50/50 drawings. Hopefully we can do as well, or better, in the spring.
Keep an eye on your fundraising deadlines. Wrangler Division items are due November 1st and high school items are due December 1st. I am going to try out a new idea starting next week and see how it works. My plan is to post copies of my charts as a way to show you confirmation that your ads / tickets have been turned in. As long as I don't get too far behind with it, I think it will help everyone keep up with what they have turned in and what they still owe.
If you have any questions about what you need to turn in for your fundraising requirements, just give me a call. And for those of you who have a natural ability to sell, you ARE NOT limited to the minimum requirements. Additional ad sales for the State program will earn you - and Region 1 - a commission. Sponsorships for the Tri-State Finals will earn commissions, also.
posted 10.20.08
Please keep Clinton and Dara Ware, and their family, in your prayers. Clinton's father passed away Sunday morning after a long illness. Services were Wednesday in Floydada. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cal Farley's Boys Ranch.
For those of you who do not know Clinton and Dara yet, Clinton is one of our judges and Dara is our photographer. They have been a part of our Tri-State family for many years. Please take the time to introduce yourself when you see them at the spring rodeos. You'll be glad you did.
posted 10.14.08
The cutting schedule for Region 1 gets underway this weekend. I am hoping that we have more participants this year since they will not overlap the rodeos. Please note: the location of the October 25th & 26th cutting has changed. It has moved from the Hemphill County Expo to Abraham Equine 16 miles southwest of Canadian. Directions have been posted on the FAQs page. If you need stalls or better directions, call 806-323-8260.
Most of you probably didn't notice, but we had special guests at Sunday's rodeo in Canadian. Texas High School Rodeo Association President, Steve Dickey and his wife, Carolyn, paid us a surprise visit. We have always known the potential of State or National Directors - or even Sponsors - coming to our rodeos, but this is the first time since I've been involved with Tri-State and Region 1 that someone has actually shown up. We tend to be left out of regular visits because of our distance from the other regions so it was very exciting for me that Steve and Carolyn would make the effort to come to one of our rodeos. All of the "training" you've been receiving on following the rules pays off when a Director or Sponsor comes to our rodeo and sees how well things run in our area of the state. I don't know if we will get any type of "report card" from his visit, but if we do, hopefully Steve won't dock us for the horrible wind we had that day.
I have posted the results for the average points for the weekend. I should have the semester point standings up by tomorrow afternoon.
Just because our rodeos are over doesn't mean there isn't anything for you to be working on. Your fundraising deadline will be here before you know it so don't forget about your ad sales and raffle tickets. Everything is due no later than December 1st for high school members. Late items are charged $25 each!
The deadline for Wrangler Division members is November 1st.
posted 10.13.08
It feels like it took longer than six weeks, but our "fast and furious" fall rodeo schedule has come to an end with our two rodeos in Canadian over the weekend. Everyone owes the Canadian Club members a pat on the back for their hard work. It is no easy task hosting a single rodeo, but back-to-back rodeos will take its toll on anyone - regardless of how well prepared you are. Factor in the wind beating you down and the constant threat of rain and a fun rodeo becomes a lot of work. Thank you Canadian Club for doing such a good job and for providing the opportunity for Tri-State members to earn "average" points for the weekend.
Speaking of "average" points, I should have them figured and posted by tomorrow. Results for each day are already up. Checks will be mailed tomorrow and your entry fees will be deposited tomorrow. Final point standings for the semester could be up as early as tomorrow night. I will audit all of the points in a few weeks and will post them for you to compare to your figures.
Saturday's 50/50 winner was the lucky Earlene Rose. This is the THIRD time that she has won the drawing since Canadian last year. I think I need to pack her in my bag when I go to Las Vegas.
Sunday's drawing was not claimed at the rodeo. It was a black and white ticket - #615636. If you have the winning ticket, please contact the Tri-State office at 806-655-9910 to make arrangements for claiming your prize. If the ticket remains unclaimed by October 20th (next Monday), then I will hold the jackpot over until spring.
Wrangler Division Members: I am sending out an e-mail with information about your rodeo that has been rescheduled in Happy next Sunday. If you do not have e-mail or if you don't receive one from me, please confirm your attendance at Happy by calling the Tri-State office at 806-655-9910.
posted 10.9.08
Motel rooms in Canadian are beginning to open up last minute. The Quiet Inn has the possibility of 5 rooms but they can't let them go until tomorrow. The Canadian Inn has some rooms available. I'm sure some of the others had room blocks that didn't completely fill with the wedding parties, so just the check list and make some calls if you are still hunting a room. Here is a link to phone numbers.
I will be bringing all of the lost & found items I have collected this semester. Please look them over if you are missing something and take what is yours so I don't have to haul it back home.
You just have 2 more days of having to be in proper dress code for the semester and then you will have several months off to dress how you want. Canadian has a fence around the arena, so to be safe, I recommend being in proper dress code when you walk through the gate. Helpers and volunteers need to be in dress code when they are in the arena, work pens and around the chutes.
Donation jars will be at the concession stand for Koben Puckett. Every little bit helps so drop your loose change in the jar.
Please look at the "See Mikey List" and if you are on it, then you need to actually walk up the stairs and come see me. This is our last weekend and if I have to have your name announced to get you to come see me, then I will do it.
I will be updating the Ineligible List tonight, also. If you are on it and entered this weekend, then you DEFINITELY need to come see me BEFORE you compete.
Keep Ben Barnes and his family in your prayers this weekend. They are awaiting more test results that should be back on Monday.
posted 10.7.08
I was going to apologize for taking the good weather with me last weekend to Rosenberg - it was the most pleasant I can remember it ever being down there - but then I saw the forecast for this weekend and decided it probably wasn't my fault that it rained so much at Happy. It sounds like you had an interesting day fighting the wind and ultimately the rain.
Thank you to the Happy Club members for doing such a good job in less than perfect conditions. Along with the required all around awards, Happy also provided prizes to each event champion which is a nice bonus at the end of the day.
The Wrangler Division rodeo that was cancelled Saturday night has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 19th. That is one week from this coming Sunday. Church services will start at 9am with the rodeo following. More information will be posted on the WD News page.
Prayer List
Jacob Wichert is having to spend several days in the hospital fighting a staph infection in his knee. He will not able to compete at Canadian.
Ben Barnes, former Tri-State member, is undergoing some tests and the family is asking that you pray for negative results.
Koben Puckett as he continues to recover from injuries sustained on September 6th. Donation jars will be placed at the concession stand this weekend at Canadian if you would like to donate to Koben's medical fund.
posted 10.6.08
Official scores and results have been posted for Happy. I will mail checks and deposit your entry fees in the morning.
I haven't heard anything about rescheduling the Wrangler rodeo. I will let everyone know as soon as I hear something.
posted 10.1.08
I have updated the Ineligible list for what came in today's mail. At this point, I suggest you bring your grades with you to Happy to avoid any problems with them not arriving in the mail before Saturday.
Jace Felts had surgery on Tuesday to repair two cut tendons in his hand. Everything went well and he is scheduled to start rehab next week. The Felts family would like to thank everyone who called and sent cards. They appreciate your thoughtfulness.
I am off to Rosenberg. You guys have a good weekend!