Messages from February 2009
posted 2.27.09
Well, it is time to get started again. I leave in the morning for Vernon and two days of Wrangler Division rodeos. Tomorrow is also the last day for on-time entries for the high school and junior high rodeos next weekend. Don't be late! As many of you know, those late fines can add up quickly.
I'll have high school rotations posted on Tuesday afternoon. Please don't call before then. I have to finish up the Wrangler rodeos and go through tomorrow's mail before I can even start working on them. I know you are all waiting anxiously so I will get them up ASAP.
Have a great weekend,
posted 2.25.09
Refresher Course on Membership
Each member of Tri-State High School Rodeo Association is required to also be a member of Tri-State Club. To be eligible for competition, members must be in good standing with the Association. This means you are passing the minimum requirement of classes in school and provide proof of that at specified times during the year. You also fulfill all fundraising requirements by the specified deadlines. This includes any fundraisers for your club's rodeo.
Each Tri-State Club is required to host one rodeo a year. If it weren't for them, we wouldn't have rodeos or an Association. Clubs rely on their members to help put on their rodeo. Jobs range from arena labor to concession stand to admission gate and many in between. It takes a lot of work and money to have a one-day high school rodeo. I don't know of any clubs that do not depend on their fundraisers to pay the bills.
If you aren't doing your part to support your club, then you shouldn't be allowed to say you are a member of that club. And without a club, you cannot compete.
I am e-mailing each of the club sponsors and letting them know it is their responsibility to inform me of any of their members who have not completed their club responsibilities. Those names will be added to the ineligible list (if not already on it for Association requirements.) Club sponsors will also have to let me know when to take their members' names off the list.
This may seem last minute for next week's rodeo, but those of you affected have had plenty of time to get in good standing.
posted 2.24.09
Wrangler Members: Here is your proof copy for this weekend's rodeos in Vernon. Please check that you are entered in the correct events and with the correct partners, if applicable. I have also posted a list of stall reservations. Please call me ASAP if you see any errors.
posted 2.23.09
Seniors, you can never have enough scholarship money and I just got an e-mail about a wonderful opportunity. Here is a press release describing it. The application deadline has been extended to March 10th. There are a total of 25 $7500 scholarships to be awarded - 1 per geographical region. Texas is its own region so there will be one winner from the entire state. It is an online application that can be found at this website: www.sammy.bodybymilk.com. The student does not have to apply for themselves. Anyone can submit a nomination. Check out the website. Wouldn't it awesome to have a rodeo student athlete recognized on a national level with this award?
posted 2.21.09
There are way too many names on the Ineligible Lists. For many of you, it is as simple as turning in your semester report card. Others may have all of their fundraising items turned in but did not include the late fines. It is your responsibility to get everything turned in and if I don't have it by the deadline to enter, then you won't compete at the first rodeo.
The deadline for junior high members was November 1st and the deadline for high school members was December 1st. I don't want to hear excuses at this point. If you want to rodeo this semester, then you need to get your name off the Ineligible List. Call me if you don't know what you are missing.
posted 2.18.09
I have updated the motel listings page with host hotels for Plainview and Vernon. If you need reservations, please try these motels first.
Wrangler Division FYI: Just got word from Nationals that Texas does not have ANY AQHA horse of the year nominations from boys and very few from girls. The deadline is March 1st. It must be received in the NHSRA office by March 1st - not postmarked. Here is a link to the form if you no longer have the one that was in your membership packet. A fax copy is acceptable if received by the deadline. The fax number is on the form.
posted 2.17.09
So much for being happy to be back home. Monday was an awful day. I should have just stayed in bed because I didn't accomplish very much.
But today is a new day and it is so much better than yesterday. I've got my mail now and I hope to have the eligibility charts updated by tonight. On windy days like this, I have no problem staying inside and working.
I want to congratulate Brent Ivy and Lesley Chester for being chosen as Captains of the Wrangler Division Region 1 All Star Team. That note came in while I was out of town so I apologize for being late announcing it.
We are six weeks into 2009 and it already seems like the year is flying by us. I am already working on packets for Region 1 state finals for high school and junior high. These will be available to pick up at the first rodeos. It sounds crazy to be talking about the state finals with so many spring rodeos left, but they will be here before you are ready for them. It happens that way every year.
** All of the charts are updated now. The Ineligible List now reflects members who have not turned in semester grades.
posted 2.15.09
It is good to be back home. I really enjoy working my pro rodeos and seeing old friends, but I sure do miss my high school rodeo members (and working in a permanent office.)
I didn't realize when I left two weeks ago that tomorrow is a holiday. I'm not sure if I will be able to get my mail that's been on hold. If not, just give me another day to get all of the lists updated.
Entries open Monday for the Wrangler Division rodeos in Vernon. I have to have them by this Saturday to avoid late charges. I know of one header who is looking for a heeler if there is anyone interested. Give me a call.
Seniors: I hope you have been working on your scholarship applications. The deadline for both Tri-State and Texas is April 1st. Don't let it slip up on you.