Messages from April 2009
posted 4.30.09
I am putting together the entry form packets for the Tri-State Finals today. If you are entered at Altus, you can pick yours up this weekend. If you are not entered at Altus, I will mail your packet on Friday.
Entry forms will be due back to me no later than May 9th. That is a week from this Saturday.
I just got the wording on the new rules that go into effect at Gonzales and Abilene:
Barrier: Contestant cannot be fouled by the Pull portion of the barrier. Until the roper clears the box the rope is their responsibility.
Contestant helpers in roping timed events/dogging: Contestant is allowed a helper in the box until such time that the contestant calls for their animal, from that moment contestant may not receive assistance.
Let me know if you have any questions,
posted 4.29.09
The draw for the Texas Wrangler Junior High State Finals has been posted on the WD News page. The high school draw should be available early next week.
ALTUS UPDATES: The start time on Saturday has been changed to 1pm. There is a race car event that morning near the arena and our hosts felt it best to delay our start time to avoid having to listen to the engines and breathing in the smoke from burning tires. So if you have motel reservations for Friday night, you may reconsider coming in Saturday morning to save a little money. There is also going to be a concert at the arena Saturday night following the rodeo.
For those of you who were disappointed to hear that the money this weekend is being kept separate, bring some extra cash with you because there is going to be a side pot for anyone who wants to get in it. $20 per event. There will be an additional secretary there this weekend to get you signed up.
FYI: I've sending group e-mails this week to get out the information quickly. If I get an error message for the e-maill address I have on file for you, it is going to be deleted AND you won't be getting the notices I send out. Make sure you have the correct contact information on file with me so you can stay up-to-date.
posted 4.28.09
Apparently the note I sent with envelopes stating if you had a credit for Altus is a bit misleading. Let me clarify. When Plainview was cancelled there was no way to get entered on time for Hereford so one day of Plainview fees was automatically rolled over to Hereford. The second day is listed as a credit unless you requested a refund check.
Even if you have a credit, you still have to actually enter the Altus rodeos - or any rodeo for that matter - and those credits can be applied to your fees. I mailed two envelopes to everyone because I needed two envelopes back to get you entered.
I apologize for the confusion but the only way to get entered in a rodeo is to turn in an entry envelope. Keep that in mind for future reference.
Make sure you bring your back numbers with you this weekend. Hereford wiped me out so I don't have any more if you forget yours. But I will have safety pins if you need more of them.
I will refund any remaining credits after Altus this weekend.
posted 4.27.09
I am home again and working on some updates for the website. For now, check out the link to the right under announcements. You can confirm your entries for Altus on that page. Check back later tonight and I will have more information here. I just wanted to get the entries posted as early as I could.
I have directions to the arena in Altus!
Hwy 62 East (Broadway) through town. This is east of the Hwy 283 intersection. When you come to the stop light at Veterans Drive, turn south and go one block. You will see the arena on the right (west) side of the road. The Motel 6 is on the corner of Broadway and Veterans. If you pass it, you have gone too far.
Region 1 State Finalists: Our theme for Abilene is “Blast from the Past” and from what I understand, the era is the 60s. You know, like daisy’s, Volkswagon vans, tye dye shirts, peace signs, headbands. I’ve heard at least one member wants to wear an afro wig before leaving high school rodeo.
We need to decide on a song for the grand entry and figure out a plan for decorations. So bring your ideas with you to Altus this weekend.
Seniors: We need photos! Ann Vincent is putting together a slide show for the Awards Banquet and she needs your help. If you want to be included, please send her a western picture of you when you were younger and also your senior portrait. If you have a couple of candids of you and your friends from the rodeos, you can send them also but there will be a limit to the number used. It would be really nice to have something from all of the graduating seniors. Deadline to submit them will be May 15th but don’t wait until the last minute. You can bring them with you to Altus this weekend, e-mail them to svincentdms@bacavalley.com or mail them to 28 Springhill Rd. Des Moines NM, 88418. If you have any questions, you can contact Ann at home (575)278-2873 or on her cell (806)335-0223.
posted 4.20.09
We had some good meetings in Dallas over the weekend. I know of two rule changes that will go into effect at Abilene and Gonzales dealing with a barrier issue and helpers in the roping box. When I get the exact wording, I will post it on each of the state finals links.
I think the Altus weekend is finally starting to come together. I visited with one of the directors the other day and we are already making notes for next year's event. A few additional notes that were not on the flyer I mailed with the envelopes:
· Be sure you have current coggins on your horses and you will most likely need horse papers since you will be crossing state lines. Don't show up unprepared.
· Since there are not any stalls in Altus, you are welcome to use the stalls in Vernon. Call Bobby Bain to make reservations. His number is 940-55-ARENA - or 940-552-7362. Rent will be $15 a stall for the weekend.
posted 4.16.09
Refunds have been mailed along with entry envelopes for Altus and details about the weekend. Books open on Monday and you have until a week from this Saturday to get your entries on time. Here is a copy of the insert I sent with the envelopes if you want a sneak peek.
I have the State Finals link updated on the Region 1 News page. Check it out for miscellaneous information and to find out where the room blocks are for our Region. There are also some deadlines coming up for applying for State Student Officer positions and Ariat Reporter.
Congratulations to our new Board of Directors members. We had just enough nominations to fill the open positions so there is no need to send ballots. Joining Tom White next year are returning members: Traleia Wing, Gary Don Harkey and Brett Marble; and new members: Steve McConnell, Brent Ehlers, Travis Patterson, Richard Felts and Charles Christian. Don't forget to show your appreciation to our outgoing directors: Jim Richardson, Kirk Sparkman, Jimmy Riemer, Daryle Perry and Kerry Winders. They've all done an outstanding job the past several years. Thank you!
I've only been home a few days and it is already time to leave again. We have state board meetings in Dallas this weekend and from there I am going on to Lufkin for a pro rodeo next week. I will have the office phone forwarded if you need to reach me for anything while I am gone.
posted 4.15.09
Tri-State points have been updated. I apologize for taking so long. Updating points is one of those jobs that keeps getting moved down the priority list if it doesn't get done right away.
I am working on getting entry envelopes mailed for Altus. One of my hang ups is waiting for details about how things will be run that weekend. Regardless of what information I get, envelopes will be mailed tomorrow with as many details as I can gather between now and then. You should get them in time to fill them out and mail back to me next week. Books open on Monday and close a week from this Saturday.
I have been working on the State Finals page for Abilene. I just need to update a few more items before getting it published - probably later tonight.
posted 4.14.09
I am so happy - and relieved - to be back in Texas. Idaho was beautiful and the drive home was pretty good except for a white-knuckle experience crossing one of the mountain passes in Colorado. Snow is only pretty through the window when you are curled up on the couch. Watching it through a truck window at 9000 feet with only a guardrail between you and a vivid imagination is not fun. On the lighter side, I did get a cardio workout that day and worked the muscles in my arms pretty good by gripping anything I could get a hold on. Another good thing about being back in Texas is the sweet tea. Not "flavored" tea - SWEET tea. There is a difference.
Okay, so now I am trying to figure out where to begin today.
I had an error in the Tri-State team roping at Hereford that does affect the payout and results. I will be correcting that today. It did not affect the Region 1 results or the state qualifiers.
I will be sending entry envelopes for Altus tomorrow (hopefully.) You will get them in time to fill them out and return to me within the entry time frame. If you are sweating it, you are welcome to print forms from the website and mail them in.
I will be wrapping up the credits/refunds from the Plainview rodeos this week. Some of you asked for the Tri-State money to be applied to Altus. For others, I will return your checks or issue refunds if both rodeos were paid together.
I think that is plenty to work on for today. Time for me to get busy.
posted 4.6.09
Not only am I having a hard time believing it is already April, but it is hard for me to grasp that I am in Denver this afternoon trying to update the website between flights. There just wasn't enough time to get everything done before I left. But don't worry, the payoff checks were mailed from Canyon and the state finalist entries are on their way to the respective state secretaries. Oh, and all of your fees have been deposited, too.
I feel like I've been running a race the last few days to get everything done and you can tell by looking at me that I don't run very much! I am worn out - but in a good way. Even with the stress and time constraints, this is a really fun job and it is so exciting this time of year because the finals are approaching so quickly.
Hats off to the Hereford Club for their hard work on Saturday. We've had to deal with some less than ideal conditions this year, but that wind was nasty! Thank you for toughing it out and getting everyone through as quickly as possible so they could get some shelter. Congratulations to Logan Dee Harkey and Lyndsey White. They are the proud winners of the coveted All Around Champion saddles provided by the Hereford Club.
I've updated results for the high school and junior high rodeos and have final points for Region 1 and the Wrangler Division. I didn't get to the Tri-State points yet. I will try to get them up this week but it may not happen until I get back next week.
The finals for the Wrangler Division were a success on Sunday. After a few hiccups at the beginning due to the location change, both rodeos ran off really well and I think everyone was pleased with the decision to move indoors. I appreciate the contributions for the building rent. Thanks to Kellie Macy for taking care of that.
Our silent auction was a HUGE success in my book. We raised $1700! All of the proceeds go back to the members so thank you to everyone who brought items and to everyone who participated in the bidding wars. Thanks to Brenda Wren for accepting the challenge of keeping the auction organized.
Congratulations to Aaron Macy and Kellie Collier, our Wrangler Division All Around Champions. They received Coolhorse Saddles for their hard work this season. We also awarded over 30 Tres Rios buckles to the year end event champions and the finals champions. Congratulations to all of our winners and to all of our members. Every one of you make a difference. Thank you for being a part of Region 1 this year.
It's time for me to pack up this computer and get on another plane. I'm really excited about this week. I've never been to the Northwest before and this is a pretty prestigious rodeo so it is pretty cool to get to be a part of it and in a different capacity than normal. I am running a camera for the video replay. For all I know, you may see some of my work on TV later this year.
Have a great week,
posted 4.4.09
The Wrangler Division rodeos scheduled for the Spicer Gripp Arena in Hereford tomorrow HAVE BEEN MOVED to the Hereford Barn Church west of town.
Take FM 1058 west of town for six miles then turn north on FM 1057 and go three more miles. The barn will be on your right.
I apologize that many of you will not find out about this change until you get to the Spicer Gripp Arena but the decision to move was not finalized until an hour after the high school rodeo was completed today.
We will still try for a 9am start time but will accommodate those running late due to the location change. Hopefully, those who are in the know will spread the word.
posted 4.3.09
Tomorrow is going to be a busy day because I need to see pretty much everyone that is entered to settle up on fees for the "lost rodeo."
If you combined rodeos into one check, then I have you listed with credits. You are welcome to give me a new check for the amount of one rodeo's fees or I can issue a refund check. On Tri-State fees, you also have the option to apply them to the Altus rodeos.
If you wrote separate checks, then I will return the second check to you. If you do not pick them up this weekend, I will mail them when I return from Pocatello.
Please come to the membership meeting with ideas for the state finals theme and nominations for the Board of Directors. We have EIGHT positions open due to expired terms or graduation:
Expired terms - eligible for nomination
Traleia Wing - Gary Don Harkey - Brett Marble
Graduation / Expired terms - not eligible for nomination
Jim Richardson - Kirk Sparkman - Jimmy Riemer - Kerry Winders - Daryle Perry
Remaining for another year
Tom White
The general membership has no idea just how great this Board has been to work with the past two years. The new directors will have big boots to fill next year.
I also have some information on Altus now. You will have to come to the meeting to hear about it.
If you haven't sent in your grades, I need them before you compete.
See ya tomorrow,
posted 4.2.09
Hope you all made it through April Fool's Day without too many pranks pulled on you.
I will try to get the Region 1 State Finals page updated in the next week. I'm not sure how much free time I will have because I am going to Pocatello, Idaho for the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo. But I will do my best to get the current information up there as soon as possible.
I leave Monday afternoon for Idaho and that is why is SO IMPORTANT that all of the state entry forms are turned in this weekend. Regardless of me leaving town, all of our forms are supposed to be in the state office within 3 days of our last rodeo. I need to get them in the mail Monday morning along with your payoff checks, plus get all of the banking done before heading to the airport. It will be a busy weekend.
I hope to have information about Altus by this weekend. I am just waiting on a return phone call.