Messages from May 2009

posted 5.27.09

I'm breathing a little easier today.  Things are falling into place like they do every year.  But in reality, until the Finals are over, I worry about all of the little things.  Many of which I have no control over.  Worrying is just something I am really good at doing.  And if you're going to do something, you may as well be good at it!

FYI for Gonzales and Abilene qualifiers:  If you purchased a sponsorship that provides season passes, those will be available at check-in.  They WILL NOT be mailed this year.

I am reposting the link to the Texas Legislature website so it doesn't get lost down the page.  Government was never a strong subject for me in school but it is really interesting to follow this bill through its stages and this website provides great detail on what is going on.  I just made it a point to check it each day to see what has happened.  This session ends June 1st so if nothing is done before then, the bill will "die."

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB2505

posted 5.26.09

We are less than 10 days from our Finals and I am definitely feeling the pressure to get things done.  I am still looking for one more National Anthem singer if anyone is interested.

I leave on Friday to go to Gonzales for the Wrangler Division State Finals.  This is my first trip down there and I hope I have everything done for Vernon before I leave so I can enjoy the weekend.  When I get back, I basically have one day to go around Amarillo picking things up and packing for Vernon.  So keep your fingers crossed for me, please.

Hope you all had a good weekend.  For those of you who had to go to school yesterday, I'm sorry, but just remember how much fun you had when it was snowing.  You only have a few days left before summer vacation so make the most of them and do well on your tests.

posted 5.19.09

I have posted a link to the Texas Legislature website so you can stay up-to-date on SB 2505.  There are several tabs on this page that show the progression of this bill through the Texas Senate and where it needs to go to become law.  Check it out and don't forget to contact our representatives in the House to share your views on the matter.

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB2505

All state qualifiers for high school and junior high need to bring a photo for display at each finals.  It can be an action photo, mug shot or just a regular photo.  Sizes can be either 4x6 or 5x7.  Bring your photo with you to either Gonzales or Abilene - whichever one you are competing at.

posted 5.14.09

I will be out of town the rest of the weekend for a pro rodeo in Carthage, TX.  This is my last East Texas rodeo until next year!

I will have the phone forwarded so you can reach me if you need anything.  I am putting the program together and there are several event leaders who have not turned in a photo for their page.  If I don't have a photo by the time I get back to the office on Monday, I will start singling people out.

Don't forget to send photos to Ann Vincent if you are a senior.  Her information is in the post right below this one.  And if you are competing in Abilene, it is time to be shopping around for your hippie costume.  You need to have it by the first week of June so we can take a group photo at Vernon.

Have a great weekend,

posted 5.13.09

SENIORS - Ann Vincent is still needing photos for the slide show.  I created a little confusion by posting different e-mails to send them to but both will work.  Please send your photos to crownv@bacavalley.com or svincentdms@bacavalley.com.  The deadline to submit photos is May 22nd.  That is a week from this Friday. 

WRANGLER MEMBERS - if you have access to any mesquite fire wood and have room in your trailer, please bring some with you to Gonzales for our steak cookout.  Looks like just about everyone is coming so it will be a big party.  Region 1 is in charge of the boys' goat tying at the Finals and all of the goats will be tied following the contestant meeting on Sunday.  Don't worry about missing out on the steaks if you are helping with the goats.  We will wait for you.

WANTED:  I am looking for National Anthem singers for the Tri-State Finals.  If you are interested in performing - or have a family member or friend who will be in Vernon watching you compete that would like to perform - please get in touch with me.  We have three performances to fill and a "live" version is always so much better than a recorded version.

posted 5.12.09

YEA!!  I am back in business.  I had some technical difficulties that kept me from updating the website the last few days and it was driving me CRAZY.  I didn't realize how attached I had become to being able to post notes whenever I wanted to.  It was like having my hands chopped off.  I am off to Amarillo to get things ordered for the Finals but when I get back, I will post some updates for you.

posted 5.10.09

Happy Mother's Day!

posted 5.7.09

Seniors:  please don't forget to send some photos to Ann Vincent for the slide show at the Tri-State Finals.  Her e-mail is crownv@bacavalley.com.  The more photos she has to work with makes for a better presentation.  Don't be left out.

Also, I need the boys that have qualified for the State Finals in Abilene to be deciding if they have what it takes to enter the Ariat Queen contest.  It does involve wearing a dress.  We will vote at the contestants meeting in Vernon to decide who the lucky guy is.

If you had any remaining credits for Tri-State, your refund check went in the mail today.

posted 5.5.09

I had errors in the team roping averages from Altus.  Those have been corrected and the point standings updated.

Anytime you see something you think may be incorrect or you just don't understand, I hope that you will question me.  I don't see it as complaining.  Even though I like to be right all (or most) of the time, that isn't always the case.  Sometimes I need a little help noticing things.  It is easier to correct mistakes earlier than later.

** If there is anyone who received a Tri-State Finals entry packet who is in the Top 15 but IS NOT going to enter, please let me know so I can contact the next person in line.

I have the high school state finals draw posted on the Region news page.  Also, please look at the State Finals page for notes about the grand entry and costumes.  You may need to press the F5 button to refresh your pages.

Now I am ready to recap the weekend in Altus.  Aside from the damp and cold, I thought it was a pretty good event.  The Oklahoma secretary and directors were really nice to work with and we've already been discussing ideas for next year.  Feel free to make your own notes while things are still fresh on your mind and then share them with a director so they can be considered when we finalize the plans for next year.

We fell behind in the points early on and never managed to catch up but we did bring home to champion buckles:  Loagan Helton in the calf roping and Carley Richardson in the breakaway.  Quay Howard was a close second in the boy's all around - only one point away from tying the winner.  The team standings ended up with Oklahoma at 1082 points and Texas at 701 points.  Here's a brief listing of event results:

For those of you who excel at writing thank you notes, here are the addresses for our host and competitors:

Western Oklahoma State College

ATTN:  Guy Smith, Rodeo Coach

2801 N Main

Altus, OK  73521

 

Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association

Alycia Harmon

184 County Road 1260

Pocasset, OK  73079

The college printed up some neat t-shirts for our challenge - "Rumble on the Red."  When I left Sunday, they still had few left over.  If you would like one, just contact the college at 580-477-7801.  They were $15 each and proceeds benefit the college rodeo team.

posted 5.4.09

Hope everyone who went to Altus had a good time.  I am trying to finish up the results and start on points.  I know several of you need to know where you are in the standings but it takes longer when there are average points involved.  I will try to get them up by tonight.

I have official scores, results and points updated now.  Checks went in the mail today and entry fees will be deposited in the morning.

 

I will audit points in the morning, but if you spot anything that looks questionable, please let me know.  The last two days wore me out so I am done for the day.  I need fresh eyes for auditing.