Messages from May 2011
posted 5.10.11
Every year at this time you hear comments about what a great finals we had and while they usually are pretty good, I kind of think the comments are made more out of relief that they are behind us more than anything else. Well, this year I have to say was the BEST finals I have been a part of with Tri-State.
I can't pinpoint any specific reason why because it was a combination of many things coming together to make the weekend run so well. I've said this before but it bears repeating that I continue to learn how to do my job and I find ways of doing things in a smarter and more efficient manner. I am also learning how to accept help when it is offered instead of trying to do everything on my own. So, for the first time in several years, I actually got some sleep on Saturday night, that in turn, made for a really good Sunday.
The Awards Banquet was a major highlight of my weekend. Usually it is the biggest disappointment. I hope everyone enjoyed it and felt it was worth staying around another two hours. The air-conditioned accomodations were by far an improvement. (Can you imagine being in the Exhibit Hall when it is 105 degrees outside?) The catered meal and time visiting with friends was a nice way to wind down from the activities. And of course, having a surprise visit from Stran Smith was pretty exciting, too. Maybe 10 or 15 years from now, one of you will be speaking about your years as a Tri-State member and how it helped shape your rodeo career.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural Dream Team Fantasy Rodeo. We managed to fill three brackets. Click on the links below to see what bracket you were in and what team you drew.
Bracket #1 Bracket #2 Bracket #3
Team #10 was the overall winner. Congratulations to Kirt Espenson, Joy Pruitt and Steve McConnell. Here are the scores for all of the teams. Hopefully next year we can expand this game. We barely tapped its potential in our trail run.
I have posted the official scores, results and final point standings. The only thing I have left is to figure out the payoff. The amount of added money is determined by how much money is left after paying all of the bills. I am always nervous about forgetting something so I take an extra day to make sure I have everything accounted for before finalizing the payoff so checks will be mailed tomorrow.
Don't be shy about saying 'thanks' to anyone you saw working at the finals (or anytime during the year) and especially to our sponsors when you see them. We couldn't have the finals or the regular season rodeos without generous sponsors and a volunteer labor force. We also owe a huge thank you to our Board of Directors. They put in a lot of personal time to help run our Association. A little acknowledgement can have a big impact.
Thanks for a great year! Stay tuned for updates from the junior high and high school finals this summer. Before you know it, August will be here and the new membership forms will be arriving in your mailbox.
Mikey
posted 5.3.11
As much as I enjoyed my pro rodeo last week, it was not a good time to be gone. It's dates fell a week later than usual due to the Easter holiday and it has really thrown me off my schedule for getting ready for Tri-State Finals this weekend. So now I am in stress mode even though I know it will all work out, because it always does.
The draw for state finals is ready for both junior high and high school but I will not be able to post it on our website until next week. I know the junior high draw is already up. The high school draw may take until later this week.