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Messages from September 2010

posted 9.28.10

Callbacks are ready for Gruver.  Please take a look at them and make sure you are entered correctly.

You will notice several non-members entered this weekend.  Tri-State allows a non-member to enter one rodeo a year.  As a member of NHSRA (Region 1,) you are eligible to enter any NHSRA approved rodeo.  You can only earn points in the region/state that you joined, but you can enter and compete for money only in other regions or states.  It is your responsibility to contact the region/state secretary of the rodeo you want to enter to find out the entry deadlines and get an entry form.

We seem to have reached the point of the semester where some of you get too comfortable in filling out your entry forms.  Please don't ask me to read your mind about how you want to be entered.  For starters, I need your name on the envelope.  I know it doesn't sound like much, but it really helps me, especially when you pay with cash.  Make sure you make some kind of mark next to the events you want to enter.  If it isn't marked, you won't get entered.  If you mark the wrong event, you may get the opportunity to try out something new.  Please slow down and make sure your envelopes are filled out correctly. 

Results and standings for Region 1 high school and junior high can also be found on the state websites.  I don't think they are showing the correct totals in some events due to the average points for Dumas junior high and Pampa high school.  I will try to get that figured out this week.  The standings posted here on our website are spreadsheets that I type up so there is the potential for errors.  I will audit all of the points once the fall rodeos are complete and post the individual charts for you to compare against your totals.  Feel free to let me know if you spot an error before then.

posted 9.27.10

One more great weekend in the record books and we have crossed the half-way mark for the fall high school rodeos.  They go by fast, don't they.

Thank you to the Boys Ranch and Happy club members for their work hosting our rodeos last weekend.  Both days ran very smoothly from my standpoint.  Saturday's humidity was a bit much but the rain that came at the end of the afternoon performance was kind of nice.  Throw in a bull that jumped the fence and you've got a pretty exciting finish to the day.

Sunday we saw our first real sign of fall weather and we got to pull the jackets out.  You know how your horses get a little fresh and act silly when the weather cools off?  Well, I think the load crew at Happy was enjoying the cool weather because it sure did sound like they were having a good time Sunday morning.  There was a lot of giggling going on.

I haven't been very good about posting the 50/50 results because they have been claimed immediately at the last four rodeos.  Thank you to everyone who has been playing the game and supporting our seniors and congratulations to the winners.  Keep playing!!

I think this is going to be a good week.  Results for Boys Ranch and Happy have been posted, checks were mailed today and I finally got the standings for Tri-State and High School Region 1 posted.  It should be a pretty normal week around here so I plan to get a lot of work done.  Get ready for some e-mails because I will be sending out several reminders during the next few weeks.

posted 9.21.10

Pampa is almost officially complete.  Checks are ready to mail and deposits are ready for the bank.  I have posted the official scores for each day.  I will have the results posted later today once I figure the all around champions for each day.  Plus, I am trying to figure out how to make all of the results fit on as few pages as possible.  Adding the second go and average takes up a lot of space.

The Pampa Club deserves a huge thank you for their hard work over the weekend.  Not only do they host two days of rodeos for us, but they also extended a ton of effort Saturday night trying to make things right with the stock that was overweight.  They were put in a tough situation and handled it amazingly well and with great attitudes.  We are limited on the clubs that have the facilities and the desire to host double rodeos for us.  Thank you Pampa Club members for going above and beyond each year.

I am pulling double duty this week during the Amarillo Tri-State Fair and Rodeo.  Starting tomorrow, I will be keeping time at the rodeo.  I won't be in the office all day Wednesday and most of the day Thursday.  I won't be able to forward the phone while I'm gone so just leave me a message or send me an e-mail if you need anything.

I'll post more notes this afternoon when callbacks are ready.

e-mailed 9.16.10

I’m feeling a bit more relaxed now compared to last week at this time.  The last of the membership applications were mailed to the state secretaries today and that is always nice to move them from my desk to theirs.  I’ve also reclaimed the office space that was overrun with membership packets and supplies the last several weeks.  This afternoon’s storms brought in some cooler weather, too.  Maybe fall weather really is just around the corner.

 If Pampa is your first rodeo, please come see me before you compete to pick up your membership packet and get your photo taken.  I will be working in the announcer’s stand.  You will have to go past the announcer and timers to get to where I am so please try not to disturb them.  You don’t want to be responsible for causing the timers to miss a contestant’s time.

 

There is no need to check in with me at each rodeo unless you need something from me or I need something from you.  (But you are welcome to come say ‘hi’.)  I will post a sign listing the names of the contestants I need to see.  This is not a bad thing.  It just means I need to see you and I don’t want to have to track you down.  Please check it at each rodeo.

 

This weekend is an average points weekend.  Sunday’s rodeo will be run like a second go round meaning you will compete in the reverse order of the first go (Saturday’s order.)  You must compete both days to be eligible for the average points.  Drags in the barrels and poles stay in the same position both days.

 

Entries for Boys Ranch and Happy close on Saturday (7 days prior.)  The entry boxes WILL NOT be out on Sunday.  These are two separate rodeos since they are held in different towns.

 

Miscellaneous notes:

  • If you need directions to the arena, look at the FAQs page on the website.  The link can be found on the home page and will take you to a page where you can find arena directions, motel numbers, stall information and much more.

  • You all did a good job with the flags last week so let’s try again.  I’m not sure if the Pampa Club has enough members that will be able to carry all of the flags, so please be on stand by if you are willing to help.

  • GOAT TYERS:  The goats are fresh and will be tied at 8am on Saturday if you would like to be there and help out.  This is not tying practice. 

  • I haven’t made ballots yet for the things you need to vote on for the Tri-State Finals.  If tomorrow goes well, I will pass them out at Pampa.  If not, I will get them to you at Boys Ranch.

  • Please support the concession stands at our rodeos.  Membership dues and entry fees stayed the same this year but the stock expenses for the host clubs have increased.  Proceeds from the concession stand have a huge impact on the clubs being able to pay for their rodeos.  The fast food places will be there Monday through Friday.  Please support the concession stand on Saturday and Sunday.

  • You all have your rulebooks now so there is no excuse for not knowing the rules that pertain to your events.  If you don’t understand something, please ask. 

    • BULL RIDERS:  It is a Texas law – not a high school rodeo rule – that you must wear a helmet.  This applies to any rodeo or practice you attend in the State of Texas.

    • You can be disqualified for the use of tobacco products while in the arena during any rodeo performance.  Don’t press your luck.

    • Be on your best behavior in town at the restaurants and motels.  You are representing Tri-State and THSRA.  Please leave a good impression at the businesses you visit.

    • No dogs in the stands and they need to be on a leash at the trailer.

    • No riding double.

    • Dress code rules apply to everyone in the arena, work pens, roping box.  Members must be in dress code if sitting in the stands.

That’s all I have for now.  See you in Pampa,

posted 9.14.10

Sorry for the delay in posting the Pampa callbacks.  It's been a busy day.  My chiropractor and dentist appointments were scheduled long before I knew how much work I would have to get done today.  Since I was already behind schedule, I decided it wouldn't hurt to take a break and go to the Canyon volleyball game.  There is only 3 games on the schedule I can make it to.  The last one only lasted an hour so I thought that would be a good break for tonight.  Little did I know that I would be gone for over two hours.  It was a really good match that went four games, but after 8:30 I kept thinking about all of the work I still needed to get done tonight.  You guys are always on my mind. :)

For now, I have Saturday's callbacks ready.  I will post Sunday's before I quit for the night.  I will also update the rotations link to show the new members and some adjustments that were made after last week.  There are also some team ropers that would like another partner for this weekend.  If you only have one run in Tri-State and would like a second one, give me a call tomorrow.

By the way, the 50/50 ticket from Dumas has been claimed verbally.  I will confirm this weekend.  Sorry.

posted 9.13.10

Saturday's high school rodeo at Dumas has to be the best first rodeo of the season I have ever worked.  I had help at the right time to keep things running smoothly and beautiful weather - I don't remember ever having a north wind at Dumas.  It was great seeing old friends and meeting the new members.  The Dumas Club did a great job working the rodeo events.  Everything just seemed to click off really well.  We had a good membership meeting and finished the day with a little excitement of an escaped bull in the parking lot.  What more could you ask for?

Sunday didn't start off quite as smoothly.  I was running behind, we had a few sick calves that created mis-draws that needed to be fixed and getting everyone checked in before the rodeo just takes time.  But once we got going, I thought we had a really good day.  The weather was still nice even though the wind changed directions and blew dirt all over my paperwork.  I mean, it is a rodeo.  I guess you are supposed to get dirty, right?  It was a long day for everyone and I really appreciate the Dumas Club members for two days of hard work hosting these rodeos, the personnel for their ability to stay focused on their jobs regardless of the heat, wind, dirt and long hours and to the parents who volunteer their time and labor to help make these rodeos better for everyone. 

I know what time I got home last night and Canyon is pretty centrally located for our rodeos, so I know most of you had a very late night driving home and then having to get up for school and work today.  When we set our schedule and the format of our rodeos, we had no idea that we would have record numbers of junior high members this year.  While it is a good problem to have, it doesn't make it any easier to drive home late on Sunday.  Some ideas were brought up yesterday of how to adjust our format to help with travel and also to help alleviate 4 runs in one day for the girls who ride the same horse for barrels and poles.  I'll try to send an e-mail later this week to share the ideas that were discussed and get your feedback on them.  Aren't growing pains fun?

Barring any technical difficulties (or falling asleep at my desk,) I should be able to get all of the high school payoff checks in the mail today.  Junior high checks will be mailed tomorrow.

I hope you all had a good weekend.  I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to getting to visit with everyone more at the rest of the rodeos.

I forgot to post the 50/50 ticket number earlier.  It was not claimed on Saturday so the winner has until next Saturday's rodeo at Pampa to claim their share of the prize.  If it is not claimed by the start of the afternoon performance, the Dumas money will be added to the drawing at Pampa.

 

White ticket with a red border - #854140

posted 9.9.10

I forgot to mention in my e-mail that if you see smoke coming out from under my hat, take a step back and wait for it to clear.  My brain gets overworked with all of the questions that come up at the first rodeo.  Your questions are always welcome but I may need you to wait a minute while I recharge my circuits.

 

e-mailed 9.9.10

Two more late nights and I might be ready for the rodeos this weekend.  I have been a day behind all week thanks to the holiday.  In addition to setting up the rotations, posting callbacks and getting the draws done so daysheets can be printed, I have also been processing memberships that continue to come in.  It is hard to focus because new members equal new questions, but it is a good problem to have.  I will take one for the team and suffer through the next two months if it means our membership continues to increase.

For our new members, I will send notes out before each rodeo to highlight things you need to be aware of before coming to town.  I will try to be brief because it is easy for me to get carried away on these e-mails.  So here are the basics for the Dumas rodeo:

I’m going to quit before this e-mail gets out of hand but before I do, here are a few rules that always need to be refreshed at the beginning of the year (and throughout the year):       

No dogs in the stands and they need to be on a leash at the trailer.

No riding double.

Dress code rules apply to everyone in the arena, work pens, roping box. 
Members must be in dress code if sitting in the stands.

I know you don’t have your rulebooks yet but you can look at a PDF version on our website.  There are links on each of the News pages.  Everyone will get new rulebooks in their packets at Dumas.

See you in a few days,

posted 9.7.10

Junior high callbacks are posted now.  If there are any girls that are interested in running a ribbon, there are some boys looking for partners.  I also have a girl who will rope or run so if there is a boy who would prefer to run, let me know.

 

We have extra headers, too.  If there are any heelers lurking out there who are interested in roping this weekend, please get in touch with me.

 

I sent an e-mail to all of the high school members and parents who submitted an address on their applications.  I have already had some come back with errors.  If you do not receive an e-mail about rotations, please check your e-mail address that I have on file.  I will send a lot of notes during the year by e-mail.

 

I still need to type in all of the junior high e-mail addresses.  Hopefully I can send out a test e-mail before I quit for the night.

 

If you see any errors on the callbacks page, please call me ASAP.  As much as I hate to admit it, I do make mistakes on occasion.  This is a tedious job and sometimes I need a little help to see everything.  Please don't be afraid to point out an error or question something I've posted.  If I'm wrong, I will fix it.  And if I'm right, I will try to explain why so you will understand it the next time it comes up.

Girls' Rotations     Boys' Rotations

posted 9.7.10

I am so ready to get all of the membership aspects of this job done and get to a rodeo.  There is a lot of paperwork that has passed through this office in the last few weeks.  Once I get over this hurdle, I can settle into a nice little routine of setting up rodeos, working rodeos and wrapping up rodeos each week.  That's my cup of tea.

 

I have the high school fall rotations figured (see below) and callbacks for Dumas are ready for your confirmation.  Callbacks can be found in the right margin under Announcements.  I am still working on the junior high but should have them up in a few hours.

 

Once I get the junior high set up, I will have a list of the members who are looking for partners in the team roping and ribbon roping.  Call or e-mail me for phone numbers.  We'll try to get as many of you as possible paired up before we get to Dumas on Sunday. 

 

Back to work for now.  I'll post more later,

Girls' Rotations     Boys' Rotations

 

posted 9.1.10

It is exciting seeing all of the entries for the first rodeos of the year coming in each day.  The entry deadline is this Saturday.  If you are one of my perpetually late members, don't forget that Monday is a holiday and the mail won't run.  Late entries will be accepted until 2pm on Tuesday September 7th (with the applicable $25 late fine per envelope.)

 

I've learned that we should have the new rulebooks by next week, but I'm not holding my breath on the Dodge Truck and Bloomer trailer raffle tickets.  I will get them to you ASAP.  Try to line up your potential ticket buyers early so that when you do get the tickets you can deliver them and pick up the donation money.  With the exception of the Yard Bird Bingo tickets, the deadline for all fundraising items is November 15th.  Two months is plenty of time to get everything sold if you don't wait until the last minute.  I can't think of any viable excuses for not meeting this deadline.