PRESIDENT CORNER A s we head into the final month of the regular season it will be like none other with the addition of the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, S.D., the final weekend in September. No doubt it will play a
Graham and his family for all their hospitality while we were there. They have a very nice facility there and put on a great rodeo. As the season comes to an end, not only is it a time to celebrate those that make the NFR but also a time for the WPRA to recognize individuals and committees who have excelled this year. Every year since the early 1990s, the WPRA and Justin Boots have honored rodeo committees in each of the 12 circuits who have ensured safe ground for the animal athletes with the Justin Best Footing Award. This past year, we have seen even more rodeos step-up and either provide a hand rake or a tractor drag halfway through during their performances, and we are very grateful to each and everyone one of them. Several arena records have been set this year as a result. WPRA members will be given the chance in the coming weeks to vote for these awards in their specific circuit and I encourage everyone to take time and vote to thank these committees for making the conditions better. In the meantime, start thinking of which committees you feel deserve this honor including those that are the most improved. Until next time, safe travels and good luck to all in this last month of the regular season.
role in the final Top 15 in both barrel racing and breakaway roping. We will also be watching closely to see if Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi sets a new regular season earnings record in barrel racing. The current record was set by Tiany Schuster in 2017 with $250,378. And the race for No. 1 in the regular season in breakaway roping has been a fun race to watch as of late. Whoever ends up ranked No. 1 going into the Wrangler National Finals Breakaway will also hold the record for most money won in the regular season as this event continues to grow. Speaking of the Wrangler NFBR it will once again be held at the South Point Hotel and Casino on Dec. 5-6 at 2 p.m. PT. Ticket information will be released in the coming weeks. I recently traveled to the First Frontier Circuit to conduct a General Membership meeting in advance of the Painted Pony Rodeo in Lake Luzerne, NY. We had a great turnout with some really good questions. I hope we were able to clarify a few things for the members in this area and appreciate everyone taking the time to attend, get your questions answered and provide valuable input. As a reminder to all members please reach out to your circuit director or our vice president Heidi Schmidt or myself with any questions you have regarding the Association and activities going on. I would also like to thank Shawn
6 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2023
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