PRESIDENT’S CORNER H ere we are in the last month of the regular season and what a race it is shaping up to be in both the barrel racing and breakaway roping to be in that elite Top 15 that earns a ticket to the Wrangler
to thank these committees for making the conditions better. We will be utilizing a new electronic voting platform this year and you will be seeing ballots in your email later this month. In the meantime, start thinking of which committees you feel deserve this honor including those that are the most improved. We have had numerous arena records set this year and feel the improved ground conditions at these rodeos have played a role in allowing the horsepower in the WPRA to run at an elite level. This makes it exciting for the fans and athletes alike. So keep up the great work and know your efforts are being noticed. This past month we have unfortunately lost several in our rodeo family. From legendary stock contractor Neal Gay, who developed the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, to Chuck Peterson, husband to Kristie Peterson and father to Jordon Briggs, to our 1984 world champion team roper Cherie Berthod, and finally to Stevi Hillman’s great NFR mare Lemon Drop. I send my heartfelt condolences to each and every family affected by these losses. Until next time, safe travels and good luck to all in this last month of the regular season.
National Finals Rodeo. The northwest rodeos have played a big role in the past in determining which ladies make it in and which ones are left to try another year. This year with the ProRodeo Tour Finale playing out in Puyallup, Washington, and the large purse all eyes will be on the outcome and the standings shuffle following that event. Speaking of the end of the season, 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 a majority of the 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. In 2021, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo hand raked after every runner for the first time ever and I feel that was a huge step in having others follow suit. 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
6 WPRA NEWS SEPTEMBER 2022
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