The 62nd Issue Is Up! (Monday September 28 2020) Check It Out At The Subscribers Only Page! The First Issue Is Also Still Up! Check It Out From The Link At The Bottom Of The Page!
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Monday April 20 2020
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Welcome To The 52nd Issue of the Valley Beat!
Our Eighth Free Issue!
The 2020 Westcliffe Stampede PRCA Rodeo HAPPENED!!
2020 has been an absolutely horrible year, thus far. We try to keep our opinions out of the
articles here at The Valley Beat and stick to the facts. This is me sticking to the facts, 2020 has
been a nightmare! There have been few positives to keep us afloat, and the annual 2020
Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo, might just be one of those positives.
The fight to keep our Rodeo alive has paid off. In exchange for being allowed to put on a
Rodeo, many changes were made to the usual viewing experience. First off, organizers had to
limit ticket sales in order to properly socially distance the arena spectators.
Second, the drive-in rodeo was a new feature. People who were unable to purchase tickets
to the arena in time, could instead drive their car to a specially designated spot on Saddle Club
grounds, and watch the Rodeo from the comfort of their own vehicle. Two jumbotron's were set
up courtesy of FrostView Productions, and the local radio station, KLZR, helped set up a channel
for the drive-in folks.
All contestants and volunteers for the rodeo had to be screened for Covid-19, supervised by a
doctor who was on scene. Westcliffe had the privilege of hosting one of the few rodeos in the
country, as such we got to house the best of the PRCA, creating an outstanding show to watch
and listen. In fact, the record in Saddle Bronc for the Saddle Club Arena was broken, and is
now being jointly held by Cort Scherr and Brody Cress, with an 87.00. Aside from a few very
ornery animals, and an act of God behind- the -scenes, the Rodeo went off without a hitch!
- by Madeline Ballard
articles here at The Valley Beat and stick to the facts. This is me sticking to the facts, 2020 has
been a nightmare! There have been few positives to keep us afloat, and the annual 2020
Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo, might just be one of those positives.
The fight to keep our Rodeo alive has paid off. In exchange for being allowed to put on a
Rodeo, many changes were made to the usual viewing experience. First off, organizers had to
limit ticket sales in order to properly socially distance the arena spectators.
Second, the drive-in rodeo was a new feature. People who were unable to purchase tickets
to the arena in time, could instead drive their car to a specially designated spot on Saddle Club
grounds, and watch the Rodeo from the comfort of their own vehicle. Two jumbotron's were set
up courtesy of FrostView Productions, and the local radio station, KLZR, helped set up a channel
for the drive-in folks.
All contestants and volunteers for the rodeo had to be screened for Covid-19, supervised by a
doctor who was on scene. Westcliffe had the privilege of hosting one of the few rodeos in the
country, as such we got to house the best of the PRCA, creating an outstanding show to watch
and listen. In fact, the record in Saddle Bronc for the Saddle Club Arena was broken, and is
now being jointly held by Cort Scherr and Brody Cress, with an 87.00. Aside from a few very
ornery animals, and an act of God behind- the -scenes, the Rodeo went off without a hitch!
- by Madeline Ballard
2020 Westcliffe Stampede PRCA Rodeo Compilation |
2020 Westcliffe Stampede PRCA Rodeo - Special Tribute to the Animal Athletes
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Pre-Rodeo Snapshots |
Pictures of the Grand Entry! |
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2020 Friday-Saturday Rodeo Pictures |
Rodeo Parade Down Main Street! |
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2020 Westcliffe Stampede PRCA Rodeo's Tribute to Brittanee Bohannan
“Brittanee Elizabeth Bohannan, age 23, of Seguin, Texas, passed away on May 15, 2020.
Brittanee was born on December 17, 1996 in Seguin, to Joanna Carol Milner Bohannan and
David Teddlie Bohannan. She attended Seguin schools until her senior year, but graduated from
Custer County High School in Westcliffe, CO, in 2015. Brittanee was a true Cowgirl. She had a
very special love for horses. She started riding horses when she was a year and a half old.
Growing up, the thing she wanted to do more than anything in the world was to be a rodeo queen
and she fulfilled that dream in 2015, when she became the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Queen
attendant. In 2016, she became the Westcliffe Stampede Queen. Then, in 2017, she became the
Rodeo Director of the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club. She was a member of the Colorado
Barrel Racers Assoc. and the Colorado State Rodeo Assoc. She took her horse activities
seriously and felt the most at home on a horse. She more things for her horse than she ever did
for herself. Brittanee was also an amazing photographer which anyone could see with all the
photos she took. Britt had a take charge and get it done attitude with everything she did. Her
sense of humor wasone of the best things about her. She could always make you laugh and put a
smile on your face.
Brittanee touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by so many people. There is no
way to fill the void that she has left in this world. Brittanee is preceded in death by her
grandfather, Bobby Milner and grandmother Vicky Decker. Granddaughter of John Decker and
Arlene Milner.”
- As printed in the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Program
Brittanee was born on December 17, 1996 in Seguin, to Joanna Carol Milner Bohannan and
David Teddlie Bohannan. She attended Seguin schools until her senior year, but graduated from
Custer County High School in Westcliffe, CO, in 2015. Brittanee was a true Cowgirl. She had a
very special love for horses. She started riding horses when she was a year and a half old.
Growing up, the thing she wanted to do more than anything in the world was to be a rodeo queen
and she fulfilled that dream in 2015, when she became the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Queen
attendant. In 2016, she became the Westcliffe Stampede Queen. Then, in 2017, she became the
Rodeo Director of the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club. She was a member of the Colorado
Barrel Racers Assoc. and the Colorado State Rodeo Assoc. She took her horse activities
seriously and felt the most at home on a horse. She more things for her horse than she ever did
for herself. Brittanee was also an amazing photographer which anyone could see with all the
photos she took. Britt had a take charge and get it done attitude with everything she did. Her
sense of humor wasone of the best things about her. She could always make you laugh and put a
smile on your face.
Brittanee touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by so many people. There is no
way to fill the void that she has left in this world. Brittanee is preceded in death by her
grandfather, Bobby Milner and grandmother Vicky Decker. Granddaughter of John Decker and
Arlene Milner.”
- As printed in the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Program
2020 Grand Marshals, Charles and Dorothy Bogle
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This year’s Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Grand Marshals were Charles and Dorothy Bogle, of
Westcliffe, CO.
“Charles and Dorothy moved to the mountains some 18 years ago and built their dream cabin
on a high point with a tremendous view of the Valley and the Sangre de Cristo range. They are
being honored as the 2020 Grand Marshals for the 74th
Westcliffe Stampede PRCA Rodeo. They
were notified of this designation by George Koons, president of the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle
Club, at a recent rodeo committee meeting. While having supported many Valley activities,
Charles has recently been incredibly busy and involved with the planning and supporting this
year’s rodeo. Dorothy is committed to the development and care of their home and acreage,
south of town.
In their capacity as Grand Marshals, they will be leading the parade on Saturday morning and
ensure rodeo fans are excited about this first year as a fun-filled weekend of PRCA Rodeo. The
Bogle’s will make their appearance in the parade as well as at the beginning of each rodeo after
that.
Both Charles and Dorothy have spent years in support of local, regional, and national
Veteran’s activities. Charles is also president of the Custer County Economic Development
Corporation, that has been instrumental in the support of this year’s first PRCA Rodeo.
Congratulations Charles and Dorothy, and thank you for all you do!”
- Via Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Program
Westcliffe, CO.
“Charles and Dorothy moved to the mountains some 18 years ago and built their dream cabin
on a high point with a tremendous view of the Valley and the Sangre de Cristo range. They are
being honored as the 2020 Grand Marshals for the 74th
Westcliffe Stampede PRCA Rodeo. They
were notified of this designation by George Koons, president of the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle
Club, at a recent rodeo committee meeting. While having supported many Valley activities,
Charles has recently been incredibly busy and involved with the planning and supporting this
year’s rodeo. Dorothy is committed to the development and care of their home and acreage,
south of town.
In their capacity as Grand Marshals, they will be leading the parade on Saturday morning and
ensure rodeo fans are excited about this first year as a fun-filled weekend of PRCA Rodeo. The
Bogle’s will make their appearance in the parade as well as at the beginning of each rodeo after
that.
Both Charles and Dorothy have spent years in support of local, regional, and national
Veteran’s activities. Charles is also president of the Custer County Economic Development
Corporation, that has been instrumental in the support of this year’s first PRCA Rodeo.
Congratulations Charles and Dorothy, and thank you for all you do!”
- Via Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo Program
Dust devil causes injury and damage at the Rodeo grounds, last Saturday
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- Pictures by Madeline Ballard
On Saturday afternoon, my dad and I had just parked the car at the Saddle Club to start our
day of volunteering at the Rodeo. Dad was talking to Ron Beckner, and I was patiently watching
the horizon, when all of a sudden a dust devil started building. I didn't really think anything of it
at the time, dust devils are pretty common in the wind swept plains of Colorado. However, I
gravely underestimated the damage this little dust devil could do. It swirled on a collision course
towards the American Legion tents that were put up on Thursday to house the vendors for the
Rodeo. It passed the first tent, leaving it unharmed save for a lone paper that floated up towards
the sky. The second tent however, wasn't so lucky. The dust devil tore the tent out of the ground
and poles were sent flying. One woman was caught in the back paneling and was sent tumbling.
The tent collided with a trailer that had just pulled up. One of the poles was speared through the
tack room of the trailer, not too far away from a mare that was inside. The tent ended up
crumpled on the other side, and the dust devil, having run into the trailer, lost its steam and
dissipated as fast as it appeared.
Luckily, the only casualty seemed to be the woman caught in the back paneling. She survived
with a concussion, and denied medical treatment. The trailer was torn up, but it could still drive
and most importantly, the horse was okay. Overall, everyone was lucky that the dust devil that
appeared out of thin air, didn't cause any more havoc than it did. Thankfully, no more dust devils
appeared that day, and we were able to pick up the wreckage, and get on with the daily
festivities!
- by Madeline Ballard
day of volunteering at the Rodeo. Dad was talking to Ron Beckner, and I was patiently watching
the horizon, when all of a sudden a dust devil started building. I didn't really think anything of it
at the time, dust devils are pretty common in the wind swept plains of Colorado. However, I
gravely underestimated the damage this little dust devil could do. It swirled on a collision course
towards the American Legion tents that were put up on Thursday to house the vendors for the
Rodeo. It passed the first tent, leaving it unharmed save for a lone paper that floated up towards
the sky. The second tent however, wasn't so lucky. The dust devil tore the tent out of the ground
and poles were sent flying. One woman was caught in the back paneling and was sent tumbling.
The tent collided with a trailer that had just pulled up. One of the poles was speared through the
tack room of the trailer, not too far away from a mare that was inside. The tent ended up
crumpled on the other side, and the dust devil, having run into the trailer, lost its steam and
dissipated as fast as it appeared.
Luckily, the only casualty seemed to be the woman caught in the back paneling. She survived
with a concussion, and denied medical treatment. The trailer was torn up, but it could still drive
and most importantly, the horse was okay. Overall, everyone was lucky that the dust devil that
appeared out of thin air, didn't cause any more havoc than it did. Thankfully, no more dust devils
appeared that day, and we were able to pick up the wreckage, and get on with the daily
festivities!
- by Madeline Ballard
Interviews with the Participants
Next Week the Interviews continue with four Steer Wrestlers that I happened to wrangle.
The Top Hands Drill Team, Full of Spirit and Pride
- Picture by Tracy Ballard
Pre-Rodeo last Friday afternoon, I had the privilege of interviewing the Top Hands Drill
Team. With a little help, I happened to find them on horseback, and so the interview began.
This is the Top Hand's second year in Colorado, but the Top Hands originated in Ohio over
20 years ago. The drill team is split up into four quads. Quad One was Ginger Patrick who
happens to be the coach, and Faith Kavanaugh. Quad Two was Shauna Whaley, and Avery
Wynn. Quad Three was Barrett Whaley, and Genevieve Denison. Last but not least, Quad Four
was Shaelee Havens, and Amy Standiford. During the Fourth of July Parade in Monument, they
won three trophies: Best Group, Most Put-Together, and Theme.
The Top Hands runs a Gymkhana series in which Genevieve got 3rd (the whip), Amy is the
first hand, and Shaelee is the Arena Queen. When I asked them what they liked most about the
rodeo, I got a burst of enthusiastic answers from the cowgirls. "I love the entertainment that
people get to watch, and I love being a part of the entertainment." Said Shaelee Havens who may
or may not have been behind me on horseback. "It's fun to be a part of the atmosphere.
Everybody getting ready, getting all excited for the rodeo." One of the ladies in front of me
stated, "I love the encouragement of being on the team, everyone's so nice. It's like a family."
The woman in front of me, also on horseback, concluded with, "I like that it's just the general
celebration of agricultural lifestyle, and keeping that alive."
I also asked them what the most challenging aspect of rodeo is to them. They said that it's
"adapting to new arenas, because not all of the horses have never been to certain places." They
also commented that "here, the dirt is super thick, and none of us are used to that." I asked them
what they liked to do in their spare time. "Besides rodeo?" I got back with a few laughs around
me. Despite the fact that these ladies live and breathe rodeo, I did get a few responses back.
Swim team, science, traveling, which was followed by a burst of "I love traveling!" Studying,
riding horses, "tons of different things! But not a lot outside rodeo!"
Finally, I asked them what their message is for rodeo fans this weekend. "Have fun and be
safe!" Followed by "Keep supporting rodeos!" And lastly, "Keep supporting the Top Hands,
because we're gonna be the best show there." Quickly one of the girls said "Don't get cocky!"
Another girl said, "No, that's confidence!" Followed by a burst of laughter and a conclusion from
the woman right in front of me on horseback. "We should be confident and proud of our team."
The Top Hands later performed for the grand entry of the rodeo, both nights, and it went off (at
least from the audience), without a hitch.
- by Madeline Ballard
Team. With a little help, I happened to find them on horseback, and so the interview began.
This is the Top Hand's second year in Colorado, but the Top Hands originated in Ohio over
20 years ago. The drill team is split up into four quads. Quad One was Ginger Patrick who
happens to be the coach, and Faith Kavanaugh. Quad Two was Shauna Whaley, and Avery
Wynn. Quad Three was Barrett Whaley, and Genevieve Denison. Last but not least, Quad Four
was Shaelee Havens, and Amy Standiford. During the Fourth of July Parade in Monument, they
won three trophies: Best Group, Most Put-Together, and Theme.
The Top Hands runs a Gymkhana series in which Genevieve got 3rd (the whip), Amy is the
first hand, and Shaelee is the Arena Queen. When I asked them what they liked most about the
rodeo, I got a burst of enthusiastic answers from the cowgirls. "I love the entertainment that
people get to watch, and I love being a part of the entertainment." Said Shaelee Havens who may
or may not have been behind me on horseback. "It's fun to be a part of the atmosphere.
Everybody getting ready, getting all excited for the rodeo." One of the ladies in front of me
stated, "I love the encouragement of being on the team, everyone's so nice. It's like a family."
The woman in front of me, also on horseback, concluded with, "I like that it's just the general
celebration of agricultural lifestyle, and keeping that alive."
I also asked them what the most challenging aspect of rodeo is to them. They said that it's
"adapting to new arenas, because not all of the horses have never been to certain places." They
also commented that "here, the dirt is super thick, and none of us are used to that." I asked them
what they liked to do in their spare time. "Besides rodeo?" I got back with a few laughs around
me. Despite the fact that these ladies live and breathe rodeo, I did get a few responses back.
Swim team, science, traveling, which was followed by a burst of "I love traveling!" Studying,
riding horses, "tons of different things! But not a lot outside rodeo!"
Finally, I asked them what their message is for rodeo fans this weekend. "Have fun and be
safe!" Followed by "Keep supporting rodeos!" And lastly, "Keep supporting the Top Hands,
because we're gonna be the best show there." Quickly one of the girls said "Don't get cocky!"
Another girl said, "No, that's confidence!" Followed by a burst of laughter and a conclusion from
the woman right in front of me on horseback. "We should be confident and proud of our team."
The Top Hands later performed for the grand entry of the rodeo, both nights, and it went off (at
least from the audience), without a hitch.
- by Madeline Ballard
For Martinez, rodeo is a tradition and all about good values
- Picture taken from https://oklahomasports.net/martinez-place-second-in-round-two/
While I was helping out with COVID-19 screening, I was able to snag a couple contestants to interview.
One of them was a bull rider, named Dustin Martinez.
He was originally from New Mexico, but he's been in Guymon, Oklahoma for about 20 years.
Martinez recently completed college at Panhandle State University. I asked him how long he's
been in the rodeo circuit he told me this. "I've been rodeoin' since I was four- years -old, got into
it when my daddy was riding bulls. I just grew up watching him. I've been pro-rodeoin' since I
was 18- years- old. I'm 23 now.” He continued, “Went on my permit for my first couple years of
pro-rodeoin, and this was my first year on my card as a card holder. It was my rookie year, kind
of a rough year to be having a rookie year with Covid-19, so we're just trying to make the best of
what you can, and get into whatever rodeo let you in." He's been to High School National Finals
twice, and College National Finals, twice. Martinez won a handful of buckles at open rodeos and
a couple of pro-rodeos.
In 2019, he was on the college national men's team when the team won a national title.
Hearing this, I decided to ask him what he likes most about rodeo. He replied, "Getting to see the
honest view of the world, and that there's still good morals, good principles out there. Good
people in the world. Rodeo's been the same for a long time, it's one thing that's not changed
whether it's been coronavirus or not. Just the pure essence of rodeo, and the wholeness of its
whole." With this great response, I also asked him what the most challenging aspect of rodeo is.
"Challenging aspect? Probably injuries. When I was 19, I got hurt real bad. I was out for about a
year and a half. They told me that I probably wouldn't get back on bulls again. They started
finding out new information, new details about concussions, and brain injuries. Definitely having
all odds against you, and coming back out of the hold of something like that.” He continued,
“Kind of a dark place, not being able to rodeo, and do something you've done your whole life."
In his spare time, Dustin likes to wakeboard, snowboard, break horses, train horses, sell horses,
and hunt. Martinez also likes art, enjoys sculpting, making western wildlife art, and he paints. "I
like to do it all." A regular jack of all trades. To close out the interview, I asked him what
message he has for rodeo fans this weekend. He enthusiastically quipped, "Have as much fun as
you can, be glad to be back out doing it, because it's going to change the world."
- by Madeline Ballard
One of them was a bull rider, named Dustin Martinez.
He was originally from New Mexico, but he's been in Guymon, Oklahoma for about 20 years.
Martinez recently completed college at Panhandle State University. I asked him how long he's
been in the rodeo circuit he told me this. "I've been rodeoin' since I was four- years -old, got into
it when my daddy was riding bulls. I just grew up watching him. I've been pro-rodeoin' since I
was 18- years- old. I'm 23 now.” He continued, “Went on my permit for my first couple years of
pro-rodeoin, and this was my first year on my card as a card holder. It was my rookie year, kind
of a rough year to be having a rookie year with Covid-19, so we're just trying to make the best of
what you can, and get into whatever rodeo let you in." He's been to High School National Finals
twice, and College National Finals, twice. Martinez won a handful of buckles at open rodeos and
a couple of pro-rodeos.
In 2019, he was on the college national men's team when the team won a national title.
Hearing this, I decided to ask him what he likes most about rodeo. He replied, "Getting to see the
honest view of the world, and that there's still good morals, good principles out there. Good
people in the world. Rodeo's been the same for a long time, it's one thing that's not changed
whether it's been coronavirus or not. Just the pure essence of rodeo, and the wholeness of its
whole." With this great response, I also asked him what the most challenging aspect of rodeo is.
"Challenging aspect? Probably injuries. When I was 19, I got hurt real bad. I was out for about a
year and a half. They told me that I probably wouldn't get back on bulls again. They started
finding out new information, new details about concussions, and brain injuries. Definitely having
all odds against you, and coming back out of the hold of something like that.” He continued,
“Kind of a dark place, not being able to rodeo, and do something you've done your whole life."
In his spare time, Dustin likes to wakeboard, snowboard, break horses, train horses, sell horses,
and hunt. Martinez also likes art, enjoys sculpting, making western wildlife art, and he paints. "I
like to do it all." A regular jack of all trades. To close out the interview, I asked him what
message he has for rodeo fans this weekend. He enthusiastically quipped, "Have as much fun as
you can, be glad to be back out doing it, because it's going to change the world."
- by Madeline Ballard
Rodeo Scores!
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Bareback
1. Craig Wisehart 85.00 2. Zach Hibler 84.00 3. Tim O'Connell 82.00 3. Orin Larsen 82.00 Steer Wrestling 1. Dalton Mussey 3.8 1. Seth Peterson 3.8 3. Mike McGinn 3.9 4. Ryan Shuckburgh 4.0 Tie-Down Roping 1. Riley Pruitt 7.6 2. Justin Smith 8.4 3. Garrett Busby 8.5 4. Brandon Neugebauer 9.3 Team Roping 1, Warnock/Wilson 3.8 2. Denison/Mitchell 4.9 3. Driggers/Petska 5.0 4. Kiehne/Tittel 5.3 |
Saddle Bronc
1. Cort Scheer 87.00 1. Brody Cress 87.00 3. Ryder Wright 85.00 4. Stetson Wright 85.00 4, Jacobs Crawley 84.00 4. Sterling Crawley 84.00 7. Spencer Wright 81.00 8. Ross Griffin 80.00 Ladies Barrel Racing 1, Kathy Grimes 16.49 2. Dona Kay Rule 16.67 2. Shelly Morgan 16.67 4. Nicole Waggoner 16.70 Bull Riding 1. DJ Parker 86.00 2. Jess Davison 85.50 2. Dustin Boquet 85.50 4. Garrett Uptain 79.00 |