Spencer Weddle, Staff Writer
The second Betty Gayle Cooper Ratliff Alumni Rodeo took place on Nov. 15 and was very successful.
The event is named for the former rodeo coach and equestrian center manager at SE, Betty Gayle Cooper Ratliff. She worked at SE for 23 years before passing away from breast cancer in 1999. The event is to honor her legacy and to help the SE Rodeo Team raise money for the various expenses it must undertake.
There was a silent auction, barbeque, top hand auction and the rodeo itself. There was about 250 people who attended the event and 101 contestants in the rodeo. The event was hosted by the Cooper Rodeo Foundation who also donated $15,000 to the event.
The Rodeo Team sold a raffle on a NFR Trip worth $1,000. The event along with the raffle made over $20,000. Making the event a huge success. This money will go to scholarships, team expenses and practice equipment.
The Women’s Rodeo Team is currently ranked fourth in the Central Plains Region standings. They are trailing second place by just 45 points and are 400 points away from first. The men’s team is currently ranked seventh.
Christi Braudrick said SE’s strength is the team members’ commitment to practicing.
They have had four competitions with six left for the spring semester.
This is the current individuals who are ranked:
•Chase Boweres-10th in Bull Riding
•Kade Lewis-10 in Calf Roping
•Kolton Schmidt-3rd in Team Roping Heading
•Sam Stamper-8th in Team Roping Heading
•Ben Whiddon-2nd Team Roping Heeling
•Jake Dudley-8th Team Roping Heeling
•Ari-Anna-1st in Barrel Racing
•Katelyn McLeod-6th in Barrel Racing
•Cheyenne Budvarson-11th in Goat Tying
•Sarah Schneider-15th in Goat Tying
Ari-Anna is also in top three in All Around Standings and Kade Lewis is top five in All Around Standings.
