The Similkameen News Leader
Sports Page - May 13, 2008
RODEO CLUB HOSTS ANOTHER GREAT SHOW
The 7th annual Princeton Rodeo was an awesome weekend of activity at Sunflower Downs.
The Saturday, May 10th performance started with the official crowning of Rodeo Queen Janine Esdale, included an amazing demonstration by the Cariboo Cowgirls team of Williams Lake and featured some of the toughest cowboys and cowgirls matched up with even tougher livestock.
There was also a break in the action to officially dedicate the large indoor arena building at Sunflower Downs the OKenny McLean Memorial Arena' with members of the late rodeo great's family on hand for the ceremony.
The unofficial rodeo results from both days are as follows:
In the Bareback event there was only one qualifying ride on Saturday. Justin King of Sagal, Washington scored 82 riding Billy. On Sunday, Kevin Lusk of Buckley, Washington tied that score on XXL. Dan Keller of Roy, Washington scored the next highest with 76 after riding Bad Company.
In Tie-Down Roping, Keegan Smith (150 Mile House, BC) took first place with his Saturday score of 12.9 seconds. Riley Isnardy (Cache Creek, BC) earned second on Sunday with a time of 13.8 seconds. Third went to Derek Mobbs of Merritt with his Saturday time of 15.3 seconds.
In Saddle Bronc only three cowboys had qualifying rides on Saturday. Steve Hohmann (Quesnel, BC) scored 81 on Casino Royal and Jay Louis (Vernon, BC) earned a 74 on Step On' Stone. Third place went to Jeff Gray (Williams Lake) who scored 73 on Sunday riding Insomnia. It was just enough to drop Princeton's Justin Buhler to fourth place with his Saturday ride on Grey Area which scored 70 points.
In Steer Wrestling, Willie Twan (Alkali Lake, BC) topped the leader board Saturday with a time of 6.3 seconds. Wade McNolty (150 Mile House, BC) took second with his Sunday time of 6.6 seconds. Third place went to Jordie Maurice (Alexis Creek, BC) who scored a time of 8.0 seconds on Sunday.
In Breakaway Roping, a BCRA standard event, all winners came from runs made during the Sunday performance. Charlie Soffel (Vanderhoof, BC) took first place with a time of 5.0 seconds with Chad Braaten (150 Mile House, BC) in second with 5.9 seconds and Keely Durrell (Riske Creek, BC) in third with 13.8 seconds.
In Junior Steer Riding, another BCRA required event, Marvin Yahey, Jr. (Charlie Lake, BC) finished in first place with his Saturday score of 74. Colton Manual (150 Mile House, BC) took second place after a re-ride Sunday earned 69 points. Devin Graham (Anahim Lake, BC) finished in third place with a Saturday score of 67.
In Ladies Barrel Racing, Julie Leggett (Kamloops, BC) took first with her Sunday time of 17.732 seconds. Monica Oram (Logan Lake, BC) finished in second with her Sunday time of 17.856 and Dana Marie Muskett (Chilliwack, BC) took third place with her Saturday run of 17.904 seconds. Former Princeton cowgirl Aimee Willis (Prince George, BC) finished in fourth with her Sunday time of 18.013 seconds.
In Junior Barrels, Montana Enns (Courtney, BC) took first with her Saturday time of 18.144 seconds. Brooke Wills (Quesnel, BC) finished second with a Saturday time of 18.145 seconds and Vanessa Leggett (Kamloops, BC) finished in third with a Sunday time of 18.613 seconds.
In Team Roping, the top three finishes all came from Saturday runs. Jay Louis (Vernon. BC) and Elliott Benjamin (Morley, Alberta) took first place with a time of 6.3 seconds. Second place went to Chad Evanson (Pritchard, BC) and Rod Spiers (Arras, BC) with their time of 6.7 seconds with the pair of Luke Pozzobon and Derek Mobbs (both of Merritt, BC) finishing third with a time of 8.2 seconds.
In Bull Riding, there were only three qualifying rides on Saturday and they took the top three spots. Justin Davis (Williams Lake, BC) scored 77 on Nic Nac, Brandon Daniel (Cache Creek, BC) also scored 77 riding First Strike with Ty Pozzobon (Merritt, BC) scoring 76 on High Roller. Two other riders scored 76 on Sunday including Charlie Attrill (Maple Ridge, BC) riding First Strike and Mike Gill (Merritt, BC) on Dark Side.
Princeton Rodeo Club is currently finalizing plans for their first ever fundraising Trail Ride (July 5th and 6th) and the BC Professional Bullriders Association BC Finals (September).
