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Memorial barrel racing series ends with love

After six weeks of highly competitive barrel racing, the First Annual Lyle Norn Memorial Barrel Racing Series,
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Whitney Lynch competes in the open division of the First Annual Lyle Norn Memorial Barrel Racing Series finals

After six weeks of highly competitive barrel racing, the First Annual Lyle Norn Memorial Barrel Racing Series, held in the name of family man and rodeo fan Lyle Norn, has come to a close.

“For the first year, I’d say it was a huge success,” said organizer and Norn’s granddaughter Kaylee-Jo Henkelman.

“Shayna (Dodds, co-organizer), Lorna (Norn) and I would also like to add that we are so grateful for all the support from our community as well as for the dedication our fellow barrel racers . . . we thank them for joining us every Wednesday for the last 6 weeks,” she added.

Despite fluctuating Alberta weather leading to some less than desirable conditions, approximately 250 racers competed throughout the course of the six jackpots.

Norn was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in June of 2013, as well as CO2 retention.

“About $6500 was raised for respiratory rehab in memory of my grandpa, who passed much too young at the age of 67, battling COPD,” said Henkelman.

“That was the biggest goal, that we needed a good chunk of cash to give,” she added.

With numerous sponsors leading to great support of the series and the ability to offer prizes ranging from buckles to rain blankets to the contestants, “We’ve got a couple bigger plans for next year. We’d like to add team roping to the event. We’d like to raise a bunch more money,” said Henkelman.

For her, one of the greatest moments of the event came at the very end; awarding her grandmother Lorna with a series jacket, presented to her by the winners. “There was just so much appreciation on her face.”

Results:

Peewee

First – Harleigh Henderson on Earl

Youth

First – Kayla Dueck on Vegas

Second – Cassidy Low on Rocket

Third – Macey Auclair on Jack

Open

First – Myranda Norem on Zoey

Second – Melissa Thiessen on Possum

Third o Kassie Simpson on Torque

Fourth – Nikki Makofka on Poncho

Fifth – Kaylee-Jo Henkelman on Bully’s Red Fire

Sixth – Kim Gerwatoski on Sailing On A Dream

Seventh – Tana Millard on Spice

Eighth – Maxine Gallais on Pete

Ninth – Aimee Kay on LK Speedstar

Tenth – Annette Vandenberg on Tanner