Competition was fierce last weekend at the Calnash Ag Event Centre during the Spring Thaw rodeo roundup.
The weekend brought timed-event rodeo-action to Ponoka and despite wintery conditions, cowboys and cowgirls brought their A-games to the ag centre. Organized by Trevor Jones and Tyrel Flewelling, the event is a kick-off to spring and the rodeo season.
The second annual Spring Thaw Roundup appears to be growing, explained Jones. On Saturday the ag event centre hosted 163 barrel racers, 104 team ropers, 43 calf ropers and 36 steer wrestlers.
“I think every year it’s just going to increase,” explained Jones.
He said the sponsors were pleased with the turnout despite inclement weather.
“That’s the most important thing, the sponsors,” said Jones. “Without them you couldn’t really do that (event).”
Over the course of the weekend, including team roping on Sunday, Jones said 600 teams competed. With amateur rodeos starting to line up for the season, he feels the Spring Thaw Roundup is an ideal start for cowboys and cowgirls.
Open team roping results
Sunday average #14
First – Kenton Fawcett and Kody Potts
Second – Dustin Round and Klay Whyte
Third – Grady Quam and Clint Brower
Fourth – Kenton Fawcett and Mark Flynn
Saturday average open:
First and second – Clint Buhler and Brett McCarroll. Travis Gallais and Brett McCarroll
Third – Travis Gallais and Rocky Dallyn
Fourth – Grady Quam and Todd Gallais
Fifth – JT Robinson and Chad Robinson
Sixth – Cash Bonnett and Keely Bonnett
Tie down roping
Average:
First – Eric Dublanko
Second – Kirk Robinson
Third – Dale Skocdopole
Fourth – Cody Brett
Steer wrestling results
Average:
First – Harley Cole
Second – Cody Cassidy
Third – Lane Delmont
Fourth – Josh Harden
Ladies barrel results
1D:
First – Lana Bohnet
Second – Kerri Babcook
Third – Jessie Vandenbroek
Fourth – Steff Mather
2D:
First – Jamie Harden
Second – Rene Leclerq
Third – Wendy Playfair
Fourth – Dee Butterfield
3D:
First – Corleen Leclerq
Second – Trish Friis
Third – Helen Naslund
Fourth – Whitney Lynch