GREAT LAKES NEWS • August 24 , 2010. All roads point to Louisville and Lincoln! For some of us, the anticipation is building as September 30th marks the end of the season for Great Lakes Circuit Qualification. For all of us, the great opportunity to compete at the prestigious WPRA World Finals is in Lincoln, Nebraska this fall! With over $80,000 in prize money and a new $10,000 added Permit Only race, the World Finals promises to be a premiere event! I am thrilled and excited to attend for the first time and look forward to shopping the trade show, going to the Pro Elite Horse Sale and competing in the jackpots and Card Holder races! With the new format, excellent location and great dates, I expect that the GLC members will take full advantage of the opportunity to "Compete with the Elite!"

Great Lakes Circuit Finals
Please review the PRCA Newsletter posted in the August 9th GLC News. Cast your vote for the best rodeos by printing and mailing the ballot by September 30th. If you are a Circuit Qualifier, contact Wayne Knutson regarding jackets/vests and sizes.

The WPRA GLCF Awards Committee is hard at work and could use some help.
Last year's Circuit Awards were second to none thanks to Julie Erkamaa. Again Julie has stepped up to the plate and has a great start on the awards program for this year. Each qualifier will receive a lightweight jacket. The following is a list of jacket sponsors so far:

Luck Saddlery & Outfitters, LLC, Paulette Adair
World Champion Designs, Rebecca Gabel
Prime Performance Nutrition, Maxum HA, Jeff Butler
Sundance Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Terrah Hanks
Country Store, Union Grove, WI
Cooperative Plus, Inc., Jordan Pieczynski

Through Julie's efforts Cowgirl Tuff Company has generously agreed to sponsor the WPRA Brunch for a second year as well as provide Circuit Qualifiers a gift certificate for jeans and a shirt. We are extremely appreciative of their support and are proud to wear products from this Great Lakes Company! Thank you to Lisa and Kirk Bolin of Cowgirl Tuff Company!

I would also like to publicly thank Mikko and Julie Erkamaa for returning as our Circuit Finals Event Sponsor! This is a sizable contribution and we are especially appreciative of their very generous support!

Tammy Whyte is working on winter blanket sponsorships. Each Qualifier will receive a monogrammed winter blanket. To date we would like to thank the following blanket sponsors:

Jill Bradburn
BB Productions, Renea Bolling
D.C.
Saddles N Pads
Nevela Rodeo Horses
Quick Draw Solutions
Good Rich Trailers
Riverside Vet Clinic
Sundance Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Terrah Hanks
Tammy Whyte

Thanks go to my husband John Irvin, who has begun working on 12 custom bronc halters. This year's GLCF halters we will be sporting red alligator filigreed nosebands!

Next I would like to credit and thank Sandi Brandli. Through her leadership the GLCF awards program has grown to be one of the best and a model to others. Besides the traditional Circuit Qualifier coat and buckle, the WPRA members work hard to add to the awards program and experience. Each Qualifier is asked to either bring or partner on 12 awards/gifts to hand out at the brunch. Also all of the Qualifiers from the previous season are asked to contribute to the awards program in the same manner. Sandi will be contacting last season's Qualifiers to participate in this season's awards. Between the Contestant efforts, the Awards Committee efforts and the generous Sponsors the Great Lakes Circuit Finals is an amazing experience!

Silent Auctions - Help!

We have been designated as the "Official Silent Auction Gurus" this fall.
First, we will need to have about 12 items for the TETWP Silent Auction held at the Circuit Finals during the General Contestant Membership Meeting. I will be twisting arms of all of the WPRA Circuit Qualifiers to bring at least one item however; I would appreciate any help or donations from all of you! Please let me know if you can help out or have ideas to support the cause.

On a National scale, I will be co-chairing the Silent Auction at the WPRA World Finals. We will be calling on each Circuit to bring something representative of their Circuit as an item for the Auction. If any of you have ideas or would enjoy helping me with this effort I would certainly appreciate it. Give some thought of what would be a good item or package from the GLC!

I would like to wish everyone good luck as we finish out the GLC rodeo season and gear up for the road ahead this fall!
Donna

August 4 , 2010. Many of our personal goals are well underway for the 2010 season. In this segment of GLC News we will continue to highlight a couple of red hot Rookies as well as provide some important information as we head into the final segment of our Circuit competition.

GLC Rookie Race
Robin Beck
Robin Beck is no stranger to rodeo or barrel racing, even though the term "Rookie" might infer that. Winner of two rounds at the College National Finals in barrel racing a few years ago, while setting an arena record, has given her the experience and knowledge to compete among the professional ranks. She is leading the GLC Rookie with wins so far at Hampton, Glenwood City and Hawley as well as checks at Wahoo, Hamel, Spooner, Clear Lake, Buffalo and Stanley!

Robin's main mount is a 9 year old mare sired by Dashing Elvis. Robin credits her mom, Amy Webb for training the mare and getting her solid on the barrel pattern. When Robin entered college, her Mom loaned her the mare and Robin jokes about never giving her back. Robin is also hauling a six year old mare by Dashing Elvis. Robin is also quick to credit her father, Bogie Webb for the breeding program.

Robin's husband, JW is a team roper and big supporter. He feeds cattle at their Moville, IA ranch in the winter and spends the summer working young horses and helping Robin haul down the road. Robin works full time in the banking industry while rodeoing and riding prospects.

Olivia Boll
Olivia Boll recently graduated with honors from South Dakota State University where she was Top All Around Cowgirl for two years on the Rodeo Team. This spring, her busy college schedule didn't get in the way of preparing for a great beginning of her Rookie year! Olivia and her mare Bitsy Bullion earned checks at Medford and Braham setting the momentum for her first big win of the season at Manawa! After Manawa she kept it rolling with a win at Isanti and two more checks at Hamel, and Spooner.

Bitsy Bullion, Olivia's 14.3 hand mare is small in stature but comes from a great line of genetics, training and family history. Bitsy's dam was Becky Boll's (Olivia's mother) great barrel horse Jet A Chicklet. Becky trained and competed on Chicklet in the 90's winning checks at WPRA and IPRA rodeos as well as winning several AQHA Circuit Championships. In 2004 while driving a truck and trailer, Becky was in a terrible head on collision with a drunk driver. She was severely injured and faced incredible hardships during her long road to recovery. "My kids and my horses are what kept me going. Many wonderful people stepped up to help us for which I am very grateful." Becky continues to cope with the aftermath of the accident. Olivia competed on Chicklet and her half brother Jet Bandito. She often finished first and second at the jackpots. In 2008 Chicklet was tragically killed in an accident. "She was kind, gentle and had a huge heart that lives on in her daughter," says Becky. Chicklet's sire was the great stallion, Jet A Van who was owned by Bob and Dee Morehouse, Becky Boll's parents.

Olivia credits her mother with Bitsy's training. They teamed up and got her started as a four year old. Olivia competed at her first College Rodeo on Bitsy as a six year old. Last year Olivia filled her permit. "So much adversity has riddled this journey; I guess that's what makes it so exciting for us! Olivia has remained unwavering in her quest for excellence," says Becky! Olivia rides horses and works for Cowgirl Tuff Company part time this summer. She plans on attending the University of Minnesota this fall to begin work on a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy.

Rodeo Rule Review
Be sure to check the WPRA schedule or with me if you are not sure about a Rodeo Co-Approval. The WPRA Rodeo Co-Approvals criteria is as follows.
10.1.13 Rodeos that add $3500 or less per event may request co-approval for one or more circuits. Criteria is as follows: a) Rodeo must be within 150 miles of the border of the additional circuit. b) Points will count towards both circuits c) The rodeo will not count as one of the required circuit rodeo count, nor will it add to the number of circuit rodeos required for the second circuit next year.

Spokeswomen
4.2.2WPRA Spokeswomen's duties will be to aid and assist rodeo administration and to represent membership in the absence of the Director.

I would like to express my appreciation to the GLC Spokeswomen for their dedication, commitment and hard work. They have done an outstanding job communicating with me and representing our members this year through some challenging ground conditions. Please do not forget to thank them and communicate with them at the rodeos. I am grateful to have such a great team of experienced, talented ladies working for us this year! They are also good resources if you need advice or information about WPRA!

Circuit Finals
Making Circuit Finals is always an awesome accomplishment in the GLC. As we head into August remember that the Circuit Rodeo Count is one of the criteria. For Residents it is 15 Circuit Rodeos and for Non-Residents it is 19 Circuit Rodeos. The GLC Circuit Finals takes the top 12 ladies.

Julie Erkamaa continues to work diligently on our Circuit Awards. Please be sure to communicate with her regarding helping with the Circuit Awards. Also please let Julie, Sandi Brandli, Tammy Whyte or myself know your thoughts on buckles. We will be making the decision shortly about that Circuit Award. We have also been asked to be in charge of the Silent Auction to benefit TETWP campaign at this year's finals. If there is someone that would like to head this effort please let Julie or myself know. I am also looking for input and assistance in organizing the WPRA brunch.

The following is a letter from Marilyn Knutson with Circuit Finals updates including a choice of a jacket versus a vest this year.

Click here for Great Lakes Circuit Fall 2010 Newsletter

July 7 , 2010. The Great Lakes rodeo season is "well under water" oops we mean "well under way!" Despite the challenging conditions, the Rookies have claimed some of the top spots at our June rodeos. This month we thought it would be appropriate to highlight some of the Rookies that have been turning up the heat in the 2010 GLC Rookie race.

Brandi Whyte (Photo by Marty Welter / rodeoflicks.com)

Twenty-year-old Brandi Whyte grew up riding horses and playing basketball. She works full time as a Medical Assistant keeping regular office hours. "Trying to balance work with rodeo, has limited my hauling schedule. Making every run count is a goal since I can not attend them all!" Brandi rodeoed on her permit for two years filling her permit in just a year and a half. Since filling her permit, Brandi has passed her mount Splash on to her sister who is now learning the ropes of the sport. Brandi's new horse Eureka Playboy, a 12-year-old cutting bred gelding has carried her to the pay window at Braham, Hawley, and Medford. "When I bought my card it wasn't a goal to win Rookie of the year, but it is on my mind now." Brandi hauls with her mother, Tammy Whyte who currently leads the GLC standings.

Kristina Calvert (Photo by Marty Welter / rodeoflicks.com)

Twenty seven year old Kristina Calvert is a Dental Practice Administrator. As a child she dreamed of barrel racing and running at the NFR. In 2005 for her honeymoon, Kristina and her husband Aaron drove to Oklahoma where they purchased her first barrel horse, Galley, as a honeymoon gift. Aaron hauls with Kristina and is a steer wrestler and great supporter.

In 2007 Kristina purchased her permit and earned $733 on Galley. In 2008 Galley tragically broke her leg as she rounded the second barrel at an IPRA rodeo. They had to make the tough decision to put her down. A few months later, Kristina's Dad was researching to find her a horse when he made contact with Marlene and Doug McRae. The McRae's were able to find three perfect horses and help her learn the entire program of care and conditioning. "Colorado Stray, Lonesome Valentine and I'm a Legal Kid are so fun to ride and have different personalities" says Kristina. For a full year she focused on running at jackpots building experience on all three of them.

This season Kristina continued following her dream. She filled her permit in April and got her card. Her goals this year are to qualify for Circuit Finals and have healthy, fit horses that run consistent patterns. Kristina says, "Being a WPRA member has been a breath taking experience. I love the entire atmosphere. It really feels like family and I am excited about the year!"

Rodeo Rule Review
Utilize the Grace Period when entering
10.4.1.5 There will be a ninety (90) minute time period after each closing time to allow contestants to draw out or change preferences. Adjustments must be made before the ninety (90) minutes expire, unless a further extension of time is allowed by ProCom.

Some things to check during the Grace Period
" Number of contestants and their preferences
" Confirm the date and time of slack
" Ask if there will be slack
" Ask how many will be run in each performance
" If there are low entries, check on the possibility of two go rounds

Rodeos
First, a big round of applause goes to the rodeo committees for their continued support of the WPRA and outstanding hospitality. We would especially like to thank the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo Committee in Merrill for the great food, free shavings and additional hospitality services. Also congratulations to Tammy Whyte for winning the prestigious trophy saddle!

The Rodeo Committees and fans go out of their way to support and welcome us. Please take the time to express your appreciation to them. Some ways we work together to show our appreciation, promote the sport and our professionalism are:
" Dress Professionally - I have received some negative feedback about contestants wearing tee shirts and worn out looking jeans
" Ride in Grand Entry if possible
" Be ready run when your name is called.
" And say thank you to the many supporters and fans

Please do not forget that rodeo is a spectator sport and that our image does matter! We are blessed to be able to follow our passion and share these experiences and opportunities! As we head into the heart of rodeo season best of luck, enjoy each run and safe travels!

Special Thanks to Becky Nix for helping with the Rookie news!

Donna

May 26 , 2010. The Great Lakes Circuit Rodeos are now underway and it is time to plan for the Great Lakes Circuit Finals! The following is important information from the PRCA and our Awards Committee. Please be sure to send your GLC futurity fees to Wayne Knutson by June 30th. This is the fee that covers the Circuit Finals jackets. If you do not pay the fee and qualify for Circuit Finals it will cost you $150 to receive a jacket. Also, please be sure to check in with Julie, Tammy or myself regarding Barrel Racing Awards, it truly takes all of us to continue the tradition of excellence in our awards program. I would again like to thank Julie for her outstanding efforts and leadership in securing awards for the Finals!

GLCF Awards Committee Report by Julie Erkamaa
We are proud to announce that Lisa and Kirk Bolin from Cowgirl Tuff have kindly agreed to return as the GLCF Brunch Sponsors for 2010. Cowgirl Tuff is also donating shirts and jeans to the top 12 GLCF Finalists. We love their clothing and are so excited to have them return as a second year sponsor. If you see them in your travels be sure to say thank you.

We will work as a team this year to receive donations and sponsors for the GLCF 2010 Finals. Please contact the appropriate person below if you have sponsors or advertisements.

Tammy Whyte - whytejw@clearwire.net Monogrammed Winter Blanket Sponsor $80 each
Donna Irvin- irvind@bhc.edu Custom Bronc Halter Sponsor $80 each
Julie Erkamaa- meandjb@centurytel.net Fleece Jacket monogram advertisement $200 each

Please contact Donna if you have fundraising ideas or sponsors. It is our goal to develop a fund for the Circuit Awards and Finals. We also welcome you to join the Awards Committee

Great Lakes Circuit Spring 2010 Newsletter by Marilyn Knutson
Our website is: www.glcprorodeo.com

With the rodeo season about to pick up speed in the Great Lakes Circuit, here is the information that will help you plan for the finals.

First, we want to congratulate our DNCFR contestants for making a great showing this year.

Futurity fees have the following deadlines:
If paid by June 30 ----------------------------------------------------$25
If paid between July 1 and Aug 31 --------------------------------$100
If paid between Sept 1 and Circuit Finals ------------------------$150
This is NOT the same as the futurity fee that is mailed to the PRCA, this is GLC only.
Please make checks payable to the "GLC Awards", and mail to:
Wayne Knutson
4050 Hwy U
Clifton Hills, MO 65244

Donation information for each event needs to be called, faxed or e-mailed to Marilyn Knutson by October 15th. She can be contacted at: 417-458-1418 or rodeoalaska@centurytel.net .

Please communicate with your event rep throughout the summer so they are aware of any sponsors you are working on. Sponsor amounts are:
Event -- $1350.00 ½ event -- $675.00 Queen -- $675.00
Hospitality Night -- $300.00

Event Reps:
BB Bee Jay Scott
SB Cody Rud
BR Justin Kennedy
TD Ron Dales
TRHD Aaron Chamley
TRHL Dave Cannon
SW Justin Morehouse
GBR Donna Irvin

The hotel for 2010 is the Comfort Inn and Suites as it was in 2009. We have held 60 rooms. The rate for this year is $89. The cut off date is October 10th or when all rooms are booked. The contract name is "Great Lakes Prorodeo". When making your reservations, please request a hard copy of your confirmation so you can check that all information is correct. A copy can be sent by e-mailed, faxed or snail mail.

Hotel info:
Comfort Inn & Suites
653 Phillips Lane
Louisville, KY 40209
Ph: 502-375-2233
Contract name: Great Lakes Rodeo

We will again have a mandatory meeting at 4pm at the building. It will be located on the 2nd level in the U of L room, so plan accordingly as there is a $50 fine for non-attendance. Come prepared to have your head shots taken before or after the meeting.

Our "Pink Night" will be Saturday. We will also have a silent auction during the membership meeting on Saturday. We would like each event rep to bring 3-4 items for the auction.

The dates for the finals will be November 11, 12 & 13. The performances are at 7pm each night.

New for next year (2011): Co-approved rodeos will count for dollars won and rodeo count.

As more information becomes available we will post it on our web site: www.glcprorodeo.com.

Any questions can be directed to Wayne Knutson at (660) 261-4337. His mailing address is:
4050 Highway U
Clifton Hills, MO 65244

May 12 , 2010. With great sadness, we report that WPRA member and former Great Lakes Circuit Director Lori Sanders lost her husband, Tom on Saturday. Tom passed away after a battle with cancer. Tom's obituary can be found at www.cressfuneralservice.com and is listed as Thomas J. Sander. You can send a note to Lori and their 19 year old daughter, Tori from this site. As you may recall Lori served as the Great Lakes Circuit Director for 8 years. Please keep Lori and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

April 29, 2010. WPRA Barrel Racers Give Back!
Several Great Lakes Cowgirls volunteered to showcase their talents at the Minnesota Horse Fair and Expo in St Paul. Margo Ransom took the lead in organizing three barrel racing demonstrations as an afternoon pre game promotion for the rodeo. WPRA cowgirls Colleen Berry, Julie Erkamaa, Kellie Hill, Lori Keyes, Julie Meyer, Sabrina Miller and Lauren Schild participated in the demos. I would like to extend a big thank you to all of them for promoting the WPRA and the sport of rodeo. The following is a recap of the activity written by Margo Ransom.

Minnesota Horse Expo by Margo Ransom

Photo... Margo Ransom

When I was contacted about doing a daily barrel racing demonstration at St Paul, I immediately started to think about all of the excellent opportunities! A program like this would help the committee with ticket sales as well as provide a great outlet to promote the WPRA! The idea was to give a short demonstration of how a barrel horse is prepared for competition and then have a few actual runs to get the crowd excited about going to the rodeo later that day.

The first rodeo performance was on a Friday making it difficult to get enough ladies there early enough to have the fast runs. So for Friday, I decided to fill the time with a short "clinic" of how slow work evolves into a fast run and explain the attributes of a horse that would make it a prospect as a barrel horse. I also explained the breeding programs that are involved in the other events, such as the bucking horses. I connected with the Horse Fair crowd by discussing some of the other disciplines such as dressage to help the audience realize that our event requires a great deal of horsemanship. I finished up my talk with an actual run.

Photo from left to right: Kelly Hill, Colleen Berry, Lori Keyes, Lauren Schild

On the second and third days three to four other WPRA members assisted. I presented a short talk and then they finished up with actual runs! Most of the ladies ran their backup horses and did a great job. The crowd loved it! For those that are wondering, we did have the barrels off of the stakes to comply with the rulebook!

The response was even better than I had hoped. After the demo many of the spectators came to me for information. They wanted to know about getting permits. There was even a barrel racer from Canada that wants to rodeo in our Circuit. They also wanted me to refer them to Pro Barrel racers in the area that could help them with their barrel racing.

The committee was very happy with the outcome of this event and I think this will be a part of the Minnesota Horse Expo in the coming years. I was very happy to be able to help them out and I have to add that I was pretty proud of my young mare throughout the whole process! She worked really nice and even made a very respectable run for me at the rodeo. One of the people that attended the Saturday demonstration emailed me a photo of my run at the rodeo along with more questions. This program was a wonderful opportunity to promote our association and the sport of rodeo. I have no doubt that our efforts have generated some new fans and new contestants!

April 14 , 2010. Member Margo Ransom has news to share with the WPRA family. Please put Donita Barnes in your prayers. She has just been diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer. Her first treatment begins on April 22nd and will continue for as long as it takes. I have known Donita for over thirty years and my love and respect for her all these years has only grown every time I see her. I know from experience with my husband that prayers can cure even the most desperate cases. Donita has a great positive attitude and with all of us supporting her with our prayers I'm sure she'll pull through this with flying colors.

April 6 , 2010. Dreams begin with a vision of what you would like to achieve! It takes a well-laid plan of goals with deadlines in order to realize a dream. Success can be measured in the progress you make in achieving each individual goal!

As April begins, it is exciting to note that for many Circuit Cowgirls the dream of the DNCFR is in the headlines. For Tammy Whyte, 2009 GLC Year End Champion and Bobbie Jo Bohlman, 2009 GLC Average Champion the dream of competing there is a reality! As Tammy and Bobbie Jo ride down the ramp at the Holt Arena, our admiration and well wishes will be with them!

The month of April also offers opportunities. Opportunities to lay out goals and begin the new journey towards our dreams!

Rodeos
This month's Pro Rodeos will be in Madison, WI and St Paul, MN during the Horse Fairs/Expos. Please be sure to check the ground rules, arrive early and have health papers and coggins. Also, please help the Committees market our sport by dressing up and promoting our professionalism to the public. Securing sponsorships and meeting budgets is challenging in today's economy. Let's be sure to give the spectators the experience they deserve!

Margo Ransom will be working with the Minnesota Horse Expo Marketing Director on some promotional events during the Expo at St. Paul. Please contact her if you will be arriving early and would like to participate. It is always enjoyable to meet and greet the fans!

Roping
There is a WPRA Co-approved roping event every weekend in the GLC this month! Please reference the GLC Circuit schedule on the WPRA website.

Congratulations to Carm Schneider who is top ten in the World Standings in two roping events! Also congratulations to the MANY other GLC members who are well represented in the top ten world standings!

WPRA World Finals & Jackpot
Please reserve "October 12-17, 2010" for Lincoln, Nebraska. The WPRA World Finals promises to be outstanding with a culmination of events that represent all segments of the WPRA! The dates and location have changed as well as the format of events. Please stay tuned to the WPRA website for details.

Educational Opportunities
I am in the early process of designing a mentoring program. If you would like to participate or if you have ideas on topics or guidelines for the program please drop me an email or give me a call. Also, please contact me if you have educational opportunities that you would like to share in the Circuit News.

Clinics
Sharon Camarillo Barrel Racing and Horsemanship Clinic, May 14-16, 2010, Black Hawk College, Galva IL contact: Donna Irvin irvind@bhc.edu or www.sharoncamarillo.com to register online

Thank You
The weather cooperated and the Sedalia, MO Rodeo was a great success. We would like to extend a special thanks to the Sedalia Committee for the great contestant hospitality!

Communications
It was a pleasure representing the GLC members at the first Board meeting of the year! Recently, you received a summary of the Board Meeting with your 2010 Official Rule Book. Please review the Rule Book and the Board Summary, as it will help you organize and set goals for the season. The following are highlights from the meeting that are of particular importance for our Circuit:

- Membership Drive - please encourage new memberships; the GLC has had significant growth in Roping memberships as well as in WPRA Roping Events; it is our goal to grow the Junior Memberships and increase Permit and Cardholder memberships as well. Please contact me if you will be attending events with potential new members or if you have ideas for membership drives.

- WPRA World Finals- new dates and location. There is no date conflict this year with the GLC Finals and the location makes the World Finals even more attractive to GLC members. Please consider making it a goal to qualify and compete with the elite of the WPRA in Lincoln, NE!

- Rule Proposals- new rule proposals are due June 15, 2010.

- Sponsors- please support our sponsors. It is challenging in today's economy to maintain and increase Sponsorships. What we use and wear is an integral part of the future of our business. Please refer to the WPRA website for sponsors programs.

- Futurity and PESI Program- is maturing and doing well. If you have a PESI eligible prospect, do consider enrolling in the program!

- Know your Rulebook- after sitting through violation hearings, it became very clear to me just how important it is to know the rules and remember our sport is a spectator sport! Also, rules change year to year so take some time and review the new rules!

- Member Profiles- each month one to two members of our Circuit will be profiled on our Circuit page. In the next few months each of the GLC Spokeswomen will be featured. Please get to know them and feel free to use them as a resource at the rodeos if I am not available! Also, take some time to get to know our members both seasoned and new! It is a fun way to build friendships!

- Questions/Input- always feel free to contact me with questions, ideas, etc. I am happy to represent your point of view and answer questions.

As the grass greens and the days get longer dream big!
Donna

February 11 , 2010. Winter can be a dull time of year in the Midwest with not much going on in the barrel racing world. Mother Nature certainly challenges our commitment when it comes to riding and keeping horses legged up! If you are ready for something new, break out those ropes and find a partner; there is money to be won!

WPRA Roping Events
The "Cowgirls Can Rope Series" put together by Carm Schneider is a WRA (Wisconsin Roper's Association) event with a WPRA co-sanctioned All Girls Team Roping and drawpot. These events are scheduled at the Double G Arena in Sterling, IL and at the Flying G Ranch in Marshall, WI. For more information visit www.wiropers.com.

The "Carhartt Timed Event" series at Widmer's Rock 'n Roll Arena in Deep River, IA is also WPRA sanctioned and features All Women's barrel racing, breakaway, calf roping and team roping as well as a full slate of family events such as dummy roping, barrels, poles, goat tying and roping. For information visit www.cowgirlsports.com .

If you have a "Super Horse" that can do it all, then you need to make plans to attend to the WPRA sanctioned Barrel Bash, Roping Bash and Super Horse Event scheduled for March 12-14 in Hutchinson, KS. This event sponsored by Double B Productions has a full slate of WPRA events with a $4000 added WPRA Roping! Check out www.barrelbash.com for entry details.

While the weather can sometimes interfere with our hauling plans, please try and participate in these events. The success and future of these new events depend on our participation! So, dust off those ropes, back into the box and crack out early this season! Bring your family and friends and introduce them to the WPRA!

Rodeos
Sedalia, MO is right around the corner. As we prepare for the season please remember that member dues are February 11. That means that the WPRA Office must have officially received, processed and changed your status to active 3 full business days prior to the entry opening date which is February 17. Plan ahead and do not take the chance of missing this opportunity to rodeo!

This is a busy time of the year with Rodeo Approvals coming through the office every day. Please stay tuned to the WPRA website Schedule for updates. At this time April listings include Madison, WI April 16 and St. Paul MN April 23-25.

For a look ahead you can also check the Stock Contractors websites below, but do remember to check the official approvals later as well:
www.barnesrodeo.com
www.threehillsrodeo.com
www.jbarjrodeo.com

Communications
I will be attending my first WPRA Board meeting as your director March 5-7th . Please feel free to let me know if there is anything you would like me to bring up at the meeting. I have already passed along some of your great ideas! I will have updates in March from the Board meeting.

Congratulations
In every way Nicki Cracknell's win at the Lincoln, Nebraska rodeo was "perfect'! Nicki filled her permit with a lightening fast run of 11.47. "Our win was a team effort, a team based on love, friendship and camaraderie," said Nicki. Prior to Lincoln, Nicki and Petey had tipped the third barrel their last three runs. So, just before Lincoln she called Jacqui Elfering (WPRA Card holder) whom she purchased Petey from last summer. Jacqui regretfully had to sell Petey due to some personal circumstances. Jacqui met Nicki the day before Lincoln, watched her make a run and told her exactly how to fix it! Nicki said, "Jacqui has shown me a side to the human spirit that leaves me in awe. She has a true cowgirl heart!" Nicki summed up her experience as follows: "Rodeo is a long way from my country (England) and Pony Club, but it's what I've been waiting my whole life for!"

Congratulations Nicki and best of luck in your quest for the 2010 Great Lakes Rookie title!

Speaking of Quests! Congrats to Tammy Whyte and Cisco for two outstanding runs at the Rapid City Silver Tour! WOW, what a "perfect" way to start her winter tour winning both rounds and the average! Safe travels and keep the momentum rolling in Texas!

Thank You
Thank you Becky Nix for a topnotch job investigating and reporting on the WPRA roping events! Thanks for your help and great ideas! Ladies please contact Becky if you have ideas on stories for the Circuit News! Beca.nix@securian.com

Also thanks to all of you for your great ideas and input as we move ahead this year. Keep your suggestions and communications coming! Tell us about your two year olds, it might be fun reporting on our next generation of rodeo stand outs!

Ride Safe,
Donna

January 21, 2010. It's a New Year and a New Decade; and I am excited and inspired to be your newly elected Circuit Director!

Thank You
First, I would like to thank Lisa Novak for her service to our Circuit and the WPRA. Through her relentless efforts during some of the most challenging of times, Lisa's leadership and efforts have resulted in a stronger organization with increased opportunities for our membership. Lisa, thank you for your time, commitment and dedication! And thank you for mentoring me through this change in leadership!

The 2009 Circuit Finals Awards were "second to none" thanks to Julie Erkamaa! Julie did an amazing job procuring sponsors and awards as well as planning and hosting the awards banquet. Julie, thank you for your generosity and hard work. To continue this tradition Julie, Tammy Whyte, Sandi Brandli and myself have started planning for the 2010 GLCF awards. We welcome your input and assistance. Please contact one of us if you would like to be involved.

Finally, I want to thank Peggy Gander. Peggy has been an outstanding contributor to our members and the sport of rodeo. It is an honor and privilege to have her on our team.

Congratulations
To Tammy Whyte and Bobbi Jo Bohlman who will be representing the GLC at the 2010 DNCFR! We are proud to have both of them representing us! Good luck and safe travels ladies!

To Sandi Brandli for qualifying and competing at her 20th Great Lakes Circuit Finals! Wow, what a milestone in excellence and consistency, congratulations Sandi!

Rodeos
I am delighted to report that there will be a WPRA barrel race at the PRCA rodeo in Sedalia, MO. Thank you Margo for your efforts in following this approval through. Contestants, please abide by the request to ride in the Grand Entry!

Communications
Margo Ransom has graciously volunteered to continue collecting news and communications. It is my understanding the Circuit News is no longer published in the Women's Pro Rodeo News. Therefore, we will utilize the Circuit News page of the WPRA website. I would also like to communicate regularly through email so please send Margo or myself an email if you have news to share or if you would like to be included in email communications.

Due to the positive feedback Margo received on the member highlights in the Circuit News, we will be continuing this practice beginning in the next installment. Margo suggested that we start off with a short bio on me. We would also like to hear from you including things like your goals for the New Year, new horses this seasons, etc!

There are many talented cowgirls in the Great Lakes. It is my goal to draw on these talents to help strengthen and build our organization and sport. I invite you to participate as we plan for the future! We will be sharing ideas and opportunities in upcoming installments of the GLC News!

It is exciting starting out the New Year and the new season!
I wish you all the best of luck as we gear up for the 2010 season!

Sincerely,
Donna

Contact info:
Margo Ransom WarMarRanch@gmail.com
Donna Irvin irvind@bhc.edu