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Four Contestants Vying For 2016 Queen Title Coronation of Miss Rodeo Oakdale 2016 is fast approaching; the new queen will be crowned on Thursday night at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum, part of the festivities included with the Chamber of Commerce mixer there on April 7. “Our coronation is Thursday night at the Cowboy Museum at 6 p.m.,” explained contest coordinator Jodie Moffatt. “They (contestants) had to do their horsemanship and speeches a couple of weeks ago along with a personal interview and an impromptu question. Tuesday, they took their written test and turned their (sales of rodeo) tickets in.” All that remains now is the tabulation and then the Thursday night coronation, with the new Miss Rodeo Oakdale 2016 then beginning her year-long reign. It will include an appearance in the Saturday morning parade and a presence at the Oakdale Saddle Club rodeo grounds throughout the weekend. All contestants also participated in this past weekend’s La Grange Rodeo and will represent Oakdale at a number of events throughout the coming year. Following are brief biographies of this year’s candidates, turned in by the Queen hopefuls themselves.
MARY MACKENZIE SUESS My name is Mary Mackenzie Suess, I am 19 years old and have been raised in Tuolumne County since the day my parents adopted me at the age of two. I am the youngest and only sister to TR, Mike and Adam Suess. I attended Sonora Elementary School, and in eighth grade transferred to Connections for the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Summerville Union High School. In my senior year of high school, I transferred into Independent Study and was able to graduate a semester before my peers. I took this time to further my education at Columbia Junior College. I am currently taking classes at the Sonora School of Sewing and Apparel Construction with the goal of creating western rodeo attire, including being skilled in the art of working with leather. I plan on attending Feather River Junior College, in order to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Equine and Ranch Management.
ters Legislation internship at Sac State in hopes to become a State Rep! I recently became elected as Secretary for Calaveras Saddle Club and Spring Trail Boss.
RACHELLE SNITCHLER Hi, my name is Rachelle Snitchler, I am 21 years old from Valley Springs Ca. I have been competing in various Rodeo Queen Competitions since 2012. I ran for Miss Rodeo Oakdale last year with Julia Chamberlain and had a blast. I love each opportunity that competitions bring to light when I run. Each rodeo is produced by Amazing committees that I get to fall in love with as a contestant. Currently I am working two jobs and am going to school to join Sacramento Semes-
HAILEY DECOITE Hi, my name is Hailey Decoite and I am 18 years old from Oakdale Ca. This will be my second year running for the Miss Rodeo Oakdale Title. I have dreamt of this for many years. I am also a full time student and working hard to pay my way through school. I have been riding horses my whole life and they have
taken me on many amazing adventures. I am hoping this will be another one!
KATIE WARD-CRUMMEY My name is Katie WardCrummey, I live in Acampo, California and I am 19 years old. I was born to ride, at 2 days old, I was riding at Cow Palace Grand Nationals with Cotton Rosser. By the ripe old age of 3 years old, I was out riding the dust trails with my Mom. I received my American Quarter Horse Association – Ride 50 hour patch that year. My riding was put on hold when I was diagnosed
with Henoch–Schönlein purpura, my kidneys were damaged and could not ride for a while. As soon as I could, I returned to riding and showing horses with the American Quarter Horse Association, National Barrel Horse Association, California Gymkhana Association, Nor-Cal Junior Rodeo and 4-H. When I competed with Nor-Cal Junior Rodeo I competed in goat tying, barrel racing, poles and bareback bronc. I believe every person should have a dream and set goals. One of mine was to compete at the American Quarter Horse Youth World Show, which I did and ended the year as the 2006 American Quarter Horse Association California youth Rookie of the Year. Another was to graduate High School early and I did that at 16. Now I am running for the title of 2016 Miss Oakdale Rodeo Queen. This honor will allow me to help the Oakdale Saddle Club promote the sport of Rodeo and sense of Community.
To me the sport of Rodeo needs to be a shared tradition, which will help to keep this tradition alive. When the tradition of Rodeo and family come together, it bonds the family and Community. These values are what the Oakdale Rodeo and Oakdale Saddle Club stands for. This is why I want to compete for the honor to represent the 2016 Miss Oakdale Queen Competition. Our Family has always been part of Rodeo and Queen Competitions. We carry this tradition with all that we do. My Mother was the 1995 Cross Ranch Rodeo Queen, my little sister was the 2012 Miss San Joaquin County Horsemen’s Association Little Miss. I have had the honor of being 2010 Miss San Joaquin County Horsemen’s Association Jr. Princess, 2011 Miss San Joaquin County Horsemen’s Association Queen and 2013 Miss Marysville Rodeo Queen. So, I know what it takes to be an ambassador for the support of Rodeo.
2015 Queen Chamberlain Closes Out Reign Hello Oakdale Rodeo friends and family, I am so proud to be your Miss Rodeo Oakdale 2015 and I cannot thank The Saddle Club enough for the opportunity of a lifetime this last year has been. I have had the privilege of wearing this beautiful crown in over twenty rodeo entries, five local Ag day school events, two horsemanship demonstrations for 4-H clubs, along with numerous parades and social parties. I was even blessed to travel to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to compete in a rodeo queen jackpot where I placed third in personality and personal interview amongst several other talented rodeo queens. None of my experiences or travels could have been possible without a large group of wonderful people who have helped and supported me along the way. Mom: I would not be a rodeo queen today had you not of been a part of my support system. You have been there with me on days of triumph and days of tears, always there to dance or cry right alongside me. Thank you for being the best road partner I could have had and for sticking it out when Siri purposely would get us lost because I had yelled at her. Oh, and I’m sorry I ruined your curling iron this year with my hair spray. Daddy: Thank you for always making sure my truck had fuel and oil, even though I already knew to check those things at least twice a year. More impor-
Julia Chamberlain tantly, thank you for always praying over my life’s adventures and reminding me that I could do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.
Aaron: Thank you for teaching me how to back up my own trailer, for yelling at me to not ride the brakes while going down hills, and always holding extra bobby pins and lipstick in your pockets. Your endless support and encouraging words telling me to chase my rodeo dreams have meant more to me than words can describe. Jodie Moffatt and The Oakdale Saddle Club Members: I hope I have made you proud this last year and I want you to know that I would do it all again for you if I could. Thank you for sending me all over the rodeo trail and for al-
lowing me to represent our beloved Cowboy Capital. To queens of the PRCA and CCPRA: Thank you for becoming so near and dear to my heart. This group of 2015 was made up of beautiful and talented cowgirls and I have been proud to have shared this last rodeo year with many of you. The Cowboys: Thank you for being tougher than dirt and the strongest group of men around. Without you, I wouldn’t be a rodeo queen. And without a few of you, I would probably still be stuck at the Grand National Rodeo parking lot with a flat tire. May you live long and be a part of rodeo
forever. To all of the people I did not mention by name who have shaped my hats, brought me safety pins, given me directions, fed me, helped with my horse, and have just been plain nice this year - THANK YOU. You have not been forgotten and I sincerely appreciate you. Thank you rodeo fans for being here today to share this special weekend with me. You are the reason we are here and I am so grateful to you. As for my horse and I, we will ride for the Lord. Miss Rodeo Oakdale 2015 Julia Chamberlain
Julia Chamberlain made her entrance at the Oakdale Saddle Club rodeo grounds last April after securing the 2015 Miss
Rodeo Oakdale crown; she will relinquish it this week.
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Cowboy Capital Center Stage This Week By MARG JACKSON
The 65 annual Oakdale Saddle Club PRCA Rodeo is this Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10, but there is a full week of fun to be had in the Cowboy Capital. Not only are there festivities and competition leading up to the actual weekend rodeo, but visitors will also flock to town for a Saturday morning parade, have an opportunity to ‘arrest’ their boss for a good cause and enjoy being part of ‘The West at its Best.’ Team roping, with applications due prior, was staged at the Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds on Tuesday night, April 5 and was open only to amateur ropers within 25 miles of Oakdale. Today, Wednesday, is the annual Cowgirl Luncheon, which always sells out in a heartbeat and brings together several hundred local ‘cowgirls’ for the chance to eat, drink, socialize and be treated like royalty by the multiple cowboy hosts and meal servers. Thursday night, April 7 th
will be the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce rodeo mixer at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum and the evening will also include the coronation of the new Miss Rodeo Oakdale 2016 Queen. Four contestants are vying for the title. Friday, April 8 starts off the competition at the rodeo grounds, with slack timed events beginning at 8 a.m. with just a $2 admission fee. Team steer wrestling, team roping and tie down roping will be featured. Later on, with a $2 admission as well, will be the barrel racing slack at 1 p.m. Slack continues Saturday morning at 8 a.m. Also on Saturday, crowds will line the streets of downtown, stretching for more than a mile from near Walgreen’s eastward to SaveMart, as the parade will step off at 9 a.m. Equestrian units, marching bands, community groups, service organizations, 4-H, and more will be featured and this year’s Parade Grand Marshal is none other than retired champion bull Bushwacker.
The rodeo itself will offer up two days of intense competition, starting at 1 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday and including the Grand Entry prior to the start of events. Pre-sale tickets are $15 and day-of-rodeo admission is $20. Tickets are available at Oakdale Feed and Seed, Oakdale Cowboy Museum, Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, Bucksworth Western Wear, Conlin Supply, Bootbarn locations in Modesto and Turlock, and Turlock Feed. Saturday night features the annual dance at the rodeo clubhouse with a $10 admission fee, open to those 21 and over only, while Sunday morning at 10 a.m. will bring Cowboy Church back to the rodeo grounds. Winners will earn their belt buckles and prizes money, along with the overall title being presented following the conclusion of the Sunday competition. All in all, it should be a busy, fast paced and fun week in the Cowboy Capital.
Oakdale Police Chief Lester Jenkins was part of the 2015 parade, smiling as he rode his horse along F Street.
Youngsters have already been given balloons and settle in for the Saturday morning parade, the official ‘kick off’ for the annual Oakdale PRCA Rodeo.
Scholarship Fund Bolstered By ‘Bail’ Members of the OHS Marching Mustangs were a hit along the parade route in 2015, offering musical selections.
The Oakdale Saddle Club rodeo grounds will serve up some of the best competition around this weekend, with two days of events on April 9 and 10.
If you ever wanted to make your boss ‘pay’ for all those extra projects he or she seems to dump on you at the last minute, this week you will get your chance. Arrest Your Boss – a popular Rodeo Week event hosted by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce, is set for Thursday, April 7. This fun event is staged at the H-B Saloon, with a jail ‘cell’ set up and a ‘judge’ ready to hand down a sentence and a fine for the arrestee. On Thursday, members of the Chamber
of Commerce and their ‘agents’ will be out making ‘arrests’ and hauling the guilty bosses off to the jail cell. Fines typically range from $10 to $100 and arrestees have to call friends, family and co-workers seeking donations to raise their bail so they will be let out of jail. It’s all done in good fun, noted Chamber officials, in the spirit of rodeo week and to benefit the Oakdale Scholarship Fund for local students. ‘Charges’ for each boss arrested often have some-
YFC Rodeo Ad 2015 5.3x5_Layout 1 3/19/15 11:23 AM Page 1
thing to do with the business they are in, and it’s not uncommon to find some of Oakdale’s best known businesspeople ‘behind bars’ for a portion of the day while they raise their bail. For more information, contact the Chamber office at 209-847-2244. Smart bosses will have paid the fee to secure a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card prior to Thursday – which comes at a cost but also benefits the Scholarship Fund – and protects them from getting thrown in the slammer.
Shown at the 2015 Arrest Your Boss event, the “Honorable” Judge Farrell Jackson, left, with “Marshal” Kristen Eaton standing by, sentenced Oakdale Finance Director Albert Avila for his “tenacity at managing the finances of the Cowboy Capital of the World.”
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COWGIRL SPECIAL
By DENNIS D. CRUZ
April is upon us and that means the annual Oakdale Rodeo is in town for a wild weekend. This year the event hits the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds on April 9 and 10. The event draws thousands of rodeo enthusiasts from across the globe each year. Away from the events themselves, the weekend is full of several traditions (parade, luncheons, dances, etc.) and one of the longest running traditions is the Cowboy Church. Since the early 1980s Pastor Coy Huffman has spread the gospel of the Lord’s word to those in attendance each year. On Sunday morning at 10 a.m. Huffman delivers uplifting messages prior to the finals of the rodeo competition. “The purpose of the sermon is to bring everyone together. It not only brings the cowboy and cowgirl competitors together, but the fans, the announcers, the rodeo clowns and brave men who bull fight, too. And for that brief time it brings the entire community together for a common ground. It’s a great way to spread the word of God and I look forward to it each year,” Huffman said. Huffman was born and raised in Kansas where he grew up and joined the rodeo circuit at a young age. He rode bulls competitively at the age of 12 and also rode bareback, and participated in calf roping and team roping. Rodeo was Huffman’s passion and he traveled the world
Coy Huffman in rodeo. “Being a cowboy was my way of life. It made me feel alive and until 1976 that was my calling,” said Huffman. “I miss the excitement of the competition but to be honest, I have a new kind of excitement in my life and that’s being the Cowboy Pastor. I was never a champion in rodeo but I feel I am a different kind of champion when I deliver the word of God.” Each year the Oakdale Rodeo brings in some of the world’s toughest cowboys and cowgirls to compete. However, on Sunday morning many of those same men and women listen to Huffman’s sermon. “Each year there are new cowboys and cowgirls that come to town. I think that is the one thing that I look forward to the most. Reaching out to the newcomers, or rookies, and seeing how they relate to the message is rewarding,” said Huffman. For those who are interested in hearing Huffman’s sermon on Sunday, April 10 but cannot make it to Cowboy Church, you can stream it live on streamcoy. com.
PARADE WAVE
Not exactly riding in the traditional way, Miss California Rodeo Salinas was among the participants smiling and waving to the crowd lining both sides of F Street for the 2015 parade, part of the fun of the annual Oakdale Saddle Club PRCA Rodeo each year.
Shown here from the 2015 Cowgirl Luncheon, Rick Moffatt and Chance Caudell transported JR Marshall through the crowd of women as they bid to have the company of a cowboy. Who will be up for grabs this year and what fun will there be? Stay tuned for the 15th Annual Cowgirl Luncheon, set for Wednesday, April 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. The always sold-out event is a major draw during the rodeo week festivities. Photo By Virginia Still
New Name, Same Rodeo Benefit Golf Tournament By RICHARD PALOMA
Just a Big Bertha tee off from the Oakdale Rodeo Grounds, the Monday following the 65th Annual Oakdale Rodeo, another match between cowboys is slated. Formerly known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World Golf Tournament” for the last six years, the newly renamed Jim Charles Memorial Golf Tournament will match up local residents and cowboys for a daylong event with proceeds going to charity. That competition will be Monday, April 11. Organizer Lana Casey said the name of the tournament was changed to honor Oakdale rodeo legend Jim Charles, who passed away last July 26. “Because he was a longtime supporter and friend of the rodeo and made such an impact on Oakdale Rodeo history, we felt compelled to name the tournament after him,” Casey said. “He was a big advocate and a former judge of Nor. Cal. Junior Rodeo and that’s where our proceeds go.” With pals of other notable cowboys in Oakdale rodeo lore – Harley May, Bill Martinelli and Bob Eidson – they all became traveling partners and lifelong friends competing in rodeos from New York City to the Cow Palace. Charles’ rodeo career was filled with many honors; among them qualifying eight times at the NFR in bull riding – a highlight when he became the second man to ever ride the infamous bull Tornado in
Oklahoma City. Charles won the 1980 Old Timer allaround title in Las Vegas, placing in bull riding and steer wrestling and winning the bull riding average. He also won the Big Four Labor Day run which included rodeos in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. In 1959 Charles set the steer wrestling record with a time of 8 seconds in Cheyenne and held that record for eight years. The golf tournament, now in its seventh year, supports Northern California Junior Rodeo Association (NCJRA) which promotes youth rodeo in the region. NCJRA was founded in 1982 to promote youth rodeos in the U.S. NCJRA is operated and managed 100 percent by parent volunteer officers and directors.
“Those that have made it to the National Finals Rodeo got their start in junior rodeo,” Casey said. PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) cowboys from past and present have lined up to take on the course postrodeo weekend. According to Mike Bacigalupi, a cosponsor, the day-after-rodeo golf tournament came about when World Champion bronc rider Taos Muncy and others would stay in town after the Oakdale Rodeo before traveling north for the Red Bluff Rodeo the following week but looked for something to do. Casey said that in years past, Charles would always sponsor Hole 14 and from this year going forward that hole will have a special place in the tournament. Two Horns Wine – the of-
ficial wine of the PBR – will be pouring their Mean Red Blend in Charles’ honor. Casey said there will be up to 35 foursomes participating in the tournament. The $540 team entry fee, which must include a PRCA or CCPRA cowboy, includes a four-person golf cart, lunch, and vendor sponsored alcohol at various holes. After the tournament, participants gather at the H-B Saloon and Bachi’s Family Restaurant for an included steak dinner. The winning team will be awarded first place belt buckles by Tres Rios Silver out of Texas. For more information, contact Lana Casey at (209) 535-3950 or Mike Bacigalupi at (209) 613-2288.
Clothing Company Helps Sponsor Oakdale Rodeo With the fast-approaching second weekend of April, traditionally reserved for the famous Oakdale Rodeo, some of the best cowboys, cowgirls, horses and bulls in the industry will gather in the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Ropers, bronc riders, bull riders, barrel racers and rodeo fans will gather to cheer, root and watch the top of the industry compete for one of the largest purses. Noble Outfitters, a Modesto based equestrian company known for quality
and innovation suited specifically for the equestrian lifestyle, has announced its involvement with the rodeo this year. Noble Outfitters will be giving all roping contestants their coveted True Flex Roping Glove – the official World Series of Team Roping Glove. This glove is the new standard in thin roping gloves, engineered for the perfect close contact feel while offering protection. Winners in each event will also be awarded Noble Outfitters products. In ad-
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dition to the rodeo event contestants, the company will be supporting the Rodeo Queen Contest as well with products and promotion. Since a great performance starts with a great breakfast, Noble Outfitters will offer competing athletes a tasty breakfast each day of the rodeo. Noble Outfitters will be providing breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs and potatoes for all competitors on Friday, April 8; Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10.
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TOP LEFT PHOTO: Sunny skies greeted visitors to the 2015 rodeo, after a few light sprinkles for the Saturday morning parade, the competition was staged under near perfect weather conditions. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: The fast paced barrel racing event is always a crowd favorite at the rodeo.
file photos RIGHT PHOTO: Horses are always welcome in The Cowboy Capital of the World, and here are in an area waiting prior to an event at the annual Oakdale Saddle Club PRCA Rodeo.
Behind the scenes, cowboys gather their gear and collect their thoughts before entering the area for competition.
Oakdale’s Bo Bacigalupi looks over the photo books put together by Hubbell Rodeo Photos personnel of the Oakdale Honored at the 2015 rodeo, Cotton Rosser of the Flying U, which has provided the competition animals for years, bows his head prior to the start of the rodeo events.
Customers walk through the vendor area, stopping to try on some new hats for size and to get into the cowboy spirit.
From plaid to pink, T-shirts to skirts, there is no shortage of Western-themed attire for sale each year at the Oakdale Rodeo.
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Bull Riders’ Gear Both Protective And Functional Many fans of sports like baseball, basketball and football enjoy wearing jerseys of their favorite players when attending a game, watching at home or gathering with fellow fans to watch somewhere in public. While it’s nearly impossible to attend a professional sporting event today without seeing someone decked out in the same attire as their favorite player, such sightings are less likely to occur within the sport of rodeo. Unlike baseball and basketball uniforms, the gear worn by many professional bull riders has more practical applications, namely to protect riders as much as possible. Here is a rundown of some of the gear professional bull riders wear during competition. * Headgear: While many professional bull riders are allowed to wear cowboy hats during competitions, the Professional Bull Riders, Inc., mandates that
all new members who turned 18 years of age on or after Oct. 15, 2012 wear helmets. Those born before that date do not have to wear helmets, but some choose to do so to protect their heads from potentially threatening blows. In addition, bull riders can wear face masks to shield their faces and jaws from injury. * Vest: A protective vest is worn by bull riders to absorb shock and dissipate any blows to the body. The vest also was designed to protect riders’ torsos from punctures caused by direct contact with the bulls’ hooves and horns during competition. * Glove: Bull riders only wear one glove, which is on the hand they use to grip the bull rope. This leather glove makes it easier to grip the rope and offers some measure of protection to riders’ hands and fingers. * Chaps: Riders wear chaps on their legs, and professionals often wear chaps
emblazoned with logos of sponsors. Chaps offer extra protection for a rider’s legs against the hooves and horns of the bull. * Bull rope: The bull rope, which is equipped with a handle braided into the rope, is a rider’s only anchor during a ride. The rope is flat and braided from nylon or grass and goes around the bull’s girth area behind the animal’s front legs. * Boots: Bull riders’ boots include a special spur ridge on the heel, and this helps their spurs to remain in place. Some riders wear pull-on boots, while others prefer boots that lace up. * Spurs: Spurs help bull riders stay in position once the ride begins. These spurs come equipped with dull rowels, which are the revolving disks at the end of spurs. The rowels are dull so they do not injure or cut the skin of the bull. More information about bull riding is available at www.pbr.com.
Today’s bull riders take safety seriously, from many choosing to wear helmets and vests as they try to stay on the required length of time to record a score.
Members of the Oakdale Saddle Club, hoisting American flags along the parade route, welcome you to this year’s event but encourage you to know the terminology of rodeo before you attend.
Rodeo: Terms To Know The growing popularity of rodeo, which, according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association, attracts 30 million fans each year, has piqued the curiosity of many people who have never before attended a rodeo or watched an event on television. Upon discovering the rodeo, men, women and children often find it as compelling if not more compelling than most popular mainstream sports. For those interested in rodeo but uncertain about its terminology, the following are a few terms to know, courtesy of the PRCA. * Barrelman: An entertainer who uses a barrel to distract a bull after a ride. Such distractions sometimes protect the cowboy. * Breaking the barrier: This occurs during a timed event when a rider leaves the box too soon, failing to give the bull a sufficient head start. Riders who break the barrier are assessed a 10-second penalty. * Bullfighter: An athlete who protects
the bull rider after he dismounts or is bucked off. A bullfighter can distract the bull by directing its attention to the exit gate or even stepping between the bull and the bull rider. * Chute: a pen that holds an animal safely in position. * Covering: this occurs during roughstock events when a rider stays on at least the minimum time of eight seconds. * Draw: Conducted three days before each PRCA rodeo, the draw is random and assigns each roughstock competitor a specific bucking horse or bull. Time-event contestants are assigned a calf or steer in a random on-site draw shortly before each rodeo begins. * Flags: used in rodeo’s timed events so judges can signal the timers to stop the clocks. Judges in the arena will drop the flags. * Flankman: a cowboy or cowgirl who works in the bucking chutes, adjusting the flank strap around the animal before the ride. * Go-round: each round
of competition in a rodeo. * Hazer: the cowboy who rides on the right side of the steer from the contestant to make sure the steer runs straight. * Hooey: the knot a cowboy uses to finish tying the calf’s legs together in tie-down roping. * Piggin’ string: the small rope used to tie a calf’s legs together in tie-down roping. * Rank: an adjective of praise and respect used to describe especially challenging roughstock. * Riggin’: a suitcase-style handhold customized to a rider’s grip and attached to a molded piece of leather that is cinched, with a pad, around the horse’s girth. * Roughstock: the bucking horses and bulls used in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding, usually bred and raised for the job. * Stock contractors: the companies that bring livestock to the arena for rodeos. * Triple Crown Winner: a cowboy who wins three world championships in the same year.
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