Top Hand Auction Has A Record Breaking Year

Goodwell, Okla. — Once again the annual Top Hand Auction hosted by the Panhandle State Rodeo Team was a huge success. There was a record breaking amount of people last Saturday night at the Pickle Creek Event Center in Guymon, Okla. Friends, family and the whole community came together once again to support the rodeo team.

The top selling item this year was 130 small square bales of horse-quality alfalfa, which brought $1380. A customized Louis Vuitton purse, Calf-Roping and Breakaway clinics donated by Brent Lewis, a coffee table made by Shade Etbauer, pictures printed on metal taken by Sadie Latham, and many amazing pieces of artwork made this night a success. Along with these items, and many more, the Panhandle State Rodeo team members were auctioned off in pairs of two for eight hours of work each. The top selling top-hand pair was Bridget Merrigan and Sierra Robinson for a total of $600. On top of the generous bids on the team members, coaches Robert Etbauer and Shelbie Weeder were sold for a grand total of $3900.

The Top Hand Sponsor of the Year was given out to Lanny Wilson and Mike Branson. Not only are they big supporters during the annual auction, but they also planned out and welded the new return alley at the college arena, making the facility even more practical. They also worked very hard welding on the covered stalls, which were split in two, so that the team could have access to twice as many stalls this year. The rodeo team would like to thank them once again, as well as all of the other sponsors that allow the team so many opportunities.

Clay Myers of Texhoma Livestock Auction did an outstanding job once again keeping the crowd entertained and the auction rolling. Tate Cobb and Derek Barton assisted him.

As always, Hunny’s did not disappoint. The room was as packed as ever and our incredible sponsor was ready to supply everyone with a plateful of their delicious buffet.

To end a great night, Ken Stonecipher and The Wooden Nickle Band provided musical entertainment that got everyone out of their seats and out on the dance floor. The event keeps getting bigger and bigger and we look forward to the years to come.

The team is proud to announce that the evening brought a total profit of $32,725. All proceeds from the Top Hand Auction are put towards the Panhandle State Rodeo Team. These funds will go towards scholarships, practice stock, facility upkeep and the professional rodeo schools.

The Rodeo Team is getting ready to kick off the Spring Semester with their first college rodeo coming up February 16,17, and 18 in Manhattan, Kan. at Kansas State University. They will begin their weekly jackpots this week. The schedule is as follows:
Monday- Calf Tying, Goat Tying, Breakaway Roping, Tie-Down Roping
Tuesday- Roughstock, Team-Roping
Wednesday- Steer Wrestling, Barrel Racing