Annual Top Hand Auction Sets Record

Goodwell, Okla. — The 2019 Top Hand Auction hosted by the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Rodeo Team was the most successful one yet. A record-breaking amount of money was raised through auction items, raffle tickets, and student pairs. Friends, family and the whole community came together once again to support the rodeo team.

The top selling item this year was the five-day bear hunt donated by Baylee Henderson, which brought $3900. 100 bales of alfalfa sold for $1000, Rambo’s stud fee sold for $800, a western print quilt sold for $775, a boot rack and boot certificate sold for $650. These were only a few of the items that made this night a success. Along with these items, the Panhandle State Rodeo team members were auctioned off in pairs of two or three for a day of work. The top selling top-hand pair was Caitlyn Wiswell and Kaylee Smith for a total of $1000 and the second highest was Zane Grigsby, Trey Hall, and Matt Goings for $825. On top of the generous bids on the team members, coaches Robert Etbauer and Shelbie Weeder were sold for a grand total of $1800.

The Top Hand Sponsor of the Year was given out to Lanny Wilson, Mike Branson, and Jack Strain. 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 full of friends and family and always an incredible sponsor, Hunny’s supplied 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 it is exciting to look to the years to come.

The team is proud to announce that the evening brought a total profit of $37,135 which is $4,410 more than last year and has become our best year so far. 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 15, 16 and 17 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