PAGE 28 ROPERS SPORTS NEWS MARCH 2024 presents... ACTRA Members Only ACTRA Rules & Numbers For info contact: Eric Cozzitorto (209) 777-2910 CASH ONLY! Turlock Horsemen’s Club Turlock, CA 1506 S. Tegner Rd. 95380 SUN., MARCH 10, SAT. MARCH 30, SUN., APRIL 7, 14 & 21 Practice, 8:30am - 9:30am ..................................... $20/horse Sign Up at 9am, Rope at 10am: #5.5 Hdcp Pick 1, Draw 1 or Draw All ................3 for $30 #6.5 Hdcp Pick 1, Draw 1 or Draw All .................3 for $30 SUNDAY, MARCH 24 First 6-PACK Of The Year!! PRIZES TO AVERAGE WINNERS #8 Straight Pot, Pick Only .......4 for $120 #6.5 Hdcp (Down) Pick Only ... 3 for $100 CH Ranch Brentwood, CA 280 Camino Diablo Rd., Brentwood 94513 Special St. Patty’s Day Jackpot! SUnday, MARCH 17 • 4 BUCKLES AWARDED! High Money #2 & Under; #2.5-3.5; #4 & Over; and High Money Girl • HATS TO FAST TIME • CUSTOM HOODIES TO AVERAGE WINNERS SU 8:45am, Books Close 9:30am, Rope 10am Sharp #6.5 Hdcp Pick 1, Draw 1 or Draw All .................3 for $30 #8 Hdcp Pick 1, Draw 1 or Draw All ....................4 for $40 #5.5 Hdcp (Down) Pick or Draw .......................... 3 for $30 35% Cattle Charge Wear Green!! • 28% Cattle Charge • Enter Up “6-Pack Series” • NO MONEY OUT FOR AWARDS • Prizes to Average Winners of each roping • $20/man/$40/team held for 6th and final jackpot Final Roping: • Top 20 Back To Short Round • Fast time in short round $500/man • Prizes down to 4th in Average Last Man Standing Of Founding Committee Chowchilla Stampede Tips Its Hat To Sonny Gomes Sonny’s life has been a tapestry woven from the threads of rural California, the grit of hard work, and the thrill of the rodeo. Born in 1931, (92) four miles west of Tulare, Sonny’s early years were steeped in the rhythms of the dairy farm his parents owned near Shaffer Bridge. He was one of eight rambunctious boys, alongside two sisters, learning the ropes (literally) on the family ranch. Hanford and El Nido became his stomping grounds, the latter playing host to his high school years at Merced High School. But Sonny’s true education came from the back of a horse. He honed his skills as a team roper and calf roper, even testing his mettle in the arena of steer wrestling, though twice was enough for that particular endeavor. After graduation, Sonny’s talents landed him a job at his uncle’s dairy in Visalia. It was during this time that he began frequenting amateur rodeos, his competitive spirit burning bright. He even found time to clerk the auction yard sales at the Visalia Farm Bureau, a testament to his diverse skillset. In 1951, duty called, and Sonny answered, serving his country in the Army. Upon his return, fate intervened in the form of Betty Tarbell. They were married on January 17, 1953, in Cutler, California, and their love story has galloped strong for nearly seven decades. As their family blossomed with the arrival of Debbie, Mike, and Mark (1958-2022), Sonny’s career took an exciting turn. He landed a position at Turnbow Enterprises, where he not only managed the horse ranch but also oversaw the breeding programs of stallions like Barred, Off Limits, and the legendary Mr. Bruce. Sonny’s passion for horses extended beyond breeding. He found his calling in training pre-track quarter horse racehorses, guiding them through their first saddling and the exhilarating burst out of the starting gates. His stables became sanctuaries for these young athletes, first on Robinson Boulevard and later at the Chowchilla fairgrounds. It was during this time that Beth, their fourth child, joined the family, adding another precious thread to their tapestry. In 1958, George Stratheran extended a life-changing invitation, asking Sonny to join the Stampede Committee. For 29 years, Sonny poured his dedication into this organization, helping to shape the local rodeo scene. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, participating in the committee’s “work days” that saw them repairing the arena, setting railroad ties, and ensuring every board fence and gate was in top shape. When Dr. Falk, a beloved figure in the rodeo community, passed away, the Stampede Committee stepped in to Sonny Gomes was a board member of the Chowchilla Stampede Board for 29 years. The 67th Annual Stampede kicks off on March 1st. The founding committee of the Chowchilla Stampede: Doug Strathearn, Curly Thurber, Frank Bollinger, Al Gomes, George Strathearn, Jim Looney, Johnny Lautsch, Sonny Gomes, Johnnie Green, Andy Olsen, George Parker and Dan Branco. honor his memory. The Lane Falk Memorial roping became a cherished tradition, and one that holds a special place in Sonny’s heart. Witnessing his sons, Mike and Mark, claim victory See SONNY GOMES On Page 29
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