In The Arena
Bob Feist
While beginning my column, I wanted to start by thanking all of you who took the time to either call or contact me during my recovery after my stroke and surgery. All is going well and I am back to riding my mountain bike, golfing, and working around the ranch. I was very blessed to have caught the warning signs early and get proper medical attention. It is not a good time to be going to a doctor’s office let alone a hospital for surgery. So far, so good and hopefully the follow-up visits will be easier. Again, thanks to the roping family for all of the correspondence this past six weeks.
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It is a great to once again be able to write an article after Ropers Sports News missed printing an issue in May due to the COVID-19 situation. This marked the first time we have missed an issue in over 51 years of existence. It was a sad day when Stephanie Anderson, Jenny Vasquez and I made the decision to forgo our May issue after event after event were canceling and many producers had no idea when they could foresee opening their arenas or hosting an annual event. I hope that all of our readers and their families are safe and that we can all see this pass in the coming year.
After attending every BFI (Bob Feist Invitational) since he concocted his vision in 1977, Bob Feist missed the 2020 event that took place Sunday, June 21 at the famed Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. After suffering a stroke on May 29, Bob elected to stay home and undergo a procedure called an endarterectomy (cleaning of the carotid artery) the day after the BFI. Bob was blessed to not suffer any long-lasting or debilitating effects from the stroke and after some rest, you will see him back at the golf course, fishing hole or on the road very soon.
This year is off to a great start with the winter rodeos full of new names in all events and some young guns chasing the golden dream of making the Wrangler National Finals and winning a world title.