By Linda Burdick
Special To Ropers Sports News
The 3rd Annual Wes Burdick Classic was held June 16 at the Lucky B Acres Arena in Hilmar, Calif. The Wes Burdick Classic is an annual roping event to honor the memory of local rancher, horseman, and team roper, Wes Burdick, whose legacy will be carried on through all the young cowboys, as well as the “old-timers” who had roped with him… most of whom always made it to the pay window, thanks to Wes’ expert roping skills.
This year’s roping was once again a huge success. Every year the turnout gets better and better… exceeding the more than 600 teams from the first event, and this year was no exception. The Burdick family would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this day possible – it was definitely Wes’ kind of roping, with great payouts and awesome prizes, and good times shared by friends and family!
There were so many who helped in every way possible to honor the memory of Wes, too many to mention, but they know who they are and how much we appreciate them… they gave their all and helped keep his memory alive out of respect for who Wes was, a True Cowboy. It is evident that he is deeply missed by all.
We love hearing the stories about Wes’ past – most of them made us laugh, some made us sad, but most of all, we are so proud that we are his family, and that we were able to be part of such a special day, honoring a great man.
All the ropers who entered were here out of their respect and love for Wes. Many made a point to tell us they were going to rope tougher than ever to try to win a buckle, and hopefully the saddle, as they would be so proud to wear one of his buckles and ride his saddle.
We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to the following people for their generosity, making this event possible:
Leland and Debbie Decker, WCRA, Duck and Monica Burgess, Scott Cowden, Gary Gist, Morse, Morse & Morse, Delta-Sierra Beverage, Dennis and Nancy Frank, Bob O’Brien, Ropers Sports News, Alan and Krisha Stickles, Earl Hall, Cody Cowden, Danny and Kim Ellis, Yosemite Farm Credit, Darren and Christine Pickard, Mark and Pam Harris, Jon Mark and Terry Horta, Steven and Carolyn Medeiros, Anthony & Julie Fagundes, Fagundes Dairy, Watson family, Isabel Reese, Jim Taber, Juanita and Ted Pedrozo and Ralph and Sally Adney.
Also, Merced Police Officers Assn., Bob and Kim Rogina, Merced Ranch Supply, Ropes Galore, Jay Monk, Ed Gomes, Joey Pereira, Linda Burdick, Friends Of Rodeo, Chris and Lacy Wooten, Richwood Meat Co., A Blooming Affair Floral & Gifts, Envy Fine Clothing, Tractor Supply Co., Logan Mankins, Merced Elks Lodge, Bob Wells Carpet Cleaning, Branco Ranch, Gary Mouw, Brad and Sis Buttrey, Putters Bistro, Troy and Anne Gallaway and Rockin JR Ranch.
Results are as follows. Payoffs per man.
#8 HDCP. PICK N DRAW: 3 for $30, 177 teams.
1st go: 1st. Dustin Hermreck and Cody Robbins, 5.02, $135. 2nd. Cody Cowden and Charlie Hutchings, 5.59, $100. 3rd. Dusty Worsham and Cody Cowden, 5.63, $65. 4th. Don McCaslan and Dustin Hermreck, 6.80, $35.
Average: 1st. Brad Buttery and Clayton Cowden, 22.38, $900. 2nd. Mike Williams and Virgil Williams, 22.38, $720. 3rd. Mike Wise and Charlie Hutchings, 23.10, $565. 4th. Patrick Lisle and Rikki Perezchica, 24.78, $420. 5th. Brian Costa and Virgil Williams, 25.15, $270. 6th. Ryan Rocca and Seth Mielke, 25.16, $150.
#5.5 PICK N DRAW: 3 for $25, 154 teams.
1st go: 1st. Brad Buttrey and Dustin Hermreck, 6.85, $85. 2nd. Joey Pereira and Scott Cowden, 7.07, $65. 3rd. Mike MacKenzie and Jason Cowden, 7.27, $40. 4th. Alan Pettit and Joe Robinson, 7.39, $25.
Average: 1st. John Tanachion Jr, and Cody Kingston, 24.87, $565. 2nd. Mason Cowden and Brian Costa, 25.23, $465. 3rd. Peter Chiang and Sonny Cowden, 25.60, $370. 4th. John Pereira and Skip Stansbury, 27.99, $270. 5th. Troy Gallaway and Dusty Worsham, 29.96, $175. 6th. Stan Sanders and Steve O’Bar, 29.98, $100.
#4.5 PICK N DRAW: 3 for $25, 95 teams.
1st go: 1st. Donald Ornellas and Brad Buttrey, 7.04, $55. 2nd. Dennis Vincent and Joe Robinson, 7.67, $40. 3rd. Preston Burgess and Dusty Worsham, 7.76, $25.
Average: 1st. Rickie Thacker and Buster Berna, 27.95, $326. 2nd. Stan Sanders and Coy King, 28.93, $272. 3rd. Alyssa Gasper and Doug Beaty, 36.11, $218. 4th. Georgene Lyons and Cody Kingston, 36.23, $163.
Novalee Burdick presents the fast time halters in the #8 Roping
to Cody Robbins and Dustim Hermreck.
Linda Burdick presents buckles to Cody Kingston (l) and John Tanachion Jr.,
winners of the #5.5 roping.
Kelli King prsents buckles to winners of the #4.5 roping,
Rickie Thacker (r) and Buster Berna.
