Sally Vielma Memorial Barrel Race Saturday

Monday, May 7, 2012

 

Sally Vielma Memorial Barrel Race on Saturday

Everyone is invited to the Sally Vielma Memorial Barrel Race on Saturday, May 12, at the OSU Rodeo Arena on Western Avenue, just south of Lakeview in Stillwater. See barrel races for peewees to adults to raise funds for an OSU Rodeo Scholarship in the name of the late Sally Watkins Vielma, who was a passionate OSU team adviser.

There is no charge for spectators. The barrel racing will begin with exhibitions at 9 a.m. and continue at noon with peewee and youth classes, culminating in the main event, a $2,000 added money 4D open starting about 1 p.m.  This event is bringing barrel racers from all over Oklahoma and surrounding states and has been heralded as one of the best local barrel races in the area.  “OSU is a prime location for this kind of sporting event. Barrel racing just brings another level of excitement to Stillwater and because we are in the heart of rodeo country, we attract some of the best athletes around,” said Cathryn Christensen, OSU Rodeo Team adviser.

Last year, the first year of the memorial race, brought an astounding 150-plus barrel racers and raised several thousand dollars for the scholarship.  The second running of the barrel race is shaping up to be bigger and better, according to Christensen. The event is BBR and WPRA co-sanctioned and you do not have to be a card member to run.

Sally Watkins Vielma passed away unexpectedly in early 2011 after complications stemming from the removal of her spleen, several years earlier, following a barrel racing accident. Even after that accident, Vielma’s passion for the sport never dimmed. She and her husband Joe were long time supporters of the OSU Rodeo Team and advisers for the team until 2008, providing guidance in and out of the arena.  Her passion for the younger generations built the foundation of the current rodeo program and was instrumental in obtaining the facility the team uses today. It was always her dream that OSU offer a scholarship to help more rodeo athletes compete while obtaining a top notch college education from the home of the Cowboys.

The Rodeo Team, along with her family, friends, and alumni, created the memorial barrel race shortly after her passing in 2011 to honor this outstanding individual and to make Vielma’s dream a reality. All proceeds from the event go directly into the Sally Vielma Memorial Rodeo Scholarship. She had a goal that the OSU team would be the best in the nation and this scholarship is a major step in achieving that goal.

There will be vendors and concession on the grounds with all profits benefiting the team.  In addition to the barrel race, there is a silent auction with items donated by Reba McIntyre, Walt Garrison, Jud Little Ranch, Cowboy Magic, Smart Pak, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery and others.

For more information on the race, visit the team’s website: rodeo.okstate.edu, click here or email sallyvielmamemorialbarrelrace@gmail.com. 

Directions to OSU Rodeo Arena: 2211 N Western Avenue (1/4 mile south of Lakeview Avenue on Western) in Stillwater.

Directions from Oklahoma City…

Interstate 35 North and exit on Highway 51.  East on Highway 51 to Hall of Fame.  North on Hall of Fame Ave to Western Ave.  Left on Western Ave which curves to the north to arena ¾ miles past first stop sign at McElroy St.  Arena is on your right.

Directions from Tulsa…

Cimarron Turnpike (Hwy 412) west to first Stillwater Exit (Perkins Road).  South on Perkins Road to Lakeview.  West on Lakeview to Western Ave.  South on Western Ave ¼ mile and arena is on your left.