The 2008 Richland Springs Playday Association Buckle Series Finals was held Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the Kenny Mask Arena in Richland Springs. The 1st playday series began in June with over 50 participants from the ages of 2 to 62 competing in Cloverleaf Barrels, Pole Bending, Straightaway Barrels, Flags, Dummy Roping & a “mystery” Event. The Finals were a huge success and we would like to thank each and everyone that helped sponsor this year’s series. Buckle & Breastcollar sponsors Fitzgerald Farms, McKinnerney Real Estate, Cen-Tex Fertilizer, Hamrick’s Automotive, Harry’s, Rick’s One Stop, Mark Martin, S&S Dozing, HAC Bail Bonds & Triple M Cattle. Other sponsors include Mills Co. Commission, G&R grocery, Diamond R Saddlery, & Coyote One Stop.

To qualify for this year’s final contestants had to participate in 75% of the playdays & be a paid member of the RSPA. Each playday points were awarded to contestants placing first through sixth & points were tallied to determine the high point winners in each division. Each participant that qualified for the finals was given an award. All Around champion – Buckle, Reserve Champion – Breastcollar, 3rd – Trophy Saddle Pad with Leather corners & Conchos, 4th – Trophy saddle blanket with Leather corners, 5th – Trophy Spur Leathers, 6th – Trophy leather plaque hay bag, 7th – 10th – RSPA signature feed bucket & scoop. Participants had to run at the finals to qualify for 1st through 6th place awards.

This years winners in the Leadline were All Around Champion Emyris Mims - 140 points, Reserve All Around Champion Madia Norris -126 points, 3rd place Daylon Smith - 107 points, 4th place Lanie Norris – 89 points, 5th place Tyler Grant – 64 points, 6th place Reagan Wright 56 points, 6th place Keston Lusty 42 points.

2008 6 & Under All Around Champion Kynedi Isham – 134 points, Reserve All Around Champion – Mekalia Castro 131 points, 3rd place TJ Grant – 85 points, 4th place Callie Jernigen – 77 points, 5th place Taryn Morris – 50 points, 6th place Alicia Sweeney – 41 points, 7th place Lane Shannon – 27 points, 8th place Chase Gossett – 22 points.

2008 7 – 10 division All Around Champion Bralei Lusty – 138 points, Reserve All Around Champion Hutton Lusty – 125 points, 3rd place Kutter Isham – 116 points, 4th place Chandler Lusty 73 points, 5th place Jordan Gossett – 63 points, 6th place Mykah McKinnerney – 61 points, 7th place Levi Shannon – 24 points, 8th place Jacey Gossett – 19 points, 9th place Tatum Farris – 13 points.

2008 11 – 14 All Around Champion Ember Terry – 158 points, Reserve All Around Champion Jacey Martinez – 135 points, 3rd place Elizabeth Bryant – 131 points, 4th place Micheal McKinnerney – 122 points, 5th place – Kristin Isham 47 points.

The battle for the buckle was close in the 15 – 19 age division; however, with one point to spare the All Around Champion Buckle was awarded to Kayla Fry – 155 points, with Reserve Champion honors to Franky Soto – 154 points.

The Open age division was also left with a one point difference with All Around Champion Nancy Blackstock – 102 points & Reserve Champion Mary Terry – 101 points, 3rd place Jay Blackstock – 92 points, 4th place Tana Lusty – 81 points, 5th place – Lee Miller 79 points, 6th place – Daniel Norris 65 points, 7th place – David Martinez 57 points, 8th place – Billy Mims 52 points, 9th place Joe Pete Smith 32 points, 10th place Katy Gibson – 10 points.

High Point Trophy Roping Bags were also given in each division. 6 & Under Roping Champion was Lane Shannon with 21 roping points, 7 – 10 Roping Champion Kutter Isham with 20 roping points, 11-14 Roping Champion – Micheal McKinnerney with 43 roping points, 15-19 Roping Champion Franky Soto with 33 roping points, and Open Roping Champion David Martinez with 32 roping points.

We also kicked off the Finals with Mutton Busting for all children 9 years & under. Champion Mutton Buster Hutton Lusty was awarded a trophy for his ride. A special thanks to Jeffrey Bates, Wade Allen, Wayne Gossett, Valerie Gossett, Paula Miller, Weldon Faught, Grace Gibson, Mike McKinnerney, Sputnik Bush, Joe Mack Tilson, & Arnold Castro for all your help in the concession stand & in the arena. We hope to make the 2009 series even better.

The RSPA will host a benefit playday for the Jessica Estrada family on Saturday, September 20th, at the Kenny Mask Arena in Richland Springs, with the books opening at 1:00 p.m. & the playday beginning at 2:00 p.m. All the proceeds from the playday go to the Estrada family to help offset expenses while Jessica undergoes surgery & treatment for her cancer. The concession stand will be a BBQ Lunch, with To Go plates available. We hope that everyone will come out & help support these efforts.