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History

The Early Years

Researched & Compiled by Phil Baird, Mandan, N.D.

1950s

When the Beulah Junior rodeo became affiliated with the National High School Rodeo Association, it became the first North Dakota high school rodeo held on Sunday, June 28, 1953. 

The first winners among the 54 contestants at Beulah were: 

  • BB - Billy Hall, Jr., Charles Cullen, Emerson Packineau, Jim Cook. 
  • SB - Esley (Fox) Thorton, Eugene Bruce, Bruce Northrup, Pete Fredericks. 
  • BR - Blaine Jost, Buddy Bell, Malcolm Bruce, Esley Fox. 
  • CR - Willard Rehm, Mathew Mason, Mickey Packineau, Esley Fox. 
  • Steer Decorating - Pete Fredericks, Esley Fox, Bruce Northrup, Mathew Mason. 
  • BAR - Joan Cantwell, New Salem. 
  • Announcer - Paul Wolff, Golden Valley;
  • Judges - Jim Childs, Mandan and Ralph Klein, McKenzie;
  • Timer - Pearl Cullen;
  • Pick-up men - Phil Fettig, Ralph Murray, and Ed Unruh. 

Fettig Bros. stock. 

The first N.D. High School rodeo queen was Joan Cantwell of New Salem.  The 1953 National High School Rodeo Finals was scheduled July 24-26th at New Underwood, S.D., 20 miles east of Rapid City, S.D.

(PB/Beulah Independent, June 18, 1953, pgs. 1-2; June 25, 1953, pg. 1; July 2, 1953, pg. 5 and July 9, 1953, pg. 1; Killdeer Herald, June 25, 1953, pg. 4; Mandan Daily Pioneer, July 1, 1953, pg. 2; Billings Co. Pioneer, July 16, 1953, pg. 6; Bar North magazine, August 1953, pgs. 22-24; Interview by P. Baird with Norman "Peg" O'Neil, February 23, 1993, Killdeer, N.D.; Baird, 1993, pg. 8; Interview by P. Baird with Clair Cullen, January 8, 1995, Bismarck, N.D.).

Phil’s Note:  The Beulah Junior Rodeo began in 1950 as a local junior event co-sponsored by the Beulah VFW.  In the early years of the N.D. High School Rodeo Association, Virginia Stebbens served as secretary of the organization. When?  Phil - do research....

 

1954 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

* Winners of the 4th annual Beulah VFW High School rodeo (Doug Dettman, secretary) held Sunday, June 20, 1954 with Fettig Bros. stock: 

  • AA & BB - Pete Fredericks, Halliday;
  • SB & CR - Angus Fox, New Town;
  • BR - Edward Danks, New Town;
  • STEER DECORATING - W.T. Winkler, Zap;
  • BAR - Josie Maier, Beulah. 

Joan Cantwell of New Salem was selected the state high school rodeo queen.  All qualified for the 6th annual National High School Finals rodeo at Halletsville, Texas on August 5-7, 1954.

(PB/North Dakota Rodeo Association Newsletter, February-March, 1954, pg. 1; New Salem Journal, April 28, 1954, pg. 1; June 16, 1954, pg. 2; June 23, 1954, pg. 1 and June 30, 1954, pg. 1; Beulah Independent, June 10, 1954, pg. 1; June 17, 1954, pg. 1 and June 24, 1954, pg. 4; NDRA Newsletter, June 1954, pg. 1; Dickinson Press, June 10, 1954, pg. 4 and June 17, 1954, pg. 4; New Town News, June 24, 1954, pg. 1; Rodeo Sports News, September 1, 1954, pg. 3; 1954 NDRA Scrapbooks by Pearl Cullen; 1955 Rodeo Sports News Annual, pg. 51).

 

1955 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

The advertisement billed the 5th annual Beulah VFW high school rodeo on Sunday, June 26, 1955 as the “North Dakota High School Championship” rodeo. 

Winners:

  • BB - Angus Fox, New Town;
  • SB - Pete Fredericks, Halliday;
  • BR - Jerry Oster (also Osterhout), Sentinel Butte;
  • CR - Clifford Ferebee, Halliday;
  • Steer Decorating - Don Rehm, Hebron;
  • BAR - Darlene Baye, Watford City. 

Baye was also crowned the state high school rodeo queen.  Fox won the bareback event, placed 2nd in the steer decorating and 4th in the calf roping.  Fettig Bros. stock.  Est. attendance: 3,000.  The 7th annual National High School Finals rodeo was held July 21-23, 1955 at Harrison, Nebraska.

(PB/NDRA Newsletter, May 18, 1955, pg. 1 and August 17, 1955, pg. 2; Killdeer Herald, June 16, 1955, pg. 3 and June 23, 1955, pg. 7; Dickinson Press, June 21, 1955, pg. 4 and July 1, 1955, pg. 5; New Salem Journal, June 22, 1955, pg.1; New Town News, June 30, 1955, pg. 1; 1955 NDRA Scrapbooks by Pearl Cullen).

 

1956 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

* Dale Jorgenson of Watford City won the sixth annual Beulah VFW state high school rodeo all-around and bareback championships on Sunday, June 17, 1956.  Winners were:

  • BB 1. Dale Jorgenson 2. Al Dutton, Bismarck 3. Arne Berg, McLeod 4. Billy Hall, Jr., New Town. 
  • SB - 1. Malcolm Bruce,  New Town  2.  Warren Chase 3. Jerry Oster (also Osterhout), Sentinel Butte. 
  • BR - 1. Fred Kist, Jr., Mandan  2. Billy Hall, Jr.  3. Dale Jorgenson 4. Johnny Lee. 
  • CR - 1. Dale Little Soldier, Golden Valley 2. Kenny Neuens, Bismarck 3. Clifford Ferebee, Halliday 4. Dale Jorgenson. 
  • SW - 1. Bob Bubel, Hensler 2.  Jerry Oster  3. Don Rehm, Hebron 4. Dale Jorgenson. 
  • BAR – 1. Joan Hecker, Belfield 2. Shirley Bauer, New Salem  3. Josie Maier, Beulah  4. Penny Stephens. 
  • Queen contest - 1. Jamie Childs, Mandan 2. Shirley Bauer, 3. Joan Hecker  4. Penny Stephens. 

Fettig Bros. stock.  Est. attendance: 3,000.  Committee secretary - Mac McKenzie. Individual state champions qualified for 8th annual National High School Finals held August 2-5, 1956 at Reno, Nevada. 

(PB/NDRA Newsletters, May 12, 1956, pg. 1; June 6, 1956, pg. 1 and June 28, 1956, pg. 2; Dickinson Press, May 29, 1956, pg. 4 and June 19, 1956, pg. 4; Bismarck Tribune, June 19, 1956, pg. __; McKenzie Co. Farmer, August 2, 1956, pg. 1; 1956 NDRA Scrapbooks by Pearl Cullen; Bismarck Tribune; 1958 RSN Annual, pg. 109).

 

1957 N.D. High School Rodeo Finals, Beulah

* Wilfred “Sonny” Ehr of Minot won the 1957 North Dakota high school calf roping championship at the 7th annual Beulah VFW high school rodeo held 1:00 pm on Sunday, June 16th. 

Other champions:

  • BB - Tom Fredericks, Halliday. 
  • SB - (no qualified rides).
  • BR & SW - Fred Kist, Jr., Mandan.
  • CR - Ehr. 
  • BAR - Wanda Amsbough, Watford City. 

Announcer - H.R. “Mac” McKenzie. 

Linda Knapp of Dickinson was named the state high school rodeo queen.  Contestants qualified for the 9th annual National High School Rodeo Finals scheduled July 25-28, 1957 at Albuquerque, N.M.

  (PB/NDRA Newsletters, April 24, 1957, pg. 3; May 27, 1957, pg. 2 and June 20, 1957, pg. 4; Mandan Daily Pioneer, June 21, 1957, pg. 1; Western Horseman magazine, November 1957, pg. 42; 1958 RSN Annual, pgs. 110-111).

 

1958 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

* The eighth annual Beulah VFW High School Rodeo was held Sunday, June 1, 1959, 1:00 pm (20 yrs. old age limit). 

Fettig Bros. stock. 

Winners:

  • AA & BB - Walton van Dyke, Watford City;
  • SB (no qualified rides);
  • BR - Lyle Jorgenson, Watford City;
  • CR & SW - Wilfred "Sonny" Ehr, Jr., Minot;
  • BAR - Barbara Kennedy, Watford City. 

1958 State High School Rodeo Queen - Ellen Trotter, Grassy Butte. 

Judges - Willard Schnell and Newton Burr.

The top three contestants in each event qualified for the 1958 National High School Finals Rodeo, August 5-9th in Sulphur, Louisiana. 

(PB/NDRA Newsletters, May 23, 1958, pg. 1; June 6, 1958, pg. 3 and August 6, 1958, pg. 4; Mandan Daily Pioneer, June 2, 1958, pgs. 1 & 10; Bar North magazine, June 1958, pg. 29; 1958 RSN Annual, pg. 111).  Phil’s Note: Due to schedule conflicts, Sonny Ehr and Kenny Neuens did not participate at the nationals.  (PB) .

 

1959 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

* The 9th annual Beulah State High School Rodeo was held Sunday, June 14, 1959 with Fettig Bros. stock.  Secretary - Dr. J.A. Power.  Est. attendance: 1,400. 

Top contestants included:

  • BB - Tim Berg, Lisbon;
  • SB - Meredith Baker, New Town;
  • BR - 1. Neil Grevious, Watford City  2. Ralph Krenzel, Hazen  3. Baker  4. Jerry Berger, Mandan.
  • CR - 1. Dale Carlson, Minot  2. Walton van Dyke, Grassy Butte  3. Kenny Neuens, Bismarck  4. Sonny Ehr, Minot. 
  • SW - 1. Sparky Trotter, Grassy Butte  2. Van Dyke. 
  • BAR - 1. Linda Knapp, Dickinson 2. Kaye Hecker, Belfield  3. Willa Ehr, Minot  4. Jackie Padilla, Beulah. 

1959 N.D. state high school rodeo queen - Cheryl Dohn, Bismarck.  Contestants were eligible to compete in the 11th annual National High School Rodeo Finals, August 20-23, 1959 at Lewistown, Montana. 

(PB/Mandan Daily Pioneer, May 28, 1959, pg. 9 and June 26, 1959, pg. 6; NDRA Newsletters, June 1, 1959, pg. 2 and June 15, 1959, pg. 4; Mandan Daily Pioneer, June 16, 1959, pg. 3).

 

1960s

1960 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

* In 1960, three new events - girls breakaway roping, girls pole bending, and open cow cutting - were added to the tenth annual N.D.  State High School rodeo sponsored by the Beulah VFW on Sunday, June 19th with Fettig stock.  Linda Knapp of Dickinson earned top honors in the barrel racing, pole bending, and girls cutting events. 

1960 state champions:

  • BB - Lyle Jorgenson, Watford City;
  • SB - Walt Moran, Trenton;
  • BR - Sandy Luger, Fort Yates;
  • CR - Kenny Neuens, Bismarck;
  • SW - Doyle Singer, Minot;
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - Steve Danovic, Fargo;
  • BAR, POLES, & GIRLS’ CUTTING - Knapp. 

Jane Bacheller of Enderlin was named the 1960 state high school rodeo queen.  The 12th annual National High School Rodeo Finals was held August 17-21, 1960 at Hot Springs, S.D. 

(PB/NDRA Newsletters, May 1960, pg. 1 and June 1960, pg. 1; Dickinson Press, May 25, 1960, pg. 4; June 7, 1960, pg. 4 and June 21, 1960, pg. 4; Beulah Independent, May 26, 1960, pg. 1; June 2, 1960, pg. 6; June 9, 1960, pgs. 1 & 6 and June 23, 1960, pg. 1; Killdeer Herald, June 8, 1960, pg. 8; Bismarck Tribune, June 18, 1960, pg. 1).

 

1961 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo Finals

* Wilbur LaDue of New Town won the saddle bronc riding and bull riding at the 11th annual Beulah VFW High School Rodeo Finals held Sunday, June 25, 1961 with Fettig stock.  A newly remodeled arena was ready for the event sponsored by the Beulah VFW.  Est. attendance - 1,500. 

Winners included:

  • BB - 1. Chum LaDue, New Town; Robert Thompson, Jerald Olmsted, Obridgewitch.
  • SB - 1. Wilbur LaDue, New Town; Meredith Baker, Tom Fredericks, Halliday.  
  • BR - 1. LaDue, Thomas Eagle, Jr., Don Neidhardt, Jim Hauck and Don Olson. 
  • CR - 1. Wesley Hall, Newton Little Soldier, J.C. Whitman, Matt Youngbird.  
  • SW - 1. Jerald Olmsted, Gerald Berger, Richard Trotter, Jerry Trotter.  
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - 1. Dennis Lee, Minot; Steve Danovic, Milo Trusty. 
  • BAR - 1. Jane Bacheller, Enderlin; Betty Lou Fredericks, Judy Voltz and Janie Kemper. 
  • POLES - 1/2. Betty Lou Fredericks and Lonnie Lorenz; Janice Weber, Linda Dressler. 
  • GIRLS’ CUTTING - 1. Ellen Stanton, Jane Bacheller, Janie Kemper. 

The 1961 N.D. High School Rodeo Queen was Ellen Stanton of Bismarck.  Top finishers qualified for the 13th annual National High School Rodeo Finals on July 20-23, 1961 at Douglas, Wyoming. 

(PB/Beulah Independent, June 8, 1961, pgs. 1 & 5; June 22, 1961, pgs. 1 & 6 and June 29, 1961, pg. 1; Killdeer Herald, June 14, 1961, pg. 1; Dickinson Press, Tuesday, June 23, 1961, pg. 4 and June 27, 1961, pg. 4; Bismarck Tribune, June 26, 1961, pgs. 1-2; McKenzie Co. Farmer, June 29, 1961, pg. 1; NDRA Newsletter, July 10, 1961, pg. 3).

 

1962 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

*The 12th annual Beulah VFW High School rodeo was scheduled for Sunday, June 17, 1962 but postponed to June 24th because of rain. The 1962 high school all-around winners were Dennis Lee of Minot and Kay Stevenson of Carson.

Winners:

  • BB - Kenny Leiseth, Alexander.
  • SB - Orlan Haman, Orrin Nelson.
  • BR - Clayton Kelling, Ervin Obrigewitch, Jerry Weinberger, Terry Frounfetter/Gene Neuens/Dwight Olson (split).  
  • CR - Dennis Lee, Wes Hall, Milo Trusty, Terrald Bang.  
  • SW - Dwight Hansen, Dennis Lee, Kenneth Leiseth, Dwight Olson. 
  • Boys' Cow Cutting - Doug Hansen, Dennis Lee.  
  • BAR - Kay Stevenson, Sharon Neidhardt/Kathleen Keogh (split), Judy Needham. 
  • POLES - Sheryl Anderson, Lonnie Lorenz, Kay Stevenson. 

The 1962 N.D. High School Rodeo Queen was Kay Stevenson of Carson.  The top finishers qualified for the 14th annual National High School Rodeo Finals, August 15-19, 1962 at Valentine, Nebraska. 

(PB/Killdeer Herald, May 30, 1962, pg. 1; NDRA Newsletters, June 1, 1962, pg. 1 and July 6, 1962, pg. 2; Carson Press, June 13, 1962, pg. 4 and June 27, 1962, pg. 1; Beulah Independent, June 14, 1962, pgs. 1 & 5 and June 21, 1962, pgs. 1 & 5; Dickinson Press, July 4, 1962, pg. 4).

Phil’s Note:  Stock contractors were A.W. Lorenz and Albert Neidhardt instead of the Fettig Rodeo Co. bucking string.  (PB).

 

1963 Beulah VFW High School rodeo

*Curtis Kelling of Killdeer won the bareback, took second in the saddle bronc riding and third in the bull riding at the 13th annual Beulah VFW high school rodeo on Sunday afternoon, June 16, 1963.  Kathy Keogh of Keene was named the girls all-around winner. Secretary - Virginia Stebbans; timers: Pearl Cullen and Evelyn Neuens. 

Winners:

  • BB - 1. Curtis Kelling  2. Tom Solberg, Grassy Butte  3. Nelson.
  • SB - 1. Orrin Nelson, Towner  2. Curtis Kelling.   
  • BR - 1. Solberg  2. Gary Rosencrans, Towner  3. Kelling.  
  • CR - 1.  Wesley Hall, New Town  2. Dennis Lee, Minot  3. Jody Huseby.  
  • SW - 1. Matt Youngbird, New Town  2. Danny Schatz  3. Hall  4. Solberg.  
  • BAR - 1. Kathy Keogh, Keene  2. Sharon Trusty, Mandan  3. Kay Stevenson, Carson. 
  • POLES -1. Stevenson  2. Pat Jacobsen, Elgin 3. Keogh. 

1963 N.D. State high school rodeo queen - Shannon Reis, Fargo.  The top three finishers qualified for the 15th annual National High School Rodeo Finals, August 7-11, 1963 at Tarkio, Missouri.

(PB/Williston Herald & Farmers Press, May 21, 1963, pg. 6; Billings Co. Pioneer, May 23, 1963, pg. 1; McKenzie Co. Farmer, May 30, 1963, pg. 3 and June 27, 1963, pg. 10; Killdeer Herald, June 5, 1963, pg. 1; NDRA Newsletters, June 5, 1963, pg. 2 and July 1, 1963, pg. 2; Dickinson Press, June 6, 1963, pg. 4).

 

1964 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

*The 14th annual Beulah VFW high school rodeo at Beulah, N.D. became a two-day event on June 20-21, 1964 held in conjunction with the town’s 50th anniversary celebration.  Fettig Rodeo Co. stock bucked out at the new Beulah rodeo arena. 

Announcer - Jay Harwood, Fort Yates, N.D.  State high school all-around champions were Dennis Lee, Minot and Kay Stevenson, Carson. 

Results:

  • BB - 1. Kim Hager, Hettinger 2. LeRoy Fettig, Killdeer  3. Gene Neuens, Bismarck.
  • SB - 1. Dave Dahl, Keene 2. Clayton Kelling, Killdeer  3. Fettig. 
  • BR - 1. (tie) Jack Weekes, McIntosh, S.D. & Larry Moe, Hettinger  3. Joe Harrison, Fort Yates.
  • CR - 1. Dennis Lee  2. Jody Huseby, Balfour  3. Weekes.
  • SW - 1. Doug Hansen, Werner 2. Dwight Hansen, Werner  3. Lee.
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - 1. (tie)  Allen Northrup, West Fargo & Danny Gabbert, Lefor  3. Sherman Sylling, Jr., Oberon.
  • BAR - 1. Kay Stevenson, Carson 2. Sharon Trusty, Mandan  3. Karen Nehring, Williston.
  • POLES - 1. Mary Keogh, Keene  2. Cheryl Lee  3. Glenda Brown, Dunn Center. 
  • GIRLS’ CUTTING - 1. Sharon Trusty, Mandan. 

Claudia Bertramson was named the 1964 N.D. state high school rodeo queen.  The top state finishers qualified for the 16th annual National High School Rodeo Finals to be held July 29-August 2, 1964 at Albert Lea, Minnesota. 

(PB/Dickinson Press, May 22, 1964, pg. 4 and June 23, 1964, pg. 4; NDRA Newsletter, May 25, 1964, pg. 3; Carson Press, May 27, 1964, pg. 8 and June 24, 1964, pg. 1; Beulah Independent, June 11, 1964, pgs. 1 & 5; June 18, 1964, pg. 1 and June 25, 1964, pg. 1; Mandan Pioneer & Bismarck Capital, June 16, 1964, pg. 10; Bar North magazine, August 1964, pg. 39; Western Horseman magazine, November 1964, pgs. 68-69 & 116).

 

15th Annual Beulah VFW High School Rodeo, June 19-20th

* The 1965 N.D. high school all-around rodeo champions were Jack Weekes, McIntosh, S.D. and Kathy Sandberg, Pettibone. 

The 1965 winners:

  • BB - Weekes;
  • SB - LeRoy Fettig, Killdeer;
  • BR - Terrald Bang, Killdeer;
  • SW - Doug Hansen, Werner;
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - Danny Gabbert, Lefor;
  • BAR - Cheryl Lee, Minot;
  • BRKA - Mary Keogh, Keene;
  • GIRLS’ CUTTING - Barbara Sylling, Oberon. 

Mary Keogh was named the N.D. state high school rodeo queen. Judges - Harry Olson, Killdeer and Jim Johnston, Watford City.  Fettig Rodeo Co. stock.

(PB/Beulah Independent, May 13, 1965, pg. 1; June 10, 1965, pgs. 1 & 6; June 17, 1965, pgs. 1 & 14 and June 24, 1965, pgs. 1 & 8; Dickinson Press, May 20, 1965, pg. 4; NDRA Newsletter, June 24, 1965, pg. 4).

 

1966 Beulah VFW High School Rodeo

 *Joe Harrison of Fort Yates won the all-around and bareback championship titles at the end of the 16th annual North Dakota High School Rodeo finals held June 18-19, 1966 at Beulah. Nola Weekes of McIntosh, S.D. was named the girls all-around champion after finishing second in the barrel racing, pole bending and breakaway roping events and third in the girls cutting competition.

Top winners:

  • BB - Joe Harrison;
  • SB - Jack Weekes, McIntosh, S.D.;
  • CR & BOYS’ CUTTING - Danny Gabbert, Lefor;
  • SW - Josh Sands, Bismarck;
  • BAR & POLES - Bonnie Dietrich, McLaughlin, S.D.;
  • BRKA - Kathy Cook, Minot;
  • GIRLS’ CUTTING - Terri Taylor, Kindred.

Fettig Rodeo Co. stock. (PB/Beulah Independent, June 9, 1966, pg. 9; June 16, 1966, pgs. 1 & 3 and June 23, 1966, pg. 1; Carson Press, June 22, 1966, pg. 1).

 

1967 N.D. State High School Rodeo Finals

*For the second year in a row, Nola Weekes of McIntosh, S.D. was named the girls top all-around champion at the 17th annual North Dakota High School Rodeo finals held June 17-18, 1967 at Beulah.  Hal Johnsrud of Watford City won the saddle bronc riding title along with all-around cowboy honors. 

Results:

  • BB - 1. Gary Gullickson, Center 2. Loren Fredericks, Halliday  3/4. Roger Hystad, Watford City and Arby Little Soldier, Golden Valley.  
  • SB - 1. Johnsrud  2. Rodney Nelson, Towner 3. Perry Baker, Mandaree  4. Little Soldier. 
  • BR - 1. Hystad  2. Fredericks  3. Johnsrud.  
  • CR - 1. Tom Needham, Parshall  2. Danny Gabbert, Lefor  3. John Richter, Hazen  4. Joel Olson, Almont.
  • SW - 1. John Sands, Bismarck 2. Johnsrud 3. Little Soldier 4. Larry Haas, Elgin. 
  • BAR - 1. Debbie Tvedt, Marion 2. Clair Keogh, Beulah  3. Kathy Cook, Minot. 
  • BRKA - 1. Teresa Needham, Parshall  2. Cook  3. Nola Weekes. 
  • POLES - 1/2. Weeks and Cook 2. Judy Schnell, Dickinson  4. Gail Leslie, Landgren. 
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - 1. Gabbert 2. Ron Froelich, Fort Yates  3/4. Little Soldier and Gene Kahl, Fort Yates.
  • GIRLS’ CUTTING - 1/2. Weekes and Bonnie Taylor, Kindred 3. Terri Taylor, Kindred.  Fettig Rodeo Co. stock. 

The N.D. High School Rodeo queen was Gail Landgren of Wilton. The 19th annual National High School Rodeo Finals was scheduled August 1-7, 1967 at Elko, Nevada. 

(PB/NDRA Newsletter, May 31, 1967, pg. 4; Beulah Independent, June 11, 1967, pgs. 1 & 3 and June 22, 1967, pg. 12; Mandan-Bismarck Morning Pioneer, June 16, 1967, pg. 5; June 19, 1967, pg. 6 and June 21, 1967, pg. 6; Carson Press, June 21, 1967, pg. 1; McKenzie Co. Farmer, June 22, 1967, pg. 1; Killdeer Herald, July 19, 1967, pg. 1; Bar North magazine, August 1967, pg. 35).

 

1968 N.D. High School Rodeo Finals, Beulah

* Theresa Needham of Parshall was crowned the rodeo queen along with sharing first place in the breakaway roping at the 18th annual North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals held June 15-16, 1968 at Beulah. 

  • AA - Ed Sundby, Williston and Terri Taylor, Kindred;
  • BB - Sundby; SB - Arby Little Soldier, Fort Yates;
  • BR - Greg Schatz, Bergen;
  • CR - Tom Needham, Parshall;
  • SW - Little Soldier;
  • BAR - Taylor;
  • BRKA (tie) – Needham/Gail Landgren/Kathy Cook;
  • POLES - Cook;
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - Sundby;
  • GIRLS’ CUTTING - Bonnie Taylor, Kindred. 

The 20th annual National High School Rodeo Finals was held August 6-11, 1968 at Topeka, Kansas.  (PB/Beulah Independent, June 13, 1968, pgs. 1-2; NDRA Newsletter, June 19, 1968, pg. 5; Mountrail Co. Record, June 27, 1968, pg. 1; Bar North magazine, November 1968, pg. 27).  

 

1969 N.D. State High School Rodeo Finals, Beulah

* Wayne Zahn, Forbes and Karen Gabbert, Lefor were the top all-around champions at the 19th annual North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals held June 14-15, 1969 at Beulah.  Former two-time high school all-around cowgirl Nola Weekes was crowned the state high school rodeo queen. 

Announcers - Chuck Fossum and Bob Miller;

Judges - Delvin Reich and Jack Chase. 

Fettig Rodeo Co. stock. 

Results:

  • BB - 1. Wayne Zahn 2. Chuck Cook, Minot 3. Dale Spethman, Rhame 4. Cliff Dahl, Keene. 
  • SB - 1. Bernie Two Bears, Fort Yates  2. Arby Little Soldier, Golden Valley 3. Ed Sundby, Williston  4. Henry Harrison, Fort Yates.
  • BR - 1. Zahn 2. Two Bears 3. Sundby  4. Ben Harrison, Fort Yates.
  • CR - 1. Two Bears 2. Bob Hansen, Werner 3. Brian Cook, Dickinson 4. Tim Loh, Manning.
  • BAR - 1. Claire Keogh, Beulah 2. Gail Sletten, Williston  3. Kathy Wieland, Hettinger  4. Deb Breuer, Fargo. 
  • BRKA - 1. Gail Landgren, Wilton  2. Nola Weekes, McIntosh, S.D. 3. Karen Gabbert, Lefor. 
  • POLES - 1. Keogh  2. Mary Anseth, Williston  3. Gabbert  4. Cindy Janssen, Williston. 

The 21st annual National High School Rodeo Finals were held in August 6-10, 1969 at San Antonio, Texas. 

(PB/NDRA Newsletter, May 8, 1969, pg. 3; Beulah News, June 12, 1969, pg. 1 and June 19, 1969, pg. 1; McKenzie Co. Farmer, June 12, 1969, pg. 3; Bowman Co. Pioneer, July 31, 1969, pg. 1). 

 

1970s

1970 N.D. High School Rodeo Finals, Beulah

* Bernie Two Bears of Cannon Ball, N.D. won the boys all-around title at the 20th annual N.D. State High School Finals Rodeo, June 20-21, 1970 in Beulah with Fettig Rodeo Co. stock.  Representing Fort Yates High School, he won the calf roping event and the team roping with his brother, Tony.  Karen Gabbert of Dickinson was the girl’s all-around champion, claiming the breakaway and girls’ cutting contests. 

Event winners:

  • BB - Ron Carson, Grassy Butte;
  • SB & SW - Ed Sundby, Williston;
  • AA, BR & CR - Bernie Two Bears;
  • BAR - Kathy Wieland, Hettinger;
  • AA, BRKA & GIRLS’ CUTTING  - Karen Gabbert;
  • POLES - Connie Schatz, Bergen;
  • TR - Bernie and Tony Two Bears;
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - Mike Baldwin, Fargo.

The N.D. high school rodeo queen was Susan Krabbenhoft, Northwood.  The 22nd annual National High School Finals rodeo was scheduled to be held July 28-August 2, 1970 at Fargo, N.D. 

(PB/Beulah Beacon, June 4, 1970, pg. 1; June 11, 1970, pgs. 1 & 5 and June 25, 1970, pg. 1; Dickinson Press, June 21, 1970, pg. 8; Mandan Morning Pioneer, June 20, 1970, pg. 7 and June 29, 1970, pg. 2; Bowman Co. Pioneer, June 25, 1970, pg. 1; Bar North magazine, July 1970, front cover, pg. 13; Interview by P. Baird with Earl Northrup, March 17, 1995, Bismarck, N.D.; Interview by P. Baird with Al Two Bears, Cannon Ball, N.D., September 23, 1996).  

Phil’s Note:  With Bud Parker of Garrison named as chairperson, the North Dakota Rodeo Association organized a fund-raising effort for North Dakota qualifiers to participate at the National High School Rodeo Finals.  (PB/Bowman Co. Pioneer, June 11, 1970, pg. 8).

 

1971 N.D. State High School Finals Rodeo, Beulah

* Sally Cook, daughter of Rex Cook, Dickinson, won the N.D. High School Rodeo queen title at the 21st annual North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals held June 19-20, 1971 at Beulah, N.D.  Richard Pease, Mandaree and Debbie Johnson, Douglas, claimed all-around honors. 

Event winners:

  • AA & BB - Richard Pease;
  • SB - Ron Brugh, Mandaree;
  • BR - Sam Pease, Mandaree;
  • CR - Tim Loh, Killdeer;
  • SW - Bob Hansen, Killdeer;
  • AA & BAR - Deb Johnson;
  • BRKA - Myla Johnson, Killdeer;
  • POLES - Kathy Wieland, Hettinger;
  • GIRLS’ TR - Sally Cook/Pam Hall;
  • BOYS’ TR - Don Trotter/Tim Loh;
  • GIRLS’ CUTTING - Karen Gabbert, Lefor;
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - Troy Meirs, Williston. 

The 23rd annual National High School Rodeo Finals was held August 3-8, 1971 at Twin Falls, Idaho.  

(PB/Killdeer Herald, June 9, 1971, pg. 1; Beulah Beacon, June 10, 1971, pg. 1; June 17, 1971, pgs. 1 & 5 and June 24, 1971, pg. 1; NDRA Newsletter, June 7, 1971, pg. 1; Bowman Co. Pioneer, June 24, 1971, pg. 1; Dickinson Press, July 2, 1971, pg. 1; Billings Co. Pioneer, July 8, 1971, pg. 1). 

Phil’s Note: In 1971, the NDRA decided to schedule the White Earth rodeo on the same dates of the state high school finals rodeo.  This was a departure from the long-standing practice of not scheduling any NDRA rodeo on the same dates of the state high school finals. (PB/NDRA Newsletter, June 7, 1971, pg. 1).

 

1972 N.D. High School Rodeo Finals, Beulah

* After a muddy Sunday afternoon due to Saturday night rain, Blaine Foote of Parshall and Kathy Wieland, Hettinger were named the all-around contestants at the 22nd annual N.D. High School Finals rodeo, June 17-18, 1972 in Beulah. 

Other contestants placing:

  • BB - 1. Al Franzen, Sidney, MT 2. Blaine Foote  3. Steve Brooks, Bowman.
  • SB - 1. Blaine Foote  2. Clark Lawler, Watford City  3. Franzen
  • BR - 1. Franzen  2. Foote 3. Adrian Foote, Jr. 
  • CR - 1. Sherman Engessor, Rhame  2. Lynn Griffin, Bowman  3. Tom Breuer, Emmet.
  • SW - 1. Dan Trotter, Killdeer  2. Breuer  3. Armand Christ, Watford City.
  • BAR - 1. Wieland  2. Jennifer Johnson, Fargo  3/4. Deb Gunderson and Michelle Keller.
  • BRKA - 1. Marla Hansen, Killdeer 2. Wieland 3. Sheryl Holtan, Raub. 
  • POLES - 1. Wieland  2. Gunderson 3. Gwen Swenson, Bowman.
  • GT - 1. Deb Stearns, Bowman  2. Toni Sundby, Williston  3. Jolene Berger, Mandan. 
  • BOYS TR - 1. Arnie Irwin/Tom Breuer  2. Engessor/Lynn Griffin  3. Al Gipp/Dave Dunn. 
  • GIRLS TR - 1. Holtan/Verlee White Calf  2. Gunderson/ Juanita Kolseth  3. Wieland/Stearns. 
  • GIRLS’ CUTTING - 1. Sally Cook, Dickinson 2. Pat Carlson, Bismarck  3/4. Keller and Connie Schatz . 
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - 1. Engessor  2. Breuer  3/4. Les Wieland and Monte Sandvick. 

Pat Carlson was named the Miss North Dakota High School Rodeo queen. Fettig Rodeo Co. stock.  The 24th annual National High School Rodeo Finals was held August 1-6, 1972 at Henderson, Colorado. 

(PB/Beulah Beacon, September 30, 1971, pg. 1; Beulah Beacon, June 8, 1972, pgs. 1 & 7; June 15, 1972, pg. 1 and June 22, 1972, pg. 1; Killdeer Herald, June 14, 1972, pg. 1; Bismarck Tribune, June 23, 1972, pg. 6; June 26, 1972, pg. 6 and July 28, 1977, pg. 14).

Phil’s Note: This was the last time the State High School Rodeo Finals was held in Beulah. (PB).

 

1973 N.D. High School Rodeo Finals, Medora

* Wade Sundby of Williston picked up his first state high school all-around championship at the 23rd annual North Dakota High School Rodeo Finals, June 15-17, 1973 at Medora, N.D.  Pat Carlson of Bismarck was named the all-around cowgirl.  Bowman High School won the team trophy.  Almont High School cowboy Tim Feland earned his first state high school calf roping title, qualifying for the 25th annual National High School Rodeo Finals, August 6-13th (13-18th?) at Ogden, Utah. 

Results:

  • BOYS’ AA - Sundby;
  • BB - Monte Carson, Grassy Butte;
  • SB - Clark Lawlar, Watford City;
  • BR (tie) - Darrell Hermanson, Kathryn and Dave Crighton;
  • CR - Feland; SW - Poncho Irwin, Minot;
  • TR - Jeff Gorrell, New Town and Warren Wilson;
  • BAR - Susan Schnell, Dickinson;
  • POLES - Deb Gunderson, Bowman;
  • GT - Pinky Schmautz, Mandan;
  • BOYS’ CUTTING - Bob Roen, Bowman;
  • GIRLS’ AA & CUTTING - Carlson;
  • QUEEN - Mary Kay Schmautz, 16, Mandan. 

Judges: Jim Tescher. Medora and Jim Johnston, Watford City. Fettig stock.

(PB/Killdeer Herald, May 30, 1973, pg. 1; Dickinson Press, June 7, 1973, pg. 7, June 15, 1973, pg. 6 and June 19, 1973, pg. 6; Bismarck Tribune, June 13, 1973, pg. 12; June 19, 1973, pg. 12; June 20, 1973, pg. 21 and June 21, 1973, pg. 22; McKenzie Co. Farmer, June 21, 1973, pg. 1; NDRA Newsletter, August 10, 1973, pg. 2; Interview by P. Baird with Wade Sundby, March 20, 1993, Williston, ND).

 

State Finals Locations

In Beulah from 1953 to 1972

In Medora from 1973 to 1979

In New Salem from 1980 to 1987

Bowman from 1988 to current