Randy Schuchard Tops in 2016 WVRA Team Penning

Randy Schuchard won first place in The Whetstone Valley Rodeo Association’s 2016 team penning season. Winners were determined at the last event of the association’s season held Saturday, September 24. Randy Schuchard totaled 435 cumulative points. Shane Schuchard came in second with 375 points and Joanie Hills was third with 359.

“The rain stopped, the sky cleared, and the cowboys and cowgirls showed up to give it their best in the mud and water in the final penning event,” stated event coordinator Kathy Tyler. “For some reason, the cattle realized it was the last night and also behaved well.”

Twenty-seven teams competed. The fastest time of the season, 27.16 seconds, earned a first place for team members Milt Stengel, Mike McKernan, and Dan Thyne. Casey Yamaura, Cheryl Kelly, and Craig Magedanz finished second with a time of 44.50 seconds. Randy and Shane Schuchard took third at 45.78 seconds.

The last competition of each season is also known as the buckle run. Riders who participated in at least three penning events during the season are eligible for the prize. Teams ride twice with the top five teams riding a third time to claim the stakes. The 2016 buckle winners were Shane and Randy Schuchard and Tom Graham.

Buckle winners Tom Graham, Randy Schuchard, and Shane Schuchard.

High point winners Randy Schuchard, Shane Schuchard, and Joanie Hills.