The 19th annual Watch Us Run was very successful thanks to the VERY special efforts of Diane Medlock. After I announced I would not be able to host the show this year, Diane stepped up and volunteered to put the show on for the riders. I know how much time and effort she put into the show. Diane had never before put on a gymkhana of this magnitude, but no one would have ever known that by the seemingly effortless way she managed the show (and rode in it also). My deepest appreciation and gratitude goes to Diane for caring so much about the program.
As with any show, no matter how well it is put together, its success depends on rider participation. The riders support of this show continues to be worth all efforts. There were 74 combinations on Saturday and 69 on Sunday. Thank you to all of the riders, their families and friends for choosing to spend the Memorial Day week-end supporting the show.
I regret I was not able to attend. I understand everyone had a great time and there were no rider mishaps. As usual Shane did an excellent job of preparing and keeping the arena in shape. Diamond Bar is without a doubt a premier gymkhana facility. Thanks to Shane, Kim and the rest of the Diamond Bar staff for supporting the program and donating such a wonderful facility.
I do not know the names of all of the people who volunteered to help Diane at the show, but I thank each of them for their support. Diane did ask me if I thought Scott Gowan(Region IV's premier announcer) could be "stolen"! She said Scott's ability to keep the show moving was phenomenal.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the longest running gymkhana fund raiser.
Linda Quattlebaum
And Diane Medlock adds…..
In addition to Scott, Emile Andressen from Region IV spent both days in the announcers booth keeping times and placing classes; Bobbie Suder from Region I braved the dust even though very allergic to spend both days writing up the keepsake certificates Linda prepared which included each riders' time and placing for each event; Bill Beermann from Region III triangulated every course in record time with a magnificent arena crew from all the regions who jumped in at the first call for help. Bill also helped in the announcer's booth keeping times and placing classes when not setting up the courses; Casey Raubach from Region III who, along with baby-to-be due shortly, helped with registration and keeping times while I rode; Geri and Ben Orthmeyer from Region III brought the back up timers (and hurry scurry jumps) which were needed after the first run, they kept them covered and reset for each event; Brent Noble and Barclay Raubach from Region III jumped on the tractor whenever needed to help Shane keep the arena in tip-top shape! We had several girls volunteer to hand out ribbons and they did a magnificent job keeping the award ceremonies moving along (I'm sorry I didn't get all the names and regions.) A big thanks also to Karen Jacobsen who judged both days for us. Meg Castrop and Darcie Vagel, State Rating Committee spent loads of time after the show rating and rerating all riders so they'd be ready to ride in the correct divisions in their regions also deserve a huge thank you. Lots of other folks jumped in wherever needed to set up knocked down obstacles and run the gate, Thanks to everyone!
Special Watch Us Run Ribbons with the legendary WUR logo through fifth place were awarded in every class. Large Champion and Reserve Champion rosettes with the button showing the WUR logo were presented both days and for the overall show Champion and Reserve Champion. The Watch Us Run wristwatch was presented for the overall Champion in each division and the Watch Us Run stopwatch was presented for the overall Reserve Champion in each division.
Linda promises to be back next year and I'm sure the 20th Annual Watch Us Run will be the place to be. This is an awesome show at an awesome facility, all regions can sanction the show and I encourage state-wide participation next year. If you're looking for the arena that can give you those times to bump up, come to Diamond Bar Arena in Ceres in 2008 and Watch Us Run!
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