Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Lincoln Play Day Standings
LINCOLN — After two Play Days held by Lincoln Riding Club at its arena one mile west of town along U.S. 62 early points leaders emerged in the standings.
LRC organized Play Days June 7 and June 28 after missing April and May because rodeo arenas weren’t deemed essential early-on during the covid-19 crisis. The next Play Day is scheduled for July 12 with sign- ups at 4: 30 p. m. and competition starting at 5 p.m.
An invitation posted on the Lincoln Riding Club website welcomes anyone to come and ride or watch at the Play Day events in a fun, family- friendly environment. The atmosphere is more laid- back than a typical rodeo, but there are entry fees — beginning with a Play Day nomination fee of $10 per contestant up to $25 per family to be paid no later than a contestant’s second Play Day attended to be eligible for points. Members of the Lincoln Riding Club whose dues are paid up, may participate in all three events for $10. Others pay $5 per event with Exhibition runs (no points scored) are $2 per run.
Earning Points
For the 2020 season participants in six age groups compete in barrel racing, pole bending, and a one barrel (or one cone) speed race taking the place of flags. A wild card event, which isn’t revealed to contestants until the other events are completed, costs $1 to enter. Prizes are awarded for each age group at the conclusion of the wild card event.
All age groups are eligible to earn points with a few stipulations. Parents are allowed to accompany a contestant into the arena in the 8& Under division, but if the parent touches the horse any time after the horse has crossed the starting line it will be considered a no time.
Points can be earned in all three events. Points are awarded as follows: First Place, 6 points; Second Place, 5 points; Third Place, 4 points; Fourth Place, 3 points; Fifth Place, 2 points; and Sixth Place, 1 point.
Current Leaders
In the Leadline age group, Scarlett Scraper leads in barrels (12 points) and poles ( 12) while Taylin Scraper leads in flags with 11 points and Oakley Edgmon accumulated points in all three events.
Emma Parker tops the 8 & Under age group with 6 points in each category.
Among 9- 11- year- olds, Gunner Downing and Bailey Sizemore are tied for the lead in barrels and flags with 11 points apiece. Sizemore has a 12-10 edge over Gunner Downing in poles with Gavin Hammack primed to push them by posting four points thus far in every category.
Shania Downing sits alone atop the leaderboard in all categories in the 12-14 age division. Shania Downing has scored 11 points in barrels, 12 in flags and 12 in poles. Mika Arnold, Erin Green, and Chloie Thomas are in the running with points in all categories. Jasmine Lewis also has scored in each event while Hannah Hayes and Alex Yates have notched points in two categories.
Upper Divisions
Six competitors show points in every category in the 15-17 age group. Mattie Turn leads in two categories, tied with Alexis Arnold with 11 points in barrels; and 11 points for Turn alone at the top in flags. Alexis Arnold leads in poles with 12 points and currently holds second place in flags with 9 points.
Turn is tied for third place in poles with Ashley Green. Both cowgirls have five points.
Both Ashley Green and Kristen Mitchell could make a run as could Arianna Price or Judygail McNeely, who experienced some tough luck during the June 28 Play Day. Destiny Bowerman and Cara Parrot round out the nine nominated competitors in the age division.
There are also nine nominated contestants vying for points in the 18 & Over age group led by Angelina Downing at the top of the standings in all three categories. Angelina Downing has 11 points in barrels and flags and 10 points in poles after winning all three events at the June 28 Play Day.
Kylee Bobacher has a grip on second place in barrels with 9 points and poles with 6 points with Marlana Edgmon third in barrels with 6 points and second in flags with 6 points despite not making the June 28 Play Day.
Joy Washington, Dean Edgmon, and Shawn Hammack could make things interesting should they get a surge for points going. Maria Bouska, Teresa Sellers, and Donald Vaught are on the lower rungs of the standings presently, but in rodeo things could change dramatically with one good run.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for year- end awards, each contestant must meet three requirements
They must participate in at least one event in 75% of the scheduled Play Days unless an immediate emergency requires that they must leave before they are able to compete. Three Play Days must be worked per contestant for ages 9 and up with a maximum of 6 works per family. For the 8 & Under contestants must work one Play Day again with a maximum of 6 per family.
If contestant is under 18 then it is up to the LRC Board and parents whether the contestant can work the Play Day. In the event the contestant can’t work a Play Day, a parent, friend, or relative can work in their place. Ozark Junior Ranch Rodeo Association rodeo and or Ranch rodeo will count as a Play Day worked.
Contestants are required to work during Friday or Saturday of the Lincoln Riding Club Rodeo, and will be assigned age appropriate duties. In the event that the contestant has other obligations they may have someone work in their place at the rodeo. This must be approved prior to the rodeo by LRC Board.
Year End Prizes
In the event that a saddle is given to the overall high point winner, only the 8-17 age groups are eligible. Prizes will be awarded to all eligible winners. Types of prizes will be dependent upon funding and availability. All age groups including Leadline will be eligible for participation awards. Participation awards will be given to those who compete in 75% of the scheduled Play Days.