The top team of working cowboys and dedicated supporters of the cowboy way were recently honored.
That was at the Invitational Ranch Rodeo hosted by the Morris County Youth Rodeo Association at Council Grove.
In a repeat performance, the Lonesome Pine Ranch of Cedar Point claimed the first place rodeo plaques and check.
Team members Bud and Troy Higgs, Bo Krueger and Brant Mahanay were first in team penning topping their event placings. Additionally the foursome ranked second in double mugging, and third in both steer branding and team roping.
Outstanding rodeo action was surpassed with highlight of the day recognizing longtime supporters of the Morris County Youth Rodeo Association.
Kenneth Muller and Jack Gieswein accompanied by his wife Joann were brought into the arena by rodeo committeeman Bruce Gant. Announcer Jim Lee paid special acknowledgement to the longtime cowboys.
Muller was an original association director serving a number of years as president and helping coordinate the local ranch rodeo.
Gieswein has been dedicated in assisting with the association activities from the start often providing rodeo livestock no charge.
Additionally, Muller and Gieswein joined as Muller Ranch team members in the rodeo several years while taking first on occasion.
Second place in this year’s ranch rodeo went to the combined team of Paddy Creek and Lyons Ranches. Team members from Morris and Wabaunsee Counties were Nick and Bailey Allen with Karl and Trey Langvardt.
A youth ranch rodeo saw the team of Jayden Patry, Gus Wainwright and Kasey Wilson take top honors.
