Tri State High School Rodeo Association Moving Finals to Levelland, Texas

Provided by the Levelland Chamber of Commerce

The Tri State High School Rodeo Association (TSHSRA) announced they will be leaving Vernon, Texas after fourteen years of hosting their rodeo finals.

Beginning May of 2015 and then again in 2016, the event will now be held in Levelland, Texas at the new Mallet Event Center and Arena.

Mary Siders, President of the Levelland Chamber of Commerce notes that Levelland was introduced to this organization by some of our local residents that belong to TSHSRA.

Kelvin and Lisa Sharp, along with their two children, Lindsey and John, encouraged the members of this organization to come to Levelland and try us out for some of their weekend rodeos.

The TSHSRA has held qualifying events here, but because of that continued local support of the Sharp family, great facilities and nice incentives,

TSHSRA made the decision after six months of negotiation to move their Finals from Vernon to the South Plains.

Events held during the TSHSRA include Chute Dogging, Jr Bull Riding, Ribbon and Team Roping, Saddle Bronc and Bareback Horse Riding, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing, boys and girls Breakaway Calf Roping, boys and girls Goat Tying. At the 2015 and 2016 rodeo in Levelland,

contestants can compete for the rights to participate in The Tri State High School Rodeo Association Finals in Abilene, Texas in

June or the National Junior High Finals in June in Des Moines, Iowa or the National High School Finals in Rocksprings, Wyoming.

La Rae Johnson, Arena and Livestock Facilities Manager said, "The Mallet is very excited to have the Tri-State High School Rodeo Association Finals at our facility and here in Levelland! We know this is a huge transition for Tri-State but we are honored that they have taken this leap of faith to work with us for the next two years. We have enjoyed working with this group over the past few years and are ready to continue to build a strong working relationship with Tri-State in the years to come. The Mallet Staff is eager to work with the Tri-State Board and Students involved in this amazing rodeo association."

Siders says over 300 visitors are expected to be in Levelland during the event. In addition, the Board of Directors will also host their January 2015 Board Meeting in Levelland.

About 100 kids will participate in the May finals. Per the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Office of the State of Texas, it is estimated that each attendee will spend an average of $125.40 including transportation, food, lodging, shopping, entertainment and miscellaneous expenses while here.

Therefore, the estimated economic impact could be up to $94,000 in new dollars for Levelland, Texas.

Funds were allocated from the local hotel occupancy tax and will be awarded to the association to enhance their event in Levelland.

These funds are used to promote attendance at events creating overnight stays in hotels.

In addition, some of the incentive dollars will be used as sponsorship and advertising for the TSHSRA in Levelland.

Siders notes "this is a prime example of tourism at work in our town. Our local members of the TSHSRA, hoteliers, businesses, city and county officials have worked diligently with the TSHSRA Board of Directors and look forward to show casing Levelland as company arrives for their rodeo in May of 2015 and 2016. In addition, it is always a pleasure and honor to work with a Board of Directors of this caliber.  They work tirelessly and volunteer for the TSHRA because they want to develop the rodeo and leadership skills of their kids. Also, many are afforded scholarship opportunities as a result of their participation in the TSHSRA."

Siders said this board had a really tough decision to make as they have orchestrated a very successful, lucrative and memorable event in Vernon for many years.

The President of the TSHSRA, Steve McConnell of Hereford, Texas and Secretary Mikey Jo Duggan spent many hours researching the best route for their association.

And in the end, we are so pleased Levelland was the town selected!