Editor’s note: Photos are courtesy of Tami Tegeler.
Fulton, IL, High School student, Mary Tegeler, age 16, concluded in a stellar way her fourth year at State Rodeo Finals in Springfield, IL, during four days at the Fairgrounds, while scoring high honors with four horses. She has competed twice during both Junior and Senior High School.
Tegeler was selected to carry the flag of Ariat, a National Sponsor, during the Grand Opening and again at each of the days’ rodeos. She is shown entering the arena aboard “Holly.”
On Wednesday, May 31, she participated in Reigned Cow Horse event, guiding “Holly” in patterns and maneuvers, both to the left and right.
On Thursday, June 1, she entered four events in one rodeo; on Friday, June 2, there was one rodeo (four events); on Saturday, June 3, she entered two rodeos (four events each.) Tegeler’s other events included Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Breakaway [Calf] Roping, and Team Roping.
Shown below in action is “Ernie,” her Barrel Racing horse. “Bert” is best at Pole Bending events. “Elmo” is the Roping mount. Tegeler rides “Holly” in Reigned Cow Horse events.
Sunday, June 4, was Awards Day, and Tegeler brought home several. Rodeo “hardware” is artistic, wearable, and of practical use for rider and horse.
- One was a championship belt buckle for the Highest Weekend Average in Barrel Racing.
- The pendant was awarded for taking Reserve All Around for the weekend–determined by combining all girls’ events.
- Two saddle pads at her feet were prizes for winning 3rd in the Year End for Reigned Cow Horse events and 3rd in the Year End for Pole Bending.
- Decorative silver stirrups were presented for being Reserve All Around Cowgirl for the 2016-17 season.
- She won 1st place in the Year End for Barrel Racing and earned her choice of a new saddle. It is on order and should serve her well at the Nationals.
She was the Reserve All Around Cowgirl for the weekend. Shayna VanDerLeest of Morrison took the All Around Cowgirl title.
Outstanding year-long placings qualified Tegler for the July 16-22 High School Rodeo Nationals in Gillette, Wyoming. The National High School Rodeo Association offers divisions for Junior High, High School, and Alumni.
Mary’s parents are Russ and Tami Tegeler.