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Barrel Racer Kristy White showcases Big Valley on world stage

kirsty white

Three-peat Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) qualifier Kristy White lit up Calgary Stampede last week with four top placing scores in the women’s barrel racing competition.

After attending the first four days in the ‘A’ pool, White walked away with $15,000 in day money from the Calgary Stampede this past weekend.

She was elated to represent the small village of Big Valley on the world stage, placing third on her first day with 17.42 seconds.

“It’s been like a dream week really,” said White. “We had a really good run, I ended up placing in every round.”

On her second day of the four-day competition bracket, she placed fourth only to climb into the number three position the next day with 17.54 seconds. On her final day, White placed top dog with a time of17.33 seconds.

“Those are pretty good competitive times on a standard like that and kudos to Calgary because they kept the ground amazing so it was a very good barrel race.”

She credits her Canadian born and bred horse Racy for performing so well at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.

“I raised her and I trained her so it’s nice to show that we are competitive on the world stage like that,” said White. “She’s a life changer. She has so much heart – she’s all heart.”

Due to high qualifications and stiff competition, not many Canadians are represented at the world famous rodeo anymore.

“They don’t allow a lot of Canadians in there because their qualifications are pretty stiff to get into so it’s just such a grand feeling to be able to showcase Canada,” said White. “Those girls that are there are all at the top, they are the top barrel racers in the world.”

White moved to Big Valley 15 years ago from B.C. and has loved every second of it. “I love living here, it’s just amazing,” said White.

White has plans to attend the CFR in Edmonton in November.

“I got some really nice young horses too so I hope to give Racy a bit of a break and start riding those younger ones,” said White.

As a horse trainer, her main focus has always been horses so during the winter months, White will travel to Arizona to continue riding and training throughout the year.

“I pretty much ride everyday.”

Daylen Ostapowich doubles down with golf silver medals

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Local youth golfer Daylen Ostapowich (14) has won two silver medals at his first back-to-back tournaments of the season.
Ostapowich’s first tournament of the year was held at the Henderson Lake Golf Club in Lethbridge where he placed second overall.
“It was a pretty good tournament – two-day tournament.”
Then on July 4, Ostapowich participated at the Innisfail golf tournament, to claim his second victory.
“I only lost by one stroke but I enjoyed it,” said Ostapowich.
The versatility of the sport is what keeps bringing him back.
“It’s just something I enjoy doing, even if I’m at home, I just love the sport,” said Ostapowich.
While practice makes perfect, Ostapowich plans on taking his passion for golf to the top with hopes of playing at the Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA).
“I usually try to get out there as much as I can,” he said. “My dream is to go to the PGA.”
Weather dependant, a typical golf season can last until October or November.
“It can sometimes be like October or maybe a bit past if you’re lucky,” said Ostapowich.
Ostapowich plays right here in the valley at the Dinosaur Trail Golf and Country Club.
“The front nine is a pretty simple golf course but the back nine is a bit more of a challenge,” said Ostapowich.
Ostapowich has a few more tournaments ahead of him including one at McKenzie Meadows in Calgary.
When asked on how to get others involved in the sport, Ostapowich gladly shared some expertise of his own.
“I’d say just try it out, swing a couple clubs and give it a try.”

Local boxer finishes career in the ring

Brad Wilson, right, with his opponent Markhaile Wedderburn, who fought on June 24. Wedderburn won the fight after it was stopped in the second round. submitted

Brad Wilson, right, with his opponent Markhaile Wedderburn, who fought on June 24. Wedderburn won the fight after it was stopped in the second round.
submitted

    A local boxer got the call up for a professional bout and while he didn’t go as far as he hoped, it was a good way to end his career.
   Local contractor Brad Wilson agreed to a fight versus Markhaile “Showtime” Wedderburn on Saturday, June 24, in Calgary. It has been a while since Wilson stepped in the ring, but he rolled the dice.
   “It wasn’t something I planned really, I just put the idea out there, and the sharks kind of grasped it,” he said.
   Wedderburn was a formidable opponent in the cruiser weight division, and Wilson said a lot of fighters were backing down from him.
   “He was big and strong and kind of out of my league a little bit, but somebody had to do it,” he chuckles.
   He worked hard to get himself back into fighting shape and went toe to toe.
   Wilson tells The Mail he did well through the first and second round. It looked like a fairly even match, however right at the end of the second, Wedderburn tagged Wilson right between the eyes. The fight was stopped.
   He is going from swinging punches back to swinging his hammer. Wilson says that was his last fight, and ends a full career. While it has been a few years since he had stepped into the ring, he was happy with the effort.
   “I had over 100 amateur fights in the 90’s,” he tells The Mail. Professionally going in, he had a 1-1-1 record.

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