WRCA Foundation Named Scholarships

Bob & Dorothy Middleton
Memorial Scholarship

The Bob & Dorothy Middleton Memorial Scholarship was endowed to continue their support of the Working Ranch Cowboys Foundation and their interest in the education of children, especially those of ranching families. Bob and Dorothy both came from ranching backgrounds and embodied the western lifestyle. In life they were heavily involved in education, Bob as an AG teacher and Dorothy as a music teacher. This scholarship continues their legacy of support to the ranching community.

Bob & Dorothy Middleton Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Kaycee Sultemeier – Ft. Sumner, NM
2023 – Kaycee Sultemeier – Ft. Sumner, NM

Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Scholarship

The mission of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project is to help identify, support and implement the various needs of the men and women of America’s armed forces returning from service. We owe them an unpayable debt of gratitude.After many years of service, and for some, multiple deployments, the journey home can be a complex process based on the issues of being away from family, friends, and home. Health, both physical and mental, education, and employment are just a few of the many issues both returning vets and families are faced with these needs.It is our passion to be a beacon of light to direct the veteran (and or family) in the best possible direction to facilitate these needs.
With many years of experience working with various foundations that provide this type of support, our goal is to identify the best of the best, to not only be good stewards of donated dollars, but to seek the best assistance available for our veterans. It is a critical mission that needs every American that enjoys the freedoms we share, to participate. They’ve earned it.

Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Scholarship Receipients

2024 – Jaclyn Ferrel – Childress, TX
2023 – Jaclyn Ferrel – Childress, TX
2022 – Jaclyn Ferrel – Childress, TX

Daniel Wyatt Spitzer
Memorial Scholarship

In the words of Red Steagal, “Daniel Wyatt Spitzer was a cowboy.” That’s all he ever wanted to be. Daniel was given a gift of communicating with horses, and he made that his passion. From an early age, Cowboy Dan was wearing his cowboy hat and after a few short lessons from me, he mastered the art of roping by direct application. No sister, dog, or cat was safe from his rope. I still remember the day he trotted down the road to the neighbors to drag calves. It was his first time to make day wages for someone other than family. He was 10 years old I believe. Fast forward 4 years and Mama was waving goodbye as he headed down the road in the pickup he had bough with his horse in tow to spend a week dragging calves at a ranch an hour and a half away.

Daniel was the light hearted, big smile guy making everyone laugh. He encouraged and pushed everyone to find their limit, sometimes by making you face your fears but mostly by telling you to keep up with him. You always knew Daniel would be in the middle of the action and trying to outwork everyone. He had a tremendous sense of patriotism, and he valued cowboy tradition. He had a confidence and personality that just drew others to him. Even as a young boy he could speak to men and they valued his opinion. I have several memories of adults seeking him out to talk to him. Not many teenagers get seen as equals in the branding pen. It was amazing to watch him rope and handle a horse.

The accident that took Dan’s life took us completely by surprise and changed our lives forever, but the details didn’t really take us by surprise. He crossed over to the other side having fun with his best friend while pushing things to the limit. The support and love from our family, friends, and community was amazing and sustained us through and continues to carry us on. The pictures and stories shared have been a bright spot in a dark time and gave us peace knowing he meant so much to so many. Daniel made a huge impact on those around him in his short 18 years. He had lived a short life but man did he live a life filled with intention and purpose. One of his wishes if anything ever happened to him was that his organs would be donated. We were able to honor his request. So Daniel Wyatt Spitzer lives on helping others to live and the inspiration his life gave to so many.

Dabiel Wyatt Spitzer Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Justin Wright – Walsh, CO

Edith Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship

Edith Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Kalan Collins – Woods, SD
2023 – Kalan Collins – Woods, SD
2022 – Adeline “Gracie” Bricker – Sun City, KS
2021 – Adeline “Gracie” Bricker – Sun City, KS
2020 – Adeline “Gracie” Bricker – Sun City, KS
2019 – Clayton Detterer – Casper, WY
2018 – Clayton Detterer – Casper, WY
2017 – Trinity Haggard – Throckmorton, TX
2016 – Trinity Haggard – Throckmorton, TX
2015 – Trinity Haggard – Throckmorton, TX
2014 – Kameron Buchanan – Turkey, TX
2013 – Benjamin Pearce – Tatum, NM
2012 – Benjamin Pearce – Tatum, NM
2011 –  Clinton Laflin – Eureka, KS
2010 –  Clinton Laflin – Eureka, KS

Gordon Whipple
Memorial Scholarship

Gordon Shea Whipple lived outside of Amarillo Texas and passed in 2000. He was also one of the founding member of the Working Ranch Cowboys Association.

Gordon was instrumental in helping to get the first three World Championship Ranch Rodeos produced. His Creekwood Ranch equipment is what was used to build the arena, and produce the event in the Amarillo Civic Center.

Gordon had a cow/calf operation in which he was proud of. He called them, “the prettiest, long-legged angus you would ever see.” His cow/calf operation was well known for producing strong genetics.  Those who were close to Gordon always mention his love for history and a thirst for continued knowledge.

Gordon’s spirit of always helping your neighbor and working to improve yourself, and your community lives on through this scholarship in his name.

Gordon Whipple Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Chastain Spiller – Elbert, CO
2023 – Chastain Spiller – Elbert, CO
2022 – Katylyn Richardson – Canyon, TX
2021 – Tenia Ellis – Dalhart, TX
2020 – Karlee Belle Gholson – Waurika, OK
2019 – Karlee Belle Gholson – Waurika, OK
2018 – Audrey Maze – Exeter, CA
2017 – Audrey Maze – Exeter, CA
2016 – Latigo Collins – Pampa, TX
2015 – Latigo Collins – Pampa, TX
2014 – Latigo Collins – Pampa, TX
2013 – Cheyanne Collins – Pampa, TX
2012 – Cheyanne Collins – Pampa, TX
2011 – Colby McClesky – Roaring Springs, TX
2010 – JoAnna Elliot – Guthrie, OK
2009 – Amy Berry – Cheyenne, WY
2008 – Randi Cutrell – Amarillo, TX
2007 – Randi Cutrell – Amarillo, TX
2006 – Lucas Line – Decker, MT
2005 – Lucas Line – Decker, MT
2004 – Lucas Line – Decker, MT
2003 – Lucas Line – Decker, MT

Jack Cates Memorial Scholarship

Jack Cates Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Teghan Copeland – Fort Sumner, NM
2023 – Teghan Copeland – Fort Sumner, NM
2022 – Lukas Dierks – Douglas, KS
2021 – Lukas Dierks – Douglas, KS
2020 – Lukas Dierks – Douglas, KS
2019 – Taylor Riggins – Santa Rosa, NM
2018 – Taylor Riggins – Santa Rosa, NM
2017 – Taylor Riggins – Santa Rosa, NM
2016 – Taylor Riggins – Santa Rosa, NM
2015 – Tait Avent – Nara Visa, NM
2014 – Tait Avent – Nara Visa, NM
2013 – Logan Medlin – Tatum, NM
2012 – Logan Medlin – Tatum, NM
2011 – Trent Bilberry – Dexter, NM
2010 – Brandon Hatter – Grand Junction, CO
2009 – Alicia Daugherty – Alpine, TX
2008 – Alicia Daugherty – Alpine, TX
2007 – Alicia Daugherty – Alpine, TX

Jack “Doc” Wohler
Memorial Scholarship

Jack “Doc” Wohler Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Chancy Johnson – White City, KS
2023 – Chancy Johnson – White City, KS
2022 – Sage Dierks – Douglas, KS
2021 –  Sage Dierks – Douglas, KS
2020 –  Sage Dierks – Douglas, KS
2019 – Pryce Marez – Santa Rosa, NM
2018 – Pryce Marez – Santa Rosa, NM
2017 – Cody Kendall – Erie, KS
2016 – Cody Kendall – Erie, KS
2015 – Cody Kendall – Erie, KS
2014 – Erin Crumbley Fuchs – Bayard, NM
2013 – Justin Kolb – Meadow, SD
2012 – Justin Kolb – Meadow, SD
2011 – Michael Allnutt – Walden, CO
2010 – Lindy Wiggins – Eureka, KS
2009 – Amanda Cruse – Happy, TX
2008 – Amanda Cruse – Happy, TX
2007 – Amanda Cruse – Happy, TX

James Marker Memorial Scholarship

In December of 2010, Manda and Ed Bricker of Alfalfa County Land and Cattle in Cherokee, Okla., were grieving the loss of a young man who’d been like a son to them. James Marker was their head cowboy, but he was more family than employee. A good, responsible cowboy. A bronc rider who was also gifted with all sorts of horses.
When he died in a house fire at age 25, the loss seemed unfathomable.

“We were just abso­lutely devastated,” Manda says. And she and her husband were

left searching for a way to cope. Within a week of James’ death, the Brickers received a call from WRCA, extending condolences and the assistance of the WRCA Foundation Crisis Fund.

The Brickers said the financial aid wasn’t necessary, but that simple phone call … that act of reaching out to someone in time of distress … it really hit home.

“It planted a seed in our brain,” Manda says. “We needed to do something to honor James, and it made perfect sense to do a memorial rodeo. That would have been special to him. And we wanted a WRCA rodeo in his name to benefit the crisis fund that had been extended to us.”

So, the wheels set in motion, and things came together very quickly. The James Marker Memorial Ranch Rodeo was held May of 2011 in Cherokee, OK and it was an overwhelming success. Through fundraisers such as a silent auction, the rodeo raised $10,000 for the WRCF crisis fund a record amount at the time.

During the rodeo, “we bucked out a bronc for him, which had a lot of meaning to the cowboys. He believed that no hour was wasted that was spent in the saddle. He absolutely loved horses,” Manda says.

She had solicited donations from local businesses and other cowboy gear companies that James had done business with. In talking with many of these people, ‘ yes, they were familiar with WRCA. But no, they didn’t know about the crisis fund or the scholarship fund.

“I had to spend some time speaking with these people and educating them that WRCA is not into producing rodeos,” Manda says. She explained that the association and its foundation are about something much greater protecting the cowboy lifestyle. And part of that means protecting the values that cowboys and ranchers hold dear.

When she got that phone call from WRCA, “that was just so heart-warming,” she explains, “the cowboy code, the neighborly way … just knowing that somebody cared at the other end of the line.”

“I think WRCA still embodies those values, and I think that’s something we should perpetuate getting back to when we knew who our neighbors were, and we were there to help them if they needed it.”

Manda and Ed then set up a WRCA Foundation scholarship fund in James’ name.

“It’s amazing when you can stop and do something outside of yourself to help other people,” Manda says. For them, it was part of the healing process.

During a recent interview, she was writing thank-you notes to people who had helped with the memorial rodeo, and “every time I write James Marker Memorial Ranch Rodeo, it makes me smile, because something good finally came from the bad.”

All in all, by helping WRCA and WRCA Foundation the Brickers are honoring James and ultimately helping themselves.

James Marker Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Sophie Bricker – Seymour, TX
2023 – Zane Mills – Shilder, OK
2022 – Zane Mills – Shilder, OK
2021 – Zane Mills – Shilder, OK
2020 – Gage Choate – Alpine, TX
2019 – Wiley Heath – Colome, SD
2018 – Caden Kendall – Erie, KS
2017 – Caden Kendall – Erie, KS
2016 – Cody Richardson – Adrian, TX
2015 – Cody Richardson – Adrian, TX
2014 – Bryce Howe – Crossroads, NM
2013 – Coley Shipp – Alpine, TX
2012 – Coley Shipp – Alpine, TX
2011 – Coley Shipp – Alpine, TX

Karen L. Smith Memorial Scholarship

Doug Smith, also known as “Pokey” the Clown, began clowning in 1960. Doug’s grandmother played a big part in his clowning career. When he was young, his grandmother was his treasured audience. “If you can make someone laugh, you’ve made their day a little better”, she would say to him. Pokey has made people smile and laugh for over 50 years.
In 1997, “Pokey” introduced everyone to the Junior Ranch Rodeo thru stick horses and cows on waterskies. He drove many miles and years rolling down the road gathering kids teaching them the cowboy way and introducing them to the ranch rodeo. His idea was to mirror the events showcased at ranch rodeos but geared to involve young kids ages four through sixteen. In 1998, “Pokey’s” Junior Ranch Rodeo became part of the WRCA’s World Championship Ranch Rodeo held every second weekend in November in Amarillo, Texas. They say that every good thing must come to an end, so in 2015, at the 20th World Championship Ranch Rodeo, “Pokey” brought out the last of the stick horses and gave the last set of buckles. “Pokey’s” Junior Ranch Rodeo will forever hold a spot in many hearts along with special memories.

Don’t worry you will still see “Pokey” during the World Championship as he continues to raise funds for the Working Ranch Cowboys Foundation through his 50/50, crowd favorite, and his famous “hula-hoop”. If you have a chance, and can catch him, tell him Thank You for being a tireless volunteer in a painted face and for believing, heart and soul, in making a positive difference in someone’s life.
Doug Smith “Pokey” is a true living example of someone who created what he wanted to be part of and staying true to what he set out to do! In 2012, Doug’s wife Karen, passed away and Doug came to the WRCA Foundation and asked if he could start a Memorial Scholarship in Karen’s name. With that being said, the Karen L. Smith Memorial Scholarship was created in her name.

Karen L. Smith Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Emmalee Stuart – Watrous, NM
2023 – Emmalee Stuart – Watrous, NM
2022 – Saydee Detwiler – Childress, TX
2021 – Saydee Detwiler – Childress, TX
2020 – Saydee Detwiler – Childress, TX
2019 – Katylyn Richardson – Adrian, TX
2018 – Katylyn Richardson – Adrian, TX
2017 – Katylyn Richardson – Adrian, TX
2016 – Cassidy Horn – Dalhart, TX
2015 – Cassidy Horn – Dalhart, TX
2014 – Amy Berry – Cheyenne, WY
2013 – Justin Cormack – Strawn, TX
2012 – Justin Cormack – Strawn, TX

Lisa Langford Memorial Scholarship

Lisa Dianne Langford was born on December 22, 1951 and passed away December 14, 2020. Robert and Lisa lived on the Link Ranch, where Mr. Langford was the ranch foreman for over 20 years. They both were life members of the Working Ranch Cowboys Association and spent their vacations volunteering at the World Championship Ranch Rodeo every year since 1996. They attended the 1st World Championship Ranch Rodeo in November of 1996 when they traveled with the Nail Ranch. Lisa Langford was a very loving and caring person for animals as well as people. Not only did she volunteer for the WRCA and the WRCA Foundation, but the Young County Humane Society and the Stephens County Roundup of the Heart, which is a benefit for the West Texas Rehab Center. She seldom passed up a stray dog that she did not try to catch and take to the animal shelter or keep for herself. She was right by Mr. Langford’s side pulling calves and bottle raising orphaned calves. In 2014, Mrs. Langford was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Lisa Langford Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Haley Hall – Model, CO
2023 – Haley Hall – Model, CO
2022 – Abagail Colten – Rosston, OK
2021 – Abagail Colten – Rosston, OK

Sheri Garmon Memorial Scholarship

Sheri Garmon Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Jordan Wilton – Fort Sumner, NM
2023 – Shyanne Allen – Council Grove, KS
2022 – Kaylee Bobadilla – Tonasket, WA
2021 – Kaylee Bobadilla – Tonasket, WA
2020 – Bailey Miller – Encampment, WY
2019 – Reata Collins – Pampa, TX
2018 – Reata Collins – Pampa, TX
2017 – Keely Thompson – New Underwood, SD
2016 – Keely Thompson – New Underwood, SD
2015 – Laci Kennedy – Tatum, NM
2014 – Laci Kennedy – Tatum, NM
2013 –  Cassie Foster – Faith, SD
2012 –  Cassie Foster – Faith, SD
2011 – Brenda Smith – Haswell, CO
2010 – Brenda Smith – Haswell, CO
2009 – Sara Morrison – Ruby Valley, NV
2008 – Cheyenne White – Throckmorton, TX
2007 – Cheyenne White – Throckmorton, TX
2006 – Cheyenne White – Throckmorton, TX

W.C. “Jiggs” Mann
Memorial Scholarship

This man epitomized what it meant to be a working cowboy. Winfred Carroll Mann was born March 2, 1929 and grew up out in the country near Clarendon, Texas. He left this world on August 10, 2016 at the age of 87 but what a life he led! This is a man who knew what he loved and what meant the most to him and he pursued it his entire life. He was always a working cowboy.

In 1944 at the age of 16, he set out to work on the JA Ranch in the summers on the chuck wagon, learning the ropes by watching the other cowboys. After high school graduation, he worked full time, did a short stint in the Army in 1952 but beelined back to the ranch to do what he loved, and became the wagon boss in 1953 and pursued that until 1955. From 1959 to 1969, he was the Foreman of the JA Ranch.

In 1955, he married Evelyn Wood and together, they had two children and owned and operated their own cow/calf operation starting in 1969 and ending when he retired in 2011. Anyone who has pursued this way of life know that it is all-encompassing, yet he found time to be very involved in 4H, coached Little League baseball, was a devout Baptist, was on the Clarendon College Board of Regents, was a Mason for 60 years and was a fixture in Clarendon.

Jiggs was awarded the Foy Proctor Memorial Cowman’s Award in 2001. This award recognizes the lives of people who have exhibited remarkable ability and accomplishment in their lifetimes battling the forces of nature and man to support their families and the country’s need for protein.

In 2005, he received the Cowboy Roundup USA Rancher of the Year which is judged on service to the industry, family, community and country.

The Saints Roost Pioneer Man of the Year was bestowed upon him in 2005, which is given by the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce to individuals for a lifetime of service and commitment to the community.

W.C. “Jiggs” Mann Memoiral Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Dayla King – Belen, NM 
2023 – Dayla King – Belen, NM 
2022 –  Alaina Diggs – St. John, AZ

Andy Hamilton Memorial Scholarship

Andy Hamilton Memorial Scholarship Recipents

2012 – Emily Mollohan – Sterling, CO
2011 – Emily Mollohan – Otis, CO
2010 – Haley Chesser – Roswell, NM
2009 – Haley Chesser – Roswell, NM
2008 – Haley Chesser – Roswell, NM
2007 – Haley Chesser – Roswell, NM
2006 – Haley Chesser – Roswell, NM
2005 – Thomas Richard Butler – Guthrie, TX
2004 – Aubrey “Dustin” Carter – Dickens, TX
2003 – Whitney McNeely – Crosbyton, TX

Cargill Scholarship

Cargill Scholarship Recipients

2022 – Kincaid Johnson – Nocona, TX
2021 – Kincaid Johnson – Nocona, TX
2020 – Kincaid Johnson – Nocona, TX
2019 – Bailey Allen – Council Grove, KS
2018 – Bailey Allen – Council Grove, KS

Jim Donaldson Memorial Scholarship

Jim Donaldson Memorial Scholarship Recipients

2013 – Thad Rose – Eagle Bute, SD
2012 – Thad Rose – Eagle Bute, SD
2011 – Cole Brown – Turkey, TX
2010 – Cole Brown – Turkey, TX
2009 – Denny Burnett – Hope, NM
2008 – Michelle Green – Solano, NM
2007 – Michelle Green – Solano, NM
2006 – Michelle Green – Solano, NM

Louise M. Davies Scholarship

Louise M. Davies Scholarship Recipients

2003 – Kacie Marin – Vinton, CA

Pryor Creek Ranch Rodeo Scholarship

Pryor Creek Ranch Rodeo Scholarship Recipients

2016 – Cody Branch – Cleveland, OK
2015 – Kalyn McKibben – Wyandotte, OK
2014 – Kalyn McKibben – Wyandotte, OK
2013 – Kalyn McKibben – Wyandotte, OK
2012 – Shaun Strickland – Hominy, OK
2011 – Chelsi Wright – Nowata, OK