Golden Community Rodeo and Teva Games Eastern and Results:

By Ben Guska

For the first time since I was 16, I decided to make my trek back to the Golden Whitewater Park. I had been invited to help judge the 1st community rodeo of the year which also happens to be the Eastern Team Qualifier for the Teva Mountain Games East VS. West amateur rodeo! This is one of the most highlighted competitions for Colorado known as the feud between the Front rangers (known as the 303) and the Western Slopers (known as the 970) will get a chance to grasp the bragging rights for the year. I can personally relate to this event as I was on the Western Team the first time it was held. And for a side note the West is undefeated!

I was thoroughly impressed with the community support for the event. This is one of the most basic grassroots events I have seen in a long time. They give prizes out all the way to fifth place, as well as some categories such as best swim. Trivia questions answered correctly throughout the event got you free swag…. Or if you just looked like you need swag you got it! Big thanks to Mark Cohen from Keene Footwear for being our shuttle service and for the hospitality! Also want to thank Gary Mullens.

This years Western Team includes my good friend who I have been traveling with for over 3 months `19 year old Nic Vanderhoof of Glenwood Springs CO. The Eastern team consisted of Amy Leppo, Zack Mitchell, and Eric Bissell.

Eastern Team finally takes the title!

Well it’s been four long years of waiting for this day. The Eastern team came up ahead by just 8 points taking the undefeated west by surprise! The rides of the day consisted of air-wheels and loops to take it home. A close call indeed but the bragging rights finally go to the Front Range!