It was an accomplishment not often achieved at the Meeker Classic – this year, Faansie Basson and 7 year-old Jack came to Meeker to do some serious business. The sheep were unusually tough this year with only 48% of the 135 preliminary runs seeing a score. Oppressive heat during the preliminary runs made it all the more difficult to complete a run. Faansie and Jack found the right formula, exerting pressure when needed and keeping the sheep in control throughout all three of their runs.
The team claimed the High Score on Friday with an 85 – this was the highest Preliminary Score for all 135 runs. They went to get the High Score on Saturday for the Semi-Finals and Sunday for the Finals, thus winning all three phases of the competition. Faansie, originally from South Africa, calls Hico, Texas home, but spends time in Meeker with Paul and Renae Nielsen and family. He’s a sheepman and a dog handler known across the world for his gift with dogs and livestock.
Barbara Ray and six-year old Grant, Millboro,Virginia were Reserve Champions for the second year in a row. Barbara has been a contender in the Meeker Finals for multiple years. Following in third place, only a point behind Barbara and Grant, was Faansie with his second dog – four year old Finn. It was a strong line up of 12 dogs in the Finals – they’d beaten the odds against them through the preliminaries and Semi-Finals. Each component of the course proved difficult and when they sheep had been gathered and brought into the infield, the challenges remained through the drive panels, the shedding and the pen.
The 2022 Meeker Classic was marked with good attendance, warm weather and great volunteers. Winners for the 2022 Art and Photography Contest and Show were recognized on Thursday evening’s Art Reception at Ute Park. Carolyn Coon, Easton, MD received top honors for the Art Division with her piece titled “Away”. The artwork will be used on the 2023 Meeker Classic Poster and other marketing Materials. Kathy Mazzola, Princeton, TX had the winning Photography Piece titled “Chewing the Cud”.
Four hundred school children from across Northwestern Colorado visited the Meeker Classic for a free day of education and fun. Organized by Trudy Burri, the students visited with Handlers, learned about beekeeping, pottery, wool and fiber and many other subjects. Generous sponsors have made it possible to offer this opportunity to the area students and schools with no expense to the schools or students.
Saturday evening’s Jammin’ Lamb Fest was a standing room only crowd at the fairgrounds. A Colorado Grown and Raised Meal featuring Lamb was prepared by the Rio Blanco County Wool Growers, Lions Club and Meeker’s FCCLA students. Attendees enjoyed the great food and Meeker hospitality for the evening.
The saying “it takes a village” is so appropriate in the sense of the Meeker Classic. The numerous volunteers and community members that gave of their time, talent and resources create this annual event that keeps bringing folks back to the Meeker Classic each year. Newcomers are in awe of the Meeker hospitality while the repeat visitors look forward to the annual gathering as a reunion of sorts. The Meeker Classic can’t be prouder of the young people that helped set up the event, volunteered for the education program and the parking lot and prepared fresh peach crisp for the Jammin’ Lamb Fest. These young people represent our community in the best possible way.
By MAYM CUNNINGHAM – Special to the Herald Times
