December 9, 2005, Amarillo, Texas – The American Quarter Horse Association and Corporate Partner Wrangler announced the 2005 Team Wrangler winners during the 32nd AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, November 5-19.
Through a joint effort between AQHA and Wrangler, Team Wrangler is a year-long competition featuring top point-earning members of AQHA’s Professional Horsemen’s Association. AQHA Team Wrangler consists of three teams, each with 12 members: Team 20X, Team Cowboy Cut and Team Riata.
Placing first this year was Team 20X with 900 credits. Team members were: Charlie Cole, Leslie Lange, Robin Stang, Jim Ten Hoeve, Sandra Vaughn, Shane Dowdy, Brad Lund, Bill Riddle, Gilbert Ortiz, Heath Taylor, Paul Jones and Team Captain Jeff Alexander.
Each member received a $1,000 cash award from Wrangler. In addition, Wrangler made a $20,000 contribution to the American Quarter Horse Foundation scholarship fund benefiting Wrangler All-Star Team members of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association in the name of Team 20X.
Finishing second was Team Riata with 750 credits. The team members were: Randy Jacobs, Gary Werner, Tommy Sheets, Joni Naas, Bobby Lewis, J.D. Yates, Bill Kirkwood, J.J. Gonzales, Blane Schvaneveldt, William Leech, Troy Priddy and Team Captain Chuck Briggs.
Each member of Team Riata received a commemorative plaque for their second-place finish.
Team Cowboy Cut placed third in this year’s competition earning 675 credits.
The team members were: Jim McKillips, Lynn Cornelius, Karen Egly, David Warner, Vicky Holt, Janet VanBebber, Jason Martin, Gary Wells, Teddy Johnson, Ed Hardy, G.R. Carter and Team Captain Dan Trein. Members of Team Cowboy Cut received a specially designed plaque for their performances throughout 2005.
Other special awards for Team Wrangler include the exhibitor and trainer of the year. J.D. Yates from Team Riata was the exhibitor of the year, while Paul Jones from Team 20X was presented the racing trainer of the year award. They both received $2,500 and a custom-designed Montana Silversmiths belt buckle.
To learn more about Team Wrangler, visit aqha.com/association/teamwrangler/teamwrangler.html.