SDHSRA Annual General Membership Meeting Minutes
September 27, 2025 9:00 am CST Ramkota, Pierre, SD
The Annual General Membership meeting was called to order by President Brad McGirr at 9:03 AM, Saturday, September 27, 2025.
The pledge of allegiance was led by the Student Officers and Queen- Payton Routier and Atty Eastman.
Roll call was taken by Secretary Amy Johnson. Layton Zoss was standing in for Student President Brady Meyer. Shane Kramme, Host Committee; Patsy Schoellerman, Queen Coordinator; Brady Meyer, Student President; Adley Aman, Student Secretary were absent. All other members and Directors present.
President Brad McGirr presented the agenda and asked for any additions or corrections, Justin Pihl entertained a motion, second by Shawn Reis, to accept the agenda as presented. Motion carried. The minutes of the 2025 State Finals were presented by Amy Johnson. President Brad asked for any additions or corrections to the State Finals meeting, none were presented. A motion was entertained by Justin Robertson to move forward without the reading of the minutes and to accept them as presented, second by Justin Heath, motion carried.
Ann Sundermann called into the meeting to present the detailed financial report to the SDHSRA Board for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025. She went through the balance sheet for the fiscal year line by line, referring to the overhead screen for the public audience. Included information presented in her report:
The Treasures Report for the fiscal year end of August 31st, 2025 for the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association was reported by SDHSRA Treasurer, Ann Sundermann.
Ann presented a detailed Treasurers report to include:
Total in all bank accounts at this time $299,451.00.
There is $0 due in accounts receivable.
Current assets of $200 in the petty cash.
Total of undeposited funds checks received this week was $699.00.
Total current assets is $300,351.03.
Accumulated depreciation remains the same.
Accountant will be making the adjustment for the new copy machine that were purchased.
CDs have all increased slightly and the CD ending in 7912 was rolled over for another 6 months, per the Executive Committee approval.
There are outstanding payments on the credit card for the National Director expense, Amy will make those and have the accountant make any adjustments as needed to that credit card.
There are the normal outstanding payroll liabilities to be paid by the next report deadline.
Retained earnings was $355,841.00 – which puts the association at a net income compared to 2024 of -33,41056 total
Liabilities and Equity equaling $331,000.34. Of that money, the amount that is accessible if needed immediately would be $39,000.00 in the general fund. In the savings account there would be $31,000; in the Scholarship account $40,000. The remaining balance in the Scholarship fund is held for scholarships that are held in that account to earn the higher interest rate earned.
There was a large decrease in the amount of scholarships paid because, as noted, last year it was an unusual year where quite a few of those scholarships came due, indicating the lesser amount shown for scholarships paid in 2025.
Ann asked for any questions:
Brad noted an item on the 2024 State Finals financials and pointed that out. Ann asked for any other questions and none were presented.
2024-2025 year end and State High School Finals Rodeo financial reports were approved as presented.
For the State High School Finals Rodeo in 2025 the financials are as follows in comparison to 2024. Announcers were $600 more, advertising was $85 less and total Buckle expense was $1,495 less. The facilities to host was $550 more and the ground cost us $980 more. The judges were $2,331.10 more, the Personnel in total cost of $725 less, a pickup men cost us $809.70 more. Other awards in plaques were $247 less, programs were $401 more, and the queen contest cost us $47.20 more. Rooms were more at $2,892.71, Saddles were more at $3,533.86, Saddle racks were more at $300, security was more at $383.75, sponsor commission for obtaining sponsors for PR director and Treasurer was $50 less. The stock total in all was $2,372 more supplies were down significantly at $2,943.07 less, timers and recorders cost us $400 more for a total expense of $191,651.51. For the State High School Finals Rodeo of 2025 on the income side the arena sponsors were $500 less, the queen sponsorships were only $20 less, the performance sponsorships were $1,000 more, profit share was $800 less, saddle sponsors were $2,633 more, Saddle Rack sponsorships were $150 more, facility fees were $550 more and the gate was significantly more at $3,886.75. The raffle was $53 less and security fees income was $80 less for a total income of $186,000, with that the total gain in state Finals Rodeo was a positive of $5,616.15, so we did do more and we’re in the black at state finals in 2025.
Motion by Nate to accept the financial report presented, second by Jeremy Meeks, motion carried.
The State Finals Committee gave a report given from finals. Scott Deal stated that the State Finals were ran well on their end. He was happy with how the improvements went over and looks forward to making some more in the next year. Next year, one of the barns will be gone to make room for more stalls, and Scott plans on marking out the parking to make for better parking.
Justin Robertson made a motion to accept the State Finals Report, Dale seconded the motion, motion carried.
The Calendar Report, presented by Donna Curr. In 2024-2025, the members sold 8,625 calendars. In preparation for this coming year, 9,600 calendars are being printed for the members to sell. Calendar sales funded 59 SDHSRA members with travel money to go to nationals. The monthly calendar drawings totaled $4560.00, of that $400 was donated back to the association. Calendar coats were given to 135 members who sold 30 or more calendars, 155 members received sweatshirts and 282 received t-shirts for their calendar sales.
Justin Pihl made a motion to accept the calendar report presented, Shawn Reis seconded, motion carried.
The National Directors Report was given by NHSRA President, Dale Christensen. NHSRA President Dale Christensen reported that during his term as president he saw a lot more behind the scenes. During his term he was fortunate to host the national meeting in Deadwood, SD and applauded many of the SDHSRA Board members who were able to come out to the event and support him. President Dale reported that SDHSRA Queen did a great job at nationals representing South Dakota, and did a great speech. During the finals, the National Board faced an issue with an illegal substance being used on saddle bronc saddles. At the NHSRA level, it is an automatic disqualification in all your events, if you break a rule. Going forward Dale along with other national directors are going to have this addressed during the equipment check and needs to be addressed at the state level as well. Next year’s National Finals will be held in Lincoln, NE, they are working hard to make it a great finals for all, but things will be tight, and to be prepared.
Perry Moody made a motion to accept the National Directors Report, Shawn Reis seconded the motion, motion carried.
Marty Phillips gave a Public Relations report. The cost is increasing across the board as we are all aware. The main goal for Marty is to keep the expense away from the kids. There has been an increase for money to the sponsors this year, for the past years the association has been covering the extra costs, this year we have notified saddle sponsors with a letter that the sponsorship has increased. The sponsors are understanding and Marty is looking for ways to be sure the sponsors are getting the most out of their sponsorship.
Dale made a motion to approve the Public Relations report, Bryce seconded the motion, motion carried.
Atty Eastman read the Queen Report provided by Patsy Schoellerman, who could not be at the meeting. For the State Finals Queen contest, there were 3 contestants, Atty Eastman was crowned 2025 SDHSRA queen and represented South Dakota well at NHSFR, placing in the top 20. Looking ahead Patsy stated that she would like to appoint Kellie Yackley and Kellie Ostenson as well as herself as co-coordinators for the queen contest.
Dale made a motion to approve Patsy Schoellerman, Kellie Yackley and Kellie Ostenson as co-coordinators, Nate seconded motion, motion approved.
No other Old Business
New Business:
The next item on the agenda, By-Law proposals that were submitted. The first proposal was presented by President Brad McGirr. Brad explained the proposal and answered questions from the Board and audience. In accordance with the By-Laws, a ballot vote was taken of current adult members of the association present at the meeting. A 2/3 majority vote is needed to pass
By-law passed
Section 4.a to add
At the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association State Finals Rodeo (“State Finals Rodeo”) the contestants shall elect a President, Vice President, Secretary and Student Public Relations Director
Regional Rodeo Financial Statement Review was next on the agenda. Motion by Bryce, second by Scott to approve. Motion carried
Ten Minute break 9:29
Regional Rodeo Application approvals
Motion made by Dale for the Northwest Regional rodeos to be held at Buffalo and Dupree, Justin Heath seconded, motion carried.
Shawn Reis made a motion for the River Regional rodeos to be held at Kadoka and Winner, seconded by Nate, motion approved.
Scott made a motion for the Southwest Regional rodeos be held at Wall and New Underwood seconded by Justin Robertson, motion carried.
Discussion was held for the East Regional rodeo locations between Huron, Watertown and Mitchell. Jeremy made motion to keep Watertown and Huron as East Regional rodeo locations, Perry second, motion carried
Approval of out of state member transfers. Amy presented those on the list Discussion held on whether it hurts our sponsorship when awards go to out of state members. Marty noted that our award sponsors are great and have not expressed any of these concerns. Jeremy Stevens made a motion to approve the out of state transfers, Justin Robertson seconded, motion carried.
SDHSJH report was read by President Brad, sent by Tyler Haugen.
The 2025 South Dakota Junior High Rodeo Association had another great year. We had a total of 208 competing members which is our biggest year to date. We put on two weekends of regional rodeos, one in Rapid City and one in the Dex Center in Huron. We hosted state finals the third week in May in Rapid City. At the end of it we sent 46 kids to the National Junior High Finals in Des Moines Iowa where we had 12 kids compete in the short round and ended up 12th overall in team standings. The growth in the junior high division in South Dakota continues to be exciting. Our sponsorships continue to grow as well. We’ve been able to provide saddles to each event winner for five years now. Financially, our association remains stable. Our financials will be posted on the website along with our minutes from our fall meeting that we just had. Thank you very much.
Dale made a motion to approve the SDJHRA report, Justin Heath seconded the motion, motion carried.
The regions met in their own area at this time and voted for their Regional Directors. The results are as follows:
- Jeremy Stevens– East Director at Large re-elected
- Shawn Reis – River Region director re-elected
Marty made a motion to approve the new directors, Justin Heath seconded, motion carried.
Designated date and place for SDHSRA Winter Meeting will be at the Monument, Saturday January 31, 2025, 9:00 am MST
20X Rodeo Invite List is posted on the Website and Social Media sites. Contact Kim Sutton if you see an error.
Atty Eastman gave her Queen Speech from NHSFR.
Motion by Justin Robertson, second by Nate to adjourn the Annual General Membership meeting of the SDHSRA. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 12:09
Respectfully reported by Amy Johnson
SDHSRA Annual General Membership Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2025
9:00 am MT
Everest Room, Rapid City
The Annual General Membership meeting was called to order by President Brad McGirr at 9:00 AM, February 1, 2025.
The pledge of allegiance was led by Student Vice President, Brady Meyer.
Roll call was taken by Secretary Amy Johnson. Absent for the meeting was Director Jeremy Meeks, Host committee Shane Kramme, and student president Sern Weishaar. Lance Lesmeister attended the meeting in place of Jeremy Meeks. All other members and directors were present.
President Brad McGirr presented the agenda and asked for any additions for the agenda, Brad McGirr added to the agenda the Western Justice Fund. Scott Deal made a motion to approve the agenda with the addition, Nate Grueb seconded the motion, MC.
The 2024 Annual General Membership meeting minutes were presented by Amy Johnson, President Brad asked for a motion to dispense of reading the minutes, Justin Robertson made a motion to dispense of the reading and approve the minutes, Scott seconded the motion, MC.
Financial Report by Treasurer Ann Sundermann
Renewed Cd that was due on 1/2028, it was approved by the Executive Committee. It is in a 7 month at 3.83%
A Credit Card processing fee of 3% was added to the transactions.
A check for the saddles was written to Triple R Tack for $32,343.58 last week.
Sponsorships for the National Team and State Finals, that have been secured by Ann and Marty total $48,850.00. These are not indicated in the AR and will be billed after the Stock Show. An amount of $24,100.00 left to secure would match last year’s contributions.
There is $5,450.00 left unpaid from committed sponsorships from 2024. Justin Pihl has been trying to help collect these funds.
Anticipated upcoming NHSRA meeting expenses and sponsorship include $10,000.00; the copy machine will be transferred from Ann’s house to Amy’s and Ann will need a smaller tabletop model to use.
All Accounts were reviewed, there are no bills to pay at this time. Ann asked for questions from the Board of Directors and others in the room, none were offered.
Justin Pihl made a motion to approve the financial report, Jeremy Stevens seconded the motion, MC.
The next item of business is the National Director Report from Dale Christensen. Dale noted that the National Winter Meeting held last weekend was a huge success and was one of the largest attended meetings to date. Dale thanked everyone who attended, and for the Board’s support at the event.
A few important rules that were passed at the National Meeting were: western attire rule was passed; shirts must be tucked in at all times; Yeti coolers will be a new exclusive sponsor this year; No bull fighters under the age of 18; if there is an event that occurs that isn’t covered under our rule book, refer to PRCA or WPRA rule book.
Dale and some of the other national directors will travel to Missouri and Lincoln to review the facilities for possible future NHSRF locations. The 2025 finals will be held again in Rock Springs. Rock Springs ensured that they are working to improve the location this year and SDHSRA will have 44 full/dry camping spots, each person will only get one spot.
Next is the addition to the agenda is the Western Justice Fund. The Western Justice Fund is working against the Horse Protection Act, which would make things very difficult in the equine industry. For more information on this act visit westernjustice.info. Dale stated that the best way to help fight this act is to give financially but advised the Board to wait to give any funds until after the 60 day hold President Trump put on this act. It was discussed that this could possibly be a good area to distribute the Gary Vance memorial donation.
The Calendar Chair Report was presented by Donna Curr. To date 9,600 calendars have been printed and distributed. The postage is down this year; the calendars seem to be in good locations for the members to be able to have access to them. Currently there are 6,000 calendars that have been sold and monies turned in. As of right now there are 235 members who have not sold their required 6 calendars.
This year Donna has worked with Tami Pfleger on different prizes and appreciates her donations. Today Donna and Marty will work with the student directors and queen to pick out the prizes/shirts/coats for calendar sales and national qualifiers.
The social media report was presented by the Social Media Manager Halie Ruff. Overall, the social engagement numbers are up. Its report numbers were run from September to date.
President Brad brought an idea from the national meeting to Halie about implementing an Alumni group within the state. The national level is revamping that, in a way to get alumni involved. Halie thought possibly hosting an Alumni event at the State Finals, we will see what this looks like and bring it to the public when it’s ready. Also looking at different ways to get the student members involved with helping with content on social media platforms.
Ann read the Queen report that was submitted by Queen Coordinator Patsy Schollerman, who was absent for a funeral. Patsy is currently working on the 2025 scoring sheets and looking for judges for the finals, welcoming any suggestions. Something to consider for the 2025 finals is to move the contest ahead an hour or more to help avoid conflict for the queen contestants who are also in the cutting. Patsy is looking for a co-coordinator to be on site during the contest on Tuesday and Wednesday, as she has a work conflict. The queen contestant applications are due April 15th.
Old Business:
Schedule changes for 2025
-The Queen contest will start two hours earlier to accommodate any contestants who are in Cutting and RCH.
– Boys cutting will be first in 2025
There was discussion about the start time of the short go, with a letter that was sent in from the vendors at last year’s finals. The student officers present stated that they liked the time of the short go and would like it to stay the same. The fun event hosted by the Host Committee for contestants will be moved closer to the grandstands to help the flow of traffic to the vendors.
Justin Robertson on the Judges Committee, presented the judges contacted for the finals. For the north arena Craig Miller, Darin Boots, and Bruce Keller. The judges for the South Arena; JR Clark, Jake Clark and Bailey Tibbs.
Other discussion was to move one of the girl’s events from the South Arena to the North Arena. The goat tying would be the best event to move, starting the rodeo with goat tying. After all the arena improvements, it makes the most sense to have barrels and poles in the same area that has had all the work. The final decision was to start the rodeo with tie down in the south arena, and goat tying in the North Arena.
Nate made a motion to approve the judges selected, Shawn Reis second the motion, motion carried.
Justin Health presented the Reined Cow Horse judges; Bruce Keller and Justin Lawrence. The Cutting judges; Bruce Keller and Jim Halligan. Dale made a motion to approve the Reined Cow Horse judges and Cutting judges, Scott Deal seconded the motion, Motion carried.
Stock Selection Committee presented the Cutting and RCH cattle will be contracted by Shane Cowan. Justin Robertson. Perry and Jeremy are meeting for rough stock selection. Justin Robertson has two bids for the timed event stock, from Brent Belkham and Denton Good. Discussion on the stock selection was to ask for more extras to sort from. Nate made the motion to accept Brent Belkham and Justin Heath second, motion carried.
Goat tying stock; Cheryl Severson presented the board with a letter stating that she is stepping back from contracting and would highly recommend Layton Zoss and Hudson Fouberg to do the contracting for $14 a run. Dale made a motion to accept Layton and Hudson at $14 a run, Jeremy second motion and motion carried.
Dale noted that the announcers for finals will be Sugar Ray Quinn and Terri Kissack, they are both requesting $50 a more a day increase from last year. Jeremy made the motion to increase the announcer pay $50 a day, Bryce seconded motion, motion carried.
15 min break
Following the break Marty Phillips reported to the Board the student decisions of the calendar awards, calendar sweatshirts, short go shirts, national team coats and buckles.
Ann reported to the Board the saddle sponsors are taken care of and saddles are on track to arrive for state finals.
Dale is going to talk to the saddle rack makers to make sure they are still wanting to produce them this year. This item will be tabled.
Scott reported on the host site report:
There was 400 tons of washed sand added and worked in for two weeks this fall to the south arena. This spring he will do a soil sample and will discuss with Jay for further ground prep. Stanley County Commissioners have spent what they want to spend on the ground conditions.
Scott is moving in new bleachers to the south arena, that were donated. This will be a nice addition to the seating for that arena. Grossenburg Implement and Kubota will sponsor arena drags again this year.
Toni is working with Vendors for this year. Ann asked if it was possible to move the goat roping closer to the stands for the vendors. Noting that the only problem is that they must stop for the awards when that ceremony begins.
Toni will be doing special events for the contestants, setting up volleyball net for them.
Call in for hook-ups will take place Monday April 14th 6 pm -8pm, adding a 3rd number to have more available phone lines.
Concessions are not confirmed yet. Confirming youth center for national meeting and Shane will do breakfast again.
There will be a host hotel again this year (My Place), the deadline for rooms to be booked for Board and personnel is May 1st.
Patty Gilbert will graciously be at State Finals to provide sports medicine services, in the sports medicine trailer. Also thanking Monument Health for their support at finals again.
Note the change this year for the Stanley County waiver, all the contestants are required to fill one out.
Arena Director designations are as follows:
Cutting Arena, Justin Heath; Reined Cow Horse – Jeremy Stevens; Timed Event Arena (South)- Nate Grueb; Rough Stock arena (north)- Justin Robertson
Perry Moody presented the bullfighters to vote on – Austin Tilton, Luke Heninger, Cash Heath, Brenen Robertson. Jeremy Stevens made a motion to hire Luke and Austin for bullfighting, Dale seconded the motion, motion carried.
The Pickup men for selection are Joe Wishard, JJ Hunt, and Denton good. A motion was made by Jeremy for Joe Wishard and JJ Hunt to be the Pickup men, seconded by Nate, motion carried.
Admission prices for state finals were discussed; it was noted to change the short round pass to $20 and the day pass to be $15. Jeremy Stevens made a motion to accept the change in admission prices, Scott second the motion, motion carried.
Security- Justin Pihl: Justin Pihl reported on State Finals Security, noting that the price from last year did go up. Mountain States Security went from $1,600 to $2,185 for one guard Tuesday to Sunday, it would be less if the Board decides to not have security on Tuesday. Perry made a motion to hire Mountain States Security starting Wednesday till Sunday, Justin Heath seconded motion, motion carried.
The Board of Directors will have a rodeo production meeting on Wednesday between rounds to go over positions and duties. Also will meet at 9:00 am on Saturday to decide on awards that need to be handed out at the Saturday awards.
Saddle racks: The saddle rack company (Glendon Shearer) would like to do racks again this year. Glendon did inform Dale that the price of the racks did go up this year, $16. Bryce made a motion to accept $250 for the saddle rack sponsors and to go ahead with saddle racks, Justin Robertson seconded motion, motion carried.
New Business:
Steve and Kim Sutton met with the Board to go over 20X rodeo details. The arena opens at 8:00 am to 9:00 am for warming up. The calves have been to Odessa and the steers are a little fresher. Suttons asked Dale if he would like to ride on stagecoach. New this year, The Western Legacy Foundation had added an additional scholarship to be awarded.
Ryan Richardson spoke with the Board about stock draw. Ryan brought his concerns that the stock that come into the short go doesn’t necessarily showcase the best draw, because some stock come in on points not average. Feels that the stock in the short go should be in the draw because of the average standings. There was no action taken on this.
Rodeo approvals for 2024-2025 season were signed and approved by the Board.
Brad asked for Legendary Honoree nominations, the nominations are Kenny and Dana Ingalls nominated by Dee Haugen, Ann Sundermann nominated Lance Lesmeister and Nate Grueb nominated Bud Longbrake. Nominations ceased and to vote for two of the nominees. The vote was taken by written ballot, votes counted, and Bud Longbrake and Lance Lesmeister are the 2025 Legendary Honorees.
Region transfers were approved by the Board of Directors.
NHSRA Merit scholarship committee this year is the executive committee.
Social media policy discussion was brought up at the national meeting. NHSRA has implemented a social media contract, and has sent each state the template to follow. The current ground rule does cover a social media infraction.
Discussion- Marty Phillips asked to know who would regulate the disqualification of a contestant if there was an infraction to the rule. The Board feels it necessary that if there is an infraction of the rule then it will go to the whole Board for decision vs going to the executive committee for final decision.
Dale made a motion to implement a social media policy from the NHSRA with the provisions that Texas made to their ground rule at the state level, to include the whole Board in the decision making. Scott seconded this motion, motion carried.
Jimmy Nicholas talked to the Board about doing college rodeo 101 presentations. This would be an event he would host to help rodeo members transition from high school rodeo to college rodeo. The Board supported this and would be sure to post any events to our social media.
Brad asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting, Justin Robertson made a motion to adjourn, Jeremy Stevens seconded the motion, motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
SDHSRA Secretary, Amy Johnson