Siblings win top rodeo awards at Alaska State Fair

PALMER — Two members of the Willis family earned top honors at the Alaska State Fair Rodeo, late last month at the Alaska State Fairgrounds in Palmer.

Garrett Willis was named the event’s All-Around Cowboy following the event, and his sister Callie earned All-Around Cowgirl honors.

Each Willis sibling placed in several events.

Garrett, along with Tom Blazka, earned first in the team roping. He teammed with Jake Lowery to take second in the double mugging. Garrett and Callie joined to take third in the ribbon roping.

Callie and Steve Cook finished second in the team roping. Callie also earned a pair of individual awards, finishing first in the breakaway roping and third in the barrel racing.

More than $7,000 in prize money was paid out during the 2007 event. Ed Starkey, of Cody, Wyo., was the announcer for the event, Howard Larson, of Washington, was brought to Palmer to judge the competition. And Wasilla’s Charlie Willis was the producer of the rodeo for the second consecutive year.

2007 Alaska State Fair Rodeo

Aug. 25-26, Palmer

All-Around Cowboy: Garrett Willis

All-Around Cowgirl: Callie Willis

Bull riding — 1. John David Wilson, 2. Ray Smith, 3. Bobby D. Smith, 4. Jason Makris 4. (ite) Lance Rowe.

Bareback riding — 1. Ricky Jones.

Team roping — 1. Garrett Willis/ Tom Blazka, 2. Callie Willis/ Steve Cook, 3. Stephen Primera/ Scooter Hackett, 4. Bobby Moriarty/ Mike Blore.

Double mugging — 1. Bobby Moriarty/ Jake McGrace, 2. Jake Lowery/ Garrett Willis, 3. Mike Sakraida, Ricky Jones.

Ribbon roping — 1. Bobby Moriarty/ Kaylee McDermott, 2. Jan Feller/ RJ Eppers, 3. Callie Willis/ Garrett Willis, 4. Mike Blore/ Shirley Schollenberg.

Breakaway roping — 1. Callie Willis, 2. Hydee Hone.

Barrel racing — 1. Cheyenne Blazka, 2. Melissa Fowler, 3. Callie Willis, 4. Lindsay Schnabl.