Drill team competition and playday raise funds for injured teammate

By LORI COPE | East Texas Edition

Members of the Tejas Riders of Palestine go through the paces during competition. -Staff photo by Cope

March 28, 2002 -- Cold, damp weather didn't dampen the friendly, competitive spirit of those gathered at the March 16 Texas Star Drill Team Alliance Competition and Benefit Playday at Grand Saline's rodeo arena.

A total of $3,422.88 was raised at the event to benefit Vicki Dugan Page, Texas Spirit Riders co-captain, who was seriously injured Feb. 16 at a Greenville rodeo. Page, suffering from serious a head injury and bruised lung, was taken by air ambulance to Methodist Hospital in Dallas.

On March 18, Page was released from the hospital and is staying with her brother in Grand Saline. She has begun rehabilitation. "She has a long road ahead," said Paula Bevill, Texas Spirit Riders captain, of her friend. "Vicki is improving daily and her memory is improving. ... Thanks to everyone for the out-pouring of calls, prayers, and many thoughts of kindness."

Bevill and the Texas Spirit Riders drill team members, plus the Grand Saline Rodeo Association, hosted the Drill Team Competition and Playday to raise money for Page's hospital expenses. They also have worked to collect donations of horse feed, hay, and dog food to help care for her animals.

Of the March 16 event, Bevill added, "Thanks to all the people who donated money, some we didn't even know who they were, and the workers who worked so hard all day long. ... It is only through the help of caring and generous people around our East Texas area that we were able to put on the benefit to help Vicki Page."

To open the event, a special prayer was offered for Page as her horse, brushed sleek and wearing a ring of yellow roses, was led into the arena.

Drill team competition then got under way with approximately 75 riders from five drill teams entering the morning's event. The judges announced the winners around midday: Red River Riders, Clarksville, first place; Texas Spirit Riders, Grand Saline, second place; Lady Outlaws, Bonham, third place; Tejas Riders, Palestine, fourth place; and Mesquite Mounted Square Dancers, Mesquite, fifth place.

About 45 riders competed in the afternoon's benefit playday. High point winners were determined in each age group:

8 and under - Morgan McAfee, Alba; 9-13 - Julie Farrell, Canton; 14-18 - Holly Brandon, Wills Point; and 19 and over - Fay Morgan, Campbell.

Donations for Vicki Page are still being accepted at Austin Bank in Emory and Ya'll Come Back Cafe in Emory.

Texas Spirit Riders captain Paula Bevill waves to the crowd at the March 16 event. Injured rider Vicki Page serves as the Spirit Riders' co-captain. -Staff photo by Cope

At right, Barry Bevill, president of the Spirit Riders, led Page's horse into the arena during the opening ceremony. A special prayer was given. -Staff photo by Cope