GREELEY (AP) – Jerod Lichtenberg became a Greeley Stampede wrangler because he wanted to drive a tractor for the demolition derby.
This is his 19th year volunteering as a wrangler, and although he hasn’t driven a tractor for the demolition derby yet, his fellow wranglers recently recognized him with the Top Hand Award for 2014 at the rodeo.
Lichtenberg earned the prestigious title working at the stampede’s rodeo, and yes, he does get to drive a tractor there, he said with a smile.
The honor of Top Hand means Lichtenberg’s service as a wrangler caused him to stand out for his dedication and tendency to go above and beyond the responsibilities of a wrangler. That’s not an easy task; more than 300 people volunteer as wranglers, said Kent Hoffman, a fellow wrangler and previous Top Hand.
Each year a wrangler from each area of work gets nominated as a wrangler of the year, then in September the membership votes to select the top four. From there, a panel of the past five years’ Top Hands selects the next Top Hand, wranglers President Ruth Walter said.
Wranglers volunteer their time, not just during the Stampede, but all year to help with events, meetings and other tasks. During the Stampede itself, wranglers often arrive before the sun rises and don’t head home until long after it sets.
Lichtenberg said he usually gets to Island Grove Regional Park about 5 a.m. to help prepare the rodeo arena. Throughout the day, he does whatever the situation requires to get the arena ready for the day’s events.
Sometimes a day of setting up, tearing down and more keeps him at work until after 1 a.m.
When Lichtenberg’s not volunteering as a wrangler, the Eaton resident works as an electrician with B&M Electric. Even on Stampede days, he endeavors to get some of his paying work done. On days with late rodeo events, for example, he’ll get some work done in the early morning before heading to the Stampede to work through the rest of the day and night, he said.
Long hours and no pay might dissuade some, but Lichtenberg keeps volunteering each year. Seeing expressions of joy and happiness on the faces of fans and spectators makes the job worth it, he said.
