The Great Plains Stampede Rodeo Committee is dedicating tonight’s rodeo performance to the memory of two young rodeo competitors - Ed Benton Drury, the son of Tim and Lisa Drury of Olustee, and Aaron Custer, the son of Cody and Stacey Custer of Elk City. Both young men were killed in a tragic vehicle accident on Aug. 16.

“The Great Plains Stampede Rodeo is pleased to be able to honor these two fine young cowboys,” explained Chris Cary, this year’s Rodeo Chairperson. “They were two of the best examples of what results when children are born into ranching families, grow up with an appreciation of their ranching heritage, and elect to be full-fledged rodeo cowboys.”

Both of the young men were rising rodeo stars. Ed was a member of the Oklahoma High School Rodeo Association, qualifying for the state finals for three years. He won the first team roping that he entered and earned his first belt buckle. He was also a member of the USTRC. Ed was a sixth generation cowboy, whose family’s roots run deep in Southwest Oklahoma. In fact, the Drurys’ western and ranching heritage was established at the beginning of the cattle drives on the Western Cattle Trail in the late 1800s.

Aaron’s family was involved in rodeo, and because of this involvement, Aaron loved the sport. His dad, Cody Custer, was a professional bull rider, so Aaron tried his hand at calf and steer riding but found his place in team roping. Having had success in the JRCA as well as Tri-State High School Rodeo, his sights were set on college and professional rodeo.

Scholarship funds have been set up in their memory at Western Oklahoma State College and Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Contributions may be made to these funds at any time by contacting either of these institutions. These scholarships will help ensure that other young promising rodeo stars will have a chance to go to college, ride for the rodeo team of their choice, and, above all else, continue with pride the rich ranching heritage of Southwest Oklahoma.