The Lead Rope That Binds - July 2010

by: M. Michelle Spencer
Thomas Moore once said, "Family life is full of major and minor crises -- the ups and downs of health, success and failure in career, marriage, and divorce -- and all kinds of characters. It is tied to places and events and histories. With all of these felt details, life etches itself into memory and personality. It's difficult to imagine anything more nourishing to the soul." And so is the story of Deb Wilkins and her family. From personal sacrifice, to heartache over health concerns, to the overwhelming joy of success and personal growth, there are not many things that this family has not had the chance to emotionally experience.
    Deb is the president of the Uintah Basin Can Chasers, also known as UBCC, and is proud to boast that this one of the best family organizations here in the area. Not only has this barrel racing club been a source of comfort for her own family but out of the approximate 51 members currently active in the club many of them are mother daughter duos.

    Deb herself is the proud mother of five children. Her oldest two children, twins Randy and Brandy, have been riding horses and competing in rodeos and horse shows since they were kids. Randy is the proud father of two members of the UBCC, Sequoya and Chandler while Brandy (Alcantar) currently lives and competes successfully at barrels in Texas. Deb's next daughter, local resident Christi Cook, was a competitive barrel racer in high school as well. Son Jake Wilkins made sure to find a bride who sat right in the saddle and married barrel racer, Sue Vincent, daughter of longtime UBCC member, Tamara Vincent. Deb's youngest child, Jessica Petty, also chases the cans and is mom to Hagen, current barrel racer, and Emmee who desperately wants to be a barrel racer NOW but was told no until she is older than 3.
    There has been heartache, bad news, tragedy and tough trials in their lives, but through the highs and the lows the one constant that made it possible for this family to pull together and keep those blood bonds strong has been barrel racing. Some might giggle just a smidge at the thought of such a highly competitive sport being the glue that holds this family together but as Deb would say, "It gives us a reason to work!"

    These bonds were really tested when 15 months ago Deb's youngest girl, Jessica, was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. During this time Jessica faced two surgeries and countless hours of recovery but her biggest support system was her family and Jessica's family helped to encourage her recovery by encouraging to get back in her barrel saddle and run.

    Can you say family affair?!? Well that is the point of this club. UBCC was started back in 1968 and is open to all ages. There are members as young as 7 years old like club Vice President Angie Freeland's daughter Kamryn, to women who are mature enough to not state their age but will tell you that they are older than 50. The club meets every Tuesday to run and it is a year-long series where competitors earn points in the D time classes. At the end of their year the club then compiles the points to determine who wins and the overall high point winner earns a saddle. Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday night, eh?
    UBCC is always excited to have new members and encourages you to come out and see what barrel racing is all about. For more information check out UBCC's website at http://ubbradebwilkins08.googlepages or you can email Deb herself at plus5not@yahoo.com.