Sports Editor

Someday there might be a sign posted by Goodwell's city limits on Kasey Etbauer becoming the 2009 women's heeling World Champion.
By then, she might have become accustomed to the title.
"I got my saddle and I got my buckles and everything," she said of the award ceremony after winning Women's Professional Rodeo Association's title at the recently held World Finals in Tulsa.
"But, it really hasn't sunk in yet. It was exciting because I had it won before going in. I just never expected myself to be in this position."
According to the event's results, Etbauer was the only competitor who didn't think she had a shot at winning a World Championship. She came into the final round with such a commanding lead, there was no doubt Etbauer would win.
Although she dominated the heeling event, Etbauer admitted was surprised with the announcement.
 "I ended up lucking out I guess. When they called my name and you're getting that saddle and buckle, you're thinking: 'Finally.' You realize you got what you've been working for all year."
In Etbauer's specialty, it takes a good partner to achieve success.
"The event for me is team roping. So I'm not the only person involved," she explained. Brandy Mueller is my partner.
 Probably the hardest part for me is doing my job right so you're helping out your partner as much as you can."
Etbauer explained her success as a heeler comes from good timing.
“I’m watching the steer in the chute before it even leaves. I don't take my eyes off the steer. Some people watch the header. Some people watch the steer. I watch the steer first. That's how I do it.
“ If I can get out and get where I'm suppose to be before Brandy throws her rope, I know I've got a good shot on what I have to do."
Both women met each other three years ago.
 The partnership among Etbauer and Mueller, who lives in Guymon, jelled quickly.
 "We met up and starting roping together and we hit it off right away," said Etbauer. "We roped good together and we won a lot of money together. So we just kept going."
In Tulsa, Mueller scored high enough to become the Rodeo's World reserve champion.
Although Rodeo is a life passion for Etbauer. She is not a professional rider and doesn't plan on becoming one
."I don't rodeo for a living. I'm probably starve to death if I did. It's something that I do because I enjoy it and it is fun."
When Kasey is not competing or practicing, she assists her husband, Dan in breaking colts.
When it comes to the trappings of becoming a World Champion. Etbauer is humble.
"It makes you feel really good about it. You get the congratulations and then you good back to work," she said.
 "Nobody treats me different and I don't what to be treated any different."