In Memory of the “Over The Hill Gang”

By: Brittany Bevis

Lately, we’ve been receiving photos from clubs across the country who are gathering to honor notable equestrians for their accomplishments earned during a year’s worth of competition. At the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association Banquet and Convention that took place in Oshkosh on January 27th, a special award was presented to honor a member who passed away.

In 1989, Bill Goggins was killed in a car accident just shortly before that year’s award’s banquet. That year, Bill was set to receive his first WQHA award for being named the High Point Novice Amateur Western Pleasure exhibitor. Instead, Bill’s family graciously asked that the Reserve Champion, Darrel Holman, be presented with the award that year.

Bill, Darrel, and their friend, Jerry Pappendorf, all competed alongside each other during that show season and had given themselves the name of “The Over The Hill Gang.” Always a funny guy, Bill used to say that the worst day he had at the horse show was better than any day at the office, where he worked as the President of the Wausau Paper Company.

Bill hadn’t grown up in a horse-loving family. He didn’t start riding or pursue competing until he was in his fifties. Following Bill’s death, his family continued to compete with his horses, because they thought it would’ve made him happy.

Receiving the Bill Goggins Memorial Award for 2017 was Melissa Baker with Dun A Little Lazy. In addition to Melissa, several other members were honored, including Hall Of Fame inductees Bob and Eleanor McKillips, Gary Rudolph, Rochester’s Star, and Reds Double Sonny. WQHYA youth members Savanna Hauer and Paige Smalkoski were also recognized with the Booster Award and Sportsmanship Award, respectively. Paige hosts a lemonade stand at WQHA shows throughout the summer and contributes the proceeds to the youth team. Erika Vandevelde was presented with the Youth Scholarship.

Nancy Holman was also presented with the Gary Rudolph Memorial Trophy. Gary passed away in September of 2015. He was a member of the Wisconsin Quarter Horse Association, serving on the Board of Directors and the State Show Committee.

Click here to view more fun photos from the banquet. If you’d like for your club’s photos to appear on EquineChronicle.com, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com.