Manhattan, KS –It is two-in-a-row for the winners of the 2018 Kansas Cowboy Poetry contest held at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, as both Danny McCurry and Tim Keane were able to claim championships in their respective categories for the second straight year. McCurry, from Ash Grove, Missouri , won first place in the serious poem category and Keane of rural Manhattan won in the humorous poem category.
Tim Keane and Danny McCurry.
“It takes an outstanding effort to win two years straight,” said state poetry contest chair Ron Wilson of Manhattan. Final results were as follows: Serious – 1st, Danny McCurry, Ash Grove, Missouri; 2nd, Tim Keane, Manhattan; and 3rd Scott Wiswell, Valley Center. Humorous – 1st, Tim Keane, Manhattan; 2nd, Betty Burlingham, Manhattan; and 3rd, Jerry Jones, Salina.
Only those who finished in the top tier of the regional qualifying contests could compete at the state finals. Others who competed at state included John J. Cannon of Fredonia and Dana Moodie of Neodesha.
“Many thanks to our lead donor, the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, and our other sponsors: The Symphony in the Flint Hills, the Kansas Chapter of the Western Music Association; Flint Hills Discovery Center, Drovers National Hall of Fame, and Vanderbilts, Roberts Cowboy Outfitters and R Bar B Saddle Tack and Trailer and Outpost Western Wear who are donating prizes for the winners,” Wilson said. “We also appreciate the support of the Manhattan Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Manhattan Broadcasting, and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.”
Distinguished judges included K-State Teaching and Learning Center director Dr. Jana Fallin, Senator Tom Hawk of Manhattan, Marie Martin from the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, Manhattan Mayor Linda Morse, and Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.
As Kansas state champions, McCurry and Keane received the coveted Governor’s Buckle, the Saddlejack Bradrick Award, discounts and gift certificates from leading western wear stores, a one-year membership in the Kansas Chapter of the Western Music Association, two tickets to the Symphony in the Flint Hills, and the opportunity to present their poems at the Ranchland Trust luncheon and at the story circle following the symphony. Governor Jeff Colyer M.D. signed award certificates for the winners. Lieutenant Governor Tracy Mann presented the buckles to the champions during story circle time. In addition, the state winners will be invited to compete in the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo. It is not necessary to go through the state contest to enter the national rodeo because anyone can enter the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo directly, but the Kansas winners will have their entry fees paid by the Kansas contest.