News

Best Ruby chosen for Gobbler Gallop

by Brandi Collins, Record News Writer
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 8:20 AM CDT

Last Wednesday the 2008 Ruby Begonia Race Team, which is made up of Captain Roxanne Hanselka, Coach Erik McCowan, and Handlers Sheriff Jode Zavesky and Terri Warwas, gathered to choose this year's Ruby Begonia to participate in the 2008 Great Gobbler Gallop.

Race team practice The 2008 Ruby Begonia Race Team recently took Ruby for a practice run to start preparing for the the Great Gobbler Gallop. This year’s Ruby was selected from two semi-finalist birds last week. Shown, from left, are team members Terry Warwas, Roxanne Hanselka, Ruby Begonia, Erik McCowan, and Sheriff Jode Zavesky. (Record photo)

After narrowing down the flock to two birds the team tested the waters by running with each bird separately.

The first bird put to the test was a little too feisty for team members and seemed prone to take flight. The second bird however was a bit easier to handle and seems to have what it takes to be a winning bird.

McCowan said, “This one's something special.”

After last year's performance McCowan and Hanselka, both returning team members, are determined to take a win.

“I like that this bird was able to be maneuvered,” said McCowan. “The fact that it knew where home base was and it wanted to get there, but we kept it away from getting there is good.”

While the team doesn't want to reveal all of their strategies, Zavesky said, “We're gonna make sure that security is provided twenty-four-seven because I think that the folks from Worhtington may have doctored the water. Security is going to be a big deal this year.”

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