One staple at rodeos across Lyon County throughout the years has been Carl Lee Stueve, according to John Sorce at the Emporia Gazette.
Stueve has been announcing for more than 30 years after the previous announcer was ready to step away. Stueve was asked to do it, and he has been announcing ever since up until this year.
His passion for the sport and ability to build relationships within the community made him a natural fit.
But Stueve’s knowledges of the riders went beyond the rodeo. He always knew about each participant and would share stories about their lives. That would make each and every one of them feel special when they had their moment in the spotlight.
A lifelong Lyon County resident, Stueve served the community for 38 years as a teacher. He taught for one year at Burlington High School before teaching vocational agriculture at Flint Hills Tech College.
Stueve was the Future Farmers of America sponsor until the program was shut down, but then went on to teach biology at Emporia High School until retiring.
Stueve has announced both ranch and 4-H rodeos at the Lyon County Fair in addition to Olpe’s Eagle Creek Saddle Club, shodeos, ranch rodeos, and youth rodeos happening in the area.
A number of current and former cowboys, cowgirls, 4-H’ers and parents spoke with The Gazette about what Stueve has meant to them and the rodeo community.
Justin Keith said, “Growing up with Carl Lee, you would always see how hard he worked to be at the top of his game, and he expressed that to the other kids and it just carries over. Whether you had a good run or a bad run, Carl Lee made you feel really good about yourself.”
Michelle Wilson said, “Carl Lee officiated the service at my mom’s funeral about three years ago, and he did an awesome job. Carl Lee has been a great family friend for a long time and is an awesome guy.”
Cole Wilson said, “It didn’t matter if it was about rodeo or not, Carl Lee knew everything about every contestant, and they were the No. 1 cowboy or cowgirl while they were competing no matter what happened.”
Michelle Corpening said, “Something I will always remember about Carl Lee announcing is he always had something good to say. He is very knowledgeable and loves the sport of rodeo, so he follows what’s going on very closely and it captivates the audience.”
Isaac Miller said, “Just Carl Lee’s voice alone got me going when we entered the arena ready to go.”
Sadie Bathurst said, “I’ve been to many rodeos, but no announcer is like Carl Lee. He is able to bring out the best in every kid and highlight them and make them feel special unlike any other announcer.”
Jesse Miser said, “Carl Stueve has been teaching kids how to rope for at least 45 years with a lot of heart and dedication.”
Cindy Bathhurst said, “Whenever they would be doing the steer riding, Carl Lee would always give the steer a name and come up with a story about them. He would always tell a story about each kid and he would know the horses as they were coming in too.”
Jennie Jenkins said, “As I’ve watched my children rodeo over the years, Carl Lee nailed everything about them and what they’ve been doing. Even if it wasn’t with the high school or with rodeo, he knew about what they were doing and had so much background knowledge on the kids.”
Jill (Jenkins) Castaneda said, “As a Stueve, Carl Lee has a genuine care that when you are around him, he makes you feel like you are the most special person on the planet. I also had him as a teacher in high school, and he made things so relatable and taught so many life lessons. He’s just a great man.”
Jake Jenkins said, “My favorite Carl Lee Stueve quote is ‘sometimes you have to slow down to be fast.’”
Jacob Miller said, “Carl Lee Stueve has announced this rodeo and several other youth rodeos in the county and area my entire life. This was the first year where I haven’t heard him announce this rodeo.”
Faith Miller said, “I did high school rodeo and 4-H, and it was always nice to have an announcer in our corner as hometown kids. Carl Lee Stueve was always very supportive of us.”
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