The year was 1981.
     Lady Diana married Prince Charles.
     MTV was launched.
     Ronald Reagan was president.
     NASA launched the very first space shuttle, Columbia.
And, TSDA held our first state championship!

What we now know as the “Finals” was first held on a small field at the HOT Fairgrounds in Waco.  There were approximately 10-15 entrants and three classes.  Wool sheep were used, supplied by the Raley’s and hauled in Keith Lynch’s trailer.  There was no meal and trophies were handmade by Francis with a payout determined similarly as we do today.  Among those in attendance were E.B. Raley and his dog, Spot, Barry Raley, H.J. Cannon, Jim Varnon and Loy Miller.  Bob Childress won the Open Class.

We are excited to be hosting our 40th Finals this year!  

Thank you to Francis Raley for this information.  If you have any memories or photos you’d like to share, please do!

www.tsdafinals.com