2013 Keith Schneider award winners

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter 

 

It was six years ago that the Strathmore rodeo committee started the Award of Excellence to showcase individuals who have gone above and beyond in the rodeo community. The first recipient of the award was Keith Schneider, a man who embodied everything the award was designed for. 

Three years ago Schneider passed away, and it was decided to rename the award the Keith Schneider Award of Excellence as a way of honouring his memory. 

Phil and Diane Schneidmiller are the first couple to have ever received the award. There was no way the committee could choose one over the other – they both have been volunteering at the rodeo, and lending a hand wherever they can since the ‘90s. 

“It’s really super fantastic when all your peers honour you with an award such as this, it was never expected. We do our work because we truly love working here and working rodeo,” said Diane.  

The couple live in Chestermere but make the Stampede grounds their home for the week leading up to the event so that they can be on hand for when they’re needed. Strathmore is just one of seven rodeos the couple work each and every year. 

In the early years they would bring a horse trailer, equipped with a freezer, BBQ and kitchen sink. They would set up an army tent and would look after feeding the rodeo committee, something Diane still does to this day, though with a more modern tent and equipment. 

Phil was instrumental in redesigning and building the present rodeo arena, and he takes pride in keeping it looking its best. The couple each received a buckle in commemoration of the award.

“It’s an honour for me to receive this and I will cherish it, all I can say is thank you,” said Phil.