Members of the Becker and Mardesich families gather around a prize saddle to be awarded to the champion of the Mardesich-Becker Memorial Roping event. Pictured left to right: Davis Mardesich, Jack Becker, Mason Mardesich, Clark Becker and Ally Mardesich. Photo provided by Brooke Mardesich

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A special event honoring two beloved locals is set to open grandstand entertainment at the Butte County Fair next week.

Team roping returns to the fair’s entertainment lineup after years of being on hold but with a new moniker - the Mardesich Becker Memorial Roping.

The popular event honors locals George Becker and Jeff Mardesich, who were both known for their positive impact in the community.

Jeff Mardesich had a deep love for team roping, participating in the event at the Butte County Fair throughout his lifetime. Photo provided by Brooke Mardesich

Becker was just 18 when he lost his life in a tragic incident that would spark difficult conversations in the community about suicide and bring awareness to CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).

Becker was a first-year offensive lineman at Eastern Washington University, known for his involvement in Gridley FFA and community service, along with his athletic talents.

 

On the other hand, Mardesich fought a long, difficult battle with cancer, passing away at the age of 53. He was well respected in the Gridley and Biggs communities, a local farmer known for his love of rodeo.

Kourtney Becker, Becker’s mother, told the Herald that Matt Reed approached the Becker and Mardesich families hoping to bring back team roping under the new name with their blessing.

The answer was a resounding “YES!”

The Back Story

For those new to the world of team roping, two riders work in tandem to bring down a steer. The goal is to catch the animal as quickly as possible, the “header” attempting to rope the animal's horns while the “heeler” swipes the steer's hind legs.

Years ago, Becker, whose family had been life-long friends with the Mardesich family, expressed an interest in team roping. Mardesich trained Becker in practice and helped him get to competition level within just a few months of starting out.

Both Becker and Mardesich loved the sport and participated in rodeo and roping events. Becker partnered with Mardesich’s youngest son, Davis, who became quite a roping pair. The duo would be champions at the District 3 High School Rodeo in the event, according to Kourtney.

George Becker, pictured here with a donkey he helped save from the Camp Fire in 2018. The donkey sustained burns and Becker helped get the animal to the Butte County Fairgrounds. Photo provided by Kourtney Becker

Mardesich’s own passion for the sport caused him to compete in the event in past years at the Butte County Fair, his wife Brooke recalling that he took the championship the year they began dating.

Brooke shared that sons Davis and Mason continued the family tradition of competing in team roping, also winning championships in the event over the years.

It comes full circle with the introduction of Reed.

Reed taught at Gridley High School when children from both the Becker and Mardesich families attended, serving as FFA advisor. He fostered close relationships with members of both families.

“Reed has been a family friend since he moved here,” shared Brooke, and Kourtney agreed.

Kourtney shared with the Herald that she believes Reed's personal knowledge of both individuals’ character and importance in the community inspired the director and Fair Board to bring back the event as a memorial to Becker and Mardesich.

As for what this means to the respective families, both Kourtney and Brooke said it is a complete honor.

“We are so blessed to be such good friends, and we have been through tragedy and triumph. Having our loved ones honored in this way is more that we would ever hope for and doing this together is more that we have ever hoped for,” Kourtney told the Herald.

The Hope for a Lasting Legacy

Multiple individuals lent their time and skills to the organization of the event. The Becker and Mardesich families would like to thank Matt Reed, Andree’ Earley, Duke Sherwood, and the Moffit and Sheppard families, who donated the prize saddles. Their thanks extend to all that made the Mardesich Becker Memorial Roping event possible.

In addition, Priefert Livestock Equipment out of Texas has donated a shut to the event with the Mardesich Becker Memorial Roping logo emblazoned on the side.

Kourtney told the Herald that the company has agreed to donate a new shut each year to be auctioned off after the event, with proceeds going towards scholarship opportunities for local youth.

What to Expect at the Event

The contest is open to all, with prizes for the fastest youth time (children 15 and under) and for fastest women’s header and heeler. It is limited to the first 100 teams to pre-enter and at this time, is believed to boast a full roster.

Gorgeous headers and heeler buckles, along with ornate saddles, are to be awarded to the champion heeders and heelers.

Pictured here are the championship header and heeler buckles. Photo courtesy of the Butte County Fair

The event is free with fair entry. At 6:30 p.m., children nine and under will begin the festivities with dummy roping, competing for a prize buckle. The main event begins at 7 p.m. at the Butte County Fairgrounds.