Pope Chucks Cow Chips, Defends Title at Iowa State Fair
August 20, 2011
Steve Pope, 54, of Des Moines defended his title in the VIP division of the Cow Chip Throwing contest judged Wednesday at the 2011 Iowa State Fair. Pope’s 131 foot throw tied that of the Men’s division champion, Terry Thorington, 38, of Des Moines.
Becky Knowlee, 33, of Oskaloosa took home the blue ribbon in the Women’s division with a toss of 106 feet while Walker Sea, 13, of Iowa City won the Youth division of the event with a 120-foot throw.
In honor of the 100th year of the Butter Cow, the cow chips were painted butter yellow. More than 150 Fairgoers took part in this year’s contest.
Complete results below:
Men’s
1) Terry Thorington, 38, Des Moines, 131 feet
2) Kane Hill, 52, Des Moines, 126 feet
3) Rich Howe, 68, Dallas City, Ill., 124 feet
Women’s
1) Becky Knowlee, 33, Oskaloosa, 106 feet
2) Val Velock, 18, West Des Moines, 101 feet
3) Amy Janssen, 31, New Virginia, 90 feet
Youth
1) Walker Sea, 13, Iowa City, 120 feet
2) Bronson Galindo, 16, Bloomfield, 118 feet
3) Triston Lochner, 14, Marion, 107 feet
VIP
1) Steve Pope, 54, Des Moines, 131 feet
2) Mark Kostek, no age given, Des Moines, 122 feet
3) Eric Hanson, 37, Des Moines, 112 feet
The contest was part of “Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions” in Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. A first prize of $5 and ribbons were awarded to each class.
“Nothing Compares” to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, and are open 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. each day of the Fair. Exhibit hours may vary. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.
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