Payson Roundup

Photo courtesy of Dennis Pirch

Ted Pettet (left) presents George Randall with the Mogollon Sporting Association’s Legacy Award for his many contributions to communities in the Rim Country and their youth.

One of the largest fund-raiser banquets in the Rim Country was held three weeks ago by the Mogollon Sporting Association at the Mazatzal Hotel & Casino and again, it was a huge success.

All of the money generated by admission, auctions and raffles is used locally for the benefit of youth activities, scholarships and wildlife conservation. It was an idea created 20 years ago and has raised well over a million dollars for the betterment of Payson and the surrounding area.

One of the keys of the banquet’s growth is the benevolence of local businesses to willingly donate financially for all the prizes given throughout the evening festivities. Payson Concrete and State Farm Insurance, Pettet Agency are the longest active contributors and have been on board since year one, because they saw the lasting positive impact on the youth of our community.

Longtime resident George Randall, whose family has pioneer roots in the Rim Country, received the Legacy Award presented by the MSA. George is the president of Payson Concrete, which is owned by him and his two brothers Fred and Robert. This award is given to someone in the community who has had a positive impact on improving youth activities, the development of our youth and the future of Payson.

George went to elementary school in Pine and attended Payson High School where he graduated in 1960. During his high school career, he was a member of the first track squad, and on the Longhorn baseball and basketball teams. His coach during the formative years of Longhorn athletics was retired teacher Ted Pettet, who has been a State Farm agent for 45 years in Payson.

George certainly understands the value of athletics and extra-curricular activities in the development of well-rounded youngsters who later will contribute to the local area as adults.

With his ranching heritage, he also recognizes the importance of conservation in the Rim Country.

My experiences as a former teacher and coach at the high school have created many fond memories of working with the next generation of the Randall family as students and athletes. The bottom line is, “if it was good for kids,” Payson Concrete would always step up to the plate.

Congratulations again, to George Randall in receiving the Legacy Award for 2010 presented by the MSA.

This weekend, spend time with your kids enjoying the great outdoors, God’s creation.