Clovis acknowledges departing employees, rodeo champion

CLOVIS — The Clovis city commission spent the early stretch of its Thursday meeting saying a heartfelt farewell to three employees totaling nearly half a century in city service, and said a proud hello to Clovis’ newest world rodeo champion.

“For those of you that have maybe been under a rock for the last week,” Mayor Mike Morris said of guest Shad Mayfield, “he accomplished something most athletes only dream of. He has risen to the level of world champion in his sport. It's truly a bright spot in our community, in 2020, to know we have a world champion from right here in our community.”

Mayfield had a difficult showing in his second time at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, finishing in the money in just two of the 10 tie-down roping rounds. But the Clovis native won enough in the qualifying season to put together a final total of $198,399.13, — a $230.66 edge over the late-charging Marty Yates of Stephenville, Texas.

Morris said there probably wasn’t enough time in the meeting to list all of the wins Mayfield had accumulated over the rodeo season, but said something that stuck out to him in the biography was Shad’s two rodeo role models — Trevor Brazile and his father, two-time Wrangler NFR finalist Sylvester Mayfield.

“I want to thank everybody,” Mayfield said. “I'm glad to be able to be a part of Clovis. I've been here all of my life. I'll probably be here forever. It's a great place and I want to thank everybody.”

Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ernie Kos said she has photos of a 5-year-old Mayfield from his early rodeo days, and it was incredible to see a High Plains Junior Rodeo Association champ make the leap to world champion.

Commissioners all praised Mayfield, with Leo Lovett noting Mayfield roped in the same youth division with his son, even though he was a few years younger than the other competitors.

“There was something special about you back in those days,” Lovett said, “and there's still something special. We look forward to the many more great things we'll see from you.”

District 4 Commissioner Lauren Rowley congratulated Mayfield on his win, and said it was always a positive to see another young person want to stay in Clovis.

Previously in the meeting, the commission honored Parks and Recreation Director Mark Dayhoff, Senior Services Program Coordinator Brenda Hankins and Clovis Master Police Officer Russell Gould on their retirements.

Dayhoff has spent the last six years as the parks and recreation director, succeeding Bill Bizzell. Lovett recalled working with Dayhoff before that period, and said he was still the same hard worker and man of principle all along.

Dayhoff said he appreciated everybody at the city, and that it was a pleasure to work with them.

Hankins began as program coordinator in May of 2000, and Senior Services Director Barbara Riggan said Hankins’ favorite event to put together was the Veterans Day breakfast.

“I want her to know she made a difference in so many lives,” Riggan said of Hankins, who couldn’t attend the meeting, “and her presence the center will be missed.”

Gould, Chief Doug Ford said, started with the force a few months before he did after a 20-year career in the Air Force. Ford said Gould was helpful in many areas over nearly 24 years, notably in the firearms section.

“It is a wonderful day when we get to see them leave and retire,” Ford said. “We appreciate everything he's done with our department.