Press Releases
< b a c k >

Media Contact: Darla Worden, 307.734.5335

Bank of Jackson Hole Presents Old Stager Award to Grant Beck
Musher honored for frequent IPSSSDR participation


"The Perfect Storm" by Jackson photographer Chris Havener

Jackson, Wyoming – Grant Beck of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada received the Old Stager Award, presented by the Bank of Jackson Hole during the ceremonies following the first stage of the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR) in Jackson. The award was created by the Bank of Jackson Hole—a sponsor of the IPSSSDR for the past 14 years—to recognize the musher who "embodies the true musher spirit." Beck has participated in nine of the 14 IPSSSDRs.

A framed photography by Jackson photographer Chris Havener called "The Perfect Storm," taken during the 2008 IPSSSDR, was presented to Beck as the Old Stager Award.

"We like to present the musher with a photograph to remind them of Wyoming," says Phil Newcomb, the bank's Senior Vice President. "'The Perfect Storm,' taken during the 2008 race, is a day mushers won't forget."

Beck has been living and working with sled dogs all of his life. His ancestors used sled dogs traditionally as a way of life for many generations. Beck has raced in many classes during his career and presently enjoys mid-distance and stage races. The Old Stager Award-winner has won hundreds of races, including Pirena in Spain and the Défi du Lac St. Jean in Quebec, and he placed third in the inaugural Grande Odyssée 2005 in France. He is presently ranked second in the International Federation of Sleddog Sports World Cup Program. Grant and his wife Carol own a kennel of 150 dogs which includes all of the dogs he uses for his business, which provides sled dog tours to thousands of Japanese clients each year.

The Bank of Jackson Hole is a locally owned and locally managed independent bank headquartered in Jackson, with branches in Dubois, Alpine and Pinedale, Wyo. Founded in 1985, the Bank of Jackson Hole serves communities in and around the Jackson Hole Valley. It has been an IPSSSDR sponsor since the race's beginning in 1996.

The International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, the largest dog sled race in the lower 48 states, was founded in 1996 by Frank Teasley to make sled dog racing more accessible to the public. For a complete schedule, visit the race website at www.wyomingstagestop.org, contact the race via e-mail at wystagestop@blissnet.com, or telephone at (307) 734-1163.