PROFILE: George Tarpenning was born on October 28, 1886 in Ashland, Nebraska and was a graduate of the University of Nebraska. He moved to Blackwell, Oklahoma when he was in his 20’s and soon after began raising greyhounds. He also was an auctioneer, farmer, stockman and real estate broker with a license in Kansas and Oklahoma. He served on the Soil Conservation Board and was a county commissioner. He died in 1973 at the age of 86.

HISTORY: For several decades, Tarpenning maintained two and sometimes three kennels at one time. Although he enjoyed coursing, he was one of the first to race greyhounds on the track. The Blackwell Kennels raced at Mile High in Colorado, Multnomah in Oregon, Taunton and Raynham/Revere in Massachusetts and Tampa, St. Petersburg, Hollywood and Flagler in Florida. Tarpenning’s greyhounds also raced in North Carolina and Arizona. Tarpenning’s voice was well known in the greyhound industry – he was the announcer for the National Meets in Abilene for many years. Even after he retired, he still attended the meets every year.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: He served as president of the National Coursing Association for 14 years, from 1951 to 1957 and 1959 through 1965. During his terms the association purchased the 58 acre park on which the racetrack is located and also constructed the office building on the grounds. Tattooing for identification purposes became part of the registration process during his years of leadership. In 1972 he was the first to be honored by his fellow National Greyhound Association members at a special banquet at Lena’s Supper Club in Abilene. Other dinners had recognized members posthumously. His most famous greyhound was MORE TAXES, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. Another was the great stud HAPPY SON.