The champions weren’t in the arena Thursday night at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. Instead, they were inside a tent where young cancer patients, some showing the effects of their treatment, were recognized during the Golden Circle of Champions dinner at the Santa Maria Elks/Unocal Event Center. “This is my favorite time of the rodeo week — best night ever. You’re going to see rodeo champions competing, cowboys vying for that coveted buckle, but we…