Wrangler National Finals Rodeo ProRodeo Sports News Preview Issue

Terrific Trios

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Trevor wears Justin Boots AQHA Lifestyle Collection,

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contents Volume 58 - No. 23 / Nov. 26, 2010

prca commissioner & ceoKarl Stressman

director of communicationsKendra Santos

editorNeal Reid

advertising manager & rodeo editorBlaine Santos

advertising managerDD DeLeo

staff writerMarvin Olberding

art directorDan Cotter

photography coordinatorBrenda Fuchs

contributing writersJim Bainbridge

Johnna EspinozaAnne ChristensenDwayne Erickson

_____________________________PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (issn 0161-5815; usps 469-620) is published semimonthly by the professional rodeo cowboys as-sociation, 101 pro rodeo drive, colorado springs, co 80919-4301. periodicaLs postage paid at colorado springs, colo., and ad-ditional mailing offices. postmaster: send address changes to prorodeo sports news, p.o. box 469025, escondido, ca 92046. subscription rate: $37 for one year, 24 issues. disclaimer: the ProRodeo Sports News carries advertising as a service to prca members and psn readers. however, publication of advertise-ments in the psn does not in any way, whether expressed or implied, commit the psn to guarantee or warrant any of the merchandise or livestock advertised._____________________________phone: 719.593.8840faX: 719.548.4889to subscribe to the psn, caLL: 800.rodeo.4u (800.763.3648)outside the u.s. call: 760.745.2809SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMSprca members: 719.528.4747nonmembers: 800.763.3648_____________________________to advertise in the psn, call:dd deLeo, 719.661.8793blaine santos, 719.640.1287__________________________

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS101 pro rodeo drive colorado springs, co 80919_____________________________©2010, prca properties inc., amarketing service and subsidiary of the professional rodeo cowboys associa-tion. all rights reserved. no part of thispublication may be reproduced ortransmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from prca properties inc.

COVER

There are a dozen contestants at the 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas who will be competing alongside family members. Among them are the three-brother sets of Clay, Travis and Brady Tryan and Clint, Clif and Tuf Cooper – this year marks the first time in Wrangler NFR history that there have been two sets of three brothers qualified to compete.

8 editor’s letter 10 cowboy grille18 psn skinny90 rodeo results94 cowboy crossroads96 classifieds99 prca business

25 wrangler nfr preview74 instant replay in prorodeo?76 committeeperson of year78 wrangler nfr 41180 wrangler nfr 50th book

RODEO COVERAGE

12 2010 prca world standings14 2011 prca world standings82 prca rookie standings86 prca circuit standings

ON THE COVER

50 wrangler nfr full of family ties in 2010

INSIDE

FEATURES STANDINGS

54 clem mcspadden nfsr60 canadian finals rodeo64 great lakes circuit finals66 mtn. states circuit finals68 columbia river circuit finals70 southeastern circuit finals

PAGE

54

Oklahoma showdown

Rocky Patterson, right, Trevor Brazile, center, and Vin Fisher Jr. entered the 2010 Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping in Guthrie, Okla., ranked 1-3, and they stayed in that order after 10 rounds of roping. Patterson, of Pratt, Kan., held off the other 14 challengers and won his second consecutive gold buckle at the two-day event Nov. 5-6.

–Fly Thomas photo

Patterson wins second world title, sets earnings record


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It’s hard to believe, but it’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo time again. This will be my seventh Wrangler NFR, and I’m sure it will be just as interesting and exciting as the first six. I’ve seen money and world records fall, the slimmest of margins separate first place from second, history made on a nightly basis and dreams that were realized – and some that crumbled – in the Thomas & Mack Center dust. There’s nothing like the Wrangler NFR, the crown jewel of the ProRodeo world. Cowboy hats, jeans and boots will fill the streets and casinos of Las Vegas before, during and after the 10-day event, as 119 contestants show their skills under the bright lights with a packed house watching. Las Vegas truly is “Cowboy Town” when the Wrangler NFR is under way, and it’s cool to see the city embrace the sport, its stars and fans every December. This issue is jam-packed with Wrangler NFR information, from contestant and stock lists to event previews and a complete schedule of events. Everything you need to know before the 10-day extravaganza begins is in this issue, so read up! This edition of the PSN is also making history. For the first time, the entire magazine will be available online at ProRodeo.com, so fans and visitors to the site can see the magazine at its best. The PRCA’s website is also a great place for Wrangler NFR information, and there will be constant real-time updates as the action unfolds. There will be tons of action and news coming from Las Vegas, so checking the site each day is a great way to stay on top of everything in ProRodeo. If a complete Wrangler NFR preview wasn’t enough, this issue has a great deal of championship rodeo coverage, as well. PSN Staff Writer

Marvin Olberding attended the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping in Guthrie, Okla., Nov. 5-6, and his report begins on page 54. In addition, Dwayne Erickson of the Calgary Herald – the 2003 PRCA Media Award winner for excellence in print journalism – once again covered the Canadian Finals Rodeo on our behalf, and his article begins on page 60. Add four Dodge Circuit Finals Rodeo recaps, and this issue has coverage coming out its proverbial ears. You can also read about the PRCA’s look into whether instant replay would be a feasible addition to the sport of ProRodeo (page 74) as well as a profile of this year’s Justin Boots Committeeman of the Year Award winner (page 76) in this edition of your favorite rodeo magazine. It’s hard to believe that this is the second-to-last issue of 2010, and at 124 pages, it ties our July 23 Cowboy Christmas issue as the biggest of the year so far. The PSN Year-End Edition will come next, with in-depth coverage from Las Vegas and a look back at the year that was in ProRodeo. We hope you enjoy the last two issues of the year, and thanks for reading.

Until next time….

Neal ReidPSN Editor

Editor’s letter

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26th Annual KBHB Bucking Horse & Bull SaleFebruary 2, 2011 * 10 a.m.Rushmore Plaza Civic Center * Rapid City, S.D.

70 head of ranch-raised, 4-year-old bucking horses2006 entire colt crop

40 head of young bulls from proven herds * 3-year-olds from J-S * Roy Schuchard Complete Bull Dispersal; his cattle brand will sell at 1 p.m. * German Futurity Bulls

Contestants enter that morning at 8 a.m.

Added Prize Money

Booking Mares for the 2011 Breeding Season

Chuckulator $2,500 feeCrystalyx $2,500 feeWyatt Erp $1,500 feeGunsmoke $1,500 feeShot Gun $1,500 feeShow Time $1,500 fee

Limited Numbers * Group RateDaily Mare Care

Contact Steve Sutton (605) 381-0270 cell (605) 258-2596 home

For pedigree information see our website:

www.suttonrodeo.com

Sutton Rodeos Inc.Onida, S.D.

Sutton Rodeos Inc.Onida, S.D.

26th Annual KBHB Bucking Horse & Bull SaleFebruary 2, 2011 * 10 a.m.Rushmore Plaza Civic Center * Rapid City, S.D.

70 head of ranch-raised, 4-year-old bucking horses2006 entire colt crop

40 head of young bulls from proven herds * 3-year-olds from J-S * Roy Schuchard Complete Bull Dispersal; his cattle brand will sell at 1 p.m. * German Futurity Bulls

Contestants enter that morning at 8 a.m.

Added Prize Money

Booking Mares for the 2011 Breeding Season

Chuckulator $2,500 feeCrystalyx $2,500 feeWyatt Erp $1,500 feeGunsmoke $1,500 feeShot Gun $1,500 feeShow Time $1,500 fee

Limited Numbers * Group RateDaily Mare Care

Contact Steve Sutton (605) 381-0270 cell (605) 258-2596 home

For pedigree information see our website:

www.suttonrodeo.com


PSN: Last year, your PRCA season earnings were almost $40,000. This year, you earned nearly 80 grand and qualified for the Wrangler NFR. What was different?Joseph: I had my travel partner, Mike Arnold, helping me all year. He helped me figure out what rodeos to go to and how to get there. He’s from Texas and is a five-time NFR qualifier (1982-83 and 1991-93). My other partner, Chance Means, helped a lot, too.

PSN: Your horse, Docs Hot Express “Big Iron,” was runner-up in the AQHA/PRCA Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year voting. What are the strengths of the 8-year-old gelding?Joseph: He’s actually good at everything. He scores well and works well with any kind of calf, fast or slow. No matter what the situation this year, he adapted.

PSN: Have you been inside the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas? Joseph: In 1989, my dad made it to the Finals and I went. I’ve probably been back seven or eight times since. (Joe also qualified for the NFR in 1978, 1981 and 1983-84).

PSN: What adjustments have you made for the Thomas & Mack’s short score?Joseph: We built an identical-size arena – including the box, same width and length – so we have been practicing in that size of arena, but it is outdoors.

PSN: What’s key in Vegas?Joseph: You have to get a good start every night, close to the barrier, because the end of the arena comes up fast.

PSN: Who does that setup favor?Joseph: The guys who have been there many times, like Cody (Ohl), Fred (Whitfield), Trevor (Brazile) and Stran Smith, but everybody is tough.

PSN: What advice has your dad given you about the Finals?Joseph: He has always told me just to rope the way I rope. Dad has turned out more calves for me than anybody. He and I have done this together since day one, so he was probably the most excited.

PSN: What do you do to stay in shape?Joseph: Weight training and boxing.

PSN: Which famous person would you like to have dinner with?Joseph: In the rodeo world, I would like to hang out with Ty Murray for a day. I also would like to meet (Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion) Cain Velasquez.

PSN: Ultimate fighting? What do you like about the UFC?Joseph: I like watching the fights and how hard they train. They have about one UFC match a month, and there actually is a fight scheduled in Las Vegas on Dec. 4 (at the Palms Casino Resort) and a (pay-per-view event on Dec. 11) after the 10th round. I’ll maybe be able to catch some of either of those.

PSN: Your bio lists you as a Los Angles Lakers fan. Any other sports you like to watch? Joseph: Boxing, Manny Pacquiao.

PSN: Speaking of basketball, you’re around 6-4, so how much basketball did you play?Joseph: I played basketball all through junior high and high school (at Marana, Ariz., High) and started my senior year.

PSN: What is one thing you always make sure you have when you leave for the road?Joseph: My iPhone. I use Google a lot.

PSN: What keeps you going?Joseph: Coffee and music.

PSN: What kind of music?Joseph: Alternative and rap, maybe some Eminem.

PSN: What is the most interesting thing you saw on the road this year?Joseph: I flew over the Grand Canyon on the way to a rodeo and got to see it for the first time. People fly to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon. I live there, and it was the first time I had seen it.

PSN: What is the most important thing you learned from your sisters, Erin and Emily?Joseph: How badly I need them. They do the things I don’t want to do. They handle my business matters. They take care of me.

Tie-down roper Joseph Parsons is the son of five-time National Finals Rodeo tie-down roping qualifier Joe Parsons. But in terms of his interests, Joseph is not your average “Joe Cowboy.” The 26-year-old from Marana, Ariz., watches ultimate fighting and boxes to stay in shape. Joseph is headed to his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 2-11, in Las Vegas ranked 12th in the 2010 PRCA World Standings.

JOSEPh PARSONS

–Tom Donoghue photo


All-Around1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ..................... $268,3342. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta .................. 137,4613. Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga. .................... 103,1634. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo. .............................. 102,2335. Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore. ............... 100,0746. Cody Ohl, Hico, Texas ..................................... 89,6527. Steve Woolsey, Payson, Utah ......................... 70,1408. Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah................ 68,0279. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D. ......................... 58,10110. Seth Glause, Rock Springs, Wyo. ................ 53,16111. Jesse Sheffield, Austin, Colo. ....................... 51,73012. Stockton Graves, Newkirk, Okla. .................. 51,52013. Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas ....................... 51,02214. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas ............ 48,09215. Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M. ............. 46,79816. Ace Slone, Cuero, Texas ............................... 46,46117. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz. .......................... 43,90218. Steven Turner, Cochrane, Alberta ................. 42,09719. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah .................... 39,56820. Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla. ....................... 39,515

BAreBAck riding1. Ryan Gray, Cheney, Wash........................... $159,0242. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb. ............................ 136,4523. Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas .......................... 108,0564. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas .................. 105,2345. Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore. ................................ 89,3856. Dusty LaValley, Bezanson, Alberta.................. 88,0157. Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas ............................... 85,4068. Kelly Timberman, Mills, Wyo. ......................... 82,5869. Justin McDaniel, Porum, Okla. ....................... 81,85010. Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore. ................... 80,17211. Jason Havens, Prineville, Ore. ...................... 75,87712. Kaycee Feild, Payson, Utah .......................... 74,14813. Matt Bright, Azle, Texas ................................ 74,14514. Joe Gunderson, Agar, S.D. ........................... 71,79715. D.V. Fennell, Neosho, Mo. ............................ 64,48516. Jared Smith, Cross Plains, Texas ................. 50,47117. Micky Downare, Hartsel, Colo. ..................... 47,89818. Dave Worsfold, Wandoan, Qld., Australia ... 45,44319. Cody DeMers, Kimberly, Idaho ..................... 45,38920. Heath Ford, Elkhart, Texas ............................ 43,185

Steer WreStling1. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta ................ $110,4732. Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D. ........................... 101,7913. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb. ........................... 92,7034. Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif. ............. 90,1425. Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore. ............. 86,1136. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas ................... 82,3917. Cody Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta ...................... 76,4338. Jule Hazen, Ashland, Kan. .............................. 71,0919. Dane Hanna, Berthold, N.D. ............................ 68,93710. Ethen Thouvenell, Napa, Calif. ...................... 67,06811. Billy Bugenig, Ferndale, Calif. ....................... 66,18712. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo. .............................. 62,54213. Wade Sumpter, Fowler, Colo. ....................... 61,40714. Kyle Hughes, Olney Springs, Colo. ............... 57,39915. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis. .................................. 54,33216. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif...................... 53,30317. Sean Mulligan, Coleman, Okla. ..................... 52,59418. Casey McMillen, Redmond, Ore. .................. 50,39819. Shawn Greenfield, Lakeview, Ore. ................ 50,18820. Olin Hannum, Malad, Idaho .......................... 49,979

teAm roping (heAder)1. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont. .......................... $146,6082. Chad Masters, Clarksville, Tenn. ................... 116,7213. Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas ................. 106,3274. Travis Tryan, Billings, Mont. ........................... 88,8225. Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore. ................... 88,2006. Britt Williams, Hammond, Mont. .................... 86,7447. Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas .................... 81,1158. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ......................... 80,974

9. Brady Tryan, Huntley, Mont. ........................... 72,86810. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas ................. 69,81111. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. .................. 69,05612. JoJo LeMond, Andrews, Texas ..................... 68,81913. Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla. ............................ 67,09814. Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo. ....................... 67,09215. Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn. ........................ 62,60316. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. .................... 59,86617. Spencer Mitchell, Colusa, Calif. .................... 58,13518. Matt Sherwood, Pima, Ariz. .......................... 55,34019. Colby Siddoway, Hooper, Utah ..................... 54,42220. Joel Bach, Millsap, Texas.............................. 53,433

teAm roping (heeler)1. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla. ............................. $147,6532. Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz. ........................... 122,1843. Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev. ............................... 116,7214. Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore. ................. 90,0515. Bobby Harris, Gillette, Wyo. ........................... 87,6956. Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas.............................. 83,9727. Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas ................. 83,0308. Patrick Smith, Midland, Texas ........................ 81,7719. Caleb Twisselman, Santa Margarita, Calif. ...... 72,94710. Kory Koontz, Sudan, Texas ........................... 70,46711. Broc Cresta, Santa Rosa, Calif. .................... 69,91912. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan........................... 69,67513. Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz. ..................... 69,05614. Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla. ........................ 67,09815. Cody Hintz, Spring Creek, Nev. ..................... 65,55716. Randon Adams, Logandale, Nev. ................. 61,88117. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. ................... 59,86618. Justin Copp, Justin, Texas ............................ 52,85619. Kyle Crick, Lipan, Texas ................................ 50,04620. Jhett Johnson, Casper, Wyo. ........................ 49,595

SAddle Bronc riding1. Bradley Harter, Weatherford, Texas ............ $106,8082. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa...................... 102,9373. Cody Wright, Milford, Utah............................. 99,2924. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M. ............................. 98,9645. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La. ............................... 86,1256. Jesse Kruse, Great Falls, Mont. ...................... 85,3287. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb. ............................. 82,5038. Shaun Stroh, Dickinson, N.D. ......................... 80,9139. Rod Hay, Wildwood, Alberta ........................... 77,69310. Jeff Willert, Belvidere, S.D. ........................... 75,21111. J.J. Elshere, Quinn, S.D. ............................... 70,87512. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La. ............................. 62,31013. Scott Miller, Boise, Idaho.............................. 60,92214. Dustin Flundra, Pincher Creek, Alberta ......... 58,35315. Sam Spreadborough, Snyder, Texas ............ 57,33616. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah .......................... 56,90817. Rusty Allen, Eagle Mountain, Utah ............... 56,26618. Ty Atchison, Jackson, Mo. ........................... 54,67519. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D. ....................... 54,30320. Jace Garrett, Alliance, Neb. .......................... 51,333

tie-doWn roping1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ..................... $142,7362. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas ........................... 107,3693. Stran Smith, Childress, Texas......................... 99,1184. Jerome Schneeberger, Ponca City, Okla. ........ 98,3215. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La. .......................... 96,8966. Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla. ........................ 92,0927. Tyson Durfey, Colbert, Wash. ......................... 89,1748. Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas ........................... 88,6099. Fred Whitfield, Hockley, Texas ........................ 84,30510. Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga. .................... 79,97211. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas ....................... 79,17012. Joseph Parsons, Marana, Ariz. ..................... 77,82213. Cody Ohl, Hico, Texas ................................... 76,49814. Clif Cooper, Decatur, Texas ........................... 72,97415. Jerrad Hofstetter, Portales, N.M. .................. 72,83616. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla. ........................ 72,38317. Houston Hutto, Del Rio, Texas ..................... 71,376

18. Justin Maass, Giddings, Texas ..................... 69,26519. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas ......................... 65,91820. Cimarron Boardman, Stephenville, Texas ..... 63,679

Bull riding1. Wesley Silcox, Santaquin, Utah .................. $137,3922. Shawn Hogg, Odessa, Texas ........................ 114,7533. Steve Woolsey, Payson, Utah ....................... 112,0174. Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo. .............................. 101,6195. Clayton Williams, Carthage, Texas.................. 98,1696. Kanin Asay, Powell, Wyo. ............................... 95,7557. Chad Denton, Berry Creek, Calif. .................... 95,2798. J.W. Harris, Mullin, Texas ............................... 87,8039. D.J. Domangue, Houma, La. .......................... 87,10510. Dustin Elliott, North Platte, Neb. ................... 80,29111. Ardie Maier, Timber Lake, S.D. ..................... 78,84612. Corey Navarre, Weatherford, Okla. ............... 76,35413. Bobby Welsh, Gillette, Wyo. ......................... 73,57914. Seth Glause, Rock Springs, Wyo. ................ 65,13915. Cody Whitney, Asher, Okla. .......................... 64,54716. Beau Schroeder, China, Texas ...................... 63,33617. Jarrod Craig, Hillsboro, Texas ...................... 63,31218. Ryan Shanklin, Rocksprings, Texas ............. 57,67919. Marcus Michaelis, Caldwell, Idaho ............... 57,48820. Howdy Cloud, Kountze, Texas ...................... 56,669

Steer roping1. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ....................... $101,6852. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ......................... 79,7853. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ........................ 71,6804. Scott Snedecor, Uvalde, Texas ....................... 61,7445. Bryce Davis, Abilene, Texas ............................ 56,1246. Cody Scheck, Kiowa, Kan. .............................. 51,0507. Rod Hartness, Pawhuska, Okla. ..................... 45,6988. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla. ........................ 45,3519. J.D. Yates, Pueblo, Colo. ............................... 41,88910. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz. .......................... 40,86911. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas .......................... 35,96212. J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw, Okla. .......................... 31,02113. Lawson Plemons, Axtell, Texas .................... 30,93614. Dan Fisher, Andrews, Texas .......................... 29,55715. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas ..................... 25,00016. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. ....................... 22,51817. Ralph Williams, Skiatook, Okla. .................... 21,37918. Dee Kyler Jr., Pawhuska, Okla. ..................... 21,30119. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas ............ 20,06020. J. Paul Williams, Burbank, Okla.................... 19,676

BArrel rAcing (through sept. 30) Barrel racing standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings. 1. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz.......................... $179,8522. Lindsay Sears, Nanton, Alberta .................... 133,9523. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas ....................... 114,4524. Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore. .................... 100,2485. Jill Moody, Letcher, S.D. ................................. 86,6516. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. .......................... 80,6017. Nellie Williams, Cottonwood, Calif. ................ 72,6338. Kelli Tolbert, Hooper, Utah .............................. 72,3609. Christina Richman, Glendora, Calif. ................ 67,14010. Sherrylynn Johnson, Henryetta, Okla. .......... 60,74611. Jeanne Anderson, White City, Kan. .............. 57,54312. Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla. .................... 55,58213. Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla. ................. 52,47314. Benette Barrington, Lubbock, Texas ............. 51,58415. Sydni Blanchard, Albuquerque, N.M. ........... 49,90416. Sheena Robbins, Fresno, Calif...................... 47,95417. Britany Fleck, Mandan, N.D. ......................... 45,32318. Layna Kight, Wills Point, Texas .................... 40,11819. Jessi Eagleberger, Stringtown, Okla. ............ 39,81120. Sabrina Ketcham, Yeso, N.M. ....................... 37,286

Official and audited as of Sept. 30, 2010. For 2010, official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 70; team roping, 70; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 100; barrel racing, 70; and bull riding, 125. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the world standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

2010 PRCA World Standings


All-Around1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ................... $13,574

BAreBAck riding1. Joe Gunderson, Agar, S.D. ....................... $10,2162. Chris Harris, Itasca, Texas ............................ 8,4063. Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas ............................. 7,1764. Heath Ford, Elkhart, Texas ............................ 4,5745. Caine Riddle, Vernon, Texas ......................... 3,3836. Chase Erickson, Almo, Idaho ........................ 3,3077. Zach Dishman, Beaumont, Texas ................. 3,0718. Josi Young, Kimberly, Idaho ......................... 2,9719. Dustin Smith, Rome, Ga. .............................. 2,61110. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb. .......................... 2,57111. Dave Worsfold, Wandoan, Qld., Australia ... 2,47712. Morgan Heaton, Paradise, Utah ................. 2,27713. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La. .......................... 1,97414. Bryan Jones, Elko, Nev. .............................. 1,96715. Tray Chambliss III, Waller, Texas ................ 1,82616. Matthew Smith, Martin, Tenn. .................... 1,53717. Paul Jones, Elko, Nev. ................................ 1,50818. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas .................. 1,50519. Justin Foltyn, Bay City, Texas ..................... 1,48120. Lance Kelly, Ravenshoe, Qld., Australia ..... 1,467

Steer WreStling1. Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif. ......... $8,3032. Dane Hanna, Berthold, N.D. .......................... 7,0583. Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo. ................ 5,5774. Jack Vanderlans, Temecula, Calif. ................ 5,5135. Darrell Petry, Beaumont, Texas .................... 5,5076. Dru Melvin, Tryon, Neb. ................................ 5,2947. Les Shepperson, Midwest, Wyo. .................. 4,9918. Casey Martin, Sulphur, La. ........................... 4,0959. Ethen Thouvenell, Napa, Calif. ...................... 4,02910. Jake Rinehart, Highmore, S.D. ................... 3,87311. Rodney Burks, Benton, Ark. ....................... 3,18312. Rhett Kennedy, Chowchilla, Calif. ............... 2,88513. Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D. ......................... 2,83714. Skyler Strassman, Bend, Ore. ..................... 2,30915. Heath Thompson, Enola, Ark. ..................... 2,19416. Sean Thomas, Benton, Ark. ........................ 2,18317. Seth Morgan, Azle, Texas ........................... 2,02218. K.C. Jones, Decatur, Texas ......................... 1,937 Clay Mindemann, Salina, Okla. ................... 1,93720. Ben Shofner, Jasper, Texas ......................... 1,748

teAm roping (heAder)1. Jake Cooper, Monument, N.M. ................... $7,3112. Chad Masters, Clarksville, Tenn. ................... 6,3723. Joel Bach, Millsap, Texas .............................. 5,6624. Caleb Mitchell, Pollok, Texas ........................ 5,0815. Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore. ................. 4,8436. Wes Kent, Grand Cane, La. ........................... 4,2527. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ....................... 4,0848. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas ................. 4,0069. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. .................... 3,61410. Chris Lawson, Dripping Springs, Texas ..... 3,30811. JoJo LeMond, Andrews, Texas ................... 3,14412. Logan Olson, Flandreau, S.D. ..................... 3,02313. Jesse Sheffield, Austin, Colo. ..................... 2,93114. Wes Goodrich, Scooba, Miss. .................... 2,67815. Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo. ..................... 2,53316. Clay White, Shandon, Calif. ........................ 2,52817. Brad Hamilton, Pollok, Texas ...................... 2,49118. Blaine Linaweaver, Leavenworth, Kan. ....... 2,47219. Jake Kropik, Midway, Texas ........................ 2,38920. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla. ......................... 2,366

teAm roping (heeler)1. Matt Garza, Las Cruces, N.M. ..................... $7,3112. Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev. ............................... 6,3723. Tyler McKnight, Wells, Texas ........................ 5,7654. Allen Bach, Weatherford, Texas .................... 5,6625. Kinney Harrell, Marshall, Texas .................... 5,3246. Patrick Smith, Midland, Texas ...................... 4,0847. John Woodson, Keithville, La. ...................... 3,9968. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. ................... 3,6149. Josh Patton, Burnet, Texas ........................... 3,30810. Marty Becker, Cardston, Alberta ................. 3,14411. Justin Hendrick, Rosenberg, Texas ............ 3,08612. Boogie Ray, Mabank, Texas ........................ 3,01713. Kory Koontz, Sudan, Texas ......................... 2,931 Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah .................. 2,93115. John Chaves, Los Alamos, Calif. ................ 2,52816. Bret Gould, Lufkin, Texas ............................ 2,49117. Michael Fortenberry, Groveton, Texas ........ 2,38918. Kyle Lawrence, Andalusia, Ala. ................... 2,36619. Tyler Magnus, Llano, Texas ........................ 2,32720. Dee Rampy, Bertram, Texas ....................... 2,191

SAddle Bronc riding1. Billy Etbauer, Edmond, Okla. ...................... $7,3252. Jeff Willert, Belvidere, S.D. ........................... 5,4723. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb. ........................... 4,2964. Josh Reynolds, Ekalaka, Mont. ..................... 3,540 Ty Atchison, Jackson, Mo. ............................ 3,5406. Nick Laduke, Cypress, Texas ........................ 3,1447. Mike Outhier, Utopia, Texas .......................... 2,9268. Seth Schafer, Valentine, Neb. ....................... 2,7579. Kyle Thomson, Lundbreck, Alberta .............. 2,519 Jace Garrett, Alliance, Neb. .......................... 2,51911. Ryan MacKenzie, Jordan Valley, Ore. ......... 2,38312. Brody Bolton, Odessa, Texas ...................... 2,23613. Townsend Prince, Livermore, Colo. ............ 2,06214. Curtis Garton, Kaitaia, New Zealand ........... 2,00715. Kobyn Williams, Haughton, La. .................. 1,97016. Justin Arnold, Santa Margarita, Calif. ......... 1,90717. Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas ...... 1,82718. Justin Caylor, Livingston, Ala. .................... 1,72019. Tyrel Larsen, Whitewood, S.D. ................... 1,71120. Cody Wright, Milford, Utah ........................ 1,689

tie-doWn roping1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ..................... $6,9372. Cody Owens, Rankin, Texas ......................... 6,0313. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas ............... 5,2024. Jeff Chapman, Athens, Texas ...................... 4,4535. Roger Nonella, Klamath Falls, Ore. ............... 4,2676. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas ............ 4,0837. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas ......................... 3,9988. Blake Hirdes, Turlock, Calif. .......................... 3,6259. Clayton Hamil, Hamshire, Texas ................... 3,58410. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. ................... 3,36311. Jake Hannum, Ogden, Utah ........................ 3,19612. Stran Smith, Childress, Texas ..................... 3,12513. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla. ...................... 3,11714. Clif Cooper, Decatur, Texas ......................... 3,10115. Ryan Watkins, Dublin, Texas ...................... 2,84716. Giovanni Davis, College Station, Texas ....... 2,71017. Shane Slack, Idabel, Okla. .......................... 2,51518. Mike Johnson, Henryetta, Okla. .................. 2,44019. Tim Pharr, Resaca, Ga. ............................... 2,42720. Jeremiah Peek, Pueblo, Colo. ..................... 2,169

Bull riding1. J.W. Harris, Mullin, Texas ........................... $9,849

2. Zeb Lanham, Sweet, Idaho ........................... 7,8563. Allen Helmuth, Ellensburg, Wash. ................ 6,8184. Jacob O’Mara, Prairieville, La. ...................... 6,7635. Chad Denton, Berry Creek, Calif. .................. 6,6436. Taylor Cowan, Fort Pierre, S.D. .................... 6,4977. Chance Smart, Philadelphia, Miss. ............... 5,7648. Lee Woolsey, Payson, Utah .......................... 5,2519. Bryan Richardson, Dallas, Texas ................. 4,62810. Shawn Hogg, Odessa, Texas ...................... 3,88411. Kanin Asay, Powell, Wyo. ........................... 3,43912. Clayton Savage, Casper, Wyo. .................... 3,35213. Ty Pozzobon, Merritt, British Columbia ...... 3,25914. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas .......................... 3,14515. Josh Daries, Salinas, Calif. ......................... 2,42916. Clay Hindman, Belvidere, S.D. .................... 2,35717. Dylan Werner, Bushnell, Fla. ....................... 2,22518. Tylee Lanham, Caldwell, Idaho ................... 2,19219. Shawn Proctor, Tooele, Utah ...................... 2,15120. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa. ......................... 2,071

Steer roping1. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas ........................ $6,2372. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ........................ 3,6623. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas ............ 2,8554. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ....................... 2,5525. Bryce Davis, Abilene, Texas .......................... 2,1386. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. ....................... 1,6147. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas ..................... 1,5698. Dan Fisher, Andrews, Texas .......................... 1,4619. Troy Brown, Stephenville, Texas ................... 1,25910. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas .................... 1,19411. Rod Hartness, Pawhuska, Okla. .................... 885 Walter Priestly, Robstown, Texas .................. 88513. Jake DeGeer, Springtown, Texas ................... 68314. Cody Dutton, Boerne, Texas .......................... 57915. Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M. .............. 57616. Riley Christophersen, Clarksville, Texas ........ 55917. Tim Abbott, Midland, Texas ........................... 49518. Neal Wood, Guy, Texas .................................. 37219. Leo Campbell, Amarillo, Texas ...................... 370 Scott Snedecor, Uvalde, Texas ....................... 370

BArrel rAcing(through nov. 15)

Barrel racing standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings.

1. Susan Kay Smith, Hodgen, Okla. ................ $8,0532. Tammy Fischer, Ledbetter, Texas ................ $8,0143. Jill Moody, Letcher, S.D. ............................. $6,3994. Jane Melby, Backus, Minn. ......................... $6,1945. Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla. ...................... $4,6736. Linda Vick, Hesperia, Calif. ......................... $4,5617. Robin Montague, Bandera, Texas ............... $4,2868. Aimee Olson, Bluff Dale, Texas ................... $4,2619. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas ................. $3,599 Kelli Tolbert, Hooper, Utah .......................... $3,59911. Annesa Self, Valley View, Texas ................ $3,56112. Theresa Walter, Billings, Mont. ................. $3,17513. Kappy Allen, Austin, Texas ....................... $2,97514. Robyn Herring, Huntington, Texas ........... $2,79715. Christina Richman, Glendora, Calif. .......... $2,73216. Savanah Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas ...... $2,60017. Ann Scott, Canyon Country, Calif. ............ $2,46218. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. .................... $2,40019. Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho ..................... $2,33920. Layna Kight, Wills Point, Texas ................ $2,293

Unofficial as of Nov. 15, 2010. For the 2011 season (Oct. 1, 2010-Sept. 30, 2011), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 70; team roping, 70; saddle bronc riding, 85; tie-down roping, 75; barrel racing, 70; and bull riding, 125. Bull riders can count Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

2011 PRCA World Standings


T h e l e g e n d s o f ro d e o re tu r n to Ve g a s .

V i s i tL a sVe g a s .c o m

064187.01 L25 _ LVCVA_ 2010 Pro Rodeo Sports News Ad _ Trim: 8.375" x 10.875" _ Bleed: .25” _Live: .375”_ 4/CInDesign_Fonts: HelvNeueLtStd _ loaded 1/5


Pendleton Whisky becomes Official Spiritof PRCA ProRodeo The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is excited to announce that it has signed a multi-year renewal with Pendleton Whisky expanding its involvement in ProRodeo. Pendleton Whisky is now the Official Spirit of ProRodeo and a first-right sponsor. “Our entire organization is excited to expand our partnership with Pendleton Whisky,” said PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman. “They’ve made a big commitment to this sport and the growing demand for their product is proof that our membership and our loyal fans will get behind quality products that support the lifestyle they live and love.” Hood River Distillers’ Pendleton Whisky was specifically created to celebrate the bold spirit of independence and hard-work ethic of the American cowboy and cowgirl. “We are honored to continue our involvement and support of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association,” said Ronald Dodge, Hood River Distillers President and CEO. “Throughout its history, Pendleton Whisky has embodied the rich tradition, loyalty and excitement of rodeo.” Pendleton Whisky will also serve as the Official Spirit of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), and will continue to be the

presenting sponsor for both the All American ProRodeo Series and the season-ending All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas. “As the PRCA continues to grow the All American Series we cannot think of a better company to partner with than Pendleton Whisky,” said Stressman. “This is a company that understands and values our core member and fan that works hard all week and lives for that weekend PRCA rodeo.” As part of the new agreement, Pendleton Whisky will be the title sponsor of the Bucking Stock of the Year awards given annually at the PRCA Awards Banquet in Las Vegas. They will now be called the Pendleton Whisky Let’er Buck Bucking Stock of the Year Awards and the company will provide the cash prizes paid out to each of the three place

winners in the three bucking stock categories – bareback horses, saddle broncs and bulls. In addition, the company will fund the stipends paid out to stock contractors who are selected to provide stock for the Wrangler NFR.

Top steer wrestling horse Preacher dies at 26 Padres Perfection “Preacher,” the 1999 PRCA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, died Oct. 15 at the ranch of owner Dean Louis in Ponoka, Alberta. He was 26. Preacher took Butch Myers to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo average title in 1997, and in the years that followed, the gelding was hired out by then-owner Wayne Jennings to some of the sport’s best bulldoggers. “Guys tend to stay with one horse now more than they did in the late 1990s,” said two-time World Champion Lee Graves. “Wayne would go to every big rodeo back then, and you’d just walk over and talk to him about riding Preacher. “That (award-winning) 1999 season, I’ll bet there weren’t more than three or four guys who went to the NFR who didn’t throw their leg over Preacher a time or two that year. I know I did, and so did Birch Negaard, Mike Smith and Brad Gleason.” Byron Walker, the 1981 world champion, bought Preacher from Jennings and competed on him for a couple of years before selling the horse to Graves, who rode him frequently in 2005, his first world championship season. In 2008, Graves sold Preacher to Louis, and he competed on him in a few events each year through this season. “The last time Preacher went to the Canadian Finals Rodeo was 2007, when B.J. Zieffle rode him,” Louis said. “I only went to a handful this year, but I won about $5,000 riding him in Canadian rodeos. He was just a special horse.”

Former National Finals Steer Roping qualifier Kinkead dies at 89 Lewis Kinkead, a four-time qualifier for the National Finals Steer Roping, passed away Nov. 9 at his home in Junction, Texas, surrounded by his family. He was 89. Mr. Kinkead was a cowboy from an early age, helping his father with the family ranch in eastern New Mexico, and he entered his first rodeo competition at 12, riding his beloved pony, Popcorn, at a race on a dirt track in Quay Valley to win $10. He went on to participate in all rodeo events, but his real love was roping, especially steer roping. He qualified for the NFSR in 1970,

Preacher, shown here at the 2007 Canadian Finals Rodeo, passed away Oct. 15 at the ranch of owner Dean Louis in Ponoka, Alberta. The 1999 PRCA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year had been owned by two-time World Champion Lee Graves and ridden by Graves and several others during his illustrious career.

–Mike Copeman photo

ProRodeo.com 19 11/26/2010 PSNProRodeo.com 19 11/12/2010 PSN


1973 and 1977-78. His best season was 1977, when he finished eighth in the world standings. One rodeo announcer said that Mr. Kinkead had thrown enough loops in his lifetime to reach around the world. He honed his roping skills working on the family ranch, roping cows and calves when they were being doctored, and for the spring branding. Mr. Kinkead was an avid horseman and was well known for being a good judge of horses and always riding top-quality horses. He was a great horse trainer and coach for many competitors, including his daughters, who went on to compete at the collegiate and professional levels. He is survived by wife, Letty Jo; daughters, Linda (Tom) Johnston and Donna Patterson; three grandsons, Pard Patterson, Lewis Fordtran Johnston and Kinkead Johnston; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Farmer; brother, Jimmy Kinkead, and many nieces and nephews. The family suggests that donations in Kinkead’s name be made to VistaCare Hospice, 1001 Water St., Suite B-100, Kerrville, TX 78028; the Kimble County Library, 208 N. 10th St., Junction, TX 76849, or the charity of one’s choice.

Timberman pays tribute to ‘most successful cowboy’ at Casper, Wyo., rodeo For Kelly Timberman, there was a special thrill to sharing the bareback riding championship at A Tribute to Chris LeDoux Rodeo in Casper, Wyo., that goes back to his childhood, to memories of his early years as a professional and to long trips on asphalt roads. Timberman’s dad rodeoed with LeDoux, the 1976 world champion bareback rider who was also an accomplished country singer and songwriter. LeDoux performed at some of Timberman’s early rodeos and

quite often on his truck’s tape deck. “Chris LeDoux exemplified everything rodeo is about,” Timberman told the Casper Star-Tribune. “He epitomized how you want to ride bareback. And there was a lot of truth to his songs. We used to listen to them all the time on the road. “Chris LeDoux was the most successful cowboy I can think of.” In Timberman’s mind, there was no more fitting tribute to LeDoux, who died five years ago from a rare form of liver cancer, than to perform at his best in his hometown rodeo. Timberman had an 86-point ride on Triple V Rodeo’s Indian Summer to match the 86 that Casey Colletti of Pueblo, Colo., had on Triple V’s Double Shot. “Having this rodeo in my hometown is great,” Timberman said. “I’ll tell you what, it doesn’t get much better than this.” The other champions at Casper were steer wrestler Dru Melvin (4.0 seconds), team ropers Garrett Tonozzi and Hank Bounds (4.9 seconds), saddle bronc rider Cole Elshere (82 points), tie-down ropers Jayce Johnson and Trevor Thiel (8.1 seconds each), bull rider Clayton Savage (83 points) and barrel racer Jane Melby (14.86 seconds).

Kansas City’s Abrams receives Clem McSpadden Leadership Award Rose Abrams, a member of the American Royal rodeo committee in Kansas City and a longtime volunteer, was voted the recipient of the third annual Clem McSpadden Leadership Award by the contestants at the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour Gold event, presented by Justin Boots, Oct. 21-23 and 29-30. The award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty, in and out of the arena, to promote and support the sport of rodeo.

Bart Clennon, the last living signer of the 1936 petition that led to the creation of the Cowboys’ Turtle Asso-ciation, the forerunner of the PRCA, celebrated his 100th birthday Nov. 5 at the Cattlemen’s Cafe in Marana, Ariz. Clennon’s celebration was attended by numer-ous friends and family members, including his daughter, Donna (left).

–Photos courtesy of Ursula Younger

10 0 YEARSYOUNG


Introducing the

Bull RiderCody Whitney Tilden Hooper

Bareback Rider

Steve Woolsey

Saddle Bronc RiderBull Rider

Clayton WilliamsBull Rider

Wes Silcox

World Champion2007

Bull RiderJW Harris

World Champion2008/2009

Bull Rider

Cheer on the Crown Royal Ridersas they ride to support

the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.*

*In December, Crown Royal® will donate $2,000 to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fundfor every 90+ point performance by a Crown Royal Rider.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.CROWN ROYAL Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% Alc/Vol.

©2010 The Crown Royal Company, Norwalk, CT.CROWNROYAL.COM


Showtime!

26 Preview

28 Event previews

40 Contestants

42 Stock roster

44 Event schedule

48 News & notes

50 Family ties feature

52 Kendra Santos column

WRANGLER NFR COVERAGE PACKAGE

–PRCA ProRodeo photo by Kerri Allardyce


A date with destiny

BY NEAL REID

It’s December in Las Vegas, and that means one thing: the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is in town. For 10 days, Dec. 2-11, the best in the sport of ProRodeo will battle each other and the gut-twisting pressure as they chase their dreams of gold buckles and fame. The Thomas & Mack Center will be a nerve center of activity during those 10 days in Las Vegas, as 119 competitors will fight for their shares of a record $5.875 million purse. Their resolve will be tested on a nightly basis in front of more than 17,000 fans, and history will be made in the process. Enter Trevor Brazile. The 11-time world champion finds himself in the driver’s seat to reach a previously unrealized plateau: eight all-around world titles. He tied ProRodeo Hall of Famer Ty Murray last year by earning his seventh all-around gold buckle and comes into this

year’s Wrangler NFR with a record $296,411. That total has him $158,950 ahead of second-place Curtis Cassidy heading into the 10-day event. Not

only is Brazile a virtual lock to become the first PRCA cowboy with eight all-around world championships, but considering he is the only contestant who has qualified for the Wrangler NFR in two events, his record total of $425,115 from 2007 is within reach. “It’s pretty crazy to think about,” Brazile said of winning his eighth all-around crown. “It’s awkward knowing that, if I get it done this year, it’ll be a whole new game plan, in a sense. There’s nobody to chase anymore; that’s where I got a lot of motivation. That’s going to be the most awkward part. “Obviously, winning never gets old. It’s always been something where you set your sights

Brazile on pace for uncharted territory as other cowboys chase golden dreams

More than 17,000 fans file into the Thomas & Mack Center each night to watch their favorite rodeo stars compete for money, fame and glory at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.



and go after it. Now that there’s nobody to chase, it will be a little different.” Brazile needs $128,705 to eclipse that record earnings total, and because he also holds the record for most money won at a single rodeo ($149,099 at the 2008 Wrangler NFR), it could become a reality. That fact is especially impressive considering that Brazile missed more than a month in the spring with an injured elbow. The injury scared Brazile, he admits, because he didn’t know what it would mean for the long term and if it would be more severe than it turned out to be. “It’s been a range of emotions since not being able to swing a rope in May until now,” Brazile said. “Not only was I worried about my eighth world championship, but also because this is what I do, and I love to do it. It was just a real sobering thought. I thought it would be all right, but it’s scary not being able to swing a rope. “You get to thinking, ‘Man, I’ll have to tell them how I used to do it and won’t get to rope with my kids.’ A lot of things go through your mind. I’ve just been blessed with a speedy recovery, and everything’s been clicking along really well.” But, he has dealt with the “nagging” pain and discomfort, overcome the uncertainty that comes with an injury of that nature and continued to excel the way he has for nearly a decade. And he’s enjoyed the experience every step of the way, especially because his wife, Shada, son, Treston, and daughter, Stella Bell, have been on the road with him for most of it. “It’s been a different year,” Brazile said. “I didn’t think about things as much earlier in my career, like when I only had three titles, but this year’s been cool because I can enjoy the ride and think about this. This is the year

that could be huge for me, my family, the sport and everything.” Brazile received some sage advice from a man who’s been in his shoes before. “Ty Murray told me at the Finals last year that, if he could give me any advice at all, he’d say to just try to enjoy the ride and every rodeo and appreciate what it took to win it,” Brazile said. “I’ve really tried to keep that in mind, and I’ve enjoyed the year. It’s just been a blast.” Murray and Brazile spent time together at the 2009 Wrangler NFR, and Murray was very complimentary and supportive of his counterpart. “I set my sights on what Larry Mahan did the way Trevor set his sights on what I did,” Murray told the ProRodeo Sports News. “When I broke Larry Mahan’s record, he was the first

person who shook my hand when I got off that last bull. So, I know how neat it was to have that support, and I want Trevor to feel that same thing. I do truly support him and cheer for him, because when I watch him, he reminds me of myself in a ton of ways. “I know deep down that he can win as many titles as he wants to win.” Other records are within reach for some PRCA stars. Team ropers Clay Tryan and Travis Graves set regular-season earnings records in their disciplines with $146,608 and $147,653, respectively, and are within reach of the overall earnings record that Matt Sherwood and Randon Adams ($189,568 each) set in 2008. Each event has its own set of story lines, and the possibility of high drama in the Vegas desert is a good one. Four world standings leaders are in search of their first gold buckles, while three – including Brazile in the tie-down roping – already know what it’s like to stand on the world champions’ stage after the dust settles. For 32 of the 119 contestants, this year is their first Wrangler NFR experience, so nerves will be in abundance when the action begins in Round 1. Steer wrestling has six of those first-timers, signaling a potential changing of the guard in that event. However, two of the top four spots are occupied by world champions, so the competition among the bulldoggers should be interesting. Rodeo is one big family, and 12 contestants will be competing alongside family members in Las Vegas this year. See pages 50-52 for more on that theme. Fast times and stellar rides are usually the norm at the Thomas & Mack, and this year should be no different. So, fans will want to buckle up and enjoy the ride. It’s going to be a good one.

Trevor BrAzileAll-Around gold buckle seasons

2009 ... $346,7792008 ... $419,8682007 ... $425,1152006 ... $329,924

2004 ... $253,1702003 ... $294,8392002 ... $273,998

Trevor Brazile is poised to break the record he shares with Ty Murray for most all-around world championships this year as he chases his eighth title. He enters the Wrangler NFR with a six-digit lead and a record money total, so his chances are better than good.


“Ty Murray told me ... that, if he could give me any advice at all, he’d say to just try to enjoy the ride and every rodeo and appreciate what it took to win it. I’ve really tried to keep that in mind.”

–Trevor Brazile


BY JohNNA EspINozA

Ryan Gray’s No. 1 ranking and earnings of $159,024, along with eight victories and four co-championships, tell the story of a successful year. What the numbers don’t show is how much he was helped by his travel group, called “The Pride,” whose members all qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with him for the first time. Steven Dent (second place in the PRCA World Standings), three-time and defending World Champion Bobby Mote (fifth place) and event representative Jason Havens (11th) all pushed Gray to perform at his best. Dent won $29,003 at the season-finale Justin Boots Championships in Omaha, Neb., Sept. 23-25, to pull within about $20,000 of Gray. “It’s pretty neat to have all four of us at the Finals,” said the humble Gray. “We all worked hard, side by side, to get there.” Gray’s travel partners gave him specific riding tips throughout the season, along with inspiring him with some fine riding of their own. “He has improved in a couple of areas that were holding him back,” Mote said. “He’s gotten better at controlling his upper body, including his free arm, and is doing a better job of holding his back off the horse’s back.” Gray, 27, took over the lead in the world standings in the spring and never relinquished it. He took a few weeks off in April to have his right meniscus scoped and then had a strong summer, including splitting the average title at the 100th Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up in September. Just like during the regular season, Gray’s travel partners will be challenging for first place themselves at the Finals, while pushing each other. Mote advanced to the Wrangler NFR despite surgery to remove bone spurs in his neck in April and the limitations imposed on him by a pelvis strain in August. He finished fifth in the 2010 PRCA World Standings with $89,385. “It isn’t quite the way I planned it,” said Mote, 34, “but there is a reason for everything, and I was able to spend some

quality time with my family (wife Kate and three kids).” Mote missed some key fall rodeos, and wasn’t quite at full strength at others due to the pelvic injury. He is entering the Wrangler NFR further back in the pack than he would like, but don’t count him out. “Even if a guy starts out slow, the veterans understand not to panic,” Mote said. “You just keep making good rides, and you’ll usually

outlast them. That’s my approach.” Mote and fellow World Champions Kelly Timberman (2004), Justin McDaniel (2008) and Will Lowe (2003, 2005-06) are all expected to be in the world-title hunt. Last year’s runner-up, Clint Cannon, is in third place in the world standings and also will contend for the gold buckle. The field of mostly veterans includes just two newcomers, Matt Bright and Joe Gunderson.

Gray leads ‘The Pride’ into Finals

BAREBACKRIDING

Bareback rider Ryan Gray eclipsed the $100,000 mark in season earnings by scoring 87 points on Harry Vold Rodeo’s Sheep Tick and winning the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, held in July in Colorado Springs, Colo.

–Kirt Steinke photo


BY MARvIN oLBERDINg

Curtis Cassidy has ascended to the ranks of steer wrestling’s elite in the past few years, finishing sixth in the world in 2008 and a career-best fourth last season. Now, he is hoping to take the next step and become a world champion. Cassidy concluded an outstanding regular season at the Justin Boots Championships in Omaha, Neb., where he earned $25,747 and jumped to the top spot in the PRCA World Standings. The Donalda, Alberta, bulldogger will head into Round 1 in Las Vegas with a relatively slim lead ($8,682) over veteran Todd Suhn, and he knows that Suhn and the rest of the 15-man field will be gunning for his spot at the top. “It feels great to have a good year, finish strong at the end and end up as the season leader,” Cassidy said. “There is always more pressure when you go in at No. 1, but Vegas is all about taking chances and going at them 110 percent every night. That’s always my game plan whenever I go to Vegas; you’ve got to back in there and go at them, because there are so many guys there who are so competitive.” Cassidy has already proven he’s capable of handling the pressure. He entered this year’s Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton, Alberta, in the top spot and left with the title. Suhn, meanwhile, will be competing in his 14th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – by far the most of any of this year’s steer wrestlers – and he’s arguably in the best position of his career to win a world title. The 37-year-old South Dakota cowboy, who has finished as high as second in the world back in 1999, won the title at the Justin Boots Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash., to briefly take over the No. 1 spot before Cassidy’s Omaha performance. While World Champions Dean Gorsuch and Luke Branquinho lurk close behind in third and fourth place, respectively, one of the biggest stories of this year’s field is the amount of turnover from a year ago. Eight bulldoggers in this year’s Top 15 did not compete in Las Vegas last year, and six of

them are competing in their first Wrangler NFR. Cassidy, who won his second Canadian Finals Rodeo title Nov. 11-14, said the new blood in this year’s field will make the Finals exciting, and fans should expect good things from the first-timers. “Most of the guys have either been there hazing or have been there to watch,” said Cassidy, who made the first of his four appearances in 2002. “It’s their first time there (as competitors), but they have a pretty good idea of what to expect. It’s new territory for them, but I think a lot of them are going to do well.” Injuries derailed any chance of reigning World Champion Steer Wrestler Lee Graves defending his title at the Thomas & Mack Center this year, but his influence on the 10-day event will still be apparent. Graves’ horse Jessie, the 2009 AQHA/

PRCA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, will be used by three bulldoggers in Las Vegas – Cassidy, Trevor Knowles and Ethen Thouvenell – and he could be a difference-maker. Knowles used him when he made an arena-record 3.0-second run in Omaha, and Cassidy won the rodeo with him, so Jessie’s proven record at quick setups could be extremely valuable. “He’s a great horse, and it’s been proven that whoever rides him wins,” Cassidy said of Jessie. “To go in there on a good horse who’s going to give you a good chance every night gives you confidence in what you’re doing. It’s just a matter of you backing in there and getting a good start.” The standings leader won’t be short on horsepower in Las Vegas; his No. 2 option will be Willy, the 2008 PRCA/AQHA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year and one of the sport’s most highly regarded bulldogging horses.

Close race: Bulldogger Cassidy hopes to stay on top

STEERWRESTLING

Curtis Cassidy will head to Las Vegas in the top spot in the PRCA World Standings, and the 2010 Canadian bulldogging champion hopes to leave with his first world title.

–Greg Westfall photo


December 6-11HollywooD THeaTre

for TickeTs, call 702.891.7800 or visiT mgmgranD.com

For Mature Audiences


BY NEAL REID

With a dream regular season in the books, a pair of team ropers now sets their sights on golden glory. No team ropers in PRCA history ever had a better regular season than Clay Tryan and Travis Graves did this year. Both cowboys set new regular-season earnings records in their disciplines and enter the 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with five-figure leads. Tryan, the 2005 world champion header, arrives in Las Vegas with a record $146,608, nearly $30,000 ahead of 2007 World Champion Chad Masters. Graves, of Jay, Okla., will back into the box on Dec. 2 for Round 1 with a record $147,653, more than $25,000 ahead of Cory Petska. With each round paying $17,512 for first and a whopping $44,910 going to the average champions, the gold buckle is up for grabs. But Tryan, for one, is excited to have the target on

his back heading into the 10-day event. “It feels great,” Tryan said of his No. 1 ranking. “You always want to go into the Finals being No. 1. I’ve done it one time and won a gold buckle. That was our goal when we started, to win a world championship, and that’s still our plan.” Several teams will be in the hunt for world titles, and the battle will likely go down to the wire, as it did a year ago. Petska is roping with 12th-ranked JoJo LeMond, while Masters is roping with third-ranked Jade Corkill. In addition, third-ranked Turtle Powell – who is roping with 11th-ranked Broc Cresta – could be a factor in the gold-buckle mix, along with the teams of Travis Tryan (fourth) and eight-time World Champion Rick Skelton (sixth), Charly Crawford (fifth) and Russell Cardoza (fourth) and Britt Williams (sixth) and 1991 World Champion Bobby Harris (fifth). The team of Trevor Brazile and Patrick Smith, who won the Wrangler NFR average title in 2008, shouldn’t be counted out by any means. Last year, Nick Sartain and Kollin VonAhn came from eighth and ninth,

respectively, to win their first world titles, so anything could happen in Las Vegas this year. Fast times in the Thomas & Mack Center’s short, quick setup should once again be the norm. The world record of 3.3 seconds was set by Masters and Corkill last year in Round 9, and the average winning time in all 10 rounds was 3.8. Teams will be coming in with their hammers cocked, ready to grab as much of the record $5.875 million purse as they can. Headers Britt Williams, Brady Tryan, Colby Lovell and Ty Blasingame and heelers Broc Cresta and Jake Long are all making their first appearances at the Wrangler NFR as part of a group of 32 contestants who earned their first berths this year. Even with the momentum gained from winning the Justin Boots Championships in Omaha, Neb., Sept. 23-25, and the world standings lead, Clay Tryan and Graves know that they will need to be sharp in Las Vegas to emerge with gold buckles. “It’s not over until it’s over, and it’s going to be a dogfight,” Graves said. “Whoever does the best out there is going to win it this year. We just have to go to the Finals and battle it out.”

Determined duo: record-setting Tryan, Graves chase gold in vegas

TEAMROPING

The record-setting team of Clay Tryan, right, and Travis Graves enter this year’s Wrangler NFR as the top-ranked team, and they know they have a 10-day battle on their hands for the gold buckles.



BY JohNNA EspINozA

Bradley Harter is enjoying the best year of his professional career, and he will tell you that he greatly appreciates this year’s victories, the prize money and his No. 1 ranking in the saddle bronc riding. But in terms of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, he is not adopting the attitude of the front-runner. Harter, who has qualified for the Wrangler NFR five times, knows his nearly $4,000 lead over the field could disappear as soon as the dust settles on Round 1, Dec. 2. First place in Las Vegas pays $17,512 a night. “In my mind, I’m going in like I’m No. 10,” said the Weatherford, Texas, cowboy. “Not that much money separates me from the No. 10 guy. I’m going in there like I’m chasing, not that I’m being chased. I’m going to act like there is a guy who is $30,000 ahead of me, and try to win every day. “Halfway through the Finals, I may not be first, but all that matters is that, at the end of the 10th round, I’m No.1.” Harter, 29, has competed against world champions since turning pro in 2002. He is keenly aware of the caliber of cowboys in the chutes next to him. Harter will be challenged by World Champions Jeff Willert (2005), Taos Muncy (2007), Cody Wright (2008) and Jesse Kruse, the defending world champion. Kruse didn’t have quite the same success this year that he did in 2009 en route to his first world title. The Great Falls, Mont., cowboy added his name to a storied list of Montanans, such as ProRodeo Hall of Famer Dan Mortensen, who have claimed a world title in ProRodeo’s signature event. This year, Kruse finished seventh in the PRCA World Standings with $85,328, and he is still within striking distance of a second consecutive gold buckle. He competed through left shoulder and right knee injuries earlier in 2010 and had to

make up some ground over the summer and fall to put himself in the Top 15. “I was plumb happy to make the Wrangler NFR after everything that has happened this year,” the 24-year-old said. Kruse is nearly 100 percent healthy now, aside from a little soreness in his knee, so he is hoping for a strong Finals and a chance to show rodeo fans the riding ability that earned him a world title. “People did ask why I wasn’t riding very well, and I don’t like to make excuses, so that was hard,” Kruse said. “But, you have your ups and downs, and I’m still shooting for a second gold buckle.” Last year’s Wrangler NFR average winner, Shaun Stroh, also is among those expected to contend for the world title, along with Wade Sundell, who is second in the world standings. Sundell had a breakout year in 2010, in which he won nine rodeos and was co-champion at three others. “It has been an excellent, excellent year,” Sundell said. “Words can’t explain what has

happened. Oh man, it’s a tremendous jump. I have only been riding broncs for three years.” Sundell, who was predominantly a bull rider in the past, sustained a pelvis injury and a broken left collarbone late in the season, but expects to be ready to ride 10 bucking horses in 10 nights at the Finals. “It’s pretty hard to think of it as a regular rodeo, because it’s not,” Sundell said. “It’s the best of the best.” Eight-time Canadian Champion Rod Hay is scheduled to compete. However, the 20-time Wrangler NFR qualifier shattered his right femur in June; he was expected to test his leg and decide whether to compete shortly before the start of the competition in Las Vegas. Five-time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Billy Etbauer did not make the field this year, ending a record 21-year streak. The 47-year-old – who is spending more time with his family now – may not be done, as he led the 2011 world standings through Nov. 15.

World-title pursuit: No. 1 Harter prefers underdog role

SADDLE BRONCRIDING

Saddle bronc rider Bradley Harter had the most successful year of his career in 2010. The Weatherford, Texas, cowboy, pictured here at Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days, leads his event with $106,808.

–James Phifer photo


BY MARvIN oLBERDINg

With Trevor Brazile’s historic eighth all-around world title all but a certainty heading into the Wrangler NFR, his attempt to win a third tie-down roping gold buckle in four years may be flying somewhat under the radar. But, if he’s successful, he’ll join another select group in ProRodeo history. In the NFR era, only five tie-down ropers have pulled off the 3-for-4 feat. Not surprisingly, they’re all Hall of Famers: Dean Oliver (1960-64), Glen Franklin (1965, 1967-68), Roy Cooper (1980-84), Joe Beaver (1985, 1987-88) and Fred Whitfield (1999-2000, 2002). Brazile will be making his 12th consecutive Finals appearance in tie-down roping, and since

breaking through for his first world title in that event three years ago, he said he’s simply been fortunate enough to have all the little things fall into place. “I think (practice) had a lot to do with it,”

Brazile said. “People always talk about all these different sports being a game of inches and that being the difference between winning and losing. I don’t really recognize any one thing that made me improve. I just think that if you put the time and effort into it, you may not know when or why some of those things click, but they do, and it does pay off.” With $142,736 in earnings heading into Las

Vegas, Brazile has built a $35,367 lead over his 20-year-old brother-in-law – and Roy Cooper’s son – Tuf Cooper, and he’s done it in impressive fashion. His 2010 résumé includes average victories at some of the year’s biggest rodeos, including Denver, San Antonio and Guymon, Okla. Still, the season wasn’t without its challenges; in addition to a right elbow injury that had him worried about his ability to even throw his rope, Brazile’s had to deal with injury problems with his horses. Jaguar, his top tie-down roping horse, has been unavailable since July and won’t be an option at the Finals. “It’s probably one of the best seasons I’ve had,” Brazile said. “It didn’t seem like it at times; every year is different, you know. You win money at different places, and this year it seemed like I was without horses a lot more. “I didn’t win much in July and August in the calf roping, especially August. Then I kind of found some horses that I clicked with, and it went well after that.” Specifically, Brazile has found a rapport with Rio, a 9-year-old yellow horse he bought from Cody Ohl earlier this year. Brazile said Rio excels in short-score setups, which is precisely why he’ll be the horse the defending champion will use at the Thomas & Mack Center. Meanwhile, Tuf Cooper will lead a very talented group of 14 cowboys hoping to overtake Brazile for the top spot. The 20-year-old won the average at last year’s Finals, where he came within a half-second of eight-time World Champion Fred Whitfield’s arena record, and he’s finished in the top four in both of his first two professional seasons, including second in 2009. Cooper leads a youth movement of sorts in this year’s field; he’ll be joined by 21-year-old Shane Hanchey and 22-year-old Clif Cooper (the middle of the three Cooper brothers who will be competing in Las Vegas). All three will be making their first Finals appearances. On the flip side, Whitfield will compete at his 19th Wrangler NFR with hopes of tying Dean Oliver’s PRCA record of eight tie-down roping world titles. Stran Smith, the 2008 world champion, will be competing in Las Vegas for the 11th time, and Jerome Schneeberger will also be making his 11th Finals appearance – his first since 2007.

Brazile blitz: Big season gives Trevor lead over star-studded field

TIE-DOWN ROPING

Trevor Brazile is hoping to win his third tie-down roping world championship in four years at the 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Brazile will enter Las Vegas with a $35,367 lead over 20-year-old Tuf Cooper, the 2009 Wrangler NFR average champion.

–PRCA ProRodeo photo by Mike Copeman


BY JIM BAINBRIDgE

Bull riders represent roughly eight percent of the rodeo cowboy population and 50 percent of the injuries. When your job is climbing on the back of a nearly one-ton critter with a bad attitude, there are certain risks attached to the enterprise. Ty Murray once said, “There’s no other feeling on this Earth like making great rides on great animals.” But that rush, that euphoria, can be mitigated quickly if the bull head-butts you, throws you into a chute gate or steps on you. Yes, bull riding comes with an extra-thick layer of unpredictability. Cody Hancock won his world championship in 2000 despite starting the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 15th place. J.W. Harris snatched his second gold buckle a year ago even though he broke his right (riding) hand in the second round in Las Vegas and never won a single check. So, yeah. Unpredictable. The one certainty? That a bull rider’s career doesn’t last as long as those of cowboys in other events, and the peak years tend to come at a younger age. Each of the last six world champions has been 24 years old or younger, and only one of the last 11 has been older than 25. If you are handicapping this year’s Wrangler NFR, you start there. Eight of the 15 contestants this year are 25 or younger, including Harris, 24, who is seeking to become the first bull rider to win three gold buckles in a row since Don Gay from 1979-81, world standings leader and 2007 World Champion Wesley Silcox, 25, Justin Boots Championships winner Steve Woolsey, 24, and 2009 Wrangler NFR average champion Kanin Asay, 24. Silcox enters the Wrangler NFR as the front-runner after a late-season push gave him a lead of more than $22,000 on the field. “It’s a whole new deal,” Silcox said. “It puts a little more pressure on me with people talking about me being the favorite and expecting me to do well. Anything can happen (in Vegas); no lead is safe. I’ll just try to have fun, ride like I always do.” Handicappers like Silcox’s chances because he has a solid track record. In four appearances there, he has earned $250,204, winning at least one round every year and six altogether. While he doesn’t rule anybody out, Silcox reckons the biggest threat to his lead is Woolsey, the same guy who shared the bench seat of his truck all season. “Lately, (Woolsey) can’t seem to be bucked off,” Silcox said. “J.W. is the two-time defending champion, and he’s always hard to beat, especially in Vegas. Some of the younger guys could come through and do well, too; there’s no way of telling who might go on a run.” Harris is healthy and motivated to do big things in Vegas. He won the average at the NFR in 2008, but was bucked off in the last three rounds that year, and because of the injury last year, he had no qualified rides. Recovering from the broken hand also put a crimp in his performance this season. “It wasn’t until after the Xtreme Bulls event in Cody (Wyo.) in July that I really began to trust (the hand) … began to get my strength back

where it was before the injury. I didn’t do any special therapy. I built up my strength just getting on bulls. It was kind of aggravating waiting for it to come around again, but you go through that sometimes in this sport, and it’s good now. No pain.” Harris enters his title defense in eighth place, about $50,000 behind Silcox, but knows what is possible if he can put together 10 solid rounds there. Each round pays $17,512 to the winner, and the average champion at the NFR earns nearly $45,000. “It all starts over when you get to the Finals,” Harris said. “It’s an even slate. I just have to go out there and do my job and see what happens. I can’t control what Silcox or any of the rest of them does. I just have to do my part.”

vision quest: Silcox aims to end Harris’ streak, earn second world title

BULLRIDING

Wesley Silcox, the 2007 world champion who has already claimed the 2010 Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls Tour national title, presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, comes into Las Vegas with the PRCA World Standings lead and would love to add another gold buckle to his trophy case.

--Gene Hyder photo


Contestant rosterBAREBACK RiDiNGRyan Gray, Cheney, Wash.Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb.Clint Cannon, Waller, TexasWes Stevenson, Lubbock, TexasBobby Mote, Culver, Ore.Dusty LaValley, Bezanson, AlbertaWill Lowe, Canyon, TexasKelly Timberman, Mills, Wyo.Justin McDaniel, Porum, Okla.Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore.Jason Havens, Prineville, Ore.Kaycee Feild, Payson, UtahMatt Bright, Azle, TexasJoe Gunderson, Agar, S.D.D.V. Fennell, Neosho, Mo.

STEER WRESTLiNGCurtis Cassidy, Donalda, AlbertaTodd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D.Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb.Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif.Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore.Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, TexasCody Cassidy, Donalda, AlbertaJule Hazen, Ashland, Kan.

Dane Hanna, Berthold, N.D.Ethen Thouvenell, Napa, Calif.Billy Bugenig, Ferndale, Calif.Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo.Wade Sumpter, Fowler, Colo.Kyle Hughes, Olney Springs, Colo.Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis.

TEAM ROPiNGClay Tryan, Billings, Mont./Travis Graves, Jay, Okla. Chad Masters, Clarksville, Tenn./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev. Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas/Broc Cresta, Santa Rosa, Calif. Travis Tryan, Billings, Mont./Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore./Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore.Britt Williams, Hammond, Mont./Bobby Harris, Gillette, Wyo.Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas/Martin Lucero, Stephenville, TexasTrevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas/Patrick Smith, Midland, TexasBrady Tryan, Huntley, Mont./Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan.Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas/Kory Koontz, Sudan, TexasDerrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz.JoJo LeMond, Andrews, Texas/Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz.Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla./Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla.Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo./Cody Hintz,

Spring Creek, Nev.Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn./Caleb Twisselman, Santa Margarita, Calif.

SADDLE BRONC RiDiNGBradley Harter, Weatherford, TexasWade Sundell, Boxholm, IowaCody Wright, Milford, UtahTaos Muncy, Corona, N.M.Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La.Jesse Kruse, Great Falls, Mont.Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb.Shaun Stroh, Dickinson, N.D.Rod Hay, Wildwood, AlbertaJeff Willert, Belvidere, S.D.J.J. Elshere, Quinn, S.D.Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La.Scott Miller, Boise, IdahoDustin Flundra, Pincher Creek, AlbertaSam Spreadborough, Snyder, Texas

TiE-DOWN ROPiNGTrevor Brazile, Decatur, TexasTuf Cooper, Decatur, TexasStran Smith, Childress, TexasJerome Schneeberger, Ponca City, Okla.Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La.Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla.Tyson Durfey, Colbert, Wash.Clint Cooper, Decatur, TexasFred Whitfield, Hockley, TexasRyan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga.Scott Kormos, Teague, TexasJoseph Parsons, Marana, Ariz.Cody Ohl, Hico, Texas

Clif Cooper, Decatur, TexasJerrad Hofstetter, Portales, N.M.

BuLL RiDiNGWesley Silcox, Santaquin, UtahShawn Hogg, Odessa, TexasSteve Woolsey, Payson, UtahTyler Smith, Fruita, Colo.Clayton Williams, Carthage, TexasKanin Asay, Powell, Wyo.Chad Denton, Berry Creek, Calif.J.W. Harris, Mullin, TexasD.J. Domangue, Houma, La.Dustin Elliott, North Platte, Neb.Ardie Maier, Timber Lake, S.D.Corey Navarre, Weatherford, Okla.Bobby Welsh, Gillette, Wyo.Seth Glause, Rock Springs, Wyo.Cody Whitney, Asher, Okla.

BARREL RACiNGSherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz. Lindsay Sears, Nanton, Alberta Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore. Jill Moody, Letcher, S.D. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. Nellie Williams, Cottonwood, Calif.Kelli Tolbert, Hooper, Utah Christina Richman, Glendora, Calif.Sherrylynn Johnson, Henryetta, Okla.Jeanne Anderson, White City, Kan.Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla. Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla. Benette Barrington, Lubbock, TexasSydni Blanchard, Albuquerque, N.M.


BAREBACK HORSESAndrews Rodeo Company100 Cool Water101 Power Play102 Phantom103 Jitterbug104 Cool SpotBar T Rodeo inc.105 Oakey Robin106 BeatriceBeutler & Son Rodeo Co.107 South Point108 Wonderland109 Molly Brown110 Satin Sheets111 Forward Motion112 Free Fall113 Show Biz114 Zinger115 Killer Bee116 Golden DreamBeutler Brothers & Cervi Rodeo Company117 Classic Equine Hostage118 Multi-Chem Grakel Roan119 Classic Equine Little Bo PeepBig Stone Rodeo inc.120 Gold DustBrookman Rodeo121 Good TimesBurch Rodeo122 Big 85Calgary Stampede123 Coconut Roll124 Kauai Coconut125 London Mist126 Mad Money127 Muffled Cries128 Nightmare RocketCarr Pro Rodeo129 Out A Sight130 Grass Dancer131 Real Deal132 Riverboat Annie133 Dirty Jacket134 Big Lights135 Deuces NightCervi Championship Rodeo136 Multi-Chem Pinball Wizard137 Red Brand Hello Dolly138 Vitalix Grit Your TeethClassic Pro Rodeo139 Big Tex

140 Fancy Free141 Nutrena’s Wise Guy142 Good Time Charlie143 Lady’s Man144 Scarlet’s Web145 Cimmaron146 Touched by an Angel147 Sweet Maria148 Sorrel TopD&H Cattle149 Working GirlFrontier Rodeo150 Delta Ship151 Delta Force152 Joy Ride153 Full Baggage154 Medicine CreekGrowney Bros. Rodeo inc.155 Moulin Rouge156 Witch Doctor157 Beaver Fever158 Bittersweet159 CowcampHarry Vold Rodeo Company160 Sheep Tick161 Dusty DanJ Bar J Rodeo inc.162 Jail House Rock163 Rodeoing Beyond164 Faded Jeans165 Freckled Doll166 Faded Charm167 Moon Hawk168 Bar Bandit169 Shady Days170 First LightJK Rodeo Company171 Molly172 Dakota BabeJS Rodeo173 Silk & Dynomite174 Stop DebtKesler Championship Rodeo175 Next 2 U176 Alley TrailKesler Rodeo177 Blue Wings178 Street DanceKorkow Rodeos179 Quittin TimeLancaster & Pickett Rodeo Company180 Top Flight181 Night BellsMosbrucker Rodeos182 Magic WarsOutlawbuckers Rodeo183 Tubs Ross River

Powder River Rodeo184 Show BoatRafter G Rodeo Company185 Assault186 CitationSankey Rodeo Company187 Gus188 Broadway189 Thunder Monkey190 MonySmith, Harper & Morgan191 Jesse’s Girl192 Baby DoeStace Smith ProRodeos193 RD Mercer194 Wild Flower195 Size MattersThree Hills Rodeo196 Mama Mia197 Ned Pepper198 Peaches & CreamWayne Vold Rodeo Co.199 Centennial

SADDLE BRONCSAndrews Rodeo Company200 Lock & LoadBar T Rodeo inc.201 Son of Sadie202 Fire Fly203 Round Robin204 Robins Best205 Eight Ball206 Miss MonidaBarnes PRCA Rodeo207 Cat PowerBeutler & Son Rodeo Co.208 Fox Trot209 Red Man210 Al Capone211 No Date Kate212 Night Moves213 Sand ManBeutler Brothers & Cervi Rodeo Company214 Vitalix War GloryBig Bend Rodeo Company215 Feature Attraction216 No Dice217 Kool ToddyBrookman Rodeo218 Wild ThingBurch Rodeo219 Yellow Hair220 Hippy Chick221 Lunitic Fringe222 Jim Dandy

223 Holy Hoppin Hell224 Friendly FireCalgary Stampede225 Cash Machine226 Fearless Warrior227 Gross Beetle228 Gallant Warrior229 Knife Money230 Luxurious Bubbles231 Lynx Mountain232 Majestic Rocket233 Mata FactCarr Pro Rodeo234 Air Miles235 Miss Congeniality236 True LiesCervi Championship Rodeo237 Multi-Chem Party Shop238 Classic Equine Street Smart239 Red Brand Strutting GroundsClassic Pro Rodeo240 Lori Darlin241 Miss Rodeo242 Dirty DancerD&H Cattle243 Lipstick & WhiskeyDiamond G Rodeo244 Marla’s RoseFlying 5 Rodeo245 Broken Saddles246 Wind Chimes247 Spring Blues248 Spring Planting249 SundanceFranklin Rodeo Company250 Blue TooFrontier Rodeo Company251 Let ’Er Rip252 Griz253 Wild Bill254 Medicine Woman255 Blue Sky256 Cowboy Classic257 Ace of Spades258 Crown Cloudy259 Tip OffGrowney Brothers260 SherlockHarry Vold Rodeo Company261 Painted ValleyHarvey Northcott Rodeo262 Get SmartJ Bar J Rodeo inc.263 Painted Brush264 Bugs Bunny265 Tipped Off

266 Special TimeJS Rodeo267 Powow TrailKesler Championship Rodeo268 Spanish PairKesler Rodeo269 StarburstKorkow Rodeos270 Vidalia271 Vanilla TwistMosbrucker Rodeos inc.272 Little Hawk273 Red CloudNew West Rodeo274 ShowbizOutlawbuckers Rodeo275 American Trip276 F BombPowder River Rodeo277 Miss CongenialityRafter G Rodeo Company278 Black Bart279 BillingsSankey Rodeo Company280 Domino Theory281 Surprise Party282 Turtle Dove283 Shining Mountain284 SodukuSilverado Rodeo285 Betty BucksSmith, Harper & Morgan286 Painted Feather287 Flaming DesireStace Smith ProRodeos288 Resistol Top Hat289 Big Jet290 Justin’s Sock Dancer291 Pretty Boy292 Goin SouthSutton Rodeos inc.293 ChuckulatorThree Hills Rodeo294 Aces Full295 Prom Nite296 HickockWayne Vold Rodeo Co.297 Awesome298 Raveen299 Atomic Betty

BuLLSAndrews Rodeo Company300 Weed Wacker301 Red Onion302 Reeses Pieces303 Body Works

livestock roster


304 Black Cat305 BootleggerBar T Rodeo inc.306 Butch307 TombstoneBarnes PRCA Rodeo308 Ole’ South RebelBeutler & Son Rodeo Co.309 Little Lightning310 Crooked Nose311 Scent Loc312 Classic RedBeutler Brothers & Cervi Rodeo Company313 Vitalix Hard TimesBurch Rodeo314 Velvet Revolver315 Best of the West316 Zombie ZooBurns Rodeo317 Kid Twist318 Full ThrottleCalgary Stampede319 Speed DialCarr Pro Rodeo320 Black GoldCervi Championship Rodeo321 Multi-Chem Texas CocktailCervi & Guidry Pro Rodeo322 Multi-Chem Comet’s

Surprise323 Vitalix Hot Diggity Damn324 Red Brand Amy’s PetClassic Pro Rodeo325 Secret Agent326 Diamond Joe327 White LiarCorey & Horst Rodeo Co.328 King of Hearts329 North Star330 Due NorthD&H Cattle331 Marmaduke332 Kool & Sexy333 Red DogDakota Rodeo Company334 Yellow Jacket Jr.335 Big Tex336 Chicken FriedDavid Bailey Pro Rodeo337 BillionaireDiamond G Rodeo338 White Magic339 Komatsu KittyFlying Diamond340 Nobody’s BusinessFlying u Rodeo Company341 Bring ItFour L and Diamond S Rodeo342 Big Iron

343 Foolish Pride344 Mission Accomplished345 Insaniac346 Palm Springs347 Top DiamondFour Star Rodeo348 Punchline349 Buckle UpFranklin Rodeo Company350 Good Vibrations351 Little White LieFrontier Rodeo352 Smoke Screen353 Jesse’s Black Powder354 Tiger Lips355 Monkey Blood356 More Bucks357 Cajun MonkeyGrowney Bros. Rodeo inc.358 No Glory359 Juicy Vindication360 Bible Bender361 Little Juicy362 Secretary of Soul363 Original Prankster364 South Point’s Touch of Class365 War GodJ Bar J inc.366 Sky High

JK Rodeo inc.367 Crazy TrainKlein Brothers Pro Rodeo368 Fast LaneLancaster & Pickett Rodeo Company369 Majestic Moves370 Texas SanchoMo Betta Rodeo Company371 Bailey HouMosbrucker Rodeos inc.372 Black DiamondPainted Pony Championship Rodeo373 Million Dollar ManRafter G Rodeo Company374 Road Hazard375 Big DRafter H Rodeo Livestock376 Hot Wired377 Dr. Hou378 Black Powder379 Crazy TrainRosser Rodeo Company380 Hawaiian IvorySalt River Rodeo Company381 Ringo382 BojanglesSilverado Rodeo Company383 Black Mamba384 After Party

385 Blindside386 Satin Sheets387 Dos Amigos388 Monkey Wrench389 Silent Assassin390 Playmate391 Prime SuspectSmith, Harper & Morgan Rodeo392 Smilin BillStace Smith ProRodeos393 Exotic Justin394 Category 5Three Hills Rodeo395 Guilty as Charged396 Shake N BakeTriple V Rodeo Company397 Really Reduniversal Rodeos398 TaxmanWild Card Rodeo399 Pocket Change


(All times are Pacific.)

MONDAY, NOV. 299-11:30 a.m.Miss Rodeo America PageantHorsemanship Competition, The South Point Equestrian Arena/Free admissionNoon-4 p.m.64th Annual PRCA National Convention Registration, Early registration and trade show setup and JCCF Silent Auction, The South Point Convention Area6:30 p.m.3rd Annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala, presented by Wrangler and benefiting the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, The South Point Grand Ballroom/Tickets available through the ProRodeo Hall of Fame7-10 p.m.Miss Rodeo America Pageant Cowgirl Kickoff Party “With a denim STATEment” & Silent Auction Showcase & Bidding, The Orleans Hotel & Casino in the Mardi Gras Ballroom, Ticket required/Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk/The Orleans

TUESDAY, NOV. 307 a.m.-4 p.m.64th Annual PRCA National Convention Registration & JCCF Silent Auction, The South Point Convention Area8:30-10 a.m.Miss Rodeo America PageantPresident’s Breakfast, The Orleans Hotel & Casino in the Mardi Gras Ballroom, Ticket required/Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk/The Orleans12:30-4 p.m.64th Annual PRCA National Convention Trade Show, The South Point Exhibit Hall6-9 p.m.PRCA Welcome Reception, The South Point Grand Ballroom

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 17 a.m.-4 p.m.64th Annual PRCA National Convention Registration & JCCF Silent Auction, The South Point Convention Area8-9:20 a.m.Miss Rodeo America PageantContestants speeches and media videos, The Orleans Hotel & Casino – Showroom, Ticket required/Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk/The Orleans12:30-4 p.m.64th Annual PRCA National Convention Trade Show, The South Point Exhibit Hall6 p.m.PRCA Awards Banquet, The South Point Grand Ballroom/Ticket required (Tickets available through the PRCA.)5-11 p.m.24th Annual Downtown Hoedown, Fremont Street Experience, Free admission/Open to the public7-9 p.m.Miss Rodeo America PageantFashion Show, The Orleans Hotel & Casino – Showroom, Ticket required/Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk/The Orleans or purchased in advance through the Miss Rodeo America Pageant Office

THURSDAY, DEC. 28-9:15 a.m.Miss Rodeo America PageantContestants speeches and media videos, The Orleans Hotel & Casino – Showroom, Ticket required/Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk/The Orleans

8 a.m.-noon64th Annual PRCA National Convention Registration, The South Point Convention Area 9 a.m.-noon64th Annual PRCA National Convention Trade Show, The South Point Exhibit Hall10 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free Admission/Open to the public11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Miss Rodeo America PageantPRCA Luncheon Featuring Miss Rodeo America Pageant Contestants, The South Point Grand Ballroom/Ticket required – Visit www.missrodeo.com for details.NoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show6:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – First Performance, Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsor: Pendleton Whisky11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

FRIDAY, DEC. 38-9:15 a.m.Miss Rodeo America PageantContestants speeches and media videos, The Orleans Hotel & Casino – Showroom, Ticket required/Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk/The Orleans10 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the publicNoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show1-3 p.m.Miss Rodeo America Pageant Contestant Introductions/Live auction, Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission6:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Second Performance, Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsor: Coors11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

SATURDAY, DEC. 49 a.m.2010 Benny Binion’s World Famous Wrangler NFR Bucking Horse Sale, to benefit the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, The South Point Equestrian Arena/Ticket required (Tickets available at The South Point Box Office, 702.797.8055, or www.southpointcasino.com.)10 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the public11 a.m.NFR Celebrity Bowling Tournament and Silent Auction, benefiting the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund and Speedway Children’s Charitiesm Gold Coast Hotel and Casino – Bowling Center/For information on either sponsorship or

bowling individually or as a group, call 702.632.8242 or e-mail [email protected]. Open to the public, free admission to watch, contribution to participate.NoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show1-3 p.m.Miss Rodeo America PageantCoronation Performance, The Orleans Hotel & Casino – Showroom, Ticket required/Miss Rodeo America Pageant Registration Desk/The Orleans5:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Third Performance, Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsor: Dodge11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

SUNDAY, DEC. 59 a.m.2010 Benny Binion’s World Famous Wrangler NFR Bucking Horse Sale, to benefit the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, The South Point Equestrian Arena/Ticket required (Tickets available at The South Point Box Office, 702.797.8055, or www.southpointcasino.com.)10 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the publicNoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main Stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show5:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Fourth Performance (Wrangler National Patriot Night), Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsor: Boyd Gaming 11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

MONDAY, DEC. 610-11 a.m.PRCA Exceptional Rodeo, Thomas & Mack Center Arena Floor/Open to the public10 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the publicNoon-1 p.m.Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Team Ropers (teams ranked 1-8), Golden Nugget/Free admissionNoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show1-2 p.m.Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Team Ropers (teams ranked 9-15), Golden Nugget/Free admission6:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Fifth Performance (Memorial Night), Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsors: PRCA11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

Schedule of events


TUESDAY, DEC. 710 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the publicNoon-1 p.m.Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Bull Riders, Treasure Island Hotel & Casino/Free admissionNoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main Stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show 1-2 p.m.Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Bareback Riders, Monte Carlo Hotel/Free admission6:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Sixth Performance (Rookie Night), Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsor: PRCA11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 810 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the publicNoon-1 p.m.Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Barrel Racers, Excalibur Hotel/Free admissionNoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main Stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show

1-2 p.m.Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Steer Wrestlers, Hooters Casino Hotel/Free admission6:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Seventh Performance (Tough Enough to Wear Pink Night), Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsor: Montana Silversmiths11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

THURSDAY, DEC. 910 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the public11 a.m.-2 p.m.23rd Annual Pro Rodeo League of Women Luncheon & Fashion Show, Hosted by: The South Point Hotel & Casino, The South Point Grand Ballroom/Proceeds to benefit The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund (For ticket information, contact Tracy Hedeman at 817.676.1637, or after Nov. 1, they can be purchased at The South Point Box Office, 702.797.8055, or www.southpointcasino.com.)6:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Eighth Performance (Canadian Night), Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsor: Justin Boots11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

FRIDAY, DEC. 108 a.m. shotgun start24th Annual Spurs & Spikes Golf Tournament to benefit the

ProRodeo Hall of Fame/By invitation only10 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the publicNoon-1 p.m.Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Tie-Down Ropers, The Mirage/Free admissionNoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main Stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show1-2 p.m.Wrangler NFR Host Hotel Autograph Session – Saddle Bronc Riders, Aria/Free admission6:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Ninth Performance, Thomas & Mack Center; Performance sponsor: PRCA11 p.m.Wrangler NFR Go-Round Buckle Presentations hosted by Flint Rasmussen and Randy Corley, The South Point Dance Hall/Free admission

SATURDAY, DEC. 1110 a.m.-5 p.m.Wrangler NFR Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Free admission/Open to the publicNoonOutside the Barrel with Flint Rasmussen, Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Main Stage at the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show5:45 p.m.Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – 10th Performance, Thomas & Mack Center; Performance Sponsor: Wrangler; PRCA World Champions Award Ceremony, immediately following performance, Mirage


Not licensed to use PRCA marks.


News & notesPRCA launches Ram Truck Wrangler NFR Top Gun Award The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), in conjunction with Ram Truck, is launching the Ram Truck Wrangler NFR Top Gun Award during the 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Feeding off the excitement the world championship races create, this prestigious award will honor the cowboy or cowgirl who earns the most money during the grueling 10-day Finals. “We are always looking for ways to make the Wrangler NFR more interactive for our millions of fans,” PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman said. “We believe the Ram Truck Wrangler NFR Top Gun Award will be an exciting new competition for fans to follow and will shine a well-deserved spotlight on that one competitor who comes to Vegas and has the best 10-day run of anyone. To excel and win the most money during the most competitive, most intense 10 days of ProRodeo is a huge accomplishment that deserves additional recognition.” The winner of the Ram Truck Wrangler NFR Top Gun Award will receive a one-of-a-kind wrapped Ram truck, a custom buckle from Montana Silversmiths and a one-of-a-kind Ram Truck Top Gun-branded rifle from Commemorative Firearms. In addition to being recognized during the 10th round of the Wrangler NFR in the Thomas & Mack Center, the winner will also be celebrated during the PRCA’s inaugural Official Wrangler NFR World Champion Awards Show and 10th Night After-Party, in conjunction with the Mirage and Rodeo Vegas. “We are extremely excited to partner with the PRCA on this unique initiative,” said Fred Diaz, president and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and executive responsible for national sales, Chrysler Group LLC. “This award honors excellence, endurance and consistent delivery of top results under the toughest conditions. Those are core values to the Ram brand, and we look forward to awarding a new 2011 Ram truck to the competitor who has the best Wrangler NFR.” “The innovative element of this award is

that it is a cross-event competition. The fans will be able to follow the results nightly, and it may come down to a great race between a steer wrestler and a barrel racer to determine who earns that one extra dollar and walks away with the Ram Truck Wrangler NFR Top Gun Award,” PRCA Deputy Commissioner Matt Barnett said. “We appreciate the willingness of Ram Truck to jump on board with this new award, and we fully believe that this Ram

Truck Top Gun competition will quickly become a huge fan favorite.” Fans will be able to follow the Ram Truck Top Gun race throughout the Finals by going to the Wrangler NFR live scoreboard on prorodeo.com and telecasts on ESPN Networks.

PRCA Rolls Out Red Carpet for world champions in inaugural 10th Night Event The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has partnered with the Mirage Hotel & Casino and Rodeo Vegas to

bring The Official Wrangler NFR World Champion Awards Show and 10th Night After-Party to Las Vegas Saturday, Dec. 11, immediately following the last performance. The trio will host an unforgettable night, featuring the presentation of the 2010 PRCA world champions on stage and recognition of all Wrangler NFR contestants. The evening will include live performances by select country music artists, exclusive prize giveaways, celebrity appearances and more. The PRCA 10th Night After-Party will begin with a red carpet experience for the world champions, as they will roll up to the Mirage in their own limousines and enter through a special entrance to be interviewed. The PRCA 10th Night After-Party will also be shared with millions of rodeo fans through a special premiere broadcast on Great American Country (GAC) on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 9:30 p.m. EST. “The 10th Night of the Wrangler NFR is one of the most exciting nights in all of professional sports, and now, thanks to our partnership with the Mirage and Rodeo Vegas, ProRodeo has a true signature event and after-party to honor our new world champions and all of the amazing Wrangler NFR contestants,” PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman said. “This event will be a tremendous opportunity for all of the ProRodeo community, including our loyal PRCA fans who fill Las Vegas each December, to come together and celebrate the 2010 Wrangler NFR and the accomplishments of our world champions. We are also excited that, thanks to our friends at GAC, millions of rodeo fans will have the opportunity to be part of the 10th Night experience and to understand the excitement of ProRodeo.” “Rodeo Vegas was started to give the fans access to the contestants of the PRCA and the Wrangler NFR, and to treat the Wrangler NFR qualifiers like rock stars on the Las Vegas strip,” said Rodeo Vegas creator and five-time

2010 Wrangler nFr payoFF

Total prize money: $5.875 millionPayoff for each of the 10 full go-rounds:$56,490.38 eachFirst place $17,512.02 (per man in TR)Second $13,840.14 (per man in TR)Third $10,450.72 (per man in TR)Fourth $7,343.75 (per man in TR)Fifth $4,519.23 (per man in TR)Sixth $2,824.52 (per man in TR)

Payoff for the average: $169,471.15First place $44,909.86 (per man in TR)Second $36,436.30 (per man in TR)Third $28,810.10 (per man in TR)Fourth $21,183.89 (per man in TR)Fifth $15,252.40 (per man in TR)Sixth $11,015.63 (per man in TR)Seventh $7,626.20 (per man in TR)Eighth $4,236.78 (per man in TR)


Wrangler NFR qualifier K.C. Jones. “This 10th-night event takes the after-party experience of Rodeo Vegas to a whole new level, and we could not be more excited to team with the PRCA and the Mirage to throw a world-championship ProRodeo party.” For information, log on to 10thnight.prorodeo.com or call Sara Muirheid, PRCA director of marketing, at 719.528.4792 or [email protected].

ProRodeoLive.com coverage of the Wrangler NFR ProRodeoLive.com will provide live and comprehensive streaming audio coverage of the 52nd Annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 2-11, from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The broadcasts can be heard on a network of radio stations across the country or by visiting ProRodeoLive.com and clicking on the link on the homepage. ProRodeoLive.com’s coverage also is being offered on iTunes Radio. ProRodeoLive.com is the official radio broadcast provider of the PRCA. The broadcasts are anchored by 2009 PRCA Broadcaster of the Year Steve Kenyon. Analysis

and color commentary are provided by a trio of rodeo insiders – Clint Corey, Wade Wheatley and Freya Ford. Corey is a ProRodeo Hall of Famer, 1991 world champion and 18-time Wrangler NFR qualifier. Wheatley is a six-time Wrangler NFR qualifier, and he finished second in the world title race in 2002. Ford was the 2009 Miss Rodeo Idaho and finished runner-up to 2010 Miss Rodeo America Kelli Jackson.

ProRodeoLive.com broadcast schedule(All times PT)

Thursday, Dec. 2, and Friday, Dec. 3 ... on air at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday, Dec 5 ... on air at 5:15 p.m. Monday, Dec 6, through Friday, Dec 10 ... on air at 6:15 p.m.Saturday, Dec 11 ... on air at 5:15 p.m.

ProRodeoLive.com also will offer ProRodeo fans daily interviews and results in its ProRodeoLive’s Wrangler NFR Today program, Dec. 2-11, which will be broadcast at 11 a.m. (PT) from the PRCA booth at the

Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Xtreme Bulls Tour riders to hold autograph session at Hard Rock The PRCA’s top bull riders will interact with fans during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls Tour free autograph session from 1-2 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Hard Rock Café on the Las Vegas Strip. The Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls Tour, presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, featured 10 events in 2010 and was instrumental in many of this year’s Top 15 bull riders qualifying for the Wrangler NFR. All 15 will be at the autograph session, including 2010 Tour Champion and PRCA World Standings leader Wesley Silcox. Also in attendance will be ESPN’s Xtreme Bulls Tour “on-air talent,” eight-time World Champion Bull Rider Don Gay and Dan Miller. (Note: For a list of the other autograph sessions, refer to the Wrangler NFR event schedule on pages 44-45.)

*For the complete Wrangler National FinalsRodeo television schedule, turn to page 84.


ne of the dominating

mantras in the sport of ProRodeo

is that, because of its camaraderie and

close-knit atmosphere, rodeo is one big family. That certainly will be true – in the literal sense – at the 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where 12 contestants will be competing alongside family members Dec. 2-11. Led by the Wrangler NFR’s first dual three-brother combinations of Clay, Travis and Brady Tryan and Clint, Clif and Tuf Cooper, this year’s Wrangler NFR will truly be a family affair. You can read more about the Tryans and Coopers on page 52. In addition to the trios, the steer wrestling brother tandem of Curtis and Cody Cassidy will compete together in Las Vegas for the first time after Cody secured his first Wrangler NFR qualification this year. Top-ranked Curtis just won his second Canadian Finals Rodeo title (see page 61) Nov. 11-14, and seventh-ranked Cody also has two of those championships on his résumé. For the third time, brothers Heith and Cody DeMoss have both qualified for the Wrangler NFR in the saddle bronc riding, with Heith coming in ranked fifth and Cody in the 12th spot. The bronc riders also competed together in Las Vegas in 2007 and last year. Throw in Trevor Brazile, who is Tuf and Clif Cooper’s brother-in-law, and Stran Smith, who is Tuf ’s and Clif ’s uncle, and the

family ties run deeper. If that wasn’t enough of a representation of the sport’s family atmosphere, steer roper Dan Fisher competed at the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping in Guthrie, Okla., Nov. 5-6, with his sons, Vin and J. Tom (see page 54). Western and rodeo families are closer than most, so it should come as no surprise that so many family members have qualified for the sport’s pinnacle event. “Everybody grows up wanting to be a cowboy,” said Cody DeMoss, who is competing in his seventh Wrangler NFR this year. “As far as ranchers and cowboys in general, it’s a family affair – whether it’s being at home raising cows or ranching. Rodeo

is America’s sport, and America should be all about family. We’re just happy to be able to be a part of it, and we’re enjoying every minute of it.” Curtis Cassidy is chasing his first world championship in his fourth Las Vegas qualification and said that this year’s Wrangler NFR will be extra special since his younger brother will be there too. “I think it’s going to be really cool,” Curtis Cassidy said. “You don’t get a chance like that every day, and to be able to go and compete with my brother every night is going to be awesome. We’ve made the Canadian Finals together and a few other different places, but nothing as big as Las Vegas.

All in the family

Cody (left) and Curtis Cassidy are competing in this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo together for the first time after Cody earned his first berth in the 10-day event. They are two of a dozen contestants who will have family members competing with them in Las Vegas.


Siblings share Wrangler NFR experiences By Neal Reid


“It’s going to be a lot of fun. It will just be cool to be down there competing together.” The Cassidys have a healthy competitive relationship and a sibling rivalry, but are always quick to be there for each other every step of the way. “We always try to outdo each other all year long, but we’re also supporting each other at the same time,” Curtis said. “If one does better than the other, we’ll always razz each other a little bit, but we’re definitely in each other’s corner, too.” Cody Cassidy, who qualified for his first Wrangler NFR despite breaking his wrist in July, can’t wait to get to Las Vegas and compete with his brother. “It’s something that, when you start out, you set as a goal,” Cody Cassidy said. “It’s going to be pretty neat for the both of us brothers to be there, and it’ll definitely be something we remember forever.” For the bulldoggers’ father, Greg, having both of his sons competing at the Thomas & Mack Center is a wish fulfilled. “I remember sitting beside dad in the stands watching Curt the first time he made it in 2002 and him saying that he wanted to see both of us there together,” Cody Cassidy said. “At the time, I had just started steer wrestling,

and so I kind of chuckled at him and thought it was a far-fetched idea. But, as time changed and I got better, it became a reality.” Cody DeMoss said that competing alongside his younger brother at the “Super Bowl of Rodeo” is something that never gets old. “Heith is always exciting to be around

anyway, and there’s never a dull moment with him,” Cody DeMoss said. “Watching him ride the buckers every night, you never know what’s going to happen, so you’ve always got to watch. God has blessed me and Heith by leaps and bounds, and we’re just so thankful for what He’s done for us. “To get to go to the (Wrangler) NFR with your brother in the same event – you just can’t describe that. It’s very special.” The family aspect of rodeo is nothing new. In 1975, Butch (BR), Kaye (BB) and Sandy Kirby (BB), BR) became the first three-brother set to qualify for the NFR in the

same year. Saddle bronc riders Robert, Billy and Dan Etbauer accomplished the feat eight times (1989-92 and 1994-97), and the steer roping father, two-son combination of James, Guy and Gip Allen qualified for the NFSR in 1983. In addition, Dick Yates qualified in the team roping in 1984, while his daughter, Kelly, earned a berth in the barrel racing. Barrel racer Terri Kaye Kirkland competed at the Wrangler NFR with her sons, Clay and Travis Tryan, from 2003-05, adding yet another family combination to the qualification factoid list. ProRodeo Hall of Fame Team Roper Leo Camarillo and his brother, Jerold, roped at numerous NFRs in the same years. More recently, the brother tandems of Rope and Cash Myers and Todd and Randy Suhn have also discovered what it is like to compete alongside their brothers at the sport’s premier event. The examples can go on and on, but that representative sampling shows the roots that the family aspect of rodeo has had for decades and decades. Considering the number of family members who will be in attendance as part of the 17,000 screaming fans each night in Las Vegas, this year’s Wrangler NFR will fittingly be a family affair. The contestants wouldn’t want it any other way.

–Marvin Olberding contributed to this article.

ProRodeo Hall of Famer Roy Cooper, right, will be able to watch all three of his sons – from left to right, Clint, Clif and Tuf – compete in the world’s premier rodeo this year in Las Vegas.

–PRCA ProRodeo photo by Sara Muirheid

Saddle bronc riding brothers Cody (right) and Heith DeMoss will be going to Las Vegas together as contestants for the third time this year. The brothers are a close-knit pair who support each other all season long on the rodeo trail.


“To get to go to the NFR with your brother in the same event – you just can’t describe that. It’s very special.”

–Cody DeMoss


T

his is a modern-day “My Three Sons” episode, and a double feature at that. “Roy’s Boys,” as in tie-down roping phenoms Clint, Clif and Tuf Cooper, and Montana’s “Tryan Times Team Roping Trio,” Dennis Tryan’s talented trifecta of Clay, Travis and Brady,

this year join only two other three-brother sets in history – the roughstock riding Kirbys and Etbauers being the first two – to compete at the same Wrangler National Finals Rodeos. The odds were stacked like a barn of bricks against human herd sires Cooper and Tryan going three-for-three like this. I don’t care how naturally talented you are because it’s “bred into you,” it’s tough for any one cowboy to make the Finals in one event one time. The only way I can explain what’s happening here, given the fact that there are record numbers of world-class ropers today, is a swing factor: heart. I’ve always adored my Super Looper friend’s huge heart, and from his glory days to this very day, Roy’s heart has never, ever weakened. I got to join Roy, Tuf and a couple other friends for dinner one night at Hamley’s Steakhouse during the centennial Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up in September. For comic relief, we had Trevor and Shada Brazile’s little boy, Treston, who’ll be 3 on Dec. 1 and lives over the fence from Roy and

Tuf back home in Decatur, Texas, walk back and forth from the adjoining

table to show us fresh photos snapped on his daddy’s cell phone

on the walk to the restaurant, showing

him riding a mechanical bull on one of the

closed-off side streets. “I’m going to be a

bull rider!” he kept declaring. Grandpops Roy and Uncle Tuf kept very sweetly reminding Treston that bull ropes aren’t really this family’s style. Then “Main Man Roy” (that’s what Treston calls him when Roy has Oreos in the house and he wants some; when they’re down at the arena and Treston has the gate-popping clicker in his hand during practice sessions, he refers to Roy as “Super Looper One Time”) had Treston repeat after him, “Foot in the stirrup. Hand on the horn. Best little cowboy that ever was born.” As we got up at dessert’s end, Tuf walked around the table to thank family friend Stan Harper for buying our dinner. He took a knee, looked him in the eye and handed him a dollar. It’s a family tradition. When Tuf was little, he bought his grandpa/1960 and 1962 NFR tie-down roper Clifton Smith, who’s Tuf and Clif ’s mom Shari Rivera and Uncle Stran Smith’s dad, lunch. Clifton taught Tuf the dollar deal that day. “When somebody buys my food, I think of it as giving them a dollar of luck,” Tuf told me. “You can’t keep a lucky dollar; you have to spend it.” This grace and humility comes from a kid who’s still just 20 and is already competing at his third Wrangler NFR. He’s made quite a splash at the first two, making the 6.7-second run of the rodeo at the 50th annual NFR in 2008 (Shari and Uncle Stran gave Tuf the black heifer he roped that round for Christmas that year, and “Seis Siete” is still the centerpiece pasture ornament out Tuf ’s front window), and winning the tie-down roping average at last year’s Finals. We barely made it out the restaurant door that night when Roy spotted two elderly

women sitting out front. He stopped, took a knee, looked them in the eye, took each one’s hand in his and asked them how old they were. They were both in their mid-90s and hadn’t the slightest clue or care about the clout this year’s Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Famer carries. They were most impressed by his huge heart. The first time I ever watched Tuf and Clif, who’s 22, rope was at a junior rodeo at the Stockyards Arena in the old Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth when they were tiny tykes. Roy had invited me and was right there in the box with them, helping with their horses and ropes. One of them broke out and missed, and the other one got outrun. Poor little Clif cried. But Pops, as they call Roy, could not have been prouder, and pep-talked, kissed and hugged them right back to happiness. “Every little boy dreams of roping in the spotlight at the NFR,” said Clif, a Finals freshman who’s the college kid in the Cooper crowd. “It’s an honor to be in the same arena with my brothers and a true blessing to be able to compete with them at the NFR.” Big brother Clint will rope at his third Finals this month. “That first night, when we all ride in the grand entry together, I honestly don’t know if I’ll be whooping and hollering or shedding a tear,” said Clint, 28, whose mom is Lisa Seed. “We’ve all been practicing hard together and having fun getting ready for this. I can’t wait.” “There’s nothing better than seeing your kids succeed and accomplish their goals,” said ProRodeo Hall of Famer Roy, who captured a rare rodeo triple crown in 1983 with the world tie-down, steer roping and all-around titles. “When I won my triple crown, Red Steagall told me, ‘You’ll see it good again, but you’ll never see it this good.’ He was wrong. There’s nothing better than having all three of your kids at the NFR.” Dennis Tryan, who made history as the first team roping qualifier ever from Montana when he heeled for Rusty Wright at the 1984 Finals, hears that. “My gosh, this is like a dream come true,” he said (NFR barrel racer Terri Kaye Kirkland is Clay and Travis’ mom; Pat Tryan is Brady’s). “I was always scared one would get left out. The way this all happened is amazing. Wow, thank you, Lord.”

Cooper, Tryan brothers atriple threat to NFR tie-down,

team roping packs

BradyTryan

ClayTryan

ClintCooper

TufCooper

ClifCooper

Travis

Tryan

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Patterson wins second world title, breaks world recordBY MARVIN OLBERDING

r

ocky Patterson was on the road competing when ProRodeo Hall of Famer Guy Allen had the most prolific seasons of his storied career.

Now, he’ll be able to say he has a record that used to belong to “The Legend.” Patterson broke Allen’s 12-year-old PRCA single-season record with $101,685

in earnings and became the first steer roper to eclipse the $100,000 mark en route to winning his second consecutive world championship at the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping, Nov. 5-6, at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. Although he entered the Finals with a lead of more than $32,000 over Trevor Brazile, Patterson said he was still uneasy about the 2010 season’s final weekend until the final couple rounds. “I think Trevor can go off like a cheap pistol,” Patterson said. “He was within striking distance, even after he took the no-time (in Round 6). He can do enough things to make things go his way. “(The first night,) I didn’t run bad steers; I just didn’t get anything going. Last year, I kind of got tapped off in the first round, and things just built from there. That’s a lot more fun than having to grind it out.”

Things weren’t made any easier for Patterson after Brazile and Scott Snedecor put on a show during the first five rounds. Each placed in four rounds during that span while picking up a go-round victory (Brazile in Round 4, Snedecor in Round 5). After placing in three of the first five rounds himself, Patterson had his struggles on the final night. A difficult steer in Round 7 resulted in a 27.9-second run, and that was followed by a no-time in Round 8. But, the Pratt, Kan., cowboy recorded a 10.1-second run in Round 9 that was good for a second-place check, putting any chance of a Brazile rally out of reach. After competing in 14 NFSRs without a world title, the 44-year-old has now won back-to-back titles. While he was thrilled about winning the championship again, Patterson admitted he wasn’t quite sure how to compare the feelings he experienced with each gold buckle.

breakingnew ground

clem mcspadden national Finals steer roping

Rocky Patterson concluded a record-breaking season at the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping, Nov. 5-6, at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. Patterson finished the season with $101,685 in earnings, breaking Guy Allen’s 12-year-old record and becoming the first steer roper to reach $100,000 in a season.

–Fly Thomas photo


guthrie, okla., nov. 5-6

“I don’t think little kids dream of the second one, but it’s nice to have,” Patterson said. Patterson told reporters after being presented with his world championship buckle and saddle that those prizes were his motivation throughout the season; the fact that he happened to surpass Allen in the record books was simply a bonus. “The way Guy Allen dominated in the late ’90s, I was a fan and a competitor at the same time,” Patterson said. “I can remember when he had those years, and you’d come home from every rodeo thinking, ‘Man, he won another one.’” Plenty of ropers could probably relate to that feeling this season. Patterson won 11 average titles and split the average victory in Guymon, Okla. Perhaps his best stretch came over the Aug. 11-14 weekend, when he won the three-head averages in Poteau, Okla., and Sonora, Texas, won a two-header in Coffeyville, Kan., and was second to Cody Lee by two-tenths of a second in the two-head average in Ponca City, Okla. “I got on such a good roll there in August and built up the lead that I needed here,” Patterson said. “It’s just been a snowball effect from last year to right now.” Patterson’s record-breaking season was due in part to his two-horse combination of Ricky Bobby and Pops, the 2010 AQHA/PRCA Steer Roping Horse of the Year. Perhaps surprisingly, Patterson chose not to use Pops for a single round at the Lazy E, opting instead to ride Ricky Bobby for all 10 rounds. “I’ve been roping at home a lot every day, and my timing’s been just a bit better with my sorrel horse, so I just made the decision when I came that I was going to start on him,” Patterson said. “If things got kind of tilted, it was nice to know I could go back and get on the Steer Roping Horse of the Year. “I wasn’t totally committed to (Ricky Bobby) through the whole roping. I loaned Pops to Dee Kyler for the last month or so of the season; he had a chance to make the Finals, and his horse was really green. I rode Ricky Bobby during that time and got along pretty well. Last year, when I got ready to come down here, Ricky was kind of sore, and I didn’t use him at all. It just felt right; I don’t know how else to say it.” Patterson’s generosity with his award-winning horse extended to the NFSR, as well. He lent Pops to traveling partner Chet Herren for a few rounds, including Round 8, when Herren had the best time of the weekend with a 9.2-second run. “He’s good,” said Herren, whose go-round win was his first at the Finals since 2006. “Anyone who can swing a rope can win on him.” The Finals marked the end of what can only be considered a dream season for Patterson. He

won the world title, his horse was voted the best in his event, and Patterson’s name has a new place in the record book. “That’s really something, isn’t it?” Patterson said. “I’m really fortunate.” Patterson protégé wins average Patterson’s pride extended well beyond his own good fortune on the final night of the

steer roping season. In addition to Herren’s event-best run (which happened to come on his 31st birthday), Cody Scheck, another of Patterson’s traveling partners who learned how to rope steers from Patterson at Pratt (Kan.) Community College, won the average title in his second career NFSR appearance. “It’s pretty rare for three people from the same rig to make the Finals,” Patterson said. “Chet tied

Patterson was able to smile as he talked to NFSR announcer Charlie Throckmorton after locking up his second consecutive world title. He placed in four rounds and finished fourth in the average at the Finals.

–Fly Thomas photo


the fastest steer this week, Cody won the average, and I won the world – that’s kind of neat.” After placing in three of his first four rounds, Scheck went on to become the only cowboy to record 10 qualified times, finishing with a time of 171.1 seconds to pick up the average buckle and the $15,000 that goes with it. Scheck won the Resistol Steer Roping Rookie of the Year award and made the Finals as a rookie in 2005, then finished 17th in the world in both 2006 and 2009. (He used the two years between to complete his degree in agricultural business.) Last year’s finish was particularly agonizing for him, and he used it as a driving force in 2010. “It was a big motivator,” Scheck said. “I was fairly (committed) last year, and I missed a few that would have put me in (to the Finals). It really made me hustle and practice this year. “I should have been here (last year) to see my friend win his first world title. I traveled with Rocky all year, and I should have been here for that. I sat at home and punished myself as a motivator to rope well this year.” Scheck qualified for this year’s NFSR in the 12th-place position, and he said he was much more prepared as a roper to compete the second time around. “The first year I made the Finals, I had won Cheyenne that year, and I didn’t feel like I was ready,” Scheck said. “I didn’t feel that I’d roped enough steers to be ready to be in the Top 15, but Cheyenne helped me through that. I got skunked; I didn’t win a dime at the Finals. To be able to come here this year, win $8,000 yesterday and tie them all down tonight, that means a lot.” The Alva, Okla., cowboy was the only one who had a chance to record 10 times entering the final round, and even though he could have potentially earned another check with his last draw, he chose to play it safe to ensure he left the Lazy E with the average buckle. “I’ve doctored a bunch outside, and when it came down to it, I had it in my mind to just go doctor that one and tie him tight,” said Scheck, who jumped six spots to finish sixth in the world. “I probably could have placed on that steer, but I wasn’t trying to. I knew that if I could catch him, (the average) was mine.” To have such a solid performance at the Finals meant a lot to Scheck, but it was even more meaningful to do it at the same time his mentor won the world title. “That means everything to me,” Scheck said. “Before the Finals, that’s what my goal was. I figured he had the world title almost sewn up. I wanted to win the average and have him win the world. That’s really special. “I just started roping steers when I went to school (at Pratt). He’s the one who got me started. His big thing was practice and

repetition. I watched him and learned from him, and having all the late-night drives that we’ve had, we got to discuss what I need to do and what he needs to do, and we sat there and helped each other.” Scheck said he has matured significantly as a roper since his first NFSR appearance, and part of that is a result of watching his old coach. “He rides his horse so well, and he can run one farther than anyone and tie them faster because he sets up his run so well,” Scheck said. “I can’t do that very well now, but I’m getting better at it. He built the foundation to make me a good steer roper.” Scheck’s maturation has coincided with the improvement of his 10-year-old gelding, FBI, a horse he purchased from Patterson. “To be able to come back last year on a horse that hadn’t been to any rodeos – that horse was green last year – to ride him and be 17th, then ride him this year and get to this point … we’ve come a long way together,” Scheck said. Patterson, meanwhile, did his best to downplay his part in Scheck’s success.

“Well, it kind of makes me feel old,” the coach joked. “Anybody likes to see someone they’ve helped get started and get on track do well.”

Odds and ends from the Lazy E Brazile was the high-money winner at the Finals with $28,077, and he was one of five cowboys to earn at least $20,000 (Snedecor, Vin Fisher Jr., Scheck and Bryce Davis). He placed in a total of five rounds to finish second in the average for the fourth time in his career (1997, 2007-08). Brazile’s Round 4 win came after Vin Fisher Jr. picked up back-to-back wins in Rounds 2 and 3. Fisher had an intriguing all-or-nothing performance at the Finals; he finished 10th in the average race because he only recorded times on six head. All six of those runs, however, earned him a check: two go-round wins, three second-place finishes (Rounds 4, 7 and 10) and a third-place finish in an ultra-quick Round 8. Winning Round 2 was particularly sweet for Fisher, who was presented with the Second Go-Round Award in honor of Colby Jay


Making his first appearance at the Finals in five years, Cody Scheck won the average title at the 2010 Clem McSpadden NFSR. Riding 10-year-old FBI, a horse he bought from Rocky Patterson, Scheck earned $23,269 at the Lazy E Arena. He was shut out during his first Finals visit.

–Fly Thomas photo



Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer RopingLazy E ArenaGuthrie, Okla., Nov. 5-6First round: 1. (tie) Rod Hartness and J.D. Yates, 11.3 seconds, $4,423 each; 3. Scott Snedecor, 11.6, $3,077; 4. (tie) Rocky Patterson and Cody Scheck, 12.5, $1,731 each.Second round: 1. Vin Fisher Jr., 10.7 seconds, $5,000; 2. Scott Snedecor, 10.9, $3,846; 3. Trevor Brazile, 11.0, $3,077; 4. Rocky Patterson, 12.6, $2,308; 5. Cody Lee, 14.5, $1,154.Third round: 1. Vin Fisher Jr., 11.0 seconds, $5,000; 2. Cody

Scheck, 11.1, $3,846; 3. Trevor Brazile, 12.5, $3,077; 4. Scott Snedecor, 13.5, $2,308; 5. J.D. Yates, 13.7, $1,154.Fourth round: 1. Trevor Brazile, 9.7 seconds, $5,000; 2. Vin Fisher Jr., 10.2, $3,846; 3. (tie) Chet Herren and Cody Scheck, 10.8, $2,692 each; 5. J.D. Yates, 11.5, $1,154.Fifth round: 1. Scott Snedecor, 10.1 seconds, $5,000; 2. Bryce Davis, 10.8, $3,846; 3. Rocky Patterson, 11.2, $3,077; 4. Trevor Brazile, 11.6, $2,308; 5. J. Tom Fisher, 11.7, $1,154.Sixth round: 1. Bryce Davis, 10.5 seconds, $5,000; 2. Lawson Plemons, 10.6, $3,846; 3. Rod Hartness, 10.7, $3,077; 4. Cody Lee, 11.2, $2,308; 5. J. Tom Fisher, 11.6, $1,154.

Seventh round: 1. Bryce Davis, 10.9, $5,000; 2. Vin Fisher Jr., 11.0, $3,846; 3. J.D. Yates, 11.5, $3,077; 4. Chet Herren, 11.7, $2,308; 5. Lawson Plemons, 12.5, $1,154.Eighth round: 1. Chet Herren, 9.2 seconds, $5,000; 2. Scott Snedecor, 9.9, $3,846; 3. Vin Fisher Jr., 10.1, $3,077; 4. Bryce Davis, 10.4, $2,308; 5. Cody Lee, 11.6, $1,154.Ninth round: 1. Bryce Davis, 9.6 seconds, $5,000; 2. Rocky Patterson, 10.1, $3,846; 3. Trevor Brazile, 11.4, $3,077; 4. Rod Hartness, 12.6, $2,308; 5. Chance Kelton, 12.8, $1,154.10th round: 1. Scott Snedecor, 9.4 seconds, $5,000; 2. Vin Fisher Jr., 10.0, $3,846; 3. J.P. Wickett, 10.3, $3,077; 4.

Chance Kelton, 10.9, $2,308; 5. Cody Lee, 11.1, $1,154.Average: 1. Cody Scheck, 171.1 seconds on 10 head, $15,000; 2. Trevor Brazile, 115.4 seconds on nine head, $11,538; 3. J.D. Yates, 123.7, $9,231; 4. Rocky Patterson, 141.8, $6,923; 5. Scott Snedecor, 90.7 seconds on eight head, $3,462.Total payoff: $200,000. Rodeo secretary: Haley Schneeberger. Officials: Kelly Corbin, Chuck Hoss and Joe Bob Locke. Timers: Danna McFarland and Ti Ada Wise. Announcers: Charlie Throckmorton and Hadley Barrett. Chute boss: John Gwatney. Floor boss: Dan Etbauer. *Cattle provided by Rocky Garnett.

Goodwin, who passed away during the 1999 NFSR weekend after winning the second round that year. “The horse I won the round on (Stoker) was trained by (Goodwin’s) father, Myrl, who presented me with the award,” said Fisher, who was also quick to praise the award’s namesake for his kindness toward Fisher when he was first starting out. “I nearly didn’t ride that horse that round, but I thought, ‘This is for Colby Goodwin. I’m going to stay on that horse.’ Look what it turned into. It was really special.” Fisher’s standout performance in the arena only added to what was a great weekend for the Fisher family. In addition to taking his son, Jett, out for a victory lap after Round 3, Fisher, his father, Dan, and brother, J. Tom, became the second father-and-two-son combination to compete in the same Finals in PRCA history, following James, Guy and Gip Allen in 1983. J. Tom Fisher picked up two checks in his first NFSR appearance, while Dan ran into a bit of hard luck. He finished 13th in the average and was the only roper to not win a check, but he showed that, even at 59 (the oldest cowboy to ever compete at a Finals), he can still rope with the best. The final performance turned into a showcase for 2009 NFSR average winner Bryce Davis, who won Rounds 6, 7 and 9. Davis finished the Finals with $21,154 and jumped three spots to finish fifth in the world. After roping all 10 steers last year and recording a time in his first run this year, Davis ran into trouble, failing to record a time in each of the next three rounds. He finished the first performance with a 10.8-second run that earned him a second-place check and set him up

for a big final night. “If you face a little adversity, you don’t change your game plan,” Davis said. “You stick with what you know and what you can do. I think dad (two-time World Champion Steer

Roper Jim Davis) helped me keep a level head about it. A lot of guys would have switched horses and switched things they were doing. I just tried to stick to what I had been doing and finish strong.”

From left to right: Vin, Dan and J. Tom Fisher became only the second father-and-two-son combo to qualify for the same Finals in ProRodeo history. Vin, the older of the two brothers, had the best performance of the three in Guthrie, placing in six rounds and winning Rounds 2 and 3.

–Fly Thomas photo


tuf enoughcanadian Finals rodeo

Cooper adds Canadian Finals Rodeo title to growing résuméBY DWAYNE ERICKSON

r

oy Cooper collected a multitude of championships during a legendary ProRodeo Hall of Fame career that spanned the late

1970s, the 1980s and early 1990s. But, his youngest son Tuf, just 20 years of age, now has one on his résumé that even his dad was never able to acquire. Tuf captured the Canadian tie-down roping championship Nov. 14 to complete a five-day, six-round duel with 11 other finalists at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta. He placed in five rounds and won the average at the $1.3 million Canadian Finals Rodeo, earning $38,467 to polish off a $60,772 year in the north country. “This is awesome, a dream come true for me,” Cooper said. “Ever since the CFR was opened up to us (nonresidents in 2006), it’s been one of my goals to come up here and accomplish this. “I’m excited I finished on top the first time I tried to qualify for the Finals.” He was the only one of 15 Americans who qualified for this year’s CFR to win an event title. Cooper, who led the tie-down roping pack throughout the Finals, clinched the title on the last day by roping his calf in 9.0 seconds, good for fifth place. “I wanted to make sure I didn’t break out, so I saw a little extra at the start and took one more swing of my rope to make sure I had a good shot,” Cooper explained. “I thought the calf was going to take the tie right there, but he kicked a little bit. “I made sure I tied him tight, and at that point I knew I’d won the average. I was really excited.” It proved to be the difference. The defending champion, Alberta’s Al Bouchard, finished second and would have won it if Cooper had taken a no-time. “I talked to my dad three times on the phone before I roped my last calf,” Cooper said. “He told me to make sure I saw plenty and make sure I roped that neck. Those were his exact words. “And he was the first person I talked to after I

put my horse up. I told him I was nine flat, and he asked me why. I said the calf kicked. He asked if the horse I was riding was well, and I said he was. Then, he congratulated me.” Cooper leased a palomino gelding called Hollywood from Alberta roper Duane Gervais for the Finals. He’d used the horse for one run at a rodeo during the regular season and roped two calves on him in the practice pen two days before the CFR. “I knew he was going to do the job for me, make it easy for me to rope and win,” said Cooper, who added he plans to try to qualify for the CFR again next year. “I’m definitely coming back, and I want to get a team roping partner and try to make it in both events.” While Edmonton was basking in above-normal temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s, Texas native Cooper reported early in the week that he “was freezing to death.” Asked if he still found it cold after the

CFR was over, he admitted, “Believe it or not – I thought I would never say this – but after the fifth round, I had to go outside and cool off. I think I’m getting used to it.” He’s become so comfortable in Canada that he plans to bring his entire crew – Louisiana’s Shane Hanchey and brother Clif – back to Canada in May, rather than June, to get an earlier start on the season.

Cassidy primes for Wrangler NFR with Canadian triumph Another Canadian steer wrestling championship has landed in the Cassidy family household. Season leader Curtis Cassidy captured his second title at the CFR Nov. 10-14. He and younger brother Cody have combined to win four of the last five Canadian championships. But, the siblings still have some ground to cover if they want to match dad Greg, who won four himself – three in a four-year span in the

Tie-down roper Tuf Cooper managed a feat even his ProRodeo Hall of Fame father Roy couldn’t accomplish – winning a Canadian Finals Rodeo title. He placed in five rounds to win the average and take home $38,467.



edmonton, alberta, nov. 10-14

mid-1980s and another in 2000. Curtis prevailed this time around despite getting drilled in the back by a steer he turfed in 4.5 seconds in the third performance. He could barely throw a leg over a horse, needed to be injected with a powerful painkiller, and was bedded down on ice before competing in the next two rounds. Yet, he turned down his steers in 3.9 and 4.0 seconds, both for second place, to clinch the bulldogging buckle the night before the last round. He called his triumph harder than the first one in 2006. “As the season leader, I was expected to win it, and I felt there was extra pressure,” Cassidy said. “The first time I was way down the list, and it all came down to the last steer.” Although he didn’t win a round, he placed in each of his first five trips with three seconds, a third and a fourth. With the title already locked and loaded, he broke the barrier on the last day. “My steer was supposed to leave and run fairly hard, and he never did,” Cassidy said. “I don’t know if he just had a bad day or what. But, other than that, everything went well all the way around. My hazer, Baillie Milan, did a helluva job, and my gray horse (Casper) was awesome. “With a great hazer and great horse, I just back in there and do the same thing every run – not try to turn a five-second steer into a three-

second steer and vice versa.” Despite the broken barrier, Cassidy won the average with a total 35.2 seconds, more than five seconds faster than his nearest rival. He earned $42,607 to finish the year with $75,285. Cassidy also qualified for the tie-down roping and, while he insisted he drew good calves, he only placed once for $2,951.

His dual income for the year in both events came to a record $91,909 and brought him Canadian rodeo’s High Point Award. It goes to the leading money winner in any two or more events as opposed to the all-around, which in Canada requires contenders to compete in at least one event at each end of the arena. *For complete scores, log on to ProRodeo.com.

Curtis Cassidy added another Canadian Finals Rodeo steer wrestling title to the Cassidy family’s list by winning his second championship. He and brother Cody have won four of the last five Canadian titles, the same number that their father, Greg, won by himself.


Not licensed to use PRCA marks.


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LaughlinAquarius 800-662-5825

MesquiteCasa Blanca 877-438-2929Virgin River 877-438-2929

The following hotel properties will be delivering a live transmissionof all 10 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo performances.


student becomes teacher

dodge great lakes circuit Finals rodeo

Permit holder tops saddle bronc riding field at Dodge Great Lakes Circuit Finals BY JIM BAINBRIDGE

W

ill Smith has a dual major in business administration and religion/philosophy at Missouri Valley College, because “I’m

not sure what I want to do when I graduate next year, so I figured I’d cover everything.” Smith’s approach to the Dodge Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo, Nov. 11-13, in Louisville, Ky., was much the same. Sure, he had a comfortable lead in the season saddle bronc riding standings upon arriving at Freedom Hall,

but why not try to win the average and cover all his options there, too? That was his philosophy, and he took care of business. Smith won no rounds, but he placed in all three to win the average with 220 points, 29 more than runner-up Cody Rud, to become the latest in a small cadre of permit holders who have qualified for April’s Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. “I’m a senior at Missouri Valley College, and I wasn’t sure I could go hard on the rodeo trail and keep my grades up, so I’ve stayed on my permit,” Smith said. “My goal this year was to make the All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, win the circuit title and make it to the DNCFR. In the end, I managed to do all three. I’m pretty pumped.” Smith, a native of Lugoff, S.C., wasn’t quite sure what to expect at the circuit finals, given that he had broken his saddle – split the tree down the middle – during a practice session a few weeks

earlier and had to borrow a saddle from MVC teammate Zach Livingston. “It was pretty much the same saddle,” Smith said. “Getting it set up the way I wanted took a little time, but I kept adjusting and tinkering until I was comfortable with it. My plan was just to go round by round, do the best I could on each horse, and that turned out to be good enough.” Last year, as a junior at MVC, Smith competed on the school’s rodeo team – finishing third in the College National Finals Rodeo – while also competing in more than 40 PRCA rodeos and earning $12,079, which would have been good enough for fifth place in the Resistol Rookie Standings had he purchased his card at season’s start. He plans to make that big step at the end of November, right after his 22nd birthday, and make his rookie season debut in January at the SandHills Stock Show & Rodeo in Odessa, Texas, before heading to the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver.

Kenney earns ‘bittersweet’ victory after three tough rounds Matt Kenney may have won the Dodge Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo for the third time in his career, but it sure wasn’t easy for the Onawa, Iowa, cowboy. After winning the second round with an 8.1-second run, the horse he’d used in the first two rounds – Danny Robertson’s Charm – began “colicking” and died before the final round. Kenney’s resourcefulness was tested, and he went to one of his backup horses, a mare he owns named Cindy, for the third round. He finished second in that round in 8.4 seconds to win the

Saddle bronc riding permit holder Will Smith placed in all three rounds on his way to winning the three-head average with 220 points. He finished 29 points ahead of Cody Rud and earned $3,043 for the victory, which qualified him for his first DNCFR.

–Marty Welter photo


louisville, ky., nov. 11-13

Dodge Great Lakes Circuit Finals RodeoLouisville, Ky., Nov. 11-13Bareback riding: First round: 1. (tie) Lundy Weeks on Mid States Rodeo’s Dark Town and Bo Casper on Barnes PRCA Rodeo’s Buffalo Ridge, 79 points, $1,082 each; 3. Andy Carter, 76, $618; 4. (tie) Jake Gee and Josh Shackleford, 75, $155 each. Second round: 1. Bee Jay Scott, 89 points on Western Trails Rodeo’s Smoker’s Moment, $1,236; 2. Josh Shackleford, 82, $927; 3. Bo Casper, 80, $618; 4. Tanner Aus, 79, $309. Third round: 1. Lundy Weeks, 84 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Peaches & Cream, $1,236; 2. Bee Jay Scott, 83, $927; 3. Josh Shackleford, 82, $618; 4. Tanner Aus, 77, $309. Average: 1. Bee Jay Scott, 242 points on three head, $1,855; 2. Josh Shackleford, 239, $1,391; 3. Bo Casper, 233, $927; 4. Jake Gee, 221, $464.Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Justin Morehouse, 3.9 seconds, $1,236; 2. (tie) Adam Strahan and Jon Ragatz, 4.1, $773 each; 4. (tie) Cale Emmett and Travis Hancock, 4.3, $155 each. Second round: 1. Jon Ragatz, 3.6 seconds, $1,236; 2. (tie) Ryan Olson and Nick Guy, 3.9, $773 each; 4. Adam Strahan, 4.0, $309. Third round: 1. Jon Ragatz, 3.2 seconds, $1,236; 2. Wade Steffen, 3.8, $927; 3. Ty Standley, 3.9, $618; 4. Justin Morehouse, 4.0, $309. Average: 1. Jon Ragatz, 10.9 seconds on three head,

$1,855; 2. Justin Morehouse, 12.4, $1,391; 3. Adam Strahan, 12.9, $927; 4. Wade Steffen, 13.1, $464.Team roping: First round: 1. Shaw Loiseau/Chad Day, 5.7 seconds, $1,236 each; 2. Dustin Chohon/J.W. Beck, 6.4, $927; 3. (tie) Wade Lamphere/Todd Murray and Jason Arndt/Gabe Gwaltney, 6.8, $464 each. Second round: 1. Brant Spurgin/Gerry Lisby, 5.6 seconds, $1,236 each; 2. Dustin Chohon/J.W. Beck, 6.0, $927; 3. Wayne Knutson/Jason Stroup, 6.6, $618; 4. Shaw Loiseau/Chad Day, 6.7, $309. Third round: 1. Cody Graham/Jason Thompson, 4.8 seconds, $1,236 each; 2. Wayne Knutson/Jason Stroup, 6.0, $927; 3. Jason Arndt/Gabe Gwaltney, 6.1, $618; 4. Mel Potter/Garrison Dixon, 6.6, $309. Average: 1. Jason Arndt/Gabe Gwaltney, 19.9 seconds on three head, $1,855 each; 2. Wayne Knutson/Jason Stroup, 25.2, $1,391; 3. Brant Spurgin/Gerry Lisby, 25.3, $927; 4. Dustin Chohon/J.W. Beck, 26.6, $464.Saddle bronc riding: First round: 1. Clayton Zibell, 78 points on Western Trails Rodeo’s Curley Joe, $1,217; 2. (tie) Kyle Whitaker and Keith Brauer Jr., 77, $761 each; 4. Will Smith, 75, $304. Second round: 1. J.T. Hitch, 76 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Harry Mary, $1,217; 2. (tie) Byron Gilliland and Will Smith, 71, $761 each; 4. Kyle Whitaker, 68, $304. Third round: 1. Clayton Zibell, 78 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s East Coast Otis, $1,217; 2. Kirk Nelson, 77, $913; 3. Keith Brauer Jr., 75, $609;

4. (tie) Cody Rud and Will Smith, 74, $152 each. Average: 1. Will Smith, 220 points on three head, $1,826; 2. Cody Rud, 191, $1,370; 3. Clayton Zibell, 156 points on two head, $913; 4. Keith Brauer Jr., 152, $457.Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Bill Huber, 8.9 seconds, $1,236; 2. Codey Payne, 9.4, $927; 3. Kadin Boardman, 9.7, $618; 4. Jared Kempker, 9.9, $309. Second round: 1. Matt Kenney, 8.1 seconds, $1,236; 2. (tie) Nathan Ponder and Kadin Boardman, 9.1, $773 each; 4. Jared Kempker, 9.7, $309. Third round: 1. Bill Huber, 8.1 seconds, $1,236; 2. Matt Kenney, 8.4, $927; 3. Nathan Ponder, 8.7, $618; 4. Kadin Boardman, 9.2, $309. Average: 1. Matt Kenney, 26.8 seconds on three head, $1,855; 2. Kadin Boardman, 28.0, $1,391; 3. Bill Huber, 28.8, $927; 4. Codey Payne, 34.1, $464. Barrel racing: First round: 1. Tammy Whyte, 15.63 seconds, $1,236; 2. Bobbie Joe Bohlman, 15.78, $927; 3. Lauren Schild, 15.81, $618; 4. Sandi Brandli, 15.85, $309. Second round: 1. Lauren Schild, 15.62 seconds, $1,236; 2. Bobbie Jo Bohlman, 15.74, $927; 3. Patti Hovland, 15.75, $618; 4. Robin Beck, 15.82, $309. Third round: 1. Tammy Whyte, 15.63 seconds, $1,236; 2. Olivia Boll, 15.71, $927; 3. Jesse Alsup, 15.77, $618; 4. Adriane Kochie, 15.80, $309. Average: 1. Tammy Whyte, 47.23 seconds on three runs, $1,855; 2. Bobbie Jo Bohlman, 47.33, $1,391; 3.

Olivia Boll, 47.79, $927; 4. Adriane Kochie, 47.82, $464.Bull riding: First round: 1. Justin Kennedy, 85 points on Mid States Rodeo’s Cotton Mouth, $1,236; 2. (tie) Sunshine Schwartz and Matt Pojanowski, 84, $773 each; 4. Rudy Borntrager, 79, $309. Second round: 1. Dusty Elkinton, 84 points on Mid States Rodeo’s Last Call, $1,236; 2. Will Crain, 77, $927; 3. Cody Bullock, 73, $618; 4. Sunshine Schwartz, 72, $309. Third round: 1. Dusty Elkinton, 89 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Two Dragons, $1,236; 2. Will Crain, 87, $927; 3. (tie) Jake Weber and Justin Kennedy, 82, $464 each. Average: 1. Dusty Elkinton, 245 points on three head, $1,855; 2. Justin Kennedy, 231, $1,391; 3. Will Crain, 229, $927; 4. Sunshine Schwartz, 156 points on two head, $464.Total payoff: $105,681. Stock contractors: Barnes PRCA Rodeo, Three Hills Rodeo, MJM Rodeos, Mid States Rodeo, Western Trails Rodeo, Dakota West and Universal Rodeos. Rodeo secretary: Marla Morehead. Officials: George Gibbs, DeWitt Forrest Jr. and Cliff Overstreet. Timers: Kathy McCloy and Lindsey Morehead. Announcer: Roger Mooney. Specialty act: Robbie Hodges. Clowns/bullfighters: Dustin Nelson and Will O’Connell. Barrelman: Robbie Hodges. Flankmen: Various. Chute boss: Marty Barnes. Pickup men: Jacob Morehead and Jeff Rector. Photographers: Marty Welter and Rick Madsen.

average with a 26.8-second total time, 1.2 seconds ahead of Kadin Boardman. While he was happy to have weathered the storm and handled the odd circumstances at the three-day rodeo in Louisville, Ky., Kenney was saddened by his friend’s loss. “It was kind of a bittersweet victory and hard to swallow,” Kenney said of the horse’s passing. “I kind of had a lot going on, and it made things a little hectic. “A lot of guys offered (their horses for round three), but I just wanted to stick to what I was used to. I had been roping on her at the house, and she came through for me.” Kenney, who will celebrate his 26th birthday on Nov. 30, can’t wait to get back to the DNCFR for the third time in his career. “I’m really excited and really wanted to go back, and now that it’s in Oklahoma City, it’ll be a lot easier to get to,” Kenney said.

–Neal Reid

Matt Kenney had to use his resourcefulness in the tie-down roping at the Dodge Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo and was able to earn his third DNCFR berth. Kenney won a round and placed in another en route to a 26.8-second three-head average time and checks totaling $4,018.

–Marty Welter photo


dodge mountain states circuit Finals rodeo

BY MARVIN OLBERDING

a

fter taking the average title at the 2009 Dodge Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo, tie-down roper Chase Johnston was simply hoping

for a chance to defend it this year at the National Western Events Center in Denver. Once he got there, he went right back to his winning form.

The 26-year-old Greeley, Colo., cowboy won the first round (8.9 seconds) and placed second in the second round (9.0) on his way to 1.6-second victory over Jeremiah Peek in the three-head average and a second consecutive qualification for the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. Johnston, who works full time at his father’s appraisal business in Greeley, said this year’s regular season didn’t go as well as he had hoped, but he

made sure to get to his 15 Mountain States rodeos to qualify for a chance to go to the DNCFR. “I placed in Greeley, but I missed in the short round to have a chance to win,” said Johnston, who won $2,203 this year at his hometown rodeo. “I think I only placed at two other rodeos, so it wasn’t exactly as good as I would have liked. “Sometimes, it just goes that way, especially if you only go to 15. I was just fortunate enough to make the circuit finals; that was my goal for the year.” Johnston, who won in Denver with a time of 28.2 seconds on three head and earned a total of $3,581, can now turn his attention to the DNCFR, where he was shut out of the money in April in his first appearance at the event. “I didn’t know quite what to expect last year,” said Johnston, a graduate of Colorado State University with a double major in agricultural business and animal science. “There’s a lot of tough circuit guys who are there. I got to watch all of it, so I know what it takes to compete up there. You have to be smooth and rope them all so you can make it to those final rounds. “I’m excited to get another chance at it. When

Tie-down roper Chase Johnston won his second consecutive average title at the Dodge Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo, Nov. 12-13 in Denver. Johnston finished with a time of 28.2 seconds on three head and won $3,581.

–Fred McClanahan photo

Johnston wins Mountain States average for second time

roPingrePeat


denver, nov. 12-13

Dodge Mountain States Circuit Finals RodeoDenver, Nov. 12-13All-around cowboy: Seth Glause, $3,994, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.Bareback riding: First round: 1. Kelly Timberman, 86 pionts on Harry Vold Rodeo’s Billy the Kid, $1,102; 2. Dave Worsfold, 82, $826; 3. Micky Downare, 80, $551; 4. Casey Coletti, 76, $275. Second round: 1. (tie) Casey Coletti on Burns Rodeo’s Grey Coat and Kelly Timberman on Powder River Rodeo’s After Midnight, 86 points, $964 each; 3. Dave Worsfold, 83, $551; 4. Justin Moldaschel, 81, $275. Third round: 1. Dave Worsfold, 86 points on Burch Rodeo’s Angel Dust, $1,102; 2. Kelly Timberman, 85, $826; 3. Fred Osman, 80, $551; 4. David Streweler, 79, $275. Average: 1. Kelly Timberman, 257 points on three head, $1,653; 2. Dave Worsfold, 251, $1,240; 3. Casey Coletti, 235, $826; 4. David Streweler, 226, $413.Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Wade Sumpter, 4.8 seconds, $1,102; 2. Les Shepperson, 5.8, $826; 3. Clayton Morrison, 5.9, $551; 4. Seth Brockman, 6.0, $275. Second round: 1. Clayton Morrison, 3.9 seconds, $1,102; 2. Troy Brandemuehl, 4.5, $826; 3. Wade Sumpter, 4.7, $551; 4. Seth Brockman, 4.8, $275. Third round: 1. Payden McIntyre, 4.8 seconds,

$1,102; 2. Seth Brockman, 5.1, $826; 3. Kyle Hughes, 5.3, $551; 4. Wade Sumpter, 5.8, $275. Average: 1. Wade Sumpter, 15.3 seconds on three head, $1,653; 2. Seth Brockman, 15.9, $1,240; 3. Clayton Morrison, 16.2, $826; 4. Les Shepperson, 18.3, $413. Team roping: First round: 1. Ty Blasingame/Jhett Johnson, 5.4 seconds, $1,102 each; 2. Cole Cooper/T.J. Watts, 6.5, $826; 3. Lee Hagler/J.W. Borrego, 7.0, $551; 4. Wade Kreutzer/Lance Allen, 8.0, $275. Second round: 1. (tie) Garrett Tonozzi/Mark Kersting and Justin Young/Chad Wahlert, 5.0, $964 each; 3. Pat Grieve/Jesse Jolly, 5.1, $551; 4. Lee Hagler/J.W. Borrego, 6.7, $275. Third round: 1. Ty Blasingame/Jhett Johnson, 4.6 seconds, $1,102 each; 2. Jay Tittel/Ryon Tittel, 5.2, $826; 3. Justin Young/Chad Wahlert, 5.4, $551; 4. C.J. Scheller/Justin Johnson, 6.0, $275. Average: 1. Lee Hagler/J.W. Borrego, 20.5 seconds on three head, $1,653 each; 2. Ty Blasingame/Jhett Johnson, 21.0, $1,240; 3. Wade Kreutzer/Lance Allen, 24.2, $826; 4. C.J. Scheller/Justin Johnson, 35.0, $413.Saddle bronc riding: First round: 1. (tie) Seth Glause on Burns Rodeo’s Miller Time and Colin Stalley on Triple V Rodeo’s Dry Summer, 81 points, $964 each; 3. (tie) Jake Griffin and Brandon Munn, 76, $413 each. Second round: 1. Cody Martin, 82 points on Pro Rodeos’ Blue Eyed Twister, $1,102; 2. Townsend Prince, 81, $826; 3. Raytom Meiers, 75, $551; 4. (tie) Rob McGilvray and

Wade Mosher, 71, $138 each. Third round: 1. Seth Glause, 78 points on Burns Rodeo’s Enrique, $1,102; 2. Jake Griffin, 77, $826; 3. Raytom Meiers, 74, $551; 4. Brandon Munn, 71, $275. Average: 1. Townsend Prince, 224 points on three head, $1,653; 2. Brandon Munn, 215, $1,240; 3. Seth Glause, 159 points on two head, $826; 4. Jake Griffin, 153, $413.Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Chase Johnston, 8.9 seconds, $1,102; 2. Jayce Johnson, 9.0, $826; 3. Jake Hamilton, 9.3, $551; 4. Jeremiah Peek, 9.5, $275. Second round: 1. Darnell Johnson, 8.0 seconds, $1,102; 2. Chase Johnston, 9.0, $826; 3. Mitch McAdow, 10.0, $551; 4. (tie) Britt Bath and Jeremiah Peek, 10.5, $138 each. Third round: 1. Joe Colletti, 8.1 seconds, $1,102; 2. Jon Peek, 8.3, $826; 3. Darnell Johnson, 8.7, $551; 4. Calvin Brevik, 9.0, $275. Average: 1. Chase Johnston, 28.2 seconds on three head, $1,653; 2. Jeremiah Peek, 29.8, $1,240; 3. Mitch McAdow, 30.6, $826; 4. Jayce Johnson, 32.1, $413. Barrel racing: First round: 1. Kelly Yates, 16.04 seconds, $1,102; 2. Brenda Seely, 16.15, $826; 3. Shali Lord, 16.19, $551; 4. Diann Bukowski, 16.24, $275. Second round: 1. Kim Schulze, 16.01 seconds, $1,102; 2. Brenda Seely, 16.11, $826; 3. Shali Lord, 16.17, $551; 4. Mandy Teichert, 16.24, $275. Third round: 1. Shali Lord, 15.87 seconds, $1,102; 2. Kelly Yates, 15.99, $826; 3. Kim Schulze, 16.03, $551; 4. Carla Olson, 16.07, $275. Average: 1. Shali Lord, 48.23

seconds on three runs, $1,653; 2. Kelly Yates, 48.35, $1,240; 3. Brenda Seely, 48.49, $826; 4. Kim Schulze, 48.64, $413.Bull riding: First round: 1. Seth Glause, 83 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Victoria’s Secret, $1,102; 2. Will Farrell, 82, $826; 3. Jake Buller, 79, $551; 4. Clayton Savage, 78, $275. Second round: 1. Clayton Savage, 86 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Pantera, $1,102; 2. Lonny Graham, 72, $826; 3. Joe Smith, 67, $551; no other qualified rides. Third round: 1. Cody Tesch, 87 points on Burch Rodeo’s Jingle Bob, $1,102; 2. Clayton Savage, 81, $826; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Clayton Savage, 245 points on three head, $1,653; 2. Lonny Graham, 146 points on two head, $1,240; 3. Joe Smith, 143, $826; 4. Cody Tesch, 87 points on one head, $413. Total payoff: $99,171. Stock contractors: Burns Rodeo Company, Burch Rodeo, Cervi Championship Rodeo, D&H Cattle, Harry Vold Rodeo, Powder River Rodeo, Southwick’s Rocky Mountain Rodeo C and Triple V Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Irene Singer. Officials: Bruce Keller, Steve Knowles and Mike Todd. Timers: Barb Burns and Amanda Corley. Announcer: Bob Edmonds. Clowns/bullfighters: Cade Burns and Dusty Tuckness. Barrelman: J.W. Winklepleck. Chute boss: J.D. Hamacher. Pickup men: Duane Gilbert and Scott McClain. Photographers: Fred McClanahan and Greg Westfall.

I was up there, I remember saying, ‘Boy, this is a pretty good deal. I’d like to go back someday.’ I didn’t think I’d be going back the next year.” One young cowboy who will join Johnston in representing the Mountain States Circuit in Oklahoma City is saddle bronc rider Townsend Prince, who will be making his first DNCFR appearance after winning the average in Denver. Prince, bolstered by an 81-point ride in the second round on D&H Cattle’s Picken Cotton, finished with 224 points on three head. “It’s probably the biggest thing I’ve done so far,” Prince said. “I’ve come close to winning it the past two years. It’s definitely been a goal I’ve been trying to reach, so it feels really good.” This year marked the first time that Prince rodeoed on more of a full-time basis after taking time to complete his education and earn his degree in agricultural business at Oklahoma Panhandle State University (Goodwell), but

his season was cut short when he broke his fibula in Yuma, Ariz., in mid-August. Prince was forced to wear a walking boot through the end of September, and he made his return at Pasadena, Texas, riding Frontier Rodeo’s Big Bad John for 85 points and a $1,932 second-place check. The Livermore, Colo., cowboy said he wasn’t able to do everything he’d hoped to do this season, but he’s encouraged by what he’s accomplished so far and plans on doing more in the 2011 season. “Winning the circuit finals and making it into the top 50 were my two goals this year,” Prince said. “I fell short on the one, but there’s not a lot you can do about it. I’m planning on going full time (in 2011) and going up to hit a bunch of Canadian rodeos to qualify for the Canadian Finals and get to the NFR. “I did school, so now this takes priority. It’s fun. It’s a dream come true.”

Townsend Prince earned arguably the biggest victory of his young career in Denver. The 24-year-old won the saddle bronc riding average title and will go on to represent the Mountain States Circuit at the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City.

–Fred McClanahan photo


show stealerdodge columbia river circuit Finals rodeo

Hill pulls upset in tie-down roping at Dodge Columbia River Circuit Finals RodeoBY JIM BAINBRIDGE

W

ant proof the PRCA circuit system is working? Go talk to Brian Hill. He is a part-time rodeo cowboy and full-time

loan officer for the Farm Service Agency in Lewiston, Idaho, who just qualified for his first Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo at age 36. Out of PRCA competition since 2006 and making his first appearance in the Dodge Columbia River Circuit Finals Rodeo in about a decade, Hill overcame long odds to finish first in the tie-down roping average Nov. 12-13 with a time of 30.8 seconds on three head. Hill accomplished this against a field that

included Mike Johnson, Blair Burk, Tyson Durfey and Russell Cardoza, representing a total of 43 Wrangler NFR qualifications. “I’ve qualified for the Columbia River Circuit Finals maybe four or five times,” Hill said. “I placed third in the average once, and I’ve placed in a round or two over the years, but I’ve never come close to winning the finals until now.” The difference-maker this time was a new horse – if you can call 17-year-old Okie “new” – whom he bought from PRCA tie-down roper Paul Cope a couple of years ago. Hill was so encouraged by his results in amateur rodeos with Okie that he returned to PRCA competition this year to see what he could do. He entered just 17 rodeos, all of them part of the Columbia River Circuit. “When I first started, in my mid-20s, I went to quite a few PRCA rodeos,” Hill said, “but in recent years, I’ve mostly stuck to amateur rodeos. There are a couple of pretty good amateur associations up here (in Idaho), and that tended to satisfy my need for competition. Okie changed my mind. “Okie is a good ol’ solid horse, and I thought I could maybe make it back to the circuit finals. That was my goal anyway. I actually finished two

spots short of the mark. They take 12, and I was 14th, but Brad Goodrich decided to go to the Canadian Finals Rodeo instead, and a Canadian roper ahead of me in the standings didn’t have enough rodeos to qualify for the circuit finals.” Hill filed his entry kind of knowing there would be a spot opening up for him, and once he got to the Hooker Creek Event Center, he took full advantage of his opportunity. He placed just once – fourth in the third round with a time of 9.7 seconds – but was the most consistent roper in the field and finished 1.1 seconds ahead of second-place Seth Hopper. Hill is in his eighth year working for the Farm Service Agency, arranging loans for local ranchers and farmers, and figures management will be supportive when he needs time off to compete at the DNCFR in Oklahoma City next April. “Management is pretty understanding,” Hill said. “It works out because our busy time is now, when rodeos slow down. They allow me to get away when I need to for rodeos. It should be no problem.”

Helmuth qualifies for second straight DNCFR The fact that bull rider Allen Helmuth

Tie-down roper Brian Hill scored an upset victory at the Dodge Columbia River Circuit Finals Rodeo after finishing three rounds with a 30.8-second total. The 36-year-old earned $2,110 in Redmond, Ore., and is headed to his first Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo.

–Bob Click photo


redmond, ore., nov. 12-13

Dodge Columbia River Circuit Finals RodeoRedmond, Ore. Nov. 12-13 All-around cowboy: Russell Cardoza, $2,713, team roping and tie-down roping.Bareback riding: First round: 1. Bobby Mote, 85 points on Flying 5 Rodeo’s Classic Times, $1,206; 2. Steven Peebles, 78, $904; 3. Brandon Martin, 77, $603; 4. (tie) Nathan Bayes and Ryan Gray, 75, $151 each. Second round: 1. Steven Peebles, 86 points on Big Bend Rodeo’s Bravada Nights, $1,206; 2. Bobby Mote, 83, $904; 3. Brian Bain, 82, $603; 4. (tie) Jason Havens and Ryan Gray, 81, $151 each. Third round: 1. (tie) R.C. Landingham on Flying 5 Rodeo’s Diaper Dandy and Bobby Mote on Flying 5 Rodeo’s No. 922, 83 points, $1,055 each; 3. (tie) Brian Bain and Ryan Gray, 79, $452 each. Average: 1. Bobby Mote, 251 points on three head, $1,809; 2. Steven Peebles, 236, $1,357; 3. Ryan Gray, 235, $904; 4. Jason Havens, 232, $452.Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Shawn Greenfield, 3.6 seconds, $1,206; 2. Travis Taruscio, 4.3, $904; 3. (tie) Blake Knowles, Casey McMillen and Trevor Knowles, 4.4, $301 each. Second round: 1. Casey McMillen, 4.1 seconds, $1,206; 2. Chance Gartner, 4.3, $904; 3. Travis Taruscio, 4.5, $603; 4. Alex Robertson, 5.1, $301. Third round: 1. Ryan Grenell, 4.1 seconds, $1,206; 2. Shawn Greenfield, 4.2, $904; 3. Casey McMillen, 4.3,

$603; 4. Alex Robertson, 4.4, $301. Average: 1. Casey McMillen, 12.8 seconds on three head, $1,809; 2. Travis Taruscio, 14.5, $1,357; 3. Ryan Grenell, 16.4, $904; 4. Alex Robertson, 23.6, $452.Team roping: First round: 1. Bobby Davis/Ryan Powell, 5.8 seconds, $1,206 each; 2. (tie) Kelly Barker/Brian Reece, Matt Funk/Bucky Campbell and Charly Crawford/Russell Cardoza, 6.2, $603 each. Second round: 1. Jason Minor/Broc Cresta, 5.3 seconds, $1,206; each; 2. Brandon Beers/Ryan Motes, 5.4, $904; 3. Bryce Palmer/Jake Minor, 5.9, $603; 4. Dakota Eldridge/Garrett Jess, 6.2, $301. Third round: 1. Brandon Beers/Ryan Motes, 4.6 seconds, $1,206 each; 2. Kelly Barker/Brian Reece, 5.6, $904; 3. Charly Crawford/Russell Cardoza, 6.1, $603; 4. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 6.2, $301. Average: 1. Jake Stanley/Justin Wade Davis, 20.4 seconds on three head, $1,809 each; 2. Kelly Barker/Brian Reece, 21.9, $1,357; 3. Charly Crawford/Russell Cardoza, 22.9, $904; 4. Tyler Bowman/Bill Justus, 30.5, $452.Saddle bronc riding: First round: 1. Ben Londo, 81 points on Flying 5 Rodeo’s Wind Chimes, $1,187; 2. (tie) Gary Alger, Roy Johnson and Bryan Martinat, 80, $593 each. Second round: 1. Bryan Martinat, 85 points on Big Bend Rodeo’s Mount Holly, $1,187; 2. Kayle Gray, 77, $890; 3. Mark Gage, 76, $593; 4. Roy Johnson, 72, $297. Third round: 1. Chance Millin, 78 points on Big Bend Rodeo’s Crash Gate, $1,187; 2. Ben Londo, 68, $890; 3. Kayle Gray, 67, $593; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Chance Millin, 228 points on three head, $1,780; 2.

Bryan Martinat, 165 points on two head, $1,335; 3. Roy Johnson, 152, $890; 4. Ben Londo, 149, $445. Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Blair Burk, 9.3 seconds, $1,206; 2. Nathan Steinberg, 9.8, $904; 3. Russell Cardoza, 10.3, $603; 4. Ryan Fornstrom, 10.4, $301. Second round: 1. Mike Johnson, 9.0 seconds, $1,206; 2. Tyson Durfey, 9.1, $904; 3. Roger Nonella, 9.5, $603; 4. Ryan Fornstrom, 9.8, $301. Third round: 1. Ty Holly, 8.8 seconds, $1,206; 2. Tyson Durfey, 9.1, $904; 3. Nathan Steinberg, 9.2, $603; 4. Brian Hill, 9.7, $301. Average: 1. Brian Hill, 30.8 seconds on three head, $1,809; 2. Seth Hopper, 31.9, $1,357; 3. Ty Holly, 32.6, $904; 4. Blair Burk, 33.6, $452.Barrel racing: First round: 1. Brenda Mays, 15.24 seconds, $1,206; 2. Natalie Deking, 15.59, $904; 3. Katy Bremner, 15.71, $603; 4. (tie) Jana Isaac and Serena Mote, 15.75, $151 each. Second round: 1. Della Wright, 15.43 seconds, $1,206; 2. Katy Bremner, 15.51, $904; 3. Natalie Deking, 15.54, $603; 4. Kim Kammenzind, 15.58, $301. Third round: 1. Brenda Mays, 15.42 seconds, $1,206; 2. Jana Isaac, 15.53, $904; 3. Della Wright, 15.57, $603; 4. Serena Mote, 16.35, $301. Average: 1. Brenda Mays, 46.25 seconds on three runs, $1,809; 2. Della Wright, 47.08, $1,357; 3. Jana Isaac, 47.54, $904; 4. Serena Mote, 47.71, $452.Steer roping: First round: 1. Fred Brown, 13.7 seconds, $790; 2. Joe Bartlett, 13.8, $593; 3. Dave Clark, 14.9, $395; 4. Brett Hale, 15.9, $198. Second round: 1. Joe

Bartlett, 12.4 seconds, $790; 2. Dave Clark, 14.4, $593; 3. Howdy McGinn, 14.9, $395; 4. Brett Hale, 15.2, $198. Third round: 1. (tie) Joe Bartlett, Paul Rice Jr. and Dave Clark, 13.3 seconds, $593 each; 4. Fred Brown, 14.3, $198. Average: 1. Joe Bartlett, 39.5 seconds on three head, $1,185; 2. Dave Clark, 42.6, $889; 3. Fred Brown, 28.0 seconds on two head, $593; 4. Paul Rice Jr., 30.9, $296.Bull riding: First round: 1. Zach Bright, 81 points on Northern Cross Rodeo’s Braveheart, $1,206; 2. Allen Helmuth, 79, $904; no other qualified rides. Second round: 1. (tie) Levi Yonaka on Flying 5 Rodeo’s Hot Chocolate and Allen Helmuth on Corey & Horst Rodeo’s Hell Yeah, 82 points, $1,055 each; 3. Tylee Lanham, 78, $603; 4. R.J. Kriege, 74, $301. Third round: No qualified rides. Average: 1. Allen Helmuth, 161 points on two head, $1,809; 2. Zach Bright, 153, $1,357; 3. Levi Yonaka, 82 points on one head, $904; 4. Tylee Lanham, 78, $452.Total payoff: $117,211. Stock contractors: Flying 5 Rodeo, Big Bend Rodeo, Corey & Horst Rodeo and Northern Cross Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Edie Longfellow. Officials: Allan Jordan, Harry Rose and Terry Carlon. Timers: Allison Van Komen and Stacey Dowton. Announcer: Steve Kenyon. Clowns/bullfighters: Donnie Griggs and Jesse Tennent. Barrelman: J.J. Harrison. Flankmen: Various. Chute bosses: Dan Ackley and Rowdy Barry. Pickup men: Ricky Shannon and Sonny Hansen. Photographers: Bob Click, Kirt Steinke, Bill Lawless and Roberta Barkley.

lives an hour from Mike Corey of Corey & Horst Rodeo sure didn’t hurt the Ellensburg, Wash., cowboy. Helmuth, who has routinely used Corey’s calves to practice on in the past, rode two of Corey’s bulls en route to the average title at the two-day event Nov. 12-13. The 27-year-old rode Corey & Horst Rodeo’s Due North for 79 points in the opening round – good enough for second place – and won a share of round two with an 82-pointer on Corey & Horst’s Hell Yeah. After everyone was bucked off in the third round, Helmuth’s 161-point total held up and earned him a second consecutive trip to the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo. “I was excited to go to Pocatello this

year, and I’m excited to go to Oklahoma City next year and see what it’s all about,” Helmuth said. Helmuth wasn’t too surprised that no one was able to make the eight-second whistle in the final round, as the circuit finals customarily has one “eliminator” pen each year. “I’ve seen it be like that before,” Helmuth said. “Usually, if there’s one or two in that round that’s ridden, that’s about average. There usually aren’t too many ridden in that round, because they’ve got some buckers in there, some eliminators. It’s almost like an eliminator round at the NFR.” Helmuth earned $3,768 for the victory and is eager to help represent his circuit at the DNCFR once again.

–Neal Reid

No bull rider was able to cover all three of his bulls, but Allen Helmuth had the highest two-head score and earned his second consecutive DNCFR berth as a result. The Ellensburg, Wash., cowboy pocketed $3,768 for the win.

–Bob Click photo


teen sPiritdodge southeastern circuit Finals rodeo

O’Mara closes out rookie year with win in Dodge Southeastern Circuit Finals RodeoBY JIM BAINBRIDGE

t

he song you hear when you call Jacob O’Mara’s cell phone is Seventeen by Chris LeDoux. It’s the one with the line, “And in his mind, he’s riding

bulls down in Las Vegas.” It’s one of O’Mara’s favorite songs, the one he has always had on his cell to remind him, and anyone who calls, of the goals he has set for himself. O’Mara, of Prairieville, La., wanted a berth in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and the Resistol Bull Riding Rookie of the Year award this season, but he missed the last two months of the season with a concussion and fell a bit short of both marks. If he stays healthy, it would be unwise to bet against him making it to Vegas in 2011. The 19-year-old has been nothing short of spectacular since his return to action in early October, capped by his dominant win in the Nov. 4-6 Dodge Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo. O’Mara had 239 points on three head at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, Fla. Nobody else in the field had more than one qualified ride, including Dylan Werner, who beat O’Mara for the 2010 Resistol Rookie of the Year award. “The pen of bulls seemed pretty even,” O’Mara said. “Everybody has hard luck from time to time, and that’s how it was here. A few guys ran into some bad luck. I was just fortunate enough to ride all three.” This “fortunate” weekend followed a second-place finish at the All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, last month (where he banked $11,487) and a tie for second place at the American Royal in Kansas City, the first stop on the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour presented by Justin Boots. So, in back-to-back weeks, he moved himself up to fourth place in the 2011 PRCA World Standings and earned his first berth in the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo, March

31-April 3, in Oklahoma City. “It took me a while to figure out that the basics of the sport are no different at this level than they are in high school,” O’Mara said. “There’s more money and better bulls, but you still have to focus on each ride, each bull. You can’t let yourself start looking ahead. “Toward the end of my rookie year, I started feeling more comfortable about things. When I had that concussion in Cheyenne (Wyo.), I just went home for a couple of months. I did some hunting, spent time with my family, and when I came back, I had a real fire under me. I was fresh and ready to go.” It could be argued that his move from rookie to Wrangler NFR-level talent really started in July, before he was knocked silly by Black Diamond of the Mosbrucker Rodeos string in Cheyenne.

O’Mara had a 91-point ride on Corey & Horst’s Due North en route to a second-place finish at California Rodeo Salinas to go with a career-best 92-pointer to win at the Killeen (Texas) Rodeo, as well as other Texas wins at Goliad, Carthage and Canton. For that other part of his transition to the professional ranks – learning how to set up his schedule, travel and finances – he turned to older travel partners to accelerate his education. Fellow Louisianan Brandon Sartin helped O’Mara through the early part of the year, and then veteran D.J. Domangue worked with O’Mara and his Prairieview neighbor, Jason Beck, to get their schedules worked out to their greatest benefit. “It all seemed kind of overwhelming at first,” O’Mara said. “I used to make my schedule when there were just a couple of high school rodeos

Rookie bull rider Jacob O’Mara was the only competitor to ride more than one bull at the Dodge Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo in Davie, Fla., Nov. 4-6. The 19-year-old rode all three of his bulls and earned his first trip to the Dodge Circuit National Finals Rodeo.

–Lance Jeffery photo


davie, Fla., nov. 4-6

Dodge Southeastern Circuit Finals RodeoDavie, Fla., Nov. 4-6All-around cowboy: Justin Thigpen, $1,343, steer wrestling and tie-down roping.Bareback riding: First round: 1. Matthew Smith, 82 points on Klein Brothers Pro Rodeo’s El Vira, $1,194; 2. J.T. Taylor, 78, $895; 3. (tie) Scotty NeSmith and Tim Hensley, 77, $448 each. Second round: 1. Chip Dees IV, 79 points on Silver Spurs Rodeo’s Poison Ivy, $1,194; 2. Dustin Smith, 78, $895; 3. Brandon Holmes, 77, $597; 4. Matthew Smith, 75, $298. Third round: 1. Matthew Smith, 83 points on Four L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Breaking Up, $1,194; 2. (tie) Brandon Holmes and Dustin Smith, 79, $746 each; 4. Chip Dees IV, 78, $298. Average: 1. Matthew Smith, 240 points on three head, $1,790; 2. (tie) Brandon Holmes and Dustin Smith, 231; $1,119 each; 4. Chip Dees IV, 229, $448. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Ivon Nelson, 3.5 seconds, $1,194; 2. Troy Orr, 3.6, $895; 3. (tie) John Barnett and Josh Napp, 3.7, $448 each. Second round: 1. Jason Tapley, 3.5 seconds, $1,194; 2. Jake Shaw, 3.9, $895; 3. (tie) Josh Napp and Bob Loosenort, 4.0, $448 each. Third round: 1. Bob Loosenort, 3.5 seconds, $1,194; 2. Quinn Campbell, 4.8, $895; 3. Juan Alcazar Jr., 5.1, $597; 4. Ivon Nelson, 5.3, $298. Average: 1. Ivon Nelson, 13.0 seconds on three

head, $1,790; 2. Jason Tapley, 14.7, $1,343; 3. Bob Loosenort, 22.4, $895; 4. Josh Napp, 7.7 seconds on two head, $448.Team roping: First round: 1. Ross Lowry/Stephen Britnell, 5.6 seconds, $1,194 each; 2. Spunk Sasser/Shane Hester, 5.7, $895; 3. Bradley Massey/Manny Egusquiza Jr., 6.4, $597; 4. Nelson Linares/Clint Summers, 6.7, $298. Second round: 1. Kason Peavy/Nick Kent, 4.9 seconds, $1,194 each; 2. Bart Brunson/Wesley Brunson, 6.9, $895; 3. Ross Lowry/Stephen Britnell, 10.7, $597; 4. Travis Dorman/Pete Hays Jr., 11.1, $298. Third round: 1. Bradley Massey/Manny Egusquiza Jr., 4.8 seconds, $1,194 each; 2. Wes Kent/John Woodson, 6.2, $895; 3. Travis Dorman/Pete Hays Jr., 11.1, $597; 4. Chad Saunders/Michael Harris, 11.3, $298. Average: 1. Ross Lowry/Stephen Britnell, 28.1 seconds on three head, $1,790 each; 2. Spunk Sasser/Shane Hester, 30.3, $1,343; 3. Bradley Massey/Manny Egusquiza Jr., 11.2 seconds on two head, $895; 4. Bart Brunson/Wesley Brunson, 14.2, $448.Saddle bronc riding: First round: 1. Heith DeMoss, 80 points on Silver Spurs Rodeo’s Romeo, $1,194; 2. Justin Browning, 79, $895; 3. (tie) Josh Hunt and Curtis Garton, 78, $448 each. Second round: 1. Heith DeMoss, 83 points on Five Star Rodeo’s Rabbit Sage, $1,194; 2. Justin Browning, 78, $895; 3. Jim Burnette, 77, $597; 4. Justin Caylor, 74, $298. Third round: 1. (tie) Heith DeMoss on Classic Pro Rodeo’s Sweet Dreams and Curtis Garton

on Silver Spurs Rodeo’s Alma, 81 points, $1,044 each; 3. Justin Browning, 77, $597; 4. Jermiah Diffee, 75, $298. Average: 1. Heith DeMoss, 244 points on three head, $1,790; 2. Justin Browning, 234, $1,343; 3. Curtis Garton, 231, $895; 4. Jermiah Diffee, 210, $448.Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Brad Hartt, 7.9 seconds, $1,194; 2. Seth Rodriguez, 8.3, $895; 3. Zeb Chapman, 8.4, $597; 4. (tie) Blake Huckabee and Justin Thigpen, 8.6, $149 each. Second round: 1. Garrett Beach, 8.0 seconds, $1,194; 2. Tim Pharr, 9.1, $895; 3. Wes Arcement, 9.4, $597; 4. Blake Huckabee, 13.9, $298. Third round: 1. Justin Thigpen, 8.1 seconds, $1,194; 2. Cody James, 8.4, $895; 3. Seth Rodriguez, 8.5, $597; 4. Wes Arcement, 9.6, $298. Average: 1. Wes Arcement, 28.1 seconds on three head, $1,790; 2. Blake Huckabee, 32.2, $1,343; 3. Zeb Chapman, 41.3, $895; 4. Tim Pharr, 42.7, $448.Barrel racing: First round: 1. Tammy Bruso, 15.40 seconds, $1,194; 2. Michelle West, 15.41, $895; 3. (tie) Linda Gail Stewart and Jill Hayes, 15.77, $448 each. Second round: 1. Shasta Alvarez, 15.54 seconds, $1,194; 2. Michelle West, 15.59, $895; 3. Wendy Culberson, 15.64, $597; 4. Jill Hayes, 15.69, $298. Third round: 1. Linda Gail Stewart, 15.53 seconds, $1,194; 2. Lesley Anne Dugdale, 15.55, $895; 3. (tie) Michelle West and Terry Tamburino, 15.59, $448 each. Average: 1. Michelle West, 46.59 seconds on three runs,

$1,790; 2. Linda Gail Stewart, 47.02, $1,343; 3. Tammy Bruso, 47.12, $895; 4. Shasta Alvarez, 47.32, $448.Bull riding: First round: 1. Dylan Werner, 85 seconds on Five Star Rodeo’s Panama Dreaming, $1,194; 2. (tie) Steven Campbell and Justin Koon, 84, $746 each; 4. Jacob O’Mara, 78, $298. Second round: 1. Jacob O’Mara, 80 points on Four L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Breaker Box, $1,194; 2. Cody Rhoda, 77, $895; no other qualified rides. Third round: 1. Corey Colvin, 88 points on Five Star Rodeo’s Gangster, $1,194; 2. Jacob O’Mara, 81, $895; 3. Brandon Reynolds, 79, $597; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Jacob O’Mara, 239 points on three head, $1,790; 2. Corey Colvin, 88 points on one head, $1,343; 3. Dylan Werner, 85, $895; 4. (tie) Steven Campbell and Justin Koon, 84, $224 each.Total payoff: $107,420. Stock contractors: Klein Brothers Pro Rodeo, Silver Spurs Rodeo, Classic Pro Rodeo, Five Star Rodeo and Four L & Diamond S Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Mildred Klingemann. Officials: Butch Kirby, Brian Eisenbraun and Ken Dunn. Timers: Sheri Gornto and Jodi Anderson. Announcer: Norman Edwards. Clowns/bullfighters: Kevin Ellis and Ben Lee. Barrelman: Mark Swingler. Flankmen: Errol Klein, Steve Whaley, Scotty Lovelace, Paul Bowers Jr. and Ross Lowry. Chute boss: Bobby Gornto. Pickup men: Chad Horaist and Shawn Calhoun. Photographer: Lance Jeffrey.

and maybe one other on my schedule. The PRCA is a lot more complicated, a lot bigger, and it helps to have someone show you the ropes. Brandon and D.J. did a great job for me.” O’Mara wasn’t the only cowboy to put a great finish to his 2010 rookie season at Davie. Tennessean Matthew Smith, who finished ninth in the bareback riding rookie standings, won two rounds and placed in all three on his way to the Dodge Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo title. Smith’s 240 points were nine better than Brandon Holmes (the year-end champion) and Dustin Smith, who tied for second place in the average. “(My approach was) I’m just going to ride it out and have fun,” Smith told the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel. “I’ve got nothing to lose. This is what we work for all year. It’s a great honor (to qualify for the DNCFR). This is big time.”

Team ropers Ross Lowry, right, and Stephen Britnell won the three-head average and $3,581 apiece after finishing with a total time of 28.1 seconds on three head. They won the first round and finished third in another en route to the title.

–Lance Jeffery photo


Untitled-1 1 10/14/10 4:01 PM


play it again?

NFL’s replay guru discusses instant replay in rodeoBY MARVIN OLBERDING

O

ne of the more memorable moments of the 2009 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, for better or worse, was the controversy surrounding steer wrestler Luke Branquinho’s run in Round 10 at the Thomas & Mack

Center and how it ultimately shaped the world championship race, which was won by Lee Graves. The run, in which it was ruled that Branquinho did not maintain contact with his steer, resulting in a no-time, fueled discussion about the place of instant replay in the cowboy sport and to what extent it should be used. The PRCA conducted meetings with its full-time judges Nov. 15-17 at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., and sitting in for the first two days was Mike Pereira, former director and vice president of officiating for the National Football League. Pereira can be seen during FOX Sports’ weekly NFL broadcasts any time a play is reviewed by officials, as well as the “Official Review” segment Wednesday nights on the NFL Network’s NFL Total Access. He also has a column on foxsports.com where he talks about any questionable calls during NFL games from the previous week. “We’re thrilled that Mike has taken time to come and talk with our judges and learn more about what a difficult job they have,” said PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman. “We feel we can learn from him, and we believe he can provide insight into some of the unique challenges the sport of rodeo presents.” Pereira took time to talk with the PSN about the possibilities of using instant replay in rodeo.

PSN: How did you first come to work with people at the PRCA?MP: First of all, my association with the PRCA goes back to (the first PRCA Commissioner) Lew Cryer. He came from the PCAA, the Pacific Coast Athletic Association, and I was a football official in that group. I got to know Tommy (Keith, the PRCA director of officials) through the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). It’s the industry leaders in sports officiating, so you have the head of officials for the NFL, the NBA, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, ASA softball, soccer, men’s and women’s college basketball, and they’re all represented in this group. I’ve been part of it since 2001, when I took over in the NFL. It’s a small group that gets together to exchange thoughts, ideas and frustrations. Tommy got involved in 2009. We thought he would be a great addition, so he came to a meeting. We had a great discussion, we talked a little about some rodeo things, and then we unanimously decided to bring him onto the panel.

PSN: Is replay a topic that is covered a lot in your group discussions?MP: It is, because it’s creeping more and more into each of our sports. It started with us in the NFL back in 1986. We had it from 1986-91 before it imploded. There were no controls over it, and it ruined the pace of our game. There were no limits to the number of times you could review something; I think there was a game in Dallas where there were 14 stops and the game lasted almost four hours. Nobody liked it. The officials didn’t like it, the fans ended up not liking it and the clubs didn’t like it, and it disappeared in ’91.

PSN: When were you first exposed to the discussion of replay in rodeo?MP: We discussed the idea of, rather than having our (NASO) winter meeting in Dallas, going to a site where one of our members has a game or an event. Tommy suggested we all come down to the rodeo in San Antonio (in February). Karl (Stressman) and everyone really wanted this group to come and see a rodeo because, not only did I think he was interested in our

thoughts about rodeo and judging, but also he was interested to get our thoughts on replay in the rodeo. That’s when I became much more involved in it.

PSN: What were your initial impressions after seeing the sport in person?MP: I came to San Antonio thinking (replay) would work, because I didn’t really understand a lot about rodeo. I left San Antonio thinking it wouldn’t. I tried to do some more research to look into the practicality of it. In any other sport, it’s one event. In a football game, it’s one set of rules, and you can say the same thing for basketball, hockey, baseball, tennis. This is much more complex, because there are so many events that you have to judge. Then, you’re judging more than one thing in each event. In our sport, you’re really judging one aspect of a play. Here, you’re judging an animal and a human. The judging is really much more broad. This is, without a doubt in my mind, the toughest

sport to judge in all that I’ve seen. So much happens in eight seconds, as is the case with the bull riding, and you have judges who have to judge the animal and the rider; it’s enormous. To think of how replay then would get involved with that, and there are so many elements in just that one event. And if you do flag a guy, the event stops, but if his hand didn’t touch … there are so many questions to it. There’s no simple fix. That’s another issue: Do you need a fix? Is it broken? Is it broken to a degree that you have to somewhat take the human element out of it?

PSN: Could replay be utilized simply for championship events like the Wrangler NFR?MP: Points are the same, no matter how much money is involved in the rodeo. How can you have a different playing field in one place and an entirely different playing field in another place? There are so many different ways to look at this. I think rational

pereira weighs in

Mike Pereira


Not licensed

to use PR

CA

marks.

minds need to try to look at the whole picture and consider the safety of the contestants, the safety of the animals, practicality of the event itself and the very important flow of the event. Do you want the event to stop for a period of time – and not necessarily have any action – while you try to review stuff on video? There really is a beauty to the flow of a rodeo, to the nonstop action of it. If you bring in replay, you change the sport. If you’re willing to change the sport – and I do think you would change it – change how it’s judged, change how it’s looked at, change the flow of it, if you’re willing to do that, maybe you take a look at it.

PSN: Does replay seem like a valid option for rodeo right now?MP: I did a study with Tommy where we looked at all the calls that were made by his judges over three separate rodeos – big rodeos. Their calls, their judgments, were accurate 98.8 percent of the time. What you’re trying to do, then, is you’re trying to get your 98.8-percent accuracy rate up to 99.2? Because you’re not going to correct

everything. You’re going to bring replay in for a miniscule number of plays. As we have it right now in the NFL, we have 39,000 plays a year. Replay corrects 80 of them. You don’t want to bring cost into it, but we updated our system to the tune of $10 million three years ago. When you look and say that 80 plays are getting corrected out of 39,000, you do look at all those aspects. I listen to everybody’s side when it comes to the possibility of using replay in rodeo, and I know they’ll continue to look at it, but it’s not the right time. It’s not practical. You also understand that, from a contestant’s standpoint, that one call might affect his standing. But it’s officiating. As slim as the possibility might be that this one call might affect him in a negative way, he likely got the benefits of some calls that weren’t made that went in his favor throughout the year, just like they do in team sports.

Luke Branquinho’s Round 10 run at the 2009 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was one of the hot topics from Las Vegas, particularly as it pertained to the discussion of using instant replay at PRCA rodeos.

–Photos by Fred McClananhan

play it again?


sixteenth annual

December 27, 2010

December 27, 2010

$5,000 in added money

Held in conjunction with the Tulsa holiday winter Circuit, December 28-January 2, 2011

Serving up lovein Marshall, TexasBY ANNE ChRIstENsEN

It all started with cabbage. Five years ago, when Marshall, Texas, rodeo chairman R.D. Henderson needed a hospitality chair, he remembered DeLois Thompson’s jalapeño cole slaw. “That woman can cook!” Henderson told his committee. And so she can. For five straight days … before, during and after the three-performance rodeo … from morning until the last cowboy has been fed after the last Saturday night bull ride. “I don’t believe in feeding them sandwiches,” Thompson said. “They’ve worked hard all year, and they get sandwiches on the road. When they are here, I want them to have a home-cooked meal every night.” Thompson’s favorite rodeo menus include Southern-style chicken and spaghetti, homemade vegetable soup and cornbread, and, of course, Texas barbecue. On chicken and spaghetti day, she starts her day by boning, cooking and pulling 50 pounds of chicken, which will feed 150-200 contestants and stock contractor hands that night. That’s in addition to the items she puts out

every night: two gallons of homemade salsa with chips, her specialty jalapeño cole slaw (recipe at right) and 10 gallons of sweet tea. But rodeo hospitality isn’t all skittles and beer, as they say – or even Skittles and sweet tea. A little over a year ago, some oak tree roots near Thompson’s porch

reached up and grabbed her foot, mangling it pretty thoroughly. After surgical insertion of pins, she was off it for three months and in a boot for another three months, which left only a month to practice walking before the rodeo. “Last year was tough on me,” Thompson acknowledged. “My foot will never be the same. But I made it through, although I had to get some extra help with serving and running. “I’ve been telling R.D. I wanted to win the boots (that Justin Boots awards to local Committeepersons of the Year), but I never expected this! Even when StarSportz called me, it didn’t sink in. We’re going to the NFR!” The honor is particularly satisfying for Thompson because of her relationships with the cowboys and cowgirls she feeds. “We’ve had contestants say, ‘We love coming to Marshall, because we know we’ll get great food,’” Thompson said. “That warms my heart,

especially when they say it’s just like Mom or Grandma made.”

DeLois Thompson was nominated for the Justin Boots Committeeperson of the Year by Marshall Pro Rodeo secretary Susan Robbins. Thompson and Robert, her high school sweetheart, have been married 33 years; they operate a paint business. The Thompsons have two adult children, Mendy and Mark, and two grandsons, Caleb and Noah.

Marshall RodeoJalapeño Cole Slaw½ c. Miracle Whip1 c. sugar½ onion, chopped¼ c. dill pickles, chopped¼ c. sweet pickle relish¼ to ½ c. jalapeños from a jar, chopped1½ c. milkBlack pepper to taste2 16-ounce packages cole slaw mix

Blend all ingredients except slaw veggies in blender, then add to slaw. Let it sit in fridge at least two hours, preferably overnight – the longer it sits, the better flavor it gets – and shake or stir every few hours. “If it’s not creamy enough, add more Miracle Whip – if it’s not spicy enough, add more jalapeños and some of the juice from the jar,” said 2010 Justin Boots Committeeperson of the Year DeLois Thompson, Marshall (Texas) Rodeo hospitality chair.

JOHn Justin/prca cOmmitteepersOn Of tHe year

DeLois Thompson


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Plenty to see and do in Las Vegas during Wrangler NFRBY MARVIN OLBERDING

Las Vegas bills itself as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” and during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 2-11, the city promises to live up to its name. In addition to the top-notch rodeo action inside the Thomas & Mack Center, fans will have plenty to see and do outside of it at the ProRodeo Zone, and some of country music’s up-and-coming stars will be performing next door at the Academy of Country Music NFR Stage at the Cowboy Corral inside Cox Pavilion. Of course, that’s in addition to all the exciting shows that will be going on in Sin City during the 10-day “Super Bowl of Rodeo.” Ticket holders who get to their seats early will have the added bonus of preperformance entertainment, including legends like Lee Greenwood (slated to perform before Round 4, Dec. 5) and Charlie Daniels (Round 7, Dec. 8). Big names are also slated to perform the national anthem in Las Vegas, including Reba McEntire

(Dec. 2) and Josh Gracin (Dec. 4). Before getting to their seats, fans can visit the ProRodeo Zone, which will be located in front of the Thomas & Mack. The Zone will include live music and entertainment, prize giveaways and autographs sessions with winners of that night’s round (with the exception of Round 10). The Zone will also feature tents and booths of some of the PRCA’s top sponsors – including AT&T, MillerCoors, Justin Boots, Priefert and Ram Rodeo – and it will be open to the public two hours before and after each performance. For the fifth consecutive year, the ACM will host the NFR Stage at the Cowboy Corral, which features two shows each night (before and after each performance) and is free to that night’s Wrangler NFR ticket holders. Wayne Brooks, the 2005 PRCA Announcer of the Year, will kick off the entertainment at the Corral with “Inside the NFR,” a 15-minute segment that will include special guests nightly. From there, he’ll hand over the stage to acts like the Eli Young Band (Dec. 2), Reckless Kelly (Dec. 3) and Brett Eldredge (Dec. 11). Doors to the Cowboy Corral open at 5 p.m. for the weekday rodeo performances (which start at 6:45) and 4 p.m. for the weekend rodeo performances (which start at 5:45). The Las Vegas Strip will feature concerts by some of the biggest names in music, including The

Black Crowes, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Gracin, Miranda Lambert, John Michael Montgomery and Travis Tritt. Those who would prefer to sit and have a laugh will have their share of options, as well, with performers like Rodney Carrington, Bill Engvall, Cowboy Bill Martin and Ron White slated to have multiple shows in Las Vegas.

Cowboy Corral Performers• Thurs., Dec. 2 – Eli Young Band, 5:45

p.m. and 9 p.m. • Fri., Dec. 3 – Reckless Kelly, 5:45 p.m.

and 9 p.m.• Sat., Dec. 4 – Blue Edmondson, 4:45

p.m. and 8 p.m.• Sun., Dec. 5 – Chancey Williams &

the Younger Brothers Band, 4:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.

• Mon., Dec. 6 – Wed., Dec. 8 – Chancey Williams & he Younger Brothers Band, 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Thurs., Dec. 9 – Jaron & the Long Road to Love, 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Fri., Dec. 10 – Thompson Square, 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Sat., Dec. 11 – Brett Eldredge, 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.

• Every night – Wayne Brooks Inside the NFR, weekdays 5:30 p.m. and weekends 4:30 p.m.


‘to be a man of honor and integrity is first and foremost’

“... Maybe it took 38 years for me to be able to handle winning the world. I never have wanted my ability to take me somewhere my character couldn’t keep me. … I wouldn’t be half the person I am now if I’d won it way back then. … To be a man of honor and integrity is first and foremost. You hear about athletes being in the zone, and there have been a few times in my career when I can remember exactly the way it was. Time slows down, and my senses numb to everything but what I’m

doing. When I ride in there, I can’t hear anybody talk and I can’t see anything but the calf. I can feel my rope. I can smell my piggin’ string. But the focus is so intense that there is no distraction. … When I rode in the box to rope that last calf at the 2008 NFR, I had lived the last 20 years of my life for that one opportunity. … When I threw my hands up, I kind of came to and came back to life in real time. I looked down at that calf, and couldn’t believe I’d just put a wrap and a half on him.

Then I heard the crowd roar. It’s like I’d been out of my body, and that brought me back. People ask me how I handled that pressure going into the last round. I’ve lived the last 20 years of my life for that opportunity. So I just stepped into it – into my destiny.”

Excerpted from the 2008 personal recollection by Stram Smith in The Finals: A Complete History of the First 50 Years of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, PRCA copyright 2009.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS The book includes narratives from the PRCA’s finest athletes of the last 50 years:

Jim ShouldersHarry TompkinsBenny ReynoldsJim Rodriguez Jr.Dean OliverSonny LingerShawn DavisMyrtis DightmanClem McSpaddenGlen FranklinRoy DuvallJohn W. Jones Sr.Phil LyneLeo CamarilloLarry MahanJoe AlexanderMonty HensonChris LeDouxDon GayJack Ward Jr.Paul TierneyBruce FordWalt WoodardCharles SampsonRoy CooperDee PickettJoe BeaverLewis FeildClint JohnsonJim SharpJohn W. Jones Jr.Ote BerryTuff HedemanBilly EtbauerCharmayne JamesJake Barnes and Clay O’Brien CooperMarvin GarrettFred WhitfieldDan MortensenTy Murray and Guy AllenLan LaJeunesseCody HancockRope MyersSid SteinerWill LoweSpeed Williams and Rich SkeltonMatt AustinCody OhlTrevor BrazileStran Smith

How did it feel for Stran Smith – who’d come close so many times – to finally

win a world championship? Now you can find out!

excerpt: wrangler nfr 50tH anniversary bOOk

Stran Smith survived an accident that killed his closest friend, a stroke and the death of his prized horse Topper to come all the way back and become a world champion in his 10th trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. “People ask me how I handled that pressure going into the last round,” Smith said. “I’ve lived the last 20 years of my life for that opportunity. So, I just stepped into it – into my destiny.” PRCA ProRodeo photo by Kerri Allardyce


TAKE A BITE OUTOF YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPINGTwo great deals! PICK YOUR flavor AND get A FREE BOOK – we ship or you pick up in vegas.

BOGOBuy one soft-cover book for $50, plus $10 shipping and handling, and get one soft-cover book free (with no additional S&H charge). Or pick up your books at the PRCA booth at Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

PRORODEO Sports NewsBuy a three-year subscription to ProRodeo’s most comprehensive and exciting magazine, and we’ll ship you a free soft-cover book – you pay just $10 for shipping and handling!

The PRCA’s amazing retrospective on the first 50 years of the Wrangler NFR will be your favorite coffee-table book for years to come – full of historic photos of all your favorite cowboys, their personal recollections about pivotal moments of their stellar careers, and enough historical data to make you an NFR expert forever! It’s the perfect gift for any rodeo fan old enough to remember those rodeo icons or young enough to be inspired by them.

To get one of these special preholiday deals, you must call 719.528.4772 or go to the PRCA booth at Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas by Dec. 13.


Official and audited as of Sept. 30.final 2010 resistol rookie standings

all-around1. Ace Slone, Cuero, Texas ................................. $46,4612. Paul David Tierney, Oral, S.D. .......................... 36,8233. R.C. Landingham, Pendleton, Ore. ................... 27,5784. Seth Murphy, South Heart, N.D. ....................... 20,5645. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M. ........................... 13,203

bareback riding1. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D. ................................ $25,2312. Jeremy Mouton, Scott, La. ............................. 24,0193. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. ....................... 23,3684. R.C. Landingham, Pendleton, Ore. ................... 22,8695. Danny Webb, Cottonwood, Calif. ...................... 22,6776. Craig Wisehart, Stephenville, Texas ................. 20,4507. Ethan McNeill, Grantsville, Utah ....................... 12,0998. Kyle Brennecke, Grain Valley, Mo. ...................... 9,2819. Matthew Smith, Martin, Tenn. ............................ 7,20410. James Bond, Goodman, Mo. ............................ 4,768

steer wrestling1. Cody Moore, Artesia, N.M. ............................. $24,8002. Baylor Roche, Tremonton, Utah ....................... 18,4043. Blaine Jones, Templeton, Calif. ........................ 14,9274. Seth Murphy, South Heart, N.D. ....................... 14,5165. Andy Weldon, Greenleaf, Idaho ........................ 12,3756. Dee Butler, Tulsa, Okla. .................................... 11,1797. Jake Shaw, Cocoa, Fla. ..................................... 11,0688. Ace Campbell, Livingston, Ala. ........................... 8,3809. T.J. Bohlender, Canyon, Texas ............................ 7,530

10. Juan Alcazar Jr., Groveland, Fla. ...................... 5,981

team roping (header)1. Kaden Richard, Roosevelt, Utah ..................... $29,0482. Quincy Kueckelhan, Bonham, Texas ................. 28,8813. Brooks Dahozy, Window Rock, Ariz. ................ 17,5394. Steve Brandt, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 11,7485. Brent McInerney, Alzada, Mont. ....................... 10,5636. Rusty Barnett, Huntsville, Texas ......................... 9,8897. Pace Freed, Pocatello, Idaho .............................. 9,2398. Adam Wallace, Greenbriar, Ark. .......................... 8,4729. Morgan Jones, Leighton, Ala. ............................ 6,70010. Jesse Stipes, Salina, Okla. ............................... 4,885

team roping (heeler)1. Matt Garza, Las Cruces, N.M. ........................ $25,3932. Paul David Tierney, Oral, S.D. .......................... 20,2653. Dax Stuart, Roland, Okla. ................................. 11,2364. Garrison Dixon, Vancroft, Wis. ........................... 7,6035. Bryan Bacon, Boswell, Okla. .............................. 7,2116. Shawn Turner, Puryear, Tenn. ............................. 6,9817. Ryle Whitford, Browning, Mont. ......................... 6,8468. Chris Soto, Catlett, Va. ....................................... 5,3959. Amos Kueffer, Clever, Mo. .................................. 5,29110. Adam Plyler, Pageland, S.C. ............................. 4,910

saddle bronc riding1. Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D. ..................... $21,8612. Jake Wright, Hurricane, Utah ........................... 19,0423. Clay Schaeffer, Dickinson, N.D. ........................ 12,4904. Bryan Martinat, Marsing, Idaho ....................... 12,0135. Tyrel Larsen, Whitewood, S.D. ........................... 9,8356. Mert Bradshaw, Eagle Point, Ore. ....................... 9,2087. Ryan Montroy, Pagosa Springs, Colo. ................ 8,874

8. Brock Winn, Ferron, Utah ................................... 5,0239. Travis Darling, Mills, Wyo. ................................. 4,83710. Brett Olive, Ford, Kan. ...................................... 3,662

tie-down roping1. Ace Slone, Cuero, Texas ................................. $46,7082. Spence Barney, Carthage, Texas ....................... 22,8903. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif. ............................... 18,0634. Paul David Tierney, Oral, S.D. .......................... 16,6505. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb. ................................. 10,4516. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M. ............................. 8,8257. Jared Ferguson, Cottonwood, Calif. ................... 8,3608. Jared Kempker, Eugene, Mo. .............................. 8,3339. Chance Means, Buckhorn, N.M. ......................... 8,10310. Codey Payne, Russellville, Mo. ........................ 6,606

bull riding1. Dylan Werner, Bushnell, Fla. .......................... $52,2952. Jacob O’Mara, Prairieville, La. .......................... 29,8313. Paul Coppini, Kuna, Idaho ................................ 27,1294. Dalton Votaw, Liberty, Texas ............................ 23,2795. Cody Rostockyj, Hillsboro, Texas ..................... 21,7836. Kyle German, Crossfield, Alberta ...................... 14,3087. Corey Atwell, Moravian Falls, N.C. ................... 12,8948. Travis Prejean, Belle Rose, La. ......................... 12,1219. Jesse Pohlmann, Fort Scott, Kan. .................... 11,70910. Skyler McBride, Madden, Alberta ................... 11,488

steer roping1. Gannon Quimby, Mannford, Okla. .................. $11,7062. Jake DeGeer, Springtown, Texas ........................ 9,6693. Jason Stockton, Stigler, Okla. ............................ 2,6424. Travis Horton, Mountain Home, Texas .................. 5985. T.J. Bohlender, Canyon, Texas ............................... 173

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*All times Eastern and subject to change.

Date Time Network Dec. 2 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ESPN Classic (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 3 1:30-3:30 a.m. ESPN2 Dec. 3 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 3 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 3 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ESPN Classic (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 4 1:30-4 p.m. ESPN2 Dec. 4 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 4 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 4 9-11:30 p.m. ESPN Classic (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 5 1:30-3:30 a.m. ESPN2 Dec. 5 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 5 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 5 9-11:30 p.m. ESPN2 (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 5 11:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 6 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 6 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 6 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ESPN2 (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 7 12:30-2:30 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 7 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 7 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 7 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ESPN2 (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 8 12:30-3 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 8 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 8 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 8 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ESPN Classic (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 9 1-3:30 a.m. ESPN2 Dec. 9 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 9 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 9 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ESPN Classic (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 10 1-3:30 a.m. ESPN2 Dec. 10 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 10 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 10 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ESPN Classic (LIVE) (Re-airs) Dec. 11 1-3 a.m. ESPN2 Dec. 11 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 11 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic

Dec. 11 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. ESPN2 (Re-airs) Dec. 12 1-3 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 12 7-9 a.m. ESPN Classic Dec. 12 5-7 p.m. ESPN Classic



Badlands CircuitBareback Riding1. Scott Montague, Rapid City, S.D. ......... $1,3022. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D. ........................... 6443. Joe Gunderson, Agar, S.D. ........................ 5324. Casey Breuer, Mandan, N.D. ...................... 532Steer Wrestling1. Jake Rinehart, Highmore, S.D. ............. $1,6672. Preston Oyloe, Williston, N.D. ................... 9413. Colt Floyd, Buffalo, S.D. ............................ 4704. Justin Miller, Neepawa, Manitoba .............. 413Team Roping (header)1. Brett Price, Faith, S.D. ............................. $9682. Tim Nelson, Midland, S.D. ........................ 5423. Scott White, Oelrichs, S.D. ........................ 5424. Alfred Hansen, Dickinson, N.D. ................. 338Team Roping (heeler)1. Paul Griemsman, Piedmont,S.D. ............. $9682. Matt Zancanella, Aurora, S.D. ................... 694 Elliott Gourneau, Kennebec, S.D ............... 6944. Rory Brown, Edgemont, S.D. .................... 542 Jade Nelson, Midland, S.D. ....................... 542Saddle Bronc Riding1. Hugh Connolly, Golden Valley, N.D. ...... $1,5212. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D. ................. 1,1993. Ryan Elshere, Elm Springs, S.D. ............... 7604. Wade Yost, Ree Heights, S.D. ................... 380Tie-down Roping1. Justin Scofield, St. Lawrence, S.D. ...... $1,7912. Carey Bevan, Carievale, Sask. ................ 1,0573. Boe Brown, Harrold, S.D. .......................... 8424. Clay Cowan, Highmore, S.D. ..................... 664Steer Roping1. Paul Tierney, Oral, S.D. ........................... $5202. Coy Thompson, Whitewood, S.D. ............. 464Bull Riding1. Abe Dillman, Grassy Butte, N.D. ........... $1,6382. Jay Dunford, Menoken, N.D. .................. 1,0713 Rorey Maier, Timber Lake, S.D. .............. 1,0114 Thunder Boomer, Interior, S.D. ................. 853

California CircuitAll-around1. Jack Vanderlans, Temecula, Calif. ........ $7,6822. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. .............. 4,8243. Blake Hirdes, Turlock, Calif. .................... 3,7474. Rhett Kennedy, Chowchilla, Calif. ........... 3,520Bareback Riding1. Tyson Thompson, Bradley, Calif. .......... $1,7682. Dustin Moody, Visalia, Calif. ................... 1,1143. Clint Lear, Anderson, Calif. ........................ 8464. George Gillespie IV, Midland, Ore. ............. 834Steer Wrestling1. Jack Vanderlans, Temecula, Calif. ........ $5,5132. Ethen Thouvenell, Napa, Calif. ................ 2,6993. Rhett Kennedy, Chowchilla, Calif. ........... 1,6614. Blaine Jones, Templeton, Calif. .............. 1,482Team Roping (header)1. Clay White, Shandon, Calif. .................. $4,1812. Travis Xavier, Shandon, Calif. ................. 2,9783. Blaine Linaweaver, Leavenworth, Kan. ... 2,7574. Jake Rodriguez, Livermore, Calif. ........... 1,860Team Roping (heeler)1. John Chaves, Los Alamos, Calif. .......... $4,1812. Mike Monighetti, Los Alamos, Calif. ....... 2,9783. Caleb Twisselman, Santa Margarita, Calif. ... 2,4724. Wade Hooker, Winchester, Calif. ............ 2,194Saddle Bronc Riding1. Justin Arnold, Santa Margarita, Calif. ... $1,9072. Jess Williams, Paso Robles, Calif. ......... 1,5423. Scott Miller, Boise, Idaho ....................... 1,3654. Elliot French, Tres Pinos, Calif. ............... 1,055Tie-down Roping1. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. ............ $3,3632. Blake Hirdes, Turlock, Calif. .................... 2,3033. Jack Vanderlans, Temecula, Calif. .......... 2,1704. Anthony Estep, Wilton, Calif. .................. 2,138Bull Riding1. Josh Daries, Salinas, Calif. ................... $3,0102. Johnny Allen, Norwalk, Calif. ................. 2,4353. Jacob Tyner, Sacramento, Calif. ............. 2,1544. Sean Peterson, Kerman, Calif. ................ 2,131

First Frontier CircuitAll-around1. Lee Ellsworth, Stoney Point, N.C. ......... $1,7242. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa. .................... 1,245Bareback Riding1. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa. ..................... $494Steer Wrestling1. Tom Farrelly, Cayuga, N.Y. ....................... $8362. Darren Morgan, Fort Edward, N.Y. ............ 6273. Bryan Tamm, Pilesgrove, N.J. ................... 4184. Mike Rounds, Pottersville, N.Y. ................. 209

Team Roping (header)1. Frankie Fernandez, Johnstown, N.Y. ..... $1,0952. Brian Frattaroli, Franklinville, N.J. ............. 9063. Lee Ellsworth, Stoney Point, N.C. .............. 7174. Carmine Nastri, Ballston Spa, N.Y. ............ 529Team Roping (heeler)1. Thomas Brooks, Pageland, S.C. ........... $1,0952. Joe Williams, Perkiomenville, Pa. ............. 9063. Lewis Rimes Jr., York Springs, Pa. ........... 5294. Kenny Brown, Keedysville, Md. ................. 340Saddle Bronc Riding1. Chad Alesky, Monroeton, Pa. .................. $5092. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa. ....................... 255Tie-down Roping1. Lee Ellsworth, Stoney Point, N.C. ......... $1,0072. Jeff Reynolds, Fort Ann, N.Y. .................... 7553. Tim Naylor, Hancock, Md. ......................... 5044. Troy Roberto, Haskell, N.J. ........................ 252Bull Riding1. Jason Power, Franklinville, N.J. ............... $8892. Joseph Milton, Screven, Ga. ..................... 6923. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa. ....................... 496

Great Lakes CircuitAll-around1. Kyle Whitaker, Chambers, Neb. ............ $1,054Steer Wrestling1. Rodney Burks, Benton, Ark. ................. $3,1832. Kyle Whitaker, Chambers, Neb. ................. 8993. Ryan Olson, Otsego, Minn. ....................... 692Team Roping (header)1. Jason Arndt, Fort Scott, Kan. ............... $2,1662. Ron Chamley, Van Wert, Iowa ................ 1,4723. Brent Belkham, Pierre, S.D. ....................... 6944. Steve Kuntz, Chisago City, Minn. ............... 162Team Roping (heeler)1. David Cannon, Eagleville, Mo. .............. $1,4722. Ryan Melby, Backus, Minn. ....................... 162Tie-down Roping1. Gregg Ash, Aurora, Mo. .......................... $237 Blake Ash, Aurora, Mo. ............................. 2373. Kyle Whitaker, Chambers, Neb. ................. 154Bull Riding1. Skippy Hecht, Merrill, Iowa ..................... $4322. Rudy Borntrager, Wadena, Minn. .............. 158

Montana CircuitBareback Riding1. Troy Solomon, Havre, Mont. ................... $146 John Collins, Kaycee, Wyo. ....................... 146Steer Wrestling1. Todd Woodward, Lethbridge, Alberta ... $1,4092. Josh Granell, Havre, Mont. ........................ 8333. Nick Stulefield, Choteau, Mont. ................. 685 Jim Pat Smith, Melrose, Mont. ................. 685 Jessie Heggie, Raymond, Alberta .............. 685Team Roping (header)1. Ty Larson, Hysham, Mont. ................... $2,1602. Ryan Siemsen, Billings, Mont. ............... 1,3183. Britt Williams, Hammond, Mont. ............... 8644. Cody Tew, Harlowton, Mont. ..................... 341Team Roping (heeler)1. Justin Tom, Pryor, Mont. ...................... $2,1602. Ross Carson, Shepherd, Mont. .............. 1,3183. John Robertson, Polson, Mont. ................ 341Saddle Bronc Riding1. Kyle Thomson, Lundbreck, Alberta ...... $2,5192. Jake Costello, Newell, S.D. ........................ 756 Colter Heckman, Choteau, Mont. .............. 7564. Jesse Kruse, Great Falls, Mont. ................. 378 Adam Gilchrist, Maple Creek, Sask. .......... 378Tie-down Roping1. Bryant Mikkelson, Buffalo, Mont. ............ $5142. Brett Fleming, Worden, Mont. ................... 4963. Jody Wacker Melstone, Mont. ................... 138Bull Riding1. Beau Hill, West Glacier, Mont. .............. $1,2852. Dustin Jenkins, Missoula, Mont. ............... 5063. Colten Jensen, Bozeman, Mont. ................ 3974. Tyler Dellen, Bozeman, Mont. .................... 238

Mountain States CircuitBareback Riding1. Jerad Schlegel. Burns, Colo. ................ $1,4212. Kelly Timberman, Mills, Wyo. ................... 915 Casey Colletti, Pueblo, Colo. ..................... 9154. David Streweler, Golden, Colo. .................. 523Steer Wrestling1. Les Shepperson, Midwest, Wyo. .......... $4,9912. Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo. .......... 3,1553. Payden McIntyre, Douglas, Wyo. ........... 1,3974. John Franzen, Riverton, Wyo. ................ 1,280Team Roping (header)1. Garrett Tonozzi, Fruita, Colo. ................ $1,791

2. Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo. ................. 1,7053. Tyler Schnaufer, Pueblo, Colo. ............... 1,1734. Jay Ellerman, Fort Lupton, Colo. ............... 710Team Roping (heeler)1. Hank Bounds, Palisade, Colo. .............. $1,7912. Jhett Johnson, Casper, Wyo. .................. 1,7053. Josh Fillmore, Florence, Colo. ................ 1,1734. Chad Wahlert, Eaton, Colo. ....................... 710Saddle Bronc Riding1. Cody Martin, Eagle, Colo. ........................ $7842. Brandon Munn, Wheatland, Wyo. ............. 131 Townsend Prince, Livermore, Colo. ........... 131Tie-down Roping1. Trevor Thiel, Greeley, Colo. .................. $1,372 Jayce Johnson, Hemingford, Neb. ......... 1,3723. Kade Kinghorn, Buffalo, Wyo. ................ 1,047Bull Riding1. Clayton Savage, Casper, Wyo. .............. $1,0042. Jake Buller, Thermopolis, Wyo. ................. 7603. Will Farrell, Thermopolis, Wyo. ................. 3814. Kris Newman, Casper, Wyo. ...................... 375

Prairie CircuitBareback Riding1. Clint Burton, Miles,Australia .................... $624Steer Wrestling1. Zac Parrington, Hoyt, Kan. ................... $1,2972. Spud Duvall, Checotah, Okla. .................... 9303. Brady Bartel, Augusta, Kan. ...................... 6854. Cole Edge, Durant, Okla. ........................... 641Team Roping (header)1. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. .............. $1,6392. Gavin Foster, Elmore City, Okla. ............. 1,4253. Eric Flurry, Sallisaw, Okla. ......................... 7844. Cale Markham, Vinita, Okla. ...................... 570Team Roping (heeler)1. Ty Knott, Oologah, Okla. ....................... $1,6392. Jett Hillman, Jones, Okla. ....................... 1,4253. Brandon Wright, Henryetta, Okla. .............. 7844. Stitches Stanley, Wagoner, Okla. ............... 570Saddle Bronc Riding1. Seth Schafer, Valentine, Neb. ............... $1,1572. Hardy Braden, Welch, Okla. ....................... 6093. Weston Ireland, Sallisaw, Okla. ................... 844. Shank Stephens, Hinton, Okla. .................... 77Tie-down Roping1. Cole Bailey, Okmulgee, Okla. ................ $1,7292. Ken Bailey, Henryetta, Okla. ................... 1,4313. Jared Turner, Lawton, Okla. .................... 1,1334. Jerome Schneeberger, Ponca City, Okla. ... 686 Paul Carroll, Cushing, Okla. ...................... 686Bull Riding1. Loagan Helton, Pampa, Texas ................. $4982. Trevor Kastner, Ardmore, Okla. ................. 113

Southeastern CircuitAll-around1. Justin Thigpen, Waycross, Ga. ............. $3,5832. Wesley Brunson, Terry, Miss. ................. 2,3653. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss. ..................... 1,8144. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La. ...................... 1,584Bareback Riding1. Matthew Smith, Martin, Tenn. .............. $1,5372. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La. ...................... 1,4233. Dustin Smith, Rome, Ga. .......................... 8444. Jeremy Mouton, Scott, La. ........................ 737Steer Wrestling1. Heath Thompson, Enola, Ark. ............... $2,1942. Sean Thomas, Benton, Ark. .................... 2,1833. Casey Martin, Sulphur, La. ..................... 2,1824. Ace Campbell, Livingston, Ala. ............... 1,634Team Roping (header)1. Wes Kent, Grand Cane, La. ................... $4,2522. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla. .................... 2,3663. Travis Dorman, Dade City, Fla. ............... 2,0284. Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga. .................... 1,934Team Roping (heeler)1. John Woodson, Keithville, La. .............. $3,9962. Kyle Lawrence, Andalusia, Ala. ............... 2,3663. Pete Hays Jr., Vero Beach, Fla. ............... 2,0284. Brad Culpepper, Ashburn, Ga. ................ 1,934Saddle Bronc Riding1. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La. ..................... $2,4292. Justin Caylor, Livingston, Ala. ................ 1,7203. Justin Browning, Sulphur, La. ................ 1,5814. Curtis Garton, New Zealand ................... 1,409Tie-down Roping1. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur,La. ................. $2,3852. Cody Prescott, Jay, Fla. .......................... 2,1253. Jeremy Landry, Arnaudville, La. ............. 2,0974. Justin Thigpen, Waycross, Ga. ............... 1,591Bull Riding1. Jeffrey Askey, Martin, Tenn. ................. $1,8522. Chance Smart, Philadelphia, Miss. ......... 1,3123. Paul Myers, Stone Wall, La. ...................... 896

4. Wayne Hontz Jr., Jacksonville, Fla. ............ 781

Texas CircuitAll-around1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ............ $10,4732. Caleb Smidt, Huntsville, Texas ............... 7,7593. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas ...... 4,2284. Cade Swor, Crafton, Texas ..................... 3,373Bareback Riding1. Heath Ford, Elkhart, Texas .................... $4,3442. Zach Dishman, Beaumont, Texas ........... 1,9433. Justin Foltyn, Bay City, Texas ................. 1,4814. Lance Kelly, Qld., Australia ..................... 1,467Steer Wrestling1. Dru Melvin, Tryon, Neb. ....................... $3,6072. Cade Swor, Crafton, Texas ..................... 2,5163. Seth Morgan, Azle, Texas ....................... 2,0224. Todd Andersen, Fulshear, Texas ............. 1,601Team Roping (header)1. Caleb Mitchell, Pollok, Texas ................ $5,7652. Logan Olson, Flandreau, S.D. ................. 4,7923. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ................ 4,0844. Joel Bach, Millsap, Texas ....................... 3,215Team Roping (heeler)1. Tyler McKnight, Wells, Texas ................ $5,7652. Kinney Harrell, Marshall, Texas .............. 5,3243. Patrick Smith, Midland, Texas ................ 4,0844. Allen Bach, Weatherford, Texas .............. 3,215Saddle Bronc Riding1. Nick Laduke, Cypress, Texas ................ $2,5612. Mike Outhier, Utopia, Texas .................... 2,5593. Jace Garrett, Alliance, Neb. .................... 2,5194. Brody Bolton, Odessa, Texas .................. 2,236Tie-down Roping1. Caleb Smidt, Huntsville, Texas ............. $5,5732. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas ..................... 3,8443. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ................ 3,8374. Clayton Hamil, Hamshire, Texas ............. 3,584Steer Roping1. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas .................. $6,2372. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas ...... 2,8553. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas ................ 2,5524. Bryce Davis, Abilene, Texas .................... 2,138Bull Riding1. Bryan Richardson, Dallas, Texas .......... $4,6282. Ty Pozzobon, Merritt, B.C. ...................... 3,2593. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas ...................... 3,1454. Nile Lebaron, Weatherford, Texas .......... 2,548

Turquoise CircuitAll-around1. Rick Kieckhefer, Prescott, Ariz. ............ $3,0542. Ivan Stuart, Scottsdale, Ariz. ..................... 573Bareback Riding1. Wyatt Hancock, Taylor, Ariz. ................. $1,3682. Tyler Staker, Taylor, Ariz. ........................... 7253. Guy Murphy, Black Hat City, N.M. ............. 5074. Forrie Smith, Capitan, N.M. ....................... 338Steer Wrestling1. Pepe Arballo, Wittman, Ariz. ................ $1,9222. Kurt Stallings, Clovis, N.M. .................... 1,4983. Bo Bleil, Stanfield, Ariz. ............................. 7984. Rusty Hamilton, Capitan, N.M. .................. 614Team Roping (header)1. Michael Calmelat, Tucson, Ariz. ............ $5,0732. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. ............ 3,2733. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. ............ 2,9694. Shain Sproul, Las Cruces, N.M. ............. 1,235Team Roping (heeler)1. Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz. ................... $5,6102. Anthony Calmelat, Tucson, Ariz. ............. 5,5863. Matt Garza, Las Cruces, N.M. ................ 5,3254. Dallas Reidhead, Queen Creek, Ariz. ...... 3,273Saddle Bronc Riding1. Cody Taton, Mud Butte, S.D. ................ $2,9722. Darrell Triplett, Waterflow, N.M. ................ 8443. Casey Sisk, Corona, N.M. .......................... 7804. Dean Daly, Belen, N.M. .............................. 431Tie-down Roping1. Joseph Parsons, Marana, Ariz. ............. $3,4302. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M. ................. 3,1613. Rick Kieckhefer, Prescott, Ariz. .............. 2,7554. Kyle Dutton, Mesilla Park, N.M. ............. 1,447Steer Roping1. Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz. ..................... $303Bull Riding1. Mikey Allison, Marana, Ariz. ................. $3,0572. Wacey Barta, Phoenix, Ariz. ................... 1,0543. Scottie Knapp, Albuquerque, N.M. ............ 9674. Guytin Tsosie, Farmington, N.M. ............... 669

2011 prca circuit standingsUnofficial standings as of Nov. 17.


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prca rodeo results

First Chance BonanzaBrookings, S.D.Nov. 5-6All-around cowboy: Brent Belham, $694, team roping and tie-down roping.Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Casey Breuer on Sutton Rodeos’ Perfect Mistake and Joe Gunderson on Sutton Rodeos’ Landstroms, 83 points, $532 each; 3. Scott Montague, 82, $304; 4. Ty Breuer, 76, $152.Steer wrestling: 1. Gabe Taylor, 3.7 seconds, $1,102; 2. Jarrett Rasmussen, 4.0, $827; 3. (tie) Justin Miller and Jake Rinehart, 4.2, $413 each.Team roping: 1. Camish Jennings/Dax Stuart, 5.7 seconds, $937 each; 2. (tie) Brent Belkham/Elliott Gourneau and Wes Goodrich/Matt Zancanella, 5.8, $694 each; 4. Aaron Chamley/David Cannon, 6.2, $452; 5. Brett Price/Paul Griemsman, 6.8, $291; 6. Steve Kuntz/Ryan Melby, 6.9, $162.Saddle bronc riding: 1. Ryan Elshere, 81 points on Sutton Rodeos’ Cadillac Jack, $760; 2. Jesse Bail, 76, $570; 3. Wade Yost, 75, $380; 4. Seth Schafer, 74, $190.Tie-down roping: 1. E.J. Roberts, 7.7 seconds, $895; 2. (tie) Clay Cowan and Justin Scofield, 9.3, $664 each; 4. Cole Fulton, 9.4, $432; 5. Boe Brown, 9.5, $278; 6. Kyle Whitaker, 9.9, $154. Barrel racing: 1. Jana Griemsman, 13.35 seconds, $1,007; 2. Aimee Kay Olson, 13.37, $864; 3. (tie) Jane Melby and Britany Fleck,

13.42, $672 each; 5. Rachel Tiedeman, 13.48, $480; 6. Laura McPherson, 13.49, $384; 7. Jill Moody, 13.52, $288; 8. Adriane Kochie, 13.60, $192; 9. Tammy Whyte, 13.62, $144; 10. Robin Beck, 13.67, $96.Bull riding: 1. Rorey Maier, 86 points on Sutton Rodeos’ Devils Dust, $927; 2. Thunder Boomer, 82, $695; 3. (tie) Taylor Cowan and Skippy Hecht, 76, $348 each.Total payoff: $24,058. Stock contractor: Sutton Rodeos. Rodeo secretary: Val Lundquist. Officials: Marty Jandreau and Jim Whiting. Timers: Amy Sutton and Kim Sutton. Announcer: Davie Kimm. Specialty act: Keith Isley. Clowns/bullfighters: Josh Rivinius and Colin Lamont. Barrelman: Keith Isley. Flankmen: Steve Sutton and Steven Muller. Chute boss: Steve Sutton. Pickup men: Jeff Rector and Brent Sutton. Photographer: Alisha Barry.

Adirondack Stampede Charity PRCA RodeoGlen Falls, N.Y.Nov. 5-6All-around cowboy: Lee Ellsworth, $1,724, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping.Bareback riding: 1. Clovis Crane, 74 points on Painted Pony Championship Rodeo’s Misfit, $494; no other qualified rides.Steer wrestling: 1. Tom Farrelly, 4.5 seconds, $836; 2. Darren Morgan, 4.7, $627; 3. Bryan Tamm, 5.9, $418; 4. Mike Rounds, 6.3, $209.Team roping: 1. Frankie

Fernandez/Thomas Brooks, 6.0 seconds, $1,095 each; 2. Brian Frattaroli/Joe Williams, 6.8, $906; 3. Lee Ellsworth/Robbie Murdock II, 7.3, $717; 4. Carmine Nastri/Lewis Rimes Jr., 7.5, $529; 5. Chuck Smith/Kenny Brown, 7.9, $340; 6. Bucky Nastri/Charlie Goerlach, 8.3, $180.Saddle bronc riding: 1. Chad Alesky, 75 points on Painted Pony Championship Rodeo’s Big Mac, $509; 2. T.J. Haynie, 73, $382; 3. Clovis Crane, 71, $255; no other qualified rides.Tie-down roping: 1. Lee Ellsworth, 8.2 seconds, $1,007; 2. Jeff Reynolds, 9.6, $755; 3. Tim Naylor, 9.8, $504; 4. Troy Roberto, 9.9, $252. Barrel racing: 1. Mel Gibson, 13.62 seconds, $685; 2. Irene Feaser, 13.77, $596; 3. Kristine Roy, 13.84, $506; 4. Judy Dahoda, 13.88, $417; 5. Carol Kerstetter, 13.89, $328; 6. Shana Graham, 14.03, $238; 7. Conny Doble, 14.04, $149; 8. Cindy Wright, 14.08, $60.Bull riding: 1. Jason Power, 80 points on Painted Pony Championship Rodeo’s No. 55, $785; 2. Joseph Milton, 79, $589; 3. Clovis Crane, 72, $393; no other qualified rides.Total payoff: $19,919. Stock contractor: Painted Pony Championship Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Becky Quartararo. Officials: Wayde Ellsworth and Burgess Ovitt. Timers: Becky Quartararo and Renee Kenny. Announcer: Greg Simas. Specialty acts: John Payne and Jeff Reynolds.

Clowns/bullfighters: Brian Dailey and J.R. DeMarsh. Barrelman: Robbie Hodges. Flankman: Shawn Graham. Chute boss: Shawn Graham. Pickup men: Dave Wibirt and Curtis Walker.

A Tribute to Chris LeDoux RodeoCasper, Wyo., Nov. 6All-around cowboy: Ryan Melby, $1,106, steer wrestling and team roping.Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Casey Colletti on Triple V Rodeo’s Double Shot and Kelly Timberman on Triple V Rodeo’s Indian Summer, 86 points, $915 each; 3. David Streweler, 81, $523; 4. (tie) Scott Montague and Fred Osman, 80, $131 each. Steer wrestling: 1. Dru Melvin, 4.0 seconds, $1,688; 2. Payden McIntyre, 4.2, $1,397; 3. Ryan Melby, 4.6, $1,106; 4. Talon Sterkel, 4.7, $815; 5. (tie) Les Shepperson and Cameron Weddle, 4.9, $407 each. Team roping: 1. Garrett Tonozzi/Hank Bounds, 4.9 seconds, $1,791 each; 2. Scott White/Rory Brown, 5.2, $1,482; 3. Tyler Schnaufer/Josh Fillmore, 5.4, $1,173; 4. (tie) Ryan Siemsen/Brett Fleming and Jay Ellerman/Chad Wahlert, 5.5, $710 each; 6. (tie) Paul Beckett/Mark Kersting and Wes Goodrich/Matt Zancanella, 5.8, $154 each.Saddle bronc riding: 1. Cole Elshere, 82 points on Triple V Rodeo’s She Bear, $1,045; 2. Cody Martin, 79, $784; 3. Seth Schafer, 76, $523; 4. (tie) Townsend Prince and Brandon Munn, 75, $131 each.


prca rodeo results

Tie-down roping: 1. (tie) Jayce Johnson and Trevor Thiel, 8.1 seconds, $1,372 each; 3. (tie) E.J. Roberts, Mike Johnson, Paul David Tierney and Riley Pruitt, 8.5, $608 each.Barrel racing: 1. Jane Melby, 14.86 seconds, $1,242; 2. Nikki Steffes, 15.06, $1,065; 3. Britany Fleck, 15.08, $887; 4. Mandy Teichert, 15.17, $769; 5. Toni Hardin, 15.21, $591; 6. Jessica Routier, 15.22, $473; 7. (tie) Lexi Bath and Theresa Walter, 15.26, $296 each; 9. Deb Renger, 15.27, $177; 10. Jessi Cates, 15.28, $118.Bull riding: 1. Clayton Savage, 83 points on Burns Rodeo’s Slick Rick, $1,004; 2. Jake Buller, 82, $760; 3. (tie) Lee Woolsey, Kris Newman and Clay Hindman, 79, $375 each; 6. (tie) Ty Hamaker and Josh Johnson, 76, $76 each. Total payoff: $37,532. Stock contractor: Triple V Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Carole Martinez. Officials: Tom Parker and Darin Boots. Timers: Tera Anderson and Linda Parker. Announcer: Steve Kenyon. Specialty act: J.W. Winklepleck. Clowns/bullfighters: Jess Griffin and Dusty Tuckness. Barrelman: J.W. Winklepleck. Flankman: Bill Larsen. Chute boss: Tami Larsen. Pickup men: Shawn Scolari and Jason Stewart. Photographer: Fred McClanahan.

East Central Florida PRCA RodeoCocoa, Fla., Nov. 12-13Bareback riding: 1. Justin Foltyn, 75 points on Four

L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Wigwam, $456; 2. R.J. McCaslin, 72, $342; 3. Dustin Smith, 70, $228; 4. Naudy Exposito, 62, $114. Steer wrestling: 1. Wade Cooper, 4.7 seconds, $703; 2. Steve John, 4.8, $527; 3. Alan Frierson, 5.0, $352; 4. Darby Hunt, 6.9, $176.Team roping: 1. Greg Clair/Paul Bryant Jr., 11.9 seconds, $798 each; 2. Travis Dorman/Pete Hays Jr., 12.2, $599; 3. Nelson Linares/Clint Summers, 13.0, $399; 4. Jeremy Hester/Troy Weekley Jr., 13.1, $200.Saddle bronc riding: 1. Alan Frierson, 56 points on Four L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Billy Jack, $486; 2. T.J. Haynie, 52, $365; no other qualified rides. Tie-down roping: 1. Ross Beasley, 8.4 seconds, $836; 2. Bryan McClellan, 8.9, $627; 3. Garrett Beach, 9.1, $418; 4. Stetson Aldridge, 9.5, $209. Barrel racing: 1. Linda Gail Stewart, 14.72 seconds, $735; 2. Tamme Fussell, 14.89, $639; 3. Deb Brannon, 15.12, $543; 4. Sabra O’Quinn, 15.20, $448; 5. Lorie Manning, 15.22, $352; 6. Gay Wynn, 15.32, $256; 7. (tie) Jennifer McGraw and Boo Flournoy, 15.35, $112 each.Total payoff: $13,390. Stock contractor: Four L & Diamond S Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Dottie Hayes. Officials: Bobby Gornto and Kirt Hancock. Timers: Wanda Lowry and Dottie Hayes. Announcer: Jerry Todd. Specialty act: Frankie “Punkintown” Smith. Clowns/bullfighters:

Ben Lee and Kevin Ellis. Barrelman: Frankie “Punkintown” Smith. Flankman: Tim Cox. Chute bosses: Charlie Lowry and Terry Hayes. Pickup men: Charlie Lowry, Zeb Chapman and Spunk Sasser.

Brawley Cattle Call RodeoBrawley, Calif.Nov. 13-14All-around cowboy: Blake Hirdes, $1,368, team roping and tie-down roping.Bareback riding: 1. Orin Larsen, 82 points on Rosser Rodeo’s Flood Zone, $1,298; 2. (tie) Clint Lear and Wyatt Hancock, 79, $846 each; 4. (tie) Tyson Thompson, George Gillespie IV and Zachary Hutchison, 78, $315 each.Steer wrestling: 1. Ethen Thouvenell, 4.9 seconds, $1,157; 2. Pepe Arballo, 5.1, $958; 3. Matt Deskovick, 5.9, $758; 4. Rhett Kennedy, 6.6, $559; 5. Stan Branco, 6.9, $359; 6. Jeff Richardson, 7.9, $200.Team roping: 1. Clay White/John Chaves, 5.8 seconds, $1,653 each; 2. Blake Hirdes/Gary Ford, 6.2, $1,368; 3. Marcus Battaglia/Wade Hooker, 6.3, $1,083; 4. Travis Xavier/Mike Monighetti, 6.6, $798; 5. Jake Barnes/Anthony Calmelat, 6.7, $513; 6. Blaine Linaweaver/Monty Crist, 7.4, $285.Saddle bronc riding: 1. Rusty Allen, 82 points on Flying U Rodeo’s Nest Egg, $1,392; 2. Elliot French, 81, $1,055; 3. Levi Berry, 78, $759; 4. (tie) Mert Bradshaw and Scott Miller, 77, $401 each; 6. Roy

Johnson, 71, $211.Tie-down roping: 1. Jack Vanderlans, 8.6 seconds, $1,178; 2. Anthony Estep, 9.5, $975; 3. Rick Kieckhefer, 9.9, $772; 4. Wes Lockard, 10.5, $569; 5. Brock Andrus, 11.6, $366; 6. Jared Ferguson, 12.9, $203.Barrel racing: 1. Aimee Kay Olson, 17.24 seconds, $1,381; 2. Lacy Wilson-White, 17.33, $1,183; 3. Sherry Cervi, 17.37, $986; 4. (tie) Bailey Tuck and Jennifer Dyer, 17.55, $756 each; 6. Karlie Boles, 17.58, $526; 7. Christina Richman, 17.60, $394; 8. (tie) Linda Vick and Katie LaMaster, 17.61, $230 each; 10. (tie) Cambria Fetherston and Jolee Lautaret, 17.66, $66 each.Bull riding: 1. Travis Atkinson, 88 points on Flying U Rodeo’s Curveball, $1,787; 2. Cody Ibrahimi, 85, $1,354; 3. (tie) Johnny Allen and Tres Sherman III, 84, $812 each; 5. Josh Daries, 83, $379; 6. Sean Peterson, 82, $271.Total payoff: $42,261. Stock contractors: Rosser Rodeo and Flying U Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Cindy Rosser. Officials: Mike Jones and Ken Behling. Timers: Sherry Rice Gibson and Sharon De La Grange. Announcer: Randy Corley. Specialty act: All American Cowgirl Chicks. Clowns/bullfighters: Tim O’Connor and Louis Jones. Barrelman: Charlie West. Flankmen: Paul Greer and Tony Amaral. Chute bosses: Tony Amaral and Reno Rosser. Pickup men: Jeff Shearer and Bronc Boehnlein. Photographer: Gene Hyder.




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CUSTOM 1950 LOW-MOUNT KW fifth-wheel puller. 60-inch sleeper. Chevy dually box. Brand new 5.9 Cummins industrial. Six-speed main, four-speed aux-iliary. More info, pictures by request. 509.631.0141 or 509.633.3127.

ENTER UP!! Rodeo log book, Texas rodeo maps, books, trading cards, rodeo memorabilia, Western home and cowgirl gifts. www.lucky-lulus.com. Lou Mallory, 972.841.9083, Texas.

FLAGS! Since 1985, custom printed or sewn sponsor and committee flags. Waves of the West will work with any design, even with short deadlines. Call Kelly Bail, 877.621.4148 or www.wavesofthewest.com.

RESISTOL BLACK GOLD HATS $289.00 plus ship-ping and handling. We accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express. Nigro Western Store 1.800.521.3330.

ROPER’S PARADISE Tucumcari, N.M., 40 acres. Large arena with return alley. Set up for team rop-ing, calf roping, steer wrestling. Round pen, hay barn, 2 hay fields, 2 turnouts. All irrigation included. Newly remodeled 3/2 home. $190,000. Call John 575.403.7760

TWO 1990 NFR JACKETS Blue and black with yellow trim. Make offer to B.D. Taylor, 7782 FM 503 Doole, TX 76836.

VIDEO, MUSIC & SOUNDAMERICAN DISPLAY SYSTEMS Portable electronic scoreboards and timing systems. “If you’re keepin’ score, we’re the best in the business!” 131 CR 4860, Azle, TX 76020. [email protected], 817.821.6123. Kevin Mattias.

WWW.REALSCREENVIDEO.COM: LED Video/Score-board with instant replay, leader boards, commer-cials, sponsor logos and the same style of equipment as used at the WNFR. Rick Sallee 580-371-8017.

SPORTS ACTION VISION & SOUND Portable wide-screen LED video board with scoring/timing system. Live video, instant replay, leader boards and Sponsor Logos. Full sound systems, music and sound effects. Ben Benavides, 512.581.1696, www.sportsactionvi-sion.com.

[email protected] – “New” LED scoreboard. Take your event to the next level. Sponsor recognition and complete Daktronics scoring and timing system. Contact Scott Walton, 903.818.5531.

RODEO SCHOOLS5th ANNUAL CHAD NICHOLSON rodeo announcer training seminar, recommended and accepted by Hall of Fame announcer Bob Tallman. Jan. 27-30, 2011, Fort Worth, TX. Space limited. www.ChadNicholson.com or 559.553.2530.

CODY NITE PRIVATE RODEO SCHOOLS: Dan Mortensen (saddle bronc), Deb Greenough (bare-back), Joe Beaver (breakaway and calf roping), Dusty Tuckness (bullfighting) and Paul Peterson (pick-up man). For info: 580.512.1791.

ROPE MYERS STEER WRESTLING SCHOOLS Easter, Thanksgiving in Van, TX. $300 plus $75 for horse. Steer savers available. 903.963.5835. www.ropemy-ers.com for entry.

SANKEY RODEO SCHOOLS “There is a difference.” Contact us to learn more. Phone 417.334.2513 or fax 866.357.0411. Bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, bullfighting. [email protected]; www.sankeyrodeo.com.

STEER WRESTLING SCHOOL/TUNE-UP. 4th Annual Buckin’ Roll Ranch Spring 2011 near Heppner, OR. Instructors: six-time NFR Qualifier Trevor Knowles, NFR qualifier Blake Knowles, circuit champ Travis Carnine and steer wrestling expert Sid Britt. 541.376.8175

TERRY DON WEST RIDING SCHOOLS held monthly. Two previous students have won $2 million in two years. Henryetta, Okla. 918.521.1068 or go to www.TerryDonWest.com.

TEXAS HORSESHOEING SCHOOL Two weeks, $1,200; four weeks, $2,000; six weeks, $2,700. Dallas area. John Burgin, P.O. Box 188, Scurry, TX 75158, texashorseshoeingschool.com, 800.734.3440, 972.345.5700.

SADDLE HORSESBARRY BURK ROPING HORSES Sales & training. Private lessons/school, indoor/outdoor facilities, calf/team roping horses, youth to pro. We are now taking outside horses. P.O. Box 233, Durant, OK 74702. 580.924.3200.

DAVID FELTON ROPING HORSES Bought, trained, sold. Excellent conditions and facility for training. Rodeo horses and horsemanship lessons available year-round. Weatherford, TX, 817.271.0218. www.DavidFeltonBits.com.

HORSE BREAKING A SPECIALTY. Your place or mine. Mike Chambers, 619.368.9672. ABC’s of Horse Breaking DVD - $40. Seven horses, 21 rides, fast results. P.O. Box 273 Lakeside, CA 92040.

ANNOUNCERSBILL CLYMER, PhD. 13351 E. FM 1551 Amarillo, TX 79118. Office 806.335.3338, cell 806.274.1430.

CHAD NICHOLSON Dodge National Circuit Finals and nine-time circuit finals announcer. Rodeo Announcer school instructor. Custom-produced rodeo com-mercials – Hear demo at www.ChadNicholson.com. E-mail: [email protected], 559.553.2530.

C.M. “SKEEBO” NORRIS 7058 CR 124, San Saba, TX 76877. Please call 325.372.3086 or [email protected].

DARWIN “D.J.” JORGENSEN PRCA sanctioned events anointed announcer! Member since 1993. Twenty-nine years experience. Sound system avail-able. Have passport, will travel! 405.624.8863 or [email protected].

DAVIE KIMM Professional announcer/voice-over tal-ent. Sound & music available. For references or more information, visit DavieKimm.com, call 612-760-1633 or email [email protected].

GARY ROGERS Professional voice, delivery and enthusiasm! Gold Card member. 12 states and 2 Canadian provinces! Write to P.O. Box 1356, Chino Valley, AZ 86323 or 2365 North 725 West, Layton, UT 84041 or call 801.564.2405.

JAMES HORCASITAS Professional announcer that gets the crowd excited and the rodeo rockin’! Visit Jameshorcasitas.com, e-mail [email protected] or give me a call at 575.202.0823.

RALPH HANES Lifetime of experience in and out of the arena. Very professional. Sound available. Horseback or traditional. Please call 336.998.3304 or 336.816.2227.


To place a classified ad, call 719.593.8840 ext. 4754, or fax 719.548.4889.

COWBOYCLASSIFIEDS

CLOWNS, BARRELMEN& BULLFIGHTERS

“BACKFLIP” JOHNNY DUDLEY clown/barrelman/comedy act. Plenty of great acts, including the origi-nal “Cow Paddy”. Also an exploding limousine car act and the mailman skunk act, featuring “Flower” the pet skunk. Cell 832.496.8000, www.backflipjohnny.com

DUANE REICHERT Specialty Act. New – Little Richie & Pony Baroni (Also clown/barrelman – see ad). 3 NFR openings, 44 states & 4 Canadian provinces. “Backstage with a Rodeo Clown” – youth pro-gam. 605.985.5575 or 605.484.7348. www.gwtc.net/~pbaroni

DWAYNE HARGO Rodeo Clown and barrelman with great acts. “Mixing old school with new school.” Keeping things fun, upbeat, enthusiastic. Fun family entertainment, great with promotions. 7180 Idlewild Road, Somerset, CA 95684. For more information: 530.620.0321.

GIZMO MCCRACKEN Featured at 2005 NFR – 2x nominated Comedy Act of the Year – nominated Co-ors Man in the Can – DNCFR 2006 – 10x circuit finals – 2x Cheyenne. Clean, fresh comedy. I DO COMEDY. www.gizmomccracken.com 417.652.7518.

JOHN HARRISON: Barrelman, comedy acts, trick riding, trick roping. Nominated five times for Comedy Act of the Year, nominated for Clown of the Year, performed at WNFR three times. Cell 817.313.2770, www.HarrisonEntertainment.com.

MARK SWINGLER 14 year-end award nominations. 3x DNCFR, WNFR Opening Act. Now booking for 2011 “Daughter Going to College Tour.” A proven and solid family entertainer. Visit MarkSwingler.com or call 512.658.9606.

PUNKINTOWN’S NONSTOP COMEDY Three-time Cheyenne Frontier Days, 2008 DNCFR, 2008 Fort Worth, world champion clogger – and Diamond, the world’s smartest horse. Clean humor for the whole family, never a dull moment with Punkintown. 864.915.3145. www.punkintown.com.

RORY MEEKS Rodeo clown and barrelman. Major acts, 9x Great Lakes Circuit Finals Bullfighter. Marion, IA. 319.981.6442

SLIM GARNER 2010 Golf Rehab Tour. Bring the world’s largest toy box to your next rodeo. 623.824.1457 or [email protected].

TIM “WILD THANG” LEPARD AND TEAM GHOST RID-ERS Rodeo clown, barrelman and specialty act. Excit-ing, fast-paced, family entertainment featuring comedy acts, unique characters and three cowboy monkeys. 662.419.5473 or www.teamghostriders.com.

SPECIALTY ACTSDUANE REICHERT Specialty Act. Silver Lady & Pony Baroni (Also clown/barrelman – see ad). 3 NFR openings, 44 states & 4 Canadian provinces. “Back-stage with a Rodeo Clown” – youth program. 605-985-5575 or 605.484.7348. www.gwtc.net/~pbaroni.

ENTERTAINMENT TO THE MAX Roman riding, trick roping, bullwhips, pistols. 3x Specialty Act of the Year nominee, numerous NFR openings. Max Reynolds, 75208 Road 439, Lexington, NE 68850. 308.324.6608 or 308.325.1118. www.rodeoacts.com.

THE ONE ARM BANDIT AND COMPANY Perform-ing longhorns, buffalos, horses and mules. 10-time Specialty Act of the Year, Western-style family entertainment. P.O. Box 87, Shidler, OK 74652 918.793.7891, cell 580.761.3940. www.theonearm-bandit.net.

STOCK CONTRACTORS4L & DIAMOND S RODEO Charlie Lowry, 3198 Farmersville Road, Summerville, GA 30747. Office: 706.857.5149, cell: 706.859.1157, www.4Lrodeo.com.

BARNES PRCA RODEO Uninterrupted service since 1950. 2202 450th St. Peterson, IA 51047. www.barnesprcarodeo.com. Bob Barnes 712.295.7034. Marty Barnes 712.437.2406. John Barnes 712.446.2656.

J BAR J PRCA rodeos/bull ridings. Stock produc-tion, personnel. Jim Zinser cell 989.429.6777; Sparky Dreesen cell 406.939.3313. Also: ranch/rodeo hand wanted for summer work. Work rodeos, ride SB or BB horses. Travel/sleeping accommoda-tions available.

JS RODEO COMPANY Montana’s hottest PRCA stock contractor. Also producing on college and high school levels. JS Rodeo Compnay provides all the services for your even to succeed. John Smith 406.964.0733, cell 406.788.5148, fax 406.964.8886. www.jsrodeo.com.

KORKOW RODEOS Have stock and portable chutes for PRCA, college, high school and 4-H rodeos. Jim Korkow 30543 206th St., Pierre, SD 57501. 605.224.5607 or T.J. at 605.224.6929. [email protected].

NORTHERN CROSS RODEO COMPANY, Glenn Herriman, 509.322.4021 or 509.826.5698. www.northerncrossrodeocompany.com; e-mail [email protected]. 186 Weatherstone Road, Omak, WA 98841.

RAFTER H RODEO LIVESTOCK COMPANY Dell Hall. 12201 W. 710 Road, Hulbert, OK 74441. 918.772.3219 home, 918.244.6050 cell.

POWDER RIVER RODEO AND D&H CATTLE – Hank and Lori Franzen, 225 N. Muddy Rd. Riverton, WY 82501, 307.856.1465 or cell 307.689.2877. Dillon Page, 1197 Ponderosa Road, Ardmore, OK 73401, cell 580.220.5769.

RAFTER G RODEO CO. General manager Jim Gay. ProRodeo Hall of Fame stock contractor Neal Gay. Three generations strong, producing professional rodeos since 1958. 9140 C.R. 353 Terrell, TX 75161. E-mail: [email protected]. Phone: 214.763.0733.

SALT RIVER RODEO CO LLC Skip Beeler, HC 63 Box 3090, Mayer, AZ 86333, cell 602.694.9902, or Cody Resor (520.465.2667) or e-mail [email protected].

SANKEY RODEO CO. Have a rodeo or improve the one you have with Sankey Pro Rodeo. Ike Sankey, P.O. Box 609, Joliet, MT 59041. 406.671.7238 or 406.962.4347, sankeyprorodeo.com.

TRIPLE V RODEO CO. LLC Dona Vold Larsen 307.259.1674, Doug Vold 403.938.2201, Darce Vold 719.250.5010.

UNIVERSAL RODEOS LLC Also have portable rodeo set-up, bucking chutes and back pens available. 9267 State Hwy. D, Jackson, MO 63755. Mark Johnson 870.219.0538 or [email protected].

PHOTOGRAPHERSA A AFFLUENT IMAGES BY DUDLEY BARKER 1976 til now. www.dudleydoright.com. 395 East Park St., Stephenville, Texas 76401. 254.968.3433. Gallery and Rodeo proofs w/search. [email protected].

BOBCLICKPHOTOS.COM Bob Click, photographer,P.O. Box 716, Washougal, WA 98671. 360.835.9250.

JJJ PHOTO 2406 L Street, Ord, NE 68862. Negs on file for over 50,000 rodeo contestants since the 1960s. Jim and Marilyn Svoboda, [email protected]; phone 308.728.3278. No Web site; send your address as we mail proofs.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIFER P.O. Box 630904, Nacogdoches, TX 75963, 936.560.6768. www.rodeobum.com.

ROBERTA BARKLEY rodeo & barrel racing photos in Washington & Oregon’s Columbia River Circuit. P.O. Box 441, Redmond, WA 98073-0441. 425.885.0005 or 206.910.5059.

COWBOYIMAGES.NET Find your photos fast – just type contestant’s name in! Need a photographer? Call us today to see if we are available for your event – 307.272.1788. Kerri Allardyce, owner, 6X WNFR photographer.


DECKER Jo Decker, one of the key figures in the launching of the National Finals Rodeo in 1959 and an inductee in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, died of natural causes Nov. 5 at Talihina (Okla.) Manor nursing home. She was 85. Mrs. Decker was one of the top rodeo secretaries for more than 25 years, working for a who’s who of stock contractors – Beutler Brothers, Harry Vold, Hoss Inman, Harry Knight, Mike Cervi and Everett Colborn – and was also active in efforts to preserve rodeo and Western heritage throughout her life. When the Rodeo Cowboys Association began work on creating a season-ending National Finals Rodeo, Mrs. Decker was one of the first people the organization contacted. At the first NFR in Dallas in 1959, Mrs. Decker helped organize the event, filled the role of production coordinator and carried the American flag for the grand entry each night. She served as secretary of the NFR six times (1964, 1966-70) and was secretary of the inaugural National Finals Steer Roping in Clayton, N.M., in 1959. Mrs. Decker was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2001, and she was also enshrined at the Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City in 2000. Mrs. Decker is survived by her husband of 64 years, Tater, a PRCA Gold Card member who competed in two NFRs; son, Dirk (Misty); granddaughter, Harley; and nephew, David Ramsey. Memorial contributions may be made to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

ZANELLA Velma Growney Zanella, the mother of 2000 PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year John Growney, passed away Nov. 5 in Red Bluff, Calif. She was 86. Mrs. Zanella was born June 10, 1924, in Hollister, Calif. She moved to Santa Rosa after high school to attend Santa Rosa Junior College, where she earned a degree in business. Mrs. Zanella moved to Red Bluff in 1945 after marrying George Growney. In their 38 years together, they raised their six children in Red Bluff. She worked at City Hall as a clerk and at Brooks Drug Store. Throughout her life, she raised money for nonprofit organizations, helping in the foundation of the Alcohol Recovery Center. Mrs. Zanella was also a founding member of the Emblem Club – The Lady Elks. She is survived by daughters, Joan Blakesley, Carmel Growney, Margo ( J.C.) Trujillo and Kim (Arleigh) Bonaha; sons, John Growney and Mike (Chris) Growney; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2355 Monroe Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080 or St. Elizabeth Hospice, 1425 Vista Street, Red Bluff, CA 96080.

TAYLOR Dan Taylor, a former PRCA president and the man known widely as “The Master Chute Boss,” died Nov. 3 in his hometown of Doole, Texas. He was 87.

Mr. Taylor served as timed-event chute boss at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City 11 times (1965-73, 1978-79) and held the same position at the National Finals Steer Roping in Guthrie, Okla., six times. He was in charge of Chute 9 – the timed-event area – at the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Rodeo for 49 years before stepping down last year, and Taylor had a 64-year association with the ‘Daddy of ’em All’ as contestant, judge and chute boss. Taylor joined the Cowboys’ Turtle Association in 1942 at age 18 and was issued card No. 64. He won tie-down roping titles during his career at San Antonio; Ellensburg, Wash.; Boston; Nampa, Idaho; Ogden, Utah; and Salt Lake City. He finished third in the world standings in 1950 and fourth in 1951. In 1954, Taylor was named Rodeo Cowboys Association calf roping director, a post he held through 1956. He served one year as PRCA president in 1986. The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inducted Taylor and his wife, Berva Dawn Sorensen Taylor, in 2005. He was voted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Rodeo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City a year later. Memorials may be sent to the West Texas Boys Ranch, 10223 Boys Ranch Road, San Angelo, TX 76904; the West Texas Rehab Center, 3001 S. Jackson, San Angelo, TX 76904 or to any charity of the giver’s choice.

ZOEY MARIE SUHN Born Nov. 7 to PRCA steer wrestler Todd Suhn and wife, Wendy, of Hermosa, S.D., a daughter, Zoey Marie, 7 pounds, 2 ounces, 19½ inches long. Brother Slate welcomed her home.

BRAESON JAMES BURK Born Nov. 1 to PRCA tie-down roper Barry Burk and wife, Lesli, of New Braunfels, Texas., a boy, Braeson James, 7 pounds, 3 ounces, 21 inches long.

LANEY LEE WARNER Born Oct. 27 to Brian and Courtney Warner of Larkspur, Colo., a girl, Laney Lee, 5 pounds, 9 ounces, 19 inches long. Brother Jett welcomed her home. Laney is the granddaughter of PRCA Media Office Manager Sherry Compton.

ABIGAIL FAITH SHIRLEY Born Sept. 21 to PRCA tie-down roper Culp Shirley and wife, WPRA barrel racer Casey Shirley, of Yucca Valley, Calif., a girl, Abigail Faith, 6 pounds, 15 ounces, 19 inches long.

· On page 14 of the Nov. 12 issue, Sutton Rodeo’s Chuckulator was reported as the winner of the Badlands Circuit’s Saddle Bronc of the Year, but that distinction actually went to Korkow Rodeos’ Vidalia.

PRCA Boardof Directors

Contestant DirectorsSpud Duvall, Vice Chairman

Red LemmelBret Tonozzi

Fred BoettcherRodeo Committee DirectorsKeith Martin, Chairman

Troy WeekleyStock Contractor Directors

Hal BurnsJohn Barnes

Contract Personnel DirectorMark Swingler

_______________________PRCA Executive

CouncilsContestant

Executive CouncilJason Havens (BB)Cody Taton (SB)

Fred Boettcher (BR)Mike Johnson (TD)Spud Duvall (SW)J.P. Wickett (SR)

Matt Sherwood (TR)Contract PersonnelExecutive Council

Benje Bendele (Announcers)Edie Longfellow (Sec./Timers)

Dustin Brewer(Bullfighters/Barrelmen)

Duane Reichert (Specialty Acts/Photographers)

Mike Mathis (At Large)Rodeo CommitteeExecutive Council

Troy Weekley (10K-under)Ruben Lamb (10K-20K)Jon Mattson (20K-50K)

Keith Martin (50K+)Gary Williams (At Large)

Stock ContractorExecutive Council

Skip BeelerJohn BarnesHal Burns

Marty JohnsDave Morehead

_______________________

For membershipinformation, call

Rodeo Administrationat 719.593.8840.

ARRIVALS

PRCA notesPASSAGES

RE-RIDE



ROUTE #1- Express ShuttleCowboy Christmas Gift Show

Las Vegas Convention Center (North Hall)

Saddle upwith the nfr


Route 2ExcaliburRear Circle

Route 3Sam’s Town

Atrium/Valet Entrance

Route 4MGM Grand

West Wing Valet Entrance

Hooters Casino HotelFront Door Valet

Tropicana5000 Wing below main Entrance

Route 5 The OrleansValet Entrance

Route 6Las Vegas HiltonEast Entrance Door

Circus CircusFront Door, LV Blvd. side

Route 7Golden Nugget

Carson Street Tower Entrance

Route 8Monte CarloMain Entrance

AriaTour Bus Lobby Below Main Valet

Route 9Palace Station

East of Main Valet Entrance

Route 10Treasure Island (TI)

SW Curb, Sirens Cove Blvd.

The MirageNorth West Valet

Route 11Wynn

South Tower Bus Pickup Loop

StratosphereCurb outside Tour & Travel

Lobby, west side of hotel

Route 12Gold Coast

Valet Entrance

Route 13Alexis ParkMain Entrance

Hard Rock CasinoMain Casino Tower Entrance (Harmon)

Route 14South Point

North Front Entrance (outer curb)

Silverton LodgeMain Valet Entrance

6:45 PM WEEKDAY START TIMEPre-Event Bus Schedule: 5 pm – 7 pm

Post Event Bus Schedule: 9 pm – 10:30 pm

5:45 PM WEEKEND START TIMEPre-Event Bus Schedule: 4 pm – 6 pm

Post Event Bus Schedule: 8 pm – 9:30 pm*Schedule subject to change

The easiest way to get to and fromthe world’s greatest rodeo is to use thecomplimentary NFR Shuttle Bus service


Get a Free Justin Boots Limited Edition Travel Bag

with the purchase of select Justin footwear, while supplies last.

Find a participating retailer near you at JustinBoots.com

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, Offi cial Charity of the PRCA.

The Justin Sportsmedicine Team is the Offi cial Healthcare Provider of the PRCA.

JUS_TB2010Ad_PRSN.indd 1 11/9/10 5:32:27 PM

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo ProRodeo Sports News Preview Issue

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Transcript of Wrangler National Finals Rodeo ProRodeo Sports News Preview Issue