Monthly Archives: September 2016

MARQUEZ, Texas – Only the very best in the business earn a trip to the most prestigious events in the Professional Cowboys Association. Sandy Gwatney is one of those individuals. Not only has she been recognized as one of the top personnel – she is one of five nominees for PRCA Secretary of the Year, her third straight nomination – Gwatney also has been selected to perform her duties at the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping, which will take place Nov. 11-12 at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan. This season also marks her third straight year to have been selected to work the steer roping finale, an honor bestowed upon the top personnel in the business. They will be joined by the world’s best top 15 steer ropers, who will battle for the world championship. “She puts all of her effort into her job and is devoted to it,” said JoJo LeMond, who sits 13th in the world standings and is qualifying for the finale for the third time. “She’s worked all ends of a rodeo, not just as a secretary. She’s been sorting cattle, running a neck rope and doing all sorts of other things, so she understands all aspects of a rodeo. “She’s a very valuable player for a rodeo organization.” Gwatney was raised in northern California, attending school in Yuba City; she also lived in Hesperia, and being a cowgirl is who she is. Over her rodeo career, she has served as a contestant, a contractor and an all-around horsewoman when needed. It has served her well. Now she’s focused on the duties that come on the production side of the business. While competitors make their living eight seconds at a time, Gwatney handles many of the behind-the-scenes tasks that help make everything go seamlessly. Gwatney will be working the rodeo with her husband, John, who will serve as the NFSR’s chute boss for the seventh straight year. The two travel the rodeo trail together, working diligently to make sure each competition and each performance goes off without a hitch. Over a career, Sandy Gwatney has served as a timer for the steer roping finals and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. She has also served as an assistant secretary at the Wrangler NFR. While contestants appreciate her work, they also look beyond that; there they see into her personality, which is one of the most telling traits she has. “You can trust her, and, in turn, you get the trust and the loyalty she’s given to steer roping,” LeMond said. “She stands behind our event, and you always have a smiling face to greet you. “She’s just very good at her job.” Those are just a few of the reasons she’s received the recognition, and they’re why she remains dedicated to the job.

DUNCAN, Okla. – John Harrison comes from a gold buckle heritage, and he carries on in the rodeo industry in his own award-winning ways. Harrison is a rodeo clown and entertainer from Soper, Okla. Each of the past two years, he was recognized as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Comedy Act of the Year. He will bring that hilarity with him to the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20-Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Stephens County Arena in Duncan. Not only will he entertain the crowd, but also he will serve as the rodeo’s barrelman during bull riding. Both aspects of Harrison’s persona are something he enjoys, and he takes great pride in having served as the NFR barrelman in 2013 and ’15. “It’s an awesome feeling for me and my family because it’s a position that’s voted on by your peers,” said Harrison of Soper, Okla. “You feel it’s something you deserve. I’m tickled to death I got it.” He grew up around rodeo. He is the grandson of Freckles Brown, the 1962 world champion bull rider, and he spent a number of years as a trick rider, performing incredible acts while horseback. “As a trick rider, I got to perform at the NFR three other times,” he said. “To be there every night and be part of the NFR personnel was just amazing.” He has carried his trick-riding abilities over, and it’s a big part of the comedy that Harrison delivers. That’s the key reaching fans with a variety of entertaining items. Whether it’s a trick riding display that will leave fans in awe or his parody of rodeo queens, Harrison has a lot of ammunition in his bag. “I do this for the love of the sport,” Harrison said. “Growing up with it, you enjoy it. Now I can actually make a living at it, so that helps.” It’s going to be an attractive feature for anyone who likes a good laugh while also witnessing one of the greatest championship rodeos in the region. “We have been trying to get John to Duncan for the circuit finals for several years, and we’re tickled to have him coming this year,” said Joe Henderson, chairman of the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo committee. “His act is something I think everyone should see. He’s funny, and he understands the timing that comes with a rodeo. “He has a way to make everyone feel comfortable and enjoy the show. That’s what people around here deserve, and it’s why we’ve wanted him to come to Duncan for some time.” While family is a big part of who Harrison is, he realizes that rodeo serves as a foster family of sorts. “The friends and the ‘family’ you meet on the road is a big deal for us,” he said. “Plus if it wasn’t fun, I wouldn’t do it.”

DODGE CITY, Kan. – It may be his giving nature, but header Brian Padilla wanted to win the year-end championship in the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association more for his partner than for himself. Mission accomplished. Padilla and heeler Mike Weir not only won their hometown rodeo at the KPRA Finals this weekend, but they earned enough to finish the season as the No. 1 tandem in the 40-40 team roping. “My goal (in Sunday’s final round) was to just go out and catch and make sure everything was good. In past years, I’ve missed to give him a chance to win the year-end title. “All I wanted to do was for mike to win the year-end title with me. We never have together, so this is very special to win it together.” In fact, they were three of four KPRA champion team ropers from Dodge City to win the title inside Roundup Arena, which hosted the finale for the second straight year. They were joined by open team roping heeler Toby Mentzer. Over their careers, Padilla and Weir have earned multiple KPRA titles, just never together. They’ve competed together off and on most of their lives, and that was the key to success over the weekend. Both men entered the championship in second place in their respective standings but blew past the competition with a fantastic three-day run. The was the runner-up on opening night, then won Saturday’s second round. They cleaned up their performance with a solid third-place finish Sunday afternoon to win average with a three-run cumulative time of 21.9 seconds. In all, they pocketed $3,718 and ended the season $11,281 to win the title. “It’s our whole goal,” Weir said. “We go all year to try to be the best we can.” The years of competing together and knowing one another also paid dividends at the end. Their aggregate time was nearly two seconds better than the runners-up, Coloradoans Justin and Brian Crist, who entered the finale as the No. 1 team. “We just know each other so well,” Weir said. “We know what we need to do, and we just go do it. We just made a practice run (Sunday). If our backs would’ve been against the wall and we needed to be fast to win, then we were definitely going to try.” Of course, earning the title on their home soil was also an added bonus. “It means a lot to us to do well here,” Padilla said. “We tried to do it (at Roundup Rodeo), but it never worked for us. I’m glad to be in Dodge to win the year-end with Mike.” The tandem knew that home-field advantage worked in their favor before the competition began, but they capitalized on it by performing well over the three-day championship. “It’s the best place for me to rope,” Weir said of Dodge City. “What more could you ask for? It’s a fantastic setup run by a fantastic committee.” Kansas Press Association Finals Dodge City, Kan. Sept. 23-25 Bareback riding: First round: 1. Wesley Cole, 80 points, $490; 2. Jake Stemo, 74, $368; 3. (tie) Logan Patterson and Branden Ferguson, 73, $184 each. Second round: 1. Jake Stemo, 82 points, $490; 2. Wesley Cole, 77, $368; 3. Dillon Tiede, 74, $245; 4. Logan Patterson, 72, $123. Third round: 1. Jake Stemo, 82 points, $490; 2. Wesley Cole, 79, $368; 3. Wesley Cole, 77, $245; 4. (tie) Lucas Rupprecht and Logan Patterson, 72, $61 each. Average: 1. Jake Stemo, 238 points on three rides, $833; 2. Wesley Cole, 234, $662; 3. Logan Patterson, 217, $490; 4. Dillon Tiede, 204, $319; 5. Rowdy Moon, 143 points on two rides, $147. Year-end champion: Dillon Tiede. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Dan Barner, 4.5 seconds, $1,150; 2. Brandon Volker, 4.7, $863; 3. (tie) Dru Melvin and Cody Devers, 5.6, $431 each. Second round: 1. (tie) Justen Nokes and Gary Collins, 4.7 seconds, $1,006 each; 3. Brandon Volker, 5.2, $575; 4. Cody Devers, 5.3, $288. Third round: 1. Ryan Swayze, 4.2 seconds, $1,150; 2. Justen Nokes, 4.7, $862; 3. Colt Stearns, 5.1, $575; 4. Gary Collins, $288. Average: 1. Brandon Volker, 15.9 seconds on three runs, $1,955; 2. Gary Collins, 16.0, $1,553; 3. Cody Devers, 18.0, $1,150; 4. Will Carpenter, 22.7, $748; 5. Dru Melvin, 27.5, $345. Year-end champion: Cody Devers. Ranch bronc riding: First round: 1. Reid Green, 74 points, $700; 2. Monte Winkler, 71, $525; 3. (tie) Brayden Putter and Weston Rice, 66, $262 each. Second round: 1. Reid Green, 79 points, $700; 2. Weston Price, 75, $525; 3. Clay Vigil, 72, $350; 4. Monte Winkler, 70, $175. Third round: 1.Lane Kennedy, 82 points, $700; 2. Clay Vigil, 78, $525; 3. Riggen Herbert, 75, $349; 4. Weston Price, 73, $175. Average: 1. Reid Green, 224 points on three rides, 41,190; 2. Weston Price, 214, $945; 3. (tie) Monte Winkler and Lane Kennedy, 211, $577 each; 5. Brayden Putter, 205, $210. Year-end champion: Reid Green. Tie-down roping: First round: 1. (tie) Tyler Garten and Kyle Belew, 9.1 seconds, $833 each; 3. Joe Macoubrie, 9.4, $475; 4. Nick Becker, 10.2, $238. Second round: 1. Garrett Nokes, 8.8 seconds, $952; 2. (tie) Cody Rieker and Bryce Loyd, 9.5, $595 each; 4. Kyle Winslow, 9.7, $238. Third round: 1. Lucas Phillips, 8.8 seconds, $952; 2. Chip Wilson, 8.9, $714; 3. Kyle Winsloww, 9.3, $475; 4. Kyle Belew, 10.0, $238. Average: 1. Kyle Belew, 30.6 seconds on three runs, $1,618; 2. Tyler Garten, 30.9, $1,285; 3. Kyle Winslow, 31.6, $952; 4. Chase Lako, 32.2, $619; 5. Cody Rieker, 33.7, $285. Year-end champion: Kyle Belew. Breakaway roping: First round: 1. Jamie Frisch, 2.7 seconds, $1,430; 2. (tie) Tanya Goad and Ginalee Tierney, 3.2, $894; no other qualified times. Second round: 1. (tie) Shelby Hinkle, Justice Green and Teddi Winslow, 2.7 seconds, $1,072 each; 4. Ashley Sherman, 3.1, $357. Third round: 1. Kodi Hansen, 2.5 seconds, $1,430; 2. Dara Belew, 2.6, $1,072; 3. Shelby Hinke, 2.8, $715; 4. Ginalee Tierney, 2.9, $357. Average: 1. Teddi  Continue Reading »

DODGE CITY, Kan. – What began more than three decades ago in the southwest Plains of Nebraska continues this weekend at Dodge City Roundup Arena. Garrett and Justen Nokes were raised on rodeo near McCook, Neb. They’ve competed together and against one another all their lives, and both bring a championship pedigree to the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association Finals. “It’s awesome to be able to compete alongside your brother; competing against him is even more fun,” said Garrett Nokes, who roped and tied his calf in 8.8 seconds to win the second round in tie-down roping Saturday night. “It’s really fun to see him winning. It’s a family affair for us. Our parents are up in the stands, and we have a bunch of family and friends up there, too. “We’re 40 years old, and they’re still following us.” Justen Nokes downed his steer in 4.7 seconds to share the round-winning time with Gary Collins of Sharon Springs, Kan. Later that night, the Brothers Nokes celebrated by each earning a go-round trophy buckle for their work inside the arena. Now they have some clean-up work to do during Sunday’s third round to see if they can each win the year-end championships. It won’t be easy for either cowboy, though, as others are higher in the standings heading into the final day of the season. For example, Cody Devers of Perryton, Texas, owns just a $100 lead over Justen Nokes in the bulldogging standings, but Devers has the lead in the average, which will pay out a considerable bonus when the third round ends. “Cody has done a great job all year,” said Justen Nokes, who failed to score a time in the opening round and likely won’t collect a check in the average. “It’s going to come down to one steer tomorrow, and I’m going to have to put the heat on him. It’s going to be a fun third round, and whoever does better wins.” Garrett Nokes entered the finale fifth in the year-end standings, about $1,800 behind leader Nick Becker of Garden City, Kan. He knows he is a long-shot to earn another KPRA championship. “I’m just trying to make runs without making mistakes, win as much money as I can and go home with money in my pocket,” he said. “If the (year-end trophy) saddle falls my way, then that’s awesome.” He knows what it means to win. Over his career, he’s held many titles, including nearly a dozen KPRA titles. “I’ve had a title in every one of the last three decades,” Garrett Nokes said. “I won my first KPRA championship in 1995 in steer wrestling and the all-around; I did it in the 2000s, and now I’m doing it in the teens.” Both men are coaching intercollegiate programs – Justen at Hastings (Neb.) College and Garrett at Mid-Plains (Neb.) Community College. They are passing along their knowledge of the game and their passion for it to another generation, including those that are part of the KPRA finale in Dodge City. “Dodge City Roundup is doing an outstanding job hosting this finals,” Garrett Nokes said. “This is the most professionally run amateur finals that I’ve ever been to. This is an outstanding facility, they’ve brought in amazing stock and they’re doing their best to put it on for us. It’s phenomenal for us to have this deal here.” Kansas Press Association Finals Dodge City, Kan. Sept. 23-25 Second round Bareback riding: 1. Jake Stemo, 82 points, $490; 2. Wesley Cole, 77, $368; 3. DillonTiede, 74, $245; 4. Logan Patterson, 72, $123. Steer wrestling: 1. (tie) Justen Nokes and Gary Collins, 4.7 seconds, $1,006 each; 3. Brandon Volker, 5.2, $575; 4. Cody Devers, 5.3, $288. Ranch bronc riding: 1. Reid Green, 79 points, $700; 2. Weston Price, 75, $525; 3. Clay Vigil, 72, $350; 4. Monte Winkler, 70, $175. Tie-down roping: 1. Garrett Nokes, 8.8 seconds, $952; 2. (tie) Cody Rieker and Bryce Loyd, 9.5, $595 each; 4. Kyle Winslow, 9.7, $238. Breakaway roping: 1. (tie) Shelby Hinkle, Justice Green and Teddi Winslow, 2.7 seconds, $1,072 each; 4. Ashley Sherman, 3.1, $357. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Shane Hand, 81, $703; 2. Wyatt Barstow, 78, $527; 3. (tie) Tex Benfer and Ben Engelman, 76, $264 each. Open team roping: 1. Brian Dunning/Derrick Jantzen, 5.5 seconds, $1,068; 2. Kyle Winslow/Kingston Chang, 6.2, $801; 3. Nick Becker/Toby Mentzer, 6.7, $534; 4. Ben Johnsrud/Nate Johnsrud, 7.4, $267. 40-40 team roping: 1. Brian Padilla/Mike Weir, 6.7 seconds, $941; 2. Beau Blue/Ben Blue, 7.3, $706; 3. Justin Crist/Brian Crist, 7.6, $471; 4. Gene Jett/Tom Peterson, 10.4, $235. Barrel racing: 1. Lorie Diodosio, 17.30 seconds, $1,356; 2. Diane Martin, 17.49, $1,017; 3. Amy Prather, 17.53, $678; 4. Ellie Kravig, 17.57, $339. Bull riding: 1. Jacob Marcel, 86 points, $961; 2. Colton Lewis, 81, $721; 3. Kane Larsen, 74, $480; 4. Dakota Cator, 72, $240.

If you want to catch an NFR-like performance this weekend, tune in to ProRodeoLive.com at 7 p.m. central as he calls the action from the Cowboy Capital of the World Rodeo in Stephenville, Texas. It will be a showcase of great talent with Wrangler National Finals Rodeo experience, including the animals from Pete Carr Pro Rodeo. Just looking at the draw, you will hear Steve Kenyon talk about three-time NFR qualifier Casey Colletti as he matches moves with two-time horse of the year Dirty Jacket. Jake Brown will have a rematch with Betty Boop, which bucked him off during the first round of the NFR last year. Winn Ratliff will try his hand with Painted River, which helped Brown to the sixth-round title last December, while Richmond Champion will be matched with Hometown Girl – that horse guided R.C. Landingham to the Lovington title last month. Jessy Davis is matched with First Kiss, while Mason Clements – who is on the NFR bubble with Champion – will try his hand on Sadie’s Gal. In bronc riding, Cody DeMoss has veteran horse Sweet Maria, while Tyrel Larsen will try to close out his season on Cool Runnings. Bull rider Garrett Smith, who is heading to the NFR for the first time in his young career, will try to hang on to Hermes. Those are just a few of the NFR-NFR match-ups, but it is a performance loaded with exceptional talent. It should be an amazing show, and Kenyon will keep you in the middle of it all the way through.

DODGE CITY, Kan. – Wild horses are part legend, part fascination and part of reliving the Old West. They’re also the focal point for Reid Green, a 38-year-old cowboy from Laverne, Okla. He is competing in both saddle bronc riding and ranch bronc riding at the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association Finals this weekend at Roundup Arena. On Friday night, he posted a 74-point ride in ranch bronc riding to win the opening go-round and extend his lead in the KPRA standings. “It’d be pretty good to do well in the go-rounds,” said Green, who owns a lead of more than $2,000 over the No. 2 man in the standings, Riggen Herbert of Scott City, Kan. “I just need to go win the rounds and have fun doing it.” That’s exactly how Green sees his opportunity to ride bucking horses. He grew up on a ranch near Laverne and still has a small ranch there, but he has a full time job pumping wells in the oil fields. “I grew up ranching, and I had to go get a real job,” he said with a laugh, knowing full well the labor that goes into ranch work. “We have a small ranch, but it’s just enough to be a hobby ranch. “All we do is make money in the oil field, then go back to riding horses and having fun. I have my kids involved in it, so that’s what it’s about.” He’s done pretty well at it. He won the KPRA ranch bronc riding title a year ago and has a strong chance to repeat. While he won the opening round in that event, he didn’t fare so well in the other; he was bucked off at about the 4-second mark. There are several differences between the two events; ranch bronc riding features a traditional saddle, while he uses a specialized saddle in traditional rodeo saddle bronc riding that has no saddle horn and features free-swinging stirrups that allow for a classic spur stroke. He also can use two hands in ranch bronc riding, while he must avoid touching the animal, himself or his equipment with a free hand in the other. “I like saddle bronc riding; it’s more of a challenge,” Green said. “I’m still struggling with it. I’d like to get better at it. “I wasn’t riding saddle broncs last year. That horse I had tonight is probably my 10th or 11th horse I’ve ever been on in the saddle bronc riding.” Just qualifying for the KPRA Finals in both events is a testament to Green, but he knows he’s just a beginner in saddle bronc riding. “I just get on as many horses as I can,” he said. “Every now and again I can get on a practice horse. I don’t have a lot of time to do that, so I just practice on the (stationary) spur board and on the ground.” Now his focus is strictly on clinching the ranch bronc riding championship this weekend in Dodge City’s Roundup Arena. “Dodge City has been a great home, really accommodating,” Green said. “It’s a really good rodeo.” Kansas Press Association Finals Dodge City, Kan. Sept. 23-25 First round Bareback riding: 1. Wesley Cole, 80 points, $490; 2. Jake Stemo, 74, $368; 3. (tie) Logan Patterson and Branden Ferguson, 73, $184 each. Steer wrestling: 1. Dan Barner, 4.5 seconds, $1,150; 2. Brandon Volker, 4.7, $863; 3. (tie) Dru Melvin and Cody Devers, $431 each. Ranch bronc riding: 1. Reid Green, 74 points, $700; 2. Monte Winkler, 71, $525; 3. (tie) Brayden Putter and Weston Rice, 66, $262 each Tie-down roping: 1. (tie) Tyler Garten and Kyle Belew, 9.1 seconds, $833 each; 3. Joe Macoubrie, 9.4, $475; 4. Nick Becker, 10.2, $238. Breakaway roping: 1. Jamie Frisch, 2.7 seconds, $1,430; 2. (tie) Dara Belew and Ginalee Tierney, 3.2, $894. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Shane Hand, 76 points, $703; 2. (tie) Wyatt Barstow and Ben Engleman, 74, $439 each; 4. (tie) Drew Spencer and Zane Smith, 71, $88 each. Open team roping: 1. Brett Christensen/DawsonMcMaster, 5.7 seconds, $1,068; 2. Ben Johnsrud/Nate Johnsrud, 6.0, $801; 3. Brian Dunning/Derrick Jantzen, 6.2, $534; 4. Jake Pancost/Chase Boekhaus, 6.3, $267. 40-40 team roping: 1. Jack Hunter/Scott Vanderhamm, 7.0 seconds, $941; 2. Brian Padilla/Mike Weir, 7.2, $706; 3. John Reed/Ralph Berry, 7.4, $471; 4. Justin Crist/Brian Crist, 7.5, $235. Barrel racing: 1. Ellie Kravig, 17.46 seconds, $1,356; 2. Ashlyn Moeder, 17.60, $1,017; 3. Lorie Diodosio, 17.73, $678’ 4. Katie Jolly, 17.76, $339. Bull riding: 1. Colter White, 85 points, $1,441; 2. Jacob Marcell, 83, $961; no other qualified rides.

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – Lecile Harris has his hands in everything involved in the Rodeo of the Mid-South. He organizes every aspect of the show, and he does it because he loves this event, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Landers Center in Southaven. But when the weekend comes, he hands the reins over to the crew from Pete Carr Pro Rodeo. “I have so much confidence in Pete Carr and his company that once they drive up and once the crew goes to work, I don’t have to worry about that part of the rodeo,” said Harris, a longtime rodeo clown that has been named PRCA Clown of the Year four times; he also is enshrined in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. “I don’t have to worry about the production of the rodeo once. I never have to worry about his crew, and I don’t have to worry about the stock. He’s got some of the best livestock in rodeo. I know when Pete and his crew get here, it’s going to be first class and everything’s going to be done right.” That is a winning formula for rodeo fans and the cowboys and cowgirls who make a living in the sport. A key ingredient will be the Carr animals. Each of the past two season, no other stock contractor in the PRCA has had more animals selected to the year-end championship, which takes place in December in Las Vegas. After years apart, the rodeo returned to be in conjunction with the Mid-South Fair. It’s the perfect fit for fairgoers and rodeo fans, who can enjoy all the family fun that comes together in a spectacular weekend. “One of the things that makes our rodeo special is the fact that this year its back with the fair,” Harris said. “I moved the dates of the rodeo from April back to September so it could be with the fair. “It’s indoors at one of the most up-to-date venues. It’s a beautiful coliseum, and it’s got all the sound, electronics and light show to help make for great production of the rodeo.” The Carr team understands production. In fact, it’s one of the many reasons the firm has been nominated for ProRodeo Stock Contractor of the Year five straight times and why many consider Carr the top contractor in the game. It all will be on display in two days of a magical experience called the Rodeo of the Mid-South.

DUNCAN, Okla. – Frank Morton is trying to do something that nobody else has done in a long time. Since 2012, Caine Riddle of Vernon, Texas, has dominated bareback riding in the Prairie Circuit. He’s won four straight year-end championships and owns five overall – he also earned the title in 2006. But Morton is poised to change that in 2016; he will have the opportunity to close out the season at the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20-Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Stephens County Arena in Duncan. Morton owns a $5,100 lead over Riddle heading into the finale; that means Riddle will be hard-pressed to earn enough over the three rounds in Duncan to retain his spot atop the year-end standings. Morton has earned more than $15,000 this season at rodeos primarily in Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, and he will arrive in Duncan as the No. 1 man in the bareback riding standings. “I just had a good year,” said Morton, 28, of Wright, Kan. “I was fortunate to get on some good horses and was able to capitalize on it. “There wasn’t just one big rodeo that won that much; I just had several of them put together.” It added up to the Kansas cowboy’s best season so far, and now he returns to the circuit finale for the fourth time. “I think probably the biggest change I’ve had this year is more confidence,” he said. “I think that’s been a big game-changer for me. I’ve been looking more at what I do right. Even if I get bucked off, pick something out that you did right.” That positive mindset has put him in the right position as he prepares for the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals. “At the beginning of the summer, my goal was to win the year-end and the average at the finals,” Morton said. “I think I have a chance to do both.” While Morton is in control of the bareback riding year-end title, there are some outstanding races that will come down to the final three days of the season inside Stephens County Arena, including the all-around race. Trell Etbauer holds a lead of less than $3,000 over his younger brother, Shade. Trell Etbauer – who has won four all-around crowns, including the last two – will wrestle steers and compete in tie-down roping; Shade Etbauer will need to make up ground in saddle bronc riding, an event in which he owns a $4,400 lead. Trell Etbauer also leads the tie-down roping standings by more than $2,500 over the Nos. 2 and 3 cowboys, Bryson Sechrist and reigning champion Cody Quaney, respectively. The closest race is in barrel racing, where Emily Miller owns a $510 lead over Mary Burger, the No. 1 cowgirl in the world standings and the reigning circuit finals champion. Miller has been solid all season, but Burger has excelled at the rodeos in which she’s competed. Steer wrestler J.D. Struxness has been fairly dominant in his discipline, but hometown cowboy Shane Frey of Duncan is within $2,500. Reigning heading champion Coleman Proctor and his partner, Billy Jack Saebens, have earned more than $15,000 apiece in the circuit and sit atop the standings. Jesse Stipes is within $2,000 of Proctor, while Buddy Hawkins and Gage Williams are within range of Saebens. Two-time reigning bull riding world champion Sage Kimzey has pocketed $14,717 in the region, but Nate Perry is about $2,600. That money can easily be made up over the three days in Duncan. But Rocky Patterson, a five-time circuit champ and a three-time world champion, has a $6,000 lead over the No. 2 man, traveling partner Chet Herren. It all adds up to Duncan being the perfect setting for one of the greatest championships in the region.

ALVA, Okla. – A busy summer in a labor of love seems to be paying dividends to Joby Allen and the Northwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo team. Allen wrestled two steers to the ground in a cumulative time of 9.5 seconds to win the bulldogging championship at the Colby (Kan.) Community College Rodeo this past weekend. “It really felt good to win that rodeo,” said Allen, a junior from Alva. “I’ve been rodeoing all summer. I bought my (PRCA) permit and learned a lot rodeoing with the guys in the circuit. I feel like that gave me an advantage, and it paid off.” Allen downed his first steer in 5.0 seconds and finished third in the opening round. He then posted a 4.5 to win the short round and the overall title, bettering teammate and runner-up Colten Madison of Whiting, Iowa, by more than five seconds. “I really didn’t know much about my first steer, but I was going to get out on him and hit him quick,” Allen said. “It had rained that day, so the ground was a little sticky, and the steer wanted to die off on the back end, so that slowed me down a little. “I knew my short-go steer was good, and I took a good cut at him.” It worked. Between Allen and Madison, the steer wrestlers led the way to the Rangers second-place men’s team finish in northwest Kansas. Madison posted the fastest time of the rodeo, a 4.1-second run, to win the opening round. While his 10.7-second final-round run seemed long, it held up for fifth place in the round and the reserve title in Colby. “Last year this team was led by a good group of bulldoggers,” Allen said, adding that J.D. Struxness and Jacob Edler finished first and second, respectively, at the College National Finals Rodeo. “Out of the top six bulldoggers in the (Central Plains) Region, we had three of them.” Now Allen is atop that mountain with nine more events remaining. The season is long, but he knows there are opportunities that lie before him. “I’ve run more steers since school let out between practicing and rodeoing than I ever have before, and I think going to the next step in the circuit made me compete at a better level,” he said. “I think it really helped my bulldogging out. It made me more aggressive and think about things more.” Allen wasn’t the only Ranger to claim the title in Colby; he was joined by the team roping tandem of Kass Bittle and Edgar Fierro, who were 7.7 seconds to finish in a tie for third in the opening round, then posted a 7.0 to win the final round and the average. They were joined in the short round by Brandi Hollenbeck and Grayson Allred, who also tied for third in the opening round but didn’t score a time in the championship round. Mason Bowen finished third in tie-down roping with two runs of 10.0 seconds each, while Cole Patterson shared the long-round win with a 9.5-second run. Taylor Donaldson finished fifth in the first round; both Patterson and Donaldson had no-times in the short round. The Northwestern women were led by goat-tier Katie Miller, who was second in the short round and average. Taylor Munsell finished fourth in the short round and average in breakaway roping, while Ashlyn Moeder finished sixth in both rounds and the average in barrel racing. It’s just the beginning of a long season, and the teams have three weeks remaining until they return to action in Durant, Okla., on Oct. 6. There will be plenty of practice opportunities between now and then, and that’s something Allen and his teammates lean on to improve. “Stockton (Graves) really helps us out in practice every day,” Allen said of the Rangers’ coach. “If he sees something wrong with your horsemanship or when you’re on the ground, he’ll address it. We have these matches that put us behind the barrier and help us think of the right ways to do things. “It really helps making practice like a rodeo.”

The three roughstock leaders in the ProRodeo world standings should find another event in which to compete. As of today, bareback rider Tim O’Connell has the highest earnings of any PRCA contestant with $177,500. He is followed by bull rider Sage Kimzey ($168,712) and saddle bronc rider Jacobs Crawley ($166,025). Meanwhile the all-around race is led by Josh Peek, who has earned a combined $116,603 in steer wrestling and tie-down roping – that’s nearly $50,000 behind Crawley and more than $60,000 behind O’Connell. In order to qualify, they’d need to earn $3,000 in another event to qualify for the all-around. There are two roughstock cowboys among the top 20 in the all-around standings, Cole Elshere and Josh Frost. Elshere has qualified twice to the NFR in saddle bronc riding but also has been making money in bull riding; Frost has competed in bull riding and several timed events through his college career. The last time a roughstock cowboy won the all-around gold buckle was 1998, when three-event NFR qualifier Ty Murray earned his seventh. While I realize that time has run out on the 2016 season – all entries for the closing weekend the regular season are set – it is fun to think about, especially since nobody will qualify for the NFR in more than one event. Peek leads the all-around and is seventh in steer wrestling. He sits 26th in the tie-down roping standings and won’t advance after the regular season. Still, he has more in combined earnings than any other multi-event cowboy, so he has earned that No. 1 spot this season.

DODGE CITY, Kan. – The convergence begins later this week with 145 of the top cowboys and cowgirls in the region. Whether they’re from Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska or Kansas, they have earned the right to compete at the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association Finals, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23-Saturday, Sept. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Roundup Arena. “This is their championship, their finals, their NFR,” said Joel Redman, vice president of Dodge City Roundup, the local committee that produces the KPRA finals. “We have a lot of contestants that are from southwest Kansas, but what’s really neat about the KPRA is that it attracts cowboys and cowgirls from all over this area. “We want them to feel at home in Dodge City and enjoy this experience, because they’ve earned it. Whether they’re from here or Goddard or eastern Colorado, they are excited to be coming to Dodge City.” It’s true. Many of the qualifiers rodeo part time and either have full-time jobs or are still in school. This is a way they can battle for important titles. “Dodge City is a great fit for the KPRA,” said steer wrestler Ryan Swayze of Freedom, Okla. “They have great facilities at Roundup arena, and the Roundup committee has gotten behind this rodeo and helped us a bunch. “There are lots of things to do in Dodge when you’re there for the whole weekend. It’s a great place to have our finals.” Swayze also competes in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and has had his fair share of success at Roundup Rodeo over the years. This past August, he placed in two of three go-rounds and finished fourth overall to pocket more than $6,600. “You always have those rodeos that you feel like you do good at,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of success at Dodge on this little sorrel horse I have now. Hopefully it’s a pen he likes. There are different setups that suit different horses, but he definitely likes Dodge. That’s a great place for him to like.” Roundup Arena is not new to Swayze. He grew up near Coldwater, Kan., which is about 65 miles southeast of Dodge City. “When I got out of college, I basically moved home,” Swayze said. “My address is Freedom, but I live just seven miles from where I grew up.” He competed in tie-down roping and team roping while growing up and didn’t start steer wrestling until midway through his college career. He hasn’t looked back since. He sits fifth in the KPRA bulldogging standings, but he knows his chances to win the year-end are a long shot. “The top two guys have more than $3,000 on me,” he said, referring to leader Cody Devers of Perryton, Texas, and the No. 2 man, Justen Nokes of Juniata, Neb. “It would be a real stretch for me to win the KPRA title, but you’re not going to keep both those guys from winning some money; they just bulldog too good. “If I can’t win the year-end, then I guess my focus ought to be on winning the average.” In order to do that, he’ll have to battle through three rugged go-rounds. The best cumulative time will then grab the average championship. That’s the goal of every competitor who will be part of the festivities in just a few days. “What we saw last year is that this rodeo is just as good as any you can go to,” Redman said. “This will have a couple different events that you don’t see at Roundup, but that just makes it more interesting. We’re all looking forward to it.”

HEMPSTEAD, Texas – The Waller County Fair and Rodeo is a bright beacon on the radar of ProRodeo’s brightest stars. From a world-class rodeo to some outstanding opportunities for the greatest names in the game, the path to Hempstead is programmed as a favorite on everyone’s GPS. A big reason for that is The Eliminator, which traditionally has featured eight of the greatest tie-down ropers in rodeo. This year’s list of tie-down ropers falls into that same category, and they will all battle for that prize Tuesday, Sept. 27. But the Waller County Fair Board has added the Team Roping Eliminator, which takes place Wednesday, Sept. 28. “We’ve had a lot of success with The Eliminator in the first two years we’ve had it,” said Paul Sholler, co-chairman of the rodeo committee. “We have some great team ropers lined up, like Joe Beaver, Luke Brown, Jake Long, Colby Lovell, Travis Graves and Kaleb Driggers. We want to have these kinds of competitions because we know the fans love them.” Fairgoers are treated to outstanding entertainment and competition throughout the exposition, but it is turned up over the final five nights of the fair and rodeo. The tie-down roping eliminator is just the start of it all. “I just enjoy the fact that it’s a head-to-head competition and it’s unique,” said Shane Hanchey, the 2013 tie-down roping world champion from Sulphur, La. “It’s unlike anything we go to all year. You can break the barrier (and suffer a 10-second penalty) and still survive is someone misses.” What makes The Eliminator so unique is the format, by which each competitor or team will rope in the first round. The slowest time is eliminated, and that process continues through the remaining rounds until one is crowned champion. “We have a lot of good rodeo fans, especially calf roping fans, in this area, and it’s been a big hit,” said Clint Sciba, chairman of the Waller County Fair Board and co-chairman of the rodeo committee. “It’s a lot of fun to watch because of the format. “It’s been such a hit that we decided to add a night to it and bring in some outstanding team ropers. Joe Beaver may have made a name for himself as a calf roper, but he won the all-around because of team roping. We’ve got a lot of (National Finals Rodeo) qualifiers that will be part of it.” Hanchey agrees. “It’s just a different deal, and we’re all there together by the roping boxes waiting to go,” he said. “We have a game plan of what a person needs to do, so it’s pretty cool interaction. The cool part about Hempstead is there are a bunch of people in the stands. It’s a calf-roping town, and they know what they’re watching.”

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Over the last few years, many changes have been made concerning the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo. The rodeo community has noticed. For the second straight year, it has been nominated for Medium Rodeo of the Year in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Not only is it one of the top five events its size, PRCA members have recognized it as one of the 20 best out of more than 600 rodeos. Of course, Stephenville’s rodeo should earn that distinction. “We take pride in our town being the Cowboy Capital of the World,” said Chad Decker, chairman of the volunteer committee that produces the event. “If you wear that crown, you have to produce. I have a very good group of people on the committee that are more than willing to go the extra mile to be as successful as we can be. “We have the largest population of rodeo cowboys per square foot in the world.” This year’s event is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, and Saturday, Sept. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Lone Star Arena. That makes for plenty of fireworks on the final weekend of the 2016 ProRodeo regular season. “They’ve been on the road battling it out, and for them to come home from being on the road all year, they get to close out their year right in their own backyard,” Decker said. “I think it’s something they enjoy, especially now that we’ve got our money up. I look at it as a homecoming for these guys.” As one of the final events of the season, the Stephenville rodeo will be a major stop for many top cowboys and cowgirls, even those that don’t live in Erath County. It will feature the largest purse of any rodeo that weekend that is open to all contestants. That’s just one of many major attractions for the top players in the game. “We have the best stock contractor in rodeo with Pete Carr,” Decker said of Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, a Dallas-based livestock producer that has received five straight nominations for Stock Contractor of the Year. “He has tremendous livestock, and it’s something all these guys want to compete on. That’s important.” It’s also a crowd-pleaser for fans. They realize that a number of contestants will need to collect nice paydays in Stephenville if they want to advance to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the season-ending championship that features only the top 15 contestants in each event. “That’s what makes my Sunday afternoon crowd so big,” Decker said. “With Stephenville being a rodeo town, we cater to most of our spectators, who are rodeo people. They understand what’s on the line. It makes it more interesting for the crowd, because they know what’s at stake for the guys.”

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Toby Inman couldn’t remember exactly the last time he won a freestyle bullfight. He won’t have that problem anymore after his Bullfighters Only performance on Friday and Saturday during the Sioux Falls Premier Rodeo. He posted the highest score of the weekend on opening night with an 89-point fight while dancing with War Fighting Bulls’ Ghost Face. He followed that with a solid 84 on Saturday to earn the event title with a cumulative score of 173 points on two fights. “Friday night was a big deal to me, because I had a good bull, I cracked out and enjoyed it,” said Inman of Davis Junction, Ill. “My Saturday night wasn’t so great, but Friday night was something I needed. “That was one that you could enjoy. I had a good bull that was on me the whole time, and I had a good time. It was fantastic.” It was. The 89 is one of the highest scores of the inaugural Bullfighters Only season. Inman started by jumping Ghost Face, then threw in a couple of strong fakes that sent the bull sliding past. He made a few rounds, turning his back to the animal and showing great control. He finished the fight with a fake that dropped both him and the bull to their knees. It was a true showcase of Inman’s abilities, even though it’s just the third bullfight he’s competed over the last five years. “I would say the first two bullfights, I was still trying to figure everything out,” he said. “Being in a good arena with a big crowd was definitely great. When you call for the bull, all that noise goes away and it doesn’t matter. It’s just you and the bull. “Once I hit that jump, the rest of it was perfect.” It was a weekend filled with exceptional talent, with Inman and Ross Hill of Muscle Shoals, Ala., serving as the veterans and 20-year-old Dakota Knight of Lebo, Kan., bringing a fresh face to the game. While Inman won the average title, Hill and Knight split the final-night victory with 86.5 points each. “It was a big deal to me,” Knight said. “I watched these guys compete all year, and I kept telling myself how much I’d like to be up there in the big leagues. I was tickled to death to be in the arena with Ross Hill and Toby Inman. It was overwhelming to be under the big lights with those guys.” Knight is a second-generation bullfighter who got his start at a very young age. He followed his dad around the rodeo trail and had several opportunities to refine his game at a young age. “I had always wanted to do it, and I had done a little when I was a little kid,” he said. “They had a little calf, and I’d freestyle him during the performance. It’s something that I had an opportunity to do ever since I stepped into that arena, and I haven’t left.” His talent showed in Sioux Falls. “The atmosphere was awesome, and the crowd was really loud,” Knight said. “I’ve never been in front of anything like that before; it was really exciting. They were really excited and were really cheering, and I just kept driving because they kept wanting me to do more.” It served as the perfect setting for a brilliant night of Bullfighters Only. RESULTS Night 1 1. Toby Inman, 89 points 2. Ross Hill, 82.5 3. DaKota Knight, 80.5 Night 2 1. Ross Hill and Dakota Knight, 86.5 points 3. Toby Inman, 84 Average 1. Toby Inman, 173 points on two fights 2. Ross Hill, 169 3. Dakota Knight, 167

DODGE CITY, Kan. – Mike Weir has a lot of confidence heading into next weekend’s Kansas Professional Rodeo Association Finals. He should. After all, he and his partner, Brian Padilla, grew up together and have been roping together most of their lives. Between the open team roping and the 40-40 team roping, they have earned nine year-end titles together and would like to another average title from the KPRA finale, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23-Saturday, Sept. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Roundup Arena. “We’re right on the heels of the guys that are winning the standings right now,” said Weir, who, like his partner, is from Dodge City. “That’s where I’d rather be, sitting second going into the finals.” Padilla and Weir have earned $7,563 in the KPRA this season and are within reach of the 40-40 team roping standings leaders, Justin and Brian Crist. Padilla is $123 behind Justin Crist, while Brian Crist has a $511 lead over Weir. Now they’re in a race for another title. “It proves to me that I can still compete against everybody,” Padilla said. “I’ve been doing it for years. I’ve gone to the PRCA rodeos, and when you go to those, it costs you a lot more money. This is just another way that I can be on top of the world in the heading side.” The duo graduated from Dodge City High School in 1989, but they’ve been around rodeo a lot longer than that. Now they’re both passing that passion for the sport on to the next generation. Weir has twin boys that are already doing well, and Padilla is just getting his youngsters started in the game. “Rodeo is very hard,” Weir said. “You drive all night, get home and get up to go to work, then you get off work and do it again. There were times this summer where we went to four rodeos in a week, so you were always going. “I love it, though. I like the people in the sport more than anything. I love to get to visit with the people, and I love to compete. I’ve done it ever since I was a kid.” That competitive nature has shown brightly over the years. Padilla and Weir have earned the open team roping title eight times and have added the 40-40 – an event made up of teams whose combined ages are at least 80 years old. With years of experience together, they like their chances when it comes time to enter the arena. “Mike and I just know each other, and we know exactly what needs to be done,” Padilla said. “We know each other like the back of our hand. That’s what makes us so competitive.” Weir echoed those sentiments – even down to the same cliché – in identifying what makes them so successful. “There’s just a lot of chemistry, but we’ve been roping together since we were kids,” Weir said. “It’s good that we can compete at the finals in Dodge City. Anytime you can compete at a hometown rodeo, it’s great. You feel like you’ve got one up on the competition. It’s definitely a home-field advantage.”

Hill beats adversity to battle for in front of Sutton, who developed freestyle bullfighting   SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – In all his years as a bullfighter, Ross Hill has had his share of adversity. He’s at it again, and he’s trying to show adversity who is boss. He took a direct shot to the back right after calling for his bull during the Bullfighters Only event in Lewiston, Idaho, last weekend and suffered a dislocated knee. “I got up and finished the fight,” said Hill, 33, of Muscle Shoals, Ala. “I just did it one-legged.” He will take that grit and determination to the Bullfighters Only tour stop in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Premier Rodeo, set for Friday and Saturday at the Denny Sanford Center. Hill might need every ounce of it to come away with the title at one of the last events on the BFO’s inaugural season. The incident happened when Hill attempted a selfie fake, where he starts the fight with his back to the bull coming out of the chute and watches the bull charging at him with the phone camera as his guide. The bull connected with a mighty blow instead. Just a few days later, Hill returned to the arena during the BFO event in Pendleton, Ore., and performed well. “I had two taped knees and was really sore,” he said. “I handled my bull. He didn’t read one of my fakes, and he hooked me and got me down. I got up and finished him, and we sold a bunch of tickets.” That’s a sentiment that showcased just how exciting the fight was for the fans. He hopes to treat the fans in Sioux Falls, albeit in a different manner. “There’s a lot of adversity in our sport,” Hill said. “I believe in the top 15 guys that we’ve got. It’s been a dream of mine all my life. I’ve never really gotten a shot to run at a real season on tour.” He does now, thanks to Bullfighters Only. In fact, he sits fourth in the standings. He was originally scheduled to compete at another event this weekend, but he opted to make his way to Sioux Falls instead. “When we represent the Bullfighters Only, we represent not just ourselves but the best of the best,” Hill said. “As a brand-builder, as a shareholder and as a true supporter of Bullfighters Only, I felt like it was best for my future. “It’s setting up every bullfighter that wants to be a great for in the future as well. For me not being there, I’m just not doing the Bullfighters Only justice.” Scores are based on a 100-point scale. Men can earn up to 50 points per fight by exhibiting control and style while working their way around the animal; bulls can earn up to 50 points based on their aggression, quickness and willingness to stay with the bullfighter. It’s nothing new to rodeo. In fact, Jim Sutton of Sutton Pro Rodeo – which produces the Sioux Falls rodeo – developed the sport 37 years ago. “We were in the third year of the (Rapid City, S.D.) Stock Show and Rodeo that year, and we were struggling,” Sutton said of his decision to showcase freestyle bullfighting. “We started that bullfight, and it was an instant success. In two years, we doubled our crowd. Every year we had it, it just got bigger.” The BFO has created a public demand for the sport, and Sutton recognized that. It’s one of the reasons why he sees the need to have it return to Sioux Falls. “I was just trying to figure out a way to build the Rapid City Stock Show Rodeo,” Sutton said. “That did more for me than anything I’ve done. The bullfight has dang sure helped along the way.” Nobody understands that more than Hill, who makes his living facing the danger and excitement – and possible joint dislocation – that comes with chasing his bullfighting dreams. “I’m excited about this tour,” Hill said. “We have undoubtedly the best guys on tour, and some of those are my best friends and peers, guys that I have mentored and that have mentored me. “Jim Sutton invented freestyle bullfighting. He’s the guy that came up with the sport. It’s going to be an honor to step in and to see how his sport has progressed since he started it.” CONTESTANTS Ross Hill Toby Inman Dakota Knight

BRIDGEPORT, Texas – The hard work put in to the Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo seems to be paying off. For the second straight year, Bridgeport’s rodeo has been nominated for Small Rodeo of the Year in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. It’s one of just five rodeos its size – and one of 20 PRCA rodeos overall – that will be up for the top award given to committees that produce events nationwide. The winner will be announced during the PRCA Awards Banquet on Nov. 30 in Las Vegas. “There are more than 600 PRCA rodeos, and for us to be recognized as one of the best is a big feather in our cap,” said David Turnbow, chairman of the volunteer committee that organizes the Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo. “There are a lot of great rodeos out there, and it just means the world to me and to this committee that we’ve been recognized again.” The recognition is well deserved. The committee is made up of a few community volunteers who spend their time and talent to provide residents of Bridgeport and the surrounding area with good, family-friendly entertainment. “I think a lot has to do with the atmosphere,” said Andy Stewart, who announced the rodeo for the first time this past May. “It’s the quintessential Texas rodeo. The committee treats the contestants really well, and everybody’s willing to help out. It’s a neat little town and a neat little rodeo.” The awards are broken down into large indoor rodeo, large outdoor rodeo, medium rodeo and small rodeo, and each category features five nominees each. That means members consider the Bridgeport rodeo as one of the top 20 rodeos in North America. “It is such an honor for this rodeo to be in with rodeos like Cheyenne (Wyo.), Fort Worth, Deadwood (S.D.), Dodge City (Kan.) and Pendleton (Ore.),” said Loydd Williams, a longtime member of the committee. “That says a lot about the people here in little ol’ Bridgeport, Texas, that we have such a rodeo.” Bridgeport’s rodeo also is home to some of the top personnel in the PRCA, including Stewart, who is up for announcer of the year for the eighth time; Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, stock contractor of the year; Sandy Gwatney, secretary of the year; Jeremy Willis, pickup man of the year; and Clay Heger, bullfighter of the year. “When you look at the list of individuals that are part of the crew or that are part of this rodeo every year, they are all in the top five in the industry,” Stewart said. “For me to work with the individuals that are the best in rodeo is a huge blessing, and I think it shows in the type of rodeo Bridgeport has. “The show is the thing, and the crowd is the thing, and everyone does their job. One of the reasons why Bridgeport is successful is the right people are in the right place.”

PENDLETON, Ore. – When his good friend Cody Greer was hooked to the ground, Evan Allard jumped in to help. That’s what bullfighters do when one of their own is in trouble, but it took a toll on Allard, who had yet to compete during the Bullfighters Only tour stop in conjunction with the Pendleton Roundup, which took place Monday and Tuesday in Happy Canyon. “I messed up my rib when Cody got hooked,” said Allard of Vinita, Okla. “It roughed up my ribs, so I was hurting when it came time for me to fight my bull.” It worked out pretty well for the Oklahoma man, who posted an 86-point fight Tuesday night to win the Pendleton title. He edged out Dusty Tuckness of Meeteetse, Wyo., and Weston Rutkowski of Haskell, Texas, both of whom posted 85.5-point bouts on Monday – Tuckness earned second place by the tie-breaker, which referred back to the highest bullfighter score. “I’d seen Cody Webster win the round in Caldwell (Idaho) on that bull,” said Allard, who matched each step with 12x and Costa Fighting Bulls’ Little Foot in Pendleton. “I knew all three of those bulls out (Tuesday) were Spaniard brothers, and I knew they’d be pretty hot. Good or bad, I knew they’d for sure come for the fight.” That was the case with Little Foot. Allard threw a couple of strong fakes, and the bull drove past. Then the bullfighter made a round with Little Foot before the animal made his way to the barrel, plowing it end over end. “I knew I was probably going to use the barrel more because I was hurt,” he said. “When he left me and went to the barrel, that just set me up for it.” He worked the barrel well, then pulled Little Foot away for a couple more fakes, then returned to the barrel. He worked it masterfully to close out the fight and claim the crown. “It was pretty important to get that win,” said Allard, who has been among the top 10 in the Bullfighters Only standings much of the season. “I needed a win. I’ve had a pretty rough last month or so. I’ve been hooked a bunch, in the arena and in the back pens. I took a nasty hooking at Caldwell and another one in Arlington, Minn., so I needed this. “It’s been a few months since I won a BFO.” Of course, winning an event that is tied to such a historic rodeo as the Pendleton Roundup is another feather in the bullfighter’s cap. “It was an awesome atmosphere and an awesome setup,” he said of the Happy Canyon arena. “The town of Pendleton means a lot to the rodeo industry. For us to get to bring the bullfights there, and for me to win it, was pretty awesome.” RESULTS 1. Evan Allard, 86 point 2. Dusty Tuckness, 85.5 3. Weston Rutkowski, 85.5 (Tuckness earns second place based on the tie-breaker, which reflected on the bullfighter’s score)

DODGE CITY, Kan. – Jared Slagle might have the best seat in the house when it comes to the rodeo arena. Slagle is a rodeo announcer from tiny Callaway, Neb., and he will be the featured voice of the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association Finals, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23-Saturday, Sept. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Roundup Arena. “I think the thing that sticks out in my mind about that event is the actual talent that will be there for the finals,” said Slagle, who, along with other contract personnel, was selected to work the championship. “If you look at the list, we’ve not only got the best of the KPRA that will be in Dodge City, but we have the best in rodeo. “We’re talking about guys that have been featured at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.” Those guys include tie-down ropers Jerome Schneeberger of Ponca City, Okla., and Garrett Nokes of McCook, Neb., and steer wrestler Dru Melvin of Hebron, Neb. Nokes qualified for the NFR in steer wrestling in 2005, while Melvin earned trips to the NFR in 2006 and ’14. Schneeberger has 11 qualifications on his resume, including the 2001 NFR average title. “They are just the ones with NFR experience, but the talent doesn’t drop off at the KPRA finals,” Slagle said. “I can say in all truthfulness that the type of talent fans see at the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo will be what they see all three nights of this finals. People who don’t follow the KPRA don’t realize just how talented these cowboys and cowgirls are.” In fact, Schneeberger won the Roundup title just a few years ago. “There are also added events that you normally wouldn’t see. Breakaway roping is a crowd favorite. Ladies have to rope a calf in under 3 seconds, and there are some really talented ladies that will be competing in Dodge City.” While there are the traditional events that fans see regularly, the KPRA Finals also will feature 40-40 team roping (which consists of two ropers whose ages add up to at least 80) and ranch bronc riding – contestants use a livestock saddle instead of a specialized bronc saddle. “One thing I saw last year was how people responded to the ranch bronc riding,” Slagle said. “It’s something new, and it’s something many people haven’t seen. That’s how rodeo started on the ranches centuries ago, and now we’ve come full circle. “The wilder the better.” He knows of what he speaks. Before he got into the announcing game, Slagle was a saddle bronc rider. He competed in high school, college and worked some smaller rodeos while also testing the waters of the professional ranks. It’s all a transition for the ranch-raised cowboy. “I got out of rodeo and got in the business world,” he said. “At a certain point, I got tired of the suit and tie. I wanted to find a career that would allow me to get back to my roots. I had the opportunity to travel with a professional rodeo announcer for a while, and now I’m doing this. I really enjoy it.” He is one of 11 people selected to work the rodeo and will be joined by sound technician Garrison Panzer; timers Jennifer Greenleaf and Missie Gerritzen; pickup men Mike Greenleaf and Scott Swayze; bullfighters Dustin Glaze and Cody Calkins; and judges Kenny Allison, Joe Johnson and Bronc Rumford. “It’s an honor for me to be selected to announce this rodeo,” Slagle said. It also is an honor for the contestants, who earned the right to compete in Dodge City by finishing among the top 12 in their respective events. “For many of the contestants that don’t rodeo every single day of the week, this is their NFR,” he said. “They work during the week and rodeo on the weekends. They’ve worked hard all summer long to get somewhere. “The nice thing about Dodge City is there’s a lot going on. That committee has created such a great event for these contestants that might not get to see the bright lights of Las Vegas. To them, the bright lights of Dodge City is exciting.” That they are, but so is this championship. It takes hard work, dedication and raw talent to excel in any sport, much less one as diversified as rodeo. The qualifiers have earned the right to play for the biggest prizes in the KPRA. “This is their championship, and the Dodge City Roundup committee knows what it’s doing on how to run a pro show and how to treat contestants,” Slagle said. “The contestants really feel like they’ve made it. The experience they are about to receive is something they don’t see all year long.” That’s just what championships are all about.

HEMPSTEAD, Texas – There aren’t many entertainment venues where the admission is just $10. The Waller County Fair and Rodeo is one, and there’s a lot that can be jammed into that $10 ticket. From the rodeo to the carnival to the traditional county fair activities, there are numerous opportunities for fair-goers to enjoy. That doesn’t include the daily entertainment activities nor the concerts, which take place Sept. 24, 29, 30 and Oct. 1. That just adds to the value in every $10 admission. “The reality is we put this together for our community and for anyone and everyone in southeastern Texas that wants to enjoy a great fair and rodeo,” said Sherry Roesner, the fair board’s secretary. “We work hard to keep the ticket prices down so families can enjoy not only a day at the fair, but as many days as they can. “This event is for them. Not only do we want to make it affordable, but we want to give them as much entertainment as possible.” That’s important to the fair board, whose members volunteer their time and energy to plan, promote and produce the event every year. “We have continued to put money toward the overall entertainment of our fair,” said Steven Pfeiffer, the entertainment chairman. “Our goal is to make the overall family experience outstanding and that families literally get the most bang for their bucks.” That includes the concerts that are geared toward the fair-goers. This year’s lineup is: 24: Jarrod Birmingham, followed by the Josh Abbott Band. 29: Jake Hooker and the Outsiders 30: Chris Salinas, followed by Jason Cassidy 1: Bleu Edmondson, followed by Whiskey Myers “I think we have an exciting lineup of concerts this year,” said Dustin Standley, vice president of the fair board. “These acts are going to be just what people want. This is going to be fast-paced music that we all love and enjoy, and it’s going to have a distinct Texas flavor.” To make everything more comfortable to fair-goers, there is additional parking at the rear of the fairgrounds, which will be marked by signage. “We are really working hard to make this experience as great as possible for everyone,” Standley said.

Four States Fair and Rodeo to increase local purse, add Xtreme Bull Riding   TEXARKANA, Ark. – The organizers of the Four States Fair and Rodeo want to make a big statement starting with their 2016 event. They will with a couple of vital changes to the exposition’s rodeo, from adding an Xtreme Bull Riding competition to increasing the overall purse for contestants. “Our fair and rodeo is an important link to the community’s agricultural heritage, and we want to be able to provide great entertainment at a great price,” said Daryl Livingston, the fair’s chairman of the board “The principal reason we’re making these changes is to create a world-class rodeo for our community and for cowboys who compete here.” While rodeo events will still take up four days of the exposition – from Wednesday, Sept. 14-Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Four States Fair Entertainment Center in Texarkana – that segment of the celebration will kick start with Xtreme Bulls, a stand-alone bull riding event that will feature most of the top bull riders in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. “This is the appropriate market for a bull riding event,” Livingston said. “We host over a dozen major rodeo, livestock and equine events here each year. “We have the audience for that market, and I think the Xtreme Bulls will be a big hit.” He pointed to nationally televised events that feature bull-riding only competitions as a key factor in the sport’s growing popularity. “We’re excited about what it will do for our existing market as well as new audiences,” he said. Vice president Lisa Barr and many volunteers have worked hard to increase the sponsorship portion of the purse for the PRCA rodeo to more than double what it was in 2015. That is a big step for the four states area, which includes Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. “This is the 72nd year of a continuous event,” Livingston said. “It’s a gathering place for the whole community to come together. It reflects an important part of our local history. That’s one great thing about it.” The organizers also want it to be an important part of each season for the cowboys and cowgirls who make their livings in ProRodeo. “We want to entice world-class contestants to come to our rodeo,” Barr said. “We want to let the cowboys know that this is they place they want to be, that this is an exciting event and that this is a title they want to win.” A year ago, the rodeo featured a local purse of $19,000; this year, that has been pushed to $45,000. Throw in a collaborative effort from the team at Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, and it’s a positive mix for all involved. “We’ve got a world-class production team, and now we want to make our rodeo as competitive as any other in the country,” Livingston said. “That’s what our local fans deserve for their investment in this fair and rodeo. “Pete Carr brings a top-flight promotional and production team to town, and the professionalism they bring with them shows that this is truly a National Finals Rodeo production. He brings that to our venue year after year. He’s helped us bring innovation to our shows and our performances. He’s been a mentor to help develop the event for our community.” That community has a powerful history. Separated by State Line Avenue, Texarkana is a Texas and Arkansas twin city that’s Twice as Nice and is the center of the four-states region. “In the next five years, the board of directors in our organization has a goal to be the Rodeo of the Year in our class,” Barr said. “We’ve already been a four-day rodeo for quite a while. Now we’re taking the first day and turning it into an Xtreme Bulls event and shortening our rodeo to three days. It makes us more contemporary for rodeos our size. “We want contestants to look at the calendar and know this is where they want to be. We’re a hospitality- and contestant-driven event. We want to provide a great experience for the contestants and the staff. We want to give them downhome, family treatment that they take with them when they leave. It’s in our DNA to welcome people and help them have a good time.”

TEXARKANA, Ark. – The Four States Fair and Rodeo is a vital stop in ProRodeo each season. Part of it is the timing of the event; by being in mid-September, the dates fall on one of the final weeks of the regular season. That means dollars earned in Texarkana could pave the way for contestants vying for qualifications to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s grand finale that takes place each December in Las Vegas. That’s why hundreds of contestants are preparing to compete this week during the rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday at the Four States Fair Entertainment Center. But there’s more incentive in 2016. Wednesday’s performance will feature the inaugural run of the Xtreme Bulls Tour in Texarkana. It will be a battle of the best bull riders in the sport vs. some outstanding animal athletic power. It’s a stand-alone event, and the final three nights of the rodeo will feature all of the traditional disciplines. Local organizers have also increased the total purse, another amazing incentive for the contestants that make their living on the rodeo trail. Throw in the animals and production from Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, and there are many reasons the top players in the game make their way to this twin city. “I think Pete Carr has a fabulous rodeo company, and everybody on his staff puts on a wonderful rodeo,” said Lisa Barr, vice president of the fair and rodeo. “It’s professional, and the crew just works great with us. “When they get to town, they take the pressure off us. You don’t have to worry about things or if everything’s in place. They take care of it all and produce an outstanding rodeo.” That’s just one aspect of the Carr brand. The crew of professionals put a priority on top production for fans while having the type of animal athletes that are attractive to rodeo cowboys. That helps make the Four States Fair and Rodeo a vital stop for the top contestants in the game. Over the last few years, Carr has received five nominations for stock contractor of the year in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Since 2013, no other livestock producer has had more animals selected to the NFR than Carr. With animals selected based on votes of the cowboys that ride them, it’s a strong indicator of the talent the Carr herd possesses. Another would be the list of NFR qualifiers and world champions who have put their hat in the ring to compete in Texarkana. More than 50 NFR qualifiers – including several world titlists – will be part of the mix over a solid four days of competition. “Pete brings outstanding rodeo livestock to our rodeo year after year,” Barr said. “A lot of people don’t understand that the animals are as much of our rodeo as the cowboys and cowgirls.” Those people will see it first hand in just a few days.

DODGE CITY, Kan. – Even though he has lived in Oklahoma most of his life, Dodge City is always home to Cody Hessman. He was born there and lived there for the first 10 years of his life, and next week he returns to town to be part of the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association Finals, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23-Saturday, Sept. 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at Roundup Arena. “It’s actually pretty nice to have the finals in Dodge City,” said Hessman, 24, of Beaver, Okla. “I really enjoy going there, and the committee does a real good job. I’m the (KPRA) bull riding director, and I’ve seen how much they help out. The atmosphere is really good. “It’s always been home to me. I really enjoyed it when I was in Dodge.”’ He is the son of Pete Hessman, who made a big name for himself on the Professional Bull Riders tour. Now Pete’s sons, Cody and Tyler, are trying to make their own names in the same game. “Being a bull rider has been my main goal since I was little,” Cody Hessman said. “We went with my dad some when he was going. We went a lot when he was rodeoing, but when he started going to the PBRs, we didn’t go as much. “A couple times a year, if we were good and did good in school, he’d take Tyler and I with him.” Those memories are still vivid, from seeing the top cowboys in the game work their craft to spending time behind the chutes. There were also a lot of miles on the road, so the rodeo life is nothing new. “I remember a lot of people packed into a little car,” Hessman said. “Dad had some old little Pontiac that he rodeoed in a lot. He’d have four guys with him, then if he’d take me and Tyler, it was pretty packed in there. We’d usually sleep in that car.” The nice thing about competing in the KPRA is that there aren’t as many miles between events. He sits ninth in the association’s bull riding standings and knows the year-end championship is out of reach, but he still has plans for the final weekend of September. “I’d like to win the KPRA year-end one of these years, but the timing is a little bad this year,” he said. “My brother, Tyler, won it last year, and my dad and my uncle Durk have won it. I want to add my name to that list.” Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have the finale in his hometown, where he has the opportunity to compete in front of family and friends. “My grandma and grandpa still live in Dodge, and my uncle Andy is there,” Hessman said. “My uncle Durk lives in Cimarron, so there’s a lot of family right there.” It makes a hometown boy feel right at home.

ARLINGTON, Minn. – It’s only fitting that an event set up to benefit a charity would have multiple champions. The Pro Auto NYA Bull Riding event also featured a two-night stop of the Bullfighters Only tour, with three men competing in freestyle bullfights both Friday and Saturday. Beau Schueth posted the highest-marked score of the weekend with an 85-point fight on the opening night, then Justin Josey survived the final night to win it. “It meant a lot to us to be part of that because it was for the wounded warriors and benefited that,” said Josey, 21, of Apache, Okla. The Arlington stop is part of a fundraiser for the charity of retired NFL player Jared Allen, Homes for Wounded Warriors. The organization helps to build handicapped-assessable homes for wounded soldiers that have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. “My bull came out but wasn’t as hot as I wanted him to be,” Josey said, pointing out that he needed to have a bull that stayed close to him to get a higher score. “The big thing for me was that I was able to stay on my feet. That was probably the difference.” In fact, his fellow bullfighters on Saturday night were Evan Allard of Vinita, Okla., and Toby Inman of Davis Junction, Ill., and both were hooked and taken down during the contest. Josey, though, was able to match moves with Hookin’ A Ranch’s Stone Sober to score 79 points. “That bull did enough for me to get the win,” he said. “It felt really good to finally get a win underneath me. You feel like you can do about anything. It’s like going on a hitting streak in baseball. When you’re in that zone, you can see the ball like it’s as big as a volleyball. When you’re not, it looks more like a ping-pong ball.” That’s about how things are going for Schueth, who just a month ago won the Bullfighters Only stop in Sikeston, Mo. “I knew I had drawn a good bull,” he said of Hookin’ A’s Claud Dallas, the same bull that helped Weston Rutkowski post the highest-marked fight in Sikeston and guided Ross Johnson to the victory in Burlington, Colo. “I’d seen him a couple times and knew he was really good. Being the first guy out, I knew I had to push in on him because I had Zach Call and Cody Greer in my group, and I knew they could be a lot of points. “That bull came out really hot and never really did give me much space. I just kept switching it up on him. He finally left me and went into the muddy part of the arena out by the turn-back fence. I waited on the hard ground and got him to come back. I made some rounds on him and got one more fake on him and called the fight.” It was an amazing way to open the bullfights in Arlington, a town of just a couple thousand people about 60 miles southwest of Minneapolis. “The crowd was really into it and really behind it,” Josey said. “They finally got to experience freestyle bullfighting first-hand, and they really enjoyed it.” So did Josey. “I think it just boosts your confidence even more to know you can win a round against Evan, who is ninth in the BFO standings, and Toby, who has been around the world fighting bulls,” he said. “To go against somebody like that and come out on top is what makes it really cool.” Confidence is a key for any bullfighter, who makes a living staring danger in the face and having the athleticism to get around it. “This helps me out a lot,” said Schueth, 24, of O’Neill, Neb. “Every win boosts your confidence a little bit, but it also makes you want to compete even harder at the next fight. You want to keep that streak going.” RESULTS Night 1 1. Beau Schueth, 85 points 2. Zach call, 80 3. Cody Greer, 76 Night 2 1. Justin Josey, 79 points 2. Toby Inman, 76 3. Evan Allard, 71