World champion bulldogger eager to test his skills in ‘Ironman Event of ProRodeo’
You can’t blame Dean Gorsuch for being a little anxious this week as he prepares to compete in the Timed Event Championship.
You see, it’s the first time the 32-year-old cowboy is part of the elite field for the unique event, which features some of the greatest timed-event contestants in ProRodeo as they battle through the challenges of all five disciplines: tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping-heading, team roping-heeling and steer roping.
“I’m really, really excited about it,” said Gorsuch, a two-time world champion steer wrestler from Gearing, Neb. “I’ve watched it for a long time, and ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to be part of it.”
The five rugged performances of the 2012 Timed Event Championship set for noon and 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 2; noon and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3; and 1 p.m. Sunday, March 4. The field consists of 20 outstanding all-around cowboys in the invitation-only championship that features a purse of $150,000, one-third of which will go to the man who has the best cumulative time at the conclusion of the three-day, five-round event.
“They asked me last year to be a part of it, but I just wasn’t very prepared,” said Gorsuch, who will be joined by a who’s who of rodeo greats: Kyle Lockett, Landon McClaugherty, Josh Peek, Russell Cardoza, JoJo LeMond, Bryce Davis, Scott Snedecor, Chance Kelton, Clayton Hass, K.C. Jones, Daniel Green, Jimmie Cooper, Jim Ross Cooper, Steve Duhon, Chad Masters, Broc Cresta, Paul Tierney, Jess Tierney and Paul David Teirney.
Those cowboys represent 11 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world championships and 16 Timed Event titles.
“I like to rope and do the other events, but like everybody, we all kind of specialize in something,” Gorsuch said. “I’m not trying to prove anything. I just like doing the other events. I love the bulldogging, and I feel like it’s the event for me.
“I’m honest with myself to know that there’s a reason I don’t enter the rodeos in the other events, but I think I can compete. You don’t enter to lose.”
The unique championship will pay out the top eight in the average and the top six in the fastest-round competition. Each round consists of contestants clocking times in each of the five events. That’s why it’s called the “Ironman Event of ProRodeo.”
“I’ve practiced at it, especially lately,” Gorsuch said. “I roped calves in high school, and I’ve team roped some, plus I’m excited about the people that are helping me.
“It’ll be fun, and it’ll definitely be a learning experience.”
Families will enjoy all of the activities planned for the performances. Ticket prices are $37 for VIP, box seats $30, reserved bleachers $25 and general admission $20. Children 12 and under are free in general admission and VIP area. Group and multiple performance discounts are also available. Call (800) 595-RIDE for complete details. A portion of the proceeds from the 2012 Timed Event Championship will be donated to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. The Lazy E is proud to support this institution for western preservation! Tickets are available at all ticketmaster outlets, www.lazye.com, calling Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or by calling the Lazy E Arena directly at (800) 595-RIDE.
The 2012 Timed Event Championship is sponsored by Priefert Ranch & Rodeo Equipment, Pendleton Whisky, Wrangler, American Farmers and Ranchers Insurance, Cross Bar Gallery, Ram Trucks, John Vance Motors, Energy Force, R.K. Black Inc., Gist Silversmiths, Spin to Win Magazine, National Saddlery, Hot Heels, The Oklahoman, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, CSI Saddlepads, the Best Western Edmond, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites – Edmond.
The 2012 Timed Event Championship is a Lazy E Production. For more information on the Timed Event Championship or other Lazy E events, contact the Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044, (405) 282-RIDE, (800) 595-RIDE or visit www.lazye.com.