Monthly Archives: November 2010

Over the years, there have been many world champions in the PRCA. The ones that matter most, it seems, are the reigning champs, like Bobby Mote or Jesse Kruse or J.W. Harris, the guys who won the bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding titles a year ago. But there’s a great history to the sport. But is this really tougher trivia question? I sure hope so. Who won the 1981 PRCA steer wrestling world title?

D.V. Fennell has been a friend for much of the last decade. Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the man and getting to know him even better. And here’s something most folks don’t know about D.V.: He’s very well spoken and very entertaining, providing insights and details about his life on the rodeo trail and riding bareback horses. But he also uses the English language in a unique, Southern way that makes me smile every time we chat. When I asked about competing at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with two of his three traveling partners (Justin McDaniel and Steven Peebles), he replied: “Steel sharpens steel. You take four guys that rodeo all year long together, and it helps each of us bring their A game.” When I asked what his favorite part of competing at the NFR, he said, “You get to nod your head with the best players and the best stock. It’s icing on the cake. You eat cake all year long, and you get the icing at the end.” While working on a piece for Carr Pro Rodeo, I asked D.V. about Pete Carr’s bareback horses, and he said, “Pete’s got a nice set of horses. It should be good. I wish Pete had a rodeo in my back yard every week with about $10,000 added; I’d never have to leave the house.” D.V. Fennell is genuine. He doesn’t spout off a bunch of B.S., and when he does use a cliche, there’s a reason behind it. I love visiting with him, whether it’s work-related or just chatting. Now you know why.

This weekend at the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping, Trevor Brazile likely will move a step closer to his record-breaking eighth all-around world championship. He’s done pretty well there beofre, at the steer roping finals and at the Lazy E Arena northeast of Oklahoma City. He’s won two steer roping world championships and six Wrangler Timed Event titles. In December, he will compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in team roping and tie-down roping. Not only is he a favorite to win the all-around title, it’s almost expected of him. Brazile is one of just two cowboys in Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association history to have qualified its national finals in all four roping disciplines. Can you name the other?

The Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping takes place Friday and Saturday at the Lazy E Arena northeast of Oklahoma City. It will be a showcase of the 15 best steer ropers from the 2010 season. Reigning world champ Rocky Patterson heads into the finale with the lead, but ever-present Trevor Brazile is No. 2 in the standings. Is Patterson’s lead going to be too tough to beat, or will it be two in a row for the Kansan? Who do you think will win the coveted average title? Who will win the world title? You tell me.