Monthly Archives: May 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story appears in the June issue of Women’s Pro Rodeo News, the official publication of the WPRA. It is republished here with the approval of the WPRA.  The dry climate of the Oklahoma Panhandle is vastly different from his lake-washed environment of his north Texas home, but Slick By Design seems to like it. Slick and his jockey, Michele McLeod, won the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo’s average championship for the second time in four years. The talented tandem finished in a two-run cumulative time of 34.71 seconds to claim the title, guided by a 17.19-second final-round winning run. “Guymon started off our career in 2013, and that was the first rodeo we won,” said McLeod, a three-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Whitesboro, Texas. “It was nice to come back and win it again.” McLeod’s first victory inside Hitch Arena may have been the guiding force behind her first trip to the NFR, all aboard a stallion that is just 9 years old. Every year he’s played for the biggest pay in the sport, Slick has improved. A year ago, McLeod and the black placed in six rounds, finished fourth in the average and pocketed more than $138,000 in Vegas. His job in May is considerably different than it is in December, but Slick still has a winning way about him. “What’s going on with slick right now is that he’s basically spending most of this spring breeding,” she said. “He’s not really at the top of his game, because he’s only been run once a week for the month of April and the first of May. The weekend of Guymon, for example, I usually run him twice in Guymon and once in Duncan (Okla.), but I opted to run another horse in Duncan.” That seemed to be a good choice. Even on another mount, McLeod placed fourth in Duncan, so it was a win-win weekend. In all, she pocketed more than $4,600 of Oklahoma’s money, with $3,918 coming in the Panhandle. She and slick posted a 17.52 in the first round and placed 12; only 10 women earned money per round. “We ran ninth in our drag, so we were at the bottom of the ground,” she said. “He’s been running in smaller pens, so it’s the first big pen he’s worked this year. He worked great, but it was heavier and deeper ground. His time reflected that.” The .19 on Saturday night was 17-100ths of a second faster than the second-round runner-up, Tori Morris. But that was enough to allow McLeod to squeak past Taylor Langdon by a hundredth for the average title. “There’s just some history behind Guymon,” she said. “I had always heard about Guymon. I had gone years and years ago when I first went to Texas, and it seemed like all the good barrel racers were there. Then going there and winning it always makes me want to go back. “The committee’s great. They always have a really good crowd for their performances, and you can just feel the electricity in that pen.” In fact, she and Slick ran in front of the largest audience among the four performances at Hitch Arena, with nearly 6,000 on hand to see the dynamic pair race to the title. Of course, it helps that her mount has a calm demeanor and acts much different than most stallions in the game. “I don’t think he’d be where he’s at if he acted like a stud,” McLeod said. “He loves to run barrels. He gets stronger and faster as each day goes on. He just absolutely loves doing this, and you can tell the look in his eyes, especially this time when he’s breeding. Running in front of that big crowd was great. “He loves to be in the crowd. He tries every time you run barrels on him, but he’s a performer, and he loves it when the crowd is loud. When you get to our level, these horses know the difference between slack and a performance.” As of mid-May, McLeod was in the top 15 in the world standings with more than $58,000 in season earnings. She credits an outstanding winter run with that success and sitting third in the standings at the time, but she knows there’s a lot of rodeo left to play. “The rodeo season really hasn’t begun,” she said. “I’m not a true superstitious person, but on this subject, I am. I choose not to look at the at rodeo any different. I’ve seen in the past that people have had a really good winter and still not made the NFR. “My plan is to rodeo as normal. With Slick, he’s just going to go to some particular rodeos. He’s been great, and he feels healthy, so we’re going to try to keep him that way.” That’s what the best ladies in the game do with the best horses. They care for them as much as possible, and the cowgirls pay attention to their personalities. That’s what makes McLeod and Slick so special. “His attitude and his personality really make him special to me,” McLeod said. “He tries so hard to do what I ask him, to do his job. He’s a very kind horse, and he absolutely loves his job. For me now being on him three years, it makes me smile just to ride him. “I’ve said for the past couple years that if he throws babies with half his try, his babies are going to be phenomenal.” Spoken like a true phenom herself.

CLAREMORE, Okla. – It’s been 17 years since Steve Northcott last roped at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It’s about time he returns. On Sunday night, he and his partner, Cale Markham, stopped the clock in 5.0 seconds to win the team-roping title on a damp final night of the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo. A short-lived but heavy thunderstorm passed over Will Rogers Stampede Arena shortly before the rodeo was to begin, but the wet arena didn’t bother the winning tandem. “I actually got here early enough that I came out to the arena and checked the arena,” said Northcott, 46, the 1996 world champion from Odessa, Texas. “The ground is really sandy, and I knew the weather was going to get bad. I still thought the footing was going to be good no matter how much rain it got. “It was a little muddy in front of the roping box, but out where the run actually happened the arena was actually in great shape.” Markham, a header from Vinita, Okla., got his rope on the steer quickly, turned the animal for Northcott, who stopped the clock on the run. Markham and Northcott were 6-10ths of a second faster than the runners-up, Jesse Stipes/Buddy Hawkins and Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens. “Cale actually turned him where the ground is real good,” Northcott said. “It was a lot easier shot for me than it would have been in the mud.” It’s a great way to kick start the new partnership. “We started roping together at the Guymon (Okla.) rodeo the first of May,” he said. “We’re planning on roping all summer long and try to make the finals.” That’s the perfect sentiment for a cowboy that decided to return to the rodeo trail after many years away from the game. “For some crazy reason, I decided to do it again,” Northcott said. He likes the idea of having a talented partner in Markham, who is about half his age but has a strong pedigree. Not only has the Oklahoma cowboy excelled at the local level, he also has qualified for the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in heading. “I was that age one time, and I was awfully confident in my roping, too,” Northcott said. “To do good at the professional level, you’ve got to have one of those young kids in front of you, or it’s tough to do it. “My goal is to make the National Finals Rodeo one more time, then maybe do it again.” Will Rogers Stampede Claremore, Okla. May 27-29 Bareback riding: 1. Tim O’Connell, 84.5 points on Lancaster & Jones Pro Rodeo’s Hillbilly, $1,055; 2. Joel Schlegel, 84, $799; 3. Marvin Alderman Jr., 82.5, $575; 4. Zach Hibler, 77.5, $384; 5. Mark Kreder, 77, $224; 6. Anthony Thomas, 76, $160.0 Steer wrestling: 1. Jarek VanPetten, 4.4 seconds, $1,703; 2. Riley Duvall, 5.0, $1,481; 3. (tie) Travis Burgett, Chance Howard and Jon Ragatz, 5.2, $1,036 each; 6. Nick Guy, 5.5, $592; 7. Jacob Talley, 5.6, $370; 8. Mitchell Gardner, 5.7, $148. Tie-down roping: 1. Jesse Hinkle, 8.3 seconds, $1,799; 2. Lane Jeffrey, 9.0, $1,489; 3. Caddo Lewallen, 9.2, $1,179; 4. Travis Rogers, 9.9, $869; 5. Jared Mark Kempker, 10.2, $558; 6. Clay Brown, 10.5, $310. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Shade Etbauer, 85 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s The Darkness, $1,256; 2. (tie) Colt Gordon and James Greeson, 84.5, $819 each; 4. Curtis Garton, 83, $457; 3. Dean Wadsworth, 80, $266; 4. Cody Anthony, 79.5, $190. Team roping: 1. Cale Markham/Steve Northcott, 5.0 seconds, $1,622; 2. (tie) Jesse Stipes/Buddy Hawkins II and Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, $1,304 each, 5.6; 4. Troy Boone/Kingston Chang, 5.8, $987; 5. (tie) Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward and Phillip McCoy/Justin Fox, 5.9, $670 each; 5. (tie) Casey Hicks/Braden Harmon, Payden Emmett/Justin Pruitt and Cole Sherwood/Steve Sherwood, 6.2, $165 each. Steer roping: First round: 1. Rocky Patterson, 10.7 seconds, $1,166; Kim Ziegelgruber, 12.2, $874; 3. Marty Poppino, 12.8, $583; 4. Vin Fisher Jr., 13.0, $291. Second round 1. Chet Herren, 10.9 seconds, $1,116; 2. J. Tom Fisher, 11.3, $874; 3. Ralph Williams, 11.5, $583; 4. (tie) Ryan O’Rourke and Guy Allen, 12.1, $146 each. Third round leaders: 1. Guy Allen, 9.9 seconds, $1,166; 2. Rocky Patterson, 11.1, $874; 3. Brady Garten, 11.4, 583; 4. (tie) Lawson Plemons and Vin Fisher Jr., 12.0, $146. Average leaders: 1. Rocky Patterson, 37.7 seconds on three runs, $1,748; 2. Vin Fisher Jr., 36.0, $1,311; 3. Thomas Smith, 40.8, $874; 4. Tyrel Taton, 57.1, $437. Barrel racing: 1. Emily Miller, 17.80 seconds, $1,625; 2. (tie) Stevi Hillman and Gretchen Benbenek, 17.83, $1,276 each; 4. Paula Mercer, 17.88, $1,006; 5. Tracy Nowlin, 17.89, $774; 6. Chelsie Shoop, 17.92, $619; 7. Sallye Williams, 17.94, $464; 8. Kyra Stierwalt, 17.98, $309; 9. Kyra Travis, 18.09, $232; 10. Savannah Pearson, 18.15, $154. Bull riding: 1. Trevor Kastner, 87 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Resurrected, $1,659; 2. Lon Danley, 85, $1,257; 3. Brennon Eldred, 82, $905; 4. Clayton Joe Appelhans, 81.5, $603; 5. Elliot Jacoby, 81, $351. 6. (tie) Toby Collins and Trevor Reiste, 80, $126 each.

CLAREMORE, Okla. – Joel Schlegel has found young lady to his liking. Sadie’s Gal is a 9-year-old dark brown mare from the Dallas-based livestock firm of Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo. On Saturday night, Schlegel matched moves with the horse for 84 points to take the bareback riding lead during the second performance of the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo. “I got on her in Bay City (Texas) earlier this year and won that one,” said Schlegel, 27, of Burns, Colo. “She’s a really good horse that went to the National Finals Rodeo a couple years ago. She’s not the most famous one of Pete’s, but you can dang sure place on her anywhere she’s at.” Carr is one of the most recognized stock contractors in the sport, having had more animals selected to the NFR each of the past three years than any other livestock producer in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. “When you get a horse like that, you have a shot to win every time if you do your job,” Schlegel said, noting that the score is based equally on a cowboy’s ability to ride and the animal’s ability to buck and kick. This is the Carr firm’s fourth year producing Claremore’s rodeo, now celebrating its 70th year. The Will Rogers Stampede also is the two-time reigning PRCA Small Rodeo of the Year. “I haven’t been to this rodeo in a few years, but I’d heard how good it is, especially now that they have Pete as the stock contractor and the horses he has,” Schlegel said. “Sometimes you enter a rodeo because it’s a good rodeo. If it’s enjoyable and fun, you tend to steer that way because there are so many rodeos going on. “If you have a chance to come to one you like, you dang sure come.” The Colorado cowboy has found several rodeos to his liking in 2016. Not only did he win in Bay City, he also collected the win on another Carr horse in Nacogdoches, Texas, in late March. He sits 44th in the world standings with the bulk of the big-money rodeo season remaining. “I feel like this is the best I’ve ever ridden in my life,” Schlegel said. “I’ve had a lot of bumps and bruises over the years when I was in my early 20s that has held me back a little, but I feel great. I hope I can catch a lick and see if that gets me to the (National) Finals.” For now, though, he’s enjoying his run through Oklahoma. Will Rogers Stampede Claremore, Okla. May 27-29 Leaders through second performance Bareback riding: 1. Joel Schlegel, 84 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Sadie’s Gal; 2. Zach Hibler, 77.5; 3. Mark Kreder, 77; 4. Justin Pollmiller, 74.5; 5. Colt Kitaif, 74; 6. Blaine Kaufman, 73. Steer wrestling: 1. Jarek VanPetten, 4.4 seconds; 2. Riley Duvall, 5.0; 3. (tie) Travis Burgett, Chance Howard and Jon Ragatz, 5.2; 6. Nick Guy, 5.5; 7. Jacob Talley, 5.6; 8. Mitchell Gardner, 5.7. Tie-down roping: 1. Jesse Hinkle, 8.3 seconds; 2. Lane Jeffrey, 9.0; 3. Caddo Lewallen, 9.2; 4. Travis Rogers, 9.9; 5. Jared Mark Kempker, 10.2; 6. Clay Brown, 10.5. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Shade Etbauer, 85 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s The Darkness; 2. Curtis Garton, 83; 3. Dean Wadsworth, 80; 4. Will Smith, 79; 5. Cody Rud, 77.5; 5. Nat Stratton, 76.5; 6. Joe Lufkin, 75 Team roping: 1. Jesse Stipes/Buddy Hawkins II, 5.6 seconds; 2. Troy Boone/Kingston Chang, 5.8; 3. (tie) Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward and Phillip McCoy/Justin Fox, 5.9; 5. (tie) Casey Hicks/Braden Harmon, Payden Emmett/Justin Pruitt and Cole Sherwood/Steve Sherwood, 6.2; 8. Thompson Berryhill/Thomas Smith, 6.3. Steer roping: First round: 1. Rocky Patterson, 10.7 seconds, $1,166; Kim Ziegelgruber, 12.2, $874; 3. Marty Poppino, 12.8, $583; 4. Vin Fisher Jr., 13.0, $291. Second round 1. Chet Herren, 10.9 seconds, $1,116; 2. J. Tom Fisher, 11.3, $874; 3. Ralph Williams, 11.5, $583; 4. (tie) Ryan O’Rourke and Guy Allen, 12.1, $146 each. Third round leaders: 1. Guy Allen, 9.9 seconds; 2. Rocky Patterson, 11.1; 3. Brady Garten, 11.4; 4. (tie) Lawson Plemons and Vin Fisher Jr., 12.0. Average leaders: 1. Rocky Patterson, 37.7 seconds on three runs; 2. Vin Fisher Jr., 36.0; 3. Thomas Smith, 40.8; 4. Tyrel Taton, 57.1. Barrel racing: 1. Emily Miller, 17.80 seconds; 2. (tie) Stevi Hillman and Gretchen Benbenek, 17.83; 4. Paula Mercer, 17.88; 5. Tracy Nowlin, 17.89; 6. Chelsie Shoop, 17.92; 7. Sallye Williams, 17.94; 8. Kyra Stierwalt, 17.98; 9. Kyra Travis, 18.09; 10. Savannah Pearson, 18.15. Bull riding: 1. Trevor Kastner, 87 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Resurrected; 2. Toby Collins, 80; 3. Lane Lasley, 73; no other qualified rides.

CLAREMORE, Okla. – The Etbauer name remains synonymous with saddle bronc riding, but it’s the next generation that is taking the game to the top of the leaderboard. On Friday night during the first performance of the Will Rogers Stampede Pro Rodeo, 22-year-old Shade Etbauer rode Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s The Darkness for 85 points to take the early bronc riding lead. If the score holds up through the final two performances, it will mark the third straight year that cowboys have won Claremore’s rodeo on the black gelding. “I knew Nat Stratton won it here on him last year, and Nat said he was really good,” said Etbauer, who also competed in tie-down roping Friday. “I remember watching him in Guymon (three weeks before) and just knew he was a really nice horse to ride and a fun horse to get on.” He should know. His father, Robert, is a two-time world champion bronc rider; his uncle, Billy, owns five gold buckles in the discipline, while a third uncle, Dan, also has multiple qualifications to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. More importantly, though, the Etbauers are cowboys one generation to the next. Robert, Billy and Dan may have made their names on the backs of bucking horses, but they were all-around talents growing up in South Dakota. “Ever since we were little, we’ve done a whole mess of events,” Shade Etbauer said of his siblings, older sister, Chancy, and older brother, Trell. “We’ve done as many events as we could. Dad always said the more events you could do, the better of a cowboy it makes you. Just to be successful in more than one event at a rodeo is a lot of fun and teaches you a lot.” That education is paying off. Shade Etbauer finished the 2015-16 National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association season as the Central Plains Region’s all-around champion. “I just treat all rodeos the same,” he said. “I try to do the best I can and make the best out of it. “I’ve been doing it ever since I started rodeoing. I do at least three to five events, so I’m used to it by now. It keeps the adrenaline running and keeps you on your toes.” While his father and uncles focused on bronc riding in their professional careers and did very well at it, Etbauer prefers earning his living on multiple fronts. He’d like to earn his qualifications to the NFR the same way. “I’d really like to make it in as many events as I can,” Etbauer said. “I really like calf roping and bronc riding, so I’d for sure like to make it in both of them. Those are two I mainly focus on, but I wouldn’t mind making it in team roping, too.” His career is still on the starting blocks, but Etbauer has a solid foundation to set him up for success. Trell Etbauer is a four-time winner of the Linderman Award, which showcases success in both timed events and roughstock events. Then there are the things he learned from the previous generation of Etbauers and their longtime traveling partner, Craig Latham. “They’ve all been really good help,” Shade Etbauer said. “We’ve learned so much from them. I don’t know if I’d ever be as good as Dad or Billy or Danny or Craig, but I always look up to them. I’m glad I’m related to them.” Will Rogers Stampede Claremore, Okla. May 27-29 Leaders through first performance Bareback riding: 1. Mark Kreder, 77 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Alberta Child; 2. Justin Pollmiller, 74.5; 3. Colt Kitaif, 74; 4. Blaine Kaufman, 73; no other qualified rides. Steer wrestling: 1.  Riley Duvall, 5.0 seconds; 2. (tie) Travis Burgett, Chance Howard and Jon Ragatz, 5.2; 5. Nick Guy, 5.5; 6. Jacob Talley, 5.6; 7. Mitchell Gardner, 5.7; 8. Cody Pratt, 6.0. Tie-down roping: 1. Dillon Holder, 11.7 seconds; 2. Braden Lowell Buckley, 13.0; 3. Shade Etbauer, 15.5; 4. Jamie Wolf, 18.7; 5. John Douch, 22.0; no other qualified times. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Shade Etbauer, 85 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s The Darkness; 2. Cody Rud, 77.5; 3. Mason Laviolette, 74; 4. Tyrell Smith, 69.5; 5. Cole Hatfield, 59; no other qualified rides. Team roping: 1. Troy Boone/Kingston Chang, 5.8 seconds; Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward, 5.9; 3. (tie) Payden Emmett/Justin Pruitt and Cole Sherwood/Steve Sherwood, 6.2; 5. Thompson Berryhill/Thomas Smith, 6.3; 6. Paul David Tierney/Cesar de la Cruz, 7.2; 7. Branden Duff/Jimmie Allen, 7.4; 8. Joe Beaver/McCoy Profili, 7.6. Steer roping: First round: 1. Cody Lee, 13.9 seconds; 2. (tie) Lawson Plemons and Brian Garr, 14.4; no other qualified rides. Barrel racing: 1. Emily Miller, 17.80 seconds; 2. (tie) Stevi Hillman and Gretchen Benbenek, 17.83; 4. Paula Mercer, 17.88; 5. Tracy Nowlin, 17.89; 6. Chelsie Shoop, 17.92; 7. Sallye Williams, 17.94; 8. Kyra Stierwalt, 17.98; 9. Kyra Travis, 18.09; 10. Savannah Pearson, 18.15. Bull riding: 1. Trevor Kastner, 87 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Resurrected; 2. Toby Collins, 80; 3. Lane Lasley, 73; no other qualified rides.

SILVER CITY, N.M. – Folks in this picturesque southeastern New Mexico community have come to expect big things out of their local rodeo. In fact, businesses and members of the community have continually stepped up to make sure the Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo is a marquee event in Grant County. “This is our 26th rodeo, and the local people come out and enjoy this event,” said Tyler Brown, chairman of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual rodeo, set for 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2-Saturday, June 4, at Southwest Horseman’s Park. “We have a lot of support, and our businesses are what support the rodeo.” That financial support enables the committee to do all things possible to attract the biggest names in the game to Silver City in early June every year. From developing a great purse to having the greatest animals in the game from Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo for them to ride, the contestants have great expectations themselves when they arrive in town. “For no bigger of a rodeo for what we have, we have a pretty dang good payout,” Brown said. “Without the sponsors we have, we wouldn’t be able to have that prize money. “You’ve got to have quality stock and a quality rodeo to draw the contestants.” That’s where the professionals with Carr rodeo come in. The Dallas-based firm has been recognized as one of the best in ProRodeo, a regular nominee for Stock Contractor of the Year. In fact, no other livestock company has had more animals selected to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo the last three years than Carr. “Pete has a depth of knowledge that we, as a committee, can lean on,” Brown said. “We know we’ll get quality service and that he’s going to take care of our needs.” It comes down to a staff of talented professionals that work diligently to make each performance of the Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo the best. “Everybody on the Pete Carr crew has always been professional and very business-oriented,” he said. “For me, the best feeling is being accommodated. They come in and ask what we want to do as a committee. You feel like you’re in a partnership with them.” The overall result is something fans have continued to enjoy for years. From the great competition to the family-friendly entertainment, the event is a true showcase for fans, sponsors and contestants alike. Part of that fun is in entertainer Robbie Hodges, who has been nominated as the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s clown of the year, entertainer of the year and the Coors Man in the Can, which recognizes the best barrelmen in the business. “Robbie’s been at our rodeo for a number of years,” Brown said. “He’s just a great guy to be around and likes to have fun. He’s in clown mode all the time, and he comes by it quite naturally. Because we’re a community-involved rodeo, everybody comes out to have fun.” The fun returns the first weekend in June.

CLAREMORE, Okla. – After months of planning and intense labor around their arena, the organizers of the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo are ready for the event’s 70th anniversary celebration. “From the time we closed the curtain on our 2015 rodeo, we began the process for this year’s rodeo,” said David Petty, chairman of the volunteer committee that produces the annual rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29, at Will Rogers Stampede Arena. “We wanted to make this our best rodeo ever.” That’s going to be quite a task. The Will Rogers Stampede was named the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Small Rodeo of the Year in 2014 and ’15, and nearly 550 contestants are scheduled to compete next week in Claremore. “Because this is our 70th year and because this community has been such a great supporter of this rodeo and helped us get the Rodeo of the Year awards, we really wanted to make a statement in 2016,” Petty said. “That’s why we’ve worked closely with City Manager Jim Thomas and the city of Claremore. We’re having the Downtown Hoedown to open the celebration on Thursday night, and we’ve got three great concerts that will follow each of the three performances of our rodeo.” Tickets are on sale through the event’s website, www.WillRogersStampede.com, and include family packs and adult passes offered at a significant discount online. The Stampede parade returns, and it begins at 10 a.m. Saturday.  The featured Red Dirt/Texas Music acts will be Adam Hood on Friday, Cooder Graw on Saturday and Cody Canada and The Departed to close out the weekend Sunday night. “We’re extremely excited about our concert lineup,” Petty said, noting that volunteers have worked diligently to build a stage that is set up on the east side of the arena facing the stands. “To have acts like Cooder Graw and Cody Canada in Claremore is a big deal.” Yes, it is. But there’s no better opening act in Rogers County than the award-winning rodeo, featuring the production and incredible animal athletes from Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, which has been recognized as one of the top five stock contracting firms in the PRCA. The rodeo also will feature the comedy of Gizmo McCracken, who has been nominated as the PRCA Comedy Act of the Year six times. Skydiver Bobby Reid makes his return to bring in Old Glory from the air for all three performances. “I love coming to Claremore,” said Reid, who lives in Montrose, Iowa. “The people are so friendly, and the committee there is amazing. They make me feel at home in Claremore.” Many people feel that same way, which is why the local committee has worked so hard to make sure this year’s celebration is memorable. “We don’t volunteer for this for the awards, so we’re not going to sit back and let our past define us,” Petty said. “We want to just keep getting better and make this a showcase every year.”

CLAREMORE, Okla. – A commitment to rodeo fans in northeastern Oklahoma is a big reason for the success of the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo. Members of the Professional Rodeo Association have taken note of that distinction, and it’s a key reason why they have recognized Claremore’s rodeo as the Small Rodeo of the Year in 2014 and 2015. A big part of that award-winning atmosphere is the overall production of the rodeo and the outstanding animal athletes that are part of the competition. “Having Pete Carr Pro Rodeo as our producer has been a big part of our rodeo’s success,” said David Petty, chairman of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29, at Will Rogers Stampede Arena. Tickets are on sale through the event’s website, www.WillRogersStampede.com, and include family packs and adult passes offered at a significant discount online. “One of the things small rodeo committees are struggling with is we must have a product to keep people coming back, and Pete Carr Pro Rodeo brings that product that entices people to want to see that show,” he said. “Once people see it, the chances of them becoming a regular at the rodeo are higher.” The Stampede will honor its 70th anniversary this year with a grand celebration, from the Downtown Hoedown on Thursday, May 26, to concerts after every rodeo performance: Adam Hood on Friday, Cooder Graw on Saturday and Cody Canada and The Departed on Sunday. This year also marks the fourth straight season the Carr team has been part of Claremore’s rodeo production. It’s no coincidence that the Will Rogers Stampede has been named the top small rodeo two of the three years Carr has produced the event. “Pete has been nominated as Stock Contractor of the Year four straight times, and he has the type of production and the kinds of animals that the contestants want to be associated with when they get to Claremore,” Petty said. “We’re proud to have an award-winning rodeo in Claremore, but a big part of that is having Pete and so many people he brings to town that are award winners, too.” Over the last three seasons, the Carr firm has had more animals selected to perform at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo than any other livestock producer. There are 548 contestants that are scheduled to compete in Claremore this spring, which is a considerable statement to both the rodeo committee and the Carr team. “We work really hard all year to produce the rodeos and feature the stock that will draw the top cowboys,” said Pete Carr, owner of the Dallas-based company. “We have a great group of hard-working people who care about the sport and everything that goes into it.” The contestants know that, too. “He’s surrounded himself with people who know what they’re talking about,” said saddle bronc rider Heith DeMoss, a seven-time NFR qualifier from Heflin, La. “You want to go to Pete’s rodeos, because you’re going to get on something good.”

JACKSONVILLE, Texas – The volunteers that organize this community’s annual rodeo are making all things possible for rodeo fans. “We’ve had some people who have asked us to do a few different things, so we’re doing that this year,” said Byron Underwood, chairman of the Tops in Texas Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19-Saturday, May 21, at Lons Morris College Arena. “Right beside the arena, we’re going to have a beer garden and a big screen that will play the rodeo for the people out there, so people can go over there and enjoy their beer and still see the rodeo. But we want to keep it a family atmosphere at the rodeo arena, so we’re going to keep them separate. Admission into the beer garden is with a rodeo ticket, which gets you into the rodeo, then you can go where you want.” It’s just one of the changes that will be featured during the 54th edition of Jacksonville’s rodeo. “People have wanted us to have beer for years,” Underwood said. “You can still go to the rodeo, but if you’re not into that, you will never know they have beer out there. “We’re also going to have a couple concerts coming for the rodeo, so that’s going to be nice.” That is just part of the overall entertainment value ticket-buyers get at the Tops of Texas Rodeo, which also will feature comedian and rodeo clown Troy Lerwill. He is one of the most celebrated acts in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He’s been the barrelman at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo three times, has twice been named the Coors Man in the Can, and he’s been named the PRCA Act of the Year six times. His motorcycle act involves Lerwill’s alter-ego, “The Wild Child,” who jumps a Bloomer trailer and a Ram pickup in a showcase of comedy mixed with athleticism. The rodeo is produced by Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo, the largest stock contracting firm in the PRCA that brings stock from its ranch near Athens, Texas. Over the last three years, no other stock contractor has had more animals selected to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo than the Carr firm. “I think what makes our rodeo special is the fact that we’re professional and we use a professional like Pete,” Underwood said. “We have professional cowboys, the professional acts and make it a professional event, like having “The Wild Child” and the different things that come with a PRCA rodeo. “There aren’t a lot of rodeos that have been going for 54 years.” It continues to be relevant, to be a fan favorite in the community of more than 14,500 people. A big part of that, Underwood said, is the relationship the rodeo has with Pete Carr, owner of the livestock production company. “He’s a great businessman, and he has an excellent crew,” he said. “He has the kind of people that run the show, and he’s been wonderful to us. He’s been a great asset to our rodeo. “His crew knows what they are doing, and we trust him with our rodeo.” That trust is a big reason the Tops of Texas Rodeo is a big hit for fans and contestants every year.

CLAREMORE, Okla. – Jim Thomas has never claimed to be a cowboy, but he’s ready to play the part. Thomas is Claremore’s city manager, and this year he’s received two major honors: He was named the Claremore’s Progressive Person of the Year in the Claremore Progress, then was named to be the grand marshal at this year’s Will Rogers Stampede parade, which takes place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28. “I’ve never been a grand marshal,” said Thomas, who has been at his post for about three and a half years. “It’s kind of humbling. I’m going to wear my cowboy hat and my boots. I’m not a cowboy, but I’m a cowboy at heart. It’s a nice honor, and I appreciate them extending the invitation to me.” This marks the first time in several years a parade has been part of the rodeo weekend. “It’s a new tradition that’s coming back,” he said. “David (Petty) and I talked about the whole weekend, and we wanted to make it a big event. This is the 70th year for the Will Rogers Stampede, so we want to make it special.” Petty is the chairman of the Stampede’s rodeo committee, and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the event – not only is this the 70th anniversary, but the event also will celebrate its two straight titles for Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Small Rodeo of the Year. “Having a rodeo to receive that much recognition bodes well for our community pride, just as Rogers State University and the Will Rogers Museum,” Thomas said. “This is another one of those highlights that Claremore can promote.” The Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 27-Sunday, May 29, at Will Rogers Stampede Arena. Now an award-winning showcase, the city manager recognizes its value. “I used to manage a city in Utah right outside of Ogden, which has the Pioneer Days Rodeo every year,” Thomas said. “Alan Hall is the chairman of the Ogden Pioneer Days Rodeo, and he’s a friend of mine. He was in Las Vegas last year when the award was given out, and he sent me a text. “He’s never been to Claremore, but he knew I was here, and he was excited for us as a community. The rodeo is a direct reflection of this community.” Tickets are on sale through the event’s website, www.WillRogersStampede.com, and include family packs and adult passes offered at a significant discount online. This year’s event will feature Texas music concerts every night after the performances, with Adam Hood on Friday, Cooder Graw on Saturday and Cody Canada and The Departed to close out Sunday’s show. While the weekend will close with a bang, the Downtown Hoedown will add the perfect amount of fireworks to kick-start the festivities. The event will take place Thursday, May 26, and will close down Main Street from City Hall to Route 66. It will feature barbecue, live music and some other Western flare. “We have a lot of visitors from outside the area that come to town for the rodeo,” Thomas said. “We wanted the cowboys and cowgirls feel welcomed. We got together with some of our civic groups and the downtown business association. “This is one of those brainchildren that the more you talk about it, the more excited everyone gets. Plus a hoedown is an awesome word to use when you’re talking about an activity.” It all comes together for the perfect celebration of all Claremore has to offer. “We want to get the community excited that we’ve got a great rodeo right in our back yard,” he said. “The award adds another one of those merits that recognizes this community. It’s a great place to raise families. Rodeos are another one of those quality-of-life things that every community should have. “I’m very excited we have such a good one here.”

GUYMON, Okla. – Josh Peek took a bad situation on Sunday and made it considerably better, and that paid off with the all-around championship at the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. “They hadn’t done much on my bulldogging steer, and I just went out and made the best run I could,” said Peek, a six-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Pueblo, Colo. “That happens in rodeo.” He made up for it tie-down roping, roping and tying his calf in 8.5 seconds. He finished in a tie for fourth place in the third round and finished second in the average with a three-run cumulative time of 25.6 seconds. He earned nearly $3,600 on Sunday alone. That pushed his week-long earnings in the Oklahoma Panhandle to $6,620, and he will now wear the coveted trophy buckle provided to the all-around cowboy. “I came back on a calf that tried, and I just went out and tried to make a He-Man run,” he said. “I ran him up there a ways. My horse, Rio, really made that run. He stopped hard, pulled the calf over my leg and let me tie him fast a long ways down the arena.” Peek won the bulk of his money in tie-down roping, where he placed in all three go-rounds. His lone check in steer wrestling was for sharing the first-round with eventual champion Tyler Waguespack of Gonzalez, La. Peek will now tend to some personal things around his Pueblo home before returning to rodeo in June. “There aren’t a lot of rodeos in the next few weeks, so I’m going to let my horses rest up, really practice and get ready for June,” he said. “It’s the icing on the cake to leave for this little break with a win.” Though he has NFR experience, it’s been six years since he has played for the largest payday in the game. He would like to return to the finale in both of his disciplines, just like he did in 2007 and 2009. “Making it to Vegas is extremely important,” Peek said. “It’s been a long-term goal of mine to win an all-around world title and win an individual event title. This year I’ve got some new horses, and I’ve put some time into it. “I’m putting the pedal to the metal and just going for it.” That was the same approach taken by Roper Kiesner, a 22-year-old saddle bronc rider from Ripley, Okla. He matched moves with Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Manhatten Moon for 83 points on Sunday afternoon to finish third. He’s hoping that will catapult him to a fourth straight qualification to the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo. “Last year was the first time I’d ever ridden in Guymon,” Kiesner said. “I didn’t do very well, so it was a little disappointing. This year I had a really good horse. He helped me make a great ride.” He earned $1,990 in Guymon, and that money will go a long ways to moving him up higher in the standings. Returning to Duncan, Okla., in October is important for the young cowboy. Qualifiers earn their way to the regional finale by finishing the regular season with enough money earned at rodeos primarily in Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. “It’s always been a dream of mine, and this year the money we win at the circuit finals will count toward the world standings,” Kiesner said. “I know everybody’s going to try to win the circuit because of that.” Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo May 2-8 All-around cowboy: Josh Peek, $6,620 won in steer wrestling and tie-down roping Bareback riding: 1. Jake Brown, 89 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet’s Web, $3,257; 2. Tranner Aus, 85, $2,497; 3. Orin Larsen, 84.5, $1,846; 4. Frank Morton, 82.5, $1,194; 5. Devan Reilly, 82, $760; 6. Tyler Scales, 81, $543; 7. Ty Breuer, 81, $434; Caine Riddle, 80, $326.. Team roping: First round: 1. Tyler Wade/Dakota Kirchenschlager, 5.4 seconds, $1,975; 2. David Key/Travis Woodard, 6.1, $1,717; 3. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 6.6, $1,460; 4. Clay Ullery/Ryon Tittel, 6.7, $1,202; 5. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 6.8, $944; 6. Matt Sherwood/Quinn Kesler, 6.9, $687; 7. Blake Hughes/Brady Norman, 7.0, $429; 8. (tie) Lane Livy/Braden Harmon, Paul David Tierney/Cesar de la Cruz and Adam Rose/Walt Woodard, 7.1, $57 each. Second round: 1. (tie) Ryan Jarrett/Marty Yates and Cory Clark/Levi Lord, 5.1 seconds, $1,846 each; 3. Cody Heflin/Ben Hogan, 5.8, $1,460; 4. (tie) Garrett Tonozzi/Cullen Teller and BJ.B. James Jr./Brock Hanson, 6.4, $1,073 each; 6. Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 6.5, $687; 7. Miles Baker/Jace Crabb, 6.8, $429; 8. (tie) Adam Rose/Walt Woodard, Aaron Macy/Cody Pierson and Tyler Wojciechowski/Jace Davis, 7.1, $57 each. Third round: 1. Blake Hughes/Brady Norman, 6.7 seconds, $1,975; 2. Logan Olson/Gage Williams, 7.0, $1,717; 3. JoJo LeMond/Kory Koontz, 7.1, $1,460; 4. Clay Ullery/Ryon Tittel, 7.2, $1,202; 5. (tie) Lee Hagler/T.W. Willson and Adam Rose/Walt Woodard, 7.3, $816 each; 7. Jason Thorstenson/Paul Griemsman, 7.6,$429; 8. (tie) Caleb Mitchell/Cody Thornton and Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 7.9, $86 each. Aggregate: 1. Adam Rose/Walt Woodard, 21.5 seconds on three runs, $2,962; 2. Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 22.8, $2,576; 3. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 23.4, $2,189; 4. Aaron Macy/Cody Pearson, 23.8, $1,803; 5 (tie) Jason Thorstenson/Paul Griemsman and J.B. James Jr./Brock Hanson, 24.1, $1,223 each; 7. Miles Baker/Jace Crabb, 24.7, $644; 8. Blaine Vick/Jim Ross Cooper, 25.6, $258. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. (tie) Josh Peek and Tyler Waguespack, 3.7 seconds, $1,671 each; 3. (tie) Matt Reeves and Jacob Talley, 4.1, $1,204 each; 5. (tie) Tooter Silver and Logan Gledhill, 4.2, $738 each; 7. (tie) Royce Johnson, Clayton Hass and Cody Doescher, 4.3, $181 each. Second round: 1. (tie) Tom Lewis and Gary Gilbert, 3.8 seconds, $1,671 each; 3. Tyler Waguespack, 3.9, $1,321; 4. Wade Steffen, 4.1, $1,088; 5. (tie) Ryan Botham, Taton Sterkel, Josh Clark and J.D. Struxness, 4.3, $505 each. Third round: 1. Dean Gorsuch, 3.9 seconds, $1,787; 2. Jacob Talley, 4.0, $1,554; 3. Trell Etbauer, 4.1, $1,321; 4. (tie) Nick Guy, J.D. Struxness and Tanner Bruner, 4.2, $855 each;  Continue Reading »

GUYMON, Okla. – They come from separate parts of North America, but Audy Reed and Clay Elliott have traveled a similar path. Both have been part of the storied rodeo program at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in nearby Goodwell, and now they’re traveling the ProRodeo circuit together riding saddle broncs. On Saturday night, the two cowboys put together identical 80.5 scores during the third performance of the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. “This is kind of like our hometown rodeo, so it’s good to see people you know and have them watch you do good,” said Reed, who leads the Resistol Saddle Bronc Riding Rookie of the Year race and resides in Spearman, Texas, just 50 miles southeast of Guymon. “It’s always nice to win some money to help you keep going.” They are tied for fourth place and will have to hold out through Sunday’s final performance to see how they finish, but performing well inside Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena is important for both cowboys. “I’ve got all my family here and my teachers and friends,” said Elliott, the 11th-ranked bronc rider in the world standings from Nanton, Alberta. “It’s especially nice to have my teachers here. I have a really good relationship with them, and to keep that relationship good is important to me. I’m glad to have them see what I’m able to do.” Both cowboys made their way to Goodwell because of the rodeo program, which oftentimes is referred to as Bronc Rider University because of the top talent in the discipline that has attended school there and been part of the rodeo program. In all, five Panhandle State rodeo alumni have earned world championships in bronc riding alone. “I came down here because of bronc riding, for sure,” Elliott said. “I knew the school was good, but I knew the bronc riding was the best. When I got here, I realized that the teachers were just as good as the bronc riding. It’s a damn good deal for me.” That education is key for two men who hope to make their living in rodeo, one bronc at a time. “Growing up on a ranch sure help, but those people over there are probably the best teachers in the world as far as bronc riding is concerned,” Reed said, referring to rodeo coach Robert Etbauer, a two-time world champion, and other Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers who have helped with the program over the years. Having solid performances at Pioneer Days Rodeo is especially appealing to both cowboys. “Audy and I are going to a lot of rodeos this year,” Elliott said. “We try to treat this one the same as the other rodeos, but it still means a little more.” They proved that Saturday night. Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo May 2-8 Results through the first performance Bareback riding leaders: 1. Jake Brown, 89 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet’s Web; 2. Tranner Aus, 85; 3. Orin Larsen, 84.5; 4. Frank Morton, 82.5; 5. Devan Reilly, 82; 6.Ty Breuer, 81; 7. Casey Breuer, 79.5; 8. Kelly Timberman, 77. Team roping: Third round leaders: 1. Blake Hughes/Brady Norman, 6.7 seconds; 2. Logan Olson/Gage Williams, 7.0; 3. JoJo LeMond/Kory Koontz, 7.1; 4. Clay Ullery/Ryon Tittel, 7.2; 5. Lee Hagler, 7.3; 6. (tie) Caleb Mitchell/Cody Thornton and Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 7.9; 8. Blaine Vick/Jim Ross Cooper, 8.1. Aggregate leaders: 1. Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 22.8 seconds on three runs; 2. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 23.4; 3. Blaine Vick/Jim Ross Cooper, 25.6; 4. Clay Ullery/Ryon Tittle, 25.7; 5. Logan Olson/Gage Williams, 27.0; 6. Caleb Mitchell/Cody Thornton, 27.4; 7. Garrett Tonozzi/Cullen Teller, 29.2; 8. Joel Bach/Jake Smith, 29.7. Steer wrestling: Third round leaders: 1. Dean Gorsuch, 3.9 seconds; 2. Jacob Talley, 4.0; 3. Trell Etbauer, 4.1; 4. (tie) Nick Guy and Tanner Bruner, 4.2; 6. Clayton Hass, 4.3; 7. Jason Thomas, 4.4; 8. (tie) Seth Brockman and Tyler Waguespack, 4.5. Aggregate leaders: 1. Tyler Waguespack, 12.1 seconds on three runs; 2. Clayton Hass, 14.2; 3. Cody Doescher, 14.4; 4. Dean Gorsuch 14.8; 5. Tanner Bruner, 14.9; 6. Nick Guy, 15.0; 7. Jacob Talley, 15.3; 8. Jake Kraupie, 15.6. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. (tie) Allen Boore, on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Gold Coast, and Ryder Wright, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Cool Runnings, 83.5 points; 3. Chuck Schmidt, 82; 4. (tie) Clay Elliott and Audy Reed, 80.5; 6. Zeke Thurston, 80; 7. (tie) Nat Stratton and Taygen Schuelke, 79.5. Tie-down roping: Third round leaders: 1. Tyson Durfey, 7.6 seconds; 2. Randall Carlisle, 7.8; 3. Cory Solomon, 8.5; 4. Robert Mathis, 8.8; 5. Chris Demases, 8.9; 6. L.D. Meier, 9.2; 7. Ace Slone, 9.4; 8. Cade Swor, 9.6. Aggregate leaders: 1. Cade Swor, 25.2 seconds on three runs; 2. Ace Slone, 27.4; 3. Randall Carlisle, 28.1; 4. Chris Demases, 28.9; 5. L.D. Meier, 29.1; 6. Tyson Durfey, 29.7; 7. Scott Kormos, 30.4; 8. Robert Mathis, 31.0. Barrel racing: Second round leaders: 1. Michele McLeod, 17.19; 2. Tori Morris, 17.36 seconds; 3. Abby Penson, 17.39; 4. Taylor Langdon, 17.43; 5. Carley Richardson, 17.45; 6. Kellie Collier, 17.,46; 7. (tie) Kaylee Burnett and Sabrina Ketcham, 17.48; 9. Amy Jo Farella, 17.50; Ari-Anna Flynn, 17.56. Aggregate leaders: 1. Michele McLeod, 34.71; 2. Taylor Langdon, 34.72; Kellie Collier, 34.89; 4. Nicole Laurence, 35.02; 5. Carley Richaradson, 35.11; 6. Tori Morris, 35.17; 7. Rylee Dick, 35.24; 8. Ari-Anna Flynn, 35.28; 9. Laura Kennedy, 35.32; 10. Amy Jo Farella, 35.36. Bull riding leaders: 1. Scottie Knapp, 87 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Ratter; 2. Tyler Smith, 86.5; 3. Justin Hendrix, 85.5; 4. Tanner Learmont, 85; 5. (tie) Clay Wagner and Eli Vastbinder, 81; 7. Tyler Taylor, 80.5; 8. Corey Atwell, 80.

GUYMON, Okla. – For all the limited success Tyler Waguespack has had at the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo, he’s never finished things off. “I’ve done well in a round here just about every year I’ve been here, but I’ve never been able to get in the average,” said Waguespack, a 2015 Wrangler National Finals steer wrestling qualifier from Gonzalez, La. That changed during this year’s 84th annual rodeo. After competing in the opening two rounds Wednesday and Thursday, he held the lead heading into the third go-round. He extended that lead during Saturday afternoon’s second performance with a solid 4.5-second run. “I had two great runs on my first two cattle, and I came in (to the third round) with the fastest time on two head,” Waguespack said. “I drew a pretty decent steer. Dean Gorsuch had run him earlier in the week, and he gave me some information on him and helped me out; he helped me make the run I did today.” That run pushed his three-run cumulative time to 12.1 seconds, and he holds a lead of more than two seconds over the runner-up, Clayton Hass of Terrell, Texas. Riding Cadillac, the reigning PRCA/AQHA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, both men have been exceptional in the Oklahoma Panhandle this week. “I’m traveling with Clayton Hass and Ty Erickson this year,” he said, noting that all three cowboys have been to the NFR, with Hass and Erickson earning their second straight qualifications in 2015. “We’ve all been there before, and we’re going to try to get back there again this year.” They are well on their way. All three cowboys sit among the top five in the world standings, with Waguespack leading the way at No. 2. “Everybody wants to have a gold buckle,” he said of the elusive world championship. “But 20 years from now I want them to remember my name.” He’s making it hard to forget. Waguespack wasn’t the only contestant to move into the overall lead in his event. He was joined by barrel racer Nicole Laurence of Cresson, Texas, and bull rider Scottie Knapp of Albuquerque, N.M. Laurence has a two-run cumulative time of 35.02 seconds and is 15-100ths of a second faster than the No. 2 cowgirl, Tori Morris. Knapp had a battle on his hands with Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Rattler, a powerful red bull that has been selected to buck at the NFR three straight times. The end result Saturday afternoon was an 87-point ride. “I felt out of control the whole time,” Knapp said. “I’m not sure if it was the way he was bucking or my form may have been a little off. Once I got out of position, I just let everything hang out and tried to make the whistle. I wasn’t letting go. “He’s a great bull, and he’s been a great bull for a while. I wouldn’t mind having him again.” That’s proving to be a winning formula. Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo May 2-8 Results through the first performance Bareback riding leaders: 1. Jake Brown, 89 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet’s Web; 2. Tranner Aus, 85; 3. Devan Reilly, 82; 4.Ty Breuer, 81; 5. Casey Breuer, 79.5; 6. Kelly Timberman, 77; 7. Casey Colletti, 75; 8. Blaine Kaufman, 74. Team roping: Third round leaders: 1. Blake Hughes/Brady Norman, 6.7 seconds; 2. JoJo LeMond/Kory Koontz, 7.1; 3. (tie) Caleb Mitchell/Cody Thornton and Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 7.9; 5. Joshua Torres/Jonathan Torres, 8.6; 6. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 8.7; 7. Jacob Dagenhart/Caleb Anderson, 13.3; 8. Will Clark/Tanner Ward, 14.1. Aggregate leaders: 1. Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 22.8 seconds on three runs; 2. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 23.4; 3. Caleb Mitchell/Cody Thornton, 27.4; 4. (tie) Blake Hughes/Brady Norman and Joshua Torres/Jonathan Torres, 31.1; 6. JoJo LeMond/Kory Koontz, 32.3; 7. Will Clark/Tanner Ward, 35.5; 8. Paul David Tierney/Cesar de la Cruz, 36.2. Steer wrestling: Third round leaders: 1. Dean Gorsuch, 3.9 seconds; 2. Jacob Talley, 4.0; 3. Nick Guy, 4.2; 4. Clayton Hass, 4.3; 5. Jason Thomas, 4.4; 6. (tie) Seth Brockman and Tyler Waguespack, 4.5; 8. Jake Kraupie, 4.9. Aggregate leaders: 1. Tyler Waguespack, 12.1 seconds on three runs; 2. Clayton Hass, 14.2; 3. Cody Doescher, 14.4; 4. Dean Gorsuch 14.8; 5. Nick Guy, 15.0; 6. Jacob Talley, 15.3; 7. Jake Kraupie, 15.6; 8. Seth Brockman, 16.3. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. (tie) Allen Boore, on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Gold Coast, and Ryder Wright, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Cool Runnings, 83.5 points; 3. Chuck Schmidt, 82; 4. Zeke Thurston, 80; 5. Brady Nicholes, 79; 6. Tyrel Larsen, 78.5; 7. Preston Burr, 77.5; 8. Spencer Wright, 75; 6. Shade Etbauer, 74; 7. Charlie Kogaines, 73; 8. Brody Cress, 70. Tie-down roping: Third round leaders: 1. Tyson Durfey, 7.6 seconds; 2. Cory Solomon, 8.5; 3. Robert Mathis, 8.8; 4. Cade Swor, 9.6; 5. Blane Cox, 10.2; 6. (tie) Clint Cooper and Marty Yates, 10.4; 8. (tie) Dalton Dunham and Jake Pratt, 11.4. Aggregate leaders: 1. Cade Swor, 25.2 seconds on three runs; 2. Tyson Durfey, 29.7; 3. Robert Mathis, 31.0; 4. Blane Cox, 31.2; 5. Cory Solomon, 32.6; 6. Clint Cooper, 33.1; 7. Adam Gray, 36.7; 8. Marty Yates, 37.2. Barrel racing: Second round leaders: 1. Tori Morris, 17.36 seconds; 2. Abby Penson, 17.39; 3. (tie) Kaylee Burnett and Sabrina Ketcham, 17.48; 5. Amy Jo Farella, 17.50; 6. (tie) Tiany Schuster and Laura Kennedy, 17.57; 8. Cranna Roberts, 17.58; 9. (tie) Morgan Breaux and Tassie Munroe, 17.59. Aggregate leaders: 1. Nicole Laurence, 35.02 seconds on two runs; 2. Tori Morris, 35.17; 3. Rylee Dick, 35.24; 4. Laura Kennedy, 35.32; 5. Amy Jo Farella, 35.36; 6. Sabrina Ketcham, 35.28; 7. Tassie Munroe, 35.44; 8. Morgan Breaux, 35.47; 9. Shelby Vinson, 35.65; 10. Teresa Tubeville, 35.66. Bull riding leaders: 1. Scottie Knapp, 87 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Ratter; 2. Tanner Learmont, 85; 3. (tie) Clay Wagner and Eli Vastbinder, 81; 5. Corey Atwell, 80; 6. Freeman Yoder, 74; 7. Markus Mariluch, 71; no  Continue Reading »

GUYMON, Okla. – Clay Wagner got to see the good and bad in the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo during Friday’s first performance. Wagner, an 18-year-old bull rider from Round Rock, Ariz., rode the Lancaster & Jones bull Mongol for 81 points and took the early lead. But just as soon as the ride ended, Wagner head collided with the bull’s head. The nasty spill resulted in a concussion and a fractured cervical vertebrae, but Wagner still had movement and passed the neurological exam, said Rick Foster, the program director for the Justin Sportsmedicine Team. Wagner was treated at Memorial Hospital of Texas County, then transferred to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City for a follow-up exam with a neck specialist, Foster said.

GUYMON, Okla. – The 2015 ProRodeo season was a bit of a dream for JoJo LeMond. He earned his second straight qualification to the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping, then moved in as an injury replacement for Jake Barnes at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. In all, he finished sixth in steer roping and seventh in heading; most importantly, he was the reserve world champion all-around cowboy. “I would love to go back to both of them,” said LeMond, who has competed four times at the NFR over his career. “I’m really going to try to win the all-around world championship.” He’s on his way to earning that same title at the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. Earlier this week, he earned the steer roping title to pocket $4,280. That gave him a head start on the rest of the cowboys who compete in multiple events. On Friday night during the first of four performances, LeMond and heeler Kory Koontz of Sudan, Texas, posted the fastest team roping time with a 7.1-second run. That presents the opportunity to earn money in the third go-round, adding to LeMond’s Pioneer Days earnings. “It would mean a lot to win the all-around here,” he said. “Anytime you can win the all-around at something like this or Cheyenne (Wyo.) or Salinas (Calif.) – somewhere that it’s a cowboy event – that’s great. You’ve got to be mounted well. “Plus this is a really prestigious rodeo.” He finished the 2015 season 16th in the heading standings. When Barnes was injured a week before the first round of the NFR, LeMond was called in to head for Barnes’ partner, Junior Nogueira. The two then put on quite a show in Las Vegas, earning more than $117,000 in 10 days. Now he’s roping with Kootz, who has 20 NFR qualifications under his belt. “It’s a huge blessing to get to rope with him,” LeMond said of Koontz. “He’s been a hero of mine since I was a kid. It’s just a real honor.” Being a kid would be a great way to describe saddle bronc rider Ryder Wright, the second son to two-time world champion Cody Wright of Milford, Utah. He turned 18 years old less than two months ago, began competing on his permit. Within a few weeks, he had earned enough money (at least $1,000) to be a full-fledged member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. On Friday night, he matched moves with Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Cool Runnings for 83.5 points, sharing the lead with Allen Boore of Axtell, Utah. “I didn’t know anything about that horse, but (brother) Rusty, (uncle) Spencer and Dad all said he was good,” said Wright, who has been to every NFR since 2003 to watch his family compete; last year, the field of talented Wright bronc riders included Rusty, who made the NFR at age 20 and finished third in the final world standings. Cody Wright won his world titles in 2008 and 2010; Spencer Wright earned the gold buckle in 2014; and  another uncle, Jesse Wright, is the 2012 titlist. While it’s a bronc riding family, that wasn’t always the case for Ryder. “My sixth-grade year, we started doing junior high rodeo,” Ryder Wright said. “I was just riding bulls; I was too scared to ride broncs. In the summer of my eighth-grade year, I got on a couple steers in the bronc saddle; that’s where I started. I did that for a few months, then I got on my first horse, and it’s been going good since then. I love it.” It shows. It was also the Wright decision for him. Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days Rodeo May 2-8 Results through the first performance Bareback riding leaders: 1. Jake Brown, 89 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Scarlet’s Web; 2. Tranner Aus, 85; 3. Ty Breuer, 81; 4. Casey Breuer, 79.5; 5. Casey Colletti, 75; 6. Blaine Kaufman, 74. Team roping: Third round leaders: 1. JoJo LeMond/Kory Koontz, 7.1 seconds; 2. (tie) Caleb Mitchell/Cody Thornton and Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 7.9; 4. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 8.7; 5. Jacob Dagenhart/Caleb Anderson, 13.3; no other qualified times. Aggregate leaders: 1. Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 22.8 seconds on three runs; 2. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 23.4; 3. Caleb Mitchell/Cody Thornton, 27.4; 4. JoJo LeMond/Kory Koontz, 32.3; 5. Jacob Dagenhart/Caleb Anderson, 45.1; 6. David Key/Travis Woodard, 13.8 seconds on two runs; 7. (tie) Adam Rose/Walt Woodard, 14.2. Steer wrestling: Third round leaders: 1. Jacob Talley, 4.0 seconds; 2. Nick Guy, 4.2; 3. Seth Brockman, 4.5; 4. Jace Melvin, 5.0; 5. (tie) Sean Santucci and Cody Doescher, 5.2; 7. Tooter Silver, 8.8; 8. Jake Fulton, 13.8. Aggregate leaders: 1. Cody Doescher, 14.4 seconds on three runs; 2. Nick Guy, 15.0; 3. Jacob Talley, 15.3; 4. Seth Brockman, 16.3; 5. Sean Santucci, 17.9; 6. Tooter Silver, 18.6; 7. Jace Melvin, 21.9; 8. Jake Fulton, 23.4. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. (tie) Allen Boore, on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Gold Coast, and Ryder Wright, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Cool Runnings, 83.5 points; 3. Brady Nicholes, 79; 4. Preston Burr, 77.5; 5. Spencer Wright, 75; 6. Shade Etbauer, 74; 7. Charlie Kogaines, 73; 8. Brody Cress, 70. Tie-down roping: Third round leaders: 1. Cory Solomon, 8.5 seconds; 2. Robert Mathis, 8.8; 3. Cade Swor, 9.6; 4. Clint Cooper, 10.4; 5. (tie) Dalton Dunham and Jake Pratt, 11.4; 7. Shane Hanchey, 15.1; no other qualified times. Aggregate leaders: 1. Cade Swor, 25.2 seconds on three runs; 2. Robert Mathis, 31.0; 3. Cory Solomon, 32.6; 4. Clint Cooper, 33.1; 5. Jake Pratt, 40.6; 6. Dalton Dunham, 43.9; 7. Shane Hanchey, 45.4; 8. Sterling Smith, 17.0 seconds on two runs., Barrel racing: Second round leaders: 1. Tori Morris, 17.36 seconds; 2. Sabrina Ketcham, 17.48; 3. Amy Jo Farella, 17.50; 4. Laura Kennedy, 17.57; 5. (tie) Morgan Breaux and Tassie Munroe, 17.59; 7. Teresa Turbeville, 17.80; 8. Becky Larson, 17.93; 9. Julie Burnett, 18.16; 10. Sara Bynum 22.76. Aggregate leaders: 1. Tori Morris, 35.17 seconds on two runs;  Continue Reading »

Cayla Melby, the daughter of NFR qualifier Jane Melby, rounded the cloverleaf pattern at Guymon, Okla., in 17.14 seconds to win the first round. She was 15-100ths of a second ahead of the second-place finisher, Taylor Langdon. Barrel racing: First round: 1. Cayla Melby, 17.14 seconds, $1,958; 2. Taylor Langdon, 17.29, $1,679; 3. Cassidy Kruse, 17.35, $1,399; 4. Nicole Laurence, 17.36, $1,213; 5. Kellie Collier, 17.43, $933; 6. Stevi Hillman, 17.44, $746;. 7. (tie) Pamela Capper and Ivy Conrado, 17.48, $466 each; 9. (tie) Kelley Schnaufer and Mary Burger, 17.50, $233 each.

BRIDGEPORT, Texas – It’s getting easier for rodeo fans to get tickets to the Karl Klement Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo. “We’ve been wanting to have online ticket sales for a few years, and we were able to make that available this year,” said David Turnbow, chairman of the volunteer committee that organizes the local rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, at Sunset Retreat and Weddings Arena, formerly the Bridgeport Riding Club Arena. “We want to continue to make this a great rodeo to go with our Butterfield Stage Days celebration, and we want it to be an event the whole family can enjoy.” Admission prices prove that point at just $12 per ticket. Friday’s tickets can be purchased online by clicking HERE; Saturday’s tickets are HERE. “This is a community event, and we want to make sure it’s affordable for everyone,” Turnbow said. “We pride our rodeo on being family-friendly entertainment, and we do all we can to make that happen.” There are plenty of amenities that come with each ticket. In addition to the world-class rodeo action, there are numerous options for food and drink as well as other fun things that are part of the experience. Of course, none if it is possible without the competition and the performances that fans have come to expect with the Karl Klement Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo. It’s a true athletic showcase, from entertainer Troy Lerwill to the bucking stock of Pete Carr Pro Rodeo. “Troy showed us last year why he’s been an award-winning act and funnyman in rodeo,” Turnbow said. “It’s exciting to have him back. It’s going to be great having him work with our new announcer, Andy Stewart.” Stewart and Lerwill are just two pieces of the award-winning puzzle that is the Bridgeport rodeo. The rodeo was nominated as 2015 Small Rodeo of the Year, and the Carr firm has been nominated four times in a row. It all adds up to a winning formula for the fans and for the Bridgeport community. “We have a lot of pride in this rodeo, and I hope it shows every May,” Turnbow said.

Cody Doescher of Oklahoma City has made four solid runs at the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. He sits fourth in the steer wrestling average with a two-run cumulative time of 9.2 seconds. He and heading partner Clayton Hass of Terrell, Texas, are seventh in team roping with 14.9 seconds on two runs. Competition continues Friday morning with barrel racing, with the first of four performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Steer wrestling: Second round: 1. (tie) Tom Lewis and Gary Gilbert, 3.8 seconds, $1,671 each; 3. Tyler Waguespack, 3.9, $1,321; 4. Wade Steffen, 4.1, $1,088; 5. (tie) Ryan Botham, Taton Sterkel, Josh Clark and J.D. Struxness, 4.3, $505 each. Average leaders: 1. Tyler Waguespack, 7.6 seconds on two runs; 2. Josh Peek, 8.1; 3. J.D. Struxness, 8.9; 4. Cody Doescher, 9.2; 5. Jake Fulton, 9.6; 6. Tooter Silver, 9.8; 7. Clayton Hass, 9.9; 8. Cole Dorenkamp, 10.1. Team roping: Second round: 1. (tie) Ryan Jarrett/Marty Yates and Cory Clark/Levi Lord, 5.1 seconds, $1,846 each; 3. Cody Heflin/Ben Hogan, 5.8, $1,460; 4. (tie) Garrett Tonozzi/Cullen Teller and BJ.B. James Jr./Brock Hanson, 6.4, $1,073 each; 6. Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 6.5, $687; 7. Miles Baker/Jace Crabb, 6.8, $429; 8. (tie) Adam Rose/Walt Woodard, Aaron Macy/Cody Pierson and Tyler Wojciechowski/Jace Davis, 7.1, $57 each. Average leaders: 1. David Key/Travis Woodard, 13.8 seconds on two runs; 2. (tie) Adam Rose/Walt Woodard and J.B. James Jr./Brock Hanson, 14.2; 4. (tie) Aaron Macy/Cody Pearson and Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 14.6; 6. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 14.7; 7. Clayton Hass/Cody Doescher, 14.9; 8. Miles Baker/Jace Crabb, 15.1. Tie-down roping: Second round: 1. Ace Slone, 7.7 seconds, $1,946; 2. Cade Swor, 8.0, $1,692; 3. Michael Otero, 8.1, $1,438; 4. (tie) Marty Yates and Josh Peek, 8.5, $1,058 each; 6. Ethan Hill, 8.6, $677; 7. (tie) Blane Cox and E.J. Roberts, 8.7, $296 each. Average leaders: 1. Cade Swor, 15.6 seconds on two runs; 2. Sterling Smith, 17.0; 3. (tie) Josh Peek and Caddo Lewallen, 17.1; 5. Ace Slone, 18.0; 6. Clint Kindred, 18.5; 7. Adam Gray, 18.8; 8. Matt Kenney, 19.2.

Josh Peek shared the steer wrestling win and also placed in tie-down roping during Wednesday’s first round of timed events at the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. (tie) Josh Peek and Tyler Waguespack, 3.7 seconds, $1,671 each; 3. (tie) Matt Reeves and Jacob Talley, 4.1, $1,204 each; 5. (tie) Tooter Silver and Logan Gledhill, 4.2, $738 each; 7. (tie) Royce Johnson, Clayton Hass and Cody Doescher, 4.3, $181 each. Team roping: First round: 1. Tyler Wade/Dakota Kirchenschlager, 5.4 seconds, $1,975; 2. David Key/Travis Woodard, 6.1, $1,717; 3. Coleman Proctor/Billie Jack Saebens, 6.6, $1,460; 4. Clay Ullery/Ryon Tittel, 6.7, $1,202; 5. Monty Wood/Brandon Gonzales, 6.8, $944; 6. Matt Sherwood/Quinn Kesler, 6.9, $687; 7. Blake Hughes/Brady Norman, 7.0, $429; 8. (tie) Lane Livy/Braden Harmon, Paul David Tierney/Cesar de la Cruz and Adam Rose/Walt Woodard, 7.1, $57 each. Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Cade Swor, 7.6 seconds, $1,946; 2. (tie) Sterling Smith and Adam Gray, 8.0, $1,565 each; 4. Caddo Lewallen, 8.2, $1,184; 5. Clint Cooper, 8.3, $931; 6. Ryan Jarrett, 8.5, $677; 7. (tie) Josh Peek and Rees Reimer, 8.6, $296 each.

JoJo LeMond, who has National Finals qualifications in both heading and steer roping, earned the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo’s steer roping title. He placed in three of the four go-rounds and finished by downing four steers in 54.4 seconds. He pocketed $4,280 in the process. The Andrews, Texas, cowboy also won the steer roping title last May. Steer roping: First round: 1. Will Gasperson, 12.6 seconds, $1,697; 2. Scott Snedecor, 13.6, $1,476; 3. Guy Allen, 13.7, $1,254; 4. Dan Fisher, 14.4, $1,033; 5. Vin Fisher Jr., 14.5, $812; 6. Jarrett Blessing, 14.7, $590; 7. Marty Jones, 14.8, $369; 8. JoJo LeMond, 15.0, $148. Second round: 1. K.W. Lauer, 12.4 seconds, $1,697; 2. Don Eddleman, 12.6, $1,476; 3. (tie) Marty Jones and Billy Good, 13.2, $1,144 each; 5. Scott Snedecor, 13.4, $812; 6. (tie) Jess Tierney and John Bland, 13.5, $480 each; 8. JoJo LeMond, 13.9, $148. Third round: 1. Troy Tillard, 10.7 seconds, $1,697; 2. Jason Evans, 11.0, $1,476; 3. Jess Tierney, 11.1, $1,254; 4. Rocky Patterson, 11.2, $1,033; 5. Corey Ross, 11.4, $812; 6. Dan Eddleman, 11.8, $590; 7. J.P. Wickett, 12.1, $396; 8. Brodie Poppino, 12.2, $148. Fourth round: 1. Lawson Plemons, 10.0 seconds, $1,697; 2. Tom Smith, 10.6, $1,476; 3. Brian Garr, 10.7, $1,254; 4. (tie) Ty Herd and Brodie Poppino, 11.0, $922 each; 6. JoJo LeMond, 10.6, $590; 6. Jarrett Blessing, 10.7, $369; 8. Brent Lewis, 11.9, $148. Average: 1. JoJo LeMond, 54.4 seconds on four runs, $3,394; 2. Scott Snedecor, 60.5, $2,952; 3. Jarrett Blessing, 60.6, $2,509; 4. (tie) Vin Fisher Jr. and Rocky Patterson, 62.0, $1,845 each; 6. Jim Locke, 62.4, $1,181; 7. Jason Evans, 63.1, $738; 8. Tony Reina, 71.0, $295.

Third round: 1. Troy Tillard, 10.7 seconds, $1,697; 2. Jason Evans, 11.0, $1,476; 3. Jess Tierney, 11.1, $1,254; 4. Rocky Patterson, 11.2, $1,033; 5. Corey Ross, 11.4, $812; 6. Dan Eddleman, 11.8, $590; 7. J.P. Wickett, 12.1, $396; 8. Brodie Poppino, 12.2, $148. Average leaders: 1. Marty Jones, 40.3 seconds on three runs; 2. JoJo LeMond, 42.8; 3. Rocky Patterson, 44.9; 4. Scott Snedecor, 46.7; 5. John Bland, 46.8; 6. Paul David Tierney, 48.7; 7. (tie) Jarrett Blessing and Vin Fisher Jr., 48.9.

BRIDGEPORT, Texas – Steer wrestler K.C. Jones has traveled all across this country to compete at an elite level. He really likes competing close to his Decatur, Texas, home. He will get that opportunity next week during the Karl Klement Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, at Sunset Retreat and Weddings Arena, formerly the Bridgeport Riding Club Arena. “It’s nice to just run over there and make a run,” said Jones, a nine-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “Karl Klement is a very good sponsor for us and a big sponsor for that rodeo, so I go over there and hang out with those guys; they do a great job of taking care of us. “It’s an awesome little rodeo. That arena is set up perfect. It reminds me of going to my hometown rodeo in Las Animas (Colo.). It’s just a big community affair.” It’s also well recognized in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the premier sanctioning body for the sport. A year ago, Bridgeport’s rodeo was nominated as the PRCA’s Small Rodeo of the Year, one of just five events its size to earn the nod. “I voted for them,” Jones said. “Committees work so hard for us. Without the committees like the one in Bridgeport, we wouldn’t have ProRodeo. They’re the backbone and the heart of what makes it work. “It’s awesome they were nominated. I was happy to see their name on the ballot. I was glad to be able to vote for them.” Now he’s excited to be part of the field in the 2016 version. Not only is it close to home, but the Karl Klement Butterfield Stage Days Rodeo also affords Jones the opportunity to collect important earnings and hopefully return to the NFR in Las Vegas this coming December. “They really take good care of us,” he said. “They have great hospitality for us every day. It’s pretty fun to go there. It’s been muddy the last couple of years, but it’s always fun.” Jones enjoys the comforts of home. He has spent quite a bit of time there recently, so it works well to make sure to work Bridgeport into his schedule. He finished the 2015 eighth in the world standings and is just outside the top 50 as of the end of April. “I haven’t been to very many rodeos yet,” he said. “I’ve been staying around here getting a lot of things done around the house. It seems like the past few years, I get hot when the weather gets hot. We’ll take off the first of June and try to make up ground. We’re going to be gone for weeks at a time, so it’s nice to be able to stay home for a bit. “You can count 70 rodeos, so once we get out on the road, we’ll stay out there. There are some rodeos I’m missing this time of year, but when it comes to Bridgeport, I won’t miss that rodeo.”

Second round: 1. K.W. Lauer, 12.4 seconds, $1,697; 2. Don Eddleman, 12.6, $1,476; 3. (tie) Marty Jones and Billy Good, 13.2, $1,144 each; 5. Scott Snedecor, 13.4, $812; 6. (tie) Jess Tierney and John Bland, 13.5, $480 each; 8. JoJo LeMond, 13.9, $148. Aggregate leaders: 1. Scott Snedecor, 27.0 seconds on two runs; 2. Marty Jones, 28.0; 3. JoJo LeMond, 28.9; 4. Bryce Davis, 29.8; 5. Jim Locke, 30.3; 6. (tie) Dan Fisher and Chet Herren, 31.5; 8. Roger Branch, 31.6.

First round: 1. Will Gasperson, 12.6 seconds, $1,697; 2. Scott Snedecor, 13.6, $1,476; 3. Guy Allen, 13.7, $1,254; 4. Dan Fisher, 14.4, $1,033; 5. Vin Fisher Jr., 14.5, $812; 6. Jarrett Blessing, 14.7, $590; 7. Marty Jones, 14.8, $369; 8. JoJo LeMond, 15.0, $148.

ALVA, Okla. – The arena in Guymon, Okla., may have been a muddy mess this past weekend, but it was the perfect place for goat-tier Shayna Miller to close out her Central Plains Region career. Miller won the first round and finished second in mucky conditions during the short round to share the victory with her sister, Katy, at Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s Doc Gardner Memorial Rodeo at Hitch Arena. Shayna Miller also clinched her second regional championship and was one of the guiding forces behind the Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s second straight women’s team title. “It’s a pretty crazy feeling to win the goat-tying title the two years I was in Alva,” said Shayna Miller, a senior from Faith, S.D. “I had big goals coming into the year, and to come out on top again was a pretty cool experience.” So was sharing the goat-tying title in Guymon with her little sister, a sophomore at Northwestern. “It means a lot, especially since it was the last one of the season,” Katy Miller said. “Shayna really pushed me this last year. To get that win with her meant a lot.” Shayna Miller was one of three Rangers to claim regional titles, joining steer wrestler Jacob Edler of State Center, Iowa, and tie-down roper Bryson Seachrist of Apache, Okla. They have all earned the right to compete at the College National Finals Rodeo, which will take place June 12-18 in Casper, Wyo. By winning the region, the Northwestern women will field a full team of four cowgirls – Shayna Miller and barrel racer Sara Bynum, the third-place finisher from Beggs, Okla. – are guaranteed to be on the team; the other two spots will be announced later by rodeo coach Stockton Graves. In addition, steer wrestler J.D. Struxness of Appleton, Minn., earned the right to compete by finishing second behind Edler, while bareback rider Austin Graham of Jay, Okla., finished third overall to return to Casper. That means eight Rangers will battle for the national championship in a little more than a month, which bodes well for the rodeo program. “There are a lot of quality girls on the team that can bump you out of your spot on the team,” Shayna Miller said. “If you’re not on top of your game, then you might not get your spot on the team. When there are more girls that are so competitive, it makes you step up your game.” Of course, it helps Shayna Miller to have such a competitive sibling on the team. “I was excited for her,” Shayna Miller said of Katy. “For her to go in there and pull off a good run in the short round and tie me for the average win was a pretty cool deal for us.” It also made up for a disappointing breakaway-roping run for Katy Miller, who failed to score a time during the championship round. “All I had to do was catch, and I would’ve done well enough to move into second in the region and go to the college finals,” she said. “When I pitched my slack, the rope came off his head. That was a downer, so I just focused really hard on my run in goats.” It paid off in a big way. The women’s team finished third in the Oklahoma Panhandle and held on to the points lead overall. Shayna Miller used her solid performance in Guymon to move up from second place to earn the year-end championship. Edler, who had clinched the championship prior to the final rodeo, finished second anyway to close out a dominating season. Struxness, who won the Guymon title, moved up one spot. Graham also won the bareback riding title to remain solid in the standings. For the women, barrel racer Cassy Woodward of Dupree, S.D., utilized a solid final run to finish third overall, while breakaway roper Taylor Munsell of Arnett, Okla., won the short round to move into second place overall. “Our women’s team was pretty stacked this year, and I think that meant a lot to Stockton,” Katy Miller said. “When the women’s team won the region last year, he really wanted us to get the second win this year. A lot of girls contributed to this team title.” Now it’s time for the eight Rangers to prepare themselves mentally and physically for the demanding college finale. “My first trip out there, it was just cool to be there,” said Shayna Miller, who earned her first CNFR qualification as a freshman at Pratt (Kan.) Community College before transferring for her final two years in Alva. “I didn’t have the goals that I have now. I have goals set for the college finals. “All the girls that are on the team do their own things to get ready. We’re a team, but we all want to win individually. I think that practicing to win individually and Stockton having a team that’s wired that way just gives us a boost.” It showed through the 10-event Central Plains Region season.