Monthly Archives: July 2017

LOVINGTON, N.M. – The rodeo history in southeastern New Mexico is as rich as the rugged terrain that makes up Lea County. It’s proven in the men who laid the foundation for the rich rodeo tradition, men like Jake McClure, Troy Fort, Sonny Davis, Roy Cooper and Jimmie Cooper. It reappears every summer when this community hosts the Lea County Fair and Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9-Saturday, Aug. 12, at Jake McClure Arena; that also includes Lea County Xtreme Bulls, which is Tuesday, Aug. 8. “One thing I look at is that we’re off the beaten path to be this big of a rodeo,” said Trey Kerby, chairman of the Lea County Fair Board’s rodeo committee. “A lot of people have to drive a long way to get here. That says a lot about something that’s been around for 82 years.” Rodeo’s greatest stars converge on this community of about 11,000 over the course of the five performances. Every winner from the 2016 rodeo has already competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, which is a tell-tale sign of the greatness that happens inside the fairgrounds’ arena. “This is always a big rodeo that everybody wants to win,” said Cody Rostockyj, last year’s winner from Lorena, Texas. Over the years, Lovington’s rodeo has been recognized as one of the best large events in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. That’s no small task; the Lea County Fair and Rodeo has been listed with rodeos like the Pendleton (Ore.) Roundup and Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days. “It’s something special to be down in the middle of our rodeo,” said Kerby, who grew up in Lea County and has been around his hometown rodeo all his life. “A lot of the contestants come straight from Sikeston (Mo.) just to compete here. It says we’re doing something right for them to come all that way to be here. “We pay good, and we make it a good rodeo with good livestock. I think that’s attractive to the cowboys who come here.” It’s also something that helps attract fans from all over the region to Lovington; they know where the top cowboys will be in early August every year. “We don’t just draw from Lea County,” Kerby said. “We have many people come from west Texas, up north in New Mexico … pretty much all over. There aren’t a lot of things here but ranches and people who know rodeo, so it means a lot to me that they make their way here.” What is it that makes the Lea County Fair and Rodeo so special to those rodeo fans and the hundreds of contestants that area part of the annual event? “It’s an accumulation of everything: the world-class stock and the world-class athletes that come to do it,” he said. “If anybody follows rodeo, they know just about everybody that shows up here.”

Layton Green riding into world-title contention with victory in Pollockville POLLOCKVILLE, Alberta – Every young cowboy has dreamed of being one of the very best in the field. Layton Green is living out his dreams one bucking horse at a time, and he’s doing everything he can to make them happen in 2017. “This has been outstanding,” said Green, who on Saturday night scored 91 points on Calgary Stampede’s Stampede Warrior in the championship round to win the inaugural Hardgrass Bronc Match in Pollockville. “I’ve been dreaming of making the National Finals Rodeo all my life, and this will make it one step easier. “To win the first-ever Hardgrass Bronc Match is awesome.” It should be. It’s the first event of its kind; the stand-alone bronc riding was co-sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. That means money won will count toward contestants’ qualifications for bot the NFR and the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Heading into this weekend’s event, Green was No. 1 in the CPRA standings with $33,703 and fifth in the PRCA with $76,073. He will pad those standings with the $7,061 he earned Saturday night. “That was the third time I’ve had Stampede Warrior this month,” said Green, 23, of Meeting Creek, Alberta. “I won the short round in Ponoka (Alberta), and I was 91.5 points on him to win the first round in Calgary.” Green shared the first-round victory with Nebraskan Cort Scheer; both cowboys were 87 points – Scheer spurred Calgary’s Weekend Departure, while Green matched moves with Calgary’s Yesterday’s Delivery. By winning the opening round, Scheer and Green were the first two to select from the pen of short-round horses. “Cort picked Wild Cherry, which I was also 91.5 in Calgary, too, in the four-man round,” Green said. “It was unreal. There was a pile of people here in the crowd, and everybody rodeo really good. It came down to whoever spurred the best, whoever rode the best, was going to win it. “Because of the horses they had here, everybody had a chance to win it.” That’s true. Green didn’t even post the highest score of the night. That honor belonged to Clay Elliott of Nanton, Alberta, who spurred Calgary’s Tiger Warrior for 92 points to win the short go-round. With Green finishing second, he earned the highest two-ride cumulative score to win the championship. “Everybody had fun,” he said. “It was probably one of the best bronc matches I’ve ever been to.” The leaderboard proved it. Of the top five in the final score, only Green hasn’t been to the NFR. “Rodeoing with your idols is great,” he said. “I’ve looked up to guys like Cort Scheer and Tyler Corrington for a while now, and to be able to ride at that level and to be able to ride against guys like that is awesome.” If he keeps it up, he’ll be doing so at the CFR in Edmonton, Alberta, in November and again at the NFR in Las Vegas in December. Hardgrass Bronc Match Pollockville, Alberta July 29, 2017 First round: 1. (tie) Cort Scheer, on Calgary Stampede’s Weekend Departure, and Layton Green, on Calgary Stampede’s Yesterday’s Delivery, 87 points, $2,543 each; 3. Jacobs Crawley, 85, $1,795; 4. Jake Watson, 84, $1,297; 5. (tie) Clay Elliott and Colton Miller, 83.5, $648 each; 7. (tie) Lane Watt and Justin Berg, 83, $249. Short round: Clay Elliott, 92 points on Calgary Stampede’s Tiger Warrior, $2,100; 2; Layton Green, 91.5, $1,725; 3. Jacobs Crawley, 89.5, $1,350; 4. Jake Watson, 88, $950; 5. Cort Scheer, 87, $600; 6. Justin Berg, 85, $375; 7. Colton Miller, 83, $225. Average: 1. Layton Green, 178.5 points on two rides, $2,792; 2. Clay Elliott, 175.5, $2,294; 3. Jacobs Crawley, 174.5, $1,795; 4. Cort Scheer, 174, $1,297; 5. Jake Watson, 172, $798; 6. Justin Berg, 168, $499; 7. Colton Miller, 166, $299; 8. Lane Watt, 83 points on one ride, $199.

Trace Adkins, Gretchen Wilson headline a top concert lineup LOVINGTON, N.M. – World-class talent makes its way to Lovington each August. This year’s Lea County Fair and Rodeo concert lineup is proof, with top headliners Trace Atkins and Gretchen Wilson closing out this year’s exposition at the Lea County Fairgrounds in Lovington. “We’ve been able to bring the planning and organizing for the fair and rodeo back in house, and it shows what we are capable of doing,” said Corey Helton, chairman of the Lea County Fair Board. “Jim Kemp has worked tirelessly on getting everything done appropriately, and his hard work has paid off. “We have always had strong musical acts at our fair and rodeo, and it’s nice to see that after a couple of years struggling, we have returned to the top with this year’s lineup.” Adkins, whose raspy bass-baritone voice is as recognizable as his 6-foot-6-inch frame and signature goatee, has had three No. 1 hits on the country charts, including “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” “Ladies Love Country Boys” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” He will perform Friday, Aug 11, after the rodeo ends. Wilson will finish the nine-day fair and rodeo on Saturday, Aug. 12, bringing her “Rowdy” personality to Lea County. Best known for her 2004 Grammy Award-winning single “Redneck Woman,” Wilson’s newly released album is called Ready to Get Rowdy, including the single “Rowdy.” She has charted 13 singles on the country charts, five of which have reached inside the top 10; besides “Redneck Woman,” she also hit the charts with “Here for the Party,” “When I Think about Cheatin’,” “Homewrecker” and “All Jacked Up.” The concerts kick off Friday, Aug. 4, with Hispanic Heritage Night at the fair and rodeo. The concerts will include Conjuncto Primavera and Virlan Garcia. Conjuncto Primavera was formed in the Mexican state of Chihuahua four decades ago and has been nominated for many Latin Grammy Awards. It was awarded the Latin Grammy award Best Norteno for its album Amor Amor. Garcia specializes in Norteno, Corridos and bandas. He has had a huge hit with “Fuego Cruzado.” After three days off, the concerts return with the Josh Abbott Band on Tuesday, Aug. 8, following the Lea County Xtreme Bulls. Known for its Texas Country genre, the band originated a decade ago in Lubbock, Texas. This region is nothing new to the group. The group performed in Lovington just four years ago, but this is where its roots lie. Abbott founded the band in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University, and it was a hit in 2013. There’s no reason to expect anything different now. Danny Gokey will perform on Faith and Family night on Aug. 9. He gained fame as he dealt the death of his wife just a month before performing on “American Idol.” He placed third on the show and has a powerful message to share through his music. Cassadee Pope makes her Lea County Fair and Rodeo debut. Like Gokey, Pope gained fame through reality television, being part of the third season of “The Voice.” “This is an exciting return to the type of concerts we want to share with the people here in Lea County,” Helton said. “I love that we have bands that have been a hit in the past returning, and I’m very excited we have both Trace Adkins and Gretchen Wilson performing this year. “That says a lot about what we have to offer.”

DODGE CITY, Kan. – Dodge City Roundup is more than a local rodeo with regional appeal. It’s a world-class championship that will feature nearly 1,000 contestants all vying for their share of the large purse available. “We are very pleased to have upgraded our status to a Wrangler Gold Tour rodeo, which means we’re offering more of a purse than ever before,” said Dr. R.C. Trotter, president of Roundup, set for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 6, at Roundup Arena; it also includes A Whole Lotta Bull, which features the Xtreme Bulls Tour and Bullfighters Only freestyle bullfighting on Tuesday, Aug. 1. “We want our fans to see the best rodeo they can possibly see each year, so we want to have the best contestants. That’s why we put up $20,000 in committee purse in every event, and that’s why we have the best livestock.” It’s working. Take Chet Johnson, who won the saddle bronc riding championship in Dodge City a year ago. “Dodge City is one of those bucket-list type of rodeos, where everyone wants to win it,” said saddle bronc rider Chet Johnson, a four-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Gillette, Wyo. “It’s got such a history to it, and it’s an icon in the sport. To put that notch on your belt is a huge one.” Roundup will feature preliminary go-rounds Wednesday-Saturday, with the top 12 contestants in each event advancing to Sunday’s championship round. The final night will be a who’s who in rodeo. “A lot of guys get nervous when they make the short round here, because this is probably the rankest short round you’ll ever see,” said Tim O’Connell, the reigning bareback riding world champion from Zwingle, Iowa, who won the Roundup crown last year en route to his first gold buckle. “This is a very prestigious rodeo. In the three years that I’ve been here, they break arena records all the time. If you want to be a rank horse rider and be in the 90s, this is the place to be.” The fans that experience Roundup feel the same way, and there will be a ton of excitement through all six nights of the rodeo. The rodeo is the crown jewel of a community celebration, Dodge City Days. “To me, this is more than just a rodeo,” Trotter said. “That’s why we want to reach out to others around us, with our red-white-and-blue Friday and our Tough Enough to Wear Pink night on Saturday. We will honor first-responders on Friday and help raise money and awareness for Circle of Hope. “Because we have such a great rodeo with amazing partners, we are able to do a lot of great things. It’s one of the things that makes me most proud of being part of Roundup Rodeo.”

SALINAS, Calif. – Many things have changed for Toby Inman since 2009, the last time he earned the freestyle bullfighting title in Salinas. One thing that hasn’t: He is still one of the smoothest men to have ever tested his skills on the California Rodeo Salinas track. He proved it this past weekend by dominating the Bullfighters Only competition – he won the first three rounds and won the overall championship on a four-fight total of 335 points, 25.5 points better than the runner-up, Weston Rutkowski. “I was feeling good the first three rounds and was on top of my game,” said Inman of Davis Junction, Ill. “I had good draws, and I was soaking up every bit of it. “I’m going to enjoy this for a while.” He should. He’s adapted his game considerably since his last Salinas title, then in his mid-20s. Now in his mid-30s, Inman returned to the winner’s circle by showcasing his athleticism in a different way. “My style has changed to fit how I move now,” he said. “I don’t move as fast, but I’m still fighting as good I’ve always fought even though I’m slowing down more. I’ve always jumped bulls, but nowadays, jumping isn’t good enough. You’ve got to pull off these big tricks to get a check. “When I was younger, I just did it. I could run a marathon, but I didn’t train for it. Now at 34 years old, I’ve got to run a mile or two to get in shape. I train my body more than I did before.” The biggest score of the weekend came in the second round when Inman posted an 89-point fight. He began with a running “gainer” over the black Spanish bull. The animal stayed close, and Inman was remained just out of harm’s way for the entire fight. “It would’ve been cool to take all four nights, but I’ll take what I’ve got,” he said. “I’m glad I got to town early, because I was soaking up as much of Salinas as I could. That rodeo and the people there are awesome.” RESULTS Round 1: 1. Toby Inman, 85 points; 2. Zach Flatt, 81; 3. Beau Schueth, 79.5. Round 2: 1. Toby Inman, 89 points; 2. Cody Emerson, 85; 3. Beau Schueth, 80. Round 3: 1. Toby Inman, 85.5 points; 2. Weston Rutkowski, 80.5; 3. Cody Emerson, 78. Round 4: 1. Beau Schueth, 84 points; 2. Zach Flatt, 83; 3. Weston Rutkowski, 82. Average: 1. Toby Inman, 335 points on four fights; 2. Weston Rutkowski, 319.5; 3. Zach Flatt, 312.5.

EAGLE, Colo. – As he stood behind the bucking chutes before the final performance of the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo on Saturday night, there was a bit more electricity sparking out of J.W. Meiers. “I was excited, and I couldn’t believe I had a horse like that here,” Meiers said of his saddle bronc riding partner, Big Tex, a former horse of the year from the Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo string. “He was everything I had ever hoped for. “He actually bucked harder, so I was trying to hustle. I did everything I could to stay on him. He’s an amazing horse.” Yes, he is. Now 17 years old, the big bay gelding was the 2010 Bareback Horse of the Year in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He has bucked at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo each of the last 11 years, the last five in saddle bronc riding. Oh, and cowboys have won many of the biggest rodeos in the country on the powerful and electric horse’s back. On Saturday night, he was matched with Meiers, a 22-year-old cowboy from Mills, Wyo., who has been riding broncs for eight years. “We had a pretty good match-up today,” he said. The duo danced across the Johnette Phillips Arena dirt for 83 points, which was worth $1,534 for the Wyoming cowboy. He needs every dollar he can get in this region, because they count toward qualifications to the RAM Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo, which takes place this fall in Great Falls, Mont. “I made the circuit finals last year, and it’s always a goal to keep going back,” said Meiers, who is just five years older than Big Tex but far less experienced. “At this stage, there shouldn’t be a year I don’t go back. Hopefully I get a few more rodeos in me, I can go harder and hopefully make the (National Finals Rodeo) someday.” For now, though, he’ll continue to work on the basics of the game and chase his dreams of qualifying for the NFR, ProRodeo’s grand finale that features only the best in the game each season. “Everything can always have work,” he said. “Today I was ready to have a strong mark-out and lift on my rein. That’s what I needed to focus on every ride. “Hopefully in five years I can be riding at the NFR and hopefully riding broncs as good ever day as I did today.” Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Eagle, Colo. July 19-22 Bareback riding: 1. Jake Brown, 86 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Bright Lights, $2,256; 2. Devan Reilly, 82.5, $1,730; 3. Joel Schlegel, 82, $1,278; 4. Trenten Montero 81.5, $827; 5. Will Lowe, 81, $526; 6. (tie) Weston Garrett and Mike Fred, 80, $338 each; 8. Zach Hibler, 79.5, $226. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Beau Clark, 3.2 seconds, $645; 2. Justin Blain Davis, 4.8, $483; 3. Brian Snell, 5.0, $322; 4. Cutter DeHart, 5.2, $161. Second round: 1. Wyatt Johnson, 4.4 seconds, $645; 2. Chisum Docheff, 4.7, $483; 3. Cole McNamee, 5.0, $322; 4. Cutter DeHart, 5.3, $161. Average: 1. Beau Clark, 10.0 seconds on two runs, $967; 2. Chisum Docheff, 10.2, $725; 3. Cutter DeHart, 10.5, $483; 4. Logan McDonald, 12.1, $242. Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Kyle Dickens, 8.7 seconds, $677; 2. Brice Ingo, 10.4, $508; 3. Taylor Skinner 11.2, $338; 4. Ricky Lambert, 11.4, $169. Second round: 1. Brandon Neugebauer, 9.1 seconds, $677; 2. Joey Dickens 9.2, $508; 3. Dylan Marks, 10.7, $338; 4. Carter Davis, 11.4, $169. Average: 1. Kyle Dickens, 21.0, $1,015; 2. Brice Ingo, 23.5, $761; 3. Ricky Lambert, 23.6, $508; 4. Taylor Skinner, 24.1, $254. Saddle bronc riding: 1. (tie) Wyatt Casper, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Deuces Wild, and Bradley Harter, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Sweet Maria, 83.5 points, $2,391 each; 3. JW Meiers, 83, $1,534; 4. Chet Johnson, 81.5, $993; 5. (tie) Dawson Jandreau and Tyler Turco, 81, $541 each; 7. (tie) Sam Harper and Chanse Darling, 79.5, $316 each. Team roping: 1. Cole Dorenkamp/Bret Tonozzi, 6.0 seconds, $752; 2. Britt Ellerman, 6.7, $564; 3. Eric Martin/Cody Howa, 7.1, $376; 4. Travis Bounds/Jesse Sheffield, 7.3, $188. Second round: 1. Nick Pullara/Shawn Darnall, 5.0 seconds, $752; 2. Levi O’Keeffe/Jade Nelson, 5.3, $564; 2. B.J. Campbell/Lane Siggins, 5.5, $376; 4. (tie) Tanner Baldwin/J.W. Borrego and Tyler Schnaufer/Trevor Schnaufer, 5.8, $94 each; 4. Denton Taylor/Dusty Taylor, 6.2. Average: 1. Brit Ellerman/J.D. Yates, 13.1 seconds on two runs, $1,128; 2. Jay Tittel/Richard Durham, 13.6, $846; 3. B.J. Campbell/Lane Siggins, 16.2, $564; 4. Nick Pullara/Shawn Darnall, 16.3, $282. Barrel racing: 1. Ericka Nelson, 17.17 seconds, $1,532; 2. Shali Lord, 17.32, $1,313; 3. Kelly Koeppen, 17.36, $1,094; 4. Melanie Roman, 17.62, $948; 5. Jean Winters, 17.64, $729; 6. Cambra Smith, 17.71, $584; 7. Andrea Busby, 17.76, $438; 8. Wendy McKee, 17.80, $292; 9. Dani Durham, 17.81, $219; 10. Abby Phillips, 17.85, $146. Bull riding: 1. Lex Oakley, 85 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Son of Sam, $3,211; 2. Dillon James Tyner, 83, $2,565; 3. Nic Lica, 81.5, $2,010; 4. Fulton Rutland, 79, $1,456; no other qualified rides.

EAGLE, Colo. – The rains hovered over Johnette Phillips Arena about half an hour before the start of Friday’s third performance of the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo. It didn’t stop until the final bull bucked, but the action was incredible from start to finish. “It just kept coming down,” said Will Lowe, a three-time world champion bareback rider who posted an 81-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s The Senator. “When our horses went, it was still really good. As it went further and further, it just got worse.” Lowe has experienced worse; that’s rodeo. “It always adds different factors to it,” said Lowe, whose wife, Tiffani, is from nearby Gypsum; she competed in barrel racing on Friday. “Sometimes it can be real beneficial, but it just depends on the situation.” He has experienced all the highs and lows that come with the game. In addition to his three gold buckles, he is a 14-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He also is a two-time winner of the Eagle rodeo. “I’ve had some real good goes here,” he said. “Usually at Pete Carr’s rodeos, it’s real nice because you have a good chance to win something on whatever you draw. You’ve just got to use them. “Pete usually has a pretty even pen. I’ve been coming consistently since Pete got the contract here. They bumped the money up, and then they got Pete about the same time. But you know with Pete’s stock that whatever you draw will give you a chance to win money.” Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Eagle, Colo. July 19-22 Bareback riding: 1. Jake Brown, 86 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Bright Lights; 2. Devan Reilly, 82.5; 3. Trenten Montero 81.5; 4. Will Lowe, 81; 5. (tie) Weston Garrett and Mike Fred, 80; 7. Zach Hibler, 79.5; 8. Tony Barrington, 75.5. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Beau Clark, 3.2 seconds, $645; 2. Justin Blain Davis, 4.8, $483; 3. Brian Snell, 5.0, $322; 4. Cutter DeHart, 5.2, #161. Second round: 1. Wyatt Johnson, 4.4 seconds; 2. Chisum Docheff, 4.7; 3. Austin Eller, 5.7; 4. Beau Clark, 6.8. Average: 1. Beau Clark, 10.0 seconds on two runs; 2. Chisum Docheff, 10.2; 3. Austin Eller, 12.6; 4. Kodie Jang, 19.5. Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Kyle Dickens, 8.7 seconds, $677; 2. Brice Ingo, 10.4, $508; 3. Taylor Skinner 11.2, $338; 4. Ricky Lambert, 11.4, $169. Second round: 1. Brandon Neugebauer, 9.1 seconds; 2. Ricky Lambert, 12.2; 3. Taylor Skinner, 12.9; 4. Brice Ingo, 13.1. Average: 1. Brice Ingo, 23.5 seconds on two runs; 2. Ricky Lambert, 23.6; 3. Taylor Skinner, 24.1; 4. Joe James, 25.5. Saddle bronc riding: 1. (tie) Wyatt Casper, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Deuces Wild, and Bradley Harter, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Sweet Maria, 83.5 points; 3. Chet Johnson, 81.5; 4. (tie) Dawson Jandreau and Tyler Turco, 81; 6. (tie) Sam Harper and Chanse Darling, 79.5; 8. Jake Finlay, 79. Team roping: 1. Cole Dorenkamp/Bret Tonozzi, 6.0 seconds, $752; 2. Eric Martin/Cody Howa, 7.1, $564; 3. Travis Bounds/Jesse Sheffield, 7.3, $376; 4. Jay Tittel/Richard Durham, 7.5, $188. Second round: 1. Levi O’Keeffe/Jade Nelson, 5.3 seconds; 2. B.J. Campbell/Lane Siggins, 5.5; 3. Tanner Baldwin/J.W. Borregom 5.8; 4. Denton Taylor/Dusty Taylor, 6.2. Average: 1. B.J. Campbell/Lane Siggins, 16.2 seconds on two runs; 2. Brit Ellerman/J.D. Yates, 17.1; 3. Levi O’Keeffe/Jade Nelson, 17.2; 4. Tanner Baldwin/J.W. Borrego, 5.8 seconds on one run. Barrel racing: 1. Ericka Nelson, 17.17 seconds; 2. Shali Lord, 17.32; 3. Kelly Koeppen, 17.36; 4. Melanie Roman, 17.62; 5. Jean Winters, 17.64; 6. Cambra Smith, 17.71; 7. Andrea Busby, 17.76; 8. Wendy McKee, 17.80; 9. Dani Durham, 17.81; 10. Abby Phillips, 17.85. Bull riding: 1. Lex Oakley, 85 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Son of Sam; 2. Dillon James Tyner, 83; 3. Nic Lica, 81.5; 4. Fulton Rutland, 79; no other qualified rides.

DODGE CITY, Kan. – As the winds blew cold, moist air across southwest Kansas this past January, crews from Victory Electric were in the middle of the storm. Power lines broke and poles were virtually sawed in half. Thousands were without power, yet the crews from the local cooperative – as well as several other coops regionally that had converged on the area – worked tirelessly to restore power and hope to communities in need. “The work they did was so admirable that we want to honor Victory Electric during this year’s Dodge City Roundup Rodeo,” said Dr. R.C. Trotter, Roundup’s president. “Nearly everybody in Dodge City was without power for at least some time, some for days. “Lines were down; poles were snapped. No matter how cold it got, you could see a Victory Electric crew out there all the time. We had several inches of ice on absolutely everything. We had entire trees down, 25 percent damage to nearly every tree in town.” It was so down that the Federal Emergency Management Agency helped with the cleanup. That type of dedication deserves special attention. Victory Electric has also partnered with the regional rodeo through its sponsorship with Roundup, set for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 6, at Roundup Arena. That also includes the A Whole Lotta Bull night – with Xtreme Bulls and the Bullfighters Only competition – on Tuesday, Aug. 1. “This was a small-scale major disaster for Dodge City like we haven’t seen in many years,” said Elaine Gall, Roundup’s office manager. “As an example of the community spirit of Dodge City, the vast majority of our residents chose to ‘grin and bear it’ and were very understanding of the work Victory Electric was trying to accomplish.” That’s the pioneering spirit that has served as the foundation for much of southwest Kansas. “We are very blessed to have such a strong partnership with Victory,” Trotter said. “They also help so many other areas that have been hit by disasters. We know they had some of their crews out by Ulysses a few weeks ago, and they were all over when we had the blizzard the end of April that hit so much of western Kansas. “We are very thankful for the work they do in times that most people don’t want to be out.” Even then, though, community members gathered through the rough weather this past January. Food and drinks were supplied to those crews working so hard to restore power. It served as a small token of appreciation. The bigger token takes place during the largest event to hit southwest Kansas each summer. “Considering all that Victory Electric has done this year, this is a very small ‘thank you’ that we as a community can offer,” Trotter said. “We’re very thankful for what they provide to Dodge City.”

EAGLE, Colo. – Big leads mean very little in the world of rodeo. There is no blowout when times are measured in tenths of a second. Bret Tonozzi has been around the game long enough that he understands all the things that can happen when cowboys ride fast horses and try to stop the clock in blazing speed. So does his young partner, Cole Dorenkamp. The Colorado team ropers posted a 6.0-second run Thursday night to win the first round of the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo. They return Friday to run their second steer and see if they can win this prestigious rodeo. “I’ve been here a lot, but I don’t think I’ve ever won this rodeo,” said Tonozzi, a heeler from Fruita, Colo. “It’s a beautiful place, a good committee, and they’ve got a lot of great fans.” Of course, Tonozzi has a pretty salty header in Dorenkamp. The duo shared the title in Gunnison, Colo., last weekend and are carrying a hot streak through this portion of July. “I just wanted to get a good start and not break the barrier,” Dorenkamp said. “I wanted to score the steer and let him out.” Now the two have a 1.1-second lead heading into the second round. “You still need to win it,” he said. They captured a payout of $752 each, then got back in their truck and trailer rigs and headed back north. “We roped in Cheyenne this morning, and we’re up again in the morning,” Tonozzi said “We’ve got to drive half the night to get over then and rope in the morning, then come back here tomorrow night. “It’s a lot, but it gives us the most opportunities to make money. This is what we do for a living.” They’ve been living pretty good lately. Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Eagle, Colo. July 19-22 Bareback riding: 1. Jake Brown, 86 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Bright Lights; 2. Devan Reilly, 82.5; 3. Trenten Montero 81.5; 4. Zach Hibler, 79.5; 5. Tony Barrington, 75.5; 6. (tie) Jamie Howlett and Kenny Haworth, 75; 8. BoDell Jessen, 72.5S. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Beau Clark, 3.2 seconds, $645; 2. Justin Blain Davis, 4.8, $483; 3. Brian Snell, 5.0, $322; 4. Cutter DeHart, 5.2, $161. Tie-down roping: 1. Kyle Dickens, 8.7 seconds, $677; 2. Brice Ingo, 10.4, $508; 3. Taylor Skinner 11.2, $338; 4. Ricky Lambert, 11.4, $169. Saddle bronc riding: 1. (tie) Wyatt Casper, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Deuces Wild, and Bradley Harter, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Sweet Maria, 83.5 points; 3. Chet Johnson, 81.5; 4. (tie) Dawson Jandreau and Tyler Turco, 81; 6. Curtis Garton, 78.5; 7. Lane Wimberly, 78; 8. Joe Harper, 77.5. Team roping: 1. Cole Dorenkamp/Bret Tonozzi, 6.0 seconds, $752; 2. Eric Martin/Cody Howa, 7.1, $564; 3. Travis Bounds/Jesse Sheffield, 7.3, $376; 4. Jay Tittel/Richard Durham, 7.5, $188. Barrel racing: 1. Ericka Nelson, 17.17 seconds; 2. Shali Lord, 17.32; 3. Kelly Koeppen, 17.36; 4. Melanie Roman, 17.62; 5. Jean Winters, 17.645; 6. Cambra Smith, 17.71; 7. Andrea Busby, 17.76; 8. Wendy McKee, 17.80; 9. Dani Durham, 17.81; 10. Abby Phillips, 17,85. Bull riding: 1. Lex Oakley, 85 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Son of Sam; 2. Dillon James Tyner, 83; 3. Nic Lica, 81.5; no other qualified rides.

Schueth riding a hot streak heading to historic bullfights in Salinas SALINAS, Calif. – There is no hotter man on the Bullfighters Only tour than Nebraskan Beau Schueth. He’s performed well at nearly every stop he’s made and is coming off first- and second-place finishes this past week. He won the title in Colorado Springs, Colo., then was the runner-up the next day in Fortuna, Calif. The weekend before, he won BFO-Vernal (Utah) and placed second at the Cowtown Invitational in Calgary, Alberta. Now he’s going to put his streak to the test during one of the longest running freestyle bullfights in the country, held in conjunction with California Rodeo Salinas. The action takes place Thursday, July 20-Sunday, July 23. “Ever since I started freestyling bulls, one of my goals is to fight in Salinas,” said Schueth, 25, of O’Neill, Neb.; this will be his first venture to one of the most storied complexes in the game. “For bullfighters, it’s a pretty historic bullfight and goes back to before bullfights were in the mainstream.” Two decades ago, freestyle bullfighting was a big part of rodeo. When the Wrangler Bullfight Tour was disbanded in 2001, the sport virtually went underground, but California Rodeo Salinas has kept the tradition alive. Bullfighters Only has created public demand for the sport. The bullfighters utilize their tremendous athleticism to try to outwit and outmaneuver equally athletic bulls, which are bred specifically for this type of fight. While this is a new stop for the Nebraskan, it’s familiar ground for Toby Inman. The veteran has competed in Salinas a number of times, and he will return this week for the first time since 2010. “I won it in 2009,” said Inman, 34, of Davis Junction, Ill. “It’s one of those shows you can’t really forget, and you meet so many great people there.” There is a grand opportunity for each individual in the game to cash in. in the BFO, dollars equal championship points. The man with the most money won at the conclusion of the 2017 season will be crowned world champion. A lot could change in Salinas. “It’s a big deal for me, especially coming back to bullfighting after taking several years off. I was lucky to even get in it this year, so I’m going to take it.” Inman said. “There are a lot of opportunities to win it and a lot of opportunities to let it slip through your fingertips.” SALINAS CONTESTANTS Beau Schueth Weston Rutkowski Toby Inman Zach Flatt Erick Schwindt Cody Emerson

EAGLE, Colo. – For three months a year, Brian Snell focuses on his steer wrestling career. “I’ve had a pretty slow start to my summer,” said Snell, who runs a construction company in Cheyenne, Wyo., and competes in the sport he loves through those few weeks primarily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Having a slow summer run really puts a damper on things in his rodeo world. That’s why his 5.0-second run Wednesday night to kick start the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo was the perfect way to turn things around. “It’s good to do well,” he said. “I’ve probably been here 10 or 12 times over the years. I love hinging out down on the river, and there’s a lot of stuff to do. The committee here puts on a pretty good function. “It’s just a nice place to come, and hopefully you can do good when you get here.” His time leads the first go-round, and 10 cowboys will finish out the opening round on Thursday night. He’ll have to wait until the second performance is complete to see how he will finish. Then he returns Saturday night to run his second-round steer. “I’ve won a few small checks out of here,” Snell said. “I certainly hope to be able to get a good check. We’ll have to see how the rest of the weekend goes.” It’s important for him to do well, especially at these rodeos that are within the Mountain States Circuit, which includes events and contestants primarily in Colorado and Wyoming. He wants to finish the circuit season among the top 12 and qualify for the RAM Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo, which is scheduled for this fall in Great Falls, Wyo. “That is a good opportunity to go to the RAM National Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, Fla.,” he said. “If you go down there – even though you’re running at some of the best guys in the country – you’re only running against 23 other guys for about $30,000. “It’s the right kind of deal to get to.” It all starts in Eagle. Eagle County Fair and Rodeo Eagle, Colo. July 19-22 Bareback riding: 1. Jake Brown, 86 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Bright Lights; 2. Devan Reilly, 82.5; 3. Trenten Montero 81.5; 4. Zach Hibler, 79.5; 5. Tony Barrington, 75.5; 6. Jamie Howlett, 75; 7. BoDell Jessen, 72.5; 8. Braxten Nielsen, 72. Steer wrestling: 1. Brian Snell, 5.0 seconds; 2. Cutter DeHart, 5.2; 3. Logan McDonald, 5.3; 4. Eric Logan; no other qualified times. Tie-down roping: 1. Kyle Dickens, 8.7 seconds; 2. Wyatt Uptain, 12.3; 3. Britt Bath, 13.8; 4. Carter Davis, 14.0; no other qualified times. Saddle bronc riding: 1. (tie) Wyatt Casper, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Deuces Wild, and Bradley Harter, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Sweet Maria, 83.5 points; 3. Dawson Jandreau, 81; 4. Curtis Garton, 78.5; 5. Joe Harper, 77.5; 6. (tie) Mason Mardesich and Josh Davisonn, 75; 8. Leon Fountain, 73, Team roping: 1. Eric Martin/Cody Howa, 7.1 seconds; 2. Travis Bounds/Jesse Sheffield, 7.3; 3. Jay Tittel/Richard Durham, 7.5; 4. Cole Cooper/Ryon Tittel, 11.2; no other qualified times. Barrel racing: 1. Dani Durham, 17.81 seconds; 2. Abby Phillips, 17.85; 3. Madeline Dickens, 17.89; 4. Marley Hammer, 18.52; 5. Kim Schulze, 22.29; 6. Ronnie Will, 22.68; 7. Raedene Ashley, 23.32; no other qualified times Bull riding: 1. Nic Lica, 81.5 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Grey Goose; no other qualified rides.

LOVINGTON, N.M. – Every day offers a new set of lessons. In southeastern New Mexico, the lessons come in the form of hard-working opportunities. The challenges are great and the rewards, oftentimes, can be small. For those involved in agriculture, the Lea County Fair and Rodeo rewards hard work. It shows in every exhibit and in every smile on a young person’s face. It’s especially vibrant during the livestock shows that take place throughout the nine-day exposition, set for Friday, Aug. 4-Saturday, Aug. 12, at the fairgrounds in Lovington. The fair will feature hundreds of children showing more than animals; they also will be putting on display their hard work, passion and independence. “I believe the livestock shows are what the fair’s all about,” said Corey Helton, chairman of the Lea County Fair Board. Children work all year with their animals, from acquiring it to raising it to grooming it and preparing it for the trip to town in August. For many on the family farm or ranch, it’s just another extension of the lives they lead. For youth that live in town, preparing animals for the shows might be the perfect way to understand what generations have done before them. Oftentimes, the boys and girls that are part of the livestock shows are just the next generation of family members that have done it. There’s a special bond that occurs. Possibly the most celebrated aspect of the shows is the Junior Livestock Auction, where sponsors and donors bid to purchase the animals. It’s the children’s reward for the labor and time they’ve put in to raising their animals. “I think we’re going to see a good representation from sponsors and buyers at the sale,” Helton said. “The sale is a big thing about the fair. Yes, we’ve had the concerts and the carnival and all the other activities. But without the kids showing animals, do you really even have a fair?” That theory is why the Lea County Fair and Rodeo’s livestock shows continue to be a vital part of the annual expo. “I think we all know that fairs were actually started for the kids and showcasing the kids’ hard work throughout the year,” Helton said. “We can’t lose sight of that. “The goal of every fair should be the kids.”

LOVINGTON, N.M. – The danger and excitement that is the Xtreme Bull Tour is the perfect way to kick-start the Western action at the Lea County Fair and Rodeo. Lea County Xtreme Bulls kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at Jake McClure Arena with the top cowboys on tour being part of the action. “It’s a big deal here,” said Trey Kerby, chairman of the rodeo committee. “We have a lot of people talking about it and getting ready for it. The Lovington stop is part of the tour’s premier series, which offers the largest purses in the game. That means the top 30 bull riders in the world standings are expected to be part of the field. “Sometimes that’s all people talk about,” said Corey Helton, chairman of the Lea County Fair Board. “There are some people that want to see just the Xtreme Bulls. “I couldn’t imagine our fair and rodeo without Xtreme Bulls.” This marks the sixth year for Xtreme Bulls in Lea County. Over the years, several qualifiers to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo have earned big bucks in Lovington, including Brennon Eldred, the 2016 reserve world champion who won Lea County Xtreme Bulls two seasons ago from Purcell, Okla. “It’s one of the greatest bull ridings of the year,” he said. “Everybody looks forward to it, and everybody comes here ready to ride.” Last August, now-20-year-old Colten Jesse claimed the title, pulling in nearly $12,000 in the process. Big money like that is an attractive feature to the top cowboys in the game. “We want the cowboys to come, so we want to have a good purse,” Kerby said. “Xtreme Bulls pulls the crowd in. When they can go out there and enjoy bull riding all night long, they really enjoy it, especially if there’s some good rides and some high scores.” That’s become commonplace in Lovington. In 2014, Tim Bingham of Honeyville, Utah, was 89.5 on his first-round bull, then scored 91 points in the final round to claim the championship. A year later, Eldred was 90 and 88.5, while Jesse had the same scores in reverse order in 2016. A big part of that involves the bull power that is associated with the event. Pete Carr Pro Rodeo is the primary livestock producer for the fair and rodeo, and Carr typically enlists four other stock contractors to provide their best bulls for Xtreme Bulls. That’s also an attractive feature for the cowboys who make their livings on the backs of the bucking bovine beasts. “You know when you get to Lovington, you’re going to get on some great bulls,” said Bingham, who sits seventh in the bull riding world standings. “The bulls are half the equation, so that’s a big part of it for us.”

GUNNISON, Colo. – The grassroots effort that is Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign continues to flourish in the Gunnison valley. This year’s songwriter concert and auction, which took place Tuesday, July 11, raised more than $300,000, helping maintain the Gunnison’s status as the largest Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign in ProRodeo. “That night was certainly a blessing for us,” Executive Director Heidi Sherratt Bogart said. “We have some very giving people in the Gunnison valley, and they came through for us. It’s because of them we are able to do so much for breast cancer patients in this area.” Every dollar raised is then utilized within Gunnison County. TETWP just purchased a 3D tomosynthesis machine, which is a higher-level mammogram for those who need better imaging technology due to breast density. It is being installed at Gunnison Valley Hospital this week. The machine costs $360,000, but the benefits can go a long way. Digital tomosynthesis of the breast is different from a standard mammogram in the way a CT scan of the chest is different than a standard X-ray. There were about a dozen auction items, and the few hundred people in attendance gave liberally. The biggest-selling item was an off-the-cuff addition from songwriter Dean Dillon, who serves on the TETWP board. He and two other songwriters – his daughter, Song, and Liz Rose – offered to write a song for the winning bidder. When the bids reached $33,000, Dillon asked the two combatants if they’d both agree to bidding $34,000, he would do two songs. Both agreed. Then a third, anonymous bidder, met that. So the talented musicians will write three songs for the three winners, but the real winner was the Gunnison TETWP campaign, which made $102,000 on that item. “This is Dean Dillon’s legacy and his vision to be the No. 1 small town breast cancer hospital in the country,” Sherratt Bogart said. “He is passionate about it, which does help get people to open their hearts.” In the process, this year’s songwriter concert and auction raised more than $300,000, and Gunnison valley breast cancer patients will reap the rewards.

FORTUNA, Calif – When Toby Inman started his final bullfight Friday night, he made a statement with a backflip over Costa Fighting Bulls’ Little Foot.  The Illinois bullfighter cleared Little Foot but landed on his knees. He picked things up in the championship round, matching moves with the feisty Spanish fighting bull for 90 points to win Bullfighters Only-Fortuna.  “What a good feeling,” he said. “It’s weird not walking around gimpy after a bullfight.”  He won his opening round, scoring 82 points, to join two other bullfighters in the short go-round: Zach Call of Mullen, Neb., and Beau Schueth of O’Neill, Neb. “I was happy to get in the short-go because I didn’t know if my bullfight was enough to get me there,” said Inman, who bested the other two contenders: Schueth scored 86.5 points to finish as the runner-up, while Zach Call placed third.  Tanner Zarnetski of Texarkana, Texas, earned a bonus for the best trick of the competition, and that had the veteran Inman thinking about what he wanted to do in the final round.  “Tanner pulled off an incredible reverse knee fake, and my brain was telling me to either top that or go for the win,” Inman said. “I wanted both. But I just went for the win and had a good time. “I had an honest Spanish fighting bull and used it to my benefit.” Little Foot has gained a reputation for being a solid bull. He helped Evan Allard to the victory in Pendleton, Ore., and guided Cody Webster to the championship in Caldwell, Idaho; both events were during the BFO’s inaugural tour in 2016.  “I made some rounds and some nice step-throughs,” Inman said of his bout. “He clipped me once, but it wasn’t enough to be a deduction. He just kept coming, then I gave him a break and jumped him. About that time, the (40-second) buzzer went.”  At any time after 40 seconds, bullfighters can end the fight, and that’s just what Inman did.  “It was so jam up that I didn’t want to quit, but that little voice in my head said it was good enough,” he said. “I decided to take it.    RESULTS Round 1: 1. Zach Call, 78 points; 2. Tanner Zarnetski, 72; 3. Garrett Wilkinson, 72. Round 2: 1. Toby Inman, 82 points; 2. (tie) Dayton Spiel and Ely Sharkey, 74. Round 3: 1. (tie) Beau Schueth and Alex McWilliams, 80.5 points (Schueth advanced on tie-breaker); 3. Schell Apple, 73. Championship Round: 1. Toby Inman, 90 points; 2. Beau Schueth, 86.5; 3. Zach Call, 78.

DODGE CITY, Kan. – Dodge City Roundup Rodeo is a community event that reaches a region. The proof comes from the six nights of action, including five nights of traditional rodeo set for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 6, at Roundup Arena. But on top of that, there A Whole Lotta Bull, which takes place at the same time Tuesday, Aug. 1. “There is no way this happens without our incredible partners,” said Dr. R.C. Trotter, president of the committee that produces the annual event. “We have some amazing sponsors who are always behind us. “We are one of the biggest rodeos in the country with regards to the purse, and that goes back to our community being so supportive.” Roundup Rodeo is a world-class competition, but there’s much more than the incredible payout to the cowboys and cowgirls. It is an all-encompassing entertainment package that is part of Dodge City Days. “Roundup has been a Dodge City Days tradition for many years,” Trotter said. “We feel like we’re a good event to wrap up this community celebration.” That also means having support from Ford County and the city of Dodge City. “Because of our relationship with the county and the city, we’ve been able to do some things with our facility,” said Joel Redman, vice president of Roundup. “Because of grants we’ve received, we’ve built premium seating, replaced a building that needed it and upgraded our livestock pens. “It’s nice to see both the city and county involved in our rodeo and trying to make it the best it can be. I think that says a lot about the support we receive.” It also says a great deal about the type of event Roundup Rodeo is. In addition to having hundreds of the top contestants in the game in town for several days in early August, the rodeo brings in spectators from all over the region. That not only means a great deal for the rodeo but for other businesses in town. There is a certain buzz generated during rodeo week. “I have been absolutely amazed at the reception I get from literally everyone in this community,” said Elaine Gall, Roundup’s office manager. “I believe Dodge City business people understand the value of the Dodge City Days festival in general and Roundup in particular.” That’s what having a community event is all about, and nobody understands that more than the various entities in Dodge City.

GUNNISON, Colo. – There were some big stakes and big possibilities for cowboys and cowgirls competing this week at the Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo. Colorado cowboys Cole Dorenkamp of Lamar and Bret Tonozzi of Fruita took advantage during the final performance of this year’s championship, stopping the clock in 5.1 seconds to tie for the team roping victory in Gunnison – Ty Blasingame and Tanner Luttrell scored the same time Friday night. “I’ve had some luck a few times,” said Tonozzi, a veteran of the game. “I had a chance last year and messed up. This is the first year I’ve roped with Cole, and we’ve had a good time.” It shows. The soft-spoken cowboys let their arena work do the talking. They also have some talented horses. In fact, Tonozzi said his favorite thing about roping with his partner is Dorenkamp’s black gelding. “That’s a really good horse,” Tonozzi said. Said Dorenkamp, “He’s older, probably 18 or 19. I’ve had him three years, and he’s really quick-footed. You’ve just got to score good and rope them, and he gets out to the steer and faces good.” In team roping, once the steer is roped, the header must turn his mount so that the two horses are facing one another before the clock stops. “Roping with Bret is awesome,” he said. “All I’ve got to do is turn them.” Each man earned $2,041, all of which helps them in their goals toward qualifying for the RAM Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo. “We’re not traveling that hard, staying in the circuit,” Tonozzi said. “We’d like to do good in the circuit and see where that takes us. It could change a lot for next year.” Bull rider Elliot Jacoby has a different mind-set. The Fredericksburg, Texas, cowboy wants to return to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for a third time, his first since 2014. He sits 24th in the world standings with nearly $35,000, but he needs to be among the top 15 on the money list at the conclusion of the regular season if he expects to be in Las Vegas in December. His 89.5-point ride on a bull that has not been named yet might be the thing that helps him make that direction. “I didn’t know very much about that bull,” said Jacoby, who earned $4,309 in Gunnison. “They said he was supposed to be good, and he turned out to be good. After that ride, my confidence shot up pretty good. Before that, it was kind of slow and pretty rough on me, but hopefully this will turn things around. “You can definitely catch up and make the NFR. There are a lot of rodeos left. You can make a lot of money at those and jump up really quick.”  Cattlemen’s Days Gunnison, Colo. July 13-15 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Kash Wilson, 86 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Big Show, $1,784; 2. Shane O’Connell, 84.5, $1,351; 3. Evan Jayne, 81, $973; 4. Rio Lee, 80.5, $649; 5. Tanner Phipps, 78.5, $378; 6. Evan Miller, 78, $270. Steer wrestling: 1. (tie) Jarret New and Tom Lewis, 4.2 seconds, $1,794 each; 3. John Franzen, 4.3, $1,286; 4. Marcus Theriot, 4.6, $948; 5. Tristan Martin, 4.7, $609; 6. (tie) Cody Pratt and Tanner Jackson, 4.9, $169 each. Team roping: 1. (tie) Ty Blasingame/Tanner Luttrell and Cole Dorenkamp/Bret Tonozzi, 5.1 seconds, $2,041 each; 3. Joshua Torres/Jonathan Torres, 5.4, $1,614; 4. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 5.5, $1,329; 5. (tie) Cole Wheeler/Coy Brittian and Clayton Van Aken, 5.8, $902 each; 7. (tie) Tyler Schnaufer/Trevor Schnaufer and Nick Pullara/Shawn Darnall, 5.9, $332 each. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Roper Kiesner, 86 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Justin’s Sock Dancer, $1,819; 2. Bradley Harter, 84, $1,394; 3. Charlie Kogaines, 82.5, $1,031; 4. Nat Stratton, 81.5, $667; 5. Shade Etbauer, 79.5, $424; 6. Alex Wright, 79, $303; 6. (tie) Brody Cress, Brady Nicholes and Doug Aldridge, 78, $141 each. Tie-down roping: 1. Seth Cooke, 8.9 seconds, $1,643; 2. Tim Pharr, 9.2, $1,429; 3. (tie) Stuart Hoar, Ty Baker and Ike Fontenot, 9.6, $1,000 each; 6. Levi Walter, 9.8, $572; 7. Joe Colletti, 10.7, $357; 8. Blaine Konkel, 12.7, $143. Barrel racing: 1. (tie) Nicole Waggoner and Ari-Anna Flynn, 17.64 seconds, $1,525 each; 3. Tammy Fischer, 17.73, $1,173; 4. Chris Gibson, 17.88, $1,017; 5. Dani Durham, 17.94, $782; 6. Kelley Schnaufer, 17.90, $626; 7. Katelyn Scott, 18.07, $469; 8. Madison Thomas, 18.11, $313; 9. Joy McDaniel, 18.15, $235; 10. Ivy Conrado, 18.18, $156. Bull riding: 1. Elliot Jacoby, 89.5 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s 9A, $4,309; 2. Tristan Mize, 82.5, $3,341; 3. (tie) Cole Melancon and Nate Perry, 82, $2,097 each; 5. Chase Dougherty, 78.5, $1,129; 6. Jacob Smith, 75, $853.

GUNNISON, Colo. – It’s been several years, but Roper Kiesner has been to Cattlemen’s Days before. As a teenager, he and his brother, Rider, were part of a specialty act that performed in Gunnison. Trick roping, trick riding, whip tricks were all part of the Kiesner family’s show, and the young boys were a big hit for rodeo fans. On Friday night during the second performance of this year’s Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo, Roper Kiesner returned to Fred Field Western Center for the first time since … as a saddle bronc rider. He proved his talent in that aspect of the sport, riding Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Justin’s Sock Dancer for 86 points to take the lead. “She’s dang sure a bucker,” he said of the horse that has bucked several times at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s grand championship that takes place each December in Las Vegas. “She’s super strong, and I felt bucked off every jump. I was happy to be there at the end of 8 seconds. “Taking the lead at any rodeo is awesome, and 86 makes it even better. This is my highest marked ride ever.” He has fond memories of Gunnison from his time working several years ago, and now he has something to recall as he travels the rodeo trail making a living on the backs of bucking beasts. “I remember this rodeo being awesome,” said Kiesner, 23 of Ripley, Okla. “I really liked this rodeo, being up here fishing and stuff, and the crowd was always great. This is my first time as a saddle bronc riding, and I’m really liking it again. “It would be cool to win a Gunnison buckle after performing at it and riding at it.” Header Ty Blasingame understands what it means to do well at Cattlemen’s Days. The Ramah, Colo., cowboy has found success several times over his career. “When I made the finals (in 2010), it turned around here,” he said after posting a rodeo-best 5.3-second run Friday with his heeling partner, Tanner Luttrell. “The committee is awesome. They keep making it better and better; that’s hard to find a committee that is interested in making their rodeo better.” He and Luttrell will have to wait until Saturday’s final performance to see if their score will hold out for the top spot. “It was a good run, and we had a good steer,” Blasingame said. “My partner did a good job heeling him, but he’s been heeling awesome. He hasn’t hardly missed all summer long.” It all helps build the confidence in a team, and that’s how they find success. After all, Gunnison has been the turning point for Blasingame before. Cattlemen’s Days Gunnison, Colo. July 13-15 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Kash Wilson, 86 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Big Show; 2. Rio Lee, 80.5; 3. Tanner Phipps, 78.5; 4. Evan Miller, 78; 5. Mike Fred, 76.5; 6. (tie) Jared Keylon and Zach Hibler, 74; 8. (tie) Brian Brown and Tate Schwagler, 71. Steer wrestling: 1. (tie) Jarret New and Tom Lewis, 4.2 seconds; 3. John Franzen, 4.3; 4. Marcus Theriot, 4.6; 5. Tristan Martin, 4.7; 6. Cody Pratt, 4.9. Team roping: 1. Ty Blasingame/Tanner Luttrell, 5.1 seconds; 2. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 5.5; 3. Cole Wheeler/Coy Brittian, 5.8; 4. (tie) Tyler Schnaufer/Trevor Schnaufer and Nick Pullara/Shawn Darnall, 5.9; 6. Corey Whinnery/Jesse Jolly, 6.8; 7. Bubba Buckaloo/Trey Yates, 10.0; 8. Shay Carroll/Nano Garza, 10.4. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Roper Kiesner, 86 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Justin’s Sock Dancer; 2. Charlie Kogaines, 82.5; 23. Nat Stratton, 81.5; 4. Shade Etbauer, 79.5; 5. Alex Wright, 79; 6. (tie) Brody Cress, Brady Nicholes and Doug Aldridge, 78. Tie-down roping: 1. Seth Cooke, 8.9 seconds; 2. Tim Pharr, 9.2; 3. (tie) Stuart Hoar, Ty Baker and Ike Fontenot, 9.6; 6. Joe Colletti, 10.7; 7. Wyatt Imus, 14.4; 8. Tyler Prcin, 20.2. Barrel racing: 1. (tie) Nicole Waggoner and Ari-Anna Flynn, 17.64 seconds; 3. Tammy Fischer, 17.73; 4. Chris Gibson, 17.88; 5. Dani Durham, 17.94; 6. Kelley Schnaufer, 17.90; 7. Katelyn Scott, 18.07; 8. Joy McDaniel, 18.15; 9. Ivy Conrado, 18.18; 10. (tie) Melanie Roman and Heather Ratterree, 18.29. Bull riding: 1. Cole Melancon, on Smith, Harper & Morgan’s Bad Black, and Nate Perry, on United Rodeo’s Sports Page, 82 points; no other qualified rides.

Bullfighters Only taking its game to the northern California town of Fortuna FORTUNA, Calif – If quad racing wasn’t an extreme enough event for fans in this northern California community, Friday’s event is about to be intensified. This year’s event will include nine of the greatest men from Bullfighters Only, a wild and Western way of showcasing true athleticism in the form of freestyle bullfighting. One man vs. one beast in a 60-second bout that features aggressive fighting bulls and men who maneuver around them while staying within inches of their pointy horns and stomping feet. “We’re going to introduce the sport to a gnarly bunch of people,” BFO founder Aaron Ferguson said. “There is a track that’s probably 100 feet around, and they race and party all day. It’s going to be incredible.” It also will feature amazing bullfighters. “I’ve heard we’re going to be surrounded by Redwoods, and there’s a lot of money up for grabs,” said Beau Schueth, the No. 5 man in the BFO Pendleton Whisky World Standings from O’Neill, Neb. “It’s a good time for the bullfight too, because we can work that event, then just stay in California until we have the bullfight in Salinas (Calif.).” Toby Inman of Davis Junction, Ill., is returning to the ring for the first time in more than a month, and he’s ready to get back to work in the game he loves. “I think I might have forgotten how to do it,” he said with a laugh. “I’m excited, because I have it in my mind that I’m going to win. Of course, if you don’t have that mindset, then I guess you probably shouldn’t be doing this.” The event will feature nine bullfighters, competing in three rounds of three-man bouts. The top scorers in each round will advance to the championship round, and the high score there will claim the title. Freestyle bullfighting is not new but the Bullfighters Only has created public demand for the sport. The events feature man vs. beast in a head-to-head battle inside an arena. The bullfighters utilize their tremendous athleticism to try to outwit and outmaneuver equally athletic bulls. BFO-Fortuna is one of two events taking place this week, with BFO wrapping up last night in Colorado Springs. Schueth was crowned the champion on Thursday night and will look to keep his streak alive in Fortuna on Friday. CONTESTANTS Beau Schueth Zach Call Ely Sharkey Tanner Zarnetski Toby Inman Schell Apple Dayton Spiel Alex McWilliams Garrett Wilkenson

LOVINGTON, N.M. – Trey Kerby doesn’t remember the first time he attended the Lea County Fair and Rodeo. He was a kid, and he’s been around the exposition all his life. “As a kid, I rode in the parade on my horse,” said Kerby, now in his first year as a Lea County Fair Board member and chairman of the board’s rodeo committee. “Back then we had a grand entry for the rodeo. All the people got to weave around and make the circle. “It has been a part of our life’s story. Every year you go to the fair and rodeo, and I just wanted to be part of it.” He began is tour as a volunteer on the rodeo committee four years ago. It quickly advanced when he was appointed to the fair board. When board chairman Corey Helton named him to lead the rodeo committee, Kerby did just what a cowboy is supposed to do: He took the reins and has been charging forward ever since. His work, and that of all the volunteers, will be on display during this year’s rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9-Saturday, Aug. 12, at Jake McClure Arena; that also includes Lea County Xtreme Bulls, which is Tuesday, Aug. 8. “I bring hard work to this committee,” he said. “I was raised to work hard for something you want to look good. I’m a rancher by trade. I deal with cowboys and horses. Rodeo is the fun stuff that you don’t normally do on your ranch. “I also bring a young look to the fair and rodeo. I’m just 36 years old. We’ve been going 82 years and want to keep going. It’s come a long way since I was a kid. It’s quite a show now.” That it is, with great concerts nearly every night and five nights of world-class cowboys and cowgirls in action. The Lea County Fair and Rodeo has become a regional expo. It takes a strong commitment from the Lea County Commission and a boatload of volunteers to make it happen. “Volunteerism is real important,” Kerby said. “For us to put on a rodeo for 82 years, the fact that it’s all volunteer work says something to me. It’s not just the fair board. It’s all the committees and all those that aren’t even on committees that show up. “We could not have this fair and rodeos without the volunteers we have. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes. It takes two weeks, and they’re out there all day every day. It’s unbelievable the work that can be done through volunteers.” Kerby knows that as well as anyone. It’s a pride thing, and he’s very proud of his hometown fair and rodeo. Of course, he should be.

GUNNISON, Colo. – Kash Wilson saw the good, the bad and the ugly all in a matter of 10 seconds Thursday during opening night of the Cattlemen’s Day Rodeo. Atop Three Hills Rodeo’s Big Show, Wilson made a quality ride, resulting in 86 points to take the bareback riding lead. But just a second after the buzzer sounded, the Gooding, Idaho, cowboy came off the big bay horse on the left side with his right hand still stuck in the rigging. “I was getting off my rigging since I was getting behind him because of his power,” he said, explaining how his spurring rhythm with the horse’s bucking motion was compromised. “By the time the whistle went, he already had me on the left side. “I could’ve safety’d up a little bit and prevented that, but I could have lost some points there at the end.” Every point is vital, especially for cowboys who make their living on the backs of bucking horses. Each score is based on a 100-point scale, with half coming from the rider and half from the horse. In bareback riding, the spurring motion is from in front of the horse’s shoulders back to the rigging, then back to the front before the animal’s front feet hit the ground. By being a little behind, Wilson was just trying to finish the ride as strong as he could. “I’m here for the paycheck,” he said. He should. He sits 39th in the world standings and has a lot of ground to make up if he wants to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s grand finale that takes only the top 15 contestants in each event at the conclusion of the regular season. There are no guarantees in rodeo. Contestants must pay a fee in order to compete, and only the top few who finish with the best scores or times earn money. That’s why it’s important to perform well when the opportunities allow, which is what happened with Big Show. “My traveling partner, Clayton Biglow, had that horse in the eight-man round in Houston earlier this year,” Wilson said of Big Show. “He said he was a good horse, an honest horse, but that he’s kind of a bucker. “I knew he’d be good. I knew if I did my job and he had his day, it would end up good. It was a little scary on the get-off. You don’t always plan that, but everything panned out.” That it did. Part of it has to do with the primary stock producer, Texas-based Stace Smith Pro Rodeo, which has won Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Stock Contractor of the Year 11 times. “There is an outstanding pen of horses here, and everybody’s got an honest shot,” Wilson said. “When you enter one of Stace Smith’s rodeos, you’re pretty sure you’re going to have a good chance to place.” That’s all he wants at this stage. He hopes to continue to ride good horses and perform at his best. “I’ve been climbing up each week,” he said. “There’s a lot of ground to gain, but there are a lot of rodeos yet to make it happen.” Cattlemen’s Days Gunnison, Colo. July 13-15 Bareback riding: 1. Kash Wilson, 86 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Big Show; 2. Rio Lee, 80.5; 3. Tanner Phipps, 78.5; 4. Evan Miller, 78; 5. Jared Keylon, 74; 6. Brian Brown, 71. Steer wrestling: 1. (tie) Jarret New and Tom Lewis, 4.2 seconds; 3. Marcus Theriot, 4.6; 4. Tristan Martin, 4.7; 5. Cody Doescher, 5.9; 6. Levi Rudd, 9.1. Team roping: 1. Cole Wheeler/Coy Brittian, 5.8 seconds; 2. (tie) Tyler Schnaufer/Trevor Schnaufer, 5.9; 4. Shay Carroll/Nano Garza, 10.4; no other qualified rides. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Charlie Kogaines, 82.5 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Final Feather; 2. Nat Stratton, 81.5; 3. Shade Etbauer, 79.5; 4. Alex Wright, 79; 5. (tie) Brody Cress and Brady Nicholes, 78 Tie-down roping: 1. Stuart Hoar, 9.6 seconds; 2. Joe Colletti, 10.7; 3. Ryan Canty, 24.9; no other qualified times. Barrel racing: 1. Nicole Waggoner, 17.64 seconds; 2. Tammy Fischer, 17.73; 3. Dani Durham, 17.94; 4. Melanie Roman, 18.29; 5. Carol Ruggieri, 18.74; 6. Kelly Yates, 23.14; 7. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 23.48; 8. Toni Hardin, 27.96. Bull riding: 1. Cole Melancon, on Smith, Harper & Morgan’s Bad Black, and Nate Perry, on United Rodeo’s Sports Page, 82 points; no other qualified rides.

Oklahoma man returns to the game he loves with Bullfighters Only VERNAL, Utah – Justin Josey’s head wasn’t in the game. When the game is freestyle bullfighting, men must be on top of every situation, or the outcomes could be deadly. The Spanish fighting bulls are mean and aggressive, and it takes a bullfighter who is not only fleet of foot but also can react and control the animal’s actions. “I didn’t think I was fighting bulls the way I wanted to be,” said Josey, 22, of Apache, Okla. “I decided to take a breather … for about nine months.” It did wonders, and he returned to the ring for the Bullfighters Only-Vernal competition, in conjunction with the famous Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo. Josey scored 83 points with a textbook bout against Manuel Costa’s Thumper. “I’ve never been so excited for a bullfight in my life,” he said. “I’m all kinked out instead of kinked up.” That time away from the arena was just what the young bullfighter needed. Whether it was a bit of discontent with his work or a bit of burnout that comes with a game as dangerous as freestyle bullfighting, he was not in the right frame of mind to do what’s necessary. “Josey is one of those kids that just has raw talent,” said Weston Rutkowski, the reigning BFO world champion who sits No. 2 in the 2017 Pendleton Whisky World Standings. “He’s very flashy and can surely wow the crowd. “Fighting bulls is a lot more mental than it is physical. In this game, I think it’s smart to step away from fighting bulls if your mind and heart aren’t into it. I think it was a good move for him, and now I’m interested to see how he handles it.” He’s handling it quite well. “I didn’t realize how much I loved an animal like I do the Spanish fighting bulls,” Josey said. “I’m just excited for the opportunity to work with these bulls again.” Getting back into the game wasn’t easy for the Oklahoma talent, and he had to gain the approval of the 13 other BFO pioneers. “We all love Josey and no one was mad when he decided to step away,” BFO founder, Aaron Ferguson said. “BFO is a platform for the best bullfighters in the world, and Justin is one of the best. I am excited to see him back in the arena with some fresh perspectives.” That works just fine for Josey. “Being part of the BFO means everything,” he said. “Ever since I first started, I wanted to be the best freestyle bullfighter to do it. At one point, I lost my vision of that goal. I think the thing that works is that you have the best in the business in the BFO. What’s a world championship if you’re not going against the best in the world. “Whenever you wear that gold buckle around, you want to say you won it against the best guys in the world and fought the best bulls in the world. That’s what the BFO brings.”

EAGLE, Colo. – Fourteen years ago, life was considerably different for Hanna Albertson. She had just been crowned the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo queen. It wasn’t the first time she was involved in the annual exposition, but it was a critical piece of what helped lay the foundation for her vibrant personality. Albertson has spent most of her life in Eagle County. She was born in Aspen, Colo., but moved to Vail at the age of 2. She has continued to be a big part of her community event, which is set for Wednesday, July 19-Saturday, July 22, at the Eagle County Fairgrounds. “She is the chairwoman of the fair and rodeo advisory council, and she does an amazing job,” Fair Manager Tanya Dahlseid said. “She is impressive. She is a hard worker and dedicate. She’s just so helpful. “She is so driven to make this the best of the best.” The fair and rodeo is a vital event in the community, and it brings so many people from throughout the valley to Eagle for the festival. But it goes beyond that. Because the area is such a hot spot for tourists through the summer, the fair and rodeo becomes another top attraction. “What’s cool about our fair and rodeo is it’s not necessarily the people from our area that come but people from around the globe,” Albertson said. “They can come to the Eagle County Fair and Rodeo to get funnel cakes, see the 4H exhibits and enjoy the rodeo. That’s what makes this event so special. “We have a diverse population, and we bring in new people and introduce them to the sport of rodeo.” It not only makes the expo special, it’s what defines this vibrant community. It’s also what defines Albertson, a Southern Methodist University graduate who has returned to her home to be part of the Eagle County fabric. “The fair and rodeo is an amazing community event and keeps this Western heritage event in Eagle County,” she said. “it’s just a great event for our community and shows where we came from. “Giving back to my community is what runs in my family. This is my way of giving back and making a difference.” It shows, in every exhibit, every carnival ride, every rodeo performance and every funnel cake consumed.

ESTES PARK, Colo. – Ace Slone has a lot more reasons to be at Rooftop Rodeo than just roping calves. “We always try to enter Estes Park for the end so we have a few days to hang out here,” said Slone, 28, of Cuero, Texas. “This is our favorite place to hang out every summer. We try to be here every Monday night.” He was originally scheduled to compete in both go-rounds Saturday morning, but a scheduling conflict forced him to trade with another tie-down roper. After having trouble with his first-round calf, Slone made the most of his second round Monday with a 7.8-second run. That was good enough to finish in a tie for second place with Westyn Hughes, and each cowboy pocketed $1,178. Hughes, by the way, placed in both rounds and won overall title with a two-run cumulative time of 15.8 seconds. Hughes earned $4,384 at Rooftop Rodeo. “A little consolation in the second round goes a long way,” Slone said. “Plus, we don’t mind being here on Monday and having a couple of days off in Estes. The way they treated us here with the hospitality is amazing. There are very few rodeos that are as hospitable. “They make it a lot of fun with the full RV hookups and meals, and, of course, we enjoy it for all the reasons all the tourists come to Estes. I love to fish, and we go to Rocky Mountain National Park every year. It’s just an awesome place to hang out.” Of course, there also was some unfinished business to tend to once he arrived. “Fortunately, I drew a good calf and was able to put a good run together,” he said. “This round was really fast, so there was no holding back.” Rooftop Rodeo Estes Park, Colo. July 5-10, 2017 Bareback riding: 1. Jake Brown, 84.5 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Rose Puff, $6,260; 2. Steven Dent, 83, $4,800; 3. Buck Lunak, 82.5, $3,548; 4. (tie) Dantan Bertsch, Seth Hardwick and Zach Hibler, 81, $1,600 each; 7. (tie) Orin Larsen and Austin Foss, 80.5, $730. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Billy Bugenig, 3.8 seconds, $1,573; 2. Cody Doescher, 3.9, $1,302; 3. Wade Sumpter, 4.0, $1,031; 4. Blaine Jones, 4.1, $760; 5. (tie) Justice Johnson and Errol Frain, 4.4, $380 each. Second round: 1. Blaine Jones, 3.5 seconds, $1,573; 2. Blare Romsa, 3.7, $1,302; 3. Cody Cabral, 3.9, $1,031; 4. (tie) Cody Pratt, Cameron Morman and Billy Bugenig, 4.0, $506 each. Average: 1. Blaine Jones, 7.6 seconds on two runs, $2,360; 2. Billy Bugenig, 7.8, $1,953; 3. Cody Cabral, 8.6, $1,546; 4. (tie) Cody Pratt and Hunter Cure, 8.7. $936 each; 6. Baylor Roche, 8.8, $407. Team roping: 1. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.7 seconds, $4,121; 2. Levi Simpson/Jeremy Buhler, 5.0, $3,688; 3. Lane Ivy/Buddy Hawkins, 5.1, $3,254; 5. (tie)Matt Sherwood/Walt Woodard and Cory Kidd/Cole Davison, 5.2, $2,603 each; 6. Ty Blasingame/Tanner Luttrell, 5.3, $1,952; 7. (tie) Marcus Theriot/Cody Doescher and Joshua Torres/Jonathan Torres, 5.4, $1,301 each; 9. (tie) Casey Adams/Riley Pedro and Kolton Schmidt/Dugan Kelly, 5.9, $434 each. Saddle bronc riding 1. Layton Green, 84.5 points on Cervi Rodeo’s Payback, $5,330; 2. Hardy Braden, 84, $4,086; 3. (tie) Tanner Lockhart and Brody Cress, 83.5, $2,487 each; 5. (tie) Cort Scheer and Heith DeMoss, 82.5, $1,066 each; 8. (tie) Colt Gordon and Roper Kiesner, 82, $622 each. Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Cooper Martin, 7.8 seconds, $1,589; 2. Westyn Hughes, 8.0, $1,314; 3. (tie) Tim Pharr, Jake Pratt and Tuf Cooper, 8.1, $767 each; 6. (tie) Tyler Prcin and Lane Livingston, 8.2, $137 each. Second round 1. Taylor Santos, 7.5 seconds, $1,589; 2. (tie) Ace Slone and Westyn Hughes, 7.8, $1,178 each; 4. (tie) Justin Smith, Scott Kormos, Cimarron Boardman and Caleb Smidt, 7.9, $384 each. Average: 1. Westyn Hughes, 15.8 seconds on two runs, $2,383; 2. Caleb Smidt, 16.5, $1,972; 3. Jake Pratt, 16.8, $1,561; 4. Sterling Smith, 17.6, $1,151; 5. Robert Mathis, 17.9; 6. Monty Lewis, 18.4, $411. Barrel racing: 1. Taci Bettis, 17.36 seconds, $3,978; 2. Tillar Murray, 17.42, $3,182; 3. Kelley Schnaufer, 17.48, $2,586; 4. Christine Laughlin, 17.51, $1,989; 5. Tammy Fischer, 17.56, $1,591; 6. Sidney Forrest, 17.58, $1,193; 7. (tie) Sydni Blanchard and Ashley Shafer, 17.59, $945 each; 9. Michele McLeod, 17.62, $796; 10. (tie) Shelby Janssen and Kaylee Burnett, 17.66, $646 each; 12. Ari-Anna Flynn, 17.68, $497; 13. (tie) Bonnie Wheatley and Erin Parsons, 17.71, $348 each; 15. (tie) Ericka Nelson and Kynzie McNeill, 17.73, $99 each. Bull riding: 1. Scottie Knapp, 87 points on Cervi Brothers’ Po-Boy, $3,948; 2. Cole Meloncon, 85.5, $3,027; 3. Trey Benton II, 85, $2,237; 4. Remi Wildeman, 83, $1,448; 5. (tie) Tyler Ray Viers and Hawk Whitt, 81, $789 each; 7. Trevor Reiste, 79, $526; 6. Garrett Uptain, 77, $395.