About: Ted

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – There was never any hesitation in the minds of the committee members that organize Stephenville’s annual ProRodeo. “It was something from Day 1 when this stuff with COVID started, we wanted to have the rodeo,” said James Andrea, president of the volunteers that work hard all year to have the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at Lone Star Arena. “We just stayed after it. We were worried about sponsorships, but the city of Stephenville, the businesses and the people from Stephenville got behind us. We wanted it for the sport of rodeo, but we also wanted it for Stephenville. We’re glad to be doing it, and not just for the cowboys.” The contestants have responded, too. As has been the case in ProRodeo, events that have continued through the COVID-19 global pandemic have seen increased numbers. The folks in Stephenville had more than 650 cowboys and cowgirls put their names in the hat to compete. “The numbers have been good,” Andrea said. “We’re up about 100 contestants from last year’s rodeo. That’s a good sign, but it’s also pretty telling.” Like most events across the globe, COVID has taken its toll on rodeo. More than half the events originally scheduled for 2020 were canceled and many others postponed from their original dates. Because of limitations in Las Vegas, the 2020 National Finals Rodeo will take place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, to ensure the championship could continue with fans in attendance while also allowing for social distancing measures. That makes the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo the last major stop of the regular season. Money won in Stephenville over those three days will make a difference as to which contestants in each event will advance to the NFR. “We’ve always had the biggest names in rodeo at our event,” Andrea said. “Of course, many of them live here or around here, so this is more of a hometown rodeo for them.” It’s also a big-time stop for the cowboys and cowgirls that live thousands of miles away and are eager to make fast Texas money with hopes of chasing their gold buckle dreams. In a year that’s made it difficult for ProRodeo contestants to actually make a living in the game they love, they’ll take every chance they can get. “Probably the biggest challenge we faced with our rodeo was just not knowing,” said Andrea, who has been part of the volunteer committee for several years. “Even though we kept planning to have it, you always have that uncertainty. “In the long run, it wasn’t going to be up to us. All we could do was the leg work and hope the politicians allowed us to have it. Now it’s a go, and we get to do it. That’s exciting for us, for the cowboys and everybody in Stephenville.”

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The people in this neck of the woods know a thing or two about the sport of rodeo. Stephenville is, of course, the Cowboy Capital of the World, a testament to the dozens of elite rodeo stars that live in Erath County. Some claim it as a secondary home, like world champion heeler Jade Corkill, who still lists Fallon, Nevada, as his hometown though he lives in Stephenville year-round. The members of the volunteer committee that produce the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo know how special it is to have such a prestigious event for the locals to attend, to witness and to compete in every year. This year’s rodeo is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at Lone Star Arena. When it comes to the actual production of those three performances, though, the locals rely on the professional crew from Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, one of the most recognized livestock production firms in the game. “What Pete brings us is good stock and good personnel,” said James Andrea, the committee’s president. “With John Gwatney on the timed-event side, we don’t have to worry about anything there. With Billy Jones on the other side, he runs the whole deal. “When Pete shows up, we don’t have to worry about anything. We know it’s going to be a first-class show.” That’s important, because rodeo is a fantastic mix of world-class competition and family friendly entertainment. Stephenville’s rodeo will feature the comedy of clown Matt Tarr, who has been recognized as one of the top young acts in the game; a year ago, he was the alternate barrelman for the National Finals Rodeo. Announcer Justin McKee, who is best know for his work on national television, will be back to call the action. “Matt’s from around here, so we really wanted to support the hometown guy, and there’s bee a lot of buzz about him,” Andrea said. “The thing we get with Justin is he understands the vital statistics that come with us being on that final weekend of the regular season. He’ll know how much money the people need to earn here just to make the NFR.” McKee and Tarr are just part of the mixture that makes the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo tick. “It’s not just a rodeo; it’s entertainment, and Pete understand that,” Andrea said. “Our committee goes above and beyond for the entertainment side of it, and we really try to grow the rodeo every year. This year, though, we’ve done our best just to keep everything the same. “We’re trying to do the best we can to make it happen.” That’s where Carr and his team of experts comes in. “Our committee is real rodeo-oriented and knows a lot about rodeo, but there’s a difference between putting on a rodeo and going to a rodeo,” Andrea said. “That’s the comfort of having Pete and the people he has working for him. They can take care of things before we even think of it.”

DUNCAN, Okla. – When the COVID-19 global pandemic hit hard six months ago, doubts were cast across all professional sports. Rodeo has taken as big a hit as any, with cancelations becoming the norm for the cowboys, cowgirls and personnel who make their living in the game. But there’s a resilience that’s been defined through the Plains states of Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, and the perseverance is going to pay off. “We’re pretty excited just to be able to have our rodeo,” said Joe Henderson, chairman of the volunteer committee that produces the annual Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16-Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Stephens County Arena in Duncan. “This has been a tough year for so many people, and we’ve been hit pretty hard here in southern Oklahoma. “Fortunately, with the help of some key people in rodeo, we’re able to put on a show. It’s going to be a good way to celebrate all that we have to offer as far as our form of Americana. It’s important to this community that we bring a bit of normalcy back to town.” The fall rodeo has been a normal part of the annual calendar for Stephens County for nearly a decade. This will mark the ninth straight year for the circuit finale, which will feature only the top 12 contestants in each event who are primarily from the three-state region. Money earned by those contestants at rodeos in Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska count toward the regional titles. This will be a toned-down version of what qualifiers and fans have come to expect. The circuit finals typically features three go-rounds, but given many of the restrictions that have followed COVID-19, there are benefits to having two go-rounds. “Obviously, we’d love to have three rounds and be able to pay money in each round and the average,” Henderson said. “We’re just not able to do that this year, but we will still be able to pay out two rounds and the average. It’s not the greatest scenario, but in a year like the one we’re in, I think this will be just what everyone needs.” Having a regional championship is valuable in ProRodeo. There are several circuits around North America, and the champions from each region advance to the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo – the year-end and circuit-finals winners punch their ticket to Kissimmee, Florida, which is the traditional host for the national championship each spring. “The circuit finals is very important to me and every other cowboy this year,” said Cody Devers, the top-ranked steer wrestler in the Prairie Circuit. “We have had a very limited rodeo schedule this year, and I am proud of all the people who have taken the time and effort to give us the opportunity to compete at our prestigious circuit finals.”

After weeks of speculation and ill-advised social media teases, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has found a home for the 2020 National Finals Rodeo at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas. “When George (Taylor, the PRCA’s CEO) brought the idea to us, we thought it was a little farfetched,” said Jacobs Crawley, the PRCA board chairman and 2015 saddle bronc riding world champion from Stephenville, Texas. It’s not as farfetched as many might think, and it’s a great venue to conduct ProRodeo’s grand championship through a global pandemic. With a retractable roof, Globe Life Field offers the availability to host fans while allowing for social distancing. “When you think of Texas, you think of rodeo; you think of cowboys,” said Trevor Brazile, a 25-time world champion who lives in nearby Decatur, Texas. “I don’t think anybody that could pull through other than the state I’m so proud of. “I’m a little jealous; I retired a little too soon.” This will not be a traditional arena layout, given the dimensions of the diamond. In fact, an image released publicly revealed the dirt will encompass much of the infield area to the dugouts and spread a third of the way into the outfield. The bucking chutes will be in center field, with the out-gate being the entry and exit for barrel racing. Tie-down roping will take place down the right-field line, while team roping and steer wrestling will be down the left-field line. The action of all events will head toward home plate, much like baseball itself. “A lot of us have rodeoed a long time (and) been fortunate to ride in great venues,” Crawley said. “This is going to be the next great spot.” This is a temporary move for the NFR but a necessary one because of pandemic restrictions in Las Vegas. The PRCA sought a new home for this year’s championship that would allow for fans. Seats will be sold in groups of four, with separation between groups. “Contact-limiting measures, such as mobile tickets, have been implemented throughout the event,” the PRCA indicated in its news release. “There will also be metal detector screenings and a no bag policy at entries on performance nights. Globe Life Field is encouraging all guests to check the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services websites for any guideline changes prior to the event.” The NFR returns to the Lone Star State for the first time since 1961; the original host of the championship (1959-61) was the Texas State Fairgrounds. It then moved to Los Angeles Sports Arena for three years, before finding a 20-year home in Oklahoma City – first at Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, then to The Myriad in downtown Oklahoma City. The NFR made Las Vegas its permanent home in 1985 and will return to Sin City once the pandemic restrictions allow. There was no discussion of how the payout will change without the financial backing from the Nevada desert, but there are bound to be changes. Still, look for the NFR to feature great payouts. In a year that’s seen so many events canceled, it’s refreshing to know world champions will be crowned in December.

GUNNISON, Colo. – When Tanner Butner designated 2020 to be his rookie campaign in ProRodeo, he had no idea what was in store. A global pandemic hit, and his once promising season turned into a year of delays, cancelations and setbacks. Still, the saddle bronc rider sits No. 4 in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s rookie standings and has an outside chance to catch the leader, Iowan Riggin Smith. “Winning the rookie was one of my goals this year, and I’ve been trying to get that done,” said Butner, 23, of Daniel, Wyoming. “This weekend’s helped me out quite a bit as far as that goes.” Yes, it did. On Saturday night, Butner rode Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Dreamliner for 87.5 points to share the Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo bronc riding victory with 2017 world champion Ryder Wright, who posted the same score Friday. With that, both Butner and Wright each earned $2,003. “I wanted to go ahead and make the finals this year, but I had a rough winter,” Butner said. “So, I just tried to get the rookie done.” Only the top 15 in the world standings at the conclusion of the regular season advance to the National Finals Rodeo, and Butner entered the weekend 38th on the money list. Still, earning the elusive Rookie of the Year crown is quite prestigious in ProRodeo. With struggles through the big events in the winter months, the Wyoming cowboy was left on the outside looking in. Throw in a greatly reduced rodeo schedule, and it was a steep climb that he was unable to traverse. That’s why his ride Saturday night was so special. It inches him up the rookie standings, and he can still move up the list to catch Smith, who held a $12,000 lead heading into this week of rodeos. “This year, I’ve just tried to stay as busy as possible,” Butner said. “I just find anything I could do to make extra money on the side to keep me rolling.” With COVID-19 affecting so many aspects of daily life, the young cowboy understands how important it is to ride well when the opportunities allow. “It’s been a dang good year to have a job,” he said with a laugh. “I think it’s pretty awesome what this community did to have a rodeo. I got to visit with one of the committee guys, and I know how much effort they put into it just to have a rodeo. I’m glad they did it; it’s a good deal for everybody.” Cattlemen’s Days paid out a record $90,636 and featured many big names. In fact, the list of winners included contestants with multiple NFR qualifications, including world champions like Wright and heading titlist Levi Simpson. For Butner, it was nice to have his name in there and get on a great bucking horse in the process. “Some of my buddies knew that horse and knew he was a pretty dang good one,” Butner said. “That’s a fun bugger. If you can beat them to the ground and pick them up a little, it helps them buck better and makes everything look a lot better. If you’re beating them back to the ground, it also feels 10 times better.” So is earning a big win in the Colorado mountains. Cattlemen’s Days Gunnison, Colo. Sept. 3-5 Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Cole Reiner, on United Pro Rodeo’s Pow Wow Nights, and Orin Larsen, on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s JBC Bent Rail Sourdough, 88 points, $1,923 each; 3. Wyatt Bloom, 87.5, $1,335; 5. Shane O’Connell, 85.5, $798; 5. Tim O’Connell, 85, $508; 6. (tie) Pascal Isabelle and Paden Hurst, 84.5, $327 each; 8. (tie) Donny Proffitt and Seth Hardwick, 82.5, $109. Steer wrestling: 1. Jesse Brown, 3.7 seconds, $2,335; 2. Bridger Anderson, 3.8, $2,030; 3. Cody Devers, 3.9, $1,726; 4. Winston McGraw, 4.0, $1,421; 5. (tie) Cade Staton, Landon Beardsworth and Will Lummus, 4.1, $812 each; 8. (tie) Kodie Jang, Bill Glaunch and Dirk Tavenner, 4.2, $68. Team roping: 1. (tie) Levi Simpson/Shay Carroll, Jake Cooper/Lane Mitchell and Aaron Tsinigine/Kyle Lockett, 4.5 seconds, $2,525 each; 4. Tanner Tomlinson/Brady Norman, 4.7, $1,931; 5. Matt Sherwood/Trey Yates, 4.9, $1,634; 6. J.B.  James Jr./Brock Hanson, 5.2, $1,337; 7. Coleman Proctor/Ryan Motes, 5.3, $1,040; 8. Kellan Johnson/Carson Johnson, 5.4, $743; 9. Pedro Egurrola/Trevor Nowlin, 5.5, $446; 10. Clay Norell/Jesse Sheffield, 6.0, $149. Saddle bronc riding: 1. (tie) Ryder Wright, on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Flashcard Champ, and Tanner Butner, on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Dreamliner, 87.5 points, $2,003 each; 3. Cody DeMoss, 86.5, $1,285; 4. Jacobs Crawley, 86, $831; 5. Shorty Garrett, 85, $529; 6. Tegan Smith, 84.5, $378; 7. (tie) Spencer Wright and Chase Brooks, 84, $265 each. Tie-down roping: 1. Trampus Quarnberg, 8.6 seconds, $2,800; 2. (tie) Tyler Prcin and Ike Fontenot, 8.7, $2,252 each; 4. Marcos Costa, 9.0, $1,704; 5. Luke Potter, 9.1, $1,339; 6. Charlie Gibson, 9.3, $974; 7. Shad Mayfield, 9.5, $609; 8. (tie) Ty Harris and Caleb Smidt, 9.8, $122 each. Barrel racing: 1. Shali Lord, 17.48 seconds, $1,769; 2. Nicole Drigggers, 17.50, $1,516; 3. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 17.64, $1,263; 4. (tie) Sherry Cervi and Lake Mehalic, 17.65, $969 each; 6. (tie) Brittany Barnett and Nicole Waggoner, 17.67, $590; 8. Megan Champion, 17.74, $337; 9. Emily Miller, 17.76, $253; 10. Lexie Goss, 17.87, $168. Bull riding: 1. Ty Wallace, 87.5 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Buck Jam, $2,961; 2. Roscoe Jarboe, 87, $2,270; 3. Chase Dougherty, 85.5, $1,678; 4. (tie) Cole Meloncon and Dustin Boquet, 85, $888 each; 6. Garrett Smith, 84.5, $494; 7. Brady Portenier, 84, $395; 8. Chance Ekins, 83.5, $296.