Category Archives: Uncategorized

BIG SPRING, Texas – It’s been 20 years since River Boat Annie burst onto the rodeo scene as one of the sport’s top bucking horses. She was a standout, the one the cowboys wanted to try. Known for her power, she was the driving force for many contestants on their way to championships. In 2007, she was named the reserve bareback horse of the year. She was selected to perform at the National Finals Rodeo 11 times. Now 23, her job is making and raising bucking babies. She last bucked in Las Vegas in 2014. The next year, her first standout colt, Painted River, followed suit, and countless others have kept the legacy rolling. Bareback rider Tim Murphy got to test that line of genetics and found it to his liking during Friday’s second performance of the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo. He rode Rockin The Boat for 81 points and holds the lead heading into Saturday’s final night. “Kade Berry got on that horse in Bay City (Texas) at the beginning of the year and was 82 points,” said Murphy, 26, of Cleveland, Texas. “I knew it was going to be good. I’d never seen a video of it, but it’s a colt from River Boat Annie, which is a pretty famous bucking horse from back in the day. It had good genetics, so I was expecting good things for sure. “She’s a pretty horse. She’s big and a little bit strong.” She and Murphy made things happen inside the historic Rodeo Bowl. The east Texas cowboy has played in that arena a lot over his lifetime. He competed at Western State College in nearby Snyder, Texas, which is an hour northeast of Big Spring. The Howard County Community College rodeo team conducted its annual rodeo in the same complex. Since finishing his education, Murphy has continued to chase his rodeo dreams across the Lone Star State and beyond. “I’ve rode in this arena more times that I can count on my two hands,” he said. “I’ve watched this rodeo grow into something huge, and now they’re having big, giant concerts over there. It’s turned into something spectacular. I hope it keeps growing. “I’ve had good lick here, and I’ve had bad luck here, but today, we had some good luck.” Riding bareback horses isn’t for the weak. Cowboys strap their rigging tightly to the animal’s back. Wearing specially designed gloves that have binds in them, they then wedge their hands into the suitcase handle-like rigging and are virtually locked onto the animal. “It’s a dogfight no matter what,” he said of riding bareback broncs. “Some are easier than others, but it feels so good to get tapped off on one. That’s why I do it. It’s a huge adrenaline rush, and it’s a feeling like no other.” Every ounce of positive energy he can get is crucial. Murphy is in position to catch a nice payday by the time the rodeo closes Saturday night. By then, he will be in El Paso, Texas, before venturing northwest to test his talents across the country. Winning Big Spring would definitely be motivation and momentum as head journeys forward. “That would be fantastic,” Murphy said. “I’m going to keep my fingers crossed and hope we pull it off, but a second or third will be fine for me, too.” Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and RodeoJune 20-22Bareback riding: 1. Tim Murphy, 81 on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Rockin The Boat; 2. (tie) Jacob Lees and Luke Thrash, 78; no other qualified rides. Steer wrestling: 1. Ryan Nettle, 4.3 seconds; 2. Jay Williamson, 4.5; 3. Dylan Schroeder, 4.7; 4. Gavin Soileau, 5.0; 5. Gary Gilbert, 5.3; 6. Matt Reeves, 5.4; 7. Heath Thomas, 5.6; 8. Rowdy Parrott, 7.3; 9. Ben Mitchell, 13.0; 10. Clay Guthrie, 15.1. Tie-down roping: 1. Seth Hall, 8.1 seconds; 2. Klay Kirkes, 8.4; 3. 3. Cash Hooper, 8.8; 4. Landyn Duncan, 9.4; 5. Hayden Ford, 9.8; 6. Jacob Walters, 10.0; 7. Weldon Watson, 10.1; 8. Word Hudson, 10.2. Breakaway roping: 1. Macy Davenport, 2.2 seconds; 2. Addison Elliott, 2.4; 3. Baili Herring, 2.7; 4. (tie) Jenna Caldarola, Lauren Hopkins, Jaden Usher, Tibba Smith and Haley Mason, 2.9; 9. (tie) Jordan Hollabaugh, Hali Williams and Kayelen Helton, 3.0; 12. (tie) Bradi Good and Bailey Jay, 3.1. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Cooper Thatcher, 85 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Saya’s Eyes; 2. Jarrod Hammons, 79; 3. Chris Williams, 76; 4. Tom Webster, 75; 5. Darcy Radel, 73; 6. Blaise Freeman, 72.5; 7. Michael Womack, 79; 8. Joe Macqueen, 69. Team roping: 1. Riley Kittle/Will Woodfin, 4.8 seconds. 2. Cody Snow/Hunter Koch, 5.1; 3. Seth Hall/Pace Blanchard, 6.4; 4. Jim Breck Bean/Jasper Klein, 7.1; 5. Casey Tew/Cody Tew, 9.7; 6. Cody McCluskey/Jace Davis, 9.9; 7. Billy Bob Brown/Josh Patton, 10.7; 8. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 14.4. Barrel racing: 1. Dena Kirkpatrick, 15.79 seconds; 2. Jymmy Kay Cox, 15.88; 3. (tie) Cheyenne Wimberley and Aspen Adams, 15.89; 5. (tie) Deb Guelly and Tasha Welsh, 15.94; 7. Shannon Griffin, 15.98; 8. Caley Walkoviak, 16.00; 9. Corley Cox, 16.04; 10. LaTricia Duke, 16.05; 11. (tie) Fallon Taylor and Gracen Harman, 16.13. Bull riding: 1. Cody Teel, 84.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Brown Bomber; 2. Lex Oakley, 82; no other qualified rides.

BIG SPRING, Texas – The timing of breakaway roping’s growing popularity coincided with Jenna Caldarola’s love for the game she plays. She competed at Odessa (Texas) College, then transferred to another rodeo school, Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. There, though, she focused on her classes and opted out of competition. Becoming a nurse takes hard work, dedication and a caring nature. She comes by it naturally. Her grandfather and father are both surgeons, and her mother is a nurse. She still lives in Stephenville, works in Granbury, but she still competes on the weekends. Her venture to compete at the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo was right up her ally. She posted a 2.9-second run during Thursday’s first performance to take the breakaway roping lead heading into the final two days of competition. With hopes of qualifying for the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, Caldarola has focused her attention on regional rodeos. With the Lone Star State being so big, there are a lot of opportunities, but not all of them are just three hours from her home. With $5,000 in “added” money from local organizers mixed with the entry fees of more than 65 ropers, there is a grand opportunity to win some big-time cash during the 90th anniversary of Big Spring’s rodeo. That’s one of the reasons she made the trip, but the other reasons are chasing a love for the game that she’s had for a long time. Breakaway roping has been around for decades, but it’s popularity has only grown in recent years. It’s first year on a big stage came in March 2019 at The American, a stand-alone event that features a $2 million payday in Arlington, Texas. In 2020, it was added to ProRodeo events, with the first National Finals Breakaway Roping taking place that December. While the sport was starting to fight its way into more and more ProRodeo events, Caldarola was in a different kind of battle. Jenna Caldarola was diagnosed with breast cancer. While the world was isolated because of COVID, she was fighting for her life and her future. There was surgery and chemotherapy and other treatments that not only ravaged the cancer but also the healthy cells. Because of the restrictions in place during the pandemic, her biggest supporters had to keep their distance. From surgery to the doses of drugs to the general care, Caldarola was isolated. It’s what her body needed, but her spirit pushed through. She’s now a cancer survivor and the leader after opening night in Big Spring. Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and RodeoJune 20-22Bareback riding: 1. Jacob Lees, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Silencer, and Luke Thrash, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Bay Delight, 78 points; no other qualified rides. Steer wrestling: 1. Jay Williamson, 4.5 seconds; 2. Dylan Schroeder, 4.7; 3. Gavin Soileau, 5.0; 4. Gary Gilbert, 5.3; 5. Rowdy Parrott, 7.3; no other qualified times. Tie-down roping: 1. Seth Hall, 8.1 seconds; 2. Klay Kirkes, 8.4; 3. Jacob Walters, 10.0; 4. Weldon Watson, 10.1; 5. Karson Kolacek, 11.9; 6. Ryan Thibodeaux, 13.8; no other qualified times. Breakaway roping: 1. Jenna Caldarola, 2.9 seconds; 2. Jordan Hollabaugh, 3.0; 3. Bradi Good, 3.1; 4. (tie) Rylee Strickland and Hannah Martin, 12.2; no other qualified times. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Jarrod Hammons, 79 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Django; 2. Chris Williams, 76; 3. Tom Webster, 75; 4. Darcy Radel, 73; 5. Joe Macqueen, 69; no other qualified rides. Team roping: 1. Cody Snow/Hunter Koch, 5.1 seconds; 2. Seth Hall/Pace Blanchard, 6.4; 3. Billy Bob Brown/Josh Patton, 10.7; no other qualified times. Barrel racing: 1. Dena Kirkpatrick, 15.79 seconds; 2. Cheyenne Wimberley, 15.89; 3. Shannon Griffin, 15.98; 4. Lydia Bierschwale-Luce, 16.26; 5. Paige Callaway, 16.47; 6. Cashen Turner, 16.48; 7. Bailee Switzer, 21.27; 8. Sierra Scott-Williams, 21.39; 9. Kirstin Carlson, 23.03; 10. Amy Turner, 24.46. Bull riding: Lex Oakley, 82 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Machetee; no other qualified rides.

GUNNISON, Colo. – For a great number of rodeo fans, the overall experience of competition and family-friendly entertainment makes for a great event. For others, they want to see the action. The better the contest, the more they like it. They’re eager to witness high-flying dismounts and body-bruising wrecks. They want 90-point rides and lightning-fast runs. It doesn’t get any faster than breakaway roping, which, for the first time, will be featured at this year’s Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo, set for Thursday, July 11-Saturday, July 13, at Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. “We’ve paid close attention to what’s been going on in rodeo the last few years, and the great group of people on our committee agreed it was time to add breakaway roping to our rodeo,” said Brad Tutor, president of the volunteer organization that produces Cattlemen’s Days each year. “Breakaway roping has just continued to grow in popularity. “We believe this is an event that people in the Gunnison Valley will be excited to see. It’s the fastest-paced of all the timed events, and it’s easy to follow. We’re looking forward to seeing what these ladies bring to Cattlemen’s Days.” Breakaway roping has been around for decades, but it’s gained steam in the traditional sense of professional rodeo only recently. The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association has been crowning breakaway roping world champions since 1974. The first breakaway title in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association was earned in 1969. From youth rodeo to college and even into the WPRA, breakaway was one of the few roping events for women. Sure, there are some who can tie-down calves, but the bulk of female calf ropers prefer to do it with a string holding their ropes around the saddle horn during the run. When the calf is roped correctly, the string will break when the slack comes out of the rope, and time is stopped. The best runs are typically done faster than three seconds, but audiences won’t be surprised to see several sub-two-second runs. At Houston, which is held inside the Houston Texans’ football stadium, the fastest run was by Arizona cowgirl Macy Young, who stopped the clock in 2.2 seconds. Another Arizona hand, Danielle Lowman, won both Fort Worth and San Antonio after posting 1.6-second runs. The opportunities for these cowgirls are increasing. Cattlemen’s Days isn’t the only big event to add breakaway to its schedule. Each offers a chance for the ladies to continue to make a living in rodeo in an event other than barrel racing, and it creates fan-friendly competition. When Jackie Crawford won the first ProRodeo world championship in 2020, she finished with a little more than $47,000; that season featured the inaugural National Finals Breakaway Roping, which has continued each campaign since. A year later, Sawyer Gilbert pocketed $72,000. Last year, Shelby Boisjoli-Meged cleared more than $181,000. “It’s crazy to think about the money we have now,” said Joey Williams, a breakaway roper from Volborg, Montana. “I didn’t breakaway a lot after college, because there just weren’t the opportunities. It’s so exciting for these younger girls. They’re going to have a goal when they’re 8 years old about going to the finals, and that was never the case for us. “I think it’s so cool the way breakaway roping is going.” The success is creating fans nationwide, including the Gunnison Valley. “Cattlemen’s Days is a community event, and we believe breakaway roping will fit right in with this celebration,” Tutor said.

PECOS, Texas – Over the course of its history, the West of the Pecos Rodeo has had dozens of world champions claim the crown. Dirty Jacket ranks right up there with all of them, and he has a legacy of shining the brightest in Reeves County. Six times in his lifetime, the powerful bay gelding from Pete Carr Pro Rodeo has guided cowboys to the title in this west Texas community. It’s the standard of excellence fans have come to expect with the “World’s First Rodeo,” set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26-Saturday, June 29. He’s one of many great animals that have graced the Buck Jackson Arena dirt over the last 141 years, and he’s a champion’s dream. Some of the greatest cowboys have found amazing success on the back of the two-time PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year. Dirty Jacket won those titles in 2014-15, but he was making a name for himself long before that. He first bucked at the National Finals Rodeo in 2009, when he was just 5 years old. In 2012, bareback riders selected him as the third best bucker in ProRodeo. The next year, he was the reserve world champion bareback horse. Meanwhile, he was setting a standard in Pecos. Taylor Price was the first to win in 2013, scoring 88.5 points to do so. Two years later, Ryan Gray set the arena record with a 92-point ride, while Jamie Howlett was 88.5 to win in 2017. Kaycee Feild, the winningest cowboy ever in the event with six bareback riding world championships, scored 91.5 points to win Pecos in 2021. A year later, Jess Pope posted an 89-point ride inside the legendary arena on his way to his first world title. “That was my first time on him,” Pope said. “I was actually starting to get kind of worried about if I’d ever get on him; he’s getting up there in age. I didn’t know if I’d get on him before he retired.” Dirty Jacket is 20 years old and has been switched between bareback riding and saddle bronc riding over the years. He performed at the NFR 12 times in his career and helped cowboys to go-round titles. “He’s always been that good,” said Pope, a four-time NFR qualifier who won the aggregate at ProRodeo’s grand finale three straight years from 2000-2022. “That horse has a lot of try and a lot of heart; he is a special horse. Not many horses can be hauled like he has been and still do what he does at his age. “He’s got the biggest heart you’ll ever really see in a horse.” The honors keep rolling in for Dirty Jacket. Two months ago, the horse by legendary sire Night Jacket was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame alongside Pete Carr, who purchased Dirty Jacket as a colt from the Zinser Ranch in Michigan. Since he first bucked in May 2008, cowboys have scored 90 points or better often. “He’s like a ticking time bomb,” said saddle bronc rider Rusty Wright, a five-time NFR qualifier who won Eagle, Colorado, in 2019. “As soon as the gate opens, he explodes out of there. He’s a big, strong, solid horse, and you could feel his whole body just blow up out of there. He was showy and electric. Horses like that get you excited. Every single jump, you feed off the last jump; you just try to ride them better. “He’s now one of my favorite horses.” Rodeo fans in west Texas know what it means to see amazing world champions at the West of the Pecos Rodeo, and they’ve been able to witness one of the best equine stars rodeo has ever seen when Dirty Jacket performed.

GUNNISON, Colo. – The loss of a loved one is always tough. Folks in the Gunnison Valley were dealt a heavy blow during some of the coldest months of the year. Brett Redden and Dale Irby, both vibrant parts of the community and longtime supporters of the Cattlemen’s Days celebration, died a few months ago, leaving behind a grieving family and a town that mourns their losses as spring rolls into summer. “Dale and Brett were best friends in school,” said Wendy Redden, Brett’s sister. “They grew up together, ran together. They were both from ranching families at different ends of the valley. For them to pass away at about the same time, it was pretty tough.” Brett Redden died in early December; Irby passed seven weeks later. Their lives met at a crossroads decades ago, and that friendship remained intact. They will be honorary marshals at this year’s Cattlemen’s Days parade, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 13. “I think it’s neat that they are doing it this way,” said Jackson Irby, one of Dale’s two sons. “Dad did so much for this community and did so much for Cattlemen’s Days. He served many years on that board. What’s going to hit everybody the most this year is not having him being the ‘yup-yup’ man during the 4H auction. “Dad did a lot of the background work for mine and my brother’s 4H projects and even for my girls’ projects. Until I had kids, I didn’t realize how much he did for us. He was still doing it for my girls.” It’s the way Dale Irby and Brett Redden were raised and how they lived their lives. Both volunteered many years for Cattlemen’s Days, the community’s county fair, and served as that group’s president during their times on the executive board. “Dale and Brett were integral to Cattlemen’s Days,” said Brad Tutor, president of the volunteer group that is organizing this year’s festival. “They served our community for a long time, and they will be missed. I have no doubt in my mind that if they were here, they’d be involved with this year’s Cattlemen’s Days in some fashion.” In fact, Brett Redden was recognized last July as the Cattlemen’s Days’ Committeeman of the Year. He was awarded a pair of spurs for his dedication to the event. It’s a memory his family holds to tightly. “It’s so special that they gave him that award before he died,” Wendy Redden said. “If he were here, he’d be very humbled to be named the parade marshal, just as he was when he was awarded Committeeman of the Year. When he got those Montana Silversmiths spurs last year, he carried those spurs with him in his pickup everywhere he went. “He didn’t make a big deal of it, but he’d be sitting around and would quietly take that box out and would say, ‘Look at what I got.’ He’d be very humble about it and say that there’s probably more deserving people than him, but in my eyes, I don’t think there’s anyone more deserving.” While that’s a sister’s take, many others agree with her. As a kid, he was involved in ag-based programs, including FFA and 4H. He carried that same passion and love for his way of life into adulthood, and he did so alongside his longtime friend, Dale Irby. They were heavily involved in 4H and helping the next generation of ranchers and farmers thrive in that setting. “Dad’s favorite part of Cattlemen’s Days used to be the horseraces,” Jackson Irby said. “He was one of the judges and loved being part of that. He would be humbled and appreciate being named a parade marshal, but he wouldn’t think he deserved it. “Dad would do anything for anybody, but he wouldn’t want anybody to do that for him. He helped neighbors out even when he was dog tired. I think the thing everybody loved about him, too, was that he always had the best advice. I’ve had several people come up to me and say, ‘I didn’t realize what your dad did for me, but I really appreciate it now.’ ” The memories their friends and families have will live a long time. They will share them when they gather together, whether at a casual gathering or during Cattlemen’s Days every year. “The fact that those two are honorary parade marshals is a huge recognition,” Wendy Redden said. “Being a parade marshal is an elite message, and it shows the involvement both of them had in this community and for Cattlemen’s Days. It means a lot to the families.”

ALVA, Okla. – Success as an athlete doesn’t always translate into the victories all dream about.  For Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s contingent of five contestants competing at the College National Finals Rodeo last week, there was some great success but only a trio came away with the actual awards. All-around cowboy Jacob Haren of Callaway, Nebraska, had the highest honor, finishing fourth in the nation in steer wrestling after placing in two of four go-rounds, and Trisyn Kalawaia of Waiakea, Hawaii, won the second round of bulldogging and placed in another. Cam Fox, a steer wrestler from Tulsa, finished sixth in both the first and third rounds. “We got two of us in the short round, but I think we bulldogged good all week,” said Kalawaia, who was also joined in Casper, Wyoming, by steer wrestler Emmett Edler of State Center, Iowa, and breakaway roper Lauren Hopkins of Lipan, Texas. “Jacob had some luck in the short round, and I didn’t.” No, he didn’t, but that’s what happens in competition. Kalawaia was among the leaders heading into Saturday’s championship round but was saddled with a no-time in the finale to fall to 12th overall. Haren finished in a tie for fifth in the final round, which bumped him up the standings. “The college finals went really good for me,” said Haren, who finished his senior year with a trip to the finale but is considering his options as a graduate assistant coach starting in the fall, which would allow him another year of eligibility. “The bulldogging steers were outstanding. Being able to ride Trisyn’s horse helped a lot. She’s really good, and having him hazing for me, it ended up working out. I drew some really good steers and took advantage of it.” Kalawaia’s horse, Rumor, is a 14-year-old brown mare that was named the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year. When Haren rode, Kalawaia was his hazer; when Kalawaia rodeo, Edler hazed. While Haren and Kalawaia led the way for the men’s team, Fox scored some necessary points for the Rangers, who finished 16th overall. That’s saying something, considering that 54 colleges scored some points in Casper. While it wasn’t the finish any wanted out of this year’s championship, every run offers an opportunity to learn, whether it’s a round-winner or a no-time. “The thing I learned the most from this college finals was from my own failure,” Kalawaia said. “I knew I needed to be more aggressive and just capitalize right there, but it’s one of those deals that can happen. I just know that the next time I’m in that situation, I need to be dialed in a little bit more and not let the little mistakes affect me.” That’s important, because the Hawaiian cowboy has a bright future ahead of him. He is 24th in the ProRodeo steer wrestling standings and has a good chance to build on his season. He will be traveling in a buddy group that consists of Darcy Kersch, Marc Joiner, Travis Munro and National Finals Rodeo qualifiers Tristan Martin and Cody Devers, the last of whom is a Northwestern alumnus. They are embarking on an aggressive path they all hope ends with them being at the NFR this coming December in Las Vegas. The lessons he gained at his last college finals could be the motivating factor in what happens over the next few months. “The last couple of years at Alva have been awesome,” said Kalawaia, who transferred to Northwestern from Central Arizona College. “I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I am today if I hadn’t come to Northwestern. If you want to bulldog and get better at it, there’s no other place you want to be. “It’s changed my life by giving me the opportunity to work with the guys I’ve worked with and learn more about what I want to do. It set me up now to ProRodeo.”

CLARENDON, Texas – They almost pulled it off. Two Clarendon College cowboys put on a whale of a show during last week’s College National Finals Rodeo and left their mark on everyone in Casper, Wyoming. They came up just a few points short of claiming the men’s team title, but they’re pretty excited about being the runners-up. “I think it shows what Clarendon College is all about,” said Weston Timberman, a sophomore from Columbus, Montana, who won his second straight bareback riding crown. “It’s a no-joke school. If you go to Clarendon, you go there to ride bucking animals, and I think we’ve proven that time and time again. “It shows how dominant we can be coming out of Clarendon. If we had six guys at the college finals, we would be unstoppable.” The numbers prove his point. He was joined in Casper by Wacey Schalla, a freshman from Arapaho, Oklahoma, who qualified for the finale in both bareback riding and bull riding. Schalla finished as the titlist in both bull riding and the all-around, earning a spot in Saturday’s championship round in both events. Early on, nobody was in more control. He won each of the first three rounds of bull riding and shared the first-round victory in bareback riding with Timberman and Bradlee Miller of Sam Houston (Texas) State University. “The college finals went really good, and it will dang sure be a good head start heading into the summer,” Schalla said. “Weston Timberman and I cleaned house as much as we could.” That they did. In addition to sharing the opening-round victory, Timberman won the second round and finished second in the third. He tied for fourth in the final round to claim the aggregate championship. Schalla finished 11th in the second and third rounds of bareback riding, then joined Timberman in that tie for fourth in the short round to finish sixth in the aggregate. Though he didn’t cover his bull on the final night, he won the aggregate with 247.5 points on three rides, just one point ahead of Zeke Martinez of Wharton County (Texas) Junior College. “The all-around was a pretty big deal to me,” Schalla said. “That’s my goal next year in the PRCA … to win the all-around. To win the college finals’ all-around is a big help. “I love the bull riding, because that’s what I’ve been doing since I was young. I just started riding bareback horses at the end of my sophomore year in high school. Now, it’s a big priority to win the all-around, because I enjoy doing them both.” It was almost as if Timberman and Schalla worked in unison to build something special over the seven-day championship. “It was awesome,” Timberman said. “We came in there as a two-man team, and between the two of us ended up winning six rounds, two event national titles, the all-around title and a bunch of awards and saddles. It was a pretty cool thing to be part of, and we showed up when it mattered.” The duo added three more national championships to an already stellar program, which won team titles in 2021 and 2023. Combined, the Clarendon men have accumulated 10 titles since Bret Franks became coach in 2015. Saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper was the first in 2016, followed by Riggin Smith in 2019. Cole Franks won both the bareback riding and all-around crowns in 2021. Each titlist already has a billboard in Clarendon that sings the praises of their accomplishments. Timberman’s will probably have to be redone, but Schalla will have his likeness and pair of championships listed for all to see when they make it to the community in the Texas Panhandle. “Where I’m from is only two hours from Clarendon,” he said. “When I was 15 years old, I was getting on saddle bronc horses, so I’d go over there every week and practice with Bret. I knew I wanted to go there because of the practice facility and the opportunity that gives guys. “Bret is a great coach, and he’s going to help you out as much as he can.” Bret Franks rode broncs for a living and qualified for the National Finals Rodeo three times before he got into coaching. His first stop was at his alma mater at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where he led the men to two national titles in 1997-98. His approach has worked for more than 25 years. “Bret has been there and done that, so if I have any questions with entering or anything else, I can trust him enough to help me out,” Schalla said. With Schalla and Timberman controlling the message, Clarendon College came close to pulling off the improbable win. The Bulldogs finished with 820 points, just 75 points shy of the champion, Tarleton State University of Stephenville, Texas. “We went into the short round leading it by a little bit,” Timberman said. “We had just me and Wacey in the short round, and Tarleton had five guys in the short round. We didn’t quite get it pulled off like we’d hoped, but I think it was still cool to prove a point with two guys.” Yes, it was.

PECOS, Texas – It’s been four years since Anthony Lucia received the phone call that changed his life. “I had just gone full bore into announcing late the summer before, and to get that telephone call to be the announcer of the West of the Pecos Rodeo was special, to say the least,” said Lucia, a competitor and specialty act before handling the role of rodeo emcee. “That’s one of the top 25 rodeos in the country. “There is so much prestige that goes along with it. It’s one thing to be recognized and have accolades and be awarded on a national level, but then once you’re there and you get to experience it, you understand why. To be seen as worthy to announce that rodeo was a giant confident-boost for me.” He will return for this year’s edition of the West of the Pecos Rodeo, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26-Saturday, June 29, at Buck Jackson Arena. Lucia is excited about the opportunity to be the voice of the “World’s First Rodeo.” The folks in Pecos are just as enthusiastic to have Lucia, the 2023 PRCA Announcer of the Year. “There are rodeos, then there are iconic rodeos that have been around for years and years, and none of them compares to the West of the Pecos Rodeo,” he said. “It gives me great pride knowing that the first rodeo was held in Texas, the first rodeo that gave away trophies. While there’s a debate about the longest-standing rodeo, Pecos is recognized as the first because they gave awards away, and they actually had an organized rodeo.” The history continues into the 141st year, and Lucia stands as the platform for audiences to enjoy the legacy while also being part of the experience of modern-day rodeo. From Weatherford, Texas, Lucia was raised around rodeo, and he understands not only the sport’s origins in west Texas but also how it has blossomed over time. It falls on the folks who take the most pride in their event. “The people on the committee are really unbelievable in what they do for the community,” Lucia said. “They love the city of Pecos with all their hearts, and that’s what drives them to do what they do there and put on the kind of show they produce. They take care of the contestants, treating them above and beyond what anyone would expect. “It’s because they care not only about their town but also the people that come to visit their town because of the rodeo. It’s a bigger deal than so many people realize.” The folks who produce the rodeo work tirelessly behind the scenes well in advance of the four performances in late June. It’s a labor of love, evidenced by the fact that the committee is volunteer-based. It’s a thankless job, from gathering sponsorship support to hiring the right personnel to taking care of Buck Jackson Arena, one of the biggest in ProRodeo. Since Lucia is horseback all four nights, he has a great deal of space to manage. He’ll tarry as far east as he can get with his wireless microphone still working. “I love behind horseback; that’s my favorite place to be,” he said. “My horse definitely gets his workout for four days in a row. It’s a really big arena, but all the action takes place on one end: the timed-event chutes and the bucking chutes are right next to each other, so I’m pretty much in the upper third most of the time. “Of course, my job is to make everyone feel like they’re part of the show. Last year I got into a little bit of a bind with a bull. My horse panicked, and the bull was chasing us. My horse started bucking, and I lost my right stirrup, so I just stepped off because the next jump was going to buck me off anyway, and the bull was still in the arena; he was 20 feet in front of me. My horse actually got me and continued to buck and just stared at the bull, like I was going to protect him. That is a memory I will never live down, but I will also never forget.” It’s likely that the thousands of fans in attendance that evening have it locked into their recollections, too. Most that make their way to the stands understand what they see in the arena. They celebrate it in their own ways. They can get loud. “That crowd loves world champions, probably more than any crowd I go in front of year to year,” Lucia said. “They know who the world champions are and who the top competitors are, and you can tell that every night when we introduce them to start the rodeo. “The fans are so appreciative. A lot of the same people come every night, and for an announcer, it pushes you to get out of your comfort zone and try different things, finding different ways of explaining things so that it’s not the same old song and dance every night. We have a lot of repeat customers in Pecos. They’re there because they enjoy the competition.”  Rodeo is a lot like a dance: There’s a lot of action that happens over the two-hour shows, and somebody’s got to lead everyone else step for step. That’s Lucia’s job, and he puts his best foot forward in Pecos.

BIG SPRING, Texas – The good news is out. Hundreds of ProRodeo’s stars are aligning for this week’s Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday at the Rodeo Bowl. Among them are nearly three dozen cowboys and cowgirls who have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo or the National Finals Breakaway Roping, and they are ready to put on a show. It’s a chance for them to collect some big-time cash as they begin their summer run. “We strive to be the kind of rodeo contestants want to come to,” said Cash Berry, president of the volunteer committee that produces the event, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. “We’ve increased our added money as an incentive, and we’ve got Pete Carr as our stock contractor, so I think we’re doing all the right things.” It looks to be paying off. Among the contingent of athletes who have put their names in the hat to compete in Big Spring are 11 world champions, including team ropers Kaleb Driggers, Junior Nogueira, Patrick Smith and Wesley Thorp. They will be joined by bull rider Cody Teel, barrel racer Fallon Taylor and women’s roping titlists Martha Angelone, Shelby Boisjoili-Meged, Jackie Crawford, Lari Dee Guy and Hope Thompson. “I like to think it says something about what we’re doing when you have that many world champions who want to come to Big Spring,” Berry said. “Every one of them comes from Texas, so it brings us a lot of pride to know they want to be here.” This year’s purse features $5,000 in local dollars per event. That money is mixed with the contestants’ entry fees to make up the entire payout. Many of the hundreds of competitors who will make their runs or rides in Howard County rodeo for a living, so every penny counts. Money isn’t just how they take care of expenses and feed their families; it’s also how points are tabulated. Only the top 15 contestants on the money list in each event at the end of the season advance to ProRodeo’s grand finale in Las Vegas. The highest earners in each discipline when 2024 comes to a close will be crowned world titlists. Many of those sporting gold buckles also claimed the second-most prestigious title in rodeo: the National Finals average champion. The top hand during the 10-round championship is awarded the honor. There are four average winners – steer wrestlers Don Payne and Matt Reeves and team ropers Cody Snow and Tanner Tomlinson – who also will test their skills inside the Rodeo Bowl. “We love having the best in rodeo at Big Spring, and our fans know who they are,” Berry said. “We are rodeo-savvy out here, so seeing the top names competing here is a big deal to everyone.”

GUNNISON, Colo. – John Harrison didn’t become a rodeo entertainer for the accolades, but that hasn’t stopped his colleagues from handing them out. Harrison comes from a rodeo family and has been involved in the sport all his life. He’s been an entertainer longer than many in the game, first as a respected trick rider and now as a comedian and barrelman who is still up to his old tricks. They will be put on display during this year’s Cattlemen’s Days PRCA Rodeo, set for Thursday, July 11-Saturday, July 13, at Fred Field Western Center in Gunnison. “We’ve had John here before, and he’s probably the top entertainer in rodeo right now,” said Brad Tutor, president of the volunteer Cattlemen’s Days committee, which produces the annual festival. “He’s funny. He’s talented. He’s really the right mix that we need for our rodeo. If you love to be entertained, he’s going to do it.” And those accolades? They come in many forms, but most of them come through the annual vote of PRCA members, who select the top dogs at the annual awards banquet each December in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo. Each of the last two years, Harrison has won the Triple Crown for rodeo entertainers: Comedy Act of the Year, Coors Man in the Can and Clown/Barrelman of the Year. It was the third time for winning comedy act, the sixth time for the Coors award and the second time to be named the PRCA’s top clown. For someone who travels the country entertaining crowds, there is pure joy in his heart. “If they’re having fun, you’re having fun,” Harrison said. “You feed off what they do.” That sentiment is why Harrison is so good. He’s been selected to work the NFR nine out of the last 10 years. That’s a tip of the cap from the bull riders who make their livings on the backs of bucking bovines. They don’t care that he’s funny; they want someone they trust will be in the right spot at the right time. Maybe it’s timing that comes naturally to Harrison, but he packs it into his nightly performances in a way that makes every show better. He can read situations and act accordingly. His personality shines in front of an audience, and he loves the banter that happens each night. Harrison was just 6 years old when he took his first trick-riding lessons, but there was more to his talent. He could do anything with a rope and was a master on horseback, even working in Roman riding, which features one man standing astride two horses with all three working together in unison. He has performed at the NFR 12 times in his lifetime. He was part of the opening act, doing tricks and stunts, in 2001-02 and again in 2008. He’s been in the barrel for most of the last decade. He’s taken his riding and horsemanship talents and thrown them in to the comedy realm of what he does. Several years ago, he acquired a comedic trick-riding act from rodeo legend Keith Isley, who worked Cattlemen’s Days just three years ago. The act continues to be a fan-favorite, but Harrison has also developed a liberty act that is anything but traditional. In fact, it’s so funny that it’s caught the attention of rodeo folks across the country. It falls in line with the way Harrison presents himself and his personality to those in attendance. While his acts are the backbone, he also handles the job of being a full-fledged entertainer seriously. He is well known for his “walk and talk,” a fixture that showcases his sense of humor and ability to read a situation at the drop of a hat. “I try to say I’m not scripted, and I really try to go off the cuff,” Harrison said. “I try to adapt to each announcer and adapt to each crowd. “To be able to adapt to that is important to what I do.” It’s why folks in Gunnison have continued to ask for him to return. “John is highly entertaining, and people remember that,” Tutor said. “He hasn’t been here since 2018, and I still have people talking to me about him. That’s why we wanted to bring him back. “John is good for our rodeo, and he’s great for our community.”

Volunteers are the spark that ignites the rodeo’s engine ESTES PARK, Colo. – Rooftop Rodeo isn’t just a community event. It’s a regional happening that reaches people globally, and it takes place for six straight summer nights – at 7 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, at Granny May Arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. Much of the reason for that is the large tourism base that attracts millions to town each year, but there’s more to it. Of the dozens of volunteers, many come from outside Estes Park and venture to town to help organize and produce the annual event. “I do it because we’ve got a great group of people that work together to put on an awesome rodeo,” said Meg McEachron, a volunteer since 2018 who lives in Berthoud, Colorado, where she trains horses and teaches riding lessons. “It’s fun to show our way of life to so many people who don’t normally get exposed to it.” She was raised in upstate New York, but she’s no East Coast prude. She was raised around livestock and has always understood a more Western way of life. “My grandfather was a horseman; he stopped riding before I was born, but I definitely heard his love for it my whole life,” she said. “I was fortunate enough to have really great neighbors who had horses, so I got to be involved with their horses and helped exercise them, which was a great way to learn about the Western lifestyle. “I went to my first rodeo when I was 11 or 12 – just a small one in upstate New York – and I fell in love with it.” Though McEachron makes a living with horses, she still takes the time to volunteer for Rooftop Rodeo and be around them even more in one of the most beautiful settings in the sport. “We have a strong volunteer base from other Colorado communities, and we need their help,” said Rob Hinkle, the community services director with the Town of Estes Park. “Estes Park is a small community, and July is one of the busiest months of tourism.” He estimated that 90 people a year donate their time, talent and energy to the rodeo. “The town would not be able to put on the rodeo without the help of all our volunteers,” he said. “It takes a committed group that meets for six months and then works the six-day rodeo. When this year’s rodeo ends, we will immediately start planning for next year. We hold a debrief meeting with all the volunteers, because we can always learn and improve. “It took over 1,900 hours of volunteer help to produce last year’s rodeo.” Brett Dennis puts in his share of time toward that. He works for UCHealth and lives in Firestone, Colorado, which is about 45 miles from the rodeo arena. He has been involved with Rooftop Rodeo since 2005. “I’ve always enjoyed the sport of rodeo, and then I had the opportunity to meet and get to know some people who were on the rodeo committee,” said Dennis, who is in charge of the timed-event chute, including serving as the man to trip the latch when a contestant is ready to compete. “I joined the committee, and, now, some of my closest friends are on that committee. “We not only truly enjoy the lifestyle the week of the rodeo, but we enjoy the year-round camaraderie of being part of that group of people.” McEachron, who is in charge of the production team and helps coordinate other aspects of the rodeo, said she loves the event but, like Dennis, loves the collaboration with others even more. It’s a true team setting, which is why the rodeo has been so successful over the years. “We’ve got a really great group of people who have stuck it out through all the changes we’ve had recently,” she said. “It’s just a fun group to be part of, and it’s really nice to have this group of people who wants to try hard and makes the show a little bit better for our fans and our contestants.” Dennis grew up in a farming community in Illinois. Even as a youngster, there was something about rural America that drew him to it. “When I was real little, the other kids would talk about wanting to be police officers and firefighters and doctors and lawyers,” he said. “I used to tell everybody I just wanted to be a farmer.” He may not be in the field planting crops or trying to guess the right time to sell his grain, but he loves being associated with Rooftop Rodeo. “I spend a lot of time in an office these days, so for one week, I play cowboy,” Dennis said. “It truly has to do with the friendships and relationships that we’ve made throughout the years. We have a good, strong group of highly motivated people to put on the best rodeo we can on a regular basis. “I think it’s cool to be part of something bigger than we are on a regular basis. I’ve got two young girls that have literally spent their entire lives going to the rodeo in Estes Park for a week in July.” Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, or to order tickets online, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.

PECOS, Texas – In ProRodeo, there are just some trophies that cowboys are eager to show off. Obviously, the most prestigious is the gold buckle, awarded each year to that season’s world champions. Beyond that, there are only a handful that truly stand out, whether it’s the storied silver from the Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days or winning on the grass at the Pendleton (Oregon) Round-Up or owning the unique style of the Dodge City (Kansas) Roundup. One of the most prized is the West of the Pecos buckle, one that’s engraved by the sport’s history and sandblasted by the tens of thousands of cowboys that have toiled in this west Texas dirt. There’s a uniqueness to that buckle, and generations of world champions have had their jeans cinched by their Pecos medal, one that serves as a symbol that they have been the very best at the “World’s First Rodeo.” Hundreds of others will get their chance at this year’s West of the Pecos Rodeo, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26-Saturday, June 29, at Buck Jackson Arena in Pecos. That includes a few residents that will test their skills in ways ProRodeo’s stars won’t by being part of events like the Hide Race, the Wild Cow Milking or the West of the Pecos Team Roping Classic. “Those local events are an opportunity for people to be part of the rodeo in a small way,” said Brenda McKinney, a longtime member of the volunteer group that produces the annual event. “If they’re not volunteers, they can say that they performed in the Wild Cow Milking or the Hide Race in the arena during the big West of the Pecos Rodeo. “It’s pride for them, too, that they can partake in some of the events and still be part of our performances.” While the team roping takes place days before the opening of the ProRodeo, the top 12 tandems return to compete in the performance on the final night of the rodeo. “It’s a big deal for our locals who win those events to get that West of the Pecos buckle,” McKinney said. “We’re very happy to have some local events. They’re always a big draw. The Hide Race has always been a big draw.” It’s an exciting tradition, especially for family members and friends of those competing. The Hide Race is consistently part of the Thursday night rodeo performance, while the Wild Cow Milking takes place Wednesday night. The bulk of the team roping will take place Saturday, June 22. “The team roping just continues to grow,” McKinney said. “Many years ago, the PRCA allowed locals to enter our rodeo, and we had a lot of local ropers that entered our PRCA team roping. When the PRCA changed that, we started the concept for the classic team roping a long time ago. “There have been a few rodeo committees that have followed suit. We’re pretty proud that we created something and hope it’s as successful for them as it has been for us.”

Oklahoma rodeo company growing rapidly LEEDEY, Okla. – The first few months of any life feature incredible growth. From infancy to toddler, forms change shape as the foundation develops. From babies and foals to ideas and dreams, the day-to-day gains are magnificent. Will and Dusta O’Connell have experienced it two-fold over the last year. Their son, Jasper, just turned a year old, and so did the couple’s sole ownership of Championship Pro Rodeo, a livestock producer based in western Oklahoma. While Jasper has gone from crawling to walking to running, the rodeo company has taken even bigger strides, more than doubling the number of events it produces. “It’s rewarding, to say the least,” Will O’Connell said, noting that Championship Pro Rodeo will produce seven events in 2024, including new stops in Ponca, Nebraska; Belle Fourche, South Dakota; Vinita, Oklahoma; and the Converse County Xtreme Broncs in Douglas, Wyoming. “It says something to catch the eyes of people who see what we’re capable of doing. “Both Belle Fourche and Ponca have been around for a long time: This is Belle Fourche’s 105th year, and it’s the 56th year of the Days of ’56. For them to see something in us to make the change with only one year under our belts is a really big deal. It makes us feel like we’re doing something right.” Championship Pro Rodeo also produces events in Palestine, Illinois; Wahoo, Nebraska; and Madison, Indiana. By adding four rodeos to the schedule, the firm is gaining more popularity and prestige. It’s a step-by-step process that serves as a proving ground for the family that took the reins of the company a little more then a year ago. The O’Connells were raised around the sport. Dusta O’Connell is the daughter of Jennifer Spencer and well-known rodeo clown Ted Kimzey. The oldest of three children, she and her brothers, Sage and Trey Kimzey, were accomplished trick riders as youngsters. While Sage and Trey ride bulls professionally now, Dusta continues to perform and compete when opportunities arise. Will O’Connell is the son of Joann and Ray O’Connell, the latter of whom has been involved in rodeo production as a pickup man. Will O’Connell was a contestant, a pickup man and a bullfighter before becoming a livestock producer. By combining two lifetimes of rodeo background and know-how, the O’Connells are taking Championship Pro Rodeo up the ladder of success at a sharpened pace. “I had the opportunity to work for a lot of the best stock contractors in the PRCA,” Will O’Connell said. “The thing we’re putting into this company is the stuff I took from each one of those stock contractors. I got the opportunity to see what works and what doesn’t work, and I took little bits and pieces of what I liked, and that’s what I put together in our own production. “We strive to bring openings and closings and the product that keeps people entertained. It’s more than our livestock. You can have great horses and great bulls and great timed-event cattle, but if you don’t produce it in a way to sell it to people to keep them entertained, you’re not going to have a product to sell for very long.” It’s a commodity that’s for sale, not on sale, and the proof is showing up day after day. Last year alone, Championship Pro Rodeo had 14 animals chosen to perform at the National Finals Rodeo. For a man who works with his herd daily, there is great pride in the animal athletes the family has. Take The Crow, a powerful black horse that carried 2022 bareback riding world champion Jess Pope to 88.5 points and the victory in last December’s eighth round, which featured the hardest-to-ride broncs in rodeo. “I knew I had pretty good odds of having a good shot at winning,” Pope said six months ago. “I got on that horse in the short round at Dodge City (Kansas) and got along really well. I was pretty tickled about it.” In addition to the events the firm produces, Championship Pro Rodeo is featured at several other big events across the country, like Dodge City; Spanish Fork, Utah; Arcadia, Florida; Montgomery, Alabama; Corpus Christi, Texas; Salt Lake City; and The American. “These are rodeos that pay large amounts of money,” Will O’Connell said. “For them to win that kind of money on our stock means a lot to us.” It’s not just what the company has now that stands out. It’s what the O’Connells are doing to increase and improve their herd. “We’ve definitely been adding,” he said. “It’s like any major sport; if you’re consistently playing the same players, eventually players get old or get hurt or get worn out. If you’re not constantly looking for the next young superstar, you’re eventually going to have players that can’t play anymore. “Whether it’s horses or bulls or saddle horses, we’re always looking form something that’s capable of being the next superstar in our herd. Today’s highlight reel is tomorrow’s memory.” It’s a progressive approach to a game that’s more than a century old, but it’s why Championship Pro Rodeo continues to grow and prosper.

Noted television host, benefactor will be featured at Gooding’s pink luncheon GOODING, Idaho – The purpose of the Tough Enough to Wear Pink luncheon in conjunction with the Gooding Pro Rodeo is to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. Organizers, though, look at it as a way to strengthen a giving community while also taking care of families that are affected by the disease and its various forms. There are messages that enlighten and invigorate that may not always be about cancer but are important nonetheless. “Last year, we had Micah Fink with Heroes and Horses as our speaker, and the message he gave matched well with the purpose of our luncheon,” said Don Gill, the fair and rodeo’s manager. “We’ve stayed along the same lines for this year’s luncheon and will be bringing in Fanchon Stinger.” A 15-time Emmy-winning television host, Stinger retired from broadcast news in May 2022 after 30 years as a broadcast journalist. She was a longtime anchor for Fox 59 in Indianapolis who graduated from the University of Michigan with a dual degree in English and communications. She now owns FLS Media and Strategic Solutions, which produces positive and inspirational media, while also serving as co-host of Morning on Merit Street, a lifestyle show airing on Merit Street Media, owned by Dr. Phil McGraw. In 2021, she founded Grit & Grace Nation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering young girls to lead. It helps by providing programs that focus on mentorship, career preparation, mental health, developing life skills and etiquette training. She will share that during this year’s Tough Enough to Wear Pink luncheon, set for 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at the Gooding County Fairgrounds. It’s in conjunction with the Gooding Pro Rodeo, set for Thursday, Aug. 15-Saturday, Aug. 17, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 14. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena. “Last year’s luncheon set records as far as donations made to our Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign, and everyone at the luncheon received a great message,” Gill said. “I think Fanchon’s going to bring a different but just as honorable message to this year’s luncheon, and I hope the results are just as great as they were last year, if not greater.” Stinger has much more in her repertoire than just being a TV host and organization founder. She has developed a passion for animal welfare and Western sports and owns bulls that compete in the PBR. In addition, she is a contributor to PBR Now, a weekly television program on RidePass. “I truly believe Fanchon will fit in well with the people from southern Idaho and the pride they have in our community,” Gill said. “We’re looking forward to her message and her personality being part of our luncheon.”

BIG SPRING, Texas – It’s been three decades since Pete Carr hung up his spurs and established himself as a businessman. As a youngster growing up in Dallas, he developed a passion for rodeo and life as a cowboy. He eventually traveled the country as a bareback rider, chasing his dreams while riding bucking horses across the country. In 1993, he developed a commercial construction business in his hometown, but he always found a way back to the sport he loved. He started dabbling in the game again, this time buying bucking animals. He went into business with other livestock producers, then jumped head first into the stock-contracting game in 2005. His first rodeo? The Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, which this year takes place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20-Saturday, June 22, at the Rodeo Bowl. “We were Pete’s first rodeo a long time ago,” said Dane Driver, vice president of the volunteer committee that produces the annual event. “With him comes professionalism and quality stock. The caliber of his personnel – whether it’s the chute boss or the timers or secretary or pickup men or even the guys in the back – it’s all top notch. “If you want your rodeo to be run and be a spectator event, it’s got to flow like a well-oiled machine, and that doesn’t happen by itself. That happens because of everybody that Pete brings with him to produce our rodeo.” This year marks the 20th Big Spring rodeo Carr and his team will produce. Over the last 10 years, no other livestock producer in ProRodeo has had more animals selected to perform at the National Finals Rodeo. What started as a pipe dream has turned into something magical, but it’s come from Carr’s work ethic and ability to hire the right people for the job. He’s been recognized as one of the top producers in the PRCA with 14 straight nominations for Stock Contractor of the Year. Closer to home, Carr was just inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame two months ago alongside one of his great bucking animals, Dirty Jacket, a 20-year-old bay gelding that was twice named the PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year. He’s had three other world champion bucking horses: Real Deal in 2005, Big Tex in 2010 and Deuces Night in 2012. A season ago, Carr’s Bayou Bengal was named the PRCA Bull of the Year. He’s had more than 300 animals selected to buck at the NFR over the last two decades, but that’s not all that happens in the arena. The Carr crew understands the importance great production to orchestrate a quality rodeo. “One thing I love about Pete is that he cares,” said Anthony Lucia, the 2023 PRCA Announcer of the Year who also calls the action in Big Spring. “We all care and we’re all working toward the same goals, but for Pete, it’s not just about his bucking horses and bucking bulls and making sure they buck. He has people in place to make sure he has the best stock, but then he trusts all of us to do our jobs. “At the heart of it all, it’s a show. It’s not just a rodeo. It’s a piece of entertainment, and Pete’s No. 1 goal is to make sure the fans and the competitors have the absolute best time.” That’s the part of the package that can’t be duplicated. It’s the primary reason the volunteer committee has had Carr as its rodeo producer the last 20 years. Fans want to be entertained, and contestants want a chance to win money in Big Spring. The Carr team, working closely with the local committee, makes that happen. “It’s so neat and fun for me when I get to work with guys like that, because Pete trusts me to do my job,” Lucia said. “He also builds confidence in those around him. It’s a great situation for us to be in as we put on this rodeo.”

Celebrated entertainer to showcase his talents for Estes Park crowds ESTES PARK, Colo. – From his spot inside the fences, Justin Rumford looked up to the crowd packed inside Granny May Arena and marvels. On the footsteps of the Rocky Mountain National Park and surrounded by a picturesque lake and the glorious peaks, he noticed something spectacular that came through the faces in the audience. For a man who was raised in rodeo, he identifies with most of them, even though they weren’t. “Truthfully, a lot of those people aren’t really rodeo fans, but they want to be part of the rodeo experience,” said Rumford, the featured entertainer at Rooftop Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wedneday, July 10, at the arena inside the Estes Park Fairgrounds. “We’ve got tourists that are stopping by while they’re in Estes Park. We get to cater to people that go to one rodeo a year, and they chose to come to this one. It’s pretty special when you think about it.” The setting is unlike most of the events in professional rodeo. That’s something only Estes Park can offer, but it’s an experience that anyone could enjoy. For folks traveling to or through Colorado, it’s a destination town, and the rodeo has been a major part of the community for decades. “Some people who come to the rodeo in Estes Park may never go to another rodeo,” Rumford said. “When you have a tourist rodeo like that, it’s so important to make those people feel like the show they saw was worth their dollar. “I started my career in Cody, Wyoming, which also has a lot of tourists. You want to appeal to the tourists, but you also have to remember that there are still a lot of people that come to the rodeo because they like rodeo. You want to put on a show for everybody.” That’s the way organizers think. They want nothing but the best, which is why Rumford returns. After a one-year hiatus, the entertainer is back where he rightfully belongs. “When you rodeo for a living, you go to rodeos so you an get a check, but then you have the ones you truly enjoy,” said Rumford, a 10-time PRCA Clown of the Year from Ponca City, Oklahoma. “When I get to Estes Park, it feels like I’m home. That was one of my first rodeos, and I know a ton of people in town. “It’s just fun. It’s one of those rodeo where it’s fun to be there. You’ve got great atmosphere, and how can you beat waking up overlooking that beautiful lake and the mountains surrounding you?” Gates for Rooftop Rodeo open at 5 p.m. Friday, July 5-Wednesday, July 10, with the preshow beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the rodeo beginning at 7 p.m. To order tickets online or to obtain more information about Rooftop Rodeo, which is a Town of Estes Park signature event, log on to www.RooftopRodeo.com. Other ticket inquiries may be made by contacting the Town of Estes Park Events office at events@estes.org or (970) 586-6104.

ALVA, Okla. – The Northwestern Oklahoma State University contingent of College National Finals Rodeo qualifiers is small but mighty. The men will field four cowboys during the seven-day championship, set for June 9-15 at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper, Wyoming. The group includes two that have played the game at the highest level before: All-around cowboy Jacob Haren of Callaway, Nebraska, and steer wrestler Trisyn Kalawaia of Waiakea, Hawaii. Both were at other schools the first time they qualified. Kalawaia was at Central Arizona College in 2021, and Haren was at Mid Plains Community College in western Nebraska two seasons ago. Now, they’ll be wearing the black vests representing the Rangers, and they understand the meaning behind it. “I think we’ve got a good chance,” said Haren, a senior. “We’ve got some really good bulldoggers, and we’ll do our best. I know all of us are ready to give it a good shot.” He earned his shot to compete at this year’s championship by finishing second in the Central Plains Region all-around standings. He will rope calves and wrestle steers; all the others are steer wrestlers who finished as the top three in the regional standings. Haren finished fourth in bulldogging, surpassed by teammate Emmett Edler of State Center, Iowa, who jumped into third place after a solid finish at the final rodeo of the regular season. They will be joined by Cam Fox of Tulsa, who finished second. “Getting second in the all-around was kind of a blessing,” Haren said. “There were some guys that had a chance to beat me, but it just worked out. It was really the best-case scenario for the team. It’s pretty cool to see ‘E’ go, too. We get to add another person so we can add points to our team.” Each contestant will compete in three go-rounds per discipline. Only the top 12 in the three-run aggregate will advance to the championship round on the final Saturday night. Though Haren didn’t advance that far in 2022, Kalawaia finished sixth overall three seasons ago. “Even though I didn’t do very well, I think it helps that I’ve been there,” said Haren, who competed in tie-down roping and team roping two years ago. “You already know what the start’s going to be. You know how small the arena is and already have a feel for what it’s going to be like.” It helps, too, that the cowboys have been mentored by their coach, Stockton Graves, an eight-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier who graduated from Northwestern. “Stockton said, ‘Don’t be starstruck when you get in there; just go make your runs.’ ” Haren said. “You just have to look at it as a good, four-head average and go from there.”   The Rangers men will be joined by Lauren Hopkins, who won the region’s breakaway roping title to qualify. That status was solidified by an incredible run of success through the 10-event season. “I’m just grateful that it worked out the way it did,” said Hopkins, a senior from Lincoln, California, now living in Lipan, Texas. “I think there are only two short-goes that I didn’t make all year.” A key piece of her success is Patron, a 6-year-old sorrel gelding. Timed-event athletes lean on their equine partners. “I think my horse definitely made a huge difference,” she said. “We really clicked this year, and he helped me a lot. He gives me consistency and a shot every time. I’m just blessed to have had the opportunities I did and was able to capitalize on them.”   Like Haren and Kalawaia, Hopkins was a transfer student. She spent the first few years at Eastern New Mexico University and has taken her classes at Northwestern online. That allowed her the opportunity to train herself and her horses in a setting that worked best for her. “I’m really excited about representing Northwestern in Casper,” Hopkins said. “Stockton was a great coach for me; I am a very like-to-do-my-own-thing kind of person, and he always worked with me in my schedule in what I needed to do.” Graves is wrapping his 13th year as rodeo coach at his alma mater. It’s also his last. Former Rangers assistant Cali Griffin has been tabbed as his replacement, so this group of five will be Graves’ last heading to the college finale. “I think it’s pretty cool to be his last set of kids going to the college finals,” Haren said. “This is one of the larger groups he’s had in a little while, so we want to see him finish strong. When I didn’t do very good last year, he asked us all what our goals were. He’s really good at the mental game. He’s got a pretty good way of putting it how it is.” Over his career, Graves has coached three national champions: steer wrestlers J.D. Struxness (2016) and Bridger Anderson and breakaway roper Taylor Munsell (both in 2019). The Rangers men finished second overall in 2016, thanks to large part to Struxness and fellow bulldogger Jacob Edler, the 2020 world champion and older brother of 2024 college finalist Emmett Edler. While Struxness won the title, Edler finished as the runner-up, just a second off the pace. This year’s group has a chance to surpass that finish. It will come down to which team has the best run over those June days in eastern Wyoming.

PECOS, Texas – What is the best part of Matt Merrit’s job? His answer is short, yet poignant: “It’s the reward of seeing joy in people,” he said. Merritt is a rodeo entertainer and clown, and he returns to the West of the Pecos Rodeo, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26-Saturday, June 29, at Buck Jackson Arena in Pecos. It will be a chance for him to reconnect with the fans who welcomed him a year ago while also bringing bliss to many others who arrive for the four-day event. “Rodeo is the last affordable sport or venue of any kind, and families get to come and experience just the real joy of watching what we do,” said Merritt, originally from northern Louisiana but now living in North Carolina. “Where I’m from, rodeo was like any other sport like baseball, football or basketball. “It wasn’t crazy or different or weird, so my buddies rode bulls, and I dabbled in steer riding and chute-dogging when I was a little kid.” It didn’t take long for him to find his calling, though. “I was pretty young when I realized I wanted to do the clown thing,” he said. “I didn’t do the whole transition from bullfighter or that I was a bull rider or a bronc rider. I’ve just wanted to be a clown my whole life.” He’s pretty good at it. He’s been nominated as PRCA Clown of the Year, and he’s been one of the featured entertainers for the PBR. He brings a fresh approach to his craft, carrying a longstanding tradition to the next level. “My comedy is definitely off the hip,” Merritt said. “I have gimmicks that I use, but typically what I’m saying and what I’m doing is off the cuff. “I tried telling jokes I found on the internet. They’re funny, and they have a punch line. I had a car act, and I had a dog that dug holes and did all these things. I realized that as soon as I started those acts that people would kind of turn me off because they had a phone in their hand, and they knew there was a joke coming. So, I just started shooting from the hip.” Fans love it, especially those that understand rodeo’s history in Pecos. “Matt was a huge hit last year,” said Anthony Lucia, the event’s emcee. “Matt is an untraditional clown, and he brings a whole different personality to a rodeo in a west Texas town. They are rodeo people, and Matt works his butt off to make sure they’re having fun. He comes up with new and different things. I’m so blessed, because he makes my job simple.” Their work together is anything but easy, though. Both men work hard at their crafts, and it shows in the product. When working the “World’s First Rodeo,” there’s more than history at stake; it’s an honor they understand. “It’s like getting to play at Yankee Stadium for baseball players who get called up to the Major Leagues,” Merritt said. “It’s just the coolest thing I get to do, and it definitely goes on my resume.” Events like the West of the Pecos Rodeo are about making memories, and that’s a big deal of his job. He hopes that young rodeo fans will recall years later something he did or said. There are bits and pieces of his own youth that pop up, and those are the things he considers when he jogs onto the dirt each night. “It’s like the kid that hits the home run, and he remembers the emotion of his dad clapping in the stands and stuff like that,” he said. “I’m going for that approach: Just leave a memory and give something they can remember.” Merritt hits the home run more often than not, and his place in the memories of rodeo fans won’t go away any time soon.

BIG SPRING, Texas – When Anthony Lucia rides into the Rodeo Bowl, his mind is transformed to life in west Texas nearly a century ago. He can feel the heat and the wind. Mostly, though, he can feel the presence of rodeo’s history, the place where Toots Mansfield shined and where Quail Dobbs played. There’s a comfort, one that far surpasses his three-plus decades on this Earth and is realized in the faces he sees in the crowd. He returns for the third year as the emcee of the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20-Saturday, June 22, at the Rodeo Bowl, which was built in time for the 1950 event and has been upgraded in the years since. “No matter what side you go to, I can ride up to people and look them in their eyes and know that I’m in this with them,” said Lucia, the reigning PRCA Announcer of the Year from Weatherford, Texas. “It’s a very unique setting, and it’s just got that old-school, fun, summer-rodeo feel. Hopefully I can do it justice. “It’s a great rodeo, and that, coupled with the history, just makes it all very, very special.” The event is celebrating its 90th anniversary. While acknowledging its past, the rodeo is still vibrant. Organizers have continued to increase the local dollars that are added to the purse, which is attracting more contestants. “The Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo has a flavor all its own,” Lucia said. “The audience is a really diverse mix of rodeo faithfuls – people who watch The Cowboy Channel every time something’s on – and people that have never seen a rodeo before. It’s really a little bit of a challenge as an announcer to find the right mix of education, entertainment and announcing. “To be honest, that makes it pretty dang fun.” His approach to job is what makes Lucia so valuable to the organizers, the sponsors and the fans. Lucia’s assignment is to provide the details of the rodeo and all its characteristics in an entertaining fashion. He comes by it naturally, having spent his formative years as either an assistant to a specialty act performer or as an entertainer himself. He is the son of Tommy Lucia, who has been inducted into the National Rodeo, ProRodeo and Texas Rodeo Cowboy halls of fame and gained mainstream success with his act involving Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey. Anthony Lucia became a trick roper who was part of several National Finals Rodeos; he also was a competitor. Though he didn’t grow up working the rodeo in Big Spring, he found his way to Howard County when the opportunities allowed. “I don’t remember if I went there with my dad, but I know I entered it every time I could,” he said. “I’ve competed in the slack and in the performance, and it was just always a ton of fun. It was always that arena that was a little challenging as a team roper; if anything steps left, that wall can be somewhat intimidating to your horse. It was still a lot of fun to be part of that rodeo.” What he does in the arena has changed as he’s aged. Lucia has a naturally smooth voice with an equally fluid style. His understanding of the sport from so many levels allows him a distinct advantage as an announcer. He can relate to the competitors and to the entertainers. “When we hired Anthony a few years ago, we took it very seriously,” said Dane Driver, chairman of the volunteer committee. “Anthony has a different sound on the mic. He brings engrained rodeo history, knowledge and understanding of personnel that are similar to a lot of our board members. We feel like he’s up and coming in his career, and his understanding of the legacy of rodeo is perfect for us.” It’s also the mark of a good committee to have someone with Lucia’s pedigree and the most recent Announcer of the Year award. “We’d like to think we helped with that,” Driver said with a laugh. “Anthony is very dynamic, and we’re glad to see other people see what we saw. We’re tickled for him and proud to have him part of our rodeo.”

BIG SPRING, Texas – Jeff Askey has a little secret: He likes west Texas in June. Why? He’s found a honey hole in Howard County. It’s called the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, and it’s ripe with opportunities for the greatest cowboys and cowgirls in the sport. Askey is definitely one of them. He’s an elite bull rider with six qualifications to the National Finals Rodeo. This past December, he earned $104,000 in Las Vegas and finished the year eighth in the world standings. Part of what’s earned Askey his last two NFR bids came in Big Spring. He won the title two years ago and finished second last year. He plans to return for this year’s event, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20-Saturday, June 22, at the Rodeo Bowl. “It’s a decent circuit rodeo and one I enjoy going to,” said Askey, 36, of Athens, Texas. “Pete Carr has a lot of good bulls, and it’s one of those rodeos I always look forward to. You stand a good chance to win some good money. Not a lot of guys go to it.” That’s about to change. Volunteers who produce the annual rodeo are doing all the right things to attract more cowboys and cowgirls to town for the competition. Committee members have increased the overall purse exponentially over the last couple of years, and that includes a raise in local dollars this year. The Big Spring rodeo offers $5,000 in “added money” per event, which is mixed with contestants’ entry fees to make up the overall payout. The popularity of Big Spring is growing among the contestants who make their livings in the sport. In addition to playing on the biggest stages of ProRodeo, Askey loves the idea of the smaller events that established the sport’s credibility. He competes in the Texas Circuit, which are events and contestants primarily from the Lone Star State. Money earned at circuit rodeos counts toward those standings, and the top 12 in each event will advance to the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo in October. “A lot of guys have skipped over that rodeo because there are rodeos out West, but I try to put off leaving until the end of June so I can get to Big Spring,” Askey said. “It’s on my way, so why not try to get some circuit money earned?” Organizers are planning on a growing number of contestants for this year’s event and for that trend to continue as the payout increases. Between the big money up for grabs and the incredible animal athletes from Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, there are great incentives for cowboys and cowgirls to make their way to Howard County. “That’s an area of the country that is known for cowboy, people that gave their lives to rodeo,” said Sam Powers, a third-generation cowboy from Sonora, Texas, who is the reigning all-around champion in Big Spring who just got married this past weekend. “If it’s within three hours of the house, my dad’s been there and my granddad’s been there. It’s like a family tradition to go there.” It’s just one of the reasons why the talented cowboy loves Big Spring. “I won my first check there,” he said. “That was my first PRCA rodeo. I love the community and the people who live around Big Spring. It’s two and a half hours from my house, so it’s not hard to go to one in west Texas. “It’s also a good rodeo in the circuit. You can make a pretty good move if you have success there.” Powers is a timed-event cowboy. He competes in steer wrestling, steer roping, team roping and tie-down roping. Askey is from the other end of the spectrum. They both have a competitive nature, but they have different approaches to how they play the game. Powers hauls multiple horses to each rodeo and will ride a different one depending on the discipline. Askey is matched with his bull via a random, computer-generated draw. In each case, both men must rely on their animals and their own talents to find success. Carr and his team will have animals in each event that give everyone as equal an opportunity as possible. “Pete and (operations manager) Billy Jones have put together a good set of bulls, the kind you want to get on,” Askey said. “They buck hard, and you have a chance to score a lot of points. You don’t really have eliminators or junk; it’s just really good rodeo-, cowboy-type bulls.” For the competitors, all they want is a chance. Fans understand they get to see amazing things in the arena, and the top talent will make sure they are part of an event that gives them the right opportunities. “There are a lot of cowboys that come from that area,” Powers said. “It’s a cowboys’ rodeo, and it’s a rodeo that doesn’t do anything but try to get better all the time. I wish there were more rodeos in Texas that would do the work that Big Spring does to get better. You can tell a lot about a rodeo that puts in that much work to just get better.”

PECOS, Texas – Rodeo’s history is much like those west Texas cattle drives: Both came right through Pecos. Two well-known drovers working for outfits that were making their way through town on their respective journeys had earned reputations of being excellent ropers. The exchanges from their cohorts led to a competition to establish the bragging rights for the best cowboy in the Old West. That hot, summer day in 1883 became the launching pad for a sport that still thrives in 2024. The proof of that comes with this year’s edition of the West of the Pecos Rodeo, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26-Saturday, June 29, at Buck Jackson Arena in Pecos. It is the home of “World’s First Rodeo,” which is not only a nod to the sport but also recognition for a community that truly cares about its place. “The fact that Pecos and Reeves County can hang on to such a tradition where it all began in 1883 is something the community is most proud of,” said Brenda McKinney, a longtime member of the volunteer committee that organizes the annual event. “It’s a piece of history that we claim. It’s a proud moment for Pecos and Reeves County.” Much has changed over the 141 years since that steer roping was held in Pecos, about where the Reeves County Courthouse and the Reeves County Law Enforcement center sit today. Tens of thousands of cowboys have tried their hands to see if they had what it takes to win this historic rodeo. Not many were up to the task, primarily because the greatest names in the sport were always part of the competition. Pecos came to be about 10 years before that first competition. It was the crossroads for the Chisholm Trail, Goodnight-Loving Trail and the Butterfield Overland mail route. Pecos became a supply town, and the rodeo eventually followed. It is now home to one of the top events in the PRCA, the premier sanctioning body for the sport. It has been nominated for Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year on multiple occasions and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2008. Its status is legendary. For the folks who were raised around the West of the Pecos Rodeo, it’s just home. It’s a chance to relive their childhoods and celebrate their heritage. McKinney has her own legacy with the rodeo. She is the third generation of her family involved in the planning and production of the West of the Pecos Rodeo, and she has passed that along. Her son, Clay Ryon, is the committee’s chairman. “It was a very big deal for my dad and my grandfather, so carrying on that tradition just meant a lot fur our family, which included my brothers and me,” she said. “The sport of rodeo is very near and dear to my grandfather’s and my dad’s hearts.” Her grandfather, Marcos Martinez Sr., and her dad, Marcos Martinez Jr., established the foundation that continues into the fourth generation. Her brothers, Jimmy and Marcos Joe, were also heavily involved, as was her husband, Clay. “My dad was involved with the rodeo committee for many years,” Brenda McKinney said. “He was a county commissioner, and the area where the arena is now was in his precinct. He was instrumental in getting a lot of things done when they were building those grounds.” She speaks of the rodeo and her family’s legacy of being involved with it, but she’s not alone. There are hundreds of others throughout west Texas that share her sentiments and her passion for the West of the Pecos Rodeo. The week of the rodeo is not just a chance to reunite with old friends and classmates; it’s a time to celebrate the community’s history and the importance of rodeo in it. “What brings me so much pride is the fact that we’ve grown the rodeo into the production that it is today,” McKinney said. “For a community of our size to put on a production as we do and have the top cowboys and cowgirls perform at our rodeo is very humbling and makes you very proud.”

BIG SPRING, Texas – Justin Rumford was a cowboy before he was born. It seems impossible to consider, but it was just a way of life the family from southern Kansas His grandfather, Floyd, was a cowboy who passed his love for the Western way of life to his sons, Bronc and Tommy. Justin Rumford is a member of the family’s third generation continuing his life in rodeo, albeit a little differently than he’d ever imagined. Nowadays, he’s one of the premier entertainers in ProRodeo, a 10-time PRCA Clown of the Year. All this came from a boy who could do, and would do, about anything involved with rodeo. He’s driven truck, picked up broncs, flanked horses and bulls, competed in multiple events and organized the back pens at rodeos across North America. No matter the tasks at hand, he was always an entertainer, the man who held court in any setting and exhumed uproarious laughter from his audience, typically full of cowboys and others who were behind the scenes. His audiences have grown, from a dozen or so to thousands who fill the stands. He’ll be a major piece of the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20-Saturday, June 22, at the Rodeo Bowl. “That’s the Quail Dobbs legacy here in Big Spring,” said Dane Driver, a fourth generation of his family to be involved in the local event. “For years after Quail quit, the rodeo clowns didn’t get asked to come to Big Spring; they were told they were coming to Big Spring because Quail said so. Out of respect to the time Quail spent in that arena, they all came. “I’m looking forward to having Justin at our rodeo. This will be his first time in Big Spring, and I’m excited for the people here to see him in person. He’s an entertainer.” Rumford is, and he takes full advantage of the gifts provided him, from his funny personality to his large build. He’s a master at self-deprecation, but he’s also a tremendous athlete who can bring out the giggles in anyone because of the things he can accomplish in his big frame. “When I found out I was getting to work Big Spring, I was pretty excited,” said Rumford, the father of triplets with his wife, Ashley. “Those are my people. I really enjoy a rodeo crowd.” Folks in Howard County understand the sport. Many are cowboys and cowgirls themselves, so they comprehend all the finite details that go into the competition and the overall entertainment of a rodeo. The community is celebrating the event’s 90th year this June. “I really respect people that have stuck it out that long,” Rumford said. “When you look at history, the wars, COVID, the good and the bad with money, the oil-field booms and busts, and you still have people that stick their necks out every year to make sure their community has a rodeo, that’s some special stuff. “No matter what, it’s our job to put on a good show for those people.” That’s an important factor in rodeo production. Yes, it’s a competition, with hundreds of contestants showing up at the Rodeo Bowl with hopes of collecting the big money that’s up for grabs. For those in the community, though, it’s a couple of hours of high-quality, family-friendly entertainment. Rumford will work closely with the local organizers, livestock producer Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, sound director Josh “Hambone” Hilton and announcer Anthony Lucia to put on the kind of show that fans will talk about well after the final bull is bucked. “We have a chemistry that is very special,” said Lucia, now in his third year as the rodeo’s emcee. “We grew up together. Working with Justin is like being reunited with an old friend, and we have a ton of fun and great back and forth. “We both have the same goal, and that’s to make sure the audience has the absolute best time they possibly can have.”

PECOS, Texas – The grandstands that overlook Buck Jackson Arena hold many stories that have been told over the last century and a half. The greatest to have ever competed in rodeo have played the game here. World champions shined their gold buckles in this west Texas dirt. The history of the sport resides within this community, and more than 140 years after it began, the sport’s elite make their way to the West of the Pecos Rodeo, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26-Saturday, June 29 Why?. “It ain’t because of the weather, because we know it’s going to be hot,” steer wrestler Riley Duvall said with a laugh. “It gets hot there, but it’s a special place. I love rodeos like that. I love those old, established rodeos that still care about the cowboys. They still want you in Pecos, and they still want you to do good. “That rodeo committee treats you great. It’s awesome to be able to go there and compete and know the history that’s happened there.” Duvall is part of rodeo royalty. He is the third generation from a bulldogging family who has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo, and he’s done it four times over a distinguished career. “One thing that draws us to Pecos is it’s an old-school, cowboy rodeo,” said Duvall, 32, of Checotah, Oklahoma. “They have long (starting) boxes and a big arena, and it’s typically a great bulldogging. The money’s always good, and that committee goes above and beyond. That committee makes it worth your time to go down there. “I haven’t missed it in a long time.” There are dozens of rodeos across North America during the same time, but the big names know the importance of being in Pecos the end of June. They mark it on their calendars and put a star next to it. “It’s one of the biggest rodeos that weekend, and it’s a good rodeo,” said bull rider Dustin Boquet, 30, a three-time NFR qualifier from Bourg, Louisiana, who will defend his Pecos title this year. “The stock’s really good, and the added money is great.” A year ago, he earned nearly $5,000 inside the storied arena, matching moves with Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Whiskey on Ice for 89.5 points. Based on a 100-point scale, half the score comes from how well the animal bucks; the other half is based on how well the cowboy rides it. That combination worked out quite well for Boquet, who finished the season with more than $105,000 in earnings and 19th in the world standings. It was a solid finish to a good season, but only the top 15 on the money list advance to the NFR. This year, he is eighth in the standings, all while missing several weeks to an injury. He’s expected to return to action by June 1. “It’s great to think that rodeo’s still going on that dadgum long,” he said. “Getting the win last year started my hot streak, and that helped me ride good the rest of the year.” With the title and the money, Boquet also collected one of the most recognized prizes in ProRodeo. “That’s a pretty sweet buckle,” he said. Duvall has yet to win one himself, but he’d love to add one to his trophy case. “Pecos has always been really good to me,” Duvall said. “I usually place in one of the rounds. I won the first round last year and had a chance to win the rodeo, but it’s still been a good rodeo for me. If you score good and do your job, it’s a good spot to make some money.” It’s reasons like that and many more that ProRodeo’s superstars return to the West of the Pecos Rodeo every summer.

BIG SPRING, Texas – As Mike Mathis spoke, his voice revealed a gravely sound and a passion for rodeo. The sounds he made were undeniable. When Mathis spoke, there was an air of contentment, and the sound of his voice reverberated the Old West. For many, Mathis was the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, his voice resonating with their love affair for the local shindig. “He was the voice of the Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo,” said Dane Driver, chairman of the volunteer committee that produces the annual event, set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20-Saturday, June 22, at the Rodeo Bowl. “Mike’s personality was as big as his voice. He was a true, genuine friend, and he was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman. “Mike announced rodeos because he loved rodeos, not because he couldn’t do anything else.” Mathis, a 2013 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee, died this past December in Las Vegas. A voice that many associated with the sport of rodeo was silenced, and an icon in the industry is now remembered. Though Anthony Lucia enters his third year as Big Spring’s rodeo announcer, Mathis’ memory lives on for thousands of people who made the annual event a big part of their lives. “It was an honor to come in after Mike Mathis, whose tenure in Big Spring was long and fruitful,” said Lucia of Weatherford, Texas. “I don’t want to say I fill his shoes, because I could never do that, but now with his passing, following in his footsteps makes it that much more special knowing that he announced that rodeo for so long.” Mathis owned a master’s degree in finance and had served as executive vice president of Lufkin (Texas) National Bank in his hometown before turning his attention to rodeo. He became a member of the PRCA in 1983 and announced many big events, including the National Circuit Finals Rodeo, the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, the National Finals Steer Roping and was an alternate for the 1994 National Finals Rodeo. He called rodeos nationwide but had an affinity for events in the Lone Star State. The admiration was mutual. “He’s not the only announcer I remember here, but he’s the most vivid,” said Driver, who indicted that a special celebration for Mathis will take place during this year’s event. “After I came back from college, I’ve been back for 20 years, and most of that time was all Mike. We were always trying to grow that spectator experience, and he helped with that. Mike’s personality was as big as his voice.” As this year’s rodeo commences in mid-June, there will be many sounds coming from the Rodeo Bowl. Horses and hooves will resonate with a cheering crowd and cowboys battling for the big bucks in Big Spring. There is where Mike Mathis’ voice will echo across the Plains of west Texas.