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  • Back When They Bucked with Dick Carr

    Back When They Bucked with Dick Carr

    Dick Carr’s shop sits on the back of his house in Elk City, Oklahoma. The walls are papered with pictures; memories of a life spent in rodeo.   It’s full of tools, pieces of leather and strands of twine. The strands will be meticulously weaved together into- not just functional bull ropes for cowboys- but works of art.
    When Dick is finished with each rope he makes, he prays over it to ask God to watch over the cowboy who will cling to that very rope hoping for success and safety. And success and safety have come for multitudes of professional bull riders who would surely tell you those ropes are connected to their success.
    Dick’s customers have won too many world championships, National Finals Rodeo qualifications and other accomplishments, to count.
    Dick was raised near the Beutler Brothers’ Rodeo ranch in western Oklahoma. He credits them for his start in rodeo. He began in the sport as both a bull and bronc rider, but he soon focused all of his attention on bulls. Dick got his pro card at 17. His PRCA card number is no. 166.
    For six years he went strong on the rodeo trail as a professional cowboy, competing in the biggest rodeos in the land from Madison Square Garden in New York City, to Prescott and Cheyenne.
    Dick, whose grandfather taught him to plait; the technique to make a rope, had already started to make bull ropes during his own riding career, knowing firsthand their importance.
    “In 1950 I started entering. The next year I went to winning a little, but it was a tough life, and you rode the bulls ‘til the whistle blew. They didn’t have the kind of bull fighters they have now days, and it was a different world,” Dick describes, adding “in 1952 is when I got noticed for my ropes, and I only made ropes for people who asked me.”
    In 1956 Dick was drafted into the Navy.  He quickly showed his work ethic was dedicated and was given some of the luckier duties on base such as working in the library and tending the bar in the Officer’s Club.
    He went to a rodeo on an off weekend and won the bull riding. A Navy recruiter was working the rodeo and wrote an article about Dick’s performance that made the Sunday paper.
    On Monday he was called into the captain’s office.
    “I thought, ‘oh my gosh.’ I hadn’t ever seen him, and I took my hat off. I stood up straight, and he said ‘Carr, what’s this about you riding a bull,’ and I said ‘yes sir,” Dick recalls laughing.
    The captain was far from mad like Dick had feared. The base had rarely made the news, and the captain was pleased Dick had been able to shed some light on them through rodeo. He gave Dick the green light to go to rodeos whenever he wanted.
    When Dick went overseas on a ship to China and Australia, rodeo was humorously not far behind him.
    “When we were in China they had a ship party, and a guy came by driving a bunch of wild water buffalos. I saw them and said ‘my gosh I want to ride one of those buffalos,” Dick laughs.
    They had an interpreter and arranged to pay the man who was driving the buffalo to let them attempt the ride. Dick roped the buffalo and about 10 sailors held the bull so he could get on. Dick rode him as he ran down the beach, not really bucking. “I rode him I know for half a mile, and when I got back to the ship you’d have thought I rode some real rank bull,” he laughs.
    Dick got out of the service in 1957 and went right back to the arena. “One day after I got out I won the bull riding at Buckeye, Arizona, but I’d been on that ship so long I had my sea legs, and [the bull would] move, and I’d just beat him over there,” Dick says with a smile.
    Though he went to the major rodeos in 1958, he stopped riding bulls in the following years. Still, Dick stayed involved with rodeo. He was a judge for quite sometime and began making bull ropes full time in 1970.
    “That’s 45 years. That’s got to be God,” Dick says wriggling his fingers around nimbly, with no obvious arthritis issues that could’ve stopped him from his work.  His work has a deeper meaning than being a functional art form. Dick emphasizes putting quality into his ropes that make the bull riders able to ride to the best of their ability while maximizing comfort.
    “My ropes are very comfortable. It’s like putting your head on a pillow when you put your hand in there.” It fits like a Tiffany Glove, he says.
    Dick’s work goes beyond making a good and comfortable rope. He’s able to pick out talent in bull riders and give them tips where they can get the most benefit from the kind of rope they might need.
    Perhaps Dick’s favorite customer was Harry Tompkins.
    “He was probably the greatest bull rider that ever lived. I made him bull ropes for 19 years, and he’s now 88 years old, and in a rest home.”
    Like his close relationship with Terry Don West, Gary Leffew and Tompkins, the rodeo family Dick grew close with over the years is extensive. They all share a mutual bond and understanding, Dick says. “We just talk, and they just know where I’m coming from, and I understand where they’re coming from. It’s unspoken.”
    Dick continues, “so many friends have passed. All the great rodeo cowboys; I was very dear friends with. Casey Tibbs was one of the greatest people I knew in my life. He was so good to me. He was my friend, and he encouraged me. I never asked Jim Shoulders for anything he didn’t give me. He always helped me.”
    The rodeo people Dick could name for being a part of his life could go on and on, and that’s the most important part of preserving rodeo for the youth, making sure they have mentors like he did, Dick explains.
    “The bible says, ‘remove not the ancient landmarks which our forefathers have established.”
    For Dick, the Western lifestyle and the Christian one go hand in hand.
    “The cowboy way and the word of God are one and the same. ‘Do unto others as you’d have others do unto you,’ and believe in a higher power. There’s someone greater than us, and it’s Jesus Christ, who we’re supposed to imitate, and that’s what I do. I live for God every second of every day,” Dick says and readily admits his shortcomings and how he was saved and cured of his struggle with alcohol abuse through his relationship with the Lord.
    “June the 3rd 1986 I received the anointment of the Holy Spirit, and it totally changed my life,” Dick says. He hasn’t had a drink since that day. “Anybody that says it can’t happen, they’re wrong because God can do anything.”  Filling your heart up with God is in many ways like dedicating yourself to bull riding.
    “Riding bulls, you either were dedicated and you were going to ride that sucker, or you weren’t. There was no ‘making  excuses.’ You had to give yourself to it just like you’ve got to give yourself to the word of God. It’s not just when you crawl over the chute gate. You’ve got to have it all the time, in everything you do, if you’re mowing grass or driving a car, whatever you’re doing,” Dick says.  And it’s clear, his faith, like his bull ropes, is strong.
    For more information on Dick Carr visit: DickCarrBullRopes.com. Perhaps Dick’s favorite customer was Harry Tompkins.
    “He was probably the greatest bull rider that ever lived. I made him bull ropes for 19 years, and he’s now 88 years old, and in a rest home.”
    Like his close relationship with Terry Don West, Gary Leffew and Tompkins, the rodeo family Dick grew close with over the years is extensive. They all share a mutual bond and understanding, Dick says. “We just talk, and they just know where I’m coming from, and I understand where they’re coming from. It’s unspoken.”
    Dick continues, “so many friends have passed. All the great rodeo cowboys; I was very dear friends with. Casey Tibbs was one of the greatest people I knew in my life. He was so good to me. He was my friend, and he encouraged me. I never asked Jim Shoulders for anything he didn’t give me. He always helped me.”
    The rodeo people Dick could name for being a part of his life could go on and on, and that’s the most important part of preserving rodeo for the youth, making sure they have mentors like he did, Dick explains.
    “The bible says, ‘remove not the ancient landmarks which our forefathers have established.”
    For Dick, the Western lifestyle and the Christian one go hand in hand.
    “The cowboy way and the word of God are one and the same. ‘Do unto others as you’d have others do unto you,’ and believe in a higher power. There’s someone greater than us, and it’s Jesus Christ, who we’re supposed to imitate, and that’s what I do. I live for God every second of every day,” Dick says and readily admits his shortcomings and how he was saved and cured of his struggle with alcohol abuse through his relationship with the Lord.
    “June the 3rd 1986 I received the anointment of the Holy Spirit, and it totally changed my life,” Dick says. He hasn’t had a drink since that day. “Anybody that says it can’t happen, they’re wrong because God can do anything.”  Filling your heart up with God is in many ways like dedicating yourself to bull riding.
    “Riding bulls, you either were dedicated and you were going to ride that sucker, or you weren’t. There was no ‘making  excuses.’ You had to give yourself to it just like you’ve got to give yourself to the word of God. It’s not just when you crawl over the chute gate. You’ve got to have it all the time, in everything you do, if you’re mowing grass or driving a car, whatever you’re doing,” Dick says.  And it’s clear, his faith, like his bull ropes, is strong.
    For more information on Dick Carr visit: DickCarrBullRopes.com.

     

  • Roper Review: Colton Workman

    Roper Review: Colton Workman

    Five year old Colton Workman of Lincoln, Ark., may have only one hand to rope with, but he has more than enough heart to catch any roping calf or steer he encounters in the arena.Described by his family as coming into the world like a firecracker on the Fourth of July, Colton was born with only half of his left arm, but twice the determination. Born into a rodeo family, his parents, Brittany and Lewis Workman, roped and ran barrels, as well as his two older sisters, Tabor and Kayden. Colton was roping the dummy not long after his first birthday, and once old enough to ride by himself, he quickly figured out how to hold the reins with his left arm, which he refers to as his nub, and swing his rope with his right hand, his coils held securely by an attachment on his saddle.
    When Colton’s dad passed away in 2013 after a car accident, thousands of people mourned the outgoing cowboy’s death. Eight-time world champion roper Roy Cooper heard about Colton losing his dad, and in December of that year, his foundation contacted Brittany, asking if the Cooper family could meet Colton in January. Roy, Clint, Clif, and Tuf, became fast friends with Colton, and he looks up to each one as a mentor. “After we met the Coopers, they took Colton into the Cooper Rodeo Foundation and the Rope Your Dreams Scholarship,” Brittany remembers. “Roy says Colton is family, and Colton is very close to the them.”
    “What a great little kid!” says Roy. “He doesn’t even know he’s disabled. He’s so sharp and smart, and he’s got a great attitude.” Since becoming part of the Cooper family, Colton not only participates in their clinics and competes in their ropings, but he also travels with Tuf to events like The American and the WNFR. Through his travels, he has met numerous figures in the rodeo world, including Lane Frost’s parents. Signing autographs with Tuf and Trevor Brazile, and attending Elevation Sunday during the WNFR are always highlights for Colton. Having just entered Kindergarten, he has a multitude of all-access passes to some of the largest rodeos in the U.S., which Colton keeps with other mementos in a shadowbox in his room. He even has a letter written to him by the House of Congress in 2014, stating that Colton “is an inspiration to all.”
    Colton’s travels have also helped him connect with other children who have disabilities. “Last year at The American, Colton met a little girl in a wheel chair, whose wish was to meet Colton,” says Brittany. “Other kids also want to meet him and touch his nub or ask him questions about it. Colton has met so many kids like him and he talks about them all the time. He doesn’t forget anyone.”
    Having made so many connections with kids his age, Colton wasn’t expecting to be bullied when he entered Kindergarten this fall. Brittany wrote a piece on Facebook to spread awareness about bullying, and it was shared 24,000 times. “We got calls worldwide from kids who wanted to talk to Colton,” says Brittany. “I didn’t expect it to take off like that! We’ve even been contacted by The One-Armed Bandit (John Payne) and Willie Hart, the one-armed team roper, who have encouraged Colton.”
    In November, the family started an anti-bullying project – Saddle Up and Together Let’s Rein in Bullying. “We designed a t-shirt for our project, and in January, we’re doing an assembly in Arkansas which will be televised by RFD-TV and local stations. We’re going to three schools in one day with several rodeo athletes who have disabilities, as well as athletes from other sports,” Brittany explains. “We’re hoping this will make children more aware of bullying, and for parents to talk to their children about it, because the change has to start at home.”
    While Colton loves travelling, he finds equal joy in roping at home and competing in Roy Cooper’s ropings, as well as the USTRC and the CWRA. In 2015, he won the CWRA finals average in his age division, as well as the CWRA 7 – 10 Breakaway Roping Champion title, earning him a saddle, and a buckle, which is his current favorite to wear. He ropes the dummy every day and practices on live calves three times a week, riding his dad’s 17-year-old roping mare, Molly. His sisters, Tabor (11), and Kayden (eight) join him in the practice pen. The siblings also have a younger sister, Andi (18 months). Their step-dad, Ray Huffaker, is a team roping heeler, and he is teaching Colton to team rope. Colton also plans to be a tie-down roper, and he has taught himself how to tie a calf dummy, pulling the piggin’ string tight with his nub.
    Colton further enjoys hunting and helping on his family’s ranch, from moving cattle to baling hay and cutting wood. He is also responsible for catching and feeding his horses, and he has even been known to stand on his roping dummy, pretending to crack the whip like John Payne. “Colton is very determined to be like everyone else,” says Brittany. “Whatever it is, he’ll figure it out! Shriners Hospital provided Colton with a prosthetic, and he uses it sometimes, but mostly he would rather use his nub.”
    Taught to meet challenges head on, Colton’s dream is to make a career out of tie-down and team roping. His family and the Cooper Rodeo Foundation have given him the confidence and tools to succeed, and their encouragement has helped make Colton the inspiration he is today to people around the world. “Through this anti-bullying project, God has really opened my eyes to the reason Colton is here,” says Brittany. “There are a lot of children out there struggling with disabilities and Colton’s story has been a huge influence for them. Even if it’s people who don’t have disabilities, I think one of Colton’s purposes is to help encourage other children and adults.”

     

    Colton with Roy Cooper - BC Photography Colton with Cactus Ropes - BC Photography

  • ProFile: Roper Kiesner

    ProFile: Roper Kiesner

    Roper Kiesner is a man of many talents.
    The twenty-one year old cowboy who lives in Ripley, Okla., rides saddle broncs, makes and sells knives, and is a former trick rider.
    He grew up the son of a saddle bronc rider and barrel racer, and when his parents, Phillip and Julie, quit rodeo competition, they wanted to stay involved in rodeo.
    By then, Roper’s older brother, Rider, had learned to trick rope. So the boys’ parents formed a specialty act, the Kiesner Family Wild West Revue.
    Rider did the trick roping, Phillip did the cowboy mounted shooting, and Roper wanted to be involved in some way. “I wanted to do something,” he said, “but I’m not quite the ‘sit down and practice it’ like my brother, for hours on end. I’m more of a ‘get on and go’ person.”
    The family acquired two Shetland ponies and Roper learned to roman ride, his contribution to the family’s act.
    After he outgrew the Shetlands, he began trick riding. “I had fun with that,” he said. “I always liked adrenaline and going fast.”
    The Kiesner Family Wild West Revue was popular, performing at some of the biggest rodeos in the U.S. They took their show across the globe, entertaining in all of the 48 contiguous states, in Lebanon, China, Japan, Dubai, France, and for the Sultan of Oman in 2006.
    In 2010, when Rider, who is two years older than Roper, turned 18, the act slowly dissolved as he went out on his own.
    But Roper’s involvement in rodeo didn’t end. He had ridden sheep and steers when he was younger and always wanted to ride bulls. But he felt his size was a detriment, so he tried saddle bronc riding. During the second saddle bronc ride he made, at age 17, he got bucked off and broke his arm. After sitting out six weeks to let it heal, he got on three more horses. The third one bucked him off and shattered his collarbone, requiring surgery.
    Roper was deterred. “After that, I thought I’d hold off,” he laughed, but he didn’t hold off for long.
    He began drinking protein shakes to “make myself more durable” and put on some weight. He went from 95 to 130 lbs, and at the age of 19, got on a few more horses. “Fortunately I didn’t break anything,” he said.
    Now, two years later, he’s headed to his third Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo, going in this year in sixth place, higher than he’s ever been ranked.
    Roper attributes much of his saddle bronc riding success to his trick riding abilities. “The trick riding helped a lot with balance and problem solving,” he said. “When I was roman riding, if I’d ever slip a foot down or backwards, or fall down, or lose my reins, I’d have to think on my feet really fast and get up, while the horses were going full blast, or I’d have to turf it. That’s helped me out a lot in saddle bronc riding. If I get out of position, I can get back down in the saddle.”
    The cowboy is also an artist. He designs and makes pocket and fixed blade knives and sells them via Facebook and word of mouth.
    It began when he needed a birthday present for his dad. He had the idea to make a knife. “I grabbed a horseshoe rasp and with a hand grinder, roughed it out and put a blade on it.” It was the beginning of his knife business. “Some people saw it and thought it was really cool, and wanted one, so I made more.”
    He’s refined his business to include better tools than hand grinders. Expert knife maker Jerald Nickles from Perkins, Okla. has taken Roper under his wing, teaching him the art and letting him use his equipment.
    Roper uses superior quality products for his knives, which started out as ranch and rasp knives and now are high-end. The blades are made of Swedish Damascus steel, which is folded and has layers, giving it swirls and patterns. The handles are made of mammoth, hippo and elephant ivory and exotic fossils and other bone. He estimates he’s made a couple hundred knives, and he loves it. “My whole life, I’ve loved dinking around making stuff, whatever I could think of. I’ve always liked knives. Knives are something you can go as crazy and wild as you want to with it.”
    The artistic talent runs in the Kiesner family. Roper’s grandpa and uncles made bronzes and did some drawing, and making knives works well with his rodeo schedule. He has a Facebook page which shows his products.
    When he has any spare time, Roper likes to hike and play the ukulele.
    Roper is living the dream; rodeoing, making knives, and living out life as a rodeo cowboy. Not bad for a boy who started roman riding on Shetland ponies.

     

  • The Underdog Honors Rodeo Royalty

    royaltyAaron Watson made his eighth consecutive National Finals Rodeo (NFR) appearance last week in Las Vegas. The “World Series” of rodeo attracted more than 2 million fans. In addition to headlining four sold-out shows at South Point Hotel & Casino, Aaron performed at the Round 4 Opening Ceremonies, MGM’s Elevation Cowboy Church, and appeared on “Alexis Bloomer Live” and Flint Rasmussen’s “Outside The Barrell” TV shows.

    Three years ago, Aaron wrote “July In Cheyenne,” inspired by the life and memory of cowboy legend Lane Frost. Frost died in the arena during Cheyenne Frontier Days on July 30, 1989. The 1994 film “8 Seconds” starring Luke Perry (Beverly Hills 90210) paid tribute to Frost’s life. Pictured above, Aaron and Luke met at this year’s NFR, spending time after his final performance to reflect on what it meant to be a small part of carrying the proud legacy of Frost’s memory.

  • World Series of Team Roping Results

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    Photo courtesy of JenningsRodeoPhotography.com

    Finale X will pay over $10 Million, and without the exact total it will retain its position as the Third Richest Horse Event in the World!

    Jacob Dagenhart, Statesville, North Carolina, and Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Alabama, kick off the week in Las Vegas winning $132,000 in the #15Brook Ledge Horse Transportation WSTR Finale X. “This is what we came for, this is why we rope—wins like this.” – Jacob Dagenhart

    Congratulations to Michael Goodman, Canton, Texas and Scott Adrian, Kaufman, Texas who just pocketed $248,000 in the World Series of Team Roping #13 Finale X.

    Will O’Quinn, San Antonio, Texas, and Latigo Petersen, Lipan, Texas, clinch the WSTR #12 Finale X to the tune of $320,000. The #12 Finale paid out a grand total of $1,864,000! (Pictured)

    Wallace Greer and Rance Gantt win the #11 Bloomer Trailers WSTR Finale X. The duo will take $320,000 back to their home state of Louisiana. The #11 Finale paid $1,886,000.

    Eric Randle, Moody, Texas and Zane Edmondson, Cimarron, Kansas, won the Ariat #10 WSTR Finale X. The division set a new record as the richest roping in history paying out $2,040,000. This is Randle’s second consecutive #10 Finale win. He won last year as a heeler, and this year as a header.

    Oklahoma cowboys Ralph Carter and Shawn Lyday just pocketed $259,000 in the #9 AIPC Finale X. The #9 division paid a total of $1,604,000.

    The new #8 Finale was a success paying out $395,000! The pick team of Michael Nash and Bobby Leflett bested the field taking home $70,600 to Texas and Louisiana respectively.

  • RESISTOL Launches Answer To Western Style Safety Headgear

    GARLAND, TEXAS    The team at Resistol has worked for over 80 years to preserve the heritage and lifestyle represented by the great American cowboy. Today, with the growth in horse related sports and activities, faster and tougher competitions, and the beneficial results of therapeutic riding, there is a heightened demand for rider safety. Resistol is providing the best solution with the perfect combination of the western cowboy hat and protective headwear.

    Resistol introduces the only felt hat on the market featuring the fit, feel and look of a cowboy hat coupled with the safety and protection of an equestrian riding helmet. Resistol Ridesafe can be shaped just like your favorite cowboy hat with the added bonus of industry leading protective technology. Whether a beginner just starting or a seasoned rider with little ones, enjoy your time in the saddle with added confidence knowing everyone is going to Ridesafe. Look for Resistol Ridesafe in stores spring 2016.

  • KANSAS VETERINARIAN WINS NATIONAL AWARD

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    John Boyington -courtesy of the family

    Phillipsburg rodeo vet honored by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

    Phillipsburg, Kan. (October 10, 2015) – Dr. John Boyington, doctor of veterinary medicine, has been selected as the 2015 Zoetis Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Veterinarian of the Year.

    The Phillipsburg man was selected from among five finalists, and is honored because of his “dedication and service to rodeo livestock,” the PRCA release stated.

    Boyington, who owns Crossroads Veterinary Clinic in Phillipsburg, has served as the rodeo veterinarian for Kansas Biggest Rodeo for the past 25 years. In his college days, he competed as a steer wrestler, team roper and tie-down roper, finishing the 1974 season as a Central Plains Region champion. He competed at the professional level, qualifying for the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in 1974 and winning the Phillipsburg rodeo in 1978. Soon thereafter, he quit rodeo competition to focus on veterinarian school.

    Boyington was delighted when he heard he had won the award. “I tell you what, it’s amazing. The competition was stiff,” he said, of the other four nominees.

    The importance of having a vet at rodeos is crucial, Boyington said. “Concerning the welfare of the animals, it’s good to be there. In case something happens to an animal, it can be cared for quickly.” Boyington is in attendance at each night of the Phillipsburg rodeo and at slack. “I just love to be at the rodeo anyway, so it’s perfect for me, really.”

    Being an equine vet and a former contestant, he has a unique perspective of pro rodeo. “You realize how important (horses) are to these rodeo contestants. A lot of people don’t realize what goes into making a rodeo horse. Their horse is their livelihood.” Beutler and Son Rodeo, who brings the bucking horses and bulls for the Phillipsburg rodeo, takes good care of their animals, Boyington said. “They do such a good job of caring for their animals. They’re at their top condition.”

    Boyington opened his practice in Phillipsburg in 1990. He and his wife Donna, who have been married for 37 years, have two children: Brooke, a student at Kansas State University and the 2014 Phillipsburg Rodeo Queen, and son John, who is also a student at Kansas State.

    The other five finalists include Dr. Tony Scheiber, Cody, Wyo.; Dr. Jerry Billquist, Boerne, Texas; Dr. Marty Dean Tanner, Elgin, Texas, and Dr. Rett Scoggin, Belle Fourche, S.D.

  • Brazile sets records at the 2015 WNFR Starting with the first-round record

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    Trevor Brazile – Photo by Tom Donahue

    Trevor Brazile, the 22-time world champion, won the tie-down roping with a 6.8-second run – the fastest Round 1 time in WNFR history.

    “That’s sweet, I had no idea,” Brazile said of setting the record.

    Trevor Brazile won his 23rd world championship tonight, and he did it in style.

    The Decatur, Texas, cowboy clinched the 13th gold all-around buckle of his career when he won the tie-down roping in Round 6 with a 6.6-second run at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER.

    The lightning bolt of a run broke the previous Round 6 record of 6.9 seconds, and was just one-tenth of a second off the arena record time of 6.5 seconds set by Cody Ohl in 2003.

    “Rodeo has been so good to me,” Brazile said. “The fans are awesome. I just love everything about the sport and the industry more than anything. It’s just a way of life.”

    Entering the night, Brazile just needed to out-earn team roper JoJo LeMond to clinch the all-around gold buckle. He left no doubt with the dominating tie-down roping run.

    Brazile moved from sixth to second in the tie-down roping world standings, and trails brother-in-law Tuf Cooper by less than $9,000. Brazile sits fourth in the average race, and if the rodeo ended right now would be collecting gold buckle No. 24.

    “I’m as pumped about the 6.6 as I was the all-around championship, because I was close in the calf roping (standings), and good in the average,” Brazile said. “Usually the position I come in in the all-around doesn’t allow me to take chances and risks like that, but now I’m trying to win that calf roping world championship. When you’re protecting a lead sometimes you don’t get to do stuff like that. I’ve got ground to make up.”

    The 6.6 also was Brazile’s personal-best WNFR tie-down roping time, surpassing his previous top time of 6.7 seconds when he won Round 7 in 2007.

    Brazile has another record night

    LAS VEGAS – Trevor Brazile just keeps outdoing himself at the 2015 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER.

    Brazile earned his 23rd gold buckle in Round 6 two nights ago when he clinched the world all-around title by winning the tie-down roping title with a 6.6-second run.

    Tonight, he one-upped himself with a 6.5 to tie the arena record and nearly take the lead in the tie-down roping world standings. He trails brother-in-law Tuf Cooper by just $537, and trails only Caleb Smidt in the WNFR average race.

    “That’s big,” Brazile said of tying the arena record. “I feel like I’ve made some great team roping runs here, and never had an arena record before (in that event). To think of all the guys who have got it on right here in this arena, to be able to say arena record, that’s special.”

    The 6.5 tied Cody Ohl’s time from Round 10 of the 2003 WNFR. The previous Round 8 record was 6.7 by Ryan Jarrett in 2013.

    If the rodeo ended right now, Brazile would win his fourth tie-down roping world title – and first since 2010 – which would make him a 24-time world champion. This was Brazile’s 63rd National Finals go-round win, in all events combined.

    “I made up three seconds in the average, but I could’ve just as easily made up 2.8 seconds with two wraps (instead of one),” he said. “It’s just one of those things where we’re in Vegas and that’s (taking risks) part of it. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the blackjack table or the Thomas & Mack on the dirt, you have to know when to gamble.”

  • Big Country Farm Toys Announces Sponsorship with Joe Frost

    signing in las vegasFinally, a wholesome message and role model for children.

    Big Country Farm Toys, the fastest growing line of 1:20 scale farm, ranch and rodeo toys in America, has partnered with Joe Frost and the Frost family to offer creative, interactive farm and rodeo life toys which promote great character and values.

    Announcing the partnership during Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Saturday Dec. 5, 2015, President and CEO for Big Country Toys, Greg Huett, said, “Joe Frost is a college graduate and avid rancher, who just so happens to be the number five bull rider in the NFR going into the Finals in Vegas.”

    “I noticed common elements in working with both Clyde and Elsie Frost as well as their nephew Joe. All are interested in creating a positive message for our kids, and both are generous with their own charities,” Huett, explained. “The Frost family giving 100% of their proceeds from the Lane Frost figurine to the Lane Frost Scholarship fund, and Joe Frost donating all of his proceeds from his Frost Fever line of T-shirts at the WNFR to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.”

    Huett and Big Country Toys introduced the figurines “Challenge of the Champion’s” in 2015 featuring Hall of Fame legend Lane Frost as well as John Growney’s Hall of Fame bull, Red Rock. The successful introduction of the toy and a growing relationship with the Frost family led to the partnership with Joe, second cousin to Lane.

    “Although Joe is his own man, and does not want to live in his cousin’s spotlight, the comparisons are there,” Huett said. The two share more than just a last name. Joe Frost will be competing, like his cousin, for the prized championship buckle. But deeper than talent, Joe Frost carries the known and respected name and character of the Frost family.

    Big Country Farm Toys is excited about having Joe Frost be a part of the Big Country team. His values of integrity, education and generosity have always been a key part of the western lifestyle and will help the company fulfill its mission of providing wholesome products and role models for today’s youth.

    Parents are tired of the imagination lacking, technological culture that their young kids are being immersed in, and the poor role models that are all too prevalent in today’s media. Big Country Farm Toys promotes the alternative to the disappointment of parents when dealing with bad role models and children being consumed with the tech culture that has consumed this generation, leading to a lack of creativity and imagination brain drain.

    Big Country Farm Toys products are cobranded with some of the top Ag brands including Ford Super Duty Trucks, Sundowner trailers, Aermotor windmills, the PBR and the PRCA. Our line of over 30 products includes hand painted animals, figurines, vehicles and all the great accessories kid’s need to build their own farm, ranch or rodeos. The toys are both collectible and playable.

    For more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Greg Huett please call 1-888.801.4391.

  • Chuck Swisher wins Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship

     

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    Chuck Swisher – photo by Todd Brewer

    After spending two weeks in Las Vegas and fighting three bulls in the past three days, Chuck Swisher won the first Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship with a thrilling 91.5 point effort in the final round of competition Saturday morning. Swisher claimed $10,000 and a “priceless” one-of-a-kind trophy belt with hand-tooled leather and Jensen silverwork. It was 92 points or nothing when the last man in the BFO Las Vegas short round stepped up to the plate. Even though Schell Apple didn’t win the bullfight, he sure went for it!

    The Rodeo News
    Chuck Swisher – photo by Todd Brewer
  • Brazile sets first-round record

    Brazile sets first-round record

    LAS VEGAS – The 2015 edition of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER got off to a historical start.

    Trevor Brazile, the 22-time world champion, won the tie-down roping with a 6.8-second run – the fastest Round 1 time in WNFR history.

    “That’s sweet, I had no idea,” Brazile said of setting the record.

    Matt Shiozawa posted a 6.9-second time tonight, which tied the previous Round 1 record set by Cody Ohl in 2004. Brazile wasted little time taking the record for himself.

    “I’m going to stay aggressive,” Brazile said. “Some people will be wondering about me taking a risk by only taking one wrap (instead of two) so early in the week. You just have to go with your gut. I’ve been to a few National Finals, and when I feel like the risk is necessary I will try it. I’ve had it go both ways. I’ve reaped the benefits and suffered the consequences.”

    Brazile set the record with a little help from his No. 1 sorrel horse, Deputy. “He’s the reason I’m still competitive at 39,” said Brazile, who’s now won a record 60 National Finals go-rounds in tie-down roping, team roping and steer roping.

    While Brazile made a statement at the timed-event end, bull rider Parker Breding did the same on the roughstock side.

    The 23-year-old from Edgar, Mont., rode for 86.5 points on Smith, Harper and Morgan’s Magic Bullet – but it came with a price.

    Breding took a horn under his protective vest to his ribs and needed attention at the Justin Sportsmedicine room after the rodeo.

    “I’ve had cracked ribs before, but I’ve never had a bull’s horn get up in my vest like that,” he said. “It’s a scary deal, because people have been killed that way before. I was dang sure blessed tonight, that the bull didn’t stay with me too long.”

    Sage Kimzey, the defending world champion and world standings leader, was bucked off, allowing Breding – who entered Las Vegas second – to gain $26,231 on Kimzey in the world standings. Breding now trails Kimzey by less than one round win. However, his competing status for the rest of the WNFR is in doubt.

    “He’s OK right now; we’re keeping an eye on him,” said Dr. Tandy Freeman of the Justin Sportsmedicine team. “He’s got some abdominal tenderness, but not anything to suggest he’s got a major injury. He’s probably got a couple of fractured ribs. He’ll probably end up getting some X-rays, and we’ll see how he’s doing tomorrow.”

    Bareback rider Tim O’Connell knows about injuries at the WNFR. After suffering several of them during the 10 nights of the 2014 WNFR, he started his second Las Vegas trip in a much better way tonight. O’Connell rode for 84.5 points on D&H Cattle’s Dilly Bar to earn $26,231. It was his second round win, but first outright – he split the Round 4 victory with four-time World Champion Bobby Mote in 2014.

    However, O’Connell, the 24-year-old from Zwingle, Iowa, isn’t satisfied with one big check and one victory lap.

    “I have Kaycee Feild and five other guys ahead of me and I’m here to win a world title,” O’Connell said. “I’m going to press every night and ride all of them like it’s for the world title. I wrote down my goals when I left this arena last year, and I went and evaluated what I did wrong and what I could do better. My goal is to be the 2015 world champion, and I’m planning on riding like it.”

    It was a big night for the team roping duo of Aaron Tsinigine and Ryan Motes. Their 4.1-second time was good enough for the victory. The 4.1 tied for the second-fastest Round 1 time ever at the WNFR.

    This was the fourth times Motes has won or split a round win in Las Vegas in 21 runs, which is a success rate of 19 percent – not too shabby.

    He said the competition was stiff, making the round win all the more satisfying.

    “It’s got to be the toughest first round we’ve ever had,” Motes said. “Right from the beginning it was fast. Normally, there are several misses in the first round – a lot of legs and stuff. Tonight, people were on point and sharp. It’s a lot easier to get going when it is semi-tough. You know people are taking chances and being aggressive.”

    For Tsinigine, it was more of the same at the WNFR – cashing a check. Going back to Round 6 of the 2014 WNFR, the 29-year-old from Tuba City, Ariz., has been in the money in six straight rounds – including two victory laps.

    Getting to compete with Motes for the first time in the Thomas & Mack Center was something Tsinigine was thrilled about.

    “Last year, I was kind of bummed out Ryan didn’t get to come with me (after they roped together during the regular season),” Tsinigine said. “Being here with him this year means everything to me. We are best friends and we get along real good.”

    A man familiar with the Thomas & Mack Center, steer wrestler K.C. Jones, found immediate success. Jones began his ninth appearance in Las Vegas by picking up the fourth WNFR round win of his career, and the first in Round 1.

    The 44-year-old from Decatur, Texas, posted a 3.4-second time to edge Kyle Irwin’s 3.5 and collect $26,231. The time tied for the third best time ever in Round 1, and it’s one of only seven times that’s been under 3.5 in the round.

    “That was a red steer that I didn’t think we would be that fast on, but that little black mare I rode (Smoker, owned by Jud Little), is just so fast, and it worked out,” Jones said.

    The big payday was something the 20-year veteran was fired up about.

    “It’s so exciting this year with $10 million dollars,” he said. “There are a lot of people who worked hard to get that purse up there for the contestants and we’re really thankful to them. It makes it really exciting when you win $26,000 in (just under) 3.5 seconds.”

    Saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell continued his tradition of getting off to a fast start in Las Vegas. Sundell rode for 86.5 points on Andrews Rodeo’s Fire Lane to win, and it was the sixth time in seven first rounds that Sundell has earned a check.

    “They normally win a round on that horse every year here,” Sundell said of Fire Lane. “I knew I had a good chance. That horse is really snappy and I had to keep my chin down. I just let it all hang out.”

    It was a tough night for the saddle bronc riders, as it was the first time since 1985 – the first year the WNFR was held in Las Vegas – that fewer than 11 riders recorded a score.

    “I didn’t know what was going on at first,” Sundell said of the first three riders being bucked off.  “Nobody was making the whistle. This is a good pen of horses.”

    This was the tenth time Sundell has at least split a round win at the WNFR. Sundell has drawn Frontier Rodeo’s Tip Off for Round 2 on Friday night.

    “I’ll come gassin’ and I’m due to ride him,” Sundell said of his strategy. “I’ve been on him three times for a total of about eight seconds.”

    The 57th annual Wrangler NFR continues Friday with the second round at the Thomas & Mack Center. The action will be televised live and in HD on CBS Sports Net (DirecTV channel 221 and DISH Network channel 158) from 7-10 p.m. PT.

     

    First Performance Results, Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015

    Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

     

    Bareback riding:

    1. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, on D&H Cattle’s Dilly Bar, 84.5 points, $26,231; 2. Evan Jayne, Marseille, France, 83, $20, 731; 3. Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah; Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas; Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba; and Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., 81, $9,413 each; 7. Seth Hardwick, Laramie, Wyo., 80; 8. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., 79; 9. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn., 76; 10. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore., 75; 11. Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah, 71.5; 12. Bobby Mote, Stephenville, Texas, 67; 13. (tie) Jake Brown, Hillsboro, Texas; Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas; and Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alberta, NS.

    World standings: 1. Kaycee Feild, $137,559; 2. Evan Jayne, $123,751; 3. Tim O’Connell, $122,795; 4. Austin Foss, $108,741; 5. Jake Brown, $107,994; 6. Will Lowe, $102,396; 7. Orin Larsen, $101,041; 8. Steven Peebles, $99,499; 9. Bobby Mote, $98,486; 10. Clint Cannon, $96,686; 11. Tanner Aus, $95,660; 12. Caleb Bennett, $91,302; 13. Seth Hardwick, $90,639; 14. Clint Laye, $90,307; 15. Winn Ratliff, $85,754.

     

    Steer wrestling:

    1. K.C. Jones, Decatur, Texas, 3.4 seconds, $26,231; 2. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala., 3.5, $20,731; 3. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 3.6, $15,654; 4. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev., and Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., 3.8, $8,885 each; 6. Baylor Roche, Tremonton, Utah, 3.9, $4,231; 7. (tie) Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, and Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore., 4.4; 9. (tie) Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., and Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., 4.5; 11. Hunter Cure, Holliday, Texas, 4.7; 12. Blake Knowles, Heppner, Ore., 4.8; 13. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La., 5.2; 14. Tanner Milan, Cochrane, Alberta, 6.1; 15. Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif., 6.3.

    World standings: 1. Ty Erickson, $115,433; 2. Kyle Irwin, $107,317; 3. K.C. Jones, $107,216; 4. Clayton Hass, $105,181; 5. Hunter Cure, $102,393; 6. Nick Guy, $93,288; 7. Dakota Eldridge, $86,438; 8. Luke Branquinho, $86,191; 9. Baylor Roche, $85,786; 10. Tyler Waguespack, $85,245; 11. Casey Martin, $84,041; 12. Seth Brockman, $81,559; 13. Trevor Knowles, $81,128; 14. Tanner Milan, $76,327; 15. Blake Knowles, $74,747.

     

    Team roping:

    1. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz./Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Texas, 4.1 seconds, $26,231; 2. Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas/Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., 4.2, $20,731; 3. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas/Kory Koontz, Stephenville, Texas, 4.3, $15,654; 4. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 4.4, $11,000; 5. (tie) Nick Sartain, Dover, Okla./Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas, and JoJo LeMond; 7. (tie) Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz., and Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 4.7; 9. (tie) Jake Cooper, Monument, N.M./Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore., and Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo., 5.0; 11. Matt Sherwood, Pima, Ariz./Travis Woodard, Stockton, Calif., 6.4; 12. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas/Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas, 9.7; 13. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn./Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 10.6; 14. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash./Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash., 14.6; 15. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Clay O’Brien Cooper, Gardnerville, Nev., NT.

    World standings (headers): 1. Clay Tryan, $151,497; 2. Aaron Tsinigine, $119,999; 3. Derrick Begay, $104,868; 4. Colby Lovell, $104,484; 5. Luke Brown, $103,140; 6. Chad Masters, $102,658; 7. Trevor Brazile, $102,268; 8. Jake Cooper, $90,933; 9. Nick Sartain, $89,579; 10. Erich Rogers, $88,669; 11. Clay Smith, $81,228; 12. Coleman Proctor, $80,130; 13. Riley Minor, $77,592; 14. Matt Sherwood, $77,436; 15. JoJo LeMond, $76,303. World standings (heelers): 1. Jade Corkill, $151,497; 2. Ryan Motes, $118,867; 3. Kollin VonAhn, $109,755; 4. Clay O’Brien Cooper, $105,988; 5. Kory Koontz, $104,121; 6. Patrick Smith, $102,268; 7. Travis Graves, $95,265; 8. Rich Skelton, $89,579; 9. Travis Woodard, $88,519; 10. Paul Eaves, $87,430; 11. Junior Nogueira, $86,833; 12. Cory Petska, $84,827; 13. Jake Long, $78,344; 14. Brady Minor, $76,263; 15. Russell Cardoza, $76,080.

     

    Saddle bronc riding:

    1. Wade Sundell, Coleman, Okla., 86.5 points on Andrews Rodeo’s Fire Lane, $26,231; 2. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La., 86.0, $20,731; 3. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 83.5, $15,654; 4. Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas, 82.5, $11,000; 5. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 82.0, $6,769; 6. CoBurn Bradshaw, Beaver, Utah, 81.5, $4,231; 7. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., 81.0; 8. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas, 79.5; 9. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta, 74.5; 10. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 72.0; 11. (tie) Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah; Chuck Schmidt, Keldron, S.D.; Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah; Bradley Harter, Loranger, La.; and Tyrel Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, NS.

    World standings: 1. Cody DeMoss, $136,166; 2. Wade Sundell, $130,911; 3. Jacobs Crawley, $129,862; 4. Rusty Wright, $125,987; 5. Isaac Diaz, $113,566; 6. Jake Wright, $111,078; 7. Taos Muncy, $108,654; 8. Heith DeMoss, $99,085; 9. Cort Scheer, $98,737; 10. Chuck Schmidt, $94,910; 11. Spencer Wright, $84,338; 12. Zeke Thurston, $82,278; 13. Bradley Harter, $81,310; 14. CoBurn Bradshaw, $80,377; 15. Tyrel Larsen, $71,172.

     

    Tie-down roping:

    1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, 6.8 seconds, $26,231; 2. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 6.9, $20,731; 3. (tie) Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas, and Cade Swor, Winnie, Texas, 7.1, $13,327 each; 5. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La., 7.5, $6,769; 6. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas, 8.0, $4,231; 7. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla., 8.2; 8. Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas, 9.0; 9. Marcos Costa, Childress, Texas, 9.2; 10. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas, 9.5; 11. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas, 9.7; 12. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., 10.0; 13. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 12.0; 14. (tie) Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, and Tyson Durfey, Savannah, Mo., NT.

    World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $140,803; 2. Timber Moore, $136,125; 3. Trevor Brazile, $128,209; 4. Matt Shiozawa, $115,720; 5. Marty Yates, $109,281; 6. Hunter Herrin, $103,813; 7. Caleb Smidt, $101,681; 8. Cade Swor, $101,200; 9. Ryan Jarrett, $95,967; 10. Marcos Costa, $94,343; 11. Monty Lewis, $92,903; 12. Cory Solomon, $92,483; 13. Shane Hanchey, $87,226; 14. Sterling Smith, $82,297; 15. Tyson Durfey, $82,060.

     

    Barrel racing:

    1. Cassidy Kruse, Gillette, Wyo., 13.84 seconds, $26,231; 2. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 13.90, $20,731; 3. Mary Walker, Ennis, Texas, 13.96, $15,654; 4. Michele McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.07, $11,000; 5. Callie duPerier, Boerne, Texas, 14.08, $6,769; 6. Jackie Ganter, Abilene, Texas, 14.09, $4,231; 7. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz., 14.13; 8. Jana Bean, Fort Hancock, Texas, 14.17; 9. Fallon Taylor, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.21; 10. Carley Richardson, Pampa, Texas, 14.24; 11. Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 14.27; 12. Sarah Rose McDonald, Brunswick, Ga., 18.89; 13. Taylor Jacob, Carmine, Texas, 19.06; 14. Vickie Carter, Richfield, Utah, 19.16; 15. Deb Guelly, Okotoks, Alberta, 19.29.

    World standings: 1. Callie duPerier, $183,692; 2. Lisa Lockhart, $182,251; 3. Sarah Rose McDonald, $144,599; 4. Mary Walker, $135,759; 5. Cassidy Kruse, $117,577; 6. Sherry Cervi, $114,744; 7. Nancy Hunter, $106,686; 8. Fallon Taylor, $96,828; 9. Michele McLeod, $91,397; 10. Taylor Jacob, $90,508; 11. Carley Richardson, $87,820; 12. Jackie Ganter, $83,550; 13. Vickie Carter, $72,768; 14. Jana Bean, $70,162; 15. Deb Guelly, $69,769.

     

    Bull riding:

    1. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont., 86.5 points on Smith Harper & Morgan’s Magic Bullet, $26,231; 2. Shane Proctor, Grand Coulee, Wash., 81.5, $20,731; 3. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas, 78, $15,654; 4. Caleb Sanderson, Hallettsville, Texas, 74.5, $11,000; 5. (tie) Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.; Wesley Silcox, Santaquin, Utah; Brennon Eldred, Sulphur, Okla.; Chandler Bownds, Lubbock, Texas; Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah; Kody DeShon, Helena, Mont.; Brett Stall, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; Dustin Bowen, Waller, Texas; Ty Wallace, Collbran, Colo.; Reid Barker, Comfort, Texas; Clayton Foltyn, Winnie, Texas, NS.

    World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $184,601; 2. Parker Breding, $158,477; 3. Brennon Eldred, $120,041; 4. Wesley Silcox, $115,778; 5. Shane Proctor, $109,744; 6. Cody Teel, $108,672; 7. Chandler Bownds, $98,441; 8. Joe Frost, $93,812; 9. Caleb Sanderson, $86,114; 10. Brett Stall, $86,089; 11. Dustin Bowen, $75,250; 12. Clayton Foltyn, $75,227; 13. Ty Wallace, $73,905; 14. Reid Barker, $73,847; 15. Kody DeShon, $72,633.

  • Potter named 2015 Legend of ProRodeo

    Potter named 2015 Legend of ProRodeo

    COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Back in 1951, at the age of 16, Mel Potter began his journey in the Rodeo Cowboys Association, now known as the PRCA.

    Fast-forward 65 seasons, and Potter, 80, is still competing as a team roping header.

    MelPotter

    At his peak, back in 1959, Potter competed in the inaugural National Finals Rodeo in Dallas as a tie-down roper, finishing 14th in the final standings. He is now the only original NFR competitor still active in the PRCA.

    As recently as 2010, he qualified for the RAM Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo as a team roper and on July 17, 2013, Potter and partner Garrison Dixon won the Green County Fair ProRodeo in Monroe, Wis. He also won a team roping check at a Great Lakes Circuit event this year.

    Combine Potter’s longevity as a competitor with his decade of success – 1964-73 – as a stock contractor with Rodeos Inc., and his time served on the PRCA Board of Directors and it adds up to his being selected Oct. 5 by the ProRodeo Hall of Fame as the 2015 Legend of ProRodeo.

    “I was very surprised to get this honor,” said Potter, who also is a highly-successful businessman. “Being involved with rodeo was one of the neatest things of my life because all of the great people I’ve gotten to know and be good, good friends with all over the country. We also put together a heck of a string of livestock (at Rodeos Inc.) and we treated the cowboys as good as any stock contractor there was. I’m also going to keep competing in rodeos as long as I can get on a horse and stay on a horse when he runs out of the barrier.”

    Potter is the 10th man to be honored with the award, following Jake Barnes, Jim Shoulders, Clem McSpadden, Harry Vold, Larry Mahan, Dean Oliver, Shawn Davis, Donnie Gay and Benny Binion.

    “Since joining the PRCA in 1951, Mel Potter’s career has been one of longevity and consistency. He has competed for an amazing 65 seasons and has gone from an NFR qualification in 1959 to earning a check this year at a Great Lakes Circuit event at the age of 80,” said Kent Sturman, director of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. “Mel has also given back to the sport in many ways and he cares deeply for the PRCA and its success. His talents, experience and knowledge of the sport helped raise a four-time World Champion Barrel Racer, his daughter Sherry Potter Cervi. Mel has done a lot for the professional rodeo industry and we are honored to have him as this year’s Pro Rodeo Legend.”

    In addition to qualifying for the first NFR, Potter also won some big rodeos in his prime in tie-down roping, including the Calgary Stampede (1962), National Western Stock Show Rodeo in Denver (1959), SandHills Stock Show & Rodeo in Odessa, Texas (1958), Helldorado Days Rodeo in Las Vegas (1957-58), and the Klamath Falls (Ore.) Great Northwest Rodeo (1957).

    Potter has competed in tie-down roping, steer wrestling and team roping during his PRCA career. As a team roper, he has paired with guys like Bum Post, Bob Padilla, Eddie Schell and Dale Smith.

    Although Potter had some solid success as a PRCA rookie in 1959, he knew he had to have a back-up plan for work. His family had been cranberry farmers since his grandfather started the family business in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., in 1880. The Potters are one of the largest producers for the Ocean Spray co-operative of growers.

    Potter and his wife of 59 years, Wendy, also operate the Potter Ranch in Marana, Ariz., with their middle daughter, Jo Lynn, and her husband, George Alexander. The ranch has produced some of the sport’s top timed-event horses since 1973. Wendy competed in the NFR in barrel racing in 1970 and ’72.

    “I’ve had an interesting life, and it has been like an 80-year vacation,” said Potter, who was an airplane pilot for 50 years before he stopped flying in 2011. “Everything I’ve done I have enjoyed doing and I have just had fun. I have a great family, and I’ve gotten to know so many great people. To me, the best thing in my whole life is all the people who I’ve met and become friends with. It’s hard to believe it has happened this way for me.”