Author: Courtesy

Feb. 1, 2019 / Guthrie, Oklahoma – The grind of professional rodeo offers many challenges and requires many sacrifices for those that are successful.

Nobody understands that better than Trevor Brazile, the “King of the Cowboys” who owns the most world championships in the sport’s history. He owns several PRCA records, including the most world titles (24), most all-around world championships (14) and the most money earned over his career – so far, that figure sits at nearly $7 million.

Now 42, he’s realizing that the sacrifices need to be fewer while still chasing challenges. That’s why he is limiting his rodeo schedule, likely eliminating the chances for more PRCA gold buckles or even qualifications to the National Finals Rodeo.

His focus is on family, and that’s a good thing. As his three children grow, their activities do, too, and Brazile doesn’t want to miss as many of those.

While his schedule will be diminished greatly, he still has some major events on his calendar, and the CINCH Timed Event Championship is at the top of his list. He will return to the unique competition, dubbed the “Ironman of ProRodeo,” set for March 8-10 at the Lazy E Arena. For information on the event and to order tickets, visit www.LazyE.com.

“When I started off, I wanted to be diversified, to be a well-rounded cowboy,” said Brazile, 42, of Decatur, Texas. “The Timed Event is a true test of it.”

It’s a test he knows well. In the 22 years since he first competed at the CTEC, he’s won the Montana Silversmiths CTEC gold buckle seven times, more than any other competitor in its 35-year history. It also offers a great financial incentive, the $100,000 prize that goes to the winner at the conclusion of the five-round, three-day slugfest.

In an event where each cowboy must compete in all five timed-event disciplines – heading, heeling, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and steer roping – just to complete one round, it takes a mental fortitude and true athleticism to come out successful. But the rewards are plentiful: the runner-up will earn $25,000.

“When you talk about the mental and physical grind that it takes, it’s a lot of both,” Brazile said. “I don’t know what makes it fun, but it’s fun. I love competing. If I were to make a list of what makes it fun, No. 1 would be the $100,000. Second would be getting on the same playing field with 19 other guys.

“I work multiple events all the time, and it’s the one time a year I feel like it evens the playing field for me because everybody has to compete in multiple events.”

There are fireworks that happen each round, but the CTEC is a true spectacle.

As has happened in years past, the annual chuckwagon cooking contest will take place in

conjunction with the festivities. It was named the 2017 American Chuck Wagon Association’s event of the year. Breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and the dinner will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through www.Ticketmaster.com.

The hottest ticket, though, is to see the 20 greatest all-around timed-event cowboys in ProRodeo today. Over the course of the storied championship, only 14 men have walked away from the Lazy E with the title.

Seven of those men will be in this year’s field, and Brazile is just one of them. He will be joined by K.C. Jones (5), Daniel Green (3), Kyle Lockett (2), Paul David Tierney (2), Jess Tierney and Jordan Ketscher, the last of whom is the reigning titlist.

“There’s not another event like it,” said Brazile, who has earned $808,000 at the CTEC. “It is the purest of timed-event contests, then you put it in a venue like the Lazy E, and it adds that much more of a cowboy contest.”

It goes back to being one of the most unique events in the sport, where team ropers must wrestle steers and steer wrestlers must rope them. It challenges every man, and it happens through five rounds over just three days.

While the cowboys are used to stopping the clock in 7.0 seconds in tie-down roping or 3.5 seconds in bulldogging, the key to success at the CINCH Timed Event Championship is being consistent over 25 runs.

“That part of it’s changed a lot over the years I’ve been part of it,” said Brazile, who joins header Clay Smith as the 2018 PRCA champions who are part of this year’s “Ironman.” “If you go into it with a practice-pen mentality too much, you’re not going to win it. You still have to be somewhat aggressive. There are some things that will happen that are out of your control, and you can’t let them be a downward spiral.

“If you try not to lose, it’s not going to be good enough in that event.”

Make no bones about it, he’s good. In fact, he’s the best there is in the game today. He’s a factor, and the other competitors know that very well. Some of that has to do with his impeccable work ethic, and part of it has to do with his talents in the arena.

“He’s a top 15 contender in every event he chooses to be in,” said fellow CTEC cowboy JoJo LeMond, who pointed to Brazile’s two Triple Crowns, when he won three gold buckles in 2007 and 2011.

Brazile cherishes every victory and every moment. He celebrates the opportunity to engage with fans, and there are none better than the ones who fill the Lazy E Arena through the second weekend in March.

“I go to rodeos all over the world, and people will come up to me and say they go to their hometown rodeo and the Timed Event every year,” he said. “If you’ve ever been a fan of the Timed Event, you’re always a fan of it. They’re fans of grit and determination as much as they are of rodeo.

“Seeing what people have to overcome in a three-day competition is worth the price of admission.”

CINCH Timed Event Championship Contestants

Jordan Ketscher – Squaw Valley, Calif. – Clayton Hass – Stephenville, Texas

Marcus Theriot – Poplarville, Miss. – Lane Karney – Creston, Calif.

JoJo LeMond – Andrews, Texas – Kyle Lockett – Visalia, Calif.

Cash Myers – Athens, Texas – Trevor Brazile – Decatur, Texas

Shank Edwards – Tatum, N.M. – Rhen Richard – Roosevelt, Utah

K.C. Jones – Burlington, Wyo. – Cody Doescher – Oklahoma City

Paul David Tierney – Oklahoma City – Landon McClaugherty – Tilden, Texas

Jess Tierney – Hermosa, S.D. – Shay Carroll – Hico, Texas

Daniel Green – Oakdale, Calif. – Erich Rogers – Round Rock, Ariz.

Clay Smith – Broken Bow, Okla. – Joel Bach – Rhome, Texas

Jr. Ironman Championship Contestants

Rowdy Norwood – Amarillo, Texas    Quade Hiatt – Canyon, Texas

Rylen Sutherland – Benton, Ky.         Trevor Meier – Garden City, Kan.

Dillon Jones – Weir, Miss.                 Hiyo Yazzi – Brimhall, N.M.

Allen Morse – Dawson Springs, Ky.              Cole Walker – Sparta, Tenn.

Laine Moore – Asbury, Ala.    Charles Tyler West – Mertzon, Texas

CINCH Timed Event Championship – 2019

When: March 8, 2019 / NOON & 7:30 P.M.

March 9, 2019 / NOON & 7:30 P.M.

March 10, 2019 / 1 P.M.

Where: Lazy E Arena (Guthrie, Oklahoma)

Press Contact: Ted Harbin and Joey W. Niebrugge

(800) 595-RIDE / (405) 282-RIDE / imteditor@gmail.com  /  joey@lazye.com

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (January 31, 2019) – The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is set to reopen the second floor, the Kit Moncrief Galleries and It’s Never Just a Horse exhibition, on March 9, 2019. The $5.5 million second floor renovation started a little over a year ago and the Museum is ready to reveal phase two of the renovation plan that started in 2015 with the first floor.

The second floor of the Museum has only had minor alterations since the building opened in 2002 before this comprehensive renovation. The completion of this project provides the 33,000 – square foot, two-story Museum the ability to augment visitor experience as well as increase educational programming.

As the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring women of the American West who have displayed extraordinary courage in their trail-blazing efforts, the renovation has enhanced its mission by exploring the special bond between women and horses through the lens of many Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees.

“The newly renovated Cowgirl Museum second floor pays tribute to the amazing relationship between women and horses,” said National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame’s executive director Patricia Riley, “and celebrates the partnerships which are so special to both. The new exhibition and experiences are sure to engage and enthrall visitors of all ages.”

The Kit Moncrief Galleries will be largely given over to the new It’s Never Just a Horse exhibition which explores the relationship between women and horses, and those women – who have and who are – shaping the West and changing the world. The expansive gallery will pay homage to the undeniable link among the horse, women, the West and the world.

The It’s Never Just a Horse exhibition will feature five thematic “islands”: Ranching, Competing, Healing, Business and Inspiring. These broad categories explore how the horse connects with women through artifacts, some never before seen, displayed on the perimeter of each island. Each island will have a media station that provides the ability to explore additional information, artifacts and photos. New artifacts include the saddle Kit Harrington used when he portrayed Jon Snow in the blockbuster series Game of Thrones, on loan from Cowgirl Honoree and horse master Camilla Naprous.

Twice an hour, the gallery lights will dim and life-size horses will appear on the surrounding walls, encircling the visitor. Seemingly entering the gallery space; the horse will be large enough for a visitor to see it breathe.

An immersive digital experience that was designed with Ideum, an interactive design firm, will include a 65” platform multitouch table. Visitors will be able to design their own horse, western shirt and boots inspired by Cowgirl Honorees like Fern Sawyer, Tad Lucas and Connie Douglas Reeves. While the visitor is designing their chosen cowgirl piece, it will be projected on the walls around them, providing the opportunity to take a picture of their design to share via social media using #CowgirlMuseum.

The National Cowgirl Museum’s popular, interactive bronc ride will be making a return to the second floor with new features and the ability to download your video to share with your friends on social media.

There will be a Cowgirl Museum members-only party inviting members to have one of the first viewings of the newly renovated second floor before it’s open to the public. The morning of March 6 is designated for media; please contact our public engagement manager, Madison Ward, at mward@cowgirl.net or 817.509.8969 to reserve a media visit.

To continue the celebration of the new second floor, the Cowgirl Museum will stay open late the third Friday of each month starting March 15 through December 20 for cowgirl cocktails from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. More event details will be released later.

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame worked with the same team, Projectiles, an international architect team based in Paris, France that designed the Hitting the Mark: Cowgirls and Wild West Shows Gallery and the stunning two-story mobile located in the rotunda. The Museum also teamed up with Ideum, an interactive design firm, for new projects for the second floor that include an immersive table and media stations.

The Museum has extended their hours during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. February 10 through March 8 the Museum will be closed for final renovations.

New museum hours and admission prices are as follows:

Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday: Noon – 5 p.m.

Closed Mondays (including summer); except during FWSSR and Spring Break (March 11th): 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission Rates:

Adults – $12.00

Seniors (age 65+) – $9.00

Military & First Responders – $9.00

Children (age 4-12) – $6.00

Children age 3 and under – free with paid admission **Cowgirl Family Special (2 adults and up to 4 children age 4-12) $36.00** Perfect for Spring Break

Group Rates: minimum 10 people with two week advance reservation; maximum 120 people Adults/Seniors – $7.00 Students (PreK-12th) – $4.50 One free chaperone per every 10 students Additional Chaperones – $7.00

Adult/Senior groups – complimentary docent guided tour based upon availability Student groups – self-guided; complimentary scavenger hunt kits upon request

Keep up with the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, visit www.cowgirl.net and follow us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/NCMHOF, Twitter at www.twitter.com/cowgirlmuseum and Instagram at www.instagram.com/cowgirlmu-seum. The Museum will be available for event rental after the Museum reopens March 9, 2019. Contact Tommy Morton for more information at tommy@cowgirl.net or 817.509.8987.

Check out our Second Floor Reopening FAQs on www.cowgirl.net.

“But by means of their suffering, He rescues those who suffer. For He gets their attention through adversity. God is leading you away from danger, Job, to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food.” Job 36:15-16.

Why do people suffer? Why does God allow hardships to good people? Why would God let you or somebody you know go through something bad even though you are reading your bible, praying, worshiping, and going to church regularly? We all know God has the power to stop all bad things from happening so why do bad things happen to people?

I have been reading and studying the book of Job here recently and have gained a lot of encouragement throughout Job’s story. In the beginning of Job’s story, he was a man of great wealth; he had  7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen, and 500 jenny donkeys. He was the richest man in all the area; he had 7 sons and 3 daughters, a wife, and many servants. He feared the Lord, and God thought very highly of him. In fact in Job 1:8, God calls him the finest man in all the earth, blameless,and a man of complete integrity. Job had it going on and was highly revered.

One day the devil showed up and God asked if he’d seen his great servant Job. In 1:9-11, Satan replied, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! But reach out and take everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

So, the Lord allowed Satan to test Job. He took everything he had away from him. Killed all of Job’s farm animals and servants. He killed all the sheep and the sheep herders. Satan even killed all of Job’s children leaving him with nothing. To top it off, Satan sent a dose of the boils to cover Job from his head to his feet. Owning my own ranch animals, it would be a huge disaster to lose my whole herd of animals and becoming a father, I couldn’t think of anything worse than losing a child, let alone all 10 of them. Yet through all of this, Job’s response was to fall to the ground and worship (Job 1:20)! His wife asked him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity?” His reply was “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?”

In all your hardships, sufferings, and trials what is your first response? Is it the same as Job’s? Is the first thing you do fall to the ground, praising and worshipping God or is it to run a million different scenarios through your head and start worrying about the future?

Through the middle of Job’s story he has several friends come and falsely accuse him of receiving punishment from God because of his sinning. He begins to ask God why all of this is happening to him because he was living the best he thought he could. Job didn’t have any hidden sins he needed to repent from. He worshipped the Lord and followed the laws. He worked hard and cared for his children. He was a man of integrity and was living up to par as far as he could tell. He couldn’t figure out why he was being punished bad enough to lose everything he had. He tells his friends he has done nothing wrong, not that he was perfect, but he didn’t do anything to deserve the punishment he was receiving. He couldn’t figure out why God was punishing him so much.

The Lord replies in Job 38:2  “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?”

Then God begins to question Job in chapters 38-41 and makes him think. Who created all the earth, the seas, the mountains, the sky, the ground, the grass and the dirt? What keeps the seas in their boundaries, who controls the rain, the snow, and the wind? Who created morning and night, darkness and light? Placed the stars in the sky and makes the sun shine? Who created all the animals and determined their gestation? Who can control forest fires, hurricanes, tsunamis, drought, and floods? Who is in charge? Humans? Do each of us have as much knowledge and control as He?

Our reply should be the same as Job’s in chapter 42 verse 2, “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.” He continues in verse 3 and says “I was talking about things far too wonderful for me.” We don’t know Gods plans. We don’t think like the Lord thinks. He is far too wonderful for us to fathom.

Job 23:8-10 “I go east, but He is not there. I go west, but I cannot find Him. I do not see Him in the north, for He is hidden. I look to the south, but He is concealed. But He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.”

Just like in this verse, even when we can’t see the outcome, and we don’t know why we are having to deal with the hardships and challenges we are going through. When we can’t seem to find the reason. When we are finally at our breaking point and begin to wonder “why”, we can find great encouragement if we reflect on these verses. We can’t fathom or understand what the Lord has in store, what he is thinking, or what the big picture is, but what we do know is He is in charge and has a plan. We can’t control the hand we are dealt, but we can control how we respond. The Lord isn’t picking on you or making you pay. He is trying to grab your attention and lead you away from destruction. Maybe He is purifying you like gold; making you hard so you can help somebody else with a similar struggle later in life. Whatever the outcome the Lord has in store, know that God has a plan. He is in control and like in these verses His plan is to bless us beyond what we deserve. With His forgiveness and gift of eternity with Him, if we accept Jesus as our savior and believe in Him what else do we need? If God is for us who can ever be against us? Keep searching, keep reaching, and keep believing. Put your trust and hope in the Lord and let Him do His work!

NORFOLK, Neb. – Life will literally be a rodeo for some students at Northeast Community College. Officials announced Thursday that rodeo will become the 10th intercollegiate athletic program at the Norfolk-based college beginning in fall 2019.

“Rodeo is a popular sport across the region among high school students. Northeast Community College wants to give those students the opportunity to pursue their passion to take part in the competition the sport offers while earning their college degree with us,” said Kurt Kohler, dean of student life and athletics. “Also, with agriculture as the College’s largest academic program, rodeo is a natural fit and is relevant to the curriculum that is offered.”

Kohler said the program will provide additional student-athletes opportunities to compete for Northeast.

“We want to give all of our student-athletes the chance to compete in the sport they love, whether its basketball, soccer, volleyball, or whatever it may be. Rodeo is one more opportunity for our student-athletes to learn the many invaluable lessons that sports teach them, while also providing them a quality education.”

Rodeo at the collegiate level is quite popular, especially across the Great Plains. The National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) sanctions more than 100 college rodeos every year in the United States. It represents over 3,500 student-athletes attending more than 135 member colleges and universities. Northeast will contend in the competitive Great Plains Region of the NIRA. Within the Great Plains Region, there are currently 12 teams competing in 10 sanctioned rodeos throughout the year, with six in the fall and four in the spring. The top-two teams in the region and the top-three individuals in each competition qualify for nationals held every June in Casper, Wyo.

The Great Plains Region could not be more pleased to be able to add another rodeo program,” said Tate Eck, faculty director of the Great Plains Region. “It may be cliché, but our region is great and to have the opportunity to give rodeo student-athletes another choice to be able to stay in this region is very momentous. Each school in the Great Plains Region offers something unique to every student; to have that chance to rodeo already on to the decision to go to Northeast Community College is just an added bonus for that student.”

Eck said there are many students who would like to participate in the sport, especially student-athletes in the region.

“If we can keep them here local …if we have one other unique opportunity, a unique school to keep that student, ‘to keep them home, keep them right here’ in the Great Plains region, we love that.”

Eck, who is an agriculture instructor at North Dakota State University, said he sees more than his students in the sport.

“My greatest amount of students are ag-related, (but) you’re going to have nursing students, you’re going to have linemen, you’re going to have everybody on this program. It’s such a wide array of students. It’s amazing how many come (to college) to rodeo. They’re there to rodeo and earn a degree.”

Kohler said the College will begin searching immediately for a coach to lead the program.

“Anytime a college adds an athletic program, there are many things to consider such as facilities, equipment, staffing, and budgets,” Kohler said. “We have put together an advisory board to help guide the College through this initial process of building the rodeo program, and I am looking forward to hearing their input. Northeast has looked into practice facility options, and once we have a coach hired and get input from that individual, as well as from our advisory board, we will contract a practice facility, begin purchasing equipment that may be needed, and assemble a schedule for the 2019-2020 seasons. Until then, our focus will be on marketing our program in our region, and on hiring an excellent coach who holds our student-athletes to a high standard in the arena, in the classroom, and in the community.”

Northeast will work to recruit “homegrown” students in the state of the Nebraska with the help of the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association (NHRA). The NHRA serves more than 200 students in the state who compete in a wide variety of events.

“It is encouraging to see Northeast add the sport of rodeo to their athletic programs,” said Tricia Schaffer, national director of the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association. “The majority of our members go on to college and the ability to rodeo is why some are there. Many of our students come from a rural background and will return after college. The opportunity for our students to have another college in the state of Nebraska with a rodeo program is a plus, and I thank you.”

Rodeo is not new to Northeast. It operated at the club level at Northeast’s predecessor institution, Norfolk Junior College, in the 1960’s, and again from the mid 1990’s to the mid 2000’s.

Dr. Michael Chipps, college president, said Northeast Community College wants to be a competitor in the sport.

“The addition of intercollegiate rodeo is truly another exciting opportunity for all of our students at Northeast Community College,” he said. “Athletics provide additional opportunities for our students to be engaged outside of the classroom. Evidence supports that students who make connections at college not only enhance their academic experiences, but they are more likely to be retained and graduate, which is why they are here.”

Chipps said rodeo is an innovative way to grow the College’s enrollment, “and the addition of our athletic programs, in general, is another essential element in Northeast’s enrollment plan to reach new students.”

The new program is already generating interest. One student at the news conference asked how he could sign up. In addition, Kohler said he has started a list that already included some names as of Thursday afternoon.

Anyone who would like more information, may go online to www.northeasthawks.com or call (402) 844-7271.

Rodeo will join men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s golf, women’s volleyball, baseball, and softball in Northeast’s athletic program line-up.

Themed interactive areas are abundant at the Thomas & Mack Center

LAS VEGAS (October 25, 2018) – When rodeo fans arrive at the Thomas & Mack Center for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, they will have multiple entertainment options to enjoy prior to and following each rodeo performance. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo on the world, the Wrangler NFR runs from Thursday, Dec. 6 through Saturday, Dec. 15.

For ease of travel, rodeo fans have the option of utilizing the complimentary NFR Express Shuttle Bus service from 26 sponsor hotel properties and Cowboy Christmas. Upon arrival, fans will be greeted with rodeo-themed areas extending both outside the arena and within the confines of the building.

On the outer grounds of the Thomas & Mack Center, the ProRodeo Zone will greet fans with PRCA sponsor-activation tents and live music. As fans move toward the entrance, they will pass through the NFR Fan Zone, an area that includes additional sponsor tents, the official PRCA and Wrangler NFR merchandise trailer, food and beverage options, video screens and tables for attendees to congregate.

Further enhancing the fan experience, two outdoor video boards on the face of the arena will broadcast Wrangler NFR moments, highlight videos, interactive content and contestant interviews.

When rodeo fans enter the building, one of the arena’s highlights is the 36,000-square-foot hospitality area at the northwest end of the arena. During the Wrangler NFR, the space is known as The ‘Shoe and will feature interactive areas, a saloon, saddle displays and a 2,500-square-foot, glass-enclosed balcony with Strip views. The ‘Shoe will also be the site of CBS Sports Network’s rodeo pre-show and RFD-TV’s NFR Countdown. Access to The ‘Shoe is available to all fans with a Wrangler NFR ticket for that evening’s performance and also will feature the live broadcast of the rodeo each night, including a large-screen projection.

Meanwhile, on the arena’s southeast side opposite The ‘Shoe, fans can enjoy all the activities and amenities of the returning Cowboy Corral, which takes over the adjacent Cox Pavilion with live music, a huge bar and plenty of space to sit and relax or kick up your heels. The live entertainment will include Andy Griggs & D’em Boyz playing each night prior to the Wrangler NFR starting at 5:30 p.m. Following the NFR, the Cowboy Corral will stay jumping with performances by Sean Curtis and the Divide (Dec. 6-9) and The Britt Stokes Band (Dec. 10-15).

Sitting right outside of Cowboy Corral is the Bull & Barrel Saloon, featuring its own bar and food service and the Hall of Champions with tributes to former NFR champions.

The entertainment will continue throughout the evening as fans begin to settle into their seats. Prior to each performance, there will be an opening act, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The attention will then turn to the dirt, as the best contestants in the world test their skills and seek the coveted Gold Buckle, awarded to the world champions.

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding to compete for a share of the $10 million purse and the coveted Gold Buckle. In 2017, the event had a total attendance of 168,952 over the 10 days of competition and has sold out more than 300 consecutive performances.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit www.NFRexperience.com or through social media at /LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR.

Loveland, Colo., Oct. 25-27

All-around cowboy: Garrett Uptain, $7,526, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.

Bareback riding: First round: 1. Seth Hardwick, 82 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Sangria, $1,714; 2. (tie) Craig Wisehart and Joel Schlegel, 81, $1,072 each; 4. Logan Patterson, 80, $429. Second round: 1. Seth Hardwick, 84 points on The Cervi Brothers’ Lil Bucker, $1,714; 2. Logan Patterson, 79, $1,286; 3. (tie) Craig Wisehart and Cole Reiner, 78, $643 each. Third round: 1. (tie) Jeffery Zdziarski, on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Hardtimes, and Logan Patterson, on The Cervi Brothers’ Orl Held Hostage, 82 points, $1,500 each; 3. Craig Wisehart, 80.5, $857; 4. Seth Hardwick, 80, $429. Average: 1. Seth Hardwick , 246 points on three head, $2,572; 2. Logan Patterson, 241, $1,929; 3. Craig Wisehart, 239.5, $1,286; 4. Joel Schlegel, 229, $643.

Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Aaron Vosler, 4.1 seconds, $1,771; 2. (tie) Miguel Garcia and Cody Pratt, 4.3, $1,107 each; 4. Joe Buffington, 4.5, $443. Second round: 1. (tie) Beau Clark and Kalane Anders, 3.6 seconds, $1,549 each; 3. Cody Pratt, 3.8, $885; 4. (tie) Austin Eller and Aaron Vosler, 4.0, $221 each. Third round: 1. Beau Clark, 3.8 seconds, $1,771; 2. Kalane Anders, 4.0, $1,328; 3. (tie) Brady Thurston and Nick Guy, 4.1, $664 each. Average: 1. Beau Clark, 12.3 seconds on three head, $2,656; 2. (tie) Cody Pratt and Aaron Vosler, 12.4, $1,660 each; 4. Austin Eller, 13.2, $664.

Team roping: First round: 1. Garrett Tonozzi/Trey Yates, 5.1 seconds, $1,771 each; 2. Ty Blasingame/Ryon Tittel, 5.4, $1,328; 3. Clayton Van Aken/T.J. Watts, 5.7, $885; 4. Paul Beckett/JC Flake, 5.8, $443. Second round: 1. Garett Chick/J.W. Borrego, 4.9 seconds, $1,771 each; 2. Casey Adams/Riley Pedro, 5.4, $1,328; 3. Travis Bounds/Kyon Kreutzer, 5.6, $885; 4. Ty Blasingame/Ryon Tittel, 5.8, $443. Third round: 1. Austin Crist/Josh Fillmore, 5.2 seconds, $1,771 each; 2. Garrett Tonozzi/Trey Yates, 5.3, $1,328; 3. Paul Beckett/JC Flake, 6.0, $885; 4. Cole Cooper/Clancey Kreutzer, 6.8, $443. Average: 1. Paul Beckett/JC Flake, 17.7 seconds on three head, $2,656 each; 2. Clayton Van Aken/T.J. Watts, 22.0, $1,992; 3. Garrett Tonozzi/Trey Yates, 25.6, $1,328; 4. Ty Blasingame/Ryon Tittel, 25.9, $664.

Saddle bronc riding: First round: 1. Garrett Uptain, 81.5 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Hay Fever, $1,771; 2. Tanner Lockhart, 81, $1,328; 3. Chanse Darling, 79, $885; 4. Andy Clarys, 73, $443. Second round: 1. Andy Clarys, 80.5 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Stage Stop, $1,771; 2. Wyatt Hageman, 79.5, $1,328; 3. Garrett Buckley, 74, $885; 4. Wyatt Kammerer, 70, $443. Third round: 1. Tanner Lockhart, 82.5 points on Burch Rodeo’s Maria Bartomoro, $1,771; 2. Chanse Darling, 81.5, $1,328; 3. Garrett Buckley, 79.5, $885; 4. Wyatt Hageman, 78.5, $443. Average: 1. Andy Clarys, 228 points on three head, $2,656; 2. Tanner Lockhart, 163.5 on two head, $1,992; 3. Chanse Darling, 160.5, $1,328; 4. Wyatt Hageman, 158, $664.

Tie-down roping: First round: 1. (tie) Trevor Thiel and Joey Dickens, 8.5 seconds, $1,549 each; 3. Owen Wahlert, 9.0, $885; 4. (tie) Darnell Johnson and Kyle Dickens, 9.2, $221 each. Second round: 1. Owen Wahlert, 8.7 seconds, $1,771; 2. Kyle Dickens, 9.4, $1,328; 3. Trevor Thiel, 10.5, $885; 4. Joey Dickens, 10.7, $443. Third round: 1. Riley Pruitt, 8.2 seconds, $1,771; 2. Jase Staudt, 9.0, $1,328; 3. Brice Ingo, 9.6, $885; 4. Kyle Dickens, 9.7, $443. Average: 1. Kyle Dickens, 28.3 seconds on three head, $2,656; 2. Owen Wahlert, 29.0, $1,992; 3. Joey Dickens, 30.3, $1,328; 4. Jack Tyner, 34.3, $664.

Barrel racing: First round: 1. Ivy Conrado, 15.57 seconds, $1,771; 2. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 15.61, $1,328; 3. Shali Lord, 15.71, $885; 4. Sydni Blanchard, 15.74, $443. Second round: 1. Laura Lambert, 15.42 seconds, $1,771; 2. (tie) Kelly Yates and Ivy Conrado, 15.49, $1,107 each; 4. Christine Laughlin, 15.60, $443. Third round: 1. Ivy Conrado, 15.40 seconds, $1,771; 2. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 15.48, $1,328; 3. Shali Lord, 15.49, $885; 4. Laura Lambert, 15.58, $443. Average: 1. Ivy Conrado, 46.46 seconds on three head, $2,656; 2. Shali Lord, 46.91, $1,992; 3. Christine Laughlin, 47.13, $1,328; 4. (tie) Kelly Yates and Sally Conway, 47.19, $332 each.

Bull riding: * First round: 1. Garrett Uptain, 82 points on Burch Rodeo’s Good Luck Chuck, $2,435; 2. Clayton Savage, 76.5, $1,992; no other qualified rides. * Second round: 1. Elijah Mora, 77 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Panama Red, $4,427; no other qualified rides. * Third round: 1. Cordell Curtis, 86 points on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s American Blood, $2,435; 2. Garrett Uptain, 84, $1,992; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Garrett Uptain, 166 points on two head, $2,656; 2. Cordell Curtis, 86 on one head, $1,992; 3. Elijah Mora, 77, $1,328; 4. Clayton Savage, 76.5, $664. *(all totals include ground money).

John 10;10 says, “’The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” I have heard this verse many times throughout my life but I have come to understand it in a whole new way in the last few weeks.

On September 22^nd, 2018 I was involved in a rodeo wreck that occurred in Pasenda, TX; the accident happened when the horse was bucking and ended up bucking back into the chutes, resulting with the horse flipping over on top of me. Instantly I knew I couldn’t feel my legs. My life was changed forever, for the better. As the horse got up, she stomped on my ribs putting me in the most excruciating pain that I have ever been in my life. Right away there was a calming voice that put me at ease. I knew it was from God. I knew after I heard that voice that everything was going to be alright. I immediately began praying for a miracle. They life-flighted me to Texas Medical Center, where I underwent surgery first thing the next morning. I ended up breaking T9 and T10, where they stuck two rods, eight screws and fused it all together.

I was in the hospital for eight days then they moved me over to TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehab Center the 1^st of October, where I have been rehabbing the last two weeks. Some may wonder how it changed my life for the better. I have gained a whole new outlook on my faith, family, friends and life. I have always put my trust and faith in God but this has defiantly been my biggest test. Through this journey so far, one of the verses I have relied on is James 1:2-3, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Right away, I believed that God was not the one who intended for this bad thing to happen; it was the thief that came to steal and destroy. However, God intends for a satisfying life. With the help of God, my wife, my family, my friends, and everyone else that has pitched in to help us out, I have learned to search for the little miracles every day. I believe God is going to make a miracle out of this.

I have learned over the years to appreciate the little things but now I have learned to appreciate the most minute things in life. I never knew I would appreciate a simple twitch in my leg so much or even just getting to stand up. This has been the most humbling experience of my life. When I go to the gym and see someone on a walking machine, my heart fills with joy; knowing what they are going through and seeing them excel through each small step they take. Watching other patients have to learn to use their hands to be able to feed themselves again fills my heart with gratefulness. I feel so blessed to have full use of my upper body. Having so many friends visit, text, and call makes the days go by so much faster. Having family come down and stay with Shelby and I makes it reassuring to know that we are so loved at home and taken care of. Having so many people help us financially has humbled us beyond measures. Having my wife by my side every day since the day of the accident, lets me know I have a rock to lean on for encouragement through thick and thin.

I believe God is still in the miracle business. Miracles happen every day. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose for them.” I personally know people who are living miracles. Throughout our stay here we have met people who are healed and restored walking miracles. When times get tough, you can either throw the towel in and give up or you can put your trust and faith in God by getting up every morning and striving to be better than you were yesterday. Instead of putting so much focus in prayers on our problems, maybe we should seek the kingdom of God and see how to be used in times of brokenness. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. I have learned to trust the process, be patient, and let God do His work. His plan is always greater than we can even fathom. As I continue down this journey in this new season that I’m in, I will remain faithful in God’s plan, trusting in his miracles for my life. My prayer and hope is that God will use this situation in the future for people to see His power, turn non-believers into believers, and to be an inspiration to somebody all for His glory.

JR was featured in the November issue of Rodeo News. You can read the issue following this link: https://reader.mediawiremobile.com/RodeoNews/issues/203990/viewer?page=7