Category: Newsletter Articles

Two Rodeo Legends – Billy Etbauer and Cody Ohl to be Honored as Vegas NFR Icons in 2023

Vegas NFR Icons to include in-arena ceremony, special appearances and a tribute luncheon in their honor at Virgin Las Vegas on Dec. 8

 

LAS VEGAS – June 2, 2023 – Las Vegas Events announced today that two Vegas NFR Icons will be honored at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® in Las Vegas. The Vegas NFR Icons this year are Billy Etbauer and Cody Ohl.

During the Dec. 8 and 9 performances, each of the rodeo champions will be honored on the hallowed dirt of the Thomas & Mack Center. The presentation will include each receiving a 14” commemorative bronze statue and a ceremony to unfurl a banner in the rafters at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The in-arena schedule for the icons is as follows:

Friday, Dec. 8 – Billy Etbauer

Saturday, Dec. 9 – Cody Ohl

“Las Vegas Events is committed to honoring the legends who have defined what it means to be a champion at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo,” said LVE President Tim Keener. “Billy Etbauer and Cody Ohl are true icons of the sport and synonymous with the events they competed in at the Thomas & Mack Center. The history and legacy of the Wrangler NFR is driven by its great champions, and we are honored to continue this tradition that was launched in 2022 when we honored Trevor Brazile, Charmayne James and Ty Murray.”

For each icon, LVE will develop a promotional campaign to promote the two legends and build a daily activation calendar to build anticipation for the ceremony inside the Thomas & Mack Center that evening.

In addition to the banner ceremony during the second and third Wrangler NFR performances, several events are planned for the Icons. They will appear at The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas on Wrangler NFR programming on The Cowboy Channel. The 2nd Annual Vegas NFR Icons Tribute Luncheon is set for Friday, Dec. 8 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas where they will spend time with hosts Butch Knowles and Jeff Medders. The two announcers are icons themselves as they have been the broadcast team for the NFR for more than 30 years.

Additional details about the 2nd Annual Vegas NFR Icons Tribute Luncheon will be announced at a later date on www.NFRexperience.com.

One of the most popular cowboys of his generation, Etbauer won five saddle bronc world titles (1992, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2004) and garners respect for both his go-for-broke style and his humility during his career that covered parts of four decades. A native of Huron, South Dakota, he was the middle brother of three world-class bronc riders. Etbauer qualified for the NFR in his second year as a professional in 1989. He went on to make the field a record 21 consecutive years, win an NFR-record 51 rounds and surpass $3 million in career earnings. He still shares the NFR record with his 93-point ride on Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Cool Alley in 2003. He tied the record a year later on a 10th-round ride that clinched the last of his five gold buckles.

“It is an honor and blessing to be part of the Vegas NFR Icons,” said Etbauer. “I’m thankful to so many that helped me throughout my career and allowed me to make a living doing what I love. I still feel very fortunate to have won world titles during my career and had the support of sponsors like Express Ranches that made it possible to keep competing. As for Cody, when you rodeo with guys like that, even though we were in different events, you knew you had to raise your game.”

Ohl put his stamp on ProRodeo in 1994 by winning Rookie of the Year and earning his first trip to the NFR. It would take Ohl a few years to win his first gold buckle. He edged out Fred Whitfield to capture the 1997 Tie-Down World Title and roared through the 1998 season, capturing his second title. He had another record-setting year in 2001 as he added steer roping and team roping in order to compete for the All-Around title. In the ninth round of the NFR, Ohl missed his calf on the first loop. A second loop caught the calf by the hind legs. As Ohl dismounted, he twisted his knee, tearing two major ligaments. He had to be carried out of the arena by the Justin Sportsmedicine Team. However, he had amassed enough money earlier in the week to secure both the tie-down title and the All-Around title. He accepted both buckles from crutches on the 10th night. He went on to capture his fifth and sixth tie-down roping titles in 2003 and 2006. He still owns the record for the most NFR rounds won, 52.

“When you compete at this level, the world championship is what you shoot for,” said Ohl. “Being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame was the icing on my career, but Vegas is where everything got started, so I’m so appreciative of this honor. There is no other town where you get a feeling like Vegas…that’s how much Vegas means to me. And, going in with Billy, he is one of my all-time heroes who always shined at the NFR, especially in the 10th round when it counted the most. I’m a huge fan and honored to be included with him.”

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 increased purse and the coveted PRCA Gold Buckle. In 2022, the event had a total attendance of 173,350 over the 10 days of competition at the Thomas & Mack Center and has sold out more than 350 consecutive performances in Las Vegas.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit prorodeo.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

 

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About Las Vegas Events

Founded in 1983, Las Vegas Events is a private, not-for-profit organization partially funded by hotel room tax. Through its Signature Event initiative, LVE has created a model to integrate all elements of special events and formally improve

communication between event producers and Las Vegas’ hotel properties and sponsors. Since 1991, Las Vegas Events has produced, presented or supported more than 800 events.

www.lasvegasevents.com

About the Wrangler NFR

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), considered the world’s premier rodeo, features 10 straight days of the best in PRCA PRORODEO competition, with a total of 120 contestants competing every night in seven events. Each December, the top 15 contestants, based on the PRCA | RAM World Standings, in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR.

www.prorodeo.com

About the PRCA

The PRCA, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is recognized as the unsurpassed leader in sanctioning the sport of professional rodeo. The PRCA’s mission is to unify membership in providing an innovative fan experience, to grow the sport of professional rodeo and provide new expanded opportunities for our membership and sponsors. Since 1986, the PRCA has paid out more than $1 billion in prize money to its contestants. The PRCA offers the best cowboys and the best rodeos, delivering the best fan experience while positively impacting our communities and embracing the spirit of the West. A membership-based organization, the PRCA sanctioned 771 events in 2022, and there are 35 million rodeo fans in the U.S. The sport’s marquee event, the National Finals Rodeo, has increased its payout to more than $11.5 million in 2023. The PRCA televises the sport’s premier events, with the world-renowned Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge on The Cowboy Channel and RFD-TV and streaming on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App. PRCA-sanctioned rodeos donate more than $40 million to local and national charities every year. For comprehensive coverage of the cowboy sport, read ProRodeo Sports News, the official publication of the PRCA. The digital PSN and daily updates of news and results can be found on the PRCA’s official website, www.prorodeo.com.

The Silver State Stampede is western entertainment at its best with a rich history of attendance by professional cowboys and cowgirls.  With over $80,000 in added money and growing steadily each year, this is a rodeo you don’t want to miss! Offering PRCA sanctioned events, WPRA Women’s Barrel Racing, Mutton Busting, Mini-Bulls, a trade show, the crowd favorite Ring of Fear, and more!

The Silver State Stampede is the oldest rodeo in Nevada, tied for the 12^th Oldest Rodeo in the Nation, and voted “Best Small Rodeo” in the Wilderness Circuit multiple times!  The tradition of Elko’s annual rodeo started in 1912 when GS Garcia, the world-famous bit, spur, and saddle maker, decided that northern Nevada cowboys needed a rodeo, and the town needed the added entertainment and income.  Today’s Stampede has grown into a multi-faceted event, showcasing the best of rodeo.  To learn more about the history of the Silver State Stampede, you can purchase our book, 100 years of the Silver State Stampede, at the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum in Elko, NV.  https://cowboyartsandgearmuseum.org/

In addition to the $10,000 added money, per event, Cowboys and Cowgirls have a shot at winning the famous and exclusive Garcia Spurs and a Henry .22 rifle for the Nevada High Point Cowboy and Cowgirl.

The Silver State Stampede Trade Show features cowboy gear, western art, furniture, books, quilts, clothing, jewelry, and more! Several unique Silver State Stampede souvenirs are also available, including t-shirts, caps, and commemorative posters.

 

Once the trade show closes and the arena events end, the after-party kicks off with a live band, dancing, and fully stocked bar.

In 2020, The Silver State Stampede began a new tradition when it had the opportunity to broadcast on national television with The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel +App. We are excited to continue this partnership for years to come. The Cowboy Channel provides viewers all over the world the opportunity to watch over 350 PRCA rodeo performances, The Wrangler NFR, and many Cowboy Channel originals.

A vibrant community with a great variety of cuisines, a large selection of meeting, conference and lodging options, year-round events, museums, galleries, and historic attractions.  Elko is proud of its unique small city and all the recreational and entertainment opportunities it offers.  Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, fine dining, sight-seeing, or culture, Elko is a great place to find it all.  Visit https://exploreelko.com/ for more information about Elko, Nevada.

For details on this year’s event, including ticket sales, schedule of activities, and sponsorship, visit www.silverstatestampede.com.

I get asked every year for advice on the recruitment process.  Here is some of the advice I share every year with students:

Finish your senior year strong, keep your grades up. The NIRA has very strict rules when it comes to grades and if you are taking dual credit classes in high school those will count as college classes.  This means that if your dual credit GPA doesn’t meet the NIRA standards you will start off ineligible. Your grades matter, take care of them through your entire high school career. Another huge step is making sure you qualify academically. It’s important to know what qualifications your specific school requires so you know if you’re even eligible to apply. If your academics aren’t up to par, you can’t qualify for a scholarship, which is another important reason to do your research early.

Create a highlight video and resume.  Show all of the best moments you have had over the past few seasons.  However, keep your video short and to the point.  Coaches are busy and we want to see your highlights, but we don’t have time to watch a 30-minute video on every student.  Also pick appropriate music for your video.  I’ve had videos that I couldn’t watch with the volume on in my office because of the language.  Your video is a great opportunity to make a first impression, Take advantage of it.

Communicate with coaches.  Learn how to contact and communicate with coaches throughout the recruitment process. YOU should communicate directly with the coach. Reach out to coaches early in the process to get on their radar.  Recruiting is very competitive so start planning early and reach out to programs that you are interested in.  Once you have committed to a school, let the other coaches know, trust me, coaches appreciate it when you tell us that you have committed.

It’s important to know yourself and your strengths and weaknesses and where you will be the most successful.   This is true for the classroom and in the arena.  Not everyone will do well at a University with 20,000 students and not everyone will do well at a community college with 1500 students.  Pick a school where you can be successful in the classroom and in the arena. You have to be honest with yourself and pick programs that suit your talents and abilities. If you’re having trouble assessing your abilities, ask someone that you trust and will be honest with you. You don’t want to waste your time contacting schools that aren’t for you.

Make sure your social media content is professional and appropriate. It may come as a shock, but a lot of coaches will look to social media to see who you are and what you’re about. You want to make the right impression. Make sure things like pictures, voicemail, email, and Twitter handles are appropriate, because at the end of the day, they represent you and your future program.

Never be afraid to ask for help. College recruiting can be a very confusing and tedious process. Use your resources, whether that’s your parents, coaches, guidance counselors or students who have already been through the process. Always ask for help if you don’t know, because there’s no such thing as a dumb question. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity because you were unsure about something or you were afraid to ask for help.

Dale Hirschman picked up his camera “a little bit less than forever ago. I started in 1972,” he said. “I was entered and got my mom’s camera and took my first rodeo photos – I was bored.” Dale got serious in 1998. “A couple of the guys I rodeoed with asked me to take photos of their kids at the JRCA, the Junior Rodeo Cowboys Association, a new association they had started.” He’s been shooting rodeo since Sage Kimzey was mutton bustin’ “His dad competed with me,” said Dale. “Sage has stayed himself through his success – nice and humble and that’s been amazing to watch.”

Dale is the official photographer for the Central Plains region. “I’m the chaplain and the president of the geriatric crowd – we really don’t have a geriatric club because we forget when we’re meeting.” He has outlasted all the coaches and just keeps going. “I don’t stop.” Dale is a retired high school art teacher in Clinton Oklahoma. As a male teacher, especially of the elected classes, he got all the students that were looking for an easy “A”. “I taught two things – respect and responsibility. My subject matter was art. I taught the way I wanted to be treated. The students were ladies and gentlemen – they were never boys and girls.” With a Bachelor of Art in Education and master’s in education, he really learned how to teach by watching his teachers teach. “I learned that students will rise to the expectations given them. It might take a while, and they have to figure out that you are actually for them. As the chaplain, I am not to condemn. If they want my opinion, I’ll tell them. Otherwise, I don’t bring it up and I keep loving them. We are all at different growing spots in our lives. In some areas I might have convictions in, you don’t. We make choices as we grow and that’s something that we need to give people space in.”

Dale got his PRCA photography card 8 years ago. “For a long time, I had a contestant’s card, not a photographer card.” He tried his hand at several of the events, settling on bareback riding. “With bronc riding you need finesse, with bull riding, you took you yanking; barebacks were a little of both.” He got kicked in the side of the leg by a bull and hurt a knee bulldogging. Picking up the camera was the next step. He started with a Pentax K1000, 35 mm. Now he shoots Nikon D500.

The camera is the tool to reach people for Christ. “I grew up in church – I got involved in fellowship of Christian athletes on the college level and committed my life to Him back in the late 70s. I went to Cowboy Church and had been a committed Christian for three years, and the guy that was leading it went home early and I stepped in to keep it going and it’s been going ever since. God told me in that still small voice – don’t promote yourself, I’ll do it. By the grace of God, I’ve been able to. When my attitude and thought life stink, God waits. Like the time my leg was stuck between two pipes on the bucking chute and the horse froze – it could have wiped my leg out – first thing I thought is how merciful God was. 180 degree change in that horse.”

Dale is married to Sarah who is in charge of marketing fo Western Technology Center, with five school campuses. “My wife is made for the job she’s doing – that’s her calling.” They have two daughters and two grandchildren.
He’s going to keep doing what God calls him to do. “I don’t want to grow up.” As a chaplain, he doesn’t want to just do church. “I want to see lives change through the Holy Spirit to the love of Jesus Christ. I want to see those kids grow deeper in that relationship, and if there’s something I can see or do to help them succeed, I want to do that. If that’s not happening, I just need to go home.”

Stampede to build their new team around second overall pick in the inaugural PBR Team Series Draft.

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 2, 2022) – The Nashville Stampede, Music City’s first-ever professional bull riding team competing in the landmark PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series, today announced the team has officially signed No. 2 overall Draft pick and 2018 PBR World Champion Kaique Pacheco to a multi-year endorsement agreement.

 

“It’s very important for me to officially be a part of the Stampede team and this family. It makes me really happy,” says Pacheco. “I watched Justin McBride before I came to the United States. He’s one of the greatest bull riders we’ve ever seen, and it’s awesome having him behind me and supporting me.”

 

“I feel very lucky that as a coach of a brand-new franchise, Pacheco is the guy that lays the foundation for what the Stampede will be for years to come,” says Nashville Stampede Head Coach Justin McBride. “His past accolades speak for themselves, but his commitment to excellence and his calm demeanor are exactly what you want when tasking someone to lead a franchise.”

 

Pacheco has been one of the most consistent riders in the PBR since debuting on American soil in 2014.

 

The 2015 season marked the Brazilian native’s first in the PBR’s premier Unleash The Beast series, when he concluded the year No. 2 in the world, winning three elite tour events, including the stop in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena, and was also crowned Rookie of the Year.

 

In the seasons that followed, Pacheco finished No. 2 in the world in 2016 and No. 5 in 2017, before being crowned the 2018 PBR World Champion. After an incredible second-half surge during the regular season, Pacheco battled through torn ligaments in his left knee sustained days prior to the PBR World Finals to capture the coveted gold buckle. He concluded the year having gone 42-for-80 (52.5%).

 

While Pacheco spent the majority of 2019 sidelined as he recovered from injury, the “Ice Man” returned with a vengeance in 2020 when he concluded the season No. 6. In the two years since, Pacheco has finished runner-up to the world title in both 2021 and 2022.

 

During the most recent season, a resilient Pacheco, who was riding through a broken foot, contended for the gold buckle until the final out of the season. Throughout the 2022 PBR Unleash The Beast campaign, Pacheco logged two event wins and five 90-point rides. He also went a torrid 28-for-51, covering 54.90% of his bovine athlete opponents.

Pacheco is joined on the Nashville Stampede by fellow protected riders Dener Barbosa, Ryan Dirteater, Manoelito de Souza Junior, Joao Henrique Lucas, Fernando Henrique Novais, Lucas Fideles and Thiago Salgado. The team’s practice squad includes Jaxton Mortensen, Mason Moody and Dustin Ortiz.

Two-time PBR World Champion McBride leads the team as Head Coach, and Tina Battock helms the front office as the General Manager of the Nashville Stampede.

“Securing Kaique as a rider and our team captain is an important pillar in the foundation of the Stampede team along with the support of our coaching staff and ownership,” says Battock. “Our primary focus is to not only prepare for this season but to set us up for long term success.”

 

“It’s awesome to be able to help our teammates get better and help Justin bring along the younger riders,” says Pacheco. “I’m excited for what’s to come.”

 

With one regular series 2022 PBR Team Series event complete, the Nashville Stampede are currently fifth in the battle to bring Music City its next national title. At the season-launch event in Cheyenne, Wyoming, in late July, the Stampede went 1-1, including a 337.75-257.25 victory against the Carolina Cowboys in a dramatic shootout. In the team’s march to victory, Pacheco delivered a crucial 86.5-point ride on Mr. Winston.

 

When the PBR Team Series action continues in Kansas City, Missouri Aug. 5-7 for Outlaw Days, the Nashville Stampede and Pacheco will look to climb the standings as they play the Ariat Texas Rattlers, Kansas City Outlaws and Arizona Ridge Riders in five-on-five bull riding games inside T-Mobile Center.

 

During the 2022 season for the groundbreaking PBR Team Series, which transforms bull riding from an individual sport into one where riders compete in teams, each of the eight founding teams will compete in 28 games, held at 10 regular-season events, leading into a championship in Las Vegas (Nov. 4-6). In addition to competing at two neutral site events, each of the eight teams will host a three-day homestand.

 

The Nashville Stampede will play in Music City for the first time Aug. 19-21 when the team hosts Stampede Days at Bridgestone Arena.

 

The bull riding action for the 2022 PBR Team Series’ Stampede Days at Bridgestone Arena begins at 7:45 p.m. CDT on Friday, August 19, 6:45 p.m. CDT on Saturday, August 20, and 12:15 p.m. CDT on Sunday, August 21, times subject to change.

 

Tickets for the three-day event are on-sale now, and start at $20, taxes and fees not included. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com and PBR.com, at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office, or by calling PBR customer service at 1-800-732-1727.

 

Three-day ticket packages will also be available, offering fans up to a 25% discount on select price levels.

For more information about Nashville Stampede, visit pbr.com/teams/stampede/, Nashville Stampede on Facebook, @NashvilleStampede on Instagram, or @Nash_Stampede on Twitter.

 

About the Nashville Stampede:

Nashville Stampede are based at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, where the team will hold its inaugural Stampede Days homestand on August 19-21, 2022, the fourth event of the 10-event PBR Team Series regular season. The Stampede are coached by two-time PBR World Champion Justin McBride. Under the leadership of General Manager Tina Battock, the Stampede are owned by Morris Communications Company, LLC (MCC), which is part of a privately held company with diversified holdings in media, real estate, property development and agribusiness. MCC is based in Augusta, Georgia. MCC’s current media holdings include Morris Media Network (MMN) which reaches millions of consumers with diversified content brands in print, digital, products and live events including Western Horseman, Barrel Horse News, Quarter Horse News, Road to the Horse, EquiStat and the National Barrel Horse Association. A portfolio of lifestyle publications and digital assets serve outdoor/sporting/travel enthusiasts with Alaska Magazine, Milepost, Gray’s Sporting Journal, Charlotte Magazine, Orlando Magazine, Savannah Magazine, Where Visitor publications and more, including the Nashville Stampede, one of eight founding teams in the new PBR Team Series.

 

About the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series:

The PBR Team Series is an elite new league that will feature the world’s top bull riders competing on teams in five-on-five bull riding games during an 11-event season beginning in July and culminating in a team championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas November 4-6.  During the 2022 season, each of the eight teams representing teams in Austin, TX; Fort Worth, TX; Glendale, AZ; Kansas City, MO; Nashville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Ridgedale, MO; and Winston-Salem, NC will host a three-day homestand.  There will also be neutral site games in Cheyenne, WY and Anaheim, CA. To determine team rosters, the league held a rider draft on May 23 prior to start of the 2022 season among any bull riders who have declared for the draft during a league eligibility window. The PBR Team Series builds on the existing structure of professional bull riding with the same basic rules for judging and scoring qualified 8-second bull rides. Events will be staged in a tournament-style format with all teams competing in head-to-head matchups against a different opponent each day. Each game will feature five riders per team squaring off against another team. Full team rosters will be comprised of seven riders on the core roster and three practice squad members. The team with the highest aggregate score of qualified rides among its riders will be declared the winner of each game. The event winner will be the team with the most game wins across an event, with a special bonus round designed as a tie-breaker to determine final event standings. All PBR Team Series events will be carried on either the CBS Television Network, streaming live on Paramount+, CBS Sports Network, or RidePass on PlutoTV.

World-renowned bucking horse matches up with #4 bareback rider to win Helena title.

 

World-renowned bucking horse matches up with #4 bareback rider to win Helena title

 

By Ruth Nicolaus

Helena, Mont. (July 30, 2022) – The most electric matchup in pro rodeo this weekend happened in Helena at the Last Chance Stampede.

 

It was between Virgil, a big gray bucking horse twice named the PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year (2017-2018) and the number four bareback rider in the PRCA world standings, Rocker Steiner.

 

And it was a successful dance.

 

Steiner, Weatherford, Texas, rode Virgil for 92 points and the win at the Stampede.

 

It was the same duo who, together a month ago, set a new PRCA world record at the Riggin’ Rally in Darby, Montana, when Steiner went 95 points on the fifteen-year-old gray gelding.

 

“Everybody kept asking me if I was expecting to break the record again, and the answer is no,” he said. “You don’t break the record but once in a lifetime.”

 

He competed in Cheyenne in the afternoon of July 30, then flew with his dad, 2002 world champion steer wrestler Sid Steiner, and his granddad, long-time stock contractor Bobby Steiner, to Helena, in time for the rodeo performance.

 

“I’ve been going to a lot of rodeos so I’m just worn out, mentally and physically. If I didn’t have my dad and granddad with me, I don’t think (the ride on Virgil) would have gone the way it did. They were pumping me up all the way from Cheyenne.”

 

He and Virgil seem to have a connection, he said. “I feel like we’re both trying to prove something. Virgil knows what he’s doing out there, and he knows he’s the best. Heck, I consider myself the best. I think it’s two souls going at it in the arena, showing what they’ve got.”

 

Steiner has burst onto the pro rodeo scene since he purchased his PRCA permit a few months ago, at the age of eighteen. Since then, he’s won rodeos all over the nation, most notably, the Calgary Stampede two weeks ago and has more than $105,000 in earnings this year.

 

As the number four man in the PRCA world standings, he’s most likely headed to his first National Finals Rodeo, pro rodeo’s world stage, in December.

 

“I knew I was going to make the (National) Finals from the time I was fourteen, and I’m eighteen,” he said. “That’s what I’ve always said and I’ve always believed.”

 

Drawing the nationally renowned horse for the second time in two months was a dream.

 

“I was just wanting to climb on the big gray again and have some fun.”

 

For barrel racer Erin Williams, it was the promise of chocolate chip cookies that kept her headed to Helena today.

 

Not actually, but the sweets, a gift from family friends, are the icing on the cake for Williams, after her win at the Stampede.

 

The Alzada woman rounded the barrels in 17.71 seconds to be champion.

 

Williams competed in Glendive at 11 am this morning, before making the more than 400-mile drive to Helena and pulling in about the same time the rodeo started.

 

She knew the Cool Alley Arena at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds was a good fit for her mare, Ritzy, whose registered name is My Mom Is Classy.

 

“My horse loves big performances with big crowds, and we don’t always get to run in them,” she said. “I had a big trip to make to get here, but I knew it would be worth it, because this is an amazing crowd.”

 

Ritzy, an eleven-year-old sorrel mare, loves to compete as much as Williams does, she said. “She’s tough and gritty and loves to work.” Williams puts her to work on the family’s cattle and sheep ranch. “It doesn’t matter what we do. We work cows, we rope, we do everything. She works hard, no matter what.”

 

Williams’ parents lived in Helena for a time so long-time family friends were in the rodeo crowd, to visit with her and bring her a bag of cookies. “After a seven-hour drive with no breaks, cookies are amazing,” she laughed.

 

She was glad for her win in Helena, and for the Stampede. “I know how much Helena loves their rodeo. It was great. I’m glad I came.”

 

Brice Patterson, Bozeman, Mont., won the all-around title for his earnings in two events: bareback riding and steer wrestling. For his efforts, he wins an elk ivory 14-karat gold ring, custom made by Jensen Jewelers.

 

Other 2022 Last Chance Stampede champions include steer wrestlers Blake Knowles, Heppner, Ore. and Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas (3.4 seconds each); team ropers Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah and Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alb. (4.5 seconds); saddle bronc rider JC DeSaveur, Roberts, Mont. (77); tie-down roper Bo Pickett. Caldwell, Idaho (8.1 seconds); and bull rider Wylee Hurst, Rigby, Idaho (77.5 points).

 

Prior to the rodeo, the 2023 Miss Last Chance Stampede was crowned. Amber LaCross, Bozeman, won the title. The 22-year-old daughter of Jason and Jennifer LaCross, Amber is an early childhood teacher and graduated with honors from MSU with a degree in early childhood education.

 

The 62nd Last Chance Stampede and Fair will be held July 27-30, 2022.

 

For more information on the Stampede, visit LCCFairgrounds.com. For complete rodeo results, visit ProRodeo.com.

 

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Final results, Last Chance Stampede,  Helena, Mont. July 28-30. 2022

 

All-around champion: Brice Patterson, Bozeman, Montana; steer wrestling and bareback riding

 

Bareback riding champion: Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 92 points

1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 92 points on C5 Rodeo’s Virgil; 2. Caleb Bennett, Corvallis, Mont. 88; 3. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. 86; 4. Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alb. 84.5;

Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah 83; 6. (tie) George Gillespie, Darby, Mont. and Trenton Montero, Winnemucca, Nev. 75 each; 8. Brice Patterson, Bozeman, Mont. 73.

 

Steer wrestling co-champions: Blake Knowles, Heppner, Ore. and Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas

1. (tie) Blake Knowles, Heppner, Ore. and Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas 3.4 seconds each;
2. Tanner Milan, Cochrane, Alb. 3.8; 4. Bridger Chambers, Stevensville, Mont. 3.9;
3. (tie) Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. and Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore. 4.2 each; 7. Brice Patterson, Bozeman, Mont. 4.3; 8. (tie) Kolby Bignell, Helena, Mont., Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D., Brady Boyce, Lewistown, Mont. and TJ Sigman, Dillion, Mont. 4.4 each.

 

Team Roping champions: Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah and Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta

1. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah/Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alb. 4.5 seconds; 2. Levi Simpson, Ponoka, Alb./Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Texas 4.8; 3. (tie) Jason Carlson, Two Dot, Mont./Jacob Goddard, Lake Placid, Fl. and Brady Tryan, Huntley, Mont./Justin Viles, Cody, Wyo. 4.9 each; 5. Zach Kilgus, Stephenville, Texas/Jake Edwards, Ft. Ann, N.Y. 5.3; 6. Jade Stoddard, Sugar City, Idaho/Jesse Hines, Moore, Texas 5.6; 7. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss./Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss. 6.4; 8. Cadee Williams, Weatherford, Texas/Landon Williams, Weatherford, Texas 7.8; Coy Rahlman, Ellsinore, Mo./Douglas Rich, Herrick, Ill. 10.0; 10. Ty St. Goddard, Browning, Mont./Ryle Whitford, Browning, Mont. 15.7.

 

Saddle bronc riding champion:  JC DeSaveur, Roberts, Montana

1. JC DeSaveur, Roberts, Mont. 77 points on C5’s Macho Man; 2. Houston Brown, Miles City, Mont. 75; 3. Keenan Reinhardt, White Sulphur Springs, Mont. 73.5; 4. Joe Harper, Paradise Valley, Nev. 73; 5. Qwint Stroh, Glendive, Mont. 71; 6. Josh Davison, Miles City, Mont. 70; 7. Caleb Meeks, Geraldine, Mont. 65; 8. Kain Stroh, Glendive, Mont. 59.5.

 

Tie-down roping champion: Bo Pickett, Caldwell, Idaho

1. Bo Pickett, Caldwell, Idaho 8.1 seconds; 2. Jason Smith, Wimborne, Alb. 8.3; 3. Tyler Boxleitner, Loveland, Colo. 8.9; 4. (tie) Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas and Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas 9.3 each; 6. Beau Cooper, Stettler, Alb. 10.1; 7. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas 10.4; 8. Shane Smith, Wimborne, Alb. 10.9.

 

Barrel racing champion: Erin Williams, Alzada, Montana

1. Erin Williams, Alzada, Mont. 17.71 seconds; 2. Heather Crowley, Poplar, Mont. 17.76; 3. Cierra Erickson, Helena, Mont. 17.83; 4. Tammy Carpenter, Kalispell, Mont. 17.92; 5. Rene Cloninger, Helena, Mont. 17.93; 6. Abigail Knight, Charlo, Mont. 17.95; 7. Shelby Gill, Helena, Mont. 17.97; 8. Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont. 17.98; 9. Ashley Day, Volborg, Mont. 18.03; 10. Alicia Bird, Cut Bank, Mont. 18.06.

 

Bull riding champion: Wylee Hurst, Rigby, Idaho

1. Wylee Hurst, Rigby, Idaho 77.5 points on C5 Rodeo’s 7 Eleven; 2. (tie) Cole Wagner, Valier, Mont. and Wyle Wells, Ronan, Monta. 76 each; no other qualified rides.

 

 

** All results are unofficial.  Visit Prorodeo.com for results and www.LCCFairgrounds.com for fair and rodeo information.

Bulldoggers don’t wrestle with their decisions to compete at Idaho rodeo.

 

GOODING, Idaho – It’s been more than 15 years, but Hunter Cure remembers his first visit to this community.

“I went to Gooding my rookie year, and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” said Cure, a two-time world champion steer wrestler from Holliday, Texas. “I’ve never seen a rodeo where the crowd got so into it and engaged with the contestants the way they do in Gooding.”

That’s why he returns every August and why he tells other steer wrestlers to find their ways to this southern Idaho town. In fact, more than 100 bulldoggers put their names in the hat to compete at this year’s rodeo, set for Thursday, Aug. 18-Saturday, Aug. 20, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 17. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena.

“It’s always one of my favorites,” said Cure, who is on his way to a sixth National Finals Rodeo qualification this year. “Since they continue to, A, add more money and, B, add to their hospitality over the years, it makes it an easy decision to go back to Gooding.

“They have a live band, and they have other attractions for us. The mural that’s painted around the bottom of the arena is something you don’t see anywhere else.”

The concrete is painted in the design of a hand-tooled strap of leather, and it serves a dual purpose: It’s attractive, but it also covers the gray concrete so the animals can see the barrier that’s in place.

The biggest attraction to the hundreds of contestants that converge on Gooding every year is the crowd the rodeo attracts. Fellow bulldogger Bridger Anderson remembers his performance in 2020, when his 3.8-second run helped him finish in a tie for third place; the $2,300 he earned that summer helped him earn his first NFR qualification.

“I sealed the deal to make the finals in Gooding,” he said, smiling at his recollection. “I got to be beer worthy. It was on pink night, and I got a pink rubber ducky, then it was off to haul butt to the next rodeo.”

A pink rubber ducky is memorable, and that may have been the best beer he’d had that season. Securing any NFR bid is a big deal, and to do it at a place where the crowd finds exceptional feats as “beer worthy” makes it even better.

“I like being beer worthy, but I feel I can be beer worthy if I suck,” Cure said with a laugh.

It’s true. Being beer worthy isn’t just for winning rides or fast times; it can also be for wild buckoffs or big wrecks.

There’s also something about the local organizers, who work each year to make things better.

“I feel like they try more than 90 percent of the (rodeo) committees out there,” Cure said. “The only reason they get outdone by 10 percent is because of the resources and the size of the venue that a small town may not have.

“Calgary can do more than Gooding, but for its size, Gooding does much more than other committees out there. They try hard, and they put on a good show.”

That effort is recognized by the contestants who make their livings in professional rodeo.

“I always try to start the week earlier and go to Hermiston (Oregon) and start my Northwest run there,” he said. “With Gooding being in a close proximity to Caldwell (Idaho) and (other rodeos) up that way, Gooding is going to be the stop for every guy making the NFR.”

Daylon Swearengen accomplished something he’d dreamed of since 2017 – he was the 2022  PBR World Finals event winner and the 2022 Professional Bull Riders world champion. “I’ve watched videos my whole life and it was a lifelong goal,” said the 22-year-old, who is also the first New York native to be a PBR champion. “My grandma passed away this past year and winning the PBR would have made her happy. It was great having my family with me during the Finals – they were praying for me and pushing me forward.” Daylon up in Piffard, New York, the oldest son of Sam and Carrie Swearingen, former owners of Rawhide Rodeo Company. Daylon and his younger brother, Colton, grew up helping produce rodeos as well as compete in them.

Rawhide Rodeo put on 80 performances and 30 ropings from June to October, in addition to the usual rigors of summer haying. Daylon tried to make it to at least two rodeos a week and his talent grew as well. He came up through the high school ranks, riding bulls and bareback horses, but settled on bull riding during his college days at Panola College. He made one NFR qualification in 2019, but has been strictly competing in the PBR since then. “I love riding bulls, it’s always been my passion. With the PBR, I can be home most of the week and work on the weekends.” He took the million dollars he won at the PBR Finals and invested it. “I have a place in Silver Springs, Texas, I remodeled the house, added to my cattle herd, and invested some.”  Daylon started his herd 8 years ago, adding to it as he accumulated earnings competing in bull riding.

After the Finals, Daylon took some time off before starting again as part of the new team series debuting in Cheyenne, Wyo., on July 25. After competing in Calgary, Daylon headed to North Carolina for his team’s training camp. “It was tough, but it will bring out the best in us. We worked out and got to know each other.” When the bucking chute opens in Cheyenne, all 8 team will be competing against each other. “My goal is to help the team – the Carolina Cowboys – win the first ever team championship. I set my goals – we aren’t working for the individual season, it’s the team. After that I’ll reassess and make some new goals.”

Daylon is always open to advise. “If I have a question, I ask for help. I look up to a lot of people and appreciate the help in making the right decisions. My own advice seems to get me in trouble.” For now, he just wants to keep working at being the best version of himself each day. “I want to push myself to be better today than yesterday. I like to always be working at something.”

As a member of the American Hat team, Daylon is excited to align with a company that has the same values as he does. “American hat means made in America … it’s a great hat and a great company.”

Event to be held Oct. 7-9 in Extraco Events Center

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 1) – The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announced on Aug. 1 that the inaugural Permit Finals will take place Oct. 7-9 at the Extraco Events Center in Waco, Texas.

 

The Permit Finals, hosted by the Heart O’ Texas Committee, will consist of the top 10 permit holders in their respective events.

 

Contestants will compete in nine events in Waco, including breakaway roping and barrel racing, in three go-rounds for a purse of more than $100,000.

 

“The Permit Finals creates another opportunity for our young, up-and-coming contestants to showcase their skills as they prepare to take the next step in their ProRodeo careers,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. “We are excited for this partnership with the Heart O’ Texas committee and can’t think of a better place to have this event than in Waco, Texas.”

 

“For 70 years we have enjoyed ProRodeo at the Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo,” said Wes Allison, President and CEO of Extraco Events Center. “We are proud to continue our partnership with PRCA and the wonderful relationship when it comes to new opportunities. The PRCA Permit Finals represents another great chance for us to provide for the contestants and bring championship rodeo back to Waco. We believe in the future of ProRodeo and look forward to hosting the PRCA Permit Finals for many years to come.”

 

The top five finishers in the inaugural Permit Finals advance to the Permit Challenge Dec. 1 in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel & Casino during Benny Binion’s Bucking Horse and Bull Sale.

 

The PRCA has approximately 1,700 permit holders, which is more than the association has ever had. This event is another step toward securing a strong foundation for PRCA membership moving forward.

 

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Stetson Wright has proved over his five-year ProRodeo career that he’s never been afraid of the big moment, and he proved that once again in front of a near sellout crowd of 19,000 spectators in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 31.

 

Looking to defend his saddle bronc riding title from a year ago, Wright matched up with Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Pendleton Roundup’s Marquee and made it count. The duo put together an 88-point trip to capture the coveted Cheyenne Frontier Days title, a key stop on the NFR Playoff Series presented by Pendleton Whisky.

 

“That horse was really good, I knew I needed to get a good strong mark out on her to setup the whole ride,” said Wright, a five-time PRCA World Champion. “She kind of jumped down the gate, which made me question whether she was going to hit my leg or not. I was able to hold through it and luckily everything went well. Then once she started setting up it just felt amazing.”

 

It’s been nearly a month since Wright was forced to miss the Cowboy Christmas run with a wrist injury that required surgery. He admits there has been mental hurdles to get over, but he feels like he’s back in a good position with nine weeks left to go in the regular season.

 

“There are definitely no excuses when you’re out here rodeoing,” he said. “If you show up no one wants to hear you cry. I feel like I’m back. I finally got all my doubt to myself out of the way. This is a really good way to cap off the week here in Cheyenne.”

 

In total, Wright walked out of Cheyenne with $12,198 added to his name. He currently sits No.1 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings in bull riding and third in saddle bronc. He said while this win is an important confidence boost, he knows there’s still a lot of rodeoing left.

 

“I try not to overthink anything when I’m doing good or I’m doing bad. The only thing that runs through my head is I’m healthy, wealthy, handsome, and happy,” Wright said. It’s been the same for years and that’s how I look at it.

 

“I think it helps me some that I don’t ride the highs or the lows. I just try to stay even keel. As excited as I want to be right now, I’m trying to keep it calm, cool, and collected. There’s nine weeks left, so it’s far from over. I’m just going to keep chipping away at it.”

 

Other winners at the rodeo were all-around cowboy Coleman Proctor ($19,590); bareback rider Tim O’Connell (88.5 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Sozo); breakaway ropers Macy Young and Tiffany Schieck (4.0 seconds each); tie-down ropers Cory Solomon and Ryan Thibodeaux (10.3 seconds each); team ropers Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill (7.5 seconds); steer wrestlers Trell Etbauer and Justin Shaffer (5.4 seconds each); steer roper Ora Taton (13.6 seconds); barrel racer Andrea Busby (17.13 seconds); and bull rider Brady Portenier (92.5 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Let’s Gamble).

Jess Cardon doesn’t see herself as a pioneer. She’s an official PRCA card carrying pickup man. Talking to ProRodeo veterans Cardon isn’t believed to be the first woman pickup man in PRCA history – but she’s the only one going now.

Cardon, 30, acknowledged being a PRCA pickup man was something she never envisioned.

“It is kind of one of those things that eventually just showed itself,” Cardon said. “I always admired it and loved it, but it isn’t something I thought I would do. Most of it came about when Josh (Reed) and I got together.”

Cardon has been a pickup man for different rodeo associations and events for around seven years, but she didn’t make her PRCA debut until 2021 at the Brawley (Calif.) Cattle Call Rodeo, Nov. 14-15.

“Last year, Josh, my fiancé, who is a pickup man, got hurt in Bakersfield (Calif.), and they scrambled to get another person to go to Brawley and we had been kicking around the idea to go ahead and get my card and my first rodeo was Brawley,” Jess said. “That was a big one to crack out at. A lot of times Josh and I pick up together. I have gone to a couple of rodeos now by myself. We just make sure I’m with the right other person. I also pickup a lot with Bronc Boehnlein and Danny Leslie, guys we dang sure know.”

Cardon and her fiancé live in Caliente, Calif. They have their own business running commercial-based beef cattle.

“When Josh and I started dating, he was into being a pickup man, and I got around the right people to pickup,” Jess said. “I also definitely got on some really awesome horses. I grew up on cutting horses and I grew up on a cow-calf ranch in Caliente. I got into rodeo and team roped, just a little bit of everything.”

Cardon acknowledged being a pickup woman in the PRCA was a bold move.

“There absolutely was some fear there,” Cardon said. “I was so worried about the bareback riding because if somebody got hung up, I know I’m only so big and don’t have that brute strength. That’s why I go with guys who know me, and I know them. I’ve also figured out my spot when somebody gets hung up. My spot is to get a hold of the horse. My initial reaction is to get a hold of the horse and stop the action.

“I would also like to thank Jeff Shearer who I pick up with. Also, with the help of Paul Applegarth at Wild West and Flying U Rodeo and the whole Rosser family I was able to get my start in this.”

Cardon primarily works rodeos in the California Circuit. She has already been a pickup man at California rodeos in Brawley, Woodlake, Auburn, and Santa Maria and Glennville.

“There was a lot of good reaction and some bad reaction,” Cardon said after her first rodeo in Brawley. “I just make sure I do my job and I do everything I can do correctly. As long I read the situation and put myself where I should be everything should work out just fine. I have several other rodeos planned for this summer and fall. I see myself doing this for a long time. I just feel like I’m a person doing my job. For me, it is not about being a pioneer or breaking a glass ceiling. To me, if you do what you love, then you never work a day in your life.”