Category: Newsletter Articles

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.

DUNCAN, Okla. – The last time Jared Keylon won the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo he went on to qualify for the 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

On Oct. 20, the bareback rider gave his 2019 season an early boost by winning the RAM PCFR for the second time in his 12 years of PRCA competition.

“I came in with the attitude there are so many good guys riding in this circuit, and when you have competition like that all the time you know you have to be on your toes,” Keylon said.

The Arkansas-native-turned-Kansas cowboy won two of the three rounds, giving him the average win by 11.5 points. Keylon’s $4,580 payday came in part by winning the second round with an 84.5-point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s Big League and the third round with an 85-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Satin Sheets.

“I couldn’t have asked for three better horses,” Keylon said. “The third one (Satin Sheets) I’ve had before. You couldn’t ask for a more solid draw. You never know if you’re going to win first, but you look at it like, ‘That’s my placing horse.’”

Before his win, Keylon ranked second in the Prairie Circuit with $17,517.

Since his last trip to the Wrangler NFR, Keylon’s been climbing the world standings. He was 54th in 2017 and 36th in 2018 with $25,791.

Winning the RAM PCFR hadn’t sunk in for Keylon on Oct. 20 since he’d been bouncing between Duncan, Okla., his home in Uniontown, Kan., and Waco, Texas, for the All American ProRodeo Finals. While at Waco, he won the first two rounds of Bracket 1 and the semifinals and took home $7,600, bringing his weekly winnings to just past $12,000.

“It means a lot to my heart because I have two kiddos at home, so to them dad’s gone, but I can show this is what dad’s doing to get some extra money,” Keylon said, referring to his son Gunner, 7, and daughter Sadie, 2. “This time of the year is the best time (to win) because we’re going to lay up for the winter for those of us that didn’t make the NFR.”

With two big wins early in the season and a qualification for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in place, Keylon’s feeling optimistic.

“I feel like if you work hard and put your faith in the Lord it will work out the way it’s supposed to,” Keylon said. “You never know where you’re going to end up, and if you do your job at home by working out and getting on the spur board, you’ll be satisfied because you know you did the best you could.”

With the holidays on the horizon and rodeo season heading into hibernation, Keylon’s ready to head home.

“I’ve been gone so many weekends this year I’m ready to do something with my family,” he said.

Considering the start he’s had for the 2019 season, there’s a good chance Keylon will make another run for the Wrangler NFR.

“My wife and I talked about it, but I kind of just leave it up to the Lord,” Keylon said. “If it keeps going good, I might try to go back to the NFR.”

Other winners of the $185,591 rodeo were all-around cowboy Steven Dent ($6,447, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding); steer wrestler Riley Duvall (13.8 seconds on three head); team ropers Dylan Gordon/Chase Boekhaus (16.2 seconds on three head); saddle bronc rider Hardy Braden (242 points on three head); tie-down roper Cody McCartney (27.4 seconds on three head); barrel racer Dona Kay Rule (46.35 seconds on three runs); steer roper Kelton McMillen (51.8 seconds on three head); and bull rider Brett Custer (246 points on three head).

 

Ram Prairie Circuit Finals

Duncan, Okla., Oct. 18-20

All-around cowboy: Steven Dent, $6,447, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding.

Bareback riding: First round: 1. Will Martin, 83 points on Mo Betta Rodeo’s Jason’s Pride, $1,832; 2. Jared Keylon, 81.5, $1,374; 3. Blaine Kaufman, 80, $916; 4. (tie) Steven Dent and Garrett Shadbolt, 77, $229 each. Second round: 1. Jared Keylon, 84.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Big League, $1,832; 2. Steven Dent, 82.5, $1,374; 3. (tie) Mike Fred and Mark Kreder, 79, $687 each. Third round: 1. Jared Keylon, 85 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Satin Sheets, $1,832; 2. Mark Kreder, 81, $1,374; 3. Justin Pollmiller, 80.5, $916; 4. Will Martin, 78.5, $458. Average: 1. Jared Keylon, 251 points on three head, $2,748; 2. Will Martin, 239.5, $2,061; 3. Steven Dent, 237.5, $1,374; 4. Mark Kreder, 228.5, $687.

Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Blake Mindemann, 3.8 seconds, $1,851; 2. Stockton Graves, 4.4, $1,388; 3. Riley Duvall, 4.7, $925; 4. Jule Hazen, 5.3, $463. Second round: 1. (tie) Riley Duvall and Hunter Crawford, 4.3 seconds, $1,619 each; 3. Jule Hazen, 4.4, $925; 4. Kyle Eike, 4.7, $463. Third round: 1. J.D. Struxness, 3.9 seconds, $1,851; 2. Bridger Anderson, 4.0, $1,388; 3. Stockton Graves, 4.4, $925; 4. Tyler Pearson, 4.6, $463. Average: 1. Riley Duvall, 13.8 seconds on three head, $2,776; 2. Cody Devers, 15.6, $2,082; 3. Tyler Pearson, 15.8, $1,388; 4. J.D. Struxness, 16.6, $694.

Team roping: First round: 1. Dylan Gordon/Chase Boekhaus, 4.6 seconds, $1,851 each; 2. (tie) Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward and Paul David Tierney/Tanner Braden, 5.2, $1,157 each; 4. Cale Markham/Buddy Hawkins II, 5.6, $463. Second round: 1. Curry Kirchner/Jett Hillman, 5.0 seconds, $1,851 each; 2. Dylan Gordon/Chase Boekhaus, 5.1, $1,388; 3. Andrew Ward/Reagan Ward, 5.5, $925; 4. Cale Markham/Buddy Hawkins II, 6.0, $463. Third round: 1. Coleman Proctor/Joseph Harrison, 4.4 seconds, $1,851 each; 2. Nick Sartain/Austin Rogers, 4.5, $1,388; 3. Jesse Stipes/Jake Smith, 4.8, $925; 4. Curry Kirchner/Jett Hillman, 4.9, $463. Average: 1. Dylan Gordon/Chase Boekhaus, 16.2 seconds on three head, $2,776 each; 2. Nick Sartain/Austin Rogers, 17.1, $2,082; 3. Cale Markham/Buddy Hawkins II, 21.2, $1,388; 4. Curry Kirchner/Jett Hillman, 9.9 on two head, $694.

Saddle bronc riding: First round: 1. Steven Dent, 80 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Night Latch, $1,851; 2. Hardy Braden, 78.5, $1,388; 3. Roper Kiesner, 78, $925; 4. (tie) Clint Lindenfeld, Dalton Davis and Preston Kafka, 76, $154 each. Second round: 1. Hardy Braden, 83.5 points on Rafter H Rodeo Livestock’s Aces Wild, $1,851; 2. Dalton Davis, 79.5, $1,388; 3. Jake Finlay, 77, $925; 4. (tie) Tyrel Larsen and Colt Gordon, 75.5, $231 each. Third round: 1. Colt Gordon, 87 points on New Frontier Rodeo’s Toy Box, $1,851; 2. Hardy Braden, 80, $1,388; 3. Steven Dent, 77.5, $925; 4. Jake Finlay, 76, $463. Average: 1. Hardy Braden, 242 points on three head, $2,776; 2. (tie) Tyrel Larsen and Clint Lindenfeld, 222.5, $1,735 each; 4. Steven Dent, 220.5, $694.

Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Ryan Jarrett, 8.0 seconds, $1,851; 2. Trent Creager, 8.5, $1,388; 3. Tyler Milligan, 8.8, $925; 4. Luke Potter, 9.3, $463. Second round: 1. Cody Quaney, 7.7 seconds, $1,851; 2. Cole Bailey, 8.0, $1,388; 3. Paul David Tierney, 8.2, $925; 4. Tyler Milligan, 8.8, $463. Third round: 1. Bryson Sechrist, 8.0 seconds, $1,851; 2. Cole Bailey, 8.2, $1,388; 3. (tie) Caddo Lewallen and Ryan Jarrett, 8.3, $694 each. Average: 1. Cody McCartney, 27.4 seconds on three head, $2,776; 2. Caddo Lewallen, 27.7, $2,082; 3. Tyler Milligan, 28.0, $1,388; 4. Cole Bailey, 34.6, $694.

Barrel racing: First round: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 15.55 seconds, $1,851; 2. Kylie Weast, 15.61, $1,388; 3. Hollie Etbauer, 15.76, $925; 4. Emily Miller, 15.85, $463. Second round: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 15.50 seconds, $1,851; 2. Hollie Etbauer, 15.54, $1,388; 3. Kylie Weast, 15.70, $925; 4. Tracy Nowlin, 15.73, $463. Third round: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 15.30 seconds, $1,851; 2. Emily Miller, 15.41, $1,388; 3. Tracy Nowlin, 15.46, $925; 4. Kylie Weast, 15.54, $463. Average: 1. Dona Kay Rule, 46.35 seconds on three head, $2,776; 2. Kylie Weast, 46.85, $2,082; 3. Emily Miller, 47.09, $1,388; 4. (tie) Tracy Nowlin and Randi Buchanan, 47.17, $347 each.

Steer roping: First round: 1. Blake Deckard, 11.4 seconds, $1,710; 2. Rocky Patterson, 12.5, $1,282; 3. Billy Good, 12.7, $855; 4. Dee Kyler Jr., 15.4, $427. Second round: 1. Brady Garten, 10.6 seconds, $1,710; 2. J.P. Wickett, 11.0, $1,282; 3. (tie) Trenton Johnson and Cole Patterson, 11.1, $641 each. Third round: 1. Brodie Poppino, 9.9 seconds, $1,710; 2. Billy Good, 13.3, $1,282; 3. Ralph Williams, 14.6, $855; 4. Kelton McMillen, 19.4, $427. Average: 1. Kelton McMillen, 51.8 seconds on three head, $2,565; 2. Mike Chase, 57.0, $1,924; 3. Ralph Williams, 64.0, $1,282; 4. Brodie Poppino, 22.3 on two head, $641.

Bull riding: First round: 1. Tyler Hessman, 86.5 points on Big Rafter Rodeo’s Outback Pharmacy, $1,851; 2. Nathan Hatchel, 84, $1,388; 3. Jeston Mead, 82.5, $925; 4. Brett Custer, 82, $463. * Second round: 1. Trevor Kastner, 86 points on Silver Creek Rodeo’s Bull Throttle, $2,545; 2. Brett Custer, 83, $2,082; no other qualified rides. * Third round: 1. Trevor Kastner, 86 points on New Frontier Rodeo’s Black Lightning, $2,005; 2. Tyler Hessman, 82.5, $1,542; 3. Brett Custer, 81, $1,080; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Brett Custer, 246 points on three head, $2,776; 2. Trevor Kastner, 172 on two head, $2,082; 3. Tyler Hessman, 169, $1,388; 4. Nathan Hatchel, 84 on one head, $694. *(all totals include ground money).

Total payoff: $185,591. Stock contractors: Frontier Rodeo, Mo Betta Rodeo, Beutler & Son Rodeo, Big Rafter Rodeo, Rafter H Rodeo Livestock, New Frontier Rodeo and Silver Creek Rodeo. Rodeo secretary: Dollie Riddle. Officials: Royd Doyal, Steve Knowles and Joe Bob Locke. Timers: Tammy Braden and Kate Rumford. Announcer: Greg Simas. Specialty act: Keith Isley. Bullfighters: Nathan Harp and Wacey Munsell. Clown/barrelman: Keith Isley. Flankmen: Matt Scott, Matt Williams, Chad Cometti and Tom McFarland. Chute bosses: Bennie Beutler and Les Wagley. Pickup men: Butch Braden Jr and Ryan Bestol. Photographer: Fly Thomas. Music director: Dakota Riggin.

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

Kimes Ranch Jeans and the Cotton Incorporated Blue Jeans Go Green^TM Program Join Forces to Upcycle Old Denim into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation Oct 1 – 31

Scottsdale, AZ – Kimes Ranch Jeans and Cotton Incorporated are giving customers the opportunity to “Trade in Their Fades” at retail locations around the country during the month of October.  By bringing a piece of worn out denim to any participating location, Kimes Ranch will offer a $20 discount on any men’s style Kimes Ranch jeans.  The old denim will be upcycled into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation, some of which is allocated to help with building efforts in communities around the country.

 

Through the Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program, created in 2006 by Cotton Incorporated, Kimes Ranch Jeans hopes to aid in diverting textile waste from landfills by engaging consumers to help with rebuilding efforts.  All denim collected through the Blue Jeans Go Green™ program is recycled into UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation through Bonded Logic, Inc. and a portion of this insulation is in turn distributed to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity to help rebuilding efforts across the country. The UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation is composed of 80 percent recycled cotton fibers, is environmentally safe, has 30 percent better sound absorption, resists mold and mildew, and doesn’t contain volatile chemicals.

 

“The Blue Jeans Go Green™ program embraces the ‘do good consumerism’ we are seeing across the country by returning clothes to their natural cotton fiber and giving it new life to meet a need in our communities,” says Andrea Samber, co-director of Strategic Alliances at Cotton Incorporated.

 

To participate, bring your old denim of any brand into participating retailers Oct 1-31. (A full list of retailers is available at kimesranch.com/trade-in-your-fades) Denim drive locations will also be available at the All American Quarter Horse Congress at Rod’s Western Palace, Schneider’s Saddlery and West 20 or at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity at CR Ranch Wear and Calvin Allen Saddlery. The final weekend of October, Kimes Ranch will be joining forces with Nashville North in Stateline Idaho for a three night celebration.  For each piece given attendees will be entered to win giveaways, admission and meet and greets with country music stars John Anderson, Craig Campbell and Jeremy McComb.

 

Kimes Ranch is urging those heading to major October equine events such as the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio and the National Reined Cow Horse Snaffle Bit Futurity in Texas to pack their old denim to be recycled.

“Most people who attend these events do so in part for the amazing trade show shopping.  They typically bring an extra suitcase to bring home their wares, this time they can bring that suitcase full of old denim,” advised Amanda Kimes, president of Kimes Ranch Jeans.

For more information on the “Trade in Your Fades” promotion visit  kimesranch.com/trade-in-your-fades

 

About Cotton Incorporated

Cotton Incorporated, funded by U.S. cotton producers and importers of cotton and cotton textile products, conducts worldwide research and promotion activities to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. For more information about Cotton Incorporated visit CottonInc.com.

Blue Jeans Go Green™ is a trademark of Cotton Incorporated. UltraTouch™ Denim Insulation is a trademark of Bonded Logic Inc.

 

About Kimes Ranch Jeans

Founded in 2009, Kimes Ranch was created to fill a void in the western marketplace by producing superior quality, great fitting, long-lasting jeans that walked the line between fashion-forward and western friendly.

The brand’s catchy logo and even more attractive company culture and customer service has created a dedicated following amongst western consumers. The classically inspired line of jeans have been featured in magazines including American Cowboy, Horse & Rider, Cowboys and Indians and Chrome Magazine.  For more information on Kimes Ranch, visit kimesranch.com.

It’s common for rodeo athletes and fans to use the hashtag “attitude of gratitude.” Each year, that gratitude is expressed at the annual PRCA Awards Banquet in Las Vegas right before the start of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The final online ballot process will be open Oct. 1-15 for applicable voting PRCA members. Eligible voters will need to keep an eye on their email’s inbox for voting information on Oct. 1. If no email is received for voting, contact Brandy Sorenson in rodeo administration for more information.

The winners for each category will be announced at the PRCA Awards Banquet at the South Point in Las Vegas on Dec. 5.

The following men, women and committees are among the bunch of highly skilled and enthusiastic nominees:

 

Announcer of the Year

Andy Stewart

Bob Tallman

Mike Mathis

Wayne Brooks

William Rasmussen

 

Dress Act of the Year

Bobby Kerr – Bobby Kerr Mustang Act

John Payne – The One Arm Bandit & Company

Haley Ganzel and Lindy Nealey – The Cowgirl Sweethearts

Rider Kiesner – Trick roping

Tomas Garcilazo – El Charro

 

Clown of the Year

Cody Sosebee

JJ Harrison

John Harrison

Justin Rumford

Keith Isley

 

Bullfighter of the Year

Clay Heger

Cody Emerson

Cody Webster

Dusty Tuckness

Nathan Jestes

 

Comedy Act of the Year

Cody Sosebee

Gizmo McCracken

John Harrison

Johnny Dudley

Keith Isley

 

Music Director of the Year

Charles (Chuck) Lopeman

Jill Franzen Loden

Joshua (Hambone) Hilton

Mark Evans

Randy (Stretch) Mayer

 

Photographer of the Year

Dan Hubbell

Greg Westfall

James Phifer

Jay (Matt) Cohen

Robby Freeman

 

Stock Contracting Firm of the Year

Cervi Championship Rodeo

Frontier Rodeo

Pete Carr Pro Rodeo

Powder River Rodeo

Stace Smith Pro Rodeos

 

Secretary of the Year

Amanda Corley-Sanders

Brenda Crowder

Eva Chadwick

Haley Bridwell

Sandy Gwatney

 

Timer of the Year

Allison France

Amy Muller

Jayme Pemberton

Kim Sutton

Shawna Ray

 

Small Rodeo of the Year

Claremore, Okla.

Clovis, N.M.

Huntsville, Texas

Monte Vista, Colo.

Yuma, Colo.

 

Medium Rodeo of the Year

Amarillo, Texas

Belle Fourche, S.D.

Coleman, Texas

Estes Park, Colo.

Stephenville, Texas

 

Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year

Corpus Christi, Texas

Denver, Colo.

Fort Worth, Texas

Rapid City, S.D.

San Antonio, Texas

 

Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year

Cheyenne, Wyo.

Deadwood, S.D.

Dodge City, Kan.

Ogden, Utah

Pendleton, Ore.

 

Pick Up Man of the Year

Chase Cervi

Jason Bottoms

Jeremy Willis

Josh Edwards

Shandon Stalls

Shawn Too Tall Calhoun

Will O’Connell

*Please note there are 7 nominees rather than 5 due to a 3 way tie. They will all be on the final ballot

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The contract personnel for the Dec. 6-15 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and the Nov. 2-3 Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping were announced Wednesday by the PRCA.
For the sixth straight year, two of the announcers for the Wrangler NFR remain the same. Randy Corley, of Silverdale, Wash., and Wayne Brooks, of Lampasas, Texas, will be on the microphone for the 10 nights in Las Vegas. They will be joined by announcer Roger Mooney, of Ellijay, Ga.
Corley, who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2017, will be making his 18th Wrangler NFR appearance, while it will be the eighth of Brooks’ career. Mooney will be announcing for the first time at the Wrangler NFR.
Livestock superintendent John Barnes, of Sutherland, Iowa, makes his 13th consecutive Wrangler NFR appearance. The chute bosses are Tony Amaral, of Marysville, Calif. (timed event) and Tom Neuens, of Powell, Wyo. (roughstock). Benje Bendele, of Dublin, Texas, is the music director.
Sunni Deb Backstrom, of Congress, Ariz., is the Wrangler NFR secretary, which marks the 13th year in a row she has been selected and the 16th overall. Dollie Riddle, of Vernon, Texas, is the assistant secretary.
Timer Jayme Pemberton, of Terrell, Texas, is making her third Wrangler NFR trip, and she is joined by Kim Sutton, of Onida, S.D., who is making her fourth trip to the Wrangler NFR. Toby Dunlavy, of Laramie, Wyo., also is one of the timers and will be making her first appearance at the Wrangler NFR.
At the NFSR at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., Charlie Throckmorton, of Grandview, Texas, and Jody Carper, of Jamul, Calif., will handle the announcing duties.
Throckmorton will be announcing the NFSR for the 18th year in a row, breaking the consecutive-appearance record of legendary announcer Clem McSpadden. Throckmorton also is announcing at the NFSR for the 19th time overall, tying McSpadden’s NFSR record. Carper is making his fourth appearance at the NFSR, and his first since 2015.
Chute boss John Gwatney, of Marquez, Texas, is back for his ninth-consecutive trip, and the arena usher is Butch Braden, of Welch, Okla. Secretary Sandy Gwatney, John’s wife, is making her fifth appearance at the NFSR, all in a row.
Timer Tammy Braden, Butch’s wife, will be joined by Shelly Baumann, of Maypearl, Texas, who is making her second appearance at the NFSR. Jill Franzen Loden, of Riverton, Wyo., is back as the music director for the fourth time.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – It is known that the equine athletes in the sport of rodeo play a vital role in helping every competitor achieve his or her goals.

The PRCA and the American Quarter Horse Association honor the outstanding registered American Quarter Horse in each of the PRCA’s timed-event categories at the annual PRCA Awards Banquet in Las Vegas right before the start of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. This year’s banquet is Dec. 5 at the South Point in Las Vegas.

The owner of the PRCA/AQHA/WPRA “Horses of the Year” in each category will be awarded $5,000 and an AQHA bronze trophy. Second place will receive $3,000, and third place will receive $2,000.

The final ballot process will be open through Oct 5 at 5 PM MT for applicable voting PRCA members. Winners in each of the categories will be announced once votes are tallied and made official.

The following are the nominees in each of the timed events:

 

Heading

Tuffys Badger Chex (Badger), rider: Kolton Schmidt, owner: Ronald Schmidt

RK Tuff Trinket (Bob), rider: Riley Minor, owner: Riley Minor

Pepinic Buck (Festus), rider: Rhen Richard, owner: A & C Racing & Roping

Fantastic Fellow (Fella), rider: Ryan Opie, owner: Ryan Opie

Rodeo Readyman (Junior), rider: Joshua Torres, owner: Joshua Torres

Son O Lena Steel (Boogieman), rider: Erich Rogers, owner: Erich Rogers

 

Heeling

Dual Chip (Chip), rider: Travis Graves, owner: Travis Graves

CD Rockstar (Rocky), rider: Ryan Motes, owner: Ryan Motes

Mr JB 0839 (Remix), rider: Kory Koontz, owner: Kory Koontz

Nita Win Playboy (Drago), rider: Logan Medlin, owner: Logan Medlin

Prancing Kard(Ted), rider: Jake Smith, owner: Mark Smith

Bay Boy Boonsmal (Biggie), rider: Jonathan Torres, owner: Jonathan Torres

Sparks Peppy Doc (Smurf), rider: Clint Summers, owner: Darren Summers

Leos Highbrow (Sug), rider: Brady Minor, owner: Brady Minor

Apolo Oak (Apolo), rider: Cole Davison, owner: Cole Davison

Zans Colonel Shine (Colonel), rider: Jake Long, owner: Jake & Tasha Long

Lula Dual (Lula), rider: Joseph Harrison, owner: Bobby Lewis

Romancing The Chics (Dude), rider: Trey Yates, owner: Joyce Tisdall

 

Tie-Down Roping

Time In (Pepto), rider: Sterling Smith, owner: Cassidy Boggs

Little Smart Leo (Big Time), rider: Tyler Milligan, owner: Tyler Milligan

Simon Cow (Si), rider: Shane Hanchey, owner: Shane Hanchey

Arrogant Cutter (Snoopy), rider: Ryan Jarrett, owner: Ryan Jarrett

Tachitas Rey (Bull), rider: Blane Cox, owner: Carl & Lisa Cox

CC Cross Bell 314 (Edgar), rider: Reese Riemer, owner: Reese Riemer

Purples Prince (Grey Pony), rider: Matt Shiozawa, owner: Matt Shiozawa

Big Smokin Otoe (Topaz), rider: Tuf & Clif Cooper & Trevor Brazile, owner: Circle Star Land & Cattle

Lights On Cd (Patron), rider: Richard Rhen, owner: A & C Racing & Roping

 

Steer Roping

CPR Gun Smokin Peppy (Brown Bomber), rider: Bryce Davis, owner: Bryce Davis

Sixs Rowdy Man (Lawdog), rider, Jarrett Blessing, owner: Jarrett & Jessica Blessing

Cooperslittletoy (Cooper), rider: Chris Glover, owner: Chris Glover

Zans Roany Jae Bar    (Ty Roan), rider: Shay Good, owner: Shay Good

At War Leo (Punchy), rider: Cody Lee, owner: Cody Lee

Spade Ronnie  (Ronnie): rider: Jim Locke, owner: Jim Locke

Gunoleo (Rolex), rider: Tony Reina, owner: Tutt Garnett

 

Steer Wrestling

Espuela Bay Light( Ike), rider: Levi Rudd, owner: Jeff Green

Quick Lane (Rooster), riders: Bridger, Chambers, Scott Guenthner, Tanner Milan, owner: Bridger Chambers

Canted Plan (Scooter), riders: Tyler Pearson, Kyle Irwin, Tyler Waguespack, Justin Shaffer, owners: Tyler Pearson/Kyle Irwin

Smokie Poco King Bar (Django), riders: Johnny Asher, Blake Mindemann, owner: Johnny Asher

RGR Ryon (Maverick), riders: Tom Lewis, Several People, owner: Peggy Lewis

Famous Chuck (Chuck), riders: Kyle Whitaker, Nick Guy, Blake Knowles, owner: Kyle Whitaker

Famous Hot Chick (Holly), riders: Chason Floyd, Tanner Brunner, Others, owner: R2m2z

Zoomin Up Front (Zoom) , riders: Hunter Cure & Others, owners: Hunter & Bristi Cure

 

Barrel Racing

KN Fabs Gift Of Fame (JLo), rider: Ivy Conrado, owners: Kenny Nichols & James Barron

Rafter W Minnie Reba (Sister), rider: Nellie Miller, owner: Sam Williams

Famous French Bug (Sister), rider: Leia Pluemer, owner: Julie Pluemer

In Firewaters Honor (HZ), rider: Mckenzie Morgan, owner: Mckenzie Morgan

Bogie Is A Smash (Smash), rider: Taci Bettis, owner: Taci Bettis

Yeah Hes Firen (Duke), rider: Brittany Tonozzi, owner: Brittany Tonozzi

Cuatro Fame (Truck), rider: Stevi Hillman, owner: Melissa Mouton

DM Sissy Hayday (Sister), rider: Hailey Kinsel, owner: Dan & Leslie Kinsel

LK Sheza Hayday (Zeva), rider: Tammy Fisher, owner: Tammy Fisher

Mid-Plains Community College saddle bronc rider Wyatt Kunkee, of Lexington, is the recipient of a $750 NEBRASKAland DAYS Buffalo Bill Rodeo Scholarship. Kunkee was presented with the award during the MPCC Stampede on Saturday at the Wild West Arena.

Money for the scholarship came from a combination of entry fees from NLD’s Cowboy Kickball Competition in June and NLD funds.

MPCC Rodeo Team coaches Dustin Elliott and Garrett Nokes selected Kunkee for the scholarship based on his performance in the arena and classroom, leadership skills, volunteerism and promotion of the team.

Minot man satisfies desire for competition with team roping; will rope at Y’s Men’s Rodeo

Minot, N.D. (September 17, 2018) – Blake Eggl  is competitive.

In high school and college, football fed his competitive drive.

When he graduated from Minot State University in 2012 and school sports were over, rodeo filled the void.

And for the first time, the Minot native will compete at the pro rodeo in his hometown.

Eggl is one of twelve tie-down ropers to qualify for the upcoming Y’s Men’s Rodeo, hosting the Badlands Circuit Finals Rodeo.

To compete at the Badlands Circuit Finals, a cowboy has to be one of the top twelve in his or her event, after the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association season of rodeos in North Dakota and South Dakota is complete.

Eggl began rodeo as soon as he was able to ride a horse, by the age of seven or eight. He traveled with his dad, Kelly Eggl, also a tie-down roper, and the duo went to rodeos sanctioned by the Rough Riders; those rodeos had events for both adults and kids.

But rodeo was on the back burner during high school and college. “Growing up, I loved football, and still do,” he said. A college scholarship to play football was a priority.

He played for Minot State as a running back and on special teams as an underclassman. His senior year, Eggl was a starter.

After college graduation in 2012, Eggl was back to the rodeo arena. He continued competition in the Rough Riders, traveling with his dad again, and also at PRCA rodeos. His dad had roped at the Y’s Men’s Rodeo, before it hosted the Badlands Circuit Finals, and Blake remembered sitting in the stands, watching. He wanted to rope at the Y’s Men’s Rodeo, but it required being in the top twelve in the circuit.

And each year, there was an obstacle. Two knee surgeries and a back surgery, all from football injuries, limited his rodeo.

This year, he was ready. “This is the healthiest I’ve been since I was 22,” he said. Eggl roped at 35 pro rodeos and another 30-plus amateur rodeos this year.

Juggling work and rodeo has been a challenge. Working for an agricultural company, he’s free to compete on the weekends. Sometimes he would get home on Monday morning in the wee hours and be ready for work by 8 am.

He figures he’s rarely missed a year of the Y’s Men’s Rodeo. Even during college, he’d attend on the Thursday night; football practice and a game took precedence on the weekend.

And this time, Eggl will be at the rodeo, but not in the stands. He’ll be roping. “I’ve always wanted to make the circuit finals, but when it’s in your hometown, man, I really want to make it,” he said. “I’m super excited.”

Eggl, along with the other competitors, will compete four times: Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 pm, Sat., Oct. 6 at 1 pm and 7 pm, and Sun. Oct. 7 at 1:30 pm. The year-end champion and average champion (the contestant with the fastest times or highest scores after four runs) will be determined on Sunday, and qualify for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Florida next April.

Eggl is married to Ashley, also a Minot native.

The 64th annual Minot Y’s Men’s Rodeo is October 5-7 at All Seasons Arena at the North Dakota State Fair Center. Note that there is no Thursday night show this year; it has been moved to a Saturday matinee. Tickets range in price from $13 to $33 and can be purchased online at www.MinotYsMensRodeo.com. For more information, visit the website or call 701.833.1761.

Our Journey to 20 Years

Statistics show that 96% of businesses fail within 10 years, but one brand has stood solid for 20 years under one man’s leadership. A staple in the aluminum horse trailer industry, Bloomer Trailers, has made a name for themselves as a reputable company that produces “only the best” products for 20 years.

In 1998, Randy Bloomer, changed the horse trailer industry for the better. As someone who was involved in the Western industry and had experience with horse trailer sales, Bloomer knew that the livestock safety was a huge component of a trailer and he set out to modernize and revolutionize the industry. Now, 20 years later, the Bloomer Trailers brand is not only used by World Champions in every Western discipline, but it is also being used by top Billboard musicians, race car drivers and more.

This year, Bloomer Trailer Manufacturing is celebrating the memories of their 20 years in the industry. To appreciate their success, we must look back at where it all started. Randy and Kim Bloomer started Bloomer Trailers in 1998 in the middle of chemical alley on the LaMarque/Texas City line. From the start, Bloomer Trailers hired the best people in the industry to help build the brand, some of those key players are still with them today. “We have never stopped challenging ourselves to find a better or safer way to protect our customers and their livestock,” said Randy Bloomer, when speaking about why Bloomer Trailers is different than other brands on the market. Their innovations led to the newest model of the Bloomer Trailer, “The Evolution,” to remind them that they have yet to build the perfect trailer, so they had to keep moving forward and trying new ideas.

In 2002, Bloomer Trailers moved forward in a big way. They started building a state of the art production facility in Central Texas to serve as a convenient location for dealers, customers and their vendors. Upon completion in 2003, Bloomer Trailers moved over forty employees and their families to Salado, TX to help continue the craftsmanship that was expected by their loyal customers. Now, 15 years after moving to Central Texas, the company continues to live by their motto of, “only the best.” Today, Bloomer Trailers has over 80 full-time employees that are proud of the brand they build. Although the brand has grown tremendously, it still practices the principles it was built on. You will still see Randy Bloomer working at shows and visiting with customers and still to this day, he makes a point to be involved daily in the industry.

Bloomer Trailers have the best dealer network in the horse trailer industry, many of the dealers and salesman have been a part of the Bloomer Team for over 15 years and share their sense of pride in selling the best trailer brand on the market. Bloomer Dealers continue to provide an extraordinary experience when purchasing a Bloomer Trailer and their priority has been to provide superior product quality and total customer satisfaction.

Twelve years ago, Bloomer Trailers decided to get more involved in the youth aspect of the rodeo industry. Since 2007, Bloomer Trailers has had a Bloomer Trailers High School Rodeo Team with 33 youth athletes, these athletes are not only Bloomer customers, but they are the best athletes in and out of the arena. Teaching these young athletes how to interview, take pictures, acquire sponsorships and more has been Bloomer Trailers way of giving back. Some of the youth athletes have went on win World Championships, become doctors or have their own families, most of which still own a Bloomer Trailer. It has been rewarding to see former team members remain loyal to the brand long after they rodeo. Several traditions in their Bloomer Trailer are being passed down to the next generation and that is a true testament to the Bloomer brand.

Bloomer Trailers have been used in an array of settings, from little league games, glamping, hunting, beach vacations and more, Bloomer Trailers have truly become a part of their customer’s family traditions. Your trailer is supposed to adapt to your lifestyle, which is why we strive to make a product that can not only handle the miles, but also handle the adventure ahead of you.

In addition to many uses of a Bloomer Trailer, they still are heavily involved in the sport that helped them get to where they are today. The Bloomer Trailers company is involved in a large majority of equine sports, they are the official trailer of the Wrangler National Finals, Rodeo, World Series of Team Roping, The American Rodeo, National Reined Cowhorse Association, Pendleton Roundup, Texas High School Rodeo Association and The Bob Feist Invitational.

As a part of their 20-year anniversary, Bloomer Trailers, has decided to celebrate the memories that have been made in a Bloomer Trailer. Customers have sent in pictures of their trailers from every decade to show that their Bloomer can handle the miles. Although the brand is growing older, the passion is stronger than ever. As for the future, they expect “only the best.”

 

For more information about Bloomer Trailers please visit www.bloomertrailers.com.

Media Contact:  Alexis Bloomer, Breaking Records Media (254)308-2218 alexis@breakingrecordsmedia.com