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Everyone makes New Year Resolutions and after a month or so many people tend to start losing their focus and going back to old habits. Honestly, it has been difficult for me to get back in the saddle after delivering my baby a few months ago and having restricted physical activity regimen from my doctor. The 10 Do’s and Don’ts for 2016 are designed to help keep you (and me) on track with our fitness resolutions.

1) Don’t just do cardio
Cardio is a a healthy part of a balanced exercise routine, but many people think cardio is all they need to do or all they should do. Common myths are that weight lifting will make you “bulky.”  The body builders out there will tell you they wish that myth was the truth. It takes a dedicated, strategic weight training routine and a special diet to add that much muscle mass. Lift worry free!!! You are doing your body a favor by adding in basic weight training into your routine.
2) Do squats. Squats work more than just your butt and is one of my favorite exercises. Squatting requires you to use some of the largest muscles in your body. When you engage large muscles like your quadriceps and glutes (thighs and butt) it takes more energy and thus, burn more calories and fat.
3) Do drink water… Lots of it
I know I stress this in every issue but it’s so darn important! Proper hydration fuels the body. You should be drink half your body weight in ounces per day. For example: A person that weight 120 pounds should be drinking 60 ounces of water a day.
4) Do stretch daily
Stretching is unbelievably important for your body and mind. Better flexibility may reduce your risk or injury by allowing our joints to move through their full range. It can also allow your muscles to work more effectively and increase blood flow to the muscles.
5) Don’t compromise form …EVER!
Exercising with incorrect form can not only be unproductive but even worse, it can lead to aches, pains, and injury.
It’s basically like saddling your horse backwards and trying to have a good practice. It’s not good for anyone!
6) Do have a work out partner. Having a work out partner will make you more accountable to your workout routine. Many people are more likely to work out harder and not quite before the work out is completed. When working out alone, there is more temptation to stop early and not push yourself.
7) Do not make unrealistic goals.
Those who set unrealistic goals tend to give up and fall of the bandwagon. Then set new goals once you reach each milestone. Set goals but make them realistic for you.
8) Do eat fat in your diet. Make sure you are eating “good” fats like unsalted nuts and avocados and avoid bad fats like saturated fats.
9) Don’t limit fitness to the gym.
Find an outdoor activity you like doing. Have that as a part of your weekly workout routine
10) Do give yourself a cheat day.
Stick to a healthy diet throughout the week with well balanced meals and restricted sugar intake. I like having one cheat day a week so I don’t feel ultra restricted. The cheat day allows me a little freedom and flexibility while not getting totally off track with my diet.

Total Leg Workout:
The following exercises all focus on your legs. The repetitions are designed to be done with no weight to minimal weight. Repeat these exercises 3-5 times through depending on you time limit and desired intensity.  For videos demonstrating each exercise follow @fitwhit5 on Instagram

Squats: 20
Lunges: 15 each leg
Sumo Squat: 20
Calf Raises: 40
One-leg Deadlifts: 15 each leg
Wall Sit: 1 minute
Leg Curls (On a ball or on a machine): 15
Side Lunges: 15 each side
Rest

By Whitney Knowles

September 30th is the last day of the PRCA season. This day is highly anticipated by many cowboys and cowgirls as they anxiously wait for the final standings to see if they are NFR bound in December. The “off season” (October-December) is used to get a little rest and a lot of practice before the 10 days at the Thomas and Mack.
I have always been surprised to find the number of rodeo athletes that do not have workout routines in the off season as exercise is extremely important for every athlete to stay in shape, healthy, and mentally focused. Many of the rodeo athletes have told me how difficult it can be to fit in workouts while traveling, practicing, and working with their horses as that can take up the majority of the hours in a day.
In this article I will be highlighting the ways Blake is staying fit and focused for the 2015 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
I have always stressed the importance of an exercise routine as a part of your preparation to my husband, NFR Steer Wrestler, Blake Knowles. During the season, Blake has always made an effort to go to a gym in whatever town he is in and get in a workout. (We actually met at my family’s gym in Oakdale, Ca almost 10 years ago!)
Blake is an avid outdoorsman so October is extremely busy with ranch work and hunting. This does not leave many days to practice or workout. But come November, it is game time and dedicated to practice and preparation for the NFR. Blake spends majority of the days practicing in the arena and may only get 1-3 days of actual “gym time” a week. This makes it very important to use that time to the max. Blake uses the time in the practice pen to incorporate exercises as well by keeping practice fast pace and high-intensity, just as if he were in the gym. Pace is important to achieve the desired heart rate to obtain the cardio vascular goals.
The routine that I recommend for Blake is not just good for steer wrestling but really could be used for any event. Whether you are bull riding, steer wrestling, or barrel racing you are not just using one muscle at a time but rather all the “powerhouse” muscles at once. These explosive exercises help strengthen the entire core and teach you to using your whole body as one unit. It trains you to explode while enhancing you strength for your sport.
Since gym time is limited, you have to utilize that time wisely and focus on doing agility and athletic exercises that work with the fast twitch muscle reflexes and core strength that can be completed within 45 minutes. The core encompasses the areas above your knees to your chest. There is not an event in the sport of rodeo that does not require a strong core. Squats and bench press are good exercises but kettle bell training and power cleans are more effective for athletes because it will get your heart rate up and works all the core muscles at once. Explosive movements like kettle bell swings and power cleans are athletic compound exercises that focus on using your core to drive your hips and excel your body movements. The core training not only strengthens but is also pertinent to developing good balance.
There are not many exercises listed below but these exercises are considered athletic moves that are dynamic total-body strength and conditioning. They are extremely effective and allow you to train speed, power, and strength at the same time. These are explosive exercises which are important for overall strength and balance.
Warm up with 10 min jogging, spin bike, or jump rope
Light Stretch: It is important to stretch daily. It will help lengthen and loosen up your muscles especially when the exercising and practice time focuses on tightening your muscles. You want to counter act with stretching so your muscles will not get to tight and help reduce the chances of injury.
High intensity Jump rope
Push ups
Kettle Bell Swings
Crunches
Burpees
Power Cleans
Kettle Bell clean
Kettle Bell snatch
(These exercises are physically demanding and should not be attempted without proper training and supervision by an instructor to ensure you are doing these properly.)

article and photos by Kacee Willbanks

I will be the first to say using the term “trend” is not trendy, but let’s talk about what’s HOT for Fall Y’all. It’s not about replicating everything you see.  It’s more about being inspired. I always suggest to wear what looks good on YOU!
This Fall it’s all about pattern in so many different forms. Bright patterns, muted patterns, sort of an Aztec feel, and mixing pattern on pattern. And we will also be seeing a glamourous 70’s moment.
If you are looking for the easiest way to freshen up your wardrobe….use a pop of color in bright red, bright blue or an emerald green.
There are a lot of easy ways to update without breaking the bank.  Accessories are the perfect place to start:  statement jewelry, a fabulous handbag, a knockout belt, or an amazing shoe.
BUT, the best accessory can be your own confidence.
“You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans — it’s up to you.”  -Karl Lagerfeld

Until next time…..Let’s Be “Friends” on Facebook!
-with Kacee Willbanks

Model: Darcy (Clark) Good
Hazels Fashion Wagon, Purcell, OK

Lately it seems like there are more and more rodeo women expecting babies. I’m not sure if I am noticing it more now because I am pregnant or if there really is just something in the water! Being a fit and active person before pregnancy I had expectations that nothing would change. I thought that exercise during pregnancy would be a breeze and the high intensity workouts would be just as easy as before. (Boy did I have an eye opener!) It is unbelievable how much energy is used to grow another human being. Pre-pregnancy I felt great every day and generally had high energy. The first trimester changed that for me! I was so tired throughout the day and could hardly muster up enough energy to get through my workouts. I was winded so much faster and noticed my heart rate would increase much sooner than usual. My doctor explained to me in laymen terms that babies get their nutrients between each heart beat. So, in essence, I was feeling out of breathe because my body was purposely trying to get you to slow down and level my heart beat. Now that I am in the third trimester my doctor explained that the baby can press on your diaphragm which can also cause the similar feeling of being out of breathe.
According to most doctors you can do anything you did prior to pregnancy but should not start something new or vigorous if you weren’t doing it before. I continued my normal routine, mostly high intensity interval training routine and abdominal workouts. I quickly realized that I had to alter my exercise routine from a high intensity interval training to a more low intensity routine. I was also told I have diastasis recti, a condition where my abdominal muscles separated down the midline rather in order to make room for the growing baby. That meant all abdominal exercises were out of the question. No more sit-ups or crunches, as that could possibly make the separation worse.
I also noticed aches and pains starting in my lower back and hips due to physical changes that come with pregnancy.
I knew I had to listen to my body and find a routine to address these changes. This was quite an adjustment at first because I had to change my exercise habits and felt like I was reinventing the wheel! I am one of those “weird” people who love to exercise, not only because of physical benefits, but mental benefits.  (I actually enjoy waking up at 4:30 AM to go do a yoga class.) I feel so much better, sleep better, and less stressed when I exercise. It took a few weeks to find the perfect routine but I found a great low intensity workout and stretches that fit perfectly with traveling and the busy life of a rodeo wife.
This is an excellent, low intensity, workout routine for anyone who is just wanting to start exercising. It allows you to keep a steady heart rate but still feel those post workout positive endorphins!
If you are pregnant,  make sure you always consult with your physician prior to starting any new workouts or stretches.
I do something active every day. Instead of running, I now walk 1-2 miles or ride my spin bike for 15-20 minutes. These are low impact exercises that allow you to control the intensity. Along with these cardio exercises,  I incorporate a training routine similar to this three times a week and stretch daily.

I prefer use light weight Dumbbells and a stability ball.  Find a weight that allows you easily complete 12 repetitions without struggling. (Five to eight pound Dumbbells work great for me.)
2×12 Bicep Curls
2×12 Side Lunges
2×12 Front Lateral Raises
2×12 No weight, narrow stance, ball squat against a wall
2×12 Tricep Dips (Use your body weight and feel free to modify this exercise by bending your knees.)
2×12 Side Lateral Raises
2×12 Ball hip raises. Lay supine on the floor, put your arms out to the side and raise your hips slowly up and down.

End with these great hip mobility stretches or similar ones. Stretching your hips is so important! Having good range of motion in your hips allows your body to have full range of motion and reduce pressure on your lower back. I like to breathe deeply and hold each stretch for 5 breaths, releasing into a deeper stretch with each exhale.
Happy Baby stretch
Butterfly stretch
Seated semi-straddle stretch

If you are headed out to my all time favorite rodeo this week…  The one and only Pendleton Round-Up, make sure use your “cheat day” to try Pendleton’s famous Big John’s Pizza and most importantly, Let ‘er Buck!
That’s one Wild West show you won’t forget!

With love and gratitude,
Whitney
Readers, I’d love to hear from you! Send me your number one challenge in staying on top of physical and environmental changes on the rodeo road and I’ll give you my advice. Contact me at: stayfitwithwhit@gmail.com
To watch videos of these exercises and more, follow @fitwhit5 on Instagram.

article and photos by Kacee Willbanks

Your image is what you put out there, your character is who you really are inside, and clarity is achieved when the two are in sync. Style plays an important role in my busy life. It’s one thing to be fashionable, but at the same time real and functional with your look. I want to be able to spend more time living in the now, enjoying the love of my life, friends, family and giving back to my community. If you are like me I’m rooted deep in my western heritage, but definitely have a love for mainstream fashion. Be you…..being fashionable does not mean high price tags.  Take it from these lovely, driven women!  I asked, “What is your current go to item?”  I’m more intrigued by these intelligent women’s career descriptions, but they are rocking it in style!

Until next time…..Let’s Be “Friends” on Facebook

Summer heat can really put a damper on the drive to exercise. Having a work out buddy while on the road can keep you accountable and help you stay committed. My husband, Blake travels with his cousin, Trevor Knowles the majority of the year. That means when I am on the road I am usually with Blake, Trevor, and his girlfriend, Jena Venturacci.  Jena and I are both very health conscious. We try to have a well-balanced diet and engage in regular exercise. It’s so nice to have a workout buddy and encourage each other to do fun workouts and activities while traveling. The 4th of July run was ridiculously hot and it was tough to want to do anything but stay in the shade. But we were able to stay on the band wagon by packing nutritious snacks and soaking in some of the scenery of the places we traveled.  Most the time, you’ll find Jena and I in our yoga pants and Nike’s trying to find a way to explore the rodeo towns we are visiting while getting some exercise. For example, over the Fourth of July we decided to beat the heat and opted out of a traditional HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Workout or run and chose to stop and hike Multnomah Falls on our way home from St. Paul Rodeo. It was refreshing, beautiful, and a great workout.
It’s important not to get in the mindset that exercise is solely dependent on being sore,  HIIT, running long distance, weight lifting, etc. I find that I stay in the best shape by changing things up and not allowing myself to get bored with exercise. I would lose my mind if I did not enjoy nature, take a hike, do some yoga, and enjoy the scenery.
This month, try incorporating one outside activity a week to change up your workout regimen, get some fresh air, and have a little fun.  You’ll probably find yourself refreshed and motivated for the next day’s exercise routine.

The Facts on Protein Bars:
Hospitality and food choices on the road are sometimes limited. It’s important to be prepared so you are able to make healthy choices easier. Protein bars are a common “go to” item. Finding the right protein bar can be tricky and it’s important that you are making the decision of what protein bar to eat wisely.
These days many bars are labeled as “protein bars” because they are high in protein and can easily deceive you.  Not all protein bars are made the same way and if you are eating the wrong ones you could be making it more difficult to maintain or reach your fitness goals.
Always look at the protein to carb ration. A general rule of thumb many fitness guru’s stick to is a protein to carb ratio of 2:1 for fat loss, 1:1 for maintenance or fat loss, and a 1:2 ratio if you are using your protein bar as a recovery after a workout.
If you are wanting to lose weight you will also want to find a protein bar that is lower in calories, carbohydrates, and sugars. I have seen protein bars with 20g of protein but 22g of sugar, and 29g of carbs. That may not be an ideal protein bar for someone on a weight loss since there are more carbs than protein.
Always take a look at the list of ingredients.  In my opinion, ingredients like High Fructose Corn Syrup are never a good choice and I generally put those bars back on the shelf.
My personal favorite protein bars are the Quest Protein Bars.  They come in an array of flavors that taste delicious! Being pregnant, I am definitely not trying to lose weight but rather on a maintenance plan. I have increased my overall daily caloric intake and try to do that with healthy foods, whole grains, and nutrient dense foods.  I incorporate Quest bars as a part of my daily diet.  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is my flavor of choice. This bar has 190 calories, 21g protein, only 1g sugar, 21g carbohydrates but only 2g active carbohydrates and they all come from nuts- not sugar sources.  It’s the perfect protein bar for my taste buds and dietary needs.

With love and gratitude,  Whitney
Readers, I’d love to hear from you! Send me your number one challenge in staying on top of physical and environmental changes on the rodeo road and I’ll give you my advice.  Contact me at: stayfitwithwhit@gmail.com
To watch videos of these exercises and more, follow @fitwhit5 on Instagram.

article and photos by Kacee Willbanks

What tips or tips or tricks can you can offer other Moms?
“Zulily is one of my main go to places to find cute, affordable clothes for Preslee. I also enjoy browsing Pinterest for DIY outfits my mom sews by hand for her! I try to buy everything in the next size up so that Preslee can wear them longer, especially footwear. For kids like Preslee who are tall and skinny, you may be able to turn pants that are too short into capris.” ~Whitney Seufer

“Chayni’s favorite places to shop are Justice and Target. She loves wearing something she can play basketball in at recess! To run barrels in, Chayni counts on Rusty Spur Ranch Diggs’ Laura Borchert to make her unique competition shirts. She sticks with Cowgirl Tuff jeans. Benizzi Ranch Hats are the reason for her beautiful brown Charlie 1 Horse hat. She grows out of everything every six months, so she loves passing clothes to other cowgirls.” ~ Callie Chamberlain

“Bella’s Fashion Forward, (Salina, UT) is Addie’s favorite clothing store. They carry everything from zebra leggings to headbands in every color. Addie’s favorite addition to the back to school shopping is her back pack and blinged pocket jeans from Shopko. I try to buy things that we can use to make different outfits with, mix and match shoes, shirts and accessories, and shop the end of season closeouts and bargain tables,  even if I have to put it in the closet until Christmas.”  ~Jennifer Quarnberg

Monte Carlo Resort and Casino is the place to stay during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Set smack dab in the heart of The Strip and a stone’s throw from the Thomas & Mack, Monte Carlo’s economical rates and prime location make it the perfect home base for any action-hungry rodeo fan. You’ll be blown away by the outstanding service in every facet of its operation. From the valets to the concierge, the front desk staff to the maids—they never cease to amaze with how far they are willing to go to make sure their guests are happy, all while maintaining a sense of pride that seems to be lost on many other big Vegas resorts. On December 4 – 6 and 12 – 13, the Monte Carlo plaza is getting Western with live music and interactive activities including beer pong and roping demonstrations. You can grab some killer American cuisine and a stiff drink at the upbeat new Double Barrel Roadhouse while you watch the Super Bowl of Rodeo via live feed. Double Barrel also will host nightly appearances by WNFR contestants following each night’s rodeo. Monte Carlo is unpretentiously luxurious—an epic setting where down home country folks can feel good about rubbing elbows with sophisticated city dwellers.

2.    Like many, I’ve always wanted to skydive but have never had the brass to jump out of an airplane. So when I heard about Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving, I had to go see what it was all about. Built in 1982, this was the first indoor skydiving facility in the good ol’ US of A. It features a 22 foot vertical padded wind tunnel that produces an sensation similar to skydiving. A giant DC-3 fan generates 120 mile per hour winds that allows you to experience flying minus the risk of dying while having a stranger strapped to your back. Please keep in mind that there are weight restrictions and a few other simple requirements you must meet before you can take flight. For that information and to make reservations call 1-877-LUV2FLY or visit www.vegasindoorskydiving.com
3.    If you weren’t lucky enough to score rodeo tickets, there’s no need to worry. Featuring three giant screens and more than 35 other flat screens,  The Pub at Monte Carlo will have a live feed of every WNFR performance and is hands down the best place in town to take in the action! DJ Kirk will host line dancing lessons before each performance and also will giveaway prizes throughout the night. The Pub has really amazing food and hundreds of different beers to sample. Try a Butcher’s Burger with some super addictive Mesquite Fries. Usually I end up hammering the fries before I even start in on the 50% bacon, 50% beef patty, topped with onion, lettuce, tomato and bacon-infused Pub secret sauce.

4.    Remember playing with your Tonka toys in the sandbox as a little kid? Jump on the chance to live out your childhood fantasies just minutes from the Strip with the awesome crew at Dig This. It’s a five-acre, super sized sandbox where kids at heart (14 & older) can take the controls of state of the art heavy equipment. After the standard orientation and a short warm up session to get comfortable, you can test your hand at games like “Excavator Basketball” with their massive Caterpillar 315 CL or conquer the “Teeter-Totter” in the monster D5 Bulldozer. Their professional instructors will walk you through every aspect of operation to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. Fair Warning: For the safety of everyone involved, you will have to pass a breathalyser test before you toss a leg over one of these bad boys. For booking information call 1-888-DIG-THIS or visit www.digthisvegas.com

5.    Looking to escape the hustle and bustle for an afternoon? Head a short distance west on Spring Mountain Road and you’ll find yourself knee deep in the incredible melting pot that is Las Vegas’ Chinatown. Even though they call this place Chinatown, its culturally diverse population boasts residents from all over Asia. Seoul Plaza is the gem of this busy neighborhood and is home to a handful of amazing Japanese restaurants including Raku, Nakamura-Ya, Monta, and Kabuto. For authentic and delicious Asian dining on The Strip, try the always-awesome Yusho Japanese Grill & Noodle House at the Monte Carlo plaza.

Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping
Kansas Star Arena Arena
Nov. 7-8, 2014
First round: 1. Trevor Brazile, 9.8 seconds, $5,331; 2. Vin Fisher Jr., 10.0, $4,281; 3. Jason Evans, 10.2, $3,231; 4. Rocky Patterson, 11.0, $2,181; 5. Scott Snedecor, 11.1, $1,131.
Second round: 1. Scott Snedecor, 9.1 seconds, $5,331; 2. Trevor Brazile, 9.9, $4,281; 3. J.P. Wickett, 10.3, $3,231; 4. Tony Reina, 10.6; 5. Jason Evans, 11.3. Average leaders: 1. Trevor Brazile, 19.7 seconds on two runs; 2. Scott Snedecor, 20.2; 3. Jason Evans, 21.5; 4. Mike Chase, 22.9; 5. J.P. Wickett, 23.1.
Third round: 1. Scott Snedecor, 11.0 seconds, $5,331; 2. Trevor Brazile, 11.5, $4,281; 3. Vin Fisher Jr., 11.6, $3,231; 4. Brodie Poppino, 12.7, $2,181; 5. Jess Tierney, 13.4, $1,131. Average leaders: 1. (tie) Trevor Brazile and Scott Snedecor, 31.2 seconds on three runs; 3. Jess Tierney, 37.3; 4. Jason Evans, 37.5; 5. Troy Tillard, 38.6.
Fourth round: 1. Jason Evans, 9.5 seconds, $5,331; 2. (tie) Mike Chase and J.P. Wickett, 10.3, $3,756 each; 4. Rocky Patterson, 11.1, $2,181; 5. Jess Tierney, 11.3, $1,131. Average leaders: 1. Trevor Brazile, 43.9 seconds on four runs; 2. Jason Evans, 47.0; 3. Jess Tierney, 48.6; 4. J.P. Wickett, 49.8; 5. Mike Chase, 51.5.
Fifth round: 1. Mike Chase, 10.2 seconds, $5,331; 2. Trevor Brazile, 10.3, $4,281; 3. Brodie Poppino, 10.7, $3,231; 4. (tie) J.P. Wickett and Troy Tillard, 10.8, $1,656 each. Average leaders: 1. Trevor Brazile, 54.2 seconds on five runs; 2. J.P. Wickett, 60.6; 3. Mike Chase, 61.7; 4. Jason Evans, 63.5; 5. Jess Tierney, 67.5.
Sixth round: 1. Brady Garten, 9.5 seconds, $5,331; 2. Trevor Brazile, 9.6, $4,281; 3. Troy Tillard, 10.1, $3,231; 4. J.P. Wickett, 10.7, $2,181; 5. Cody Lee, 10.8, $1,131. Average leaders: 1. Trevor Brazile, 63.8 seconds on six runs; 2. J.P. Wickett, 71.3; 3. Mike Chase, 74.9; 4. Jason Evans, 77.0; 5. 78.3.
Seventh round: 1. Brady Garten, 9.5 seconds; 2. Trevor Brazile, 11.2, $4,281; 3. Tony Reina, 11.7, $3,231; 4. Jess Tierney, 12.5, $2,181; 5. J.P. Wickett, 14.4, $1,131. Average leaders: 1. Trevor Brazile, 75.0 seconds on seven runs; 2. J.P. Wickett, 85.7; 3. Jason Evans, 97.3; 4. Tony Reina, 100.5; 5. Mike Chase, 74.9 seconds on six runs.
Eighth round: 1. Brady Garten, 9.8 seconds, $5,331; 2. Rocky Patterson, 10.8, $4,281; 3. Chance Kelton, 10.9, $3,231; 4. Cody Lee, 12.1, $2,181; 5. (tie) Mike Chase and Brodie Poppino, 12.4, $565 each. Average leaders: 1. Trevor Brazile, 89.5 seconds on eight runs; 2. J.P. Wickett, 99.4; 3. Tony Reina, 114.4; 4. Mike Chase, 87.3 seconds on seven runs; 5. Chance Kelton, 96.0.
Ninth round: 1. Scott Snedecor, 9.9 seconds, $5,331; 2. Jason Evans, 10.1, $4,281; 3. Cody Lee, 10.8, $3,231; 4. J.P. Wickett, 10.9, $2,181; 5. Chance Kelton, 11.3, $1,131. Average leaders: 1. Trevor Brazile, 103.6 seconds on nine runs; 2. J.P. Wickett, 110.3; 3. Tony Reina, 133.9; 4. Chance Kelton, 107.3 seconds on nine runs; 5. Jason Evans, 107.4.
Tenth round: 1. Vin Fisher Jr., 9.6 seconds, $5,331; 2. Chet Herren, 9.7, $4,281; 3. Brady Garten, 9.9, $3,231; 4. Ricky Patterson, 10.2, $2,181; 5. Trevor Brazile, 10.5, $1,131. Average: 1. Trevor Brazile, 114.1 seconds on 10 runs, $15,992; 2. J.P. Wickett, 126.3, $12,842; 3. Chance Kelton, 120.4 seconds on nine runs, $9,692; 4. Jason Evans, 121.3, $6,542; 5. Tony Reina, 133.9, $3,392. Total NFSR money: 1. Trevor Brazile, $43,858; 2. $26,977; 3. Jason Evans, $20,515; 4. Brady Garten, $19,223; 5. Scott Snedecor, $17,123. Final world standings: 1. Trevor Brazile, $112,692; 2. Chet Herren, $72,191; 3. J.P. Wickett, $60,017; 4. Jess Tierney, $58,003; 5. Vin Fisher Jr., $56,341; 6. Mike Chase, $55,739; 7. SCody Lee, $51,957; 8. Brady Garten, $41,766; 9. Chance Kelton, $51,517; 10. Scott Snedecor, $48,348; 11. Rocky Patterson, $43,152; 12. Mike Chase, $42,932; 13. Tony Reina, $41,969; 14. Brodie Poppino, $26,170; 15. Troy Tillard, $33,155.

 August 19, 2014

Grand Prize winner of Pro Fantasy Rodeo’s Christmas in July

Pro Fantasy Rodeo and RFD-TV are proud to announce the Grand Prize Winner of the first ever “Christmas in July” game that ended July 28. Grant Godfrey of Berthoud, Colorado is the winner of an all-new 2015 Ranger XP 900 H.O. Godfrey’s winning team, which he named “GG2”, amassed the most winnings during the hottest season of rodeo referred to as Christmas in July. The largest number of rodeos occur during this time, giving rodeo contestants the chance at more money than any other time during the season other than the WNFR in December.

GG2 won a total of $250,449.90 during the month-long span of rodeos and consisted of: bareback rider Kaycee Field $22,866.90; steer wrestler K.C. Jones $18,034.00; team roping header Erich Rogers $41,576.00; heeler Cory Petska $41,576.00; saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell $19,032.00; tie down roper Hunter Herrin $34,214; barrel racer Kassidy Dennison $30,721.00; and bull rider Reid Barker $19,510.00.

When asked about his winning strategy, Godfrey said he tried to pay attention to all the contestants throughout the season to see who’s hot and seems to be on a winning streak. Watching the standings and results on the PRCA website is especially helpful as well as reading the “News and Notes” section since that may give a hint or two about particular contestant’s standings.

As an avid team roper who has qualified for the USTRC National Finals and the World Series numerous times, he is, of course, most aware of the timed event end of the arena. It’s also important to watch the rough stock end and that’s what he likes about the concept of Pro Fantasy Rodeo—the manner in which it keeps fans interested in All the events. “Before Pro Fantasy Rodeo, I kept my focus on the timed event end,” said Godfrey. “But now I try to keep up on contestants in every event.” Obviously it has paid off for Godfrey since he has won money with his teams each of the 12 years Pro Fantasy Rodeo has been available to play.

“I’ll love having the Polaris Ranger around the place,” said Godfrey. He stated that he knows it will be helpful in toting hay around the place where his horses and team roping cattle are utilized to keep him sharp for his weekend sport. “Maybe we’ll find time to take it to the hills for some recreational riding too,” he mentioned.

Godfrey and his wife of 32 years have owned and operated a facility for high risk youth for 29 years in the front range of Colorado. A daughter, Cassie, competed in rodeos throughout her youth and is currently employed in the banking industry in Sterling, Colo. where she and her husband ranch and farm.

Godfrey feels the support PRCA has given PFR through its endorsement has done more to engage the fans with the sport than anything else they’ve tried. “It’s a great venue that allows PRCA fans to become more connected to the contestants. Once you’ve picked a team, you stay more focused on what’s happening at each rodeo. In addition, you also start getting your friends and family involved, and then you want to know how their teams are doing which usually involves all kinds of kidding and one-up-man-ship, so it’s just lots of fun,” Godfrey explained. “I’ve always been wholly immersed in the NFR game, but the summer game of “Christmas in July” was great—especially because RFD-TV offered it for free! What’s not to like? I encourage everyone to play the game!”

Second place winner, Michael Bates of Tohatchi, New Mexico’s team “RockinNB” won $241,973 winning Bates the Cactus Saddlery package valued at $5,000. Prizes were awarded through 20th place including a Pendleton Whiskey Firepit, Yoder Brothers Custom Log Bench, gift certificates, BEX sunglasses, ball caps and free Pro Fantasy Rodeo entries (valued at $89) to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Game in December. Weekly prizes were also awarded to individuals whose team won the most money for that particular week in July.

Since its inception in 2003, Pro Fantasy Rodeo paid out over 2.2 million in cash and prizes which includes payouts of 8 places in the 10-day average and daily payouts to 6th place in the Wrangler National Finals Game. Payout for the 2013 game was $165,000. Noted as the official PRCA fantasy game, it has become the gold standard for fantasy rodeo. Pro Fantasy Rodeo players can log on to www.profantasyrodeo.com to sign up for information for the 2014 WNFR game and receive the preview magazine to aid in picking their team. Interested players can also click on the results tab to study the rodeo results as well as the winning PFR teams. For example, studying the results can help players estimate how much payout a winning team might total—a dollar amount that players need to estimate as a tie-breaker.

Pro Fantasy Rodeo is especially proud to have RFD-TV as a partner in the “Christmas in July” game and wishes to thank them for their support.