2018 PRCA Media Guide - Bullfighers and Barrelmen

2017 Wrangler NFR Personnel

Cody Webster – Bullfighter CodyWebster joined the PRCA in February 2011 and was selected by PRCA bull riders to work the sport’s“Super Bowl,” the National Finals Rodeo, less than two years later – a huge honor. And in 2017, he returned for his fifth consecutive appearance. “I used to watch the NFR in diapers, with my folks,”Webster said. “I’ve been dreaming about working it all my life, so it really was a dream come true. It was everything I thought it would feel like, but walking down that alley…you’ve got to times it by 100 to get close to what it really feels like. It’s very heart-touching.” Webster thinks that in 2013, at age 21, he was the youngest bullfighter ever to work the NFR.

“It was cool to go in there and show everybody what the young guys can do,” he said. “It was overwhelming with the first few bulls, but after that I just did what I’ve been doing all year – fighting bulls mentally correctly. With 18,000 people watching you, you don’t want to mess up.” Of course, that’s not the only unusual aspect of working that particular rodeo. Webster liked the arena size, as well. “Those aren’t the tightest quarters I’ve worked – I’ve worked some arenas that aren’t much bigger than a living room,” he said. “The (Thomas & Mack Center arena) is the perfect size, to me. It’s small enough that the situation won’t run away fromyou, which is good because those bulls are on their game.” And best of all, he got to work with good friends; he travels with Dusty Tuckness.

Cody Sosebee – Barrelman ” For rodeo clown Cody Sosebee, his first time working the barrel at the National Finals Rodeo in 2017 was energizing. With the sound system blasting and crowd roaring, Sosebee said his barrel was vibrating during performances. “The crowd is so loud on some of those arena record runs or high-point rides,” he said.“It was so loud that you’re past the point of hearing the announcers and it vibrated my barrel. That’s some cool stuff.” But outside the arena, it wasn’t all clowning around for the Arkansas native, as he prepared for his NFR debut.

“Out of the arena, I’m a common person,”Sosebee said.“They think you’ll step out of the truck, telling jokes and doing tricks, and they’re surprised that I want to get the soundcheck done first. There’s show time and then ‘me time’ – I can flip the switch.” Not long after each round, Sosebee was flipping his switch for the daily, early-morningmeetings at the Thomas &Mack Center to discuss acts and time slots with personnel involved in the rodeo’s production. “People don’t understand how there’s a lot of stuff going on during those two hours at the NFR,”he said. “Whatever they decide will fit, you try to come up with that and it’s fun and exciting.” Studying and researching may sound dull, but not when it involves drawing inspiration from comedians such as Will Ferrell, Jerry Clower, Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy. “Some people have to act funny and put on a show and pretend, but when you see the realism of a comedian, they are really laughing and joking and that’s what I try to parlay into my performance,” Sosebee said. “My secret weapon when coming up with jokes or acts is everyday life. I’m a glass half- full guy and try to see the positive in everything, but the daily mess ups are what’s funny to me and is what helps me so much.” Sosebee said he is still on a high after his NFR appearance. “I had somuch fun, I can’t describe it,” he said.“Everything was 10 times more than I thought it would be. It was 10 times more work, 10 times more fun, and 10 times more gratifying.”

BULLFIGHTERS, CLOWNS AND BARRELMEN

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2018 PRCA MEDIA GUIDE