2024 PRORODEO Media Guide

PRCA BULLFIGHTERS, CLOWNS AND BARRELMEN

Bullfighters are rodeo athletes whose job is to protect bull riders after they dismount or are bucked off the bulls. Bullfighters move toward the bull immediately to distract it with sound, movement and sometimes touch, in order to direct its attention away from the cowboy and toward the exit gate. Bullfighters often throw their bodies between the bull and rider, and may take a hooking (a “punch” from the bull’s horns) so the bull rider doesn’t have to. Clowns are not responsible for cowboy protection; they are entertainers who keep the audience engaged during breaks in the rodeo. Many visit with audiences before the rodeo, and some perform public relations functions in local communities before and during the rodeo. Barrelmen work in both areas – they entertain the audience, often by interacting comically with the rodeo announcers, and they help with bull rider protection. The barrelman places his barrel where it may give the bull an alternate target after the bull ride. He may jump in and out of it as needed, or position it so the cowboy or bullfighters can use it as cover. All three categories of personnel are considered integral to rodeo and are part of every PRCA sanctioned rodeo. This list includes information on insured PRCA-member bullfighters, clowns and barrelmen as of March 17, 2023.

Travis “The Hitman” Adams Bullfighter NFR: alternate bullfighter, 2006. PRCA MEMBERSHIP : 1996. STYLE OF DRESS : shirts, baggies, loud shorts. VITALS : 5-10, 165 pounds. ACHIEVEMENTS : RAM Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo bullfighter, 2000-02; PRCA Bullfighter of the Year nominee, 2004-13. RESIDENCE: Gary, Texas. BORN : Oct. 29, 1971. FAMILY : wife, Leah; daughter, Emma. OTHER OCCUPATIONS: rodeo coach, Panola College (Carthage, Texas). ADDITIONAL INTEREST : fly fishing. Matt Akers Bullfighter PRCA MEMBERSHIP: 2019. RESIDENCE: Auburn, Wash. BORN : March 16, 1985. Evan Allard Bullfighter NFR: bullfighter, 2019. PRCA MEMBERSHIP: 2016. RESIDENCE: Vinita, Okla. BORN : April 1, 1989. PRCA MEMBERSHIP : 2004. ACHIEVEMENTS : RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, 2007; RAM Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo, 2006-07. RESIDENCE: Gillette, Wyo. BORN : Feb. 3, 1977. COLLEGE : Chadron (Neb.) State College, bachelor’s degree in physical education. ADDITIONAL INTERESTS : fishing, hunting, working out. Scot Allerdings Bullfighter, Barrelman, Clown

Austin Ashburn Bullfighter

PRCA MEMBERSHIP : 2022. ACHIEVEMENTS: 2022 Days of 56 Rodeo (Neb), 2022 - Jackson County Pro Rodeo (IA), Mid-Western Rodeo (WI), 2022 UP Championship Rodeo (MI), 2022- Wojo Rodeo Finals (MN), 2019-2021 Northstar Stampede (MN). Zach Arthur Bullfighter PRCA MEMBERSHIP: 2013. RESIDENCE: Liberty, Texas. BORN: Dec. 29, 1987. Hand Austin Bullfighter PRCA MEMBERSHIP: 2020. RESIDENCE: Bowden, Ga. BORN : April 20, 1993. Kaleb Barrett Bullfighter PRCA MEMBERSHIP : 2007. VITALS : 5-7, 160 pounds. ACHIEVEMENTS : RAM Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo, 2008-09; Home of Champions PRCA Rodeo (Red Lodge, Mont.); Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo (Mitchell, S.D.), Richland County Fair & PRCA Rodeo (Sidney, Mont.). STYLE OF DRESS : jersey and shorts. RESIDENCE: Lolo, Mont. BORN : Feb. 2, 1984. COLLEGE : University of Montana (Missoula). OTHER OCCUPATION : licensed practical nurse. ADDITIONAL INTERESTS : hunting, fishing, friends and family.

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BULLFIGHTERS, CLOWNS AND BARRELMEN