PRORODEO Sports News - August 5, 2026
PRORODEO Sports News is an official Publication of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 5 AUGUST 2026
THE COWBOYS’ CHOICE SINCE 1952
The NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo ProRodeo Hall of Fame INDUCTS 2026 CLASS WORLD CHAMPION CANCER FREE Resistol Rookies TAKING PRORODEO BY STORM IN 2026
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 1
HOW THE WEST IS WORN
RYDER WRIGHT 2024 WORLD CHAMPION SADDLE BRONC RIDER
2 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE August 5, 2026
MANAGER’S MESSAGE P. 4 RESISTOL ROOKIES TAKING PRORODEO BY STORM IN 2026 BY TRACY RENCK PSN HQ MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA Tracy Renck MEDIA REPORTER Alex Dodd DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS MANAGER Lisa Cush 6 THE NFR OPEN AT THE PIKES PEAK OR BUST RODEO NFR Open winners include Kade Bruno, Cooper Cooke, Traver Johnson, Jake Smith/ Nicky Northcott, Haven Meged, and Gavin Knutson. BY ALEX DODD COVER STORY
CONTENTS
PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE
Wilderness Circuit crowned National Circuit Champions
Kade Bruno won the 2026 NFR Open with an 88.5-pt. ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Atomic Blonde. PRCA photo by Kay Miller
DEAN THOMPSON P. 15
HE SAID •SHE SAID P. 18 WHO KNOWS DAMIAN BRENNAN BEST?
THE COWBOYS’ CHOICE SINCE 1952 BRAXTON WHITESELL ON THE MOVE IN BULL RIDING BY KENSIE DARST-TODD 20 SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 5 AUGUST 2026 COWBOY GRILLE P. 27
BAREBACK RIDING WORLD CHAMPION CANCER FREE BY TED HARBIN
BY PRCA STAFF
HALL OF FAME
ON THE COVER Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo has been a Colorado Springs tradition since 1937 and it continues making history today as the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. Proceeds from the rodeo help support service mem bers and their families in the Pikes Peak Region. PRCA photo by Kay Miller The stars converged July 18 at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame as it opened its doors for the 2026 induction class. BY PRCA STAFF PRORODEO HALL OF FAME 2026 INDUCTION CLASS
Brigadier General Andrew Morgan, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, kicked off the 2026 NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. PRCA photo by Nicole Stevens
The NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo ProRodeo Hall of Fame INDUCTS 2026 CLASS WORLD CHAMPION CANCER FREE Resistol Rookies TAKING PRORODEO BY STORM IN 2026
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 1
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 3
MANAGER’S MESSAGE
Resistol Rookie bull riders taking PRORODEO by storm in 2026
W ith the summer run in full gear, there are countless stories developing in the world of PRORODEO. The one that makes the most sense to take a deeper dive into is bull riding. It is an event where Resistol Rookies are all the rage. Noah Lee, 18, is leading the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. He’s won a boatload of rodeos this season, including the lucrative Calgary Stam pede. His father Mike was the 2004 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Champion. Lee has proven time and time again this season that he’s a legitimate world championship contender. Nestled in the top with Lee is fellow Resistol Rookie Hayden Welsh, who is third in the world standings. Welsh shining in the spotlight with the best bull riders in PRORODEO is not surprising. Back in September of 2025, the Gillette, Wyo., cowboy – on his PRCA Permit – won the Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale in Pendleton, Ore. Welsh took first in the PRCA Permit standings with $147,137. That would have qualified him for the 2025 Wran gler National Finals Rodeo. This wasn’t a wasted opportunity based on what he’s done so far this season. If the Welsh name sounds familiar it should. Hayden’s father is Bobby Welsh. The elder Welsh qualified for the NFR seven times – 2005-2011. His best finish was third in the world standings in 2006 and 2008. He also
was fourth in 2009 and 2011. Bobby won six career rounds at the NFR. • 2005: (Round 4, 90-point ride on Sankey Rodeo’s Shock and Awe, and (Round 10, 89.5-point ride on Cervi & Guidry Rodeo’s Hot Damn) • 2006: (Round 9, 85-point ride on Cervi & Guidry Rodeo’s Multi-Chem Western Hauler) • 2008: (Round 1, 89.5-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s Reece’s Pieces) and (Round 4, 88-point ride on Corey & Horst Rodeo’s North Star) • 2009: (Round 4, 89.5-point ride on Silverado Rodeo’s Silent Image. Then, there’s Resistol Rookie John Crimber. He’s the 2026 PBR World Champion, who is seventh in the PRCA world standings. Crimber, 20, is trying to become the first bull rider to capture world championships in the PBR and PRCA in the same year. Like Hayden’s father, Crimber’s dad, Paulo Crimber, has ties to the NFR. Paulo qualified for the 2004 NFR and he won the average with 500.5 points on six head. He won Round 3 with a 93.5-point ride on Diamond G Rodeo’s Mr. Smokeless USA and Round 4 with a 92.5-ride on Burns Rodeo’s Black Sabbath; and Round 10 (89.5 points on Bad Company’s Smokeless Hammertime) and placed in three other rounds. There are also other Resistol Rook ies turning heads like bull rider Brax ton Whitesell is 13th in the standings. Rookies capturing PRCA World Championships are far from common. The only two cowboys to walk away as rookie bull riding world champi
ons are Bill Kornell (1963) and Sage Kimzey (2014). It’s also noteworthy that since 1959, there have only been nine cowboys who have won world championships in their rookie years. That list consists of steer wrestler Harry Charters (1959); bull rider Kornell (1963); tie-down roper Roy Cooper (1976); team roper Tee Wool man (1980); tie-down roper Joe Bea ver (1985); bull rider Kimzey (2014); all-around cowboy Stetson Wright (2019); tie-down roper Haven Meged (2019) and bareback rider Keenan Hayes (2023). One thing is for sure, when cow boys are squarely in the mix for world championships as Resistol Rookies it bodes well for the future of the sport. And when it comes to bull riding, don’t think for a second that reign ing world champion Stetson Wright is about to surrender his throne to a newcomer. This mixture of young and old should make this the best bull riding there has been in ages at the NFR Dec. 3-12 in Las Vegas.
TRACY RENCK MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA
4 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE August 5, 2026
Resistol Rookie bull riders, left to right, Noah Lee, Hayden Welsh and John Crimber are all squarely in the mix to compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. PRCA photo by Click Thompson
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 5
The NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo
The Wilderness Circuit finished as the top-earning circuit at the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, with contestants earning a combined $103,542 over the course of the seven performances. To top it off, Acumatica awarded an additional $15,000, to be split among the Wilderness Circuit contestants.
by Alex Dodd
KADE BRUNO WINS HIS THIRD CAREER NFR OPEN TITLE
M ake it a hat trick for saddle bronc rider Kade Bruno. Bruno is now a three-time national champion at the NFR Open. The Challis, Idaho, cowboy’s latest victory came at the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo presented by John Deere July 18.
Bruno had an electric 88.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics’ Atomic Blonde in the championship round at Norris Penrose Event Center. “I can’t say enough good things about this rodeo. The stars just seem to align for me here. It’s been cool,” said Bruno, 25. “This rodeo is awesome. They do such a good job. The crowd’s energetic, and it’s fun to come here.”
also thrilled to represent the Columbia River Circuit. He qualified for the NFR Open by winning the Boot Barn Columbia Circuit Finals Rodeo in Redmond, Ore. “This is the one rodeo that kind of breaks us up, and we get to com pete as a team,” Bruno said. “It’s fun getting to come here with your fellow circuit members and try to put your name on the board for the circuit.” Bruno was sitting third in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Stand ings with $165,611 and will now keep edging his way to the top. “The momentum swings can be big right now, and if a guy catches a little momentum now, you can ride it throughout the rest of the year,” Bruno said. “So, I just hope to keep things going well and keep having fun and doing my job. “I’m going to be going hard. I go to every rodeo I can, every opportunity to make money. And we’re just going to keep the pedal down.”
Bruno earned $13,000 for his ride in the championship round and left the Olympic City with a total of $16,000. Bruno also won the NFR Open in 2022 and 2023. “I actually just got on (Atom ic Blonde) in Reno (in June), and I was 87 (points) on him in the short round,” Bruno said. “She’s a little horse that tries so hard. She isn’t very big, but she gives you a chance to win every time. And tonight, I gave her a little more rein. I was kind of regretting it about the third jump. I was swimming in it, but I got sat back down, and that was just a nice horse.” Beyond winning anoth er national title, Bruno was
Kade Bruno hoists his third NFR Open championship buckle after his short-go win
on July 18 in Colorado Springs. PRCA photo by Nicole Stevens
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Post-rodeo festivities at the 2026 NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo featured presentation of the colors, the buckle ceremony and high-energy pyrotechnics. PRCA photo by Kay Miller
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COOPER COOKE BESTS LOADED FIELD AT NFR OPEN finishing fourth in the round for an average of 166 points on two head. In the championship round, Cooke knew everything was shaping up for a great night when he saw Mustard next to his name on the draw.
C ooper Cooke competed at the NFR Open in 2024 and failed to advance from pool competition. The two-time NFR qualifier from the Wilderness Circuit flipped the script this year. Not only did Cooke move on to the short round, but he won the champi onship go-round with an 87.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Mustard. His victory helped propel the Wilderness Circuit to the team championship. “It’s awesome,” Cooke told the PRORODEO Sports News. “I’ve shown up here one time before, and the outcome didn’t really happen as I expected. I think it was a learning and growing experience. I came back this year and had my head on straight, knew exactly what I wanted to do and it happened.” Cooke opened Pool C with an 85-point ride on Hi Lo Pro Rodeo’s Desert Inn and a second-place finish in Round 1. He clinched his spot in the short round with an 81-point trip on Powder River Rodeo’s Shady Deal,
Cooper Cooke matches Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Mustard for an 87.5-point trip in the championship round of the NFR Open July 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. PRCA photo by Nicole Stevens
“Wade Sankey raises a bunch of great bucking horses,” Cooke said. “That one I’m fortunate to have been on before, and I had a little game plan coming into this. I knew what she was and she went out there and did exactly what I thought. She had some big air and was strong in the front end... It worked out.” Cooke’s $13,000 payday on the final night of action and $3,000 in pool action helped the Wilder ness Circuit win the team title with $103,542 earned across the event. Competitors from the circuit were rewarded with a $15,000 bonus cour tesy of Acumatica. Cooke’s victory also scored him a Polaris Ranger and an automatic bid to the Wild Card Round of the Cinch Playoffs at the Puyallup (Wash.) Ro deo in September.
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TRAVER JOHNSON EARNS SEASON-DEFINING WIN AT NFR OPEN
T raver Johnson needed a boost at the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo presented by John Deere. The 22-year-old steer wrestler from Eltopia, Wash., sat outside the Top 25 of the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings with a significant amount of ground to make up to get inside the coveted Top 15 by season’s end on Sept. 30. Johnson found his groove in Colo rado Springs, Colo., with a 3.7-second run to win the championship round, cash a $13,000 paycheck and receive an automatic bid to the Wild Card Round of the Cinch Playoffs at the Puyallup (Wash.) Rodeo, Sept. 10-13. “That’s huge, especially with where I am right now in the standings, to get in there at the end of the year,” Johnson told the PRORODEO Sports News. “Puyallup is a big deal for me to maybe be able to get into the NFR.” Johnson advanced to the short round out of Pool B with an 8.9-sec
ond average time on two head. He completed a 5.0-second run in Round 1 to place second and earn $2,250, and a 3.9-second run to win Round 2 and add $3,000 to his ledger. “My mindset was to get out of the barrier on the first two and get into the finals,” Johnson recalled. “I drew a really good (calf) tonight. I had Jaden Whitman on the hazing side, and he stayed an extra day just to haze for me, and I really appreciated it a lot. I just had to get out of the barrier and make a good run on the final one.” As of July 22, Johnson bumped up to 24th in the standings and hopes the win at Norris Penrose Event Center gets him rolling before he takes advantage of his opportunity to qualify for the Cinch Playoffs Gover nor’s Cup in Sioux Falls at the Cinch Playoffs Wild Card Round at the Puyallup Rodeo.
Steer wrestler Traver Johnson clocks a 3.7-second run to win his first circuit national championship on July 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. PRCA photo by Nicole Stevens
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 9
TEAM ROPERS JAKE SMITH/NICKY NORTHCOTT TOP FIELD IN COLORADO SPRINGS themselves matched up at the NFR Open and won the championship round with a 4.3-second run. “We’ve roped a lot before. I’ve
T eam roping header Jake Smith and heeler Nicky Northcott don’t typically pair up during the regular season. But the duo worked well to gether at the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo presented by John Deere. Smith, the No. 2 header in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Stand ings, has roped with Douglas Rich all season. And Northcott, the No. 5 heeler, has teamed up with Tyler Tryan throughout the year. But Smith and Northcott found
placed third in the first round with a 5.5-second run to net $1,500 each, and third in Round 2 with a 6.0-sec ond run to add another $1,500. Smith was all smiles after edging out Garrett Tonozzi/Trey Yates’ 4.6-second run in the finals. “Man, it’s great. This is a great ro deo,” said Smith, a two-time Wran gler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “The fans and payout are amazing. It’s always nice to do good any time. We’re excited.” The win at the NFR Open helped
roped with him as a second partner,” Northcott said. “I’ve hung out with him and known him since I was a lit tle kid and he came to my house one time. We’ve been around each other enough, and it seems to work.” Smith/Northcott qualified for the short round as the third-place finisher in Pool B with an 11.5-sec ond average time on two head. They
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Team ropers Jake Smith (right) and Nicky Northcott clock a 4.3-second run to secure a circuit national championship on July 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. PRCA photo by Kay Miller
both cowboys continue their charge for a first PRCA World Champion ship. “I’m just happy to be here with Jake,” said Northcott, who is aiming to make his NFR debut in 2026. “I had fun, and the payout is amazing here. I’m happy to win it.”
Team ropers Jake Smith and Nicky Northcott speak with Jay Dial after receiving their NFR Open championship buckles on July 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. PRCA photo by Nicole Stevens
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 11
Haven Meged clocks an 8.3-second run in the short round to win the NFR Open July 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. PRCA photo by Kay Miller
HAVEN MEGED NABS FIRST CIRCUIT NATIONAL TITLE SINCE 2019 win bolstered his season and pushed him into position to qualify for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. At the 2019 NFR, Meged placed in five rounds, won the average, nabbed the Resistol Rookie of the Year honor in tie-down roping and finished the season as a world champion. He
A pair of PRCA World Champions stole the show in the tie-down rop ing during the championship round of the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo presented by John Deere Saturday night. Shad Mayfield, the 2020 gold buckle winner in tie-down and 2024 all-around champion, set the stage in the winner-take-all short round. After advancing out of Pool B, the Texas Circuit cowboy upped the ante in the last go-round with an 8.9-sec ond run to move to the top of the leaderboard. But Montana’s Haven Meged, the 2019 tie-down roping champion, wouldn’t be outdone. He responded a few outs later with an 8.3-second run to win his first circuit finals national championship since he topped the field at the 2019 National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla. “When somebody goes out and blasts in front of you, it makes you want to do better and gets your adren aline going,” Meged told the PRORO DEO Sports News after the perfor mance. “I’m glad he (Mayfield) went fast so I had something to go at.” Meged’s last national circuit finals win came in the midst of his sensa tional Resistol Rookie campaign. The
automatic bid to the Wild Card Round of the Cinch Playoffs at the Puyallup (Wash.) Rodeo, Sept. 10-13. “It’s always great to get a big win here,” Meged said.
hopes this win at the NFR Open leads to similar success down the stretch. “It feels great,” Meged said. “The last time I won this was 2019, and it catapulted me into my first NFR. I’ve been trying (to win this title again) ever since, and it’s great to finally get it done again.” Meged is on a roll. As of Aug. 5, he sat fourth in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings in tie-down roping with $121,944. Meged qualified for the NFR Open out of the Montana Circuit. He reached the short round out of Pool C by tying for third in Round 1 with a 9.4-second run and finishing third in Round 2 with a 9.6-second run. He advanced out of the pool with the second-best average time in his group at 19.0 seconds on two head. He earned $2,625 for his efforts in pool competition. His event win in the finals earned him an additional $13,000, a Polaris Ranger and an
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GAVIN KNUTSON OVERCOMES INJURIES, EARNS NFR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
A fter his final ride in Pool A, Gavin Knutson’s status for the champi onship round of the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo presented by John Deere hung in the balance. The 22-year-old bull rider, still on his PRCA Permit, won his pool, but when he got off at the end of his second trip, he got stepped on and needed assistance getting out of the arena. Knutson returned for the short round and won the event with an 87-point ride on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Duel Citizen to finish as one of three qualified riders in the short round and earn the biggest win of his young career. “This is unbelievable. This is some thing that I’ve worked toward for a long time,” Knutson said. “To be able
to win my circuit finals and come here and compete with all of the big dogs was a lot of fun. I’m truly blessed to come out on top, and I’m extremely thankful.” Knutson opened his trip to Colo rado Springs, Colo., with a 79-point ride on Hi Lo Pro Rodeo’s Matthew to place third in Round 1 and pick up $1,750. In Round 2, he matched Brookman Rodeo’s Splitting tens to win the round, earn $3,000 and advance as the leader in his pool – over Resistol Rookie phenom Hayden Welsh – at 166.5 points on two head. Despite the difficult week on his body, Knutson said he was glad he stuck it out and stayed in town for the championship round. “Absolutely, it’s a big relief,” Knut son said.
Bull rider Gavin Knutson sticks on Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Duel Citizen for an 87-point ride to win the NFR Open July 18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. PRCA photo by Nicole Stevens
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PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion DEAN THOMPSON CANCER FREE
Bareback rider Dean Thompson reacts after getting his back number at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. PRCA photo by Lara St. Jacques
CANCER FREE By Ted Harbin, Special to PRORODEO Sports News
O n the week he rang the bell at a cancer center in Salt Lake City, Dean Thompson entered a rodeo – the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston, Ore., where he is sched uled to compete on Aug. 15. Though doctors indicated there’s still a 10 percent chance his Burkitt’s Lymphoma could return, Thompson rang the bell Thursday, July 16, to tell all he is now cancer free. It’s been a battle that began with his diagnosis in early April, included many stays in Salt Lake City and featured drives back to the Altamont, Utah, home he
shares with his wife, Chezney. “It’s crazy to think about the stuff you take for granted that you miss,” said Thompson, the 2024 PRCA World Champion Bareback Rider and three-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “It’s incredible the attitude I have every time I get nervous about something that I didn’t expect to be nervous about. Like, just the other day, I was going to go to this roping pretty much in my backyard, and I was kind of nervous. I mean, I haven’t roped for a long time. “Then you reflect on it, and it’s like,
holy cow, I’ve got another shot at life, then all that nervousness goes away.” It’s that shot he has craved for three months. Gallons of poison have filled his bloodstream in the form of medicine. Chemotherapy is a neces sary evil, and it did its job in ridding his body of the disease. That’s why he rang the bell. “A lot of times people will wait for a couple of years because there’s a chance it will come back in that time,” Thompson said. “Luckily the cancer I have, it’s a very low chance. From the very beginning, they said that this is
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 15
PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion DEAN THOMPSON CANCER FREE
not a cancer you live with. This is a cancer that you cure, or you die from, because it’s just super aggressive, so you have to cure it.” While it’s just the way he’s lived his life since that April day when doctors told him about it, Burkitt’s Lympho ma is a cancer he HAD. “As of right now, zero results showed up on my PET scan, so there’s less than a 10-percent chance that it will return,” he said. “Usually with people who have this cancer, once they are cured, it never comes back. To hear that it’s a 90-percent chance that you’re on your way, that’s incred ible in cancer terms.” It’s been a wild ride for the 24-year old cowboy. He earned his first NFR qualification in 2023, then played his cards just right the next December in Las Vegas to take home the PRCA World Championship. He returned again this past December, and his season was unfolding nicely when he was in a bareback riding wreck at the Cave Creek (Ariz.) Rodeo Days. That hang-up may have saved his life. He stopped by the hospital in Park City, Utah, and underwent some tests. Scans revealed a mass in his neck, and a new game was on. “There’s no way you can do all that by yourself,” Thompson said. “I’m so lucky because I had my wife, and she was basically like my babysitter. She really took care of me. What it all came down to is as soon as I got my diagnosis and we knew what the cancer was and what it was all about,
I was like, ‘I’m going to beat this,’ and she was right there with me.” It wasn’t easy. The drugs took his energy and tested hers. Fatigue set in, but they continued the grind together. Friends and loved ones helped. His parents, Chris and Kristie, watched the youngest of three sons go through the fight of his life. Emotions ranged
from day to day. For the longest time, that PRO RODEO gold buckle was Thompson’s
motivator. The bell then took its place. “All sorts of peo ple have terrible things happen to them that they didn’t ask for,” Thompson said.
“Now, you’ve just gotta get through it.”
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August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 17
HE SAID • SHE SAID Who knows three-time Wrangler NFR saddle bronc riding qualifier DAMIAN BRENNAN better? His wife, JESSIE BRENNAN , or his traveling partner, two-time Wrangler NFR saddle bronc riding qualifier BRODY WELLS ?
Brody Wells
Damian Brennan
Jessie Brennan
What is his favorite BRONC TO RIDE? All or Nothing Who is his favorite RODEO ATHLETE? Himself What is his go-to SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM? TikTok What is his GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? “Mockingbird” by Eminem What is his DREAM VACATION SPOT? The beach If he could meet any celebrity, WHO WOULD IT BE? Margot Robbie WHO WEARS THE PANTS in the relationship? Damian What is his favorite TYPE OF FOOD? Steak IF HE COULD BE IN ANY MOVIE, which one would it be? “Top Gun” Besides the NFR, which RODEO WOULD HE LIKE TO WIN? Calgary What is his favorite NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE? Coffee
What is your favorite BRONC TO RIDE? All or Nothing Who is your favorite RODEO ATHLETE? Myself What is your go-to SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM? Instagram What is your GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? “Tequila” by The Champs What is your DREAM VACATION SPOT? The beach If you could meet any celebrity, WHO WOULD IT BE? Margot Robbie WHO WEARS THE PANTS in the relationship between you & Jessie? Me What is your favorite TYPE OF FOOD? Steak IF YOU COULD BE IN ANY MOVIE, which one would it be? 8 Seconds Besides the NFR, which RODEO WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN? Calgary What is your favorite NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE? Coffee
What is his favorite BRONC TO RIDE? All or Nothing Who is his favorite RODEO ATHLETE? Trevor Brazile What is his go-to SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM? Instagram What is his GO-TO KARAOKE SONG? “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield What is his DREAM VACATION SPOT? The beach If he could meet any celebrity, WHO WOULD IT BE? Margot Robbie WHO WEARS THE PANTS in the relationship? Me What is his favorite TYPE OF FOOD? Steak IF HE COULD BE IN ANY MOVIE, which one would it be? 8 Seconds Besides the NFR, which RODEO WOULD HE LIKE TO WIN? Calgary What is his favorite NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE? Coffee
BRODY’S ANSWERS
JESSIE’S ANSWERS
DAMIAN’S ANSWERS
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THE STARS CONVERGED JULY 18, AT THE PRORODEO HALL OF FAME AS IT OPENED ITS DOORS FOR THE 2026 INDUCTION CLASS. ProRodeo Hall of Fame 2026 Induction Class
PRCA Staff
Western lifestyle media mogul Jeff Medders, and a pair of PRCA World Champions – late steer wrestler Butch Myers (1980) and bull rider Jerome Davis (1995) – headlined a banner 2026 ProRodeo Hall of Fame class of inductees. The trio was joined by Keith Isley, a legendary bull fighter and rodeo clown; stock contractor Ike Sankey; notable, tie-down roper Bobby Goodspeed, a 12-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier (1959, 1962, 1963, 1967-71, 1974-77); Beutler & Son Rodeo’s star bare back/saddle bronc horse Killer Bee; San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo; and WPRA World Champion barrel
racers Loretta Manuel (1963 and 1967) and Mary Burg er (2006 and 2016). Troy Weekley was honored with the 2026 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award on July 17 as part of the Hall of Fame festivities. The award recognizes those who have provided groundbreaking, innovative ideas and forward thinking that help the development, advance ment, and success of the PRCA and or the Hall of Fame and their missions. Weekley has been a longtime stock contractor and influential voice for rodeo in the south east. Here’s what the inductees had to say:
“I love rodeo. Everybody asks, ‘What are rodeo cowboys like?’ And I say, ‘They’re the toughest athletes in the world.” “They’re so tough. They get beat up and they’re not making millions. Then they get back in the truck and drive five hours to do it all over again. They’re so welcoming.” JEFF MEDDERS
“My dad, he loved this sport. He loved all of you guys,” Butch Myers’ son Rope said. “He loved watching all of the events. He competed in nearly all the events. He competed in everything but saddle bronc riding. The thing he loved most was teaching it. That was the legacy he wanted to leave. And it’s nice then to have something like the Hall of Fame come along behind and recognize that legacy and kind of put a stamp that says, ‘Hey, you did leave a legacy.’” ROPE MYERS, ABOUT HIS LATE FATHER, BUTCH
BUTCH MYERS
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“Living back in North Carolina, it was tough to PRORODEO. We had a lot of good cowboys and a lot of rodeos, but there weren’t a lot of PRORODEOs back there. “Every time I left the house we had to go a long way. But I felt at home at the PRORODEOs and it’s where I always wanted to be, it’s where all my heroes were. To be inducted with some of those guys, is unreal to me.” JEROME DAVIS
“This is unreal. I continue to go back to the day when I was working junior rodeos back home, thinking that someday you’ll get the big stuff like Cheyenne, Pendleton and Calgary. This is just overwhelming. It’s unbelievable, really.” KEITH ISLEY
“Rodeo is how I’ve made a living, that and trading my whole life, and the PRCA has been special from the beginning. I’m very honored to be in this Hall of Fame class. My mom and dad were very supportive. My brother Lyle is here, and he made a lot of excuses for me. I’ve got to thank Harry Vold for making the biggest mistake he probably ever made, selling me a horse named Custer. He’s probably the reason we were successful.” IKE SANKEY
“I’m not very good at speeches but I’m proud to be here. I don’t know how all of this happened but thank you. Thanks to my dad and thank you to rodeo.” BOBBY GOODSPEED
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“She was the best horse I ever had, by far. We bottle-raised her after her mother died. She never got gentle, but she would let you follow her around and she was one-of-a-kind.” BENNIE BEUTLER ON KILLER BEE
“I just want to say that
it’s just an incredible honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for the San Angelo Stock
Show & Rodeo.
What a great day. This is definitely a rodeo town. Our rodeo and our stock show is the biggest event for San Angelo. It’s the biggest economic impact event for the city of San Angelo, and the whole town just supports this rodeo.” JUSTIN JONAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SAN ANGELO RODEO
“This (being inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame) is just the top of the line. Everybody says this is the most prestigious (honor) you can get in PRORODEO, and my response is ‘Yes, it is, I know.’ I just don’t know how I got here, but I do know it is something else.” MARY BURGER
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 23
“This is kind of hard to believe. It has been a long time since all of it happened. You kind of accept whatever goes on, but then when they let me know it was like thinking about it all over again and it really means a lot. I really spent a lot of time rodeoing, and this ended up as my climax for what I set out to do.” LORETTA MANUEL
“This (being recognized by the ProRodeo Hall of Fame as the Ken Stemler Pioneer Award recipient) means a lot to me and my family. This is a great honor for us to get this, and we appreciate being able to get to be in the Hall of Fame. I never imagined something like this would happen to me, being from Davie, Fla., this is a great privilege.” TROY WEEKLEY
ProRodeo Hall of Fame Class of 2026 PRCA photo by Lexi Christopher
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August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 25
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26 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE August 5, 2026
WITH KENSIE DARST-TODD COWBOY GRILLE
B raxton Whitesell, 19, of Walker, La., has made an early impact during his 2026 campaign, climbing to No. 13 in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings in bull riding. Whitesell opened the year with an 85.5-point ride on Hi Lo ProRodeo’s Little Hat to win Rodeo Columbus in Columbus, Ga., earning $2,554. He added another title at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Rookie Rally, where an 85-point ride on Rafter G Rodeo’s Jelly Roll earned him a $4,700 payday. With $116,973 in season earnings, Whitesell currently ranks No. 4 in the Resistol Rookie Bull Riding Standings, as he strives to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. What do you hope to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Really, just learning the ropes on how to enter and going to a lot of new places. Who’s someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? I like hunting turkey and fishing and stuff like that. What’s your favorite holiday? Christmas.
How’d you get your start in rodeo? I was probably 8 years old when I started riding calves. I had a little church deal with my brother, and I had a little mighty bucky out there. We wore it out, and my mom finally told my dad we either gotta help him or they’re gonna do it on their own. So, I guess you could say that’s how I got my start. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? I always could ride pretty good, but I never was really elite. It was probably my permit year when I won a good bit of money and made the (Southeastern) Circuit Finals when I realized I could do it. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? I’ve always had a love for bull riding. I really can’t explain why. I did every event, and bull riding was always my favorite. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? I roped calves, team roped, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding. I’ve tried them all for sure. But I’ve just entered bull riding, and bronc riding. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card this season? I realized that I could do it. It was a challenge for me that I didn’t have enough money to make the Finals, and all my buddies were at the NFR in Las Vegas, so I figured I’d go on and buy my card and make it with them.
What type of music do you like listening to? Country music with Chris LeDoux, or Christian music.
Sage Kimzey and Stetson Wright. I mean, they don’t have that many gold buckles for no reason. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? The Daddy of ‘em All, (Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days) What’s your favorite movie or TV show? Right now, I’m watching Friday Night Lights, so I’m gonna have to pick that one. What’s your go-to restaurant before or after a rodeo?
After a rodeo, it’s going to always be Waffle House. I must have the All-Star Special. What’s the first vehicle you drove? It was an old, ragged out 7.3 Ford stick shift, and I stalled out at a lot of red lights. Do you have a favorite candy? We’ve been up north, and we’ve been going to a bunch of Mavericks, so it’s gotta be a PB&J Uncrustable.
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Hayden Welsh celebrates in the dirt after his win at the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls on July 21. PRCA photo by Hailey Hurst
WYOMING’S OWN HAYDEN WELSH WINS CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS XTREME BULLS By Alex Dodd
H ayden Welsh didn’t know exactly what he said when he climbed up on the fence and yelled toward the crowd after his winning ride at Frontier Park July 21. But he knows it was about Wyo ming. The Resistol Rookie sensation from Gillette, Wyo., certainly gave a packed grandstand of hometown fans what it wanted during the Cheyenne Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls – part of the Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls Series – on July 21.
Welsh entered the final night of competition as the leader, but a stacked field put the pressure on him as the second night wore on. John Crimber, the defending Pro fessional Bull Riding (PBR) cham pion, posted a stout 183.5 points on two head. Then, Qynn Andersen, the defending Cheyenne Frontier Days bull riding champ, raised the bar to 184.5 points. But Welsh was waiting, and he knew what he needed to get to the top
– a 91-point ride. The Cowboy State product respond ed by matching Dakota Rodeo’s Bad lands for a 92-point trip, winning the two-head average with 185.5 points and cashing in with a massive payday of $26,660. “When that bar keeps going up, you just have to eat that pressure like a piece of candy. And luckily I like Snickers bars,” Welsh told the PRO RODEO Sports News. “I was really re lying on the Holy Spirit and the Lord
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 29
Hayden Welsh matches Dakota Rodeo’s Badlands for a 92-point ride to finish second in Round 2 and win the average at Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls on July 21. PRCA photo by Hailey Hurst mediately tossed his helmet and sprinted to the edge of the arena closest to the grandstand. He received a hero’s welcome as the crowd roared back at one of their own. “I don’t even know,” Welsh said when asked what he said. “I was just pumped up. Wyoming, here we come, baby. Come on.” Welsh entered the event sitting fourth in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. The win on Tuesday night will provide a nice boost as he hopes to become the first Resistol Rookie bull rider to win a gold buckle since Sage Kimzey accomplished the feat in 2014. “This is a dream come true. I can’t even explain it to you,” Welsh said of winning during the Daddy of ’em All. “I won (the Pendleton Whisky) Xtreme Bulls Finale (last September), and I love this one just as much.”
to take over. I always say with Jesus we have the victory because he’s already won with the shedding of his blood. “So at the end of the day, the victory is already won. I said let’s go out and have some fun, and that’s all I was focused on tonight. And man, what a bull riding.” Welsh finished the opening night as the leader with a 93.5-point ride on United Pro Rodeo’s Buck Cancer. But Andersen and Noah Lee only trailed him by a point-and-a half, and Crimber sat in third with a 91.5-point trip. In the second round, the final section brought the energy in Frontier Park to a fever pitch as bull riders continued to one-up each other with each out. Welsh was well aware of what was happening in front of him as he got ready to climb in the chute. “It just lights you up,” Welsh said of hearing the scores blare out in the arena. “They were 91, 92, 92.5. It was a bull riding. You had to come a-clacking tonight.” When Welsh completed his trip on Badlands, he im
30 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE August 5, 2026
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Cullen Telfer put together 172 points on two head to win the California Rodeo Salinas “Big Week Bull Riding,” a PRCA Xtreme Bulls event on the Rank 45 Tour on July 15. PRCA photo by Ryan Jae
CULLEN TELFER CAPTURES VICTORY AT CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS “BIG WEEK BULL RIDING” XBULLS
By Kensie Darst-Todd
C ullen Telfer has grown to have a liking for the Califor nia Rodeo Salinas “Big Week Bull Riding” XBulls. For good reason. The Pant City, Fla., cowboy has claimed victory at the event twice in 2023 and 2026. His latest triumph came on July 15. Telfer put together 172 points on two head to win the California Rodeo Salinas “Big Week Bull Riding,” a PRCA Xtreme Bulls event on the Rank 45 Tour. The victory was worth $18,565 and provided another boost to his season as he continues his climb in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. Following his victory, he moved up one spot to No. 12, match ing his position in the Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls standings. Telfer has made one career appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in 2023, finishing 15th in the world stand ings with $138,245. Telfer was consistent across both rounds. He finished with an 83.5-point ride aboard Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Uncorked to split sixth in round one. He clinched the Xbulls win with a stout 88.5-point ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Chucks Boy in the finals.
Cullen Telfer
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 33
CULLEN TELFER CONTINUED
Chucks Boy, a Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bull, was an ide al match up for Telfer in a field filled with many of PRCA’s top bull riders. “This is a blessing,” Telfer said to Cowboy Channel. “This is actually my second time winning this event. Salinas has treated me really well over the past few years, and I’m thankful to be here.” In 2023, Telfer split the win at the California Rodeo Salinas “Big Week Bull Riding” XBulls with an 87-point ride on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Stand By Me. He shared the championship with Denton Fugate. The California Rodeo Salinas “Big Week Bull Riding” has become one of the premier standalone bull riding events on the PRORODEO schedule, drawing a packed crowd before the start of the California Rodeo Salinas. An estimated crowd of 15,000 spectators greeted the riders in Salinas. “This is awesome,” Telfer said. “It’s one of the reasons we all look forward to coming to Salinas. A great crowd. Pretty good weather can be a little chilly sometimes, but, yeah, great bulls. Great event. Yeah, just beyond thankful.”
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ZEKE THURSTON WINS FOURTH HARDGRASS BRONC MATCH TITLE Z eke Thurston is no stranger to big moments, especially at the Hardgrass Bronc Match. The four-time PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding World By Alex Dodd
Champion entered the short round in Pollockville, Alberta, Canada, July 25 as the leader. Still, a pair of fellow Canadi ans, Kolby Wanchuck and Dawson Dahm, set the bar high at 177.5 points on two head. Thurston had an ace up his sleeve, though. As the winner of the long round, Thurston got first choice of his bucking horse in the finals and selected Calgary Stampede’s Agent Lynx. The Canadian sensation showed out in his home province with an 89.5-point ride on Agent Lynx – a horse better known for its prowess in bareback riding – to secure the average win at 179 points on two head and a massive payday at the Rank 45 Xtreme Broncs Series event. “You’d have to drive the tires off a lot of trucks to find a bronc match that’s better than this one,” Thurston said on the dirt after receiving his check. “To have the success here that I’ve had is amaz ing.” The victory in Pollockville marked Thurston’s fourth Hardgrass Bronc Match championship. Dahm set the standard in the finals with a 90-point ride. Wanchuck responded on the next out with another 90-point ride on Calgary Stam pede’s Frontier Acres.
The duo shared the top of the leaderboard be fore Thurston clinched the win on Agent Lynx. The Big Valley, Alberta cowboy entered the event No. 10 in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. The more than $20,000 payday for the event victory has him poised to surge up the standings. During the day’s festivities, Thurston’s young son, Hardy, also got in on the action and rode a pony in the arena. “That’s what it’s all about,” Thurston said. “It’s a family sport, and we let the kids partake. Getting to watch Hardy buck his pony, there’s nothing better.
Zeke Thurston points at the crowd after his opening round 89.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Crakin the Till at the Hardgrass Bronc Match July 25 in
Pollockville, Alberta, Canada. PRCA photo by Billie-Jean Duff
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 37
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38 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE August 5, 2026
PRORODEO COWBOYS SHARE FAVORITE RODEO MEMORIES In honor of the 90th anniversary of PRORODEO, the PRORODEO Sports News spoke to multiple cowboys on the road and asked them to share their favorite memories – both new and old – of the Western sport. These memories will be shared in the print editions of the PRORODEO Sports News every month leading up to the official anniversary of the PRCA in October.
“The Saturday of the 10th round of the NFR in 2019. I knew going into that whole day that it was going to be between three guys to have a shot to win the world title, and it was going to be the fastest man wins. Everybody was about the same. The average balanced out to where whoever won the best in that round was going to win it. I had to go first, but I knew we all had an equal chance. Up to that point, it was the best chance I’d ever have to win a world title. “I just remember it being a pretty special day. Getting ready for it all day
“It happens almost every year when you’re driving all night on the Fourth of July, just hauling to another rodeo, and you’re watching fireworks in every town as you go through them. You really feel free at that point, and that’s why it’s got to be my favorite memory of PRORODEO.” T.J. GRAY, TWO-TIME NFR QUALIFIER AND THE 2025 NFR AVERAGE CHAMPION FROM DAIRY, ORE. “I don’t know if it’s the coolest one, but the one that sticks in my mind the most is when the flag horse ran into my head horse at Reno (in 2018) and almost knocked me off my horse. That’s probably the one that sticks with me the most. He knocked the air out of me.” TANNER GREEN, TIE-DOWN ROPER
WESLEY THORP
T.J. GRAY
long, you’re anticipating the fact that it’s coming, you’ve got a shot at the gold buckle and you’re one steer away from it. I just remember that whole day being really special, from eating lunch to walking around town with the family to warming up before the rodeo that night to knowing what steer we drew to riding in the tunnel. “It’s all a special memory to me. We ended up drawing a good steer, made a good run, first out and ended up being the fastest one of the three to win the gold memory. It’s a very special memory for me.” WESLEY THORP, THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION AND 10-TIME NFR QUALIFIER FROM STEPHENVILLE, TEXAS
“Getting on my first bull at my first NFR in 2021 and taking the re ride, and then I ended up winning the round. I got the monkey off my back and got a round win and all within my rookie year. It was really fun.” CREEK YOUNG, FOUR-TIME NFR QUALIFIER FROM ROGERSVILLE, MO.
TANNER GREEN
CREEK YOUNG
August 5, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 39
COWBOY CLASSIFIEDS
a 3-acre ranch in Cool, CA. 6 miles SE of Auburn awaits you! 2 small lovely pastures, paddock corral with adjacent studio apt. for your cowboy. Feed store, trail riding, plus amenities for your human just down the road. Cost negotiable. Barter OK. Contact Cat@cathcrespo2@aol.com PHOTOGRAPHERS PRCA RODEO PHOTOGRAPHER For Hire. Located in Ogden, Utah. Willing to travel. John Pyle Photography. www.johnpylephotos.com. 805.895.6726 COWBOYS AND RODEOS Available on Amazon. com. The stunningly beautiful and vibrant photography in “Cowboys and Rodeos” showcases the allure and romance of cowboys, horses, and the wild west while also portraying the grit, power, and gravity-defying action of rodeos, both in small venues and professional arenas. Brerdog Photography. Alyn Robert Brereton. www.brerdog. com. 209.480.4344 PRO RODEO IMAGES AND COWBOY LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY . 20 years experience. joe@joeduty. com. https://joeduty.com. 817-999-3141 RODEO SCHOOLS GARY LEFFEW BULL RIDING SCHOOLS Sage Kimzey is our 13th world champion and counting. For dates, locations and info visit hotmanrodeogear. org. For enrollment, email hotmanrodeogear@gmail. com. For California Boot Camps, email Bullgurus@ yahoo.com. 805.929.4286; cell 805.878.6948. PRCA CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO CAMPS Interested in bareback, saddle bronc or bull riding? The PRCA hosts FREE roughstock rodeo day camps across the country. To learn more, visit prorodeo.com youthrodeo.aspx. SANKEY RODEO SCHOOLS See why there’s a difference! Sessions year-round and across the nation. Contact us for dates/locations nearest you – BB, SB, BR, Jr. BR, steer riding, calf riding and clown/bullfighting – www.sankeyrodeo.com, 417.263.7777. CODY CUSTER RODEO SCHOOL , 1992 World Champion Bull Rider. Classes all across the country. Call Cody 580.729.1962 CLOWNS & SPECIALTY ACTS KYLE BODE , 2x PRCA Columbia River Circuit Finals Barrelman. Kyle is an experienced Rodeo Clown who knows how to make each rodeo run smoothly. He provides high energy modern entertainment that keeps the crowd engaged and excited throughout the entire rodeo. With his comedic timing and professional skills, Kyle is sure to make your next rodeo a success. Call 509.237.3371; Email: kylebode03@outlook.com; Instagram: @kyle_bode_ ; Facebook: Kyle Bode- Professional Rodeo Clown/ Entertainer; www.kylebode.net TRENT MCFARLAND Southeastern Circuit 2016 Clown of the Year. With one of the largest selection
of premier acts in the PRCA. 4 Car acts, 2 Animal Acts, along with Trick Roping, Sharp Shooting, and many more. Go to TrentMcFarland.com or call 334.558.3809 DALTON MORRIS is a Trick Roper, Barrelman and Rodeo Clown: a 3rd generation entertainer and rodeo is in his blood. Has performed in almost all 50 states, Canada, for royalty in the Middle East, the Wilderness Circuit Finals & the American Rodeo Qualifiers. Facebook: Dalton Morris Entertainer. DaltonMorris.com. Instagram: @DiscoDalton. TikTok: @DiscoDalton. YouTube: Dalton Morris. 816.739.9615 THE COPPERTOWN CLOWN Bert Davis: Clown, Barrelman, Specialty Act, and a Variety Dog Act Show. 50 years of PRORODEO. 5X “Top 5” Comedy Act of the Year, including a Finalist in 2022, 3X Featured NFR Performer, 8X Showcase Champi on, America’s Got Talent, and Featured Act with 2 International Circus Companies. The Best Dog Acts in Rodeo! Davis’ Muttley Crew, Trash Can Kitty, Garbage Man Nightmare, the “Four Up” (4 dogs running Barrels together), Dual Barrel Racing League (Beast vs. Human), Balloon Darci & more! Hire the Living Legend quickly before we are gone! Cell 209-996-3613, coppertownclown@yahoo.com, msg. 209-785-3554, www.coppertownclown.com, Facebook Bert Davis “The Coppertown Clown” or Davis’ Muttley Crew. GIZMO MCCRACKEN 2017 PRCA Comedy Act of the Year. Featured at NFR - 15x Circuit Finals - 2x Cheyenne. Bucking Ambulance, Sir-rinkin Machine & other acts & characters. Walk & talk at its best. Clean, fresh comedy. www.gizmomccracken.com or 417.466.6857 RAZZ, THE ROAMING HILLBILLY One-of-a-kind, crowd pleasing, PRORODEO Musical Entertainer, STROLLING Rodeo Grounds, singing songs with acoustic guitar. As folks buy food, booze, merch, I’m hootin’ & hollerin’ adding a NEW KIND OF ENTERTAINMENT to your Rodeo to the delight of fans of all ages! Heading into “BIG 10TH ANNIVERSARY” Rodeo Road Tour 2026, seeking BEST RODEOS across USA to include in 2026 Tour. I ROAM America in my Hillbilly Truck Camper entertaining & sharing Hillbilly Adventures on YouTube. To see a video of me in action, visit theroaminghillbilly.com and contact me at theroaminghillbilly@gmail.com or 650.804.1023 to add my Hillbilly musical fun to your 2026 Rodeo. SOPHIE DUCH Roman Riding, Trick Riding, Mounted Trick Shooting & Flag Opening with Pyro! “Annie Oakley Style” Mounted Trick Shooting, Roman Riding with fire torches and fire jump. Patriotic Opening, to Specialty Acts that keep you on edge of your seat and your heart racing…. exciting, fast & flashy! 2024 IPRA Top 5 Specialty Act of the Year, 2024 ACRA Specialty Act of the Year; Appearances in Universal Pictures Movie “TWISTERS” and in Country Music Star Luke Combs music video “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” www.sophieduch.com; 918-696-1648 Facebook: Sophie Duch Trick Riding THE WESTERN WAGON’S An act that pays for itself! Exciting way to pay for your specialty act! Sponsors purchase wagon tops to cheer/compete
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TONKA BAJ PRCA Announcer. Let’s rock your show! High energy, professional, and reliable announcer ready to work for you. Call today and let’s talk, I’m good at it! 602-361-0641 / tonkabaj@hotmail.com JASON MATHIS PRCA Announcer. Professional, Knowledgeable, Experienced. 918-900-3436 mathisrodeo@gmail.com GARY ROGERS Professional voice, delivery and enthusiasm! Gold Card member. 12 states and 2 Canadian Provinces! Layton, Utah & Crawley, Texas. Email grogersredrock@msn.com or call 801.564.2405. CURT ROBINSON Announcer / Secretary 12x Clem McSpadden NFSR Announcer 541.379.2560 / crrodeo@gmail.com JIMBOB CUSTER Announcer; Looking for professional, experienced, easy to work with, quality ANNOUNCING and SOUND team for your next event? Custer Enterprises offers Announcer, Music Director, and the Highest Quality Sound Equipment. Call for personalized bid! 360.269.4165 jimbob_ custer@icloud.com EQUIPMENT CODY CUSTER’S GOLD BUCKLE PRINTING Custom back numbers and special printed items for awards or sponsor recognition. Back Number materials: Vinyl, Felt and Leather. 580.729.1962 www.goldbuckleprinting.com BACK NUMBERS Need back numbers? We produce custom felt back numbers in full and junior size as well as Tyvek and Tyger numbers with your custom artwork. See pricing at www.mlpromo.net or send your design or art to mark@mlpromo.net. LARRY’S SADDLE SHOP Bronc saddles, complete line of equipment. 940.839.7055, www.larryssaddleshop.com. COMPLETE RODEO ARENA FOR RENT New W-W Arena. Can include set-up and trucking. Call or email for pricing. Dustin 405.323.3976 dmurr_00@yahoo.com. FOR SALE HORSE SAVER CALF ROPING CHUTE for sale. Very good condition. Please call Gary at 707.480.8377 for more information. GOT HORSEPOWER?® Get to the pay window Get mounted at prorodeohorses.com. BULLDOGGING AND HAZING HORSES All levels of competition from high school to pro. Contact Allen at 605.462.6290 and visit www. goodsperformancehorses.com CALIFORNIA RANCH Are you a horse looking for new digs with your human? Maybe no longer on the circuit, looking for new adventures? WeaverTree,
40 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE August 5, 2026
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