ProRodeo Sports News 2023 Year-End Edition

an NFR-record 51 rounds and surpass $3 million in career earnings. He still shares the NFR record with his 93-point ride on Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Cool Alley in 2003. He tied the record a year later on a 10th-round ride that clinched the last of his five gold buckles. Ohl put his stamp on ProRodeo in 1994 by winning Rookie of the Year and earning his first trip to the NFR. It would take Ohl a few years to win his first gold buckle. He edged out Fred Whitfield to capture the 1997 Tie-Down Roping World Title and roared through the 1998 season, capturing his second title. He had another record-setting year in 2001 as he added steer roping and team roping in order to compete for the All-Around title. In the ninth round of the NFR, Ohl missed his calf on the first loop. A second loop caught the calf by the hind legs. As Ohl dismounted, he twisted his knee, tearing two major ligaments. He had to be carried out of the arena by the Justin Sportsmedicine Team. However, he had amassed enough money earlier in the week to secure both the tie-down title and the All Around title. He accepted both buckles from crutches on the 10th night. He went on to capture his fifth and sixth tie-down roping titles in 2003 and 2006. He still owns the record for the most NFR rounds won, 52.

The longtime NFR broadcast team of Jeff Medders and Butch Knowles sit down with NFR Icons Cody Ohl and Billy Etbauer during the tribute luncheon, Dec. 8. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Click Thompson

and bullfighters — pair up with Clark County special needs students, was once again a resounding success. There were 40 youngsters from the Clark County School District who participated in the rodeo. Adam Daurio, the national principal of Exceptional Rodeo, was thrilled to host the rodeo for the 40th year. “Bringing the Exceptional Rodeo to the (dirt) of the Thomas & Mack is just something magical because even the volunteers and the participants want to be where rodeo happens,” Daurio said. “You watch this rodeo ten nights every year and then you’re on the dirt where you watch the rodeo magic happen. The children took part in adaptive rodeo events and after the rodeo the participants were awarded trophies, cowboy hats and T-shirts. Dusti Dickerson, who was a specialty act performer at the 2023 Wrangler NFR, was excited to take part in the Exceptional Rodeo for the second consecutive year. “Coming to this (Exceptional Rodeo) makes me appreciate for what I have and my two children,” Dickerson said. “Then, it makes you appreciate the experience again from a special child’s point of view. It humbles you and makes you look at everything a little different every time you come to this arena and every time you walk back outside.” John Harrison, who was named the PRCA Comedy Act of the Year for the second time, the PRCA Man in the Can for the fifth time and the PRCA Clown/Barrelman of the Year for the second time at the PRCA Awards Banquet Dec. 6, was glad to take part in the Exceptional Rodeo. “It’s great to see these kids get down in the dirt and get away from life for a little while and come have fun,” Harrison said. LADIES LUNCHEON IS A BIG HIT AGAIN For the 36th year, the ProRodeo League of Women hosted its fashion show and luncheon to raise money for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to injured cowboys. Since 1987, the ProRodeo Legaue of Women has raised more than $2

During the Dec. 8 and 9 performances, each of the rodeo champions were honored on the hallowed dirt of the Thomas & Mack Center. The presentation included each receiving a 14” commemorative bronze statue and a ceremony to unfurl a banner in the rafters at the Thomas & Mack Center. LVE, PRCA AGREE ON EXTENSION THROUGH 2035 On Dec. 4, The Las Vegas Events Board of Trustees and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors jointly announced they have reached an agreement to keep the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® in Las Vegas through 2035. The financial commitment and breakdown by year will be announced at a later date. “This is a truly historic day for the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association,” said PRCA CEO Tom Glause. “This extension will benefit all aspects of the PRCA, including our contestants, stock contractors, committees, contract personnel, and our fans. This commitment by Las Vegas preserves the momentum that we have established over the last 38 years.” “For more than a year and a half, I have worked with the PRCA and their representatives toward this extension that demonstrates Las Vegas’ commitment to the NFR and the sport of rodeo,” said LVE Chairman Bill McBeath. “Along with Michael Gaughan and the support of our entire board, we have made this a priority for our organization to secure the world’s richest and most prestigious rodeo as a December fixture in our city. We appreciate all of the efforts of the PRCA to make this extension a reality.” EXCEPTIONAL RODEO BRINGS JOY TO THOSE INVOLVED One of the most heartwarming events during the Wrangler NFR is the Exceptional Rodeo. The stars of rodeo interact with exceptional kids, and everybody wins. That definitely was the case on the morning of Dec. 14 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Exceptional Rodeo, in which NFR contestants — cowboys, cowgirls

ProRodeo Sports News 12/22/2023

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