ProRodeo Sports News - April 20, 2018

Bred to Ride

Parker Breding Wins Third RAM NCFR

• Ten named to Hall / Page 40

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Kissimmee Cash Cow RAM NCFR a big hit among cowboys

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APRIL 20, 2018 – VOLUME 66, NO. 8

CONTENTS

Brady Portenier gets upended by Andrews Rodeo’s Slama Jama at the RAM NCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., April 7. Portenier won $14,594 during the April 5-8 rodeo. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Billie-Jean Duff

Kyle Dickens quits job to rodeo full time, wins Oakdale. 36

COLLEGE RODEO Young cowboys learn to balance college studies with rodeo life. 44

RODEO OR BUST Tie-down roper

MORE IN THIS ISSUE

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INSIDE

6 in his own words 8 cowboy grille 12 he said, she said 14 brain teasers 16 time capsule 18 short round 47 results 60 prca notes 61 prca business

RODEOS

24 Kissimmee, Fla. RAM NCFR 34 Logandale, Nev. 36 Oakdale, Calif.

Tie-down roper Marty Yates won the average at the Clark County Fair & Rodeo in Logandale, Calif., kicking off the new Wrangler ProRodeo Tour. Kirt Steinke photo

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STANDINGS

Bull rider Parker Breding rode Brookman Rodeo’s Chicken Dance for 83.5 points to help him win a third RAM NCFR title. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Kent Soule THE COVER 10 2018 PRCA world 49 rookies 52 wrangler tour 53 all american 54 circuits

Sports News ProRodeo

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published semi-monthly by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919- 4301. PERIODICALS postage paid at Colorado Springs, Colo., and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to ProRodeo Sports News , P.O. Box 469025, Escondido, CA 92046. Disclaimer: The ProRodeo Sports News carries advertising as a service to PRCA members and PSN readers. However, publication of advertisements in the PSN does not in any way, whether expressed or implied, commit the PSN to guarantee or warrant any of the merchan- dise or livestock advertised.

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IN HIS OWNWORDS: J.J. ELSHERE

1/4 page color ad $457 (12mth b/w rate) SADDLE BRONC RIDER GETS BOOST FROM RAM NCFR J.J. Elshere earned $16,110 in saddle bronc riding at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., April 5-8. Those winnings vaulted Elshere into eighth place in the 2018 PRCA World Standings with $33,905 as of April 16. The 38-year-old from Hereford, S.D., hasn’t been to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo since 2010. But you can bet that another run at the Finals is on his mind. and get to go down there is a big deal. You get to have fun while you’re there, and they paid us for it. We took the kids the first time I made it, just in case I never made it again. This time, it was just me and the wife (Lindsay). We kind of had a little mom-and-dad time. We went to Epcot and got to do that. We took it easy when we did it. Instead of trying to rush and make sure we saw everything, we took our time with the few things we wanted.

I n 2011, I got boogered up a little bit and was home and didn’t get going again. I ruptured a disc in my back. I wasn’t out for very long, but it was a nagging deal. It got to where it wasn’t fun. When you’re not having any fun there ain’t no sense in being there. I tried rodeoing again in ’12 and things weren’t rolling. I decided to stay close to home. I like it (staying close to home) a lot, especially since the circuits are adding more money it makes it easier for a guy to stay close. My back has been feeling really good the last couple (years). It feels like maybe I could get on 30 more head this season. With five sons, family life played a big part in staying close to home. The more stuff the boys get into the more you don’t want to miss. It wasn’t a hard decision. For the second time I went to the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee. (The trip marked his seventh overall qualification for the RAM NCFR.) It’s always kind of a goal to win as much as you can, but just to be there

PSN- Pro Rodeo Sports News May 2018 Since I won so much money at the RAMNCFR and am where I am in the standings, I’ve been getting harped on from about every corner there is about trying to get back to the Wrangler NFR. But, I don’t know. We’ll see after the school deals (for the kids) get over in June and we’ll see how the Fourth of July goes. That’s not too far away. It’d be nice to go one more time, especially with the kind of money they’ve got added up out there. Just to pull a check every night you don’t even have to win a round and a guy gets his week paid for. My oldest son (Talon, 15) checks the world standings about every week. He keeps me reminded. It’s good to see him interested in it and to be part of it is neat.

The older two (Talon andThayne, 13) remember quite a bit about going to Vegas. But the last one (Trailon, 5) wasn’t born yet; the other two (Trik, 8, and Tel, 7) were pretty small. When I’m not rodeoing, I’ve got a little place of my own here and I break a lot of horses for people. That and go to kids’ sporting events.

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Photo by karenkellyphotography.com

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GRILLE COWBOY

Steer wrestler BRIDGER CHAMBERS, 29, has had a raucous start to the 2018 season. Ranked seventh in the world standings with $33,187 as of April 16, the towering, Montana cowboy finished second at the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., after winning the Montana ProRodeo Circuit Finals in January in Great Falls.

WITH NICK CICERE PSN

You’ve had high finishes at several big rodeos this year, including second place at the RAM NCFR, and most recently, finishing third in Logandale, Calif. What’s this recent run of success been like? Bridger: I’m just trying to take it all in stride. I’ve never gone rodeoing hard, I’ve always stayed in my circuit. I’ve never been able to, and I started out this winter practicing more than I ever have. The goal was to just go make three good runs at the circuit finals and try to make it to Florida. I set little goals first, and as I had a little more success, I made those goals bigger. At the beginning of the year, I was never planning on going this hard, but things change. Aside from winning more than $17,000 in Kissimmee, how much did you enjoy your first trip to the RAM NCFR? Bridger: It was fun. I didn’t do a whole lot. My wife and mom came down, so we really didn’t do any running around as far as sightseeing or anything like that. I was trying to stay focused with my horse and what was going on there, but it dang sure beat all the snow that was at home.

Speaking of home, as a Montana cowboy, how much did rodeo influence you growing up? Bridger: I did it from a real young age. My mom always had horses, but I never came from a rodeo background or a rodeo family or anything like that. I had an uncle who roped a little bit, so I was always interested in it. I started in junior stuff when I was 5 or 6 or 7 years old, going to little rodeos by the house. In high school, there were times, in the fall, I was going from football practice, then I’d go rope after that. Then I’d play basketball in the winter. We were always busy. So, you knew pretty early that rodeo was something you wanted to take a crack at? Bridger: Yeah. I always wanted to do it. I did it a little backwards compared to most guys. I got married a few years ago, had some kids, so now trying to be on the road is a little tougher. But I’ve always had the support of my family and friends, so it makes it a little bit easier. Being 6-foot-5, 200-plus pounds, was steer wrestling an easy choice? Bridger: I didn’t start until I was a junior in high school. I always roped, and I always fancied myself as a calf roper. Steer wrestling was something that I kept liking more and more and something that I continued to have more success at. These last few years, it became something that I wanted to focus more on. I understand that you walked onto the basketball team at Montana Western. How important was it for you to give college basketball a shot? Bridger: It was really important for me because my dad was my coach growing up. I first went to school at the University of Montana and just rodeoed, but I decided I wanted to give it a shot, because I knew I could go to Western and do both. Thankfully, the basketball coach was OK with it, and it’s something that I’m really happy I did. The last year there, I went to the college finals in team roping and went to the (NAIA) national tournament in basketball. As far as I know, I don’t know anyone else who has done that. What did your vertical look like? Bridger: It wasn’t much. I’m pretty vertically challenged. How many kids do you have? Bridger: I have four. Maddie is 12, Hudson is 11, Crew is 3 and Case is 2. What do they think about dad being a rodeo cowboy?

Bridger: The older ones are pretty sports related, so they’re all about basketball. Crew, the 3-year-old, he doesn’t get too excited about it but the youngest one, Case, he’s all cowboy. It’s pretty hard leaving him because he wants to go to the rodeo, too. I send him all the videos I can and talk to him, but he’s definitely all cowboy. Is there anything you like to do outside of rodeo to clear your head? Bridger: My brother is really into hunting, he’s a taxidermist, so I like to go do that with him. I like to go fishing with my dad. Before the winter rodeos, I like to play in pick-up basketball tournaments and go

try to be Uncle Rico for the weekend. Part of me is a little disappointed I didn’t get to go do that this month, but it was for a good reason. Do you have a job outside of rodeo? Bridger: My dad and I own a drug dog business. We go to schools and prisons and search for contraband. We drive all across the state and into the Dakotas and into Wyoming and try to keep drugs and stuff like that out of schools.

BRIDGER CHAMBERS

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The Offic i a l Spi r i t of ProRodeo

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©2016 Hood River Distillers, Inc., Hood River, OR USA. Pendleton Blended Canadian Whisky, 40% Alc./Vol. The Bucking Horse Logo and Let’er Buck are registered trademarks of the Pendleton Round-Up Association. PENDLETON is a registered trademark of Pendleton Woolen Mills. Stay in control.® www.PendletonWhisky.com

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Unofficial as of April 16, 2018. For the 2018 season (Oct. 1, 2017-Sept. 30, 2018), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 100; team roping, 75; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 100; barrel racing, 100; and bull riding, no limit. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings. 2018 PRCAWORLD STANDINGS

ALL-AROUND 1. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................... $84,702 2. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif.............................. 50,722 3. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 50,118 4. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah...................... 34,415 5. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas.................. 27,283 6. Marcus Theriot, Poplarville, Miss................... 25,174 7. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss............................... 25,138 8. Wesley Brunson, Terry, Miss.......................... 24,279 9. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla........ 17,289 10. Shane Proctor, Grand Coulee, Wash............... 16,988 11. Cody Doescher, Oklahoma City, Okla.............. 16,587 12. Chant DeForest, Wheatland, Calif................... 13,966 13. McCoy Profili, Okeechobee, Fla...................... 11,278 14. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D..................................... 11,264 15. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La............................... 11,171 16. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas............................ 9,986 17. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D.................................... 8,668 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah................... $66,995 2. Mason Clements, Springville, Utah................ 63,095 3. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa......................... 48,847 4. Shane O’Connell, Rapid City, S.D................... 39,487 5. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas............................ 38,318 6. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif...................... 37,693 7. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas...................... 37,202 8. Jake Brown, Cleveland, Texas........................ 37,191 9. J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo............................... 35,403 10. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba......................... 32,766 11. Luke Creasy, Hobbs, N.M............................... 27,218 12. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D................................. 27,171 13. Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah................... 23,199 14. Clint Laye, Pocatello, Idaho............................ 23,050 15. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn...................... 22,412 16. Blade Elliott, Centreville, Ala........................... 21,952 17. Evan Jayne, Marseille, France ....................... 21,605 18. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb............................... 21,156 19. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore......................... 19,778 20. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont.............................. 19,623 STEERWRESTLING 1. Cole Edge, Durant, Okla............................... $47,102 2. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La............................... 40,229 3. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.................... 35,949 4. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta.................... 35,679 5. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev............................. 34,307 6. Chason Floyd, Buffalo, S.D............................. 33,946 7. Bridger Chambers, Stevensville, Mont........... 33,187 8. Tyler Pearson, Louisville, Miss....................... 30,644 9. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala........................... 29,696 10. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla........................... 26,522 11. Billy Bugenig, Ferndale, Calif.......................... 26,305 12. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas................... 22,986 13. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan........................ 22,604 14. Jacob Shofner, Huntsville, Texas.................... 22,367 15. Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alberta.................. 22,121 16. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas.................. 21,879 17. Blake Mindemann, Blanchard, Okla................ 21,312 18. Josh Garner, Live Oak, Calif........................... 20,246 19. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D................. 19,979 20. Taz Olson, Prairie City, S.D............................. 19,825 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla...................... $51,240 2. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C............................ 39,560 3. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla.................... 37,756 4. Logan Olson, Flandreau, S.D.......................... 35,322 5. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla......................... 35,095 6. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif.......................... 29,823 7. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla......................... 29,101 8. Dustin Egusquiza, Mariana, Fla...................... 23,349 9. Travis Dorman, Dade City, Fla......................... 21,810 10. Spencer Mitchell, Orange Cove, Calif............. 20,789

19. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif.............. 16,311 20. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 16,062 STEER ROPING 1. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas......... $36,494 2. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................. 31,088 3. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan........................... 24,773 4. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo...................... 22,075 5. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas............................ 20,267 6. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 16,457 7. Jarrett Blessing, Paradise, Texas.................... 14,665 8. Brodie Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla..................... 13,041 9. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas............................ 12,829 10. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas........................... 12,641 11. Shay Good, Midland, Texas............................ 12,489 12. Troy Tillard, Douglas, Wyo............................. 12,178 13. Will Gasperson, Decatur, Texas...................... 12,145 14. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas........................ 11,358 15. Bryce Davis, Ovalo, Texas.............................. 10,995 16. Chad Mathis, Morristown, Ariz....................... 10,256 17. Ralph Williams, Skiatook, Okla......................... 9,651 18. Brian Garr, Belle Fourche, S.D.......................... 8,686 19. Jim Locke, Miami, Texas.................................. 7,918 20. Brent Lewis, Piñon, N.M.................................. 7,749 BULL RIDING 1. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.................. $122,041 2. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont.......................... 83,984 3. Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas................ 58,436 4. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla.............................. 57,241 5. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La............................... 54,607 6. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla................. 47,626 7. Tyler Bingham, Honeyville, Utah..................... 43,719 8. Garrett Tribble, Bristow, Okla......................... 41,978 9. Tristan Mize, Bryan, Texas.............................. 41,155 10. Brady Portenier, Caldwell, Idaho.................... 37,079 11. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah.............................. 33,597 12. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore......................... 30,948 13. Lane Nobles, Gatesville, Texas....................... 30,541 14. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas............ 30,240 15. Eli Vastbinder, Athens, Texas.......................... 28,845 16. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho............ 27,767 17. Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif........................ 25,325 18. Elliot Jacoby, Fredericksburg, Texas............... 23,533 19. Koby Radley, Montpelier, La........................... 22,386 20. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.............................. 21,895 *2018 BARREL RACING (Through April 16, 2018) Barrel racing standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings. 1. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas............................$85,332 2. Amberleigh Moore, Salem, Ore....................... 71,186 3. Taci Bettis, Round Top, Texas......................... 68,657 4. Nellie Miller, Cottonwood, Calif....................... 64,910 5. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D............................ 55,834 6. Carley Richardson, Pampa, Texas................... 43,120 7. Kellie Collier, Hereford, Texas.......................... 40,147 8. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Victoria, Texas............. 39,455 9. Kylie Weast, Comanche, Okla.......................... 36,534 10. Christine Laughlin, Pueblo, Colo................... 34,558 11. Tiany Schuster, Krum, Texas......................... 34,265 12. Kelly Bruner, Millsap, Texas.......................... 33,899 13. Shelly Anzick, Shepard, Mont....................... 28,372 14. Carman Pozzobon, Aldergrove, B.C.............. 24,822 15. Jessi Fish, Franklin, Tenn.............................. 23,834 16. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D......................... 23,647 17. Ericka Nelson, Century, Fla........................... 23,125 18. Nikki Hansen, Dickinson, N.D........................ 22,188 19. Teri Bangert, Olympia, Wash......................... 22,147 20. Lucinda Rose, Willard, Mo............................ 21,638

11. Cory Kidd V, Statesville, N.C........................... 20,779 12. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala............................. 20,308 13. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas............................... 19,712 14. John Alley, Adams, Tenn................................ 18,861 15. Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn.......................... 18,580 16. Jake Cooper, Monument, N.M........................ 18,465 17. Steven Duby, Melba, Idaho............................. 17,867 18. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 17,599 19. Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore..................... 17,598 20. Jake Orman, Prairie, Miss.............................. 17,395 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo............................. $51,240 2. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan............................ 39,560 3. Matt Kasner, Cody, Neb.................................. 36,252 4. Joseph Harrison, Overbrook, Okla.................. 35,482 5. Reagan Ward, Edmond, Okla.......................... 35,095 6. Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla.................. 29,101 7. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas.............. 26,133 8. Trace Porter, Leesville, La.............................. 25,865 9. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M............................. 25,749 10. Kory Koontz, Stephenville, Texas.................... 23,349 11. Jason Duby, Klamath Falls, Ore...................... 22,004 12. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla............................. 21,810 13. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo................................. 21,532 14. Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla......................... 18,879 15. Clark Adcock, Smithville, Tenn....................... 18,861 16. Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif.............................. 18,852 17. Brad Culpepper, Sylvester, Ga........................ 18,580 18. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan................. 17,836 19. Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas............................ 17,599 20. Jonathan Torres, Ocala, Fla............................ 16,210 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas.................... $82,965 2. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo........................... 55,684 3. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas....................... 53,071 4. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa........................ 51,774 5. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah........................... 36,680 6. CoBurn Bradshaw, Beaver, Utah..................... 35,877 7. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas............. 34,648 8. J.J. Elshere, Hereford, S.D............................. 33,905 9. Joey Sonnier III, New Iberia, La..................... 31,401 10. Clay Elliott, Nanton, Alberta............................ 29,479 11. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta.................. 27,470 12. Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah........................... 23,753 13. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb.............................. 23,155 14. Colt Gordon, Comanche, Okla........................ 22,906 15. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M.............................. 22,040 16. Bradley Harter, Loranger, La........................... 20,801 17. Hardy Braden, Welch, Okla............................. 17,834 18. Joe Lufkin, Sallisaw, Okla............................... 17,811 19. Jade Blackwell, Rapid City, S.D...................... 17,332 20. Allen Boore, Axtell, Utah................................ 17,284 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................... $54,000 2. Tyson Durfey, Weatherford, Texas.................. 51,219 3. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas............................ 43,735 4. Marcos Costa, Childress, Texas...................... 41,628 5. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash.......................... 40,329 6. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La........................... 39,900 7. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif.............................. 38,629 8. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.................... 37,959 9. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas................ 36,735 10. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas................. 31,627 11. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas......................... 26,413 12. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho................... 24,708 13. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla........................ 24,309 14. Cody Quaney, Cheney, Kan............................. 23,172 15. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah...................... 22,530 16. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M.......................... 20,603 17. Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M............................. 18,871 18. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas.................... 16,758

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10QUESTIONS

HE SAID – SHE SAID Who knows Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bull rider Trevor Kastner better, his wife, Kate, or his traveling partner, Nate Perry?

TREVOR

WIFE KATE

PARTNER NATE

KATE

NATE

TREVOR

WHAT HAS BEEN HIS BIGGEST CAREER RODEO WIN?

Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth

WHAT’S BEEN HIS WORST INJURY?

Knee

Knee

Ankle

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

McGee’s Cafe

McGee’s Cafe

McGee’s Cafe

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

Oakland Raiders

Dallas Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?

Water

Water

Dr Pepper

WHAT WAS HIS FAVORITE SUBJECT IN HIGH SCHOOL?

Math

Math

Math

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Trevor

Trevor

Me

IF HIS TRUCK BREAKS DOWN, WHO FIXES IT, TREVOR OR MECHANIC?

Mechanic

Mechanic

Mechanic

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?

Reese’s Cups

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Reese’s Cups

12 WHAT WAS HIS FAVORITE CARTOON?

Looney Tunes

Looney Tunes

Tom and Jerry

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BRAIN TEASERS

ANSWERS ON PAGE 56

THEN & NOW Can you match these adorable future rodeo stars’ photos with the current PRCA contestants? Some don’t look quite the same.

5

1

3

2

4

E

B

C

D

A

WORD SEARCH Kings of Clovis

Find the cowboys in the puzzle. Words may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and/or backward.

Find the Clovis Rodeo record holders BB: Will Lowe/Jake Brown, 89 pts. SW: John W. Jones Jr., 3.3 sec. TR: Spencer Mitchell/Justin Wade Davis, 4.2 sec.

D K A L E B D R I G G E R S K R S Y H F T V E I L H R A N Y X O E R C C N R S O S N Q G N E O G K M T G U L S M B H L H C I Q U N L H I W O H K A W I K N E M R T A O S M U N C Y F T N B Q V Z C N H I F P M R Q A F D T L D A T I A Q D R Z J M Y E E D R A G D I L Y E N D O R I B O J A K E B R O W N L M O L L E X V C X R F U C S R E G G A R F R L H D Z M H Y D P Y K E C Q H W K K E H E Y A R O A R A L E V R W A E X J O T K R C W U I R R N I L F I M I Y V J R B G T F N J T D C S A K G E M F R E D W H I T F I E L D G P K N L M I G Q J Y U K D P X T Z P Z Q E I U I E K J O H N W J O N E S J R S U A F K A R I E U G O N R O I N U J A F C R H L Y E L W A R C S B O C A J U D T L S J L K B H N B A Y M R A T T B N J Y S I W I L L L O W E Z B V S V Y H F Y Y I D S B M O C Z I L H X U B W I K T H V Q C

SB: Jacobs Crawley, 92 pts. TD: Fred Whitfield, 7.1 sec. GB: Liz Combs, 16.13 sec. BR: Rodney Lidgard, 92 pts.

Find the 2017 Clovis Rodeo champions AA: Trell Etbauer BB: R.C. Landingham SW: Dakota Eldridge TR: Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira SB: Taos Muncy

TD: Reese Riemer GB: Kimmie Wall BR: Jordan Spears

Bonus Questions

1. This all-around cowboy set the record for most money won at the Clovis Rodeo in 2015 with $9,554. 2. Which cowboy won the steer wrestling at the inaugural Clovis Rodeo in 1951, and then the saddle bronc riding the following year?

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TIME CAPSULE

PRCA ProRodeo file photos

O wen Mickel from Wolf Point, Mont., might not be a familiar name, but almost everyone in rodeo knows the name Montie Montana. Born June 21, 1910, the young cowboy didn’t adopt his rodeo name until 1929 when the announcer at Buck Jones’ Wild West Show forgot Montana’s name and started calling him “Montie from Montana.” The name stuck, and so did the cowboy. For the next 72 years Montie Montana became synonymous with rodeo, performing trick roping and riding across every major arena in North America. Starting around 1925, Montana’s rodeo schedule was packed, as he hit basically every major rodeo of his era. “In 1929, I rode a horse on top of the It’sTricky Trick roper Montie Montana’s career spanned 72 years

Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Montana’s rope tricks landed him on a variety of TV shows and in movies as an actor, stuntman, wrangler and technical advisor. He did all the roping in “The Will Rogers Story , ” a movie he did with Will Rogers Jr. Montana acted in 23 movies and TV shows, including “Stand Up and Cheer!” with Shirley Temple and “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” with John Wayne. Starting in 1932, he rode in the Rose Bowl Parade for 60 consecutive years. He also was in two presidential inaugural parades. “I rode up to the reviewing stand, tipped my hat and asked President Eisenhower’s permission to throw a rope around him. He said, ‘OK – as long as you don’t throw too much rope,’” Montana said.

“Afterward, some of the servicemen told me if they hadn’t heard me ask the president’s permission, I’d have looked like a sieve.” Passing along the knowledge of trick roping, Montana taught roping to the showgirls in “Stand Up and Cheer!” in 1934. More than 50 years later, he taught comedian/actor Steve Martin to spin a rope. Montana passed on the rope to his son, Montie Montana Jr., and his daughter, Linda, who competed in rodeo and were entertainers. In 1994, Montana was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. He remained active in rodeo through 1997 until suffering a stroke in early 1998. He died May 20, 1998, at 87 years old.

Empire State Building to publicize the rodeo,” Montana told the ProRodeo Sports News in 1988. “I got a lot of attention for that.” Montana joined the Cowboys’ Turtle Association in 1938 and remained an active contract member as it transitioned into the Rodeo Cowboys Association and then the PRCA. Through all seven decades, Montana was mounted on a black-and- white pinto horse, and all of them were named Rex. By 1988, he was riding Rex No. 10. Each Rex was pampered, making rubber-horseshoe appearances inside The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., and the Beverly Wilshire

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R OUND THE SHORT BY THE NUMBERS

The number of steer wrestlers – Chase Black and Bridger Chambers – who tied the Clark County Fair & Rodeo record (April 11-15) in Logandale, Nev., with 3.4-second runs. It was the first in the PRCA’s new tour – the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour. Black won the second round with his run and Chambers won the finals. They share the record with Brad Larue and Jason Frost, who each made their runs in 1998, and Kyle Callaway, who had the same time in 2012. The number of RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo team victories won by Texas (1994-96, 1998, 2000-01, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2013, 2015-16 and 2018). Team Texas totaled $120,635 to claim the crown at the latest RAM NCFR April 5-8 in Kissimmee, Fla. The Badlands Circuit was second with $115,897. The amount of money Josh Peek earned at the 2016 RAM NCFR in steer wrestling and tie-down roping, which is the record for most money earned during the RAM NCFR in multiple events. Parker Breding was the top earner at the 2018 RAM NCFR, which concluded April 8 in Kissimmee, Fla., with $29,567 – all in bull riding, including ground money.

PRCA gets new tagline

The recognized leader in ProRodeo, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, has created the new tagline: WE ARE PRORODEO to be used in conjunction with the PRCA logo. This new tagline embodies the essence of the PRCA brand by boldly stating, “We have the best cowboys, at the best rodeos, delivering the best fan experience while positively impacting our communities and embracing the Spirit of the West.” With a new emphasis on

the PRCA’s stated mission to unify its membership, provide an innovative fan experience, and to grow the sport of professional rodeo through new, expanded opportunities for membership and sponsors, the updated branding reinforces the PRCA’s undisputed position as the leader in professional rodeo athletes, events and competition. #WeAreProRodeo

World champion Rogers sidelined with knee injury Erich Rogers, the reigning team roping header world champion, will be out indefinitely while he recovers from tearing the medial collateral ligament (MCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his right knee March 3 while steer wrestling at a non-PRCA event. “I had to wait for the swelling to go down and then I had surgery March 30 (in Scottsdale, Ariz.),” said Rogers, 31. “I had a doctor’s appointment (April 11) and they said the surgery looks good and everything is going according to plan.” Rogers believes the best-case scenario for him this season is returning to compete by the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo, June 14-23. However, Petska chose to reduce his roping schedule this year, going to 40 or 50 rodeos instead of 90, while Rogers wanted to maintain the same schedule he had in the past, so they opted for new partners. Petska said beginning at the Reno Rodeo, he is going to start roping with header Colby Lovell, a six-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (2010-13, 2015-16). Rogers, who resides in Round Rock, Ariz., finished last season with $265,417. He has qualified for the Wrangler NFR the last seven years. “This (the injury) is just part of the game,” Rogers said. Rogers was 34th in the April 16 team roping header standings with $12,066. This season, Rogers is roping with Clint Summers. Rogers and Cory Petska had roped together since the 2013 season, culminating with both winning world champion- ships last season.

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Ortland receives Top Hand Award for the Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up Brett Ortland, of Caldwell, Idaho, is the winner of the 2018 Top Hand Award for the Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up, which is April 20-22 this year. The award is given each year to a volun- teer who has dedicated their time to assisting with the Round-Up. Ortland was honored with a buckle for the Top Hand Award on April 14. Ortland, who has deep roots in Red Bluff, has been volunteering at the rodeo for the past 30-plus years. He began as a young adult, untying calves and opening gates. For the past two decades, his job has been to pull the latches on the chute gates. When the bull rider, bareback rider or saddle bronc rider is ready to ride, the cowboy nods his head, Ortland pulls the latch open, and Rod Moore, a director with the Round-Up, pulls the rope to open the gate. Ortland was honored by the award. “It’s cool to be recognized, that (the directors) have seen you, and they think you’ve done a good job,” he said.

Osceola County donated $1,000 to the Osceola Regional Cancer Resource Room. Taking part in the ceremony were (from left) Osceola County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, Elizabeth Galarza, Georgia Wharton, Joyce Johnston, Dianne Salcedo and Osceola County Commissioner and Commission Chairman Fred Hawkins Jr. Research Donation PRCA ProRodeo photo by Billie-Jean Duff

AGCO’s 2nd annual Sowing Good Deeds program open; tractor to winning committee AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO)

PRCA will evaluate the applicants based on three key criteria: com- munity impact, innovation and adversity. These criteria highlight work that improves the local community, exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship within the nonprofit sector and has initiated change or responded to significant challenges to build a stronger, more sustainable organization. “The 600-plus, PRCA- sanctioned rodeos would not be possible without the dedicated groups of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that millions of rodeo fans enjoy a night out to see their favorite cowgirls and cowboys,” said George Taylor, CEO of the PRCA. “The Second Annual AGCO

announced April 20 the open application period for the second annual Sowing Good Deeds – a program showcasing rodeo committees through- out North America and the substantive impact they have in their local communities. AGCO, a proud sponsor of the PRCA

through its Hesston® and Massey Ferguson® brands, will award a Massey Ferguson tractor, valued at more than $35,000, to a deserving rodeo committee at the PRCA Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. “Rodeos are part of the fabric of America,” Meghann McNally, AGCO’s director of marketing excellence in North America, said in a press release. “The dedication of local rodeo committees across the country, who contribute endless hours and resources to supporting not only rodeo competitions, but also local agricultural organizations, including FFA and 4-H, is something AGCO is proud to support. In 2017, AGCO, together with the PRCA, launched the Sowing Good Deeds program to recognize these hard-working rodeo committees. We were overwhelmed with applications in 2017 and are excited to see even more in 2018.” The recipient of the inaugural Sowing Good Deeds honor was the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo. “The Clovis Rodeo is able to give back to our community because of the dedication and generous support of our volunteers, sponsors and fans,” said Gary Bower, president of the Clovis Rodeo Association. “We were excited to get our new Massey Ferguson tractor in the arena to work the dirt during the 104th Clovis Rodeo, April 26-29, so our entire rodeo family can see what they won!” A committee of judges selected by Hesston, Massey Ferguson and the

Meghann McNally, director, marketing excellence AGCO Corporation, Gary Bower from the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo and 2017 Miss Rodeo America Lisa Lageschaar are all smiles after awarding the Clovis Rodeo with the Sowing Good Deeds award last December in Las Vegas. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Phil Doyle

Sowing Good Deeds program helps us recognize these committees for the amazing charitable work they do in their communities. The difference they make is immeasurable, and it is an honor to partner with AGCO in recognizing their community service.” The application deadline for the Sowing Good Deeds initiative is Sept. 15, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Rodeo committees can submit their applica- tion at hesston.com/sowinggooddeeds. There is a limit of one application per rodeo committee. Finalists will be announced during the 2018 PRCA Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas, Dec. 6-15, 2018. The winning rodeo committee will be recognized at the PRCA Awards Banquet and on Hesston night at the Wrangler NFR. For more information, visit hesston.com/sowinggooddeeds.

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Laramie Mosley rode Big Stone Rodeo’s Oreo at the Oakdale (Calif.) Saddle Club Rodeo, April 14. Oreo gave the barrel (and barrelman Clint Selvester inside) a ride. Phil Doyle photo

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RAM NCFR

Fountain of Cash • Team ropers Olson/Kasner ready to rodeo hard • Floyd tackles steer wrestling buckle • Bull rider Breding banks nearly $30K • Saddle bronc rider Diaz enjoys home cookin’ • Tuf Cooper stays hot with tie-down roping title COVERAGE – PAGES 26-30

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Harry Vold Rodeo’s Matterhorn leaps out of the chute with saddle bronc rider Leon Fountain aboard at the RAM NCFR, April 7. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Billie-Jean Duff

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Faster & Faster Olson/Kasner pick up speed for team-roping buckle

BY SCOTT KANIEWSKI T hrough the first two rounds of the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., team ropers Logan Olson and Matt Kasner weren’t dazzling, but solid. They tied for fifth in the first round with a 6.2-second time. Their second run landed a time, yet yielded no money. But the combination of the first two rounds was strong enough to help them take second in the average and get into the semifinals as one of the final eight pairs. From there, they never looked back. Olson and Kasner won the semifinals in 5.4 seconds, then came right back with another 5.4-second run to tie for first in the finals of the RAM NCFR with Clay Smith and Paul Eaves. Olson and Kasner were awarded the buckle because their semifinals run was faster. All told, the team ropers cashed in for $20,090 apiece over the April 5-8 rodeo. More importantly, they took home their first RAMNCFR titles. “Man, this means a lot,” said team roping heeler Kasner, 43. “It’s such a big rodeo. For guys like us that don’t rodeo full time anymore, this is kind of our NFR, our big deal. The money is phenomenal.” Making sure they caught their steers in the first two rounds was all the

two were concerned about before worrying about the semifinals. “This deal, the first two rounds, man, do your job,” said Olson, 38. “You don’t have to be too gutsy. If you just get your first two down, then build from there. Get the momentum rolling. If you have your momentum rolling coming into today (Sunday), then you’re comfortable, you’re confident. It builds from there.” TO GO OR NOT TO GO,THAT ISTHE QUESTION Olson and Kasner prefer sticking around and roping in the Badlands Circuit. The year-end champions of that circuit didn’t discuss before the RAM NCFR what would happen if they were to leave Kissimmee with shiny, new buckles around their waists. The conversation during the drive back from Florida was probably an interesting one. Winning more than $20,000 moved Olson into third place among team roping headers in the 2018 PRCAWorld Standings with $35,322. Kasner, a heeler, jumped even farther ahead, moving up to second in the PRCAWorld Standings with $36,252. Olson entered the RAMNCFR in 18th place and Kasner 15th in their respective events. With such a significant amount of money won through the

TOPS AT KISSIMMEE — April 5-8

ALL-AROUND COWBOY Ryle Smith $9,476 Steer wrestling and tie-down roping

BAREBACK RIDING 1. (tie) Mason Clements*...............86 pts. Tim O’Connell....................................86 3. J.R. Vezain......................................85.5 4. Clayton Biglow...................................84 *Clements wins with higher semifinals score

STEER WRESTLING 1. Chason Floyd............................ 4.2 sec. 2. Bridger Chambers............................4.3 3. Blake Mindemann.............................5.2 4. Beau Clark........................................ NT

TEAM ROPING 1. (tie) L. Olson/M. Kasner*.................5.4 A. Ward/R. Ward..............................5.4 3. C. Smith/P. Eaves............................14.2 4. T. Ward/O. Pulham........................... NT * Olson/Kasner win with faster semifinals time

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RAM NCFR

Logan Olson, right, and Matt Kasner won the team roping title at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla. They each took home $20,090. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Kent Soule

middle of April, the ropers will have to decide if they should rodeo full time the rest of the 2018 season. “From the money aspect of it, it’ll get you ahead a little bit,” Olson said. “We don’t rodeo all that hard, so anytime you can come here and win money like this, it’s good. This winning it is something, too. It means a lot. “We hadn’t talked about it, but he probably knows what I think.” Olson made theWrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2005. The last time he rodeoed hard, as he put it, was 2008. He’d like to get back, and Kasner would probably like to make his first Finals. “It’s going to force us to really start thinking about it,” Kasner said. “To win that kind of money and be in the spot we’re in, we’re going to have to sit down and have a conversation about it.” HARDATWORK When they aren’t rodeoing in the Badlands Circuit, the duo is earning a living. Olson rides and shoes horses. Kasner, who owns some cows, is a ranch hand on his father- in-law’s ranch in Nebraska. Not only will the pair have to convince one another to go down the road more often, but they’ll have to convince family members. “My daughter, that’s going to be a hard one to convince,” Olson joked, adding that she found her way home from Florida on a private jet with family friends to avoid the 20-hour drive home. For Kasner, it’s his wife who’ll need a little prompting. But he knows what will likely do the trick. “I can probably convince mine,” he said. “They (my family) are here watching. If I let her go shopping a little bit, it’ll probably be OK.”

TEAM STANDINGS 1. Texas ................................ $120,635 2. Badlands ............................. 115,897 3. Montana ............................... 82,287 4. California .............................. 75,148 5. Wilderness ............................ 61,123 6. Great Lakes ........................... 59,070 7. Prairie ................................... 58,470 8. Columbia River ..................... 52,973 9. Southeast ............................. 46,340 10. Mountain States .................. 42,549 11. Turquoise ............................ 22,080 12. First Frontier ....................... 14,910

Complete results on Page 47

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. (tie) Isaac Diaz*..........................86 pts. Wade Sundell....................................86 3. (tie) J.J. Elshere................................84 Brody Cress.......................................84 * Diaz wins with higher semifinals score

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Tuf Cooper................................ 7.0 sec. 2. Tyson Durfey....................................9.3 3. Trey Young.....................................10.1 4. Ryle Smith......................................18.9

BARREL RACING 1. Taci Bettis............................. 15.34 sec. 2. Jessica Routier.............................15.44 3. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi...................15.56 4. Nikki Hansen................................15.85

ProRodeo Sports News 4/20/18 * Breding wins with higher semifinals score BULL RIDING 1. (tie) Parker Breding.................83.5 pts. Brady Portenier..............................83.5 3. Sage Kimzey.....................................NS 4. Aaron Williams.................................NS

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RAM NCFR

Floyd continues 2017 momentum Steer wrestler Chason Floyd brought a bulldogging title back to the Badlands Circuit after muscling up for a 4.2-second run during the April 8 short round at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Kent Soule

BY NICK CICERE I n terms of his rodeo career, the past year has been a whirlwind for steer wrestler Chason Floyd. After qualifying for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December, the South Dakota cowboy rode into the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Fla., with a chance to maintain his successful surge at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo. He didn’t disappoint. On the strength of an 8.8-second, two-head average, the 28-year-old managed to sneak into the RAMNCFR short round with a 4.8-second run in the semifinals as the last cowboy in. During the April 8 short go, Floyd found his groove. Clocking in at 4.2 seconds in his final run, Floyd squeaked ahead of fellow steer wrestler Bridger Chambers by one-tenth of a second to win his first RAMNCFR title. “It’s a bucket-list thing,” Floyd said. “Everybody wants this. I mean, it feels good. It’s awesome that it counts for the world standings and to get a good start and to see what this year brings.” This year has brought a reminder that Floyd is among the best steer wrestlers in the world. With a win at January’s Rodeo Rapid City (S.D.) already on his early season résumé, Floyd picked up a $17,057 check for his work in Kissimmee, and as of April 16, he was sixth in the 2018 PRCAWorld

Standings with $33,946. He understands how crucial it is to grab a large payday when the opportunity presents itself. “It’s important because there aren’t a lot of rodeos this time of year,” Floyd said. “This time of the year, we usually try to get home in April and May and be home with our families. So, when you can sneak off to these and get qualified for this rodeo and have good luck, it really means a lot. My family is down here, we just had a baby. He’s only 2-and-a-half-months old, so he got to watch his first rodeo. It was awesome, it was like a vacation, so this is just icing on the cake.” If winning the RAMNCFR was the icing on the cake, then having his 2-month-old son, Nevada, in attendance at his first rodeo was like the lighting of the candles. Floyd choked up when mentioning how surreal it was to win with his newborn son in the crowd. “Pull a tear for me because I just want him to be proud of me,” he said. The mania of qualifying, and succeeding, at his first Wrangler NFR has certainly turned the calendar for Floyd. For a guy who wasn’t sure where rodeo would take him, he’s more than satisfied with a career most cowboys would envy. “Heck, I was 28 already last year when I qualified and I was starting to kind of wonder if I was doing the right steps,” Floyd said. “Just to see my career, it’s been unreal this past year. Hopefully it will continue, but if it were to end tomorrow I wouldn’t regret a thing.”

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