ProRodeo Sports News - December 16, 2022

WRANGLER NFR NEWS & NOTES

EXCEPTIONAL RODEO RETURNS AFTER TWO-YEAR ABSENCE

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Exceptional Rodeo didn’t take place at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeos in Arlington, Texas (2020) and Las Vegas (2021). However, it returned Dec. 8 on the arena dirt at the Thomas &Mack Center in Vegas. AdamDaurio, principal of the Exceptional Rodeo, oversaw running the rodeo. “We partner with the PRCA, and we host rodeos throughout the United States,” Daurio said. “This is incredible (being on the arena dirt at theThomas &Mack Center). This is where it should be. We want these kids, even though this is an adaptive experience, we want these kids to get the real rodeo experience. This is where the athletes play in theThomas & Mack. So, to be able to get these kids back here on the ground is incredible.” Daurio said there were 28 children fromClark County School District participating in the Exceptional Rodeo. The children took part in adaptive rodeo events and after the rodeo experience the participants were awarded trophies, cowboy hats and T-shirts. “We have coined the phrase for years ‘That this how the PRCA can share the heart of the PRCAwith those in need.’” Daurio said. “The relationships that formed and the friendships and the bonding, they take a photo together and sign each other’s hats and there’s this experience that Exceptional Rodeo can bring to the PRCA to really allow it to showcase its heart.”

Cassidy Collins, 10, a student at Helen J. Stewart School in Las Vegas, has fun with the PRCA’s John Harrison during the Exceptional Rodeo, Dec. 8, at the Thomas & Mack Center. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

to. I work with the most amazing women in Tracy Hedeman and Julie Jutten. We work like a well-oiled machine.” KILGUS SHINES IN PERMIT CHALLENGE Zane Kilgus took full advantage of the 2022 Permit Members Of the Year Challenge in Las Vegas, Dec. 1. The Watsontown, Pa., native won all-around cowboy honors by earning $2,659 combined in tie-down roping, steer wrestling and team roping at the South Point Spa &Casino. “It was a great experience,” said Kilgus, 21. “I went there in 2021 and I wanted to do better in the bulldogging this year and it was a great time and a lot of fun.” In team roping as a header with his partner Cutter PakeThomison they won the average with a 12.1-second time on two head. Kilgus also won the tie-down roping average with a 20.1-second time on two head. He placed third in the steer wrestling average. Kilgus said he’s going to stay on his PRCA permit while he is competing for the Northeastern Oklahoma A&MCollege rodeo team in Miami.

John Harrison, who was named the PRCA Comedy Act of the Year for the second time, the PRCA Coors Man in the Can for the fifth time, and the PRCA Clown/Barrelman of the Year for the first time in his career at the Nov. 30 PRCA Awards Banquet, was glad take part in the Exceptional Rodeo. “It is all about the kids,” Harrison said. “It is fun to see these kids down here in the (Thomas &Mack Center arena) dirt. This is an environment that they don’t get to be a part of very often. To be around true cowboys and to see the smiles on their faces and when they are having a good time trying to rope that dummy or they are riding a bull and hearing them holler, that is where it is at. It warms your heart every time.” Steer wrestler Kyle Irwin, who went on to win the average at the 2022 NFR, echoed Harrison. “I love everything about this,” Irwin said. “In rodeo, we have to try, and these families have nothing but try. These kids, their souls are perfect and to be around them, and be able to put a smile on their face, that is what it all about for me. I get to be out here (in Vegas) with my family, and I enjoy when my kids are happy and if I can help someone else’s kids happy why not. It is super cool that they got to have this on the arena dirt.” For the 35th year, the Pro Rodeo 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 Pro Rodeo League of Women has raised more than $2 million to support the JCCF. Michael and Paula Gaughan hosted the sold-out luncheon at the South Point Hotel Casino & Spa Grand Ballroom, Dec. 8. Tracy Hedeman, Stacey Custer, and Julie Jutten headed the event. The Pro Rodeo League of Women presented a $100,000 check to the JCCF. “It was an amazing day,” Custer said. “Contestants, wives were involved, and it went very well. This was my 32nd year to be involved and I believe in our organization and who we give money LADIES LUNCHEON A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

The Pro Rodeo League of Women’s fashion show and luncheon was a big hit at the South Point on Dec. 8. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Hailey Rae

ProRodeo Sports News 12/16/2022

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