ProRodeo Sports News - November 19, 2021

SHORT ROUND

South Dakota Governor Noem to speak at PRCA Convention Keynote Speaker

S outh Dakota Governor Kristi Noem will be the keynote speaker at the 2021 PRCA Convention in Las Vegas. The governor will address convention attendees at the Grand Ballroom at the South Point Hotel and Casino, Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. (PT). The gathering of PRCA members precedes the biggest event on ProRodeo’s annual calendar, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge at the Thomas & Mack Center in Vegas. “We are honored Governor Noem will keynote our convention,” said Tom Glause, chief executive officer of the PRCA. “She appreciates the work ethic of our cowboys and what they represent. We couldn’t have a better keynote speaker.” Convention attendees will discuss what enabled ProRodeo to overcome the unexpected challenges of the 2021 season and the changes facing professional sports in the years ahead. As in prior years, the convention will feature the State of the PRCA address from Glause as well as the PRCA Member Tradeshow. The PRCA National Convention is the annual meeting of the organization’s members. It is the gathering to review the achievements of the prior year and lay out new strategic areas of focus for the year ahead. The evenings are highlighted with fan favorites: the 14th annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on Nov. 29 honoring Spearfish, S.D., native and ProRodeo Hall of Fame saddle bronc rider Clint Johnson, the 2021 Legend of ProRodeo; the PRCA Welcome Reception and the PRCA Annual Awards Banquet to recognize the extraordinary achievements of PRCA members. The 2021 PRCA National Convention will take place at the South Point. Registration is open for PRCA members and their guests at www. prcaconvention.com

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Steve Gray

Benjamin Espy named 2021 PRCA Vet of the Year

Dr. Benjamin Espy, of San Antonio, Texas, was named the 2021 PRCA Veterinarian of the Year thanks to 25 years as a veterinarian at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The veterinarian of the year award was created in 2010 to spotlight and honor veterinarians who have dedicated time, talent and effort to the health and welfare of rodeo livestock. “This award is such a big deal to me because it’s nice for someone to recognize veterinarians for their behind-the-scenes work,” said Espy. “Because once they’re in the arena all of our work is done and from that point on it’s all up to the cowboy and the horse. “So, it’s nice to be recognized, it’s almost like confirmation that you did a good job and for this award it’s not that you did a good job

on one horse, it’s you did a good job on a thousand horses over the year.” Over the years Espy has been tasked with maintaining and continually improving the operating procedures regarding livestock movement, transportation, and conveyance

Espy

at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition. More than 60,000 animals move on and off the grounds during the 18-day run and under Espy’s watchful eye. Espy also works as an adviser to the students who receive the Veterinary School Scholarships through San Antonio Livestock Exposition. He is a member of the PRCA Livestock Welfare Committee and received his DVM from Texas A&M.

ProRodeo Sports News 11/19/2021

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

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