RNCFR road trip leads to Lane
Posted On: 5/3/2012
I couldn’t go to Oklahoma City for this year’s Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo without a couple of long-overdue detours. I hadn’t been back to Mount Olivet Cemetery in Hugo since the summer day—August 2, 1989—when we buried 1987 World Champion Bull Rider Lane Frost. So the first thing I did upon landing at Will Rogers World Airport was point my rental car toward the tiny town of Lane a couple hours down the road to see Lane’s parents, Clyde and Elsie. The second side trip of that wonderful week was jumping in with Billy Etbauer between perfs and riding shotgun out to his and Hollie’s place. I’ll tell you about that next time.
Bobby mote's no one-trick pony
Posted On: 4/24/2012
Have you checked out the world all-around standings lately? Trevor Brazile is still No. 1, and yes, he’s still a few horse lengths in front of the field. But there’s a new deputy sheriff in town, and you might be surprised to see that it’s Bobby Mote.
RNCFR Gives Circuit Cowboys National Stage
Posted On: 4/9/2012
At 50, five-time and reigning Ram First Frontier Circuit Steer Wrestling Titlist Tom Farrelly is supposed to be past his prime. But watching him bulldog at the 2012 Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, fit as a fine fiddle thanks to his 30-year workweek job as a hoof trimmer for dairy cows (Farrelly actually prefers “livestock manicurist”), keeps the native New Yorker in the shape of steer wrestlers half his age.
Wright Time? 2012 could be year for Utah family
Posted On: 3/28/2012
As recently as two years ago, the story of World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Cody Wright and his three bronc-riding little brothers/traveling partners was something of an anomaly, an “Ain’t that cool?” anecdote for PRCA announcers to use on crowds as one of the Utah cowboys made his final preparations in the chute, getting ready to nod his head.
Our hall is our history
Posted On: 3/22/2012
This is an important time of year for the ProRodeo Hall of Fame as we announce our next class. I’d like to personally congratulate 2012 inductees Billy Etbauer, Robert Etbauer, Hal Littrell, Jon Taylor, the late Frank Schneider, bucking horse great Khadafy and the Dodge City (Kan.) Round-Up on the ultimate honor in our sport. Mark your calendars and make plans to be with us here at the Hall in Colorado Springs for the Cowboy Ball on July 13 and the Induction Ceremonies on July 14.
Jaguar graduates from good junior rodeo horse
Posted On: 3/16/2012
Seeing Tuf Cooper ride into the box on opening night of the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo aboard a little buckskin horse by the name of Jaguar made me smile. It took me all the way back to a day about a decade ago when I was in Fort Worth for an event, and his ProRodeo Hall of Famer dad Roy invited me across town to watch his then-little boys, Clif and Tuf, rope at a junior rodeo over at Cowtown Coliseum.
Brother's back
Posted On: 1/20/2012
Just weeks after completing a terrific 2009 season that secured his place as one of the top bareback horses in ProRodeo, JK Rodeo’s Brother was in so much pain that he could barely stand, and owner Jim Kenney feared the worst.
Positive PRCA Progress for All
Posted On: 11/18/2011
In an effort to provide our members and fans with a better understanding of the issues and decisions that I and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association administration regularly face, I have decided to use the ProRodeo Sports News on a regular basis to speak directly with you regarding important and timely issues in ProRodeo.
Building from the ground up
Posted On: 11/18/2011
One of the PRCA’s most important initiatives for 2011 is examining the circuit system. We haven’t made any significant changes to the circuit system since its creation in 1975. It was organized as an opportunity for our professional cowboys who don’t compete full time, but deserve to have a major finals to go to. Given the fact that 80 percent of our contestant members go to 20 rodeos or less a year, we owe that group of guys our attention and support.
Ultimate Warriors Win the Daddy
Posted On: 11/8/2011
When Walt Woodard was launching an all-in comeback and some were calling him crazy a few years back, I asked him why he was doing it. He explained to me that once you’ve walked on the moon, it’s tough to get excited about civilian life. I get that.
World Champion Jerome Davis Offers Wisdom
Posted On: 11/8/2011
Three members of our extended rodeo family were in paralyzing accidents involving serious spinal-cord injuries this summer. I sent cards, but I’ve been at a loss for what to say to them besides a basic “hang in there.” California Circuit steer wrestler Russ Weitl, 40, was hurt in a freak steer wrestling accident the end of May at the Cliff Armstrong Memorial fund-raiser when his horse bucked and he hit the back fence.
Bullfighting Icon Joe Baumgartner
Posted On: 11/4/2011
Joe Baumgartner is one cool cat. I know this to be true, as I’ve had the privilege of keeping a close eye on his career since we were ProRodeo rookies together back in 1987. There is no better bullfighter and no better person.
ProRodeo leads charge on thinking pink
Posted On: 11/2/2011
I was watching Monday Night Football the other night, and I noticed the players wearing everything from pink gloves to helmets and cleats. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is October, the National Football League has launched its “A Crucial Catch” initiative in partnership with the American Cancer Society, and they’ve gotten on board with the importance of annual screenings and early detection in the fight against this dreaded disease that affects us all in one way or another.
Sonny Hansen was a Cowboy’s Cowboy
Posted On: 11/2/2011
The first thing I did when I got to the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up this year was have dinner with Clayton and Chase Hansen, AKA “Sonny’s Boys.” The 17-year-old twin high school seniors became fast friends with my son Lane at the National High School Finals Rodeo this summer in Gillette, Wyo. I have the happiest photos of them laughing at the pool hall and winning iPads together at the dummy roping matches held there between perfs.
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