Posts
Unfortunately the names already taken: Rod Hartness has earned the name "Rockin Rod" from his fans over many years, but truly in the last half of the summer, current steer roping world champion Rocky Patterson has the "rockin" momentum. I wrote not that long ago that this might be the toughest, deepest race for the Steer Roping championship in a long time...Rocky, of course, was doing well, but Vin Fisher was hot on his heels and Hartness wasn't slowing down a bit, and everyone knew that Trevor Brazile would be showing up near the top eventually. What no one expected was that the "elder statesmen" Rocky Patterson would put such a whoopin on em down the stretch...not many regular season rodeos left and Rocky has opened up a huge lead...and would appear, barring injury, to be a lock on earning another world title.
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speaking of world titles, the Lazy E in Guthrie, Oklahoma called me recently to ask for help in gathering funds for the upcoming NFSR. JP Wickett worked hard to get the state of Oklahoma involved in the Finals coming back to Guthrie...but apparently the state reneged and we're working hard to get some funding to make this truly a big deal for the trippers. Anyone interested in being a sponsors, they've got a lucrative package for GoRound sponsorship.. call me if your're interested 605-641-3630
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Watch for an announcement soon on the final decision to move the National Circuit Finals from Pocatello, Idaho. They've been losing money for some time and the PRCA has had to foot the difference... Should be anyday now that the new city for the National Circuit Finals is revealed.
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remember the Steer Roping Circuit Finals in the Badlands is Saturday Sept 4 at Deadwood... and then the Don King Days come on Sunday and Monday Sept 5 and 6 in Big Horn, Wyoming.. should be a fine event! I'll be announcing both and you won't be disappointed in either if you can come.
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thanks to Siri Stevens at Rodeo News for being such a strong supporter of steer roping. She's become a good and trusted friend...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Biker Heaven/Cowboy Bucks!
Some Veteran cowboys know how to wrangle a crowd for rodeo events: Spud Whitman and Brian Curtis put on a bull riding in Belle Fourche on Wednesday night during the Sturgis Bike Week, and Rory Lemmel worked with the Faith, SD Centennial committee to produce a Wednesday night saddle bronc match.
Both were absolute successes. Spud and Brian knew they'd have to limit expenses and do the bull riding right to make it work. Spud announced, Brian ran the chutes and the 212 Bait Shop east of Belle Fourche packed 'em in the audience area for a PBR style bull riding...Bikers Babes and Bulls they called it even though as one local expert was quoted "it was mostly locals who attended". Didn't matter; there wasn't seating for those who flooded the arena...oh, and Brian Curtis, the chute boss? He borrowed Spud Whitmans bull rope, though he discarded it later saying the hand hold was too big, and was the only bull rider to top two toros! He won the event and who would have thought differently. Way to go guys! I'm proud of you both.
Meanwhile in Faith, SD, starting up its Centennial activities at the fairgrounds, Rory Lemmel scored a huge touchdown for the home team! Over 2000 screaming, knowledgeable fans nearly overflowed the vast grandstands to watch NFR bronc rider Taos Muncie win the 2 header... JJ Elshere had taken top honors in the long go and local favorite Cody Taton was 2nd in both gos to win nearly $4000. In the bronc match portion of the event, the fiver-year old futurity. Korkow rodeos won nearly $3500 for taking first with their broncs while Doug Vold surprised the field to take 2nd and Tom Reeves Wild Card Rodeo horses were third.
All in all, for rodeo events during bike week furor these boys deserve kudos for two fantastic productions.
Both were absolute successes. Spud and Brian knew they'd have to limit expenses and do the bull riding right to make it work. Spud announced, Brian ran the chutes and the 212 Bait Shop east of Belle Fourche packed 'em in the audience area for a PBR style bull riding...Bikers Babes and Bulls they called it even though as one local expert was quoted "it was mostly locals who attended". Didn't matter; there wasn't seating for those who flooded the arena...oh, and Brian Curtis, the chute boss? He borrowed Spud Whitmans bull rope, though he discarded it later saying the hand hold was too big, and was the only bull rider to top two toros! He won the event and who would have thought differently. Way to go guys! I'm proud of you both.
Meanwhile in Faith, SD, starting up its Centennial activities at the fairgrounds, Rory Lemmel scored a huge touchdown for the home team! Over 2000 screaming, knowledgeable fans nearly overflowed the vast grandstands to watch NFR bronc rider Taos Muncie win the 2 header... JJ Elshere had taken top honors in the long go and local favorite Cody Taton was 2nd in both gos to win nearly $4000. In the bronc match portion of the event, the fiver-year old futurity. Korkow rodeos won nearly $3500 for taking first with their broncs while Doug Vold surprised the field to take 2nd and Tom Reeves Wild Card Rodeo horses were third.
All in all, for rodeo events during bike week furor these boys deserve kudos for two fantastic productions.
Monday, August 9, 2010
It's August!
and there's more rodeos than you shake a proverbial stick at! My gosh, how do you see 'em all?
Pete Larson covered the Champions Ride in Sentinel Butte, ND for me on the first Sunday of the month...Jake Costello won the long-go with an 87. There were 36 guys invited including Alex Wright, Cody DeMoss, Jesse Bail, Cody Wright, Jesse Kruse, Cole Elshere, Shane Moran, JJ Elshere, Ryan Elshere, Louis Brunson, Chuck Schmidt, Josh, Reynolds, well you get the picture.. and the guy who won the average on 2 is the hot shot from Iowa, Wade Sundell. Wade scored 71 on his first horse, was given an option, took the reride and scored 82. That brought him back to the finals of the top 12 for another horse...He was then 88 on Painted Lizard and with 170 points won the average. Jesse Wright won the short round with a 92. It was the 54th annual and it benefits the boys and girls at the Home On the Range.
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You want rodeo? this week alone in our area: Gordon, Nebraska has an NRCA event...Glendive, Montana, Onida, SD...Ekalaka, Mt...Martin, SD..The Tucker Day Rodeo is Sunday the 15th for special needs kids down by Hill City...The Dakota Stampede in Aberdeen, the Wyoming State Fair rodeo...Forsyth, Mt hosts a qualifying ranch rodeo for the Niles Finals in October...Wow.. and thats just before the middle of the month!
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I was asked to do the cowboy church service at the Besler Cadillac Ranch between St Onge and Belle Fourche, SD this past Sunday. I asked Jingle Bob Dennis to come in and help me...he did a fine job with poetry and his guitar...and Mike McFarland and his wife came over to sit in the audience..what a nice honor for me..Mike and I did a lot of traveling together in our younger days. He was and is a good friend.
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I'm looking forward to the Badlands Circuit Finals Steer Roping on September 4th. It'll be the first ever for our circuit and I'll announce it. It'll be in Deadwood at the Days of 76 rodeo grounds. The top 12 in North and South Dakota will compete on a 5 header. The winners get to go to the National Circuit Finals in Torrington, Wyoming next April.
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See ya down the road!
Pete Larson covered the Champions Ride in Sentinel Butte, ND for me on the first Sunday of the month...Jake Costello won the long-go with an 87. There were 36 guys invited including Alex Wright, Cody DeMoss, Jesse Bail, Cody Wright, Jesse Kruse, Cole Elshere, Shane Moran, JJ Elshere, Ryan Elshere, Louis Brunson, Chuck Schmidt, Josh, Reynolds, well you get the picture.. and the guy who won the average on 2 is the hot shot from Iowa, Wade Sundell. Wade scored 71 on his first horse, was given an option, took the reride and scored 82. That brought him back to the finals of the top 12 for another horse...He was then 88 on Painted Lizard and with 170 points won the average. Jesse Wright won the short round with a 92. It was the 54th annual and it benefits the boys and girls at the Home On the Range.
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You want rodeo? this week alone in our area: Gordon, Nebraska has an NRCA event...Glendive, Montana, Onida, SD...Ekalaka, Mt...Martin, SD..The Tucker Day Rodeo is Sunday the 15th for special needs kids down by Hill City...The Dakota Stampede in Aberdeen, the Wyoming State Fair rodeo...Forsyth, Mt hosts a qualifying ranch rodeo for the Niles Finals in October...Wow.. and thats just before the middle of the month!
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I was asked to do the cowboy church service at the Besler Cadillac Ranch between St Onge and Belle Fourche, SD this past Sunday. I asked Jingle Bob Dennis to come in and help me...he did a fine job with poetry and his guitar...and Mike McFarland and his wife came over to sit in the audience..what a nice honor for me..Mike and I did a lot of traveling together in our younger days. He was and is a good friend.
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I'm looking forward to the Badlands Circuit Finals Steer Roping on September 4th. It'll be the first ever for our circuit and I'll announce it. It'll be in Deadwood at the Days of 76 rodeo grounds. The top 12 in North and South Dakota will compete on a 5 header. The winners get to go to the National Circuit Finals in Torrington, Wyoming next April.
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See ya down the road!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Steer Roping: Deadwood and Cheyenne
The 14th time we've tripped steers at Deadwood was a huge success again...good crowds, good entries..(85)...and a madcap race to the 3 head title. In the end Trevor Brazile outlasted Rod Hartness and J. Tom Fisher for the title...and about $5300...
Cheyenne, first things first...two great stories: Tim Tillard won the senior roping...his first time in 35 times entered...way to go old Friend!! i assume the buckle fits just as well today as it might have 3 1/3 decades ago.
Then there's Dee Kyler. The Okie came to Cheyenne having not won a farthing this year...wasn't in the top 50...but, he won the first round, placed in the 2nd round, in the short go and in the average, won over $20,000 and now is 7th in the world. Ah, Cheyenne! King Maker to the stars.
If you forgot, a great story about Dee; way back when we started the steer roping at the Days of 76, his mom and dad came to Deadwood...mrs Kyler won the quartermania jackpot at the Silverado for over a half million dollars...and when the reporter came to interview her about it, he asked "are you here for the rodeo?" and she replied emphatically, "Nope, I'm here for Jim hompson's steer roping!"....that makes me proud...though the Deadwood committee has wholeheartedly jumped in to promote the roping and as a result we get tons of votes from the events contestants and have won 11 "rodeo of the year" titles as a result. Good advice for committees looking for an event that can change the same old grind.
If I didn't mention before the Mountain States Circuit Finals steer roping will be in Sterling, Colorado on October 9-10 at the fairgrounds...the ropers have asked to move it out of August. I miss the old Hyde Merritt roping in Laramie...but it was an effort to make it happen every year and I don't begrudge those that had to move on...Chris Anderson needs to be commended for not letting the thing drop. I'm proud of him...oh, and Chris won money at Cheyenne as well and made the short go...so did Ora Taton..! and Will McBride...and...well you get the idea...area ropers did well..
see ya down the road!
Cheyenne, first things first...two great stories: Tim Tillard won the senior roping...his first time in 35 times entered...way to go old Friend!! i assume the buckle fits just as well today as it might have 3 1/3 decades ago.
Then there's Dee Kyler. The Okie came to Cheyenne having not won a farthing this year...wasn't in the top 50...but, he won the first round, placed in the 2nd round, in the short go and in the average, won over $20,000 and now is 7th in the world. Ah, Cheyenne! King Maker to the stars.
If you forgot, a great story about Dee; way back when we started the steer roping at the Days of 76, his mom and dad came to Deadwood...mrs Kyler won the quartermania jackpot at the Silverado for over a half million dollars...and when the reporter came to interview her about it, he asked "are you here for the rodeo?" and she replied emphatically, "Nope, I'm here for Jim hompson's steer roping!"....that makes me proud...though the Deadwood committee has wholeheartedly jumped in to promote the roping and as a result we get tons of votes from the events contestants and have won 11 "rodeo of the year" titles as a result. Good advice for committees looking for an event that can change the same old grind.
If I didn't mention before the Mountain States Circuit Finals steer roping will be in Sterling, Colorado on October 9-10 at the fairgrounds...the ropers have asked to move it out of August. I miss the old Hyde Merritt roping in Laramie...but it was an effort to make it happen every year and I don't begrudge those that had to move on...Chris Anderson needs to be commended for not letting the thing drop. I'm proud of him...oh, and Chris won money at Cheyenne as well and made the short go...so did Ora Taton..! and Will McBride...and...well you get the idea...area ropers did well..
see ya down the road!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Bustin at Deadwood is a Hit!
The Steer Roping in Deadwood, SD...the Days of 76, went wonderfully on Tuesday July 27th... 85 entered...80 eventually roped 2 head each...the best 24 on 2 got another in the progressive round. This was the closest finals in a long time at Deadwood...Three ropers went into the short go within 6/10th of a second apart...J. Tom Fisher was leading with Trevor Brazile and Rod Hartness right behind him...when the dust settled in was Trevor who got the big prize, roping his final steer in 11.1 while Rod and J. Tom both took no times. Trevor's win earned him nearly $5200. The fast time of the day belonged to J. Tom who won the 2nd round with a 9.4 second run. The world record for fast time was set in Deadwood in 2003 when Guy Allen roped and tied in 7.9 seconds. Guy holds several Deadwood records...the most money won over the 14 years of the competition: $28, 186, the fastest time on 3 head; 29.2 in 2000, the most money won at a single roping; nearly $6700 in 2002. Guy has won the Days of 76 steer roping in 2000, 2002 and 2004. (guy was also 2nd one year) Trevor has now won twice in 2008 and 2010. (Brazile finished 2nd in 99 and again in 2000 and has a 4th place finish as well) and Scott Snedecor has won twice in 2003 and 06 (Scott has laos place third twice and 5th in the average once)...Nobody else has won more than once.
Other notables who have done well at the "Days" over the years: JD Yates has placed in the top 6 four times, Buster Record the same including a 2nd place finish) JR Olson and Jarrett Blessing have each placed 3 times in the top 6.
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not sure if you saw that Roxee Holloway has finally retired from picking up at rodeos. I got to work with Roxee at the World Finals in El Paso one year. She more than proved her worth in the arena but broke her back at the Casey Tibbs Match in Ft Pierre 4 years ago, and hasn't really been back. But her Dad convinced her to try one more time and so they worked together at a performance of the days of 1910 in Timber Lake in July. She said it went smoothly and she rode out of the arena with a heavy heart...for the last time. Thanks Rox, I'm proud of you.
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The Mountain States Circuit Finals Steer Roping will be moved to October. It'll be in Sterling, Colorado on the weekend of October 9-10. And the first ever Badlands Finals steer roping will be Saturday September 4 in Deadwood at the Days of 76 grounds...4pm. The top 12 in the circuit will each rope 5 head. Winners get to go to the National Circuit Finals in Torrington, Wyoming next April. The Badlands becomes the 5th circuit to have a Circuit finals for trippers. At some point perhaps the Wilderness and the Turquoise may join in. I can't imagine that Montana hasn't added steer roping yet....wouldn't you think that a cowboy state like Montana would want to be play with the big boys? Maybe someday soon.
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sorry that i haven't posted for a while...its an "old dog-new tricks" deal. I couldn't remember how to get on the site! Now Shelisa Davis has written me out instructions so I won't forget anymore. :)
Other notables who have done well at the "Days" over the years: JD Yates has placed in the top 6 four times, Buster Record the same including a 2nd place finish) JR Olson and Jarrett Blessing have each placed 3 times in the top 6.
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not sure if you saw that Roxee Holloway has finally retired from picking up at rodeos. I got to work with Roxee at the World Finals in El Paso one year. She more than proved her worth in the arena but broke her back at the Casey Tibbs Match in Ft Pierre 4 years ago, and hasn't really been back. But her Dad convinced her to try one more time and so they worked together at a performance of the days of 1910 in Timber Lake in July. She said it went smoothly and she rode out of the arena with a heavy heart...for the last time. Thanks Rox, I'm proud of you.
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The Mountain States Circuit Finals Steer Roping will be moved to October. It'll be in Sterling, Colorado on the weekend of October 9-10. And the first ever Badlands Finals steer roping will be Saturday September 4 in Deadwood at the Days of 76 grounds...4pm. The top 12 in the circuit will each rope 5 head. Winners get to go to the National Circuit Finals in Torrington, Wyoming next April. The Badlands becomes the 5th circuit to have a Circuit finals for trippers. At some point perhaps the Wilderness and the Turquoise may join in. I can't imagine that Montana hasn't added steer roping yet....wouldn't you think that a cowboy state like Montana would want to be play with the big boys? Maybe someday soon.
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sorry that i haven't posted for a while...its an "old dog-new tricks" deal. I couldn't remember how to get on the site! Now Shelisa Davis has written me out instructions so I won't forget anymore. :)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
High School Rodeo is Coming!!
Well the qualifying for the National High School Finals Rodeo has begun. Regular season rodeos and regionals are over and now the State Finales are in sight. Bozeman hosts the Montana State Finals June 9-13...the Bowman is the location for the North Dakota Finals June 17-20. The next weekend is really buzzing with trailers hustling down the pavement: Hastings will be the location for the Nebraska finals June 22-26; Douglas the traditional Wyoming High School finals competition June 23-27 at the state fairgrounds, and Belle Fourche, the Black Hills Round Up grounds is the scene for the South Dakota Finals. After the dust has settled in all those venues, the qualifiers gear up for the Nationals in Gillette, Wyoming July 18-24. Oh and just ahead of that the National Junior High Finals is in Gallup, New Mexico June 27-July 3.
I'll never forget announcing my first National High School finals. It was in Rapid City and I sat next to my friend Jon Hutson. What a thrill to see all the stands full and the excitement of that event. I was chosen for the National Finals later for 3 years in Pueblo, Colorado, then 3 years in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the back to Gillette. Eventually I understood that if Jim Thompson continued to announce that rodeo, there's be one less spot for some deserving young person who wanted a break. So i retired from the announcers stand and turned to doing radio or television play by play of the Finals. But all in all, it was a pleasant experience. Lots of future Pros came through that portals...I remember watching Cody Ohl rope and many others...I won't drop any names just suffice it say, the high school rodeo is a great place to start an adult life.
See ya down the road!
I'll never forget announcing my first National High School finals. It was in Rapid City and I sat next to my friend Jon Hutson. What a thrill to see all the stands full and the excitement of that event. I was chosen for the National Finals later for 3 years in Pueblo, Colorado, then 3 years in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the back to Gillette. Eventually I understood that if Jim Thompson continued to announce that rodeo, there's be one less spot for some deserving young person who wanted a break. So i retired from the announcers stand and turned to doing radio or television play by play of the Finals. But all in all, it was a pleasant experience. Lots of future Pros came through that portals...I remember watching Cody Ohl rope and many others...I won't drop any names just suffice it say, the high school rodeo is a great place to start an adult life.
See ya down the road!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
PBR
The Pro-Bull Riders have changed CEO's - Jeffery Pollack is the guy in that post now. He was last with the World Series of Poker and before that with NASCAR, so undoubtedly he has some credentials.
It doesn't matter to me one way or the other frankly, but I can only look to the PRCA for an analogy. They added Steve Hatchell and before him Lew Cryer. The PRCA touted their credentials to the high heavens as the salvation of the rodeo world. Obviously there are several possibilities why they failed so miserably; primary because neither had the actual ability that their resume indicated. Another reason could have been that the PRCA didn't give them proper latitude to do their job. I don't think that was the issue with either of them; they were just hired without proper oversight as to what they could do to help Pro Rodeo move forward.
So, what does that say about the PBR? At this point, I think that the main advantage they have over the PRCA hiring technique is that the ownership is much more than a bunch of cowboys with little business skill. This group that's owned the PBR is making business decisions and so I'll trust their judgement with Pollack until he proves otherwise. Justin Milles of the NILE in Billings, MT joined me on my radio show "On the Road Again" to say essentially the same thing: Billings probably won't be affected by the change in leadership but he'll just have to wait and see.
Other news: Bob Christopherson didn't get selected to be inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, but Lee Selland and Buzz Fredericks both did. Congratulations to them, and Bob, your time is coming.
How do they keep him out? The high school championship, college championship, circuit championship and NFR qualifications...plus winning the average at the NFR in Oklahoma City all to Bob’s credit. Certainly Bob Christopherson has nothing more to prove; however, if I were voting I'd probably have looked at the fact that all of the above credit happened while living in either Iowa or Montana. He's been a North Dakotan for some time now though, so eventually you have to give him his due!
Rodeos coming up include both Sturgis and Crazy Horse Pro Shows on the weekend of June 18-20. I'll be announcing at Crazy Horse again this year all three days (with help this year from Alec Whipple) and doing the steer roping on Sunday morning in Sturgis for Tom Reeves Wild Card Rodeo Company.
See ya down the road!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Antone and Miles City
Wish I had been two guys this past weekend; I would love to have been in Miles City for the bucking horse sale but my heart decision was to go support the benefit for Antone Helfrich in Killdeer, ND. Saturday was the poker tourney at the Buckskin in Killdeer.
44 players I believe: Wendell Viegan was the winner - he and JW Lorenz went head to head at the end. They also had a silent auction. Antone was there but didn't look too bad for a guy who's had a coal dust explosion right in front of him. Frankly, I think he's lucky to be alive. The young bulldogger still wears gloves and cover for his arms to protect the skin grafts. He's recovering well but his Mom told us Sunday that he was still very uncomfortable and in some pain.
The steer wrestling on Sunday at the Killdeer arena was great! An absolutely gorgeous day with a nice crowd and 51 contestants. Chad Smith of Trotters, ND was the winner on 3 head (it was a 2 header with the top 12 to the Finals). The Dickinson State grad and College National Finals veteran never wavered when it was his turn to go last. The whole shebang went off nicely and I got to announce and spend quite a bit of time with Benny Paulson - that was nice too.
Meanwhile, in Miles City the world famous Bucking Horse Sale enjoyed the same good weather and huge crowds. Jack, at the Saddlery, told me it was probably the best weekend they'd ever had for business. Cousin Pete Larson went up to report for us on the matched bronc ride on Sunday. The 3 Elshere boys from South Dakota took the top 3 places with JJ coming out on top. Maybe next year I'll make it...
...See ya down the road!
44 players I believe: Wendell Viegan was the winner - he and JW Lorenz went head to head at the end. They also had a silent auction. Antone was there but didn't look too bad for a guy who's had a coal dust explosion right in front of him. Frankly, I think he's lucky to be alive. The young bulldogger still wears gloves and cover for his arms to protect the skin grafts. He's recovering well but his Mom told us Sunday that he was still very uncomfortable and in some pain.
The steer wrestling on Sunday at the Killdeer arena was great! An absolutely gorgeous day with a nice crowd and 51 contestants. Chad Smith of Trotters, ND was the winner on 3 head (it was a 2 header with the top 12 to the Finals). The Dickinson State grad and College National Finals veteran never wavered when it was his turn to go last. The whole shebang went off nicely and I got to announce and spend quite a bit of time with Benny Paulson - that was nice too.
Meanwhile, in Miles City the world famous Bucking Horse Sale enjoyed the same good weather and huge crowds. Jack, at the Saddlery, told me it was probably the best weekend they'd ever had for business. Cousin Pete Larson went up to report for us on the matched bronc ride on Sunday. The 3 Elshere boys from South Dakota took the top 3 places with JJ coming out on top. Maybe next year I'll make it...
...See ya down the road!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Finally getting some pictures posted...
Fred McLanahan got the action at the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping in Torrington, Wyoming. Hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
L toR
1) JP Wickett - Oklahoma
2) Torrington Champion Ralph Williams - Oklahoma
3) Miss Rodeo Wyoming
4) Harold Bumgartner - Local Event Chairman - Torrington
5) A member of the event committee - sorry, we don't have his name.
Photo by Fred McClanahan, Jr.
Photo by Fred McClanahan, Jr.
Left to right:
1) Billy Ward - pickup man, Wyoming
2) Tami Larsen - timer, Wyoming
1) Billy Ward - pickup man, Wyoming
2) Tami Larsen - timer, Wyoming
3) Jackie Higlin - secretary, South Dakota
4) DeDe Dickinson - timer, Wyoming
4) DeDe Dickinson - timer, Wyoming
5) Jim Thompson - announcer, South Dakota
Photo by Fred McClanahan, Jr.
Photo by Fred McClanahan, Jr.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Hey folks...
...getting ready for the Anton Helfrich Benefit in Killdeer, ND this weekend. Anton, a young steer wrestler from western North Dakota, was burned over a large part of his body in a work related accident a month ago. This benefit will help in two ways: raise money for the cost of recovery and travel for treatment; and most important, it will let Anton know how much he's liked and how his friends turned out to help.
I'll be playing in the Texas Hold 'Em Tournament at the Buckskin in Killdeer at 2 p.m. Saturday, then announcing the steer wrestling at noon at the rodeo grounds on Sunday. There are lots of items for the silent and live auction both days. Bring a check book and help out.
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Also, Lee Akers at KYUS Miles City and KIKC Forsyth, Montana will be broadcasting the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Parade live this Saturday morning at 9:30, May 15th. You can watch the live streaming video down main street at www.kyuskmta.com. Way to go Lee!
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College rodeo is over for the regular season; the top three contestants in each event in each region will qualify for the National College Finals in Casper in mid June at the Casper Events Center. Nikki Steffes of the University of Wyoming is after yet another Ladies All-Around crown. Nikki is 2nd in the nation right now. The placing nationally is really just for comparison because the season points are of no consequence except for qualifying for the Nationals. Once there, everybody starts from zero and works through three rounds in each event and then the top 12 go to the short round on June 19th to determine the national champions.
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If you missed it, NFR timed event qualifier JD Crouse of Canon City, Colorado turned 40 on May 12th...he's a multi-talented friend and former Nebraskan.
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On May 19th, Rick Thompson's "Talk Rodeo" on Live with JT will feature one of the young bull riders who was on CBS's Amazing Race; should be an interesting conversation. By the way, May 19th is also Rick's birthday. He will be helping with the Marvin Garrett Rough Stock Series this weekend in Mesquite, Texas; he will be handling the TV interviews for the production.
See ya down the Road!
I'll be playing in the Texas Hold 'Em Tournament at the Buckskin in Killdeer at 2 p.m. Saturday, then announcing the steer wrestling at noon at the rodeo grounds on Sunday. There are lots of items for the silent and live auction both days. Bring a check book and help out.
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Also, Lee Akers at KYUS Miles City and KIKC Forsyth, Montana will be broadcasting the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale Parade live this Saturday morning at 9:30, May 15th. You can watch the live streaming video down main street at www.kyuskmta.com. Way to go Lee!
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College rodeo is over for the regular season; the top three contestants in each event in each region will qualify for the National College Finals in Casper in mid June at the Casper Events Center. Nikki Steffes of the University of Wyoming is after yet another Ladies All-Around crown. Nikki is 2nd in the nation right now. The placing nationally is really just for comparison because the season points are of no consequence except for qualifying for the Nationals. Once there, everybody starts from zero and works through three rounds in each event and then the top 12 go to the short round on June 19th to determine the national champions.
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If you missed it, NFR timed event qualifier JD Crouse of Canon City, Colorado turned 40 on May 12th...he's a multi-talented friend and former Nebraskan.
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On May 19th, Rick Thompson's "Talk Rodeo" on Live with JT will feature one of the young bull riders who was on CBS's Amazing Race; should be an interesting conversation. By the way, May 19th is also Rick's birthday. He will be helping with the Marvin Garrett Rough Stock Series this weekend in Mesquite, Texas; he will be handling the TV interviews for the production.
See ya down the Road!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Bob Logue Remembered
A friend recently asked me to do some research into Bobby Logue. Seems he couldn't find anything on him in the PRCA web site...so I went to my files (all the old media guides I'd saved through the years).
Bob Logue burst on the PRCA scene as a young California bareback rider in the late 70's. Heck, he had to compete against Jack Ward and Joe Alexander, Mickey Young and Bruce Ford, but he entered and rode and eventually made the finals in 1979. He'd moved to Texas and didn't just back into the NFR, he wound up 4th in the world standings losing only to Ford, Alexander and Sam Perkins. He was 4th again in 1980, this time seeing JC Trujillo, Ford and Young ahead of him.
In 1981, he moved to 3rd place losing only to Trujillo (JC's only title) and the Hall of Famer Ford. Lesser men may have thrown their hat in the dirt, but not Bobby. In '82 he lost only to Bruce Ford, who was forever winning titles, wasn't he? I think '82 was the year that Logue placed at 100 rodeos. Imagine that! They weren't paying as much in those days, but still he finished as reserve champion.
It must have been 1983 when Bobby broke his neck. He qualified for the NFR but had to be replaced by TJ Walter and wound up 15th. I was announcing a lot of rodeos in the '80's and I remember seeing Bobby with that halo to stabilize his head and let his neck heal. It was sad, because he was in his prime. The question was simple; could he come back from this injury and compete against all the kids coming out of college? He did, as he also watched young brother Chuck hit the road and begin to succeed (Chuck won the world in 1990).
Bobby moved back into the mainstream and finished 7th in the barebacks in '85, and now had to enter against Marvin Garrett, Clint Corey, Lewis Field, Wayne Herman and Larry Peabody. (All of that crew just mentioned went on to win world titles in their prime). Bobby never rode as well as before his injury. Oh, he was competitive, but by '93 he was done.
Today he lives in Colorado, still has a part in rodeo, and is well respected by his peers. What would he have done without the injury in the middle of his best riding days? Nobody really knows, but Bobby is certainly one of those cowboys who truly deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. He defined "class", "professionalism" and "heart". I doubt you'll hear him cry about it...he is a cowboy after all and in the end, that's probably enough for him.
Bob Logue burst on the PRCA scene as a young California bareback rider in the late 70's. Heck, he had to compete against Jack Ward and Joe Alexander, Mickey Young and Bruce Ford, but he entered and rode and eventually made the finals in 1979. He'd moved to Texas and didn't just back into the NFR, he wound up 4th in the world standings losing only to Ford, Alexander and Sam Perkins. He was 4th again in 1980, this time seeing JC Trujillo, Ford and Young ahead of him.
In 1981, he moved to 3rd place losing only to Trujillo (JC's only title) and the Hall of Famer Ford. Lesser men may have thrown their hat in the dirt, but not Bobby. In '82 he lost only to Bruce Ford, who was forever winning titles, wasn't he? I think '82 was the year that Logue placed at 100 rodeos. Imagine that! They weren't paying as much in those days, but still he finished as reserve champion.
It must have been 1983 when Bobby broke his neck. He qualified for the NFR but had to be replaced by TJ Walter and wound up 15th. I was announcing a lot of rodeos in the '80's and I remember seeing Bobby with that halo to stabilize his head and let his neck heal. It was sad, because he was in his prime. The question was simple; could he come back from this injury and compete against all the kids coming out of college? He did, as he also watched young brother Chuck hit the road and begin to succeed (Chuck won the world in 1990).
Bobby moved back into the mainstream and finished 7th in the barebacks in '85, and now had to enter against Marvin Garrett, Clint Corey, Lewis Field, Wayne Herman and Larry Peabody. (All of that crew just mentioned went on to win world titles in their prime). Bobby never rode as well as before his injury. Oh, he was competitive, but by '93 he was done.
Today he lives in Colorado, still has a part in rodeo, and is well respected by his peers. What would he have done without the injury in the middle of his best riding days? Nobody really knows, but Bobby is certainly one of those cowboys who truly deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. He defined "class", "professionalism" and "heart". I doubt you'll hear him cry about it...he is a cowboy after all and in the end, that's probably enough for him.
Monday, April 26, 2010
College Rodeo is in Session...
...and almost done for the spring. The top teams and individuals are headed to the Casper Events Center for the College Finals June 13th -19th. It'll be the 62nd annual CNFR.
In our area, this weekend, (out of April and into May) has Dickinson State University (ND) hosting the final rodeo of the season for the Great Plains Region. (That is primarily the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.) They've held nine rodeos since last September and the battle is brewing at almost every level: Dickinson State and South Dakota State are neck and neck for the mens team title; the same in the womens level so this last rodeo is gonna make a big difference. Black Hills State in Spearfish, SD is 3rd in both mens and womens standings. In the mens' All Around, it's a 4-way race led by PJ Painter of BHSU. The womens All Around is a near runaway for Halley Treeby of Dickinson, ND. Tanner Aus of Iowa Central has a commanding lead in the Bareback Riding, and Rachel Tiedeman of SDUS is a sure winner in the barrels; but every other individual event will come down to the last round in Dickinson this weekend at the Blue Hawks Stampede. Good luck to all of them.
The Big Sky Region of Montana has this weekend off and will finish in Missoula on May 7th & 8th.
The Central Rocky Mountain Region (Wyoming and Colorado) will close out this weekend in Laramie. Gillette College has a nip and tuck battle for the mens title with Central Wyoming (Riverton) but takes an overwhelming lead to UW this weekend for the ladies. Nikki Steffes of Wyoming has an almost insurmountable lead for the Ladies All Around, and for the guys: Cole Dorenkamp of Gillette has a less than comfortable lead. In the Bareback Riding Ty Breur has a huge lead and Nikki Steffes will be hard to beat in the Goat Tying; otherwise, there are battles brewing for all the other titles.
Still no word on whether my old podnuh Bob Christopherson is gonna be elected to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Voting has been going on all month with the induction ceremonies in June in Medora. Bob won a couple of National High School championships as a bull dogger, and won the average a couple of times at the NFR in Oklahoma City. You'd think he'd be a lock, but I'll let you know when its official.
You've probably heard that Jim Wilson of Ridge, Montana, will be honored by the Mandan, ND 4th of July rodeo committee. The old pickup man will be memorialized with a collectible poster in 2010. Well deserved for a true cowboy.
See ya'll down the road some place.
In our area, this weekend, (out of April and into May) has Dickinson State University (ND) hosting the final rodeo of the season for the Great Plains Region. (That is primarily the Dakotas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.) They've held nine rodeos since last September and the battle is brewing at almost every level: Dickinson State and South Dakota State are neck and neck for the mens team title; the same in the womens level so this last rodeo is gonna make a big difference. Black Hills State in Spearfish, SD is 3rd in both mens and womens standings. In the mens' All Around, it's a 4-way race led by PJ Painter of BHSU. The womens All Around is a near runaway for Halley Treeby of Dickinson, ND. Tanner Aus of Iowa Central has a commanding lead in the Bareback Riding, and Rachel Tiedeman of SDUS is a sure winner in the barrels; but every other individual event will come down to the last round in Dickinson this weekend at the Blue Hawks Stampede. Good luck to all of them.
The Big Sky Region of Montana has this weekend off and will finish in Missoula on May 7th & 8th.
The Central Rocky Mountain Region (Wyoming and Colorado) will close out this weekend in Laramie. Gillette College has a nip and tuck battle for the mens title with Central Wyoming (Riverton) but takes an overwhelming lead to UW this weekend for the ladies. Nikki Steffes of Wyoming has an almost insurmountable lead for the Ladies All Around, and for the guys: Cole Dorenkamp of Gillette has a less than comfortable lead. In the Bareback Riding Ty Breur has a huge lead and Nikki Steffes will be hard to beat in the Goat Tying; otherwise, there are battles brewing for all the other titles.
Still no word on whether my old podnuh Bob Christopherson is gonna be elected to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. Voting has been going on all month with the induction ceremonies in June in Medora. Bob won a couple of National High School championships as a bull dogger, and won the average a couple of times at the NFR in Oklahoma City. You'd think he'd be a lock, but I'll let you know when its official.
You've probably heard that Jim Wilson of Ridge, Montana, will be honored by the Mandan, ND 4th of July rodeo committee. The old pickup man will be memorialized with a collectible poster in 2010. Well deserved for a true cowboy.
See ya'll down the road some place.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Steer Ropers finally get their due.
What a great time in Torrington, Wyoming for the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping. I told the Chamber of Commerce reps that I didn't need to remind these cowboys to be "good" or to say "thanks". I've learned over many years that this group of contestants will do that without being pushed.
The Goshen County Fairgrounds turned out in fine style for us; though the crowd wasn't as large as it will be eventually, it certainly was a nice representation of fans. I saw a lot of old friends and made some new ones.
The black and white of it is: Ralph Williams from Skiatook, Oklahoma won the event. Each of 24 ropers got 5 head over two days...then the best eight in the average moved into the semis. The best four times advanced to the finals...and the fastest time in the finals was crowned the champ. The smart money was on Vin Fisher, the young Texan has moved into first place in the PRCA world standings in the past week and he was "hot" in Torrington. Didn't win much on Saturday on the first three, but came back with a 2nd and 1st in the last two regular rounds and won the 5 head average in just over 50 seconds on four qualified catches (no one caught all 5 in that competition; Cody Garnett of Oklahoma and Rocket Freeman of Idaho both missed their 5th steer for a chance to win it.)
And all the while Ralph Williams, the unassuming Okie just kept roping smart...never forcing anything....qualifying in 5th place to the semis. His was the 4th fastest into the finals but he started the finals with a solid 11.9 and watched as Howdy McGinn, the Columbia River Circuit Champion, and Cody Garnett both took no times. That left only Vin Fisher. Vin had a hard running steer that he tripped in time to win, but he'd have to do perfect to get it, and the steer kicked. To Vin's credit he didn't try to force anything; wrapped the steer in 19.0 and finished second and he won the most money of anyone there; nearly $10,000. That was almost 1/4 of the total purse.!! Ralph, meanwhile, would be the poster child for the "old guard". Don't get ahead of yourself, make sure of your mechanics, play conservative...he did, and he won. The first ever National Circuit Champion Steer Roper will forever be Ralph Williams. Not former champions Scott Snedecor or Buster Record, not current world champion Rocky Patterson, not veterans like Rod Hartness or JP Wickett; not favorite sons like Chris Glover or Troy Tillard. The chips fell just right for Ralph Williams and he humbly took the honors.
In all, 18 of the 24 guys entered won money. Not bad considering they paid only stock charge, no entry fee. In five rounds, the semis and finals, the ropers nodded for 132 steers and got times on 59% of them. A good percentage. Only a few kicked loose; there were only 2 broken barriers and the judges weren't tested often. Marty Jandreau flagged the field, Jim Whiting watched the line and Harry Rose was the middle of the field decision maker.
There were no controversies mostly because steer ropers, for the most part, aren't whiners. Nod, ride up on the steer, throw a horn loop, and turn left. I'm proud of em - the whole dang bunch. It gives me so much joy to be their "voice" to a crowd that may not understand the event. Thanks for the opportunity.
The Goshen County Fairgrounds turned out in fine style for us; though the crowd wasn't as large as it will be eventually, it certainly was a nice representation of fans. I saw a lot of old friends and made some new ones.
The black and white of it is: Ralph Williams from Skiatook, Oklahoma won the event. Each of 24 ropers got 5 head over two days...then the best eight in the average moved into the semis. The best four times advanced to the finals...and the fastest time in the finals was crowned the champ. The smart money was on Vin Fisher, the young Texan has moved into first place in the PRCA world standings in the past week and he was "hot" in Torrington. Didn't win much on Saturday on the first three, but came back with a 2nd and 1st in the last two regular rounds and won the 5 head average in just over 50 seconds on four qualified catches (no one caught all 5 in that competition; Cody Garnett of Oklahoma and Rocket Freeman of Idaho both missed their 5th steer for a chance to win it.)
And all the while Ralph Williams, the unassuming Okie just kept roping smart...never forcing anything....qualifying in 5th place to the semis. His was the 4th fastest into the finals but he started the finals with a solid 11.9 and watched as Howdy McGinn, the Columbia River Circuit Champion, and Cody Garnett both took no times. That left only Vin Fisher. Vin had a hard running steer that he tripped in time to win, but he'd have to do perfect to get it, and the steer kicked. To Vin's credit he didn't try to force anything; wrapped the steer in 19.0 and finished second and he won the most money of anyone there; nearly $10,000. That was almost 1/4 of the total purse.!! Ralph, meanwhile, would be the poster child for the "old guard". Don't get ahead of yourself, make sure of your mechanics, play conservative...he did, and he won. The first ever National Circuit Champion Steer Roper will forever be Ralph Williams. Not former champions Scott Snedecor or Buster Record, not current world champion Rocky Patterson, not veterans like Rod Hartness or JP Wickett; not favorite sons like Chris Glover or Troy Tillard. The chips fell just right for Ralph Williams and he humbly took the honors.
In all, 18 of the 24 guys entered won money. Not bad considering they paid only stock charge, no entry fee. In five rounds, the semis and finals, the ropers nodded for 132 steers and got times on 59% of them. A good percentage. Only a few kicked loose; there were only 2 broken barriers and the judges weren't tested often. Marty Jandreau flagged the field, Jim Whiting watched the line and Harry Rose was the middle of the field decision maker.
There were no controversies mostly because steer ropers, for the most part, aren't whiners. Nod, ride up on the steer, throw a horn loop, and turn left. I'm proud of em - the whole dang bunch. It gives me so much joy to be their "voice" to a crowd that may not understand the event. Thanks for the opportunity.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
National Circuit Finals and Deadwood
The National Circuit Finals Rodeo is being held in Pocatello, Idaho this week for the 24th time. In the previous 23 years two circuits have been dominant: Texas winning 8 team titles and the Wilderness (Idaho, Utah) winning 6. Montana and California have each won 2. The Badlands Circuit of the Dakotas won in 1989 and the Mountain States Circuit (Wyoming and Colorado) have never won a team trophy in Pocatello. Mountain States boys had a banner year; however, in 2004 Montana won the team title. Individual champions from the the MSC included: Kruetzer and Zurcher winning the team roping AND the All Around; Cimmaron Gerke won the bareback riding; Chet Johnson took top honors in the broncs. In addition Ryan Hanna of the Badlands won the bull dogging.
I've been finishing up my record keeping for the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood. We'll open a museum soon for that illustrious event and I wanted to have a final record of every winner. I've been remarkably successful, thanks to the Black Hills Pioneer Newspaper in Spearfish. They let me comb their old editions. The only year I'm missing is 1949. Somehow that page was missing from the book it was supposed to be in. So, I'm still on the hunt. Its difficult to not stop and read those old stories...about the war, and the legislative action, old baseball stories about Bob Feller and Mickey Mantle. But the rodeo news was top action when it took place in Deadwood each year. I was taken with the space given to talk about special guests and kids calf chasing. I was curious when I started; how was Deadwood viewed by the "big boys" of rodeo? Well that's easy to see when you see Bill Linderman, Casey Tibbs, Gerald Roberts, Jerry Ambler, Alvin Nelson, Jack Buschbom and so many others. Deadwood was, and is again, one of the top spots for cowboys. Evidenced by winning ten Best Rodeo honors in all of the PRCA over recent years. This museum should be a corker.
Oh, and if someone has the results of the Days of '76 for 1949, will you let me know? :)
I've been finishing up my record keeping for the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood. We'll open a museum soon for that illustrious event and I wanted to have a final record of every winner. I've been remarkably successful, thanks to the Black Hills Pioneer Newspaper in Spearfish. They let me comb their old editions. The only year I'm missing is 1949. Somehow that page was missing from the book it was supposed to be in. So, I'm still on the hunt. Its difficult to not stop and read those old stories...about the war, and the legislative action, old baseball stories about Bob Feller and Mickey Mantle. But the rodeo news was top action when it took place in Deadwood each year. I was taken with the space given to talk about special guests and kids calf chasing. I was curious when I started; how was Deadwood viewed by the "big boys" of rodeo? Well that's easy to see when you see Bill Linderman, Casey Tibbs, Gerald Roberts, Jerry Ambler, Alvin Nelson, Jack Buschbom and so many others. Deadwood was, and is again, one of the top spots for cowboys. Evidenced by winning ten Best Rodeo honors in all of the PRCA over recent years. This museum should be a corker.
Oh, and if someone has the results of the Days of '76 for 1949, will you let me know? :)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Summer Rodeos count
I was wrong! Plain and simple...I had been critical of the $50,000 winners share at Houston for PRCA cowboys...thought it gave them the leg up...and I still believe it does. However, I saw an article in Western Horseman recently, from a Texas writer who said that the world champions in the majority of cases AREN'T the ones who win at Houston. In fact, in the vast sampling, it's those who rodeo well in the summer who go on to win the titles. Now, frankly most of that is because of the money won in Las Vegas at the Finals. And so there is some argument that winning Houston and its sackful of money DOES give you the leg up because it means you don't have to rodeo as hard the rest of the year to make the Finals. But because of the round money and the average, anyone in the top 15 can win the World. My concern with Houston is simply that the PRCA seems to throw out the rule book to allow them to do it anyway they want. Could Cody do it? or Deadwood? probably not.
On a like subject, I was critical of San Antonio, but I believe they may have struck the perfect model for the rodeo of the future. Every event, in every performance is full of NFR type cowboys; the perfect deal for fans. And they charge high dollar for seats, and fill 'em! Good for the promoters...no slack, no turn outs...perfect. And it allows lower level rodeos to compete by drawing the cowboys who are trying to make the elite list at San Antone. For the cowboys, back to back to back, with the chance to come back to the finals makes that a good deal for them as well.
Seems that the Pro Rodeo leadership needs to make a decision once and for all about the A and B divisions in rodeo. San Antonio is the perfect deal. Throw Houston out.
On a like subject, I was critical of San Antonio, but I believe they may have struck the perfect model for the rodeo of the future. Every event, in every performance is full of NFR type cowboys; the perfect deal for fans. And they charge high dollar for seats, and fill 'em! Good for the promoters...no slack, no turn outs...perfect. And it allows lower level rodeos to compete by drawing the cowboys who are trying to make the elite list at San Antone. For the cowboys, back to back to back, with the chance to come back to the finals makes that a good deal for them as well.
Seems that the Pro Rodeo leadership needs to make a decision once and for all about the A and B divisions in rodeo. San Antonio is the perfect deal. Throw Houston out.
Friday, April 2, 2010
National Circuit Finals Steer Roping
Finally, thanks to JP Wickett and Harold Bumgartner and with the willingness of Karl Stressman at the PRCA, the steer ropers get their due: The first ever National Circuit Finals Steer Roping. It'll be in Torrington, Wyoming in their beautiful indoor facility on April 17-18. Only 4 circuits are sending qualifiers this year: Mountain states, Prairie, Texas and Columbia River. But the Badlands Circuit has already scheduled a finals for this Labor Day weekend so 2011 will include the guys from North and South Dakota as well. (The Badlands Finals will be in Deadwood or 7 Down Arena, depending on weather, on Friday and Saturday September 3-4. Thanks to Coy Thompson these finals won't interfere with the Don King Days Roping in Big Horn, scheduled as usual for the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend, September 5-6 this year. I get to announce both...and also the National Circuit Finals as well. I can now die happy!
Thanks to the guys in the Mountain States Circuit for allowing me to be involved in the Badlands Finals and move my allegiance from Sterling, Colorado. Since the first Hyde Merritt Memorial I had the privilege of announcing the Mountain States steer roping finals. Held in Laramie for many years, the committee finally just ran out of new blood, and Chris Anderson, our circuit Steer Roping rep, we landed in Sterling in 2009. I talked to both Troy Tillard and Chris about my switch to the Badlands. They both understood but it was a tough choice. I've been a PRCA member for 35 years and until the Hyde Merritt Memorial asked me to do their finals I was part of the Badlands Circuit since I was born in North Dakota and live in South Dakota. But with no steer roping in our circuit I made the switch. Now with my brother Rick's considerable help, we've go 'trippin' in Deadwood, Belle Fourche and Dickinson. Mandan and Kildeer plus Mobridge have all inquired and Tom Reeved Wild Card Rodeo is planning the event for their dates in Ft Pierre, Sturgis and Pine Ridge this summer. So steer roping is alive and well again in the Badlands Circuit.
I know I've addressed this other reports, but let me say again: despite the rumors to the contrary there are no states where steer roping is illegal. Many states don't have it, but it is not outlawed anywhere.. At one point I wrote that it had never been outlawed, but I found a book from Texas which showed that the large ranchers there got it outlawed to keep their hands from practicing on their steers on the plains.! Otherwise steer roping can be held anywhere there's a committee with the gumption to go back to the old days of rodeo when a good horse and a talented roper were necessary to win any money.
'nuff said. See ya down the road
Thanks to the guys in the Mountain States Circuit for allowing me to be involved in the Badlands Finals and move my allegiance from Sterling, Colorado. Since the first Hyde Merritt Memorial I had the privilege of announcing the Mountain States steer roping finals. Held in Laramie for many years, the committee finally just ran out of new blood, and Chris Anderson, our circuit Steer Roping rep, we landed in Sterling in 2009. I talked to both Troy Tillard and Chris about my switch to the Badlands. They both understood but it was a tough choice. I've been a PRCA member for 35 years and until the Hyde Merritt Memorial asked me to do their finals I was part of the Badlands Circuit since I was born in North Dakota and live in South Dakota. But with no steer roping in our circuit I made the switch. Now with my brother Rick's considerable help, we've go 'trippin' in Deadwood, Belle Fourche and Dickinson. Mandan and Kildeer plus Mobridge have all inquired and Tom Reeved Wild Card Rodeo is planning the event for their dates in Ft Pierre, Sturgis and Pine Ridge this summer. So steer roping is alive and well again in the Badlands Circuit.
I know I've addressed this other reports, but let me say again: despite the rumors to the contrary there are no states where steer roping is illegal. Many states don't have it, but it is not outlawed anywhere.. At one point I wrote that it had never been outlawed, but I found a book from Texas which showed that the large ranchers there got it outlawed to keep their hands from practicing on their steers on the plains.! Otherwise steer roping can be held anywhere there's a committee with the gumption to go back to the old days of rodeo when a good horse and a talented roper were necessary to win any money.
'nuff said. See ya down the road
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Jessie, John and Rod
You may have heard about this project...a well respected teacher, much loved and appreciated, facing cancer. Casey Tibbs is in her lineage so Jessie doesn't know "quit". We're trying to help with costs for her trips for treatments. God knows there's not enough money in the world to pay for the cost of these things, but we can at least let her know we're thinking of her. Live with JT is offering the same t shirts as you can get in Eagle Butte, by sending us $25 to Jessie Box 1101 Spearfish, 57783
I'll pay the tax and the shipping and send you a t shirt...we have limited sizes, and only 20 to sell, but let me know or come to the studio and pick first...otherwise indicate sizes and send a $25 check for each shirt....its not much but its something we can do that goes directly to the person who needs it.
Oh, and John Hunt is home...whew...the old bronc rider has had enough time in a hospital. You can check on his status or write him by goin to his pageat http://www.carepages.com/ and look for y7ranch.
National Circuit Finals Steer Roping, the first ever is coming up on April 17-18 in Torrington, Wyoming...I'll be announcing and hope you can come support the trippers.... in that regard special prayers out today to Rod Hartness who's father just passed away.
I'll pay the tax and the shipping and send you a t shirt...we have limited sizes, and only 20 to sell, but let me know or come to the studio and pick first...otherwise indicate sizes and send a $25 check for each shirt....its not much but its something we can do that goes directly to the person who needs it.
Oh, and John Hunt is home...whew...the old bronc rider has had enough time in a hospital. You can check on his status or write him by goin to his pageat http://www.carepages.com/ and look for y7ranch.
National Circuit Finals Steer Roping, the first ever is coming up on April 17-18 in Torrington, Wyoming...I'll be announcing and hope you can come support the trippers.... in that regard special prayers out today to Rod Hartness who's father just passed away.
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