ProRodeo Sports News - January 12, 2018

The official publication of the Professonal Rodeo Cowboys Association

ProRodeo Sports News 1/12/18

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© 2017 Coors Brewing Co., Golden, CO

CONTENTS JANUARY 12, 2018 – VOLUME 66, NO. 1

Finals Go-Round RAMTexas Circuit Finals crowns champs

Bullfighters Brandon Loden, right, and Cody Webster try to protect bull rider Elliot Jacoby during the opening night of the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo in Waco, Texas, on Dec. 28. James Phifer photo

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NEW CEO George Taylor is tabbed Chief Executive Officer for the PRCA. 14

HORSE DNA Breeders, stock contractors turn to DNA tracing to help track livestock bloodlines. 36

MORE IN THIS ISSUE

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INSIDE

6 In his own words 8 cowboy grille 12 he said, she said 16 short round 39 results 48 prca notes 49 prca business

RODEOS

34 Waco, Texas RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo

STANDINGS

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10 2018 PRCA world 41 all-american 42 circuits

J.R. Vezain gets worked on by Justin Sportsmedicine staff during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Phil Doyle

THE COVER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER George Taylor MEDIA DIRECTOR Justin Shaw PSN EDITOR Scott Kaniewski ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Bryan Oller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sports News ProRodeo

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published semimonthly 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.

Best 2017 OF

Photos Show Year’s Best RodeoAction

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 101 ProRodeo Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2018, PRCA Properties Inc., a marketing service and subsidiary of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from PRCA Properties Inc.

Garrett Buckley, of Craig, Colo., holds on during his saddle bronc ride on Flying 5 Rodeo’s Little Miss Major at the Sisters (Ore.) Rodeo on June 10. Kent Soule photo

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IN HIS OWNWORDS: J.W. HARRIS

BULL RIDER BACK ON PRCA RODEO TRAIL J.W. Harris won four bull riding titles between 2008 and 2013. He raked in more than $1.8 million in the PRCA while qualifying for nine consecutive Wrangler National Finals Rodeos. Harris is returning to ride bulls in the PRCA. At 31 years old, he is looking to become just the fifth bull rider to win at least five world titles. His first ride out of the chute was at Odessa, Texas, during the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo, which ends Jan. 13.

you want to be there. If you’re not happy with your job then you’re not going to do your job to the best of your ability. I can’t wait to get back at it. I haven’t been on anything since the first part of December. I took a month off to let the body heal up and feel better. Man, I feel good. I’ve got everything healed up and ready to tear it up again. I’ve always followed what was going on in the PRCA. I checked results. I’m good friends with bullfighters Dusty Tuckness and Cody Webster, and they’d call and give me reports and let me know how things were going and where they were at, and I’m friends with Cody Whitney. So, I stayed up on the good gossip, anyways. With the four world titles I won and the success that Sage Kimzey has had winning the last four titles, this year’s competition will be even more exciting. I’m not going to pay attention to what Sage is doing and Sage isn’t going to pay attention to what I’m doing. Sage has got to worry about Sage and J.W. has got to worry about J.W. The chips will fall where they fall. We’ve just got to put our best foot forward every time we nod our head, and hopefully it’s enough at the end of the year. There are fewer gold buckles out there than there are Super Bowl rings. I’m a history guy. From calf roping to barrel racing to bull riding, I just love the history of rodeo and everything about it. Those guys who are ahead of me on the gold buckle count, they’re the reason there is rodeo. Don Gay (8 world titles), Jim Shoulders (7), Smokey Snyder (5) and Harry Tompkins (5), that’s history right there. Those are legends. It’s going to be fun. It has been a long time, obviously, since I’ve got to go to rodeos and enjoy everything and show the kiddos where it all started and what it’s all about.

T his weekend (Jan. 11-13) I head back out on the rodeo trail, where I will get to travel to rodeos with my wife and kids. I’m really looking forward to it. I’mmost looking forward to getting to see all my old friends, just to get back to where it all started. My little girl (Aubrey) remembers traveling to rodeos a little bit. She’s 7 now, so she was really young when I last competed in the PRCA. Dillon, my 5-year-old son, was just too little to remember most of it. Aubrey was old enough that she remembers getting to play with all the other kids, and with bull rider Cody Whitney’s kids, Lila and Quaid. Aubrey remembers some of it. She’ll have a memory now that will last her forever. That’s our family (rodeo folk). I went to nine NFRs and made a lot of connections in rodeo. And that fits our lifestyle – rodeo and the rodeo people. We’re all excited about it. I think the kids are more excited about getting to go to Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days and going to the fair and the carnival. My wife, Jackie, she’s never been the one to pressure me into doing anything. She told me, returning to the PRCA has to be your decision. Ultimately, that’s my job, riding bulls. So it has to be my decision. We talked about it. She told me, it’s what you need to do to make you happy and make

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One month into his rookie year, saddle bronc rider LEFTY HOLMAN kicked off the 2018 season by placing second at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo. The hefty payday propelled the 19-year-old, California cowboy to the top of the Resistol Rookie Standings with $5,214, nearly double the No. 2 rookie saddle bronc rider’s total.

WITH MATT NABER PSN

Is Lefty your real name or a nickname? How did you get it? Lefty: It’smy real name, my dad (Pete) is a really big (Los Angeles) Dodgers fan and there was a pitcher everyone called Lefty, and that’s where I got my name from. Are you left-handed?

Lefty: No, I’mactually right-handed. But I wish I was left-handed, it wouldmakemy life easier. I’ve always ridden right-handed. What was it like to place second at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo just one month into your rookie year? Lefty: Man, it was a great way to start my rookie year. I want to try tomake the Finals this year and it put me in the Top 20 in the world, and I just turned 19, so it’s really exciting. How does competing on the Cuesta College (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) rodeo team impact your ProRodeo career? Lefty: There’s a big difference between them, but I like college rodeo because you can see everyone your age and compare with themand there’s some nice hoppers to get on, and it’s just good to go back and forth to keep you on your toes. My coach, Ben Londo, rides broncs professionally, too, and he’s been great. How did you get into saddle bronc riding? Lefty: Well, I’ve rodeoed for as long as I can remember, and I come froma family of bronc riders. My uncle JoeMarvel was the 1978World Champion, andmy grandpa John Holman won second in the world and everyone knows him. It’s in the blood for both sides of my family and I’ve got a lot to live up to. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered and how did you overcome it? Lefty: My biggest challenge was this past year on my permit, I went from high school to ProRodeo and that was a big jump and kind of whipped my butt the first couple of months. Then I got my first win in Woodlake, Calif., my hometown rodeo, and I split it with my rodeo coach, Ben Londo, and that was great. Then I got the ball rolling and won Santa Barbara, Calif., and was second in Cheyenne (Wyo.) at the rookie bronc riding. What do you hope to gain from traveling with 10-time WNFR saddle bronc rider Bradley Harter? Lefty: He’smade the Finals 10 times and that’smy goal, tomake theWNFR, and he said he wantsme to get there. He’s a good dude, and it’s hard for a young guy to go with young people who don’t knowwhat they’re doing andmake the Finals. It’smore than bucking horses, it’s themental part and traveling andmaking the schedule right. There’s a whole other business behind it that nobody knows about. How did you team up? Lefty: I’ve known hima few years, and he said when he was younger a veteran started traveling with him, and that’s when hemade the Finals and figured it out. Now, it’s his turn. Between now and the time you retire, what do you hope to achieve? Lefty: Winning the world is the highest you can go, my uncle Joe won the world. I want another world championship in our family. What’s your favorite band or musician?

Lefty: George Strait, and it depends on my mood, but I’ll listen to rap when driving all night or Tom Russell’s “Tonight We Ride.” My grandpa (John Holman) rode with Chris LeDoux, and he wrote some songs about him (Holman) like, “Hippies in Calgary.” (LeDoux) says “John” quite a bit in his songs. What’s your favorite movie? Lefty: Step Brothers What’s your favorite app on your phone? Lefty: Instagram Which three people, dead or alive, would you invite over for dinner? Lefty: Chris LeDoux, JohnWayne andmy grandpa, John Holman, he had some of the best stories from traveling with Chris and they are good to listen to. What’s the craziest rodeo superstition you’ve ever seen? Lefty: I don’t put my hat on the bed and I won’t write with a red pen. It’s just bad luck. I also know people who put their left sock on before their right sock. If you could go on a date with anyone, who would it be and where would you go? Lefty: Kate Upton, I’d take her to somewhere nice, the nicest place in town. What annoys you the most? Lefty: When I’mnot riding good or if you screw up a good horse.

LEFTY HOLMAN

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Unofficial as of Jan. 12, 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 PRCA WORLD STANDINGS

ALL-AROUND 1. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif............................ $17,944 2. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla........ 13,680 3. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss............................... 13,367 4. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................. 10,611 5. Chant DeForest, Wheatland, Calif..................... 9,340 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas.......................... $19,663 2. Jake Brown, Cleveland, Texas........................ 18,114 3. Shane O’Connell, Rapid City, S.D................... 18,028 4. Blade Elliott, Centreville, Ala........................... 15,152 5. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La............................... 10,406 6. Clint Laye, Pocatello, Idaho.............................. 9,766 7. Tanner Phipps, Dalton, Ga................................ 8,702 8. Grant Denny, Minden, Nev................................ 8,692 9. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D................................... 8,510 10. Luke Creasy, Hobbs, N.M................................. 8,001 11. Justin Pollmiller, Weatherford, Okla................. 7,733 12. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif........................ 7,570 13. Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah....................... 7,343 14. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa........................... 7,275 15. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev................. 6,788 16. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn........................ 6,736 17. Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah..................... 6,620 18. Evan Jayne, Marseille, France ......................... 6,614 19. Kyle Charley, Lukachukai, Ariz.......................... 6,520 20. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb................................. 6,306 STEERWRESTLING 1. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta.................. $18,142 2. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La............................... 13,691 3. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla........................... 12,773 4. Billy Bugenig, Ferndale, Calif.......................... 11,148 5. Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La............................ 10,834 6. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif................................ 7,952 7. Justin Shaffer, Hallsville, Texas ....................... 7,912 8. Jace Melvin, Bluff Dale, Texas.......................... 7,650 9. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La...................... 7,344 10. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas..................... 7,085 11. Rhett Kennedy, Chowchilla, Calif...................... 6,852 12. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D................... 6,840 13. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla............................. 6,306 14. Fenton Nelson, Marshall, Mo............................ 5,928 15. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala............................. 5,890 16. Josh Garner, Live Oak, Calif............................. 5,883 17. Beau Clark, Cheyenne, Wyo.............................. 5,821 18. Cade Staton, Bastrop, Texas............................. 5,798 19. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas.................... 5,752 20. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D....................................... 5,517 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla...................... $20,763 2. Lane Ivy, Adrian, Texas................................... 13,115 3. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss................................. 8,584 4. Logan Olson, Flandreau, S.D............................ 8,177 5. Cody Snow, Los Olivos. Calif............................ 8,036 6. John Alley, Adams, Tenn.................................. 7,218 7. Tanner Baldwin, Vail, Ariz................................. 7,147 8. Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo............................ 7,142 9. Blake Teixeira, Tres Pinos, Calif........................ 7,055 10. Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn............................ 6,990 11. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla.......... 6,971 12. Kelsey Parchman, Cumberland City, Tenn........ 6,785 13. Cody Graham, Everton, Mo.............................. 5,928 14. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C.............................. 5,708 15. Travis Dorman, Dade City, Fla........................... 5,675 16. Brady Payne, Gilbert, Ariz................................. 5,442 17. Thad Ward, Howell, Utah.................................. 5,348 18. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla........................... 5,256 19. Payden Emmett, Ponca, Ark............................. 4,893 20. Manny Egusquiza Jr., Refugio, Texas............... 4,848

TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo............................. $20,763 2. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan................. 15,142 3. Matt Kasner, Cody, Neb.................................... 9,107 4. Trace Porter, Leesville, La................................ 7,317 5. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M............................... 7,285 6. Clark Adcock, Smithville, Tenn......................... 7,218 7. Monty Joe Petska, Turlock, Calif...................... 7,055 8. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo................................... 7,025 9. Brad Culpepper, Sylvester, Ga.......................... 6,990 10. Cody Hogan, Benton, La................................... 6,785 11. Joseph Harrison, Overbrook, Okla.................... 6,665 12. Josh Fillmore, Penrose, Colo........................... 6,228 13. Jason Stroup, Cape Girardeau, Mo................... 5,928 14. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan.............................. 5,708 15. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla............................... 5,675 16. Joe Day, Greenwood, Wis................................ 5,658 17. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D..................................... 5,458 18. Olin Pulham, Payson, Utah............................... 5,348 19. Reagan Ward, Edmond, Okla............................ 5,256 20. Joseph Shawnego, Oakdale, Calif..................... 5,118 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas.................... $19,215 2. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo........................... 18,716 3. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas............. 16,503 4. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa........................ 13,873 5. Leon Fountain, Socorro, N.M......................... 12,692 6. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas....................... 12,594 7. Joey Sonnier, New Iberia, La.......................... 11,603 8. Chet Johnson, Douglas, Wyo......................... 10,225 9. Tyler Baeza, Lake Charles, La........................... 8,511 10. Hardy Braden, Welch, Okla............................... 8,294 11. J.J. Elshere, Hereford, S.D............................... 8,240 12. Bradley Harter, Loranger, La............................. 8,081 13. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M................................ 7,892 14. Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta.............. 7,712 15. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah............................... 7,293 16. Logan Allen, Crescent, Iowa............................. 6,285 17. Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D......................... 6,231 18. Shade Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla......................... 6,119 19. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah......................... 5,313 20. Curtis Garton, Lake Charles, La........................ 5,256 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Marcos Costa, Childress, Texas.................... $16,785 2. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla........................ 14,264 3. Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M............................. 11,262 4. Tyson Durfey, Weatherford, Texas.................. 10,421 5. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif................................ 9,992 6. Reno Gonzales, Scott, La................................. 8,294 7. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb.................................. 7,814 8. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho..................... 7,777 9. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas................... 7,630 10. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas.............................. 6,981 11. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash............................ 6,898 12. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla.......... 6,709 13. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M............................ 6,378 14. Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla........................... 6,345 15. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas............................ 6,250 16. Cody Quaney, Cheney, Kan............................... 5,901 17. Hadley DeShazo, Ash Flat, Ark......................... 5,865 18. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas.................. 5,798 19. Braxton Laughlin, Sulphur, La.......................... 5,711 20. Ike Fontenot, Ville Platte, La............................. 5,423

STEER ROPING 1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... $9,551 2. Jarrett Blessing, Paradise, Texas...................... 8,403 3. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.............................. 8,367 4. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................... 7,396 5. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas.......................... 6,662 6. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo........................ 5,878 7. Brian Garr, Belle Fourche, S.D.......................... 5,797 8. JoJo LeMond, Andrews, Texas......................... 5,768 9. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla............................ 5,610 10. Corey Ross, Liberty Hill, Texas......................... 5,522 11. Dee Kyler Jr., Pawhuska, Okla.......................... 5,076 12. Shay Good, Midland, Texas.............................. 5,006 13. John E. Bland, Turkey, Texas............................ 4,586 14. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas............. 4,526 15. Kelton McMillen, Paden, Okla........................... 4,404 16. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan............................. 4,230 17. Leo Campbell, Amarillo, Texas......................... 3,941 18. Hank Hollenbeck, Molt, Mont........................... 3,426 19. J.R. Olson, Whitewood, S.D............................. 3,106 20. Buck Mekelburg, Yuma, Colo........................... 3,015 BULL RIDING 1. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.................... $29,345 2. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla................. 19,769 3. Tristan Mize, Bryan, Texas.............................. 14,975 4. Michael Riggs Jr., Claxton, Ga........................ 13,392 5. Bayle Worden, Cooper, Texas......................... 12,709 6. Jimy Marten, Donahue, Iowa.......................... 12,664 7. Joseph Vazquez, Alamogordo, N.M.................. 8,882 8. Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D...................................... 8,813 9. Garrett Smith, Rexburg, Idaho......................... 8,484 10. Cordell Curtis, Monte Vista, Colo..................... 8,284 11. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla................................ 8,059 12. Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas.................. 8,004 13. Cole Melancon, Batson, Texas.......................... 7,971 14. Guthrie Murray, Miami, Okla............................ 7,807 15. Eli Vastbinder, Athens, Texas............................ 7,779 16. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah.................................. 7,050 17. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa.............................. 6,985 18. Lon Danley, Tularosa, N.M............................... 6,838 19. Tate Smith, Litchville, N.D................................ 6,752 20. Preston Preece, Troy, Texas............................. 6,244 *2018 BARREL RACING (through Jan. 8, 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. Kellie Collier, Hereford, Texas........................$17,928 2. Kelly Bruner, Millsap, Texas.............................14,960 3. Taci Bettis, Round Top, Texas..........................13,984 4. Nikki Hansen, Dickinson, N.D..........................11,880 5. Lacinda Rose, Willard, Mo..............................11,008 6. Ericka Nelson, Century, Fla..............................10,675 7. Lori Todd, Willcox, Ariz.....................................9,035 8. Wendy Culberson, Okeechobee, Fla..................8,568 9. Carley Richardson, Pampa, Texas.....................8,326 10. Kaley Bass, Kissimmee, Fla...............................7,791 11. Kristen Spratt, Huntsville, Texas........................7,617 12. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas.....................7,357 13. Alex Lang, Harper, Texas...................................7,316 14. Jennifer Barrett, Buhl, Idaho.............................6,974 15. Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont.................................6,773 16. Trula Churchill, Valentine, Neb..........................6,557 17. Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo.....................................6,535 18. Callahan Crossley, Herminston, Ore..................5,971 19. Kylie Weast, Comanche, Okla............................5,572 20. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D.............................5,460

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December 6 - December 15

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10QUESTIONS

HE SAID – SHE SAID

Who knows stock contractor Binion Cervi better, his wife, Hannah, or his traveling partner/brother Chase Cervi?

BINION

WIFE HANNAH

PARTNER CHASE

HANNAH

CHASE

BINION

IF NOT A STOCK CONTRACTOR, WHAT JOB WOULD HE HAVE?

Rancher

Marketing

Singer

WHO IS HIS FAVORITE BASEBALL PLAYER?

Todd Helton

Todd Helton

Todd Helton

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s

DOES HE LIKE RANCH OR BLUE CHEESE WITH CHICKEN WINGS?

Ranch

Ranch

Ranch

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Binion

Me

Binion

WHO’S HIS FAVORITE MUSICAL ARTIST

Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire

DOES HE LIKE SHAVED ICE OR CUBED?

Shaved

Shaved

Shaved

IS HE AN EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?

Night owl

Night owl

Night owl

WHAT’S THE NAME OF HIS FAVORITE HORSE?

Fancy

Fancy

Fancy

12 WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE CANDY?

Gummy bears

Gummy bears

Gummy bears

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The Offic i a l Spi r i t of ProRodeo

Each batch of oak-barrel aged whisky delivers an uncommonly smooth taste and rich, complex flavor.

©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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LEADERSHIP

Taylor tabbed as PRCA CEO BY TRACY RENCK T he Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has named George Taylor its Chief Executive Officer. Taylor is a former executive with attitude and forward thinking, and he’s keenly aware of how digital solutions impact customers and business. Among his early goals, Taylor wants to hear from PRCAmembers. “First of all, I am going to spend

time listening to the membership of the PRCA and the staff to prioritize initiatives that will move us forward,” Taylor said. “Secondly, I think that we need to physically and digitally innovate both the customer and member experiences. We have to keep advancing our sport to drive fan and membership engagement. Leveraging digital technologies and rodeo content will be an important aspect of that. Lastly, the PRCA needs to continue to expand rodeo’s reach to increase our fan base and deliver theWestern lifestyle experience around the globe. In the end, it’s about continuing to grow revenue and the PRCA ProRodeo brand for the benefit of its members.” Keith Martin, the Chairman of the PRCA Board of Directors, praised the hiring of Taylor. “George’s business acumen and his ability to work with so many different types of people are going to be really strong attributes, because in our organization that’s really needed,” Martin said. “We appreciate his financial, digital and marketing strengths, and those things all enter into being a good fit for us, taking us into the next century. His communication skills are excellent, and I think that’s needed so much in our organization. Karl (Stressman) did a great job and left us in good shape, and the whole PRCA Board helped that endeavor. This is taking us to the next level.” Before moving to Colorado Springs, Taylor and his wife, Chris, were living in Snowmass, Colo., where they enjoyed numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and snowboarding. The Taylors have three adult children – two daughters and a son – and three grandchildren.

Caterpillar, where he was most recently a company officer and vice president with responsibility for the Marketing &Digital Division. Taylor takes over for Karl Stressman, who retired as PRCA Commissioner after nine years at the helm. Taylor will begin his job as PRCA’s CEO on Jan. 22. “I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead an organization with the history and the brand recognition of the PRCA,” Taylor said. “It’s a dream for me to be involved and I couldn’t be more excited about the future potential for our membership and the PRCA team.” Taylor, 56, also served as Chief Marketing Officer and President of Caterpillar Venture Capital, where he and his team drove enterprise brand, innovation and digital transformations for the industry-leading Fortune 50 Company. Before working for Caterpillar, Taylor had extensive executive experience with IBM. He holds an M.B.A. from the University of Illinois and a B.S. in Computer Science from Illinois State University. “I have had the opportunity to work for two iconic global companies during my career and I believe the PRCA is yet another example of an iconic organization representing the best in the sports and entertainment industry,” Taylor said. Taylor has built a reputation as a big-picture thinker who can manage and inspire people on a day-to-day basis. He’s also known for his positive Over his 19 years with Caterpillar,

“PRCA needs to continue to expand rodeo’s reach to increase our fan base and deliver the Western lifestyle experience around the globe. In the end, it’s about continuing to grow revenue and the PRCA ProRodeo brand for the benefit of its members.” -– GEORGE TAYLOR PRCA Chief Executive Officer

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TOUGH REAL

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6/4/15 11:56 AM

R OUND THE SHORT BY THE NUMBERS The number of rounds saddle bronc rider Ryder Wright has

won in his two career trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER in 2016-17. Wright won five rounds in 2016 and four at the latest WNFR, propelling the 19-year-old to his first world title and making him the youngest champ in saddle bronc riding history. The number of rounds bull rider Sage Kimzey has placed in his four career trips to the WNFR (2014- 17). Kimzey has won four consecutive bull riding world cham- pionships to start his career, a PRCA record.

Hall of Famer passes

Plaugher was cowboy & clown Wilbur Plaugher, one of rodeo’s most unique characters and a ProRodeo Hall of Famer, passed away Jan. 2 in Sanger, Calif. He was 95. Plaugher turned to rodeo to make more money as a young adult, and that trail eventually led to his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1990. It was a long road to that honor, as he excelled as both a contestant and clown. He also co-founded the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys. “It’s been a great life, and I still have a great life,” he said in a May 9, 2016, issue of the ProRodeo Sports News . “Life on this Earth is short, and it all went by too quickly. I’ve just now gotten the hang of stuff, and I’d like to stick around another 30 years.” Plaugher first made his name in rodeo in 1946 when

he was crowned all-around champion at the prestigious Madison Square Garden rodeo in New York City. He finished fourth in the steer wrestling world standings that year and experienced a life-changing moment when he filled in as a bullfighter at a rodeo. That led to him also becoming a rodeo clown, like his fellow bronc rider and friend Slim Pickens, who joined Plaugher in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2005. “Slim wanted to be a clown and I said, ‘Why do you want to do a stupid thing like that?’” Plaugher said with a laugh. “When I started doing the bullfighting just to help save the guys, they wanted me to be a clown, too. “I put the makeup on and thought of some funny things to do. I couldn’t believe people were laughing at me. I guess that bug bit me right there. From then on, it was all I could think about. I did everything from playing Liberace to Michael Jackson, all of ’em. I had trained goats, chimpanzees, dogs, roosters, mules. I loved every bit of it.” He did it so well that in 1982, at the age of 60, he was named PRCA Clown of the Year. As a contestant, Plaugher finished second in the world standings in 1958 – $420 behind gold buckle winner Jim Bynum – despite going to fewer rodeos than his fellow bulldoggers. “I could only work one rodeo a week, wherever I was clowning, while most of those guys were going to two or three a week,” Plaugher said. “I made money competing and I had a contract for being a clown; that’s how I got ahead.” He was seventh in the world standings in 1953, fourth in ’55, third in ’57 and ninth in ’59. Plaugher was born March 13, 1922, in Lima, Ohio, but his family moved to California when he was 4. With the money he earned at Madison Square Garden in 1946, Plaugher went back to California and bought a ranch. “That rodeo lasted a month, and I made enough money at Madison Square Garden that year to come home and pay for over half of my 550-acre ranch,” he said in the PSN article. “Of course, land was a lot cheaper back then. Everything I’ve got today came from rodeo.” Plaugher’s life intersected with many famous people. He worked for ProRodeo Hall of Famer Harry Rowell and for world champion roper Vern Castro. He enlisted in the Air Force during World War II and worked in the shipyards. On weekends, he’d wear his uniform and hitchhike to rodeos to compete. He met television actor Fess Parker at a rodeo and they became friends. He appeared with Parker, the star of Daniel Boone , in several episodes.

The amount of mount money 2017 World Champion Steer Wrestler Tyler Pearson

earned at the 2017 WNFR. The mount

money is a percentage of earnings paid by the other two bulldog- gers – Ty Erickson and Ty Waguespack – who used Scooter, the horse co-owned by Pearson and fellow steer wrestler Kyle Irwin. Scooter was the 2017 PRCA/ American Quarter Horse Association Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year.

ONLINE: For ProRodeo events and results, go online at www.prorodeo.com.

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Josh Homer photo

Eye on the Prize

Bucking horse Great Nation of Sankey Pro Rodeo had his eyes on the action at the Western Montana PRCA Rodeo in Missoula on Aug. 11, 2017. Take a close look, and bareback rider Troy Vaira – who rode the horse for 80 points that night – is visible in the reflection of the horse’s eye.

Hall of Famer Robinson passes away at 84 Bob A. Robinson, of Hagerman, Idaho, a ProRodeo Hall of Fame steer wrestler, passed away Dec. 16 at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was 84. Robinson was a big influence in the sport of rodeo. He joined the PRCA in 1958 and competed at both ends of the arena as a steer wrestler and

the Utrecht, Netherlands, community to encourage Dutch tourists to enjoy the Round-Up, Happy Canyon and city of Pendleton. The trip took place Jan. 8-14 and was a follow up to the popular Dutch TV game show, Wie is de Mol (Who is the Mole), which filmed episodes at the Pendleton Round-Up grounds as well as at local ranches and on a Round-Up wagon train excursion in the Blue Mountains. The Dutch celebrity contestants and production crew also stayed at the Bracher Ranch near Pendleton and filmed an episode there. Bracher staged daily roping demonstrations at the tourism convention. “Europeans love the American West,” Bracher said in a press release. “As a representative of the Association of Rodeo Committees, I think that it is important to encourage foreign visitors to experience the sport of rodeo and the Western lifestyle the Northwest offers. It is one of the most truly American, fun and exciting events that tourists from abroad can enjoy.” Reno Rodeo Foundation accepting scholarship applications The Reno (Nev.) Rodeo Foundation is accepting online applications for its annual college scholarship program in support of high school students graduating in northern Nevada. Since 1986, the foundation has endeavored to promote educational opportunities to all eligible northern Nevada high school graduates. The number of scholarship recipients will vary based on the number of qualified applications received and the funding designated by the Reno Rodeo Foundation Board of Trustees. New this year, the Reno Rodeo Foundation is offering a Western Arts & Culture Scholarship to create further awareness and appreciation of Western arts, culture and heritage in college-aged Nevadans through recognition of outstanding potential, contributions and skill in the creative arts. The Reno Rodeo Foundation scholarship application deadline is Feb. 14. Visit www.renorodeofoundation.org for more information, to review the scholarship guidelines or to apply. For questions or additional information, contact the foundation at info@renorodeofoundation.org.

saddle bronc rider. He competed in saddle bronc riding at the National Finals Rodeo in 1959. In 1960, he competed in both saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling, winning the world steer wrestling title and finishing runner-up in the all-around category that same year to Harry Thompkins. Robinson was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2006. Robinson competed professionally for 14 years, and in 1980, became one of the first pro officials for the PRCA. In September 1982, he became the PRCA’s director of rodeo administration, and he and his wife, Emma, moved from Idaho to Colorado Springs. During that time, his responsibilities included negotiating prize money with rodeo committees, overseeing the eligibility of cowboys, interpreting and enforcing PRCA rules, and coordinating rodeo listings and approvals. He was also instrumental in moving the NFR from Oklahoma City, Okla., to its current location in Las Vegas in 1985. His son, Jade, followed in his footsteps by serving as a ProRodeo official for more than 19 years, working every NFR during that time. Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up Director Bracher visits the Netherlands Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up Director and Association of Rodeo Committees President Randy Bracher participated in a delegation, including representatives of Travel Oregon and Travel Portland, and visiting members of

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WNFR RECAP

unsanctioned events. “You can hit the gym as hard as you want, but unfortunately in our sport you’re going to get hurt. It’s part of it and you have to build off it.” Cowboys injured at WNFR healing up for new season On the Mend R.C. Landingham was among the 41 cowboys to receive treatment during the WNFR. Working with the Justin Sportsmedicine team helped this California bareback rider cover nine of his 10 rides. PRCA ProRodeo Photo by Phil Doyle

BY MATT NABER L uck isn’t guaranteed in Las Vegas and rodeo is a gamble since it’s never a matter of if, but when, an injury is going to happen.

PREPARATION LEADSTO PREVENTION “The numbers (of injuries) weren’t overly high and there weren’t many serious injuries, and that’s a testament that more so than any other year, the guys came in in better shape,” Foster said. “Being in top physical shape, you reduce the chance of injuries and severity of an injury.” As in previous years, the Justin Sportsmedicine team had about 25 personnel floating in and out of the WNFR with about a dozen on hand for each round. The team administered 582 treatments among 41 athletes. “We had a consistent group of 30 guys who were there,” Foster said. “Obviously, bareback leads the group because it’s the most physically demanding event.” Most of the rounds were fairly consistent with about 50 treatments each night. Round 4 was the busiest for the Justin Sportsmedicine team, as they conducted 70 treatments for 38 athletes. Round 8 was close behind with 69 treatments for 34 athletes.

ProRodeo’s highest stakes are during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER, and every cowboy wants to stay in the fold. Cowboys can sway the odds in their favor by keeping ahead of the injury cycle with a combination of medical treatment and physical health. This year’s WNFR cowboys arrived in peak physical condition, which minimalized the number and severity of injuries. “They were riding better, stronger and longer,” said Rick Foster, program director for Justin Sportsmedicine. “It sure seemed like we had fewer severe injuries than in the past.” Throughout the 10 rounds of the 2017WNFR, only two cowboys were taken out of competition, bull rider Brennon Eldred in Round 5, due to a concussion, and bareback rider Jake Vold in Round 8 with a dislocated knee. “I’ve been working it hard this past year,” Eldred said, estimating that he rode about 185 bulls throughout 2017 between PRCA rodeos and

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Brennon Eldred was already injured with a pulled groin before the WNFR started. Despite that injury and a concussion in Round 5, he was back in the chutes for Rounds 8-10. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Greg Westfall

“I think they get over the soreness in Round 4 and then a few yankings force them in again,” Foster said. Total treatments for the year remained stable for Justin Sportsmedicine with a total of 8,385 treatments conducted. In 2016, their total was 7,833 and in 2015 they had 8,400. “Barring any freak rash of injuries, we should be leveled out with consistent staff and treatments, so it makes sense that we would hover around the 8,000-mark for treatments,” Foster said. Total injuries for the year across all PRCA rodeos remained consistent as well with 1,437 – about 100 more than in 2016. “In years past, they were learning about the program and riding with injuries,” Foster said. “But, the best thing is to get ahead of the injury cycle. Before, it would go up and down and they would ride injured, but now they report their injuries.” ELDRED ENDURES Eldred was injured before the WNFR started with a pulled groin from about a month prior. “It was the groin injury that was bothering me the whole time,” Eldred said. “That, for bull riders, is the most debilitating injury,” Foster said, as he speculated that Eldred’s groin injury could have been a factor in him getting bucked off and suffering a concussion that kept him out for Rounds 6 and 7. “When you’re not fully healthy, you run the risk of further injury or another injury. Brennon had more challenges that people didn’t see behind the scenes.” “I think it had something to do with the concussion,” Eldred said. “I had

it wrapped good, but I lost my feet and then it was over from there.” When a cowboy gets a concussion, there’s a thorough injury protocol that must be successfully completed before he can return to competition. The injured cowboy must be free of all symptoms, such as headaches and memory division issues. “It’s a battery of an exam that we do that’s a complete exam to monitor him for a couple of days,” Foster said. “Once he’s symptom-free, he goes on to an exertion test the day prior to riding.” Eldred spent the majority of the next two days in his hotel room with the lights off to help the recovery process. “There’s not much you can do but stay in a dark room and chill,” Eldred said. “It sucked sitting out for those two rounds and watching everyone else compete, but I was anxious to get back. I don’t like sitting out, I’ve made 36 or 37 consecutive trips at theThomas and Mack (Center) without getting hurt, but that happened, and it sucked.” The day after his injury, light was still bothering Eldred and he wasn’t feeling quite right. “He (Eldred) more or less chilled out with good nutrition and did some walking,” Foster said. “As soon as they are feeling well, we have themmove and be mildly active. It’s chilling and rest, and then more active daily living and then a mild workout to make sure everything stays clear. If you stress it, it’s going to show up again.” “I had to sit out those rounds and then I never recovered from it,” Eldred said. “Getting off on a tough start dang sure didn’t make it easier.” Eldred was bucked off his first five bulls and was unable to make a successful ride after his recovery in Rounds 8-10.

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WNFR RECAP

Jake Vold covered his first seven horses and was leading in the average after his Round 7 ride (pictured above). But, the Canadian cowboy injured his knee in Round 8 and was unable to compete for the remainder of the WNFR. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Greg Westfall

“I was kind of battling the injuries and things didn’t get rolling my way,” Eldred said. “It was a long week and that’s a place you have to go in with a lot of confidence – but I struggled a bit this year.” Two weeks after the WNFR ended, Eldred was still recovering from his groin injury, but he already has his eyes on the road ahead. “I’m healing up and I think I’ll be as healthy as I’ve ever been,” Eldred said. “I’ve been working out hard and I’m craving it and wanting to win and be at the top. … I’m looking forward to 2018 and looking forward to getting back to theThomas and Mack.” VOLD LOOKSAHEAD Vold dislocated the patella in his kneecap when he caught it on the chute’s post in Round 8 and was declared out for Rounds 9 and 10. The bone-to-metal impact pulled his kneecap from the joint, causing severe tearing of the ligament and bone chips – leaving the Canadian cowboy with no stability. “It does happen fast,” Vold said. “It’s a freak deal and I’ve watched it a few times. That horse was trying to get me and was meaning to hurt someone – it could have been worse, and I’m lucky on how it ended up. It’s the way it goes in rodeo.” Vold was offered a re-ride option that would have allowed him to ride his eighth bronc before the start of Round 9. With so much money on the line, it was still anyone’s game. Vold had a chance to win the average, if everything panned out in his favor. “I felt something pop right away and as soon as I hit the ground, which was a wreck, too,” Vold said. Vold didn’t give up without a fight. He and the Justin Sportsmedicine team

tried supporting his knee so that he could compete in the final two rounds. But swelling got in the way and the ligament he damaged is crucial for holding the knee in place, which meant it was impossible to do with intense pain. “My knee hurt pretty bad,” Vold said. “I tried to put on a brace for the re-ride and that wasn’t going to work. And we tried two different tape jobs, so I had to bow out. Riding bareback with one leg just doesn’t work.” “There was a small chance we could stabilize it to try, but with that type of injury it wasn’t possible to function,” Foster said. “He wasn’t going to return for a few weeks no matter what was done.” The timing couldn’t have been worse for Vold, as he was leading in the average after Round 7. Having no score in Round 8 and being out for the final two rounds knocked him down to seventh in the average with 598.5 points on seven head. “He was discouraged, but realistic,” Foster said. “He knew the knee wouldn’t function right and he took the bad part of reality and realized it’s not going to happen.” Vold had surgery in Canada on Dec. 22. As of early January, Vold estimated he would be out of competition for three to six months. “It’s pretty vague now and we will go from there,” Vold said. “It’s getting better every day and the goal is to be back in April or May. We will see what happens. I won’t push it, and I’ll be sure it’s right before I go. There’s not a whole lot happening before then.” Until then, Vold will undergo physical therapy in Canada. “I’ll miss the winter run, but it is what it is, and there’s no way around it now,” Vold said. “I’ve accepted it and that’s how it’s going to be. I wasn’t going to go hard anyway since we have a baby on the way.”

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IMAGES

odeo photographers can catch the essence of rodeo in the blink of an eye – or, more specifically, the click of a shutter. We salute our PRCA phototgraphers for their contributions, as we present some of the best images of the 2017 regular season (including the cover photo). MORE IMAGES PAGES 24-31 R 2017 OF PHOTOS

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Saddle bronc rider Call Marr leaps from Western Rodeos’ Pandora at the Eagle (Idaho) Rodeo on June 8. Marr scored 77.5 points on the ride.

Rhonda Noneman photo

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