ProRodeo Sports News - January 12, 2018

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

ProRodeo Sports News 1/12/18

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