ProRodeo Sports News - March 23, 2018

The official publication of the Professonal Rodeo Cowboys Association

Fun in the Sun

RNCFR

PREVIEW

RNCFR More Than Just a Big-Time Rodeo

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Arcadia Fire Cowboys heat up at All-Fla rodeo

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CONTENTS MARCH 23, 2018 – VOLUME 66, NO. 6

Saddle bronc rider Chase Brooks rode Frontier Rodeo’s Maple Leaf for 86 points to tie for the win at the Arcadia All-Fla Championship Rodeo, March 8-11. James Phifer photo

ROLLING CRESS Brody Cress continues on his hot streak, winning in Montgomery, Ala. 24

TWIN PEAKS Identical twin bullfighters Donny and Ronny Sparks wowed crowds in 1990s. 28

MORE IN THIS ISSUE

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INSIDE

6 in his own words 8 cowboy grille 12 he said, she said 14 brain teasers 16 short round 34 results 44 prca notes 45 prca business

RODEOS

22 Arcadia, Fla. 24 Montgomery, Ala.

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STANDINGS

Last year, Randall Carlisle earned nealy $20,000 at the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., to help boost him to the WNFR.

10 2018 PRCA world 39 all american 40 circuits

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Ric Andersen

THE COVER

Sports News ProRodeo

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

Fun in the Sun

RNCFR

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER George Taylor MEDIA DIRECTOR Justin Shaw PSN EDITOR Scott Kaniewski ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Renck Matt Naber Nick Cicere Amber Baillie ADVERTISING MANAGER Nathan Vodehnal

PREVIEW

RNCFR More Than Just a Big-Time Rodeo

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.

Kissimmee, Fla., site of the 2018 RNCFR, offers numerous attractions beyond the rodeo for competitors and fans traveling to Florida. Experience Kissimmee, Gatorland and PRCA ProRodeo file photos

_____________________________ PHONE: 719.593.8840 FAX: 719.548.4889 TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PSN, CALL: 800.RODEO.4U (800.763.3648) SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS PRCA members: 719.528.4747 Nonmembers: 800.763.3648 ____________________________ To advertise in the PSN , call: 214.883.1466

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IN HIS OWNWORDS: CURTIS CASSIDY

AT 39, CASSIDY FINALLY HEADINGTO FIRST RNCFR Steer wrestler Curtis Cassidy is off to a quick start in the 2018 season. As of March 19, Cassidy was in fifth place in the PRCA World Standings with $28,697. The 39-year-old Canadian is searching for his fifth trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. But first, he’ll be making his debut at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., April 5-8. I’ll fly to Arizona for a week to relax, then fly back to Texas and leave fromNewWaverly. It’s about 1,000 miles to Kissimmee, Fla., which is about 16 hours or so on the road. Last fall, I won all that money inWaco at the All American

ProRodeo Finals ($10,179) and the RAMWilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo ($5,834), so I got off to a great start. But a great start doesn’t guarantee a spot in theWNFR in Las Vegas, either. You’ve still got to go rodeo through the rest of the year tomake it. I won a pretty good check at San Antonio ($9,615), too. You’ve got to keep picking away all year. I’mby nomeans counting my chickens before they hatch. It’s always my goal to make the NFR as fast as I can. But sometimes you make it at the start, or the middle or the end. You never know when you’re going to win your money, so you have to plan on going to all the good ones and have your ducks in a row, so you have as good an opportunity as possible to win when you do get there. Make sure you’re mounted good and giving yourself a good opportunity every time. In October, I’ll turn 40. So, I get a hard time from the younger guys about my age. It was funny, most of the guys I’ve rodeoed with have been older than me. I was always the young guy everywhere I went. All of a sudden, one year, I was the oldest guy at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. It seemed to happen pretty fast. The younger cowboys like to get in their smart-aleck comments. Then I remind them if they would quit letting me win so much I would have a good reason to quit. But those young, dumb guys keep letting me win, so I’ve got to keep going. PSN- Pro Rodeo Sports N April 2018

I ’m heading to my first RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., in April because there’s so much money to be won down there. I’ll mostly be focused on rodeo, but my mom and dad are flying down. I don’t know if we’ll get too crazy as far as doing any tourist stuff, but I’ll get to hang out with my parents for the weekend. I’m hoping my fiancée, Shannon Leguerrier, will join us, though she might have to tend to our horses in Arizona. I might ride Tom Lewis’ horse, Maverick, at the RNCFR. I rode him last fall and won most of my money on him. I’m not sure if that will happen yet. If not, I’ll ride my horse, Tyson, who I’ve had about four years. I bought him from a barrel racer and turned him into a steer wrestling horse. With some of them, it’s difficult to teach them. But this horse, for whatever reason, took to it like nothing. He never had any bad habits or did anything wrong. I never roped on him. I just backed him in there to run steers on him and he took to it like nothing. Luckily, I don’t have to haul my horse fromDonalda, Alberta, Canada. FromArizona, where I stay in the winters, I believe it’s about a 32- to 34-hour drive. But I’ve got my rig and horses in Texas because of the rodeos there. So,

Not licensed to use PRCA marks

Photo by karenkellyphotography.com

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GRILLE COWBOY

Bull rider TRISTANMIZE made a big impression his rookie year, winning $85,956, ranking second in the 2017 Resistol rookie standings and 17th in the PRCAWorld Standings. Now the Bryan, Texas, cowboy is in hot pursuit of making his first qualification for theWrangler National Finals Rodeo. At 21 years old, the Texan was sitting eighth in the world standings as of March 19.

WITH MATT NABER PSN

You’ve landed some big wins so far this season. How are you doing it? Tristan: Well, things have been going good lately and I’ve beenmotivated bymissing the NFR. That firedme up and I really wanted more consistency this year, too. Somymindset is a bit different this year and that’s helping. I’mmore focused and realizing how much it takes to get to the NFR and get the world title. You were 17th in the world your rookie year. What’s your plan for breaking the bubble and qualifying for your first Wrangler NFR this year?

Tristan: Just staying focused and in good shape. When you’re traveling, it’s hard to stay in shape. I’malso staying positive and getting wins at big rodeos. You won nearly $5,000 at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz., in February. What was it like to win that much money at a single rodeo? Tristan: It’s nice to win that much at one rodeo. I didn’t even win the average, I let a bull get byme in the short round. It really helps out to get some big wins. I’musing it (themoney) to rodeo and get down the road. What do you consider to be your biggest achievement in rodeo so far? Tristan: Last year wasmy first time getting a 90.5 in Caldwell (Idaho), and then in Ellensburg (Wash.) at the X Bulls Finale, I rode (Big Stone, Moreno & Growney Rodeo’s) Mortimer for 90 in the long round to get second in the average. How did you get into bull riding? Tristan: My whole family rodeoed. My uncle CharlieMize rode bulls professionally and he got me started. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Tristan: My dad toldme if you are going to do something, youmight as well be the best at it and not let anyone get in your way. Give it 100 percent and don’t back down. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered and how did you overcome it? Tristan: In bull riding it wasmentality. It’s amental game – it’s hard to be in the samemindset every time you show up and then getting down on yourself after bucking off. In bull riding, if you lose 50 percent of the time, (it means) you are winning, so it’s definitely hard to stay positive, but that is what makes you a winner. Just staying focused and positive and not letting anything get to you is the biggest challenge. If you could ride any bull out there, which one would it be and why? Tristan: (D&H Cattle Company’s) Bruiser, because he is one of the ranker bulls out there. What’s your favorite part about rodeoing? Tristan: Riding and winning, for sure, but I do like to travel and see the whole country and be withmy buddies after the events. The traveling, and atmosphere and all the friends you get to be with ismy favorite part about rodeoing. How big was the biggest fish you’ve caught? Tristan: I’ve never kept track, but I like bass fishing around the house. Seven or eight pounds is the biggest bass I’ve caught. If you weren’t a rodeo cowboy, what would you be? Tristan: I’d be competing in something. I like surfing – I always watched it on TV and I really like the ocean, too. I’ve only tried it a couple of times, but I’d like to get good at it when I’mdone riding bulls. What’s the best song to have playing while you’re in the chute to help you get amped up? Tristan: “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons. Are you picky about your hat’s shape? Tristan: Yeah, I’mpretty picky about the shape of my hat. I have (a local hatter) shape it for me every time. What’s your favorite app on your phone? Tristan: The PRCA’s app. What’s the most memorable interaction you’ve had with a rodeo fan?

Tristan: At the CowPalace (Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco) last year in California, there was a 16-year-old kid holleringmy name while I was getting onmy bull. I was looking around and he was tellingme he knewme because he was followingme on Instagram (tristan.mize). You don’t think about it much, but there are people who follow you and watch your success – especially way out there in California, when I’m fromTexas. What annoys you the most? Tristan: When people grab at my hat in a randomcrowd. When someone grabs it off your

head, I don’t like that toomuch. Do you have a nickname? Tristan: Most people just call me T.

TRISTAN MIZE

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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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Unofficial as of March 19, 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. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................... $65,667 2. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif.............................. 40,799 3. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 40,092 4. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas.................. 27,283 5. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah...................... 23,560 6. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss............................... 23,406 7. Wesley Brunson, Terry, Miss.......................... 19,907 8. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla........ 16,262 9. Shane Proctor, Grand Coulee, Wash............... 14,468 10. Marcus Theriot, Poplarville, Miss................... 14,328 11. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D..................................... 11,264 12. McCoy Profili, Okeechobee, Fla...................... 10,893 13. Chant DeForest, Wheatland, Calif..................... 9,340 14. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D.................................... 8,668 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah....................$41,487 2. Mason Clements, Springville, Utah................ 38,848 3. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas............................ 35,089 4. Jake Brown, Cleveland, Texas........................ 32,333 5. Shane O’Connell, Rapid City, S.D................... 29,903 6. J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo............................... 28,769 7. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D................................. 27,171 8. Luke Creasy, Hobbs, N.M............................... 25,595 9. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa......................... 22,001 10. Clint Laye, Pocatello, Idaho............................ 21,307 11. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn...................... 21,011 12. Blade Elliott, Centreville, Ala........................... 20,553 13. Evan Jayne, Marseille, France ....................... 19,637 14. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb............................... 19,355 15. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif...................... 18,659 16. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore......................... 18,134 17. Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, Texas. 16,989 18. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont.............................. 16,871 19. Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah................... 16,819 20. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas...................... 16,800 STEERWRESTLING 1. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev........................... $34,307 2. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.................... 33,327 3. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La............................... 32,268 4. Tyler Pearson, Louisville, Miss....................... 30,644 5. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta.................... 28,697 6. Cole Edge, Durant, Okla................................. 27,021 7. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla........................... 25,248 8. Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alberta.................. 22,121 9. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas.................. 21,879 10. Jacob Shofner, Huntsville, Texas.................... 21,608 11. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas................... 20,653 12. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D................. 19,979 13. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala........................... 18,703 14. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan........................ 17,954 15. Chason Floyd, Buffalo, S.D............................. 16,888 16. Will Lummus, West Point, Miss..................... 15,440 17. Cody Cabral, Hilo, Hawaii............................... 13,873 18. Taz Olson, Prairie City, S.D............................. 13,809 19. Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La............................ 13,661 20. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho............................ 12,992 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla...................... $40,437 2. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C............................ 33,254 3. Cody Snow, Los Olivos. Calif.......................... 29,823 4. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla......................... 29,101 5. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla.................... 28,121 6. Cory Kidd V, Statesville, N.C........................... 20,779 7. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala............................. 20,308 8. Dustin Egusquiza, Mariana, Fla...................... 20,212 9. Travis Dorman, Dade City, Fla......................... 19,734 10. John Alley, Adams, Tenn................................ 18,887 11. Jake Cooper, Monument, N.M........................ 17,670 12. Steven Duby, Melba, Idaho............................. 16,917

20. Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla....................... 13,478 STEER ROPING 1. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas......... $35,642 2. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................. 31,088 3. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan........................... 24,773 4. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo...................... 22,075 5. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas............................ 18,525 6. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 15,268 7. Jarrett Blessing, Paradise, Texas.................... 14,665 8. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas........................... 12,641 9. Shay Good, Midland, Texas............................ 12,489 10. Troy Tillard, Douglas, Wyo............................. 12,178 11. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas............................ 12,155 12. Will Gasperson, Decatur, Texas...................... 12,145 13. Brodie Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla..................... 11,265 14. Bryce Davis, Ovalo, Texas.............................. 10,320 15. Chad Mathis, Morristown, Ariz....................... 10,256 16. Ralph Williams, Skiatook, Okla......................... 9,651 17. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas.......................... 9,298 18. Brian Garr, Belle Fourche, S.D.......................... 8,464 19. Jim Locke, Miami, Texas.................................. 7,918 20. Brent Lewis, Piñon, N.M.................................. 7,749 BULL RIDING 1. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.................... $78,999 2. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla.............................. 57,241 3. Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas................ 55,258 4. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La............................... 47,722 5. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont.......................... 45,638 6. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla................. 41,803 7. Garrett Tribble, Bristow, Okla......................... 41,422 8. Tristan Mize, Bryan, Texas.............................. 37,968 9. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah.............................. 33,597 10. Lane Nobles, Gatesville, Texas....................... 28,888 11. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho............ 25,201 12. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore......................... 24,557 13. Eli Vastbinder, Athens, Texas.......................... 24,364 14. Elliot Jacoby, Fredericksburg, Texas............... 23,533 15. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas............ 23,108 16. Koby Radley, Montpelier, La........................... 22,386 17. Tyler Bingham, Honeyville, Utah..................... 19,771 18. Michael Riggs Jr., Claxton, Ga........................ 19,106 19. Lon Danley, Tularosa, N.M............................. 18,825 20. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah................................ 18,762 *2018 BARREL RACING (Through March 19, 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. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas............................$85,332 2. Amberleigh Moore, Salem, Ore....................... 71,186 3. Nellie Miller, Cottonwood, Calif....................... 64,910 4. Taci Bettis, Round Top, Texas......................... 48,567 5. Carley Richardson, Pampa, Texas................... 42,172 6. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D............................ 38,562 7. Kylie Weast, Comanche, Okla.......................... 34,354 8. Kelly Bruner, Millsap, Texas............................ 33,899 9. Kellie Collier, Hereford, Texas.......................... 31,512 10. Christine Laughlin, Pueblo, Colo................... 29,636 11. Tiana Schuster, Krum, Texas......................... 28,560 12. Ericka Nelson, Century, Fla........................... 21,848 13. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Victoria, Texas........... 19,171 14. Fallon Taylor, Collinsville, Texas.................... 19,094 15. Tillar Murray, Fort Worth, Texas.................... 18,970 16. Lori Todd, Willcox, Ariz................................. 18,759 17. Ivy Conrado, Hudson, Colo........................... 18,267 18. Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont............................ 17,874 19. Jessica Telford, Caldwell, Idaho.................... 17,443 20. Emily Miller, Weatherford, Texas................... 16,790

13. Lane Ivy, Adrian, Texas................................... 15,809 14. Jake Orman, Prairie, Miss.............................. 15,775 15. Logan Olson, Flandreau, S.D.......................... 15,232 16. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss............................... 14,493 17. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 13,943 18. Joshua Torres, Ocala, Fla............................... 13,681 19. Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn.......................... 13,560 20. Spencer Mitchell, Orange Cove, Calif............. 13,372 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo............................. $40,437 2. Joseph Harrison, Overbrook, Okla.................. 33,391 3. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan............................ 33,254 4. Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla.................. 29,101 5. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas.............. 26,133 6. Trace Porter, Leesville, La.............................. 25,865 7. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M............................. 24,955 8. Kory Koontz, Stephenville, Texas.................... 20,212 9. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla............................. 19,734 10. Clark Adcock, Smithville, Tenn....................... 18,887 11. Jason Duby, Klamath Falls, Ore...................... 18,345 12. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan................. 17,836 13. Matt Kasner, Cody, Neb.................................. 16,162 14. Will Woodfin, Marshall, Texas........................ 13,982 15. Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas............................ 13,943 16. Jonathan Torres, Ocala, Fla............................ 13,681 17. Brad Culpepper, Sylvester, Ga........................ 13,560 18. Reagan Ward, Edmond, Okla.......................... 12,808 19. Evan Arnold, Santa Margarita, Calif................ 12,635 20. Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif.............................. 12,598 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas.................... $63,794 2. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo........................... 38,258 3. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas............. 34,648 4. CoBurn Bradshaw, Beaver, Utah..................... 33,140 5. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa........................ 32,698 6. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas....................... 30,666 7. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah........................... 29,220 8. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta.................. 27,400 9. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb.............................. 19,348 10. Bradley Harter, Loranger, La........................... 18,317 11. J.J. Elshere, Hereford, S.D............................. 17,795 12. Colt Gordon, Comanche, Okla........................ 17,722 13. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M.............................. 17,602 14. Joey Sonnier, New Iberia, La.......................... 16,430 15. Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah........................... 16,100 16. Hardy Braden, Welch, Okla............................. 15,838 17. Joe Lufkin, Sallisaw, Okla............................... 15,801 18. Shade Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla....................... 15,178 19. Clay Elliott, Nanton, Alberta............................ 15,144 20. Jade Blackwell, Rapid City, S.D...................... 15,022 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas.......................... $43,735 2. Marcos Costa, Childress, Texas...................... 38,091 3. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La........................... 35,886 4. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash.......................... 35,367 5. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................. 34,964 6. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.................... 32,058 7. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas................. 31,627 8. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif.............................. 28,920 9. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas......................... 24,867 10. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho................... 21,296 11. Cody Quaney, Cheney, Kan............................. 18,795 12. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla........................ 18,055 13. Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M............................. 17,995 14. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas................ 17,484 15. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas.................... 16,758 16. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif.............. 16,311 17. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb................................ 15,853 18. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas........................... 15,095 19. Braxton Laughlin, Sulphur, La........................ 13,664

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10QUESTIONS

HE SAID – SHE SAID

Who knows NFSR steer roper Bryce Davis better, his wife, Katie, or his traveling partner, Kelton McMillen?

BRYCE

WIFE KATIE

PARTNER KELTON

KATIE

KELTON

BRYCE

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE FISHING BAIT?

Spinner bait

Plastic worms

Spinner bait

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?

Sweet tea

Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Katie

Katie

Me

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Whataburger

Whataburger

Whataburger

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Jim Davis

Jim Davis

Jim Davis

WHICH IS HIS FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs

WHO CONTROLS THE TV REMOTE: BRYCE, KATIE OR DAUGHTER LILLY?

Lilly

Lilly

Lilly

WHAT IS THE NAME OF HIS FAVORITE HORSE?

Nuggs

Nuggs

Nuggs

WHAT TV SHOW DOES HE LIKE TO BINGE WATCH?

The Office

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones

12 WHAT WAS HIS FAVORITE CARTOON AS A KID?

Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry

Tom and Jerry

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BRAIN TEASERS

ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

THEN & NOW Can you match these adorable future rodeo stars’ photos with the current PRCA contestants? Some don’t look quite the same.

5

1

3

2

4

E

B

C

D

A

WORD SEARCH RNCFR Rock Stars L L S S I U O C K Z Q P M I E P W C L I F W A L P G S O K W I Y D C M T T N P J R V Y U J M E R G U G U A M M N E A J G B I V Z O E T A N N E R L E A R M O N T R T L X Z T D B B T C C E F A A B F A A L E A T S F M L K L D T E O O V F N Y J D S R L K P Y U C X E D E S R R B V U A D C M G U O M W X Y R R B I Z H M Y R S N O H Y M A H G N I D N A L C R Q I I P A A C I H S C T A Q X G R R V T K C O O T E D S B R F T N O G A R A E P I L E F Q Z C T Y J U Y A N N I R J R Z Q R P S Q S S A H S M B D P E W V E T L T J Q E K R S D T W E K I Q D E S L L T H S E X Z L T E G Q K A L A N Y Y Q R T D E T T U Y Y L P G F H C L L J O S H P E E K A Y E E J Z I L O E U A Z A K R D A C O R Y C H E C K T M X R L O N K T M J R W H H T I M S E U S S Y A H X N U Q N E K B K J Y K J T M E E F D L S C O G T X E W X O I X F Z S A E S I D L I F I V G O N B F D A N E R I C K S O N Y D M L R A E S A H F Y G S B O L L E T A C O P E Y E X H T V Q B P A J L D N J L M F W A F V S O M Q

Find the cowboys in the puzzle. Words may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and/or backward.

1. Find the 2017 RNCFR champions AA: Josh Peek BB: R.C. Landingham SW: Justin Shaffer TR: Jesse Stipes/Buddy Hawkins II

SB: Jacobs Crawley TD: Matt Shiozawa GB: Emily Miller BR: Tanner Learmont 2. Find the record holders of the best scores and times in RNCFR history BB: Cimmaron Gerke, 91 pts. SW: Ethen Thouvenell, 3.2 sec. TR: Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, Spencer Mitchell/ Brady Minor, 3.7 sec. SB : Dan Erickson, 92 pts. TD: Marty Yates, 6.9 sec. GB: Sue Smith, 14.65 sec. BR: Cory Check, Felipe Aragon, 95 pts. Bonus Questions 1. Which circuit holds the record for most team roping titles? 2. In what Idaho city was the RNCFR originally held from 1987 to 2010? 3. Which two Hall of Famers announced the inaugural RNCFR in 1987?

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R OUND THE SHORT BY THE NUMBERS The most Top Saddle Bronc of the National Finals Rodeo awards

won by one horse, which is shared by three horses – Angel Blue, owned by Flying U Rodeo, 1985-87; Trade Winds, owned by Big Bend Rodeo,

Out of action

Bull rider Trevor Kastner sidelined with multiple injuries Bull rider Trevor Kastner, a three-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (2011-13) will likely be out of action for six to eight weeks after being injured during a ride March 15 at Rodeo Austin (Texas).

1964-65, tied in 1969; and Trails

Kastner, who was second in the March 19 PRCA World Standings with $57,241, broke six ribs and suffered a Grade 2 laceration of the liver and a concussion when he was bucked off Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Tombstone. “The bull turned back in the gate to the left, and when he threw me off it slapped my head against the ground,” said Kastner, 30. “It dazed me pretty good, and before I could get up he came back around and stepped on me around my stomach. I got (bucked off) quick and I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. I had never been on that bull before. He was a young bull, I didn’t know who he was.” Kastner spent a couple of nights in the hospital, but is back home in Roff, Okla.

End, owned by Oral Zumwalt, 1959-61.

The number of loca- tions for the National Finals Rodeo – Dallas (1959-61), Los Angeles (1962-64), Oklahoma City, Okla., (1965-84) and Las Vegas (1985- present).

“I’m still waiting for a follow-up doctor’s appointment,” he said. “I’m good with the concussion, it’s just the ribs and internal stuff I’m dealing with. I’m hoping to be back the first week of May, but I’m just going to play it by ear and see how I feel. I just had a little girl, and now I can spend more time at home with her. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.” Kastner and his wife, Kate, had a baby girl, McKenna Mae, Feb. 14. Kastner had a strong winter run, highlighted by winning the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 3, with a score of 251.5 points in the three-head average. Kastner left Fort Worth after earning $12,655.

The amount of money Josh Peek earned when he won the all-around title

at the 2016 RAM National Circuit

Landingham out for season with injured shoulder Bareback rider R.C. Landingham, who qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo the last two years, will not make it three in a row. The Hat Creek, Calif., cowboy confirmed to the ProRodeo Sports News he will likely be sidelined until January 2019 while recovering from surgery on his left shoulder and right wrist. The shoulder surgery took place Jan. 5, and he underwent wrist surgery March 2. “I had a torn rotator cuff (in the right shoulder),” said Landingham, 27. “I rode through the end of the year last year and through the Finals with a torn rotator cuff and a partially torn bicep tendon. The wrist was just a nagging injury. I had some torn cartilage in there.” Landingham initially hurt his shoulder at the Ramona (Calif.) Rodeo on May 21, and it wouldn’t heal on its own.

Finals Rodeo, which is the PRCA record amount for a cowboy competing in mul- tiple events at the RNCFR. The 2018 RNCFR will be April 5-8 in Kissimmee, Fla., at the Silver Spurs Arena.

“I made it through and got to the Finals and then got it fixed,” he said. “They said I could get back riding in July if I wanted, but I decided that I will just wait until next January and start over at Denver. That will let me get healthy.” Injuries have been constant for Landingham the past eight years, but he believes getting completely healthy is a wise move for him at this point in his career. “With my shoulder the way it was, I couldn’t compete to the level that I need to, to win against the guys who are going today,” Landingham said. “It just wasn’t worth it to keep rodeoing, I wasn’t going to win enough money to make it worth it. It is just smarter for me to take the time off and start over fresh.” In 2016, Landingham finished a career-best sixth in the PRCA World Standings with $211,986 after winning Rounds 7 and 10 and finishing seventh in the WNFR average. At last year’s WNFR, Landingham placed fifth in Round 3 and finished 11th in the average and 15th in the world standings with $106,031.

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

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Laramie Mosley had a wild ride on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Jango at the Goliad (Texas) County Fair PRCA Rodeo on March 16. Mosley walked away from the ride uninjured. Hangin’ on by the Horns William Kierce photo

Cooper, Petska, Shiozawa the latest to join PRCA’s $2 million career club Tuf Cooper’s 2017 PRCA season turned out to be more memorable than ever. The Decatur, Texas, cowboy won his first all-around world championship with $341,560, which sent him over the $2 million mark in career earnings. Only 27 other cowboys have reached that milestone. As of March 19, Cooper had $2,075,874. He’s leading the March 19 PRCA All-Around World Standings with $65,667. Cooper is the youngest cowboy to surpass the $2 million mark in PRCA career earnings at 27 years, 10 months and 16 days. Trevor Brazile, Cooper’s brother-in-law, was the previous youngest cowboy to eclipse $2 million in career earnings at 29 years, 7 months, 17 days. Cooper, now 28, has won four career PRCA world championships – one all-around and three in tie-down roping (2011-12, 2014). Like Cooper, team roping heeler Cory Petska secured a spot in the $2 million club after winning the 2017 team roping heeler world championship at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Petska earned $131,705 at last year’s WNFR, as he and header Erich Rogers each walked away world champs. As of March 19, Petska had career earnings of $2,084,933. “It is awesome to join this ($2 million) club, it has been a great career,” said Petska, who joined the PRCA in 1998. “Winning ($2 million in a career) never even crossed my mind. I never even thought about it because $2 million seemed like so much money, I never thought I would reach that mark. The thing is a dream come true. Every kid dreams about winning a world championship, and to do it this way (and pass the $2 million mark) is amazing.” Petska, who was 24th in the March 19 PRCA World Standings with $12,066, is continuing to compete this season, but he is going to reduce his schedule.

“My goal every year is to rodeo and try and win the world, but this year I’m going to slow down and try to go to 40 or 50 rodeos instead of going to 90 like we usually do. I’m still going to try and hopefully make the Finals, but I’m not going to go as hard as I normally do. My life has been consumed with rodeo, and I want to do some other stuff. I feel like when I won the world that was one of my dreams come true and I want to slow down a touch and enjoy life.” Rogers said beginning at the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo, June 14-23, he is going to start roping with header Colby Lovell, a six-time qualifier for the WNFR (2010- 13, 2015-16). “Erich (Rogers) just wanted to stay rodeoing and I wanted to slow down,” Petska said. “If I don’t have the Finals made by my date in my mind, I’m going to go home instead of continuing to rope until the last rodeo of the year.” Rogers and Petska have roped together since the 2013 season, culminating with their world championships a year ago. Cooper and Petska were recently joined in the $2 million PRCA club by veteran tie-down roper Matt Shiozawa, a 10-time qualifier for the WNFR (2005- 07, 2009, 2011-12, 2014-17). Shiozawa earned $41,731 last year at the WNFR, which put his career earn- ings at $1,980,908. This season, Shiozawa surpassed the $2 million mark while moving up to 10th in the March 19 standings with $21,296. “There’s so much learning that happens as a guy gets some years in,” said Shiozawa, who joined the PRCA in 1999. “You get some perspective and you start to understand a little bit more about the game you are actually playing. I’m excited to have passed that ($2 million mark). I learned how to make a living in rodeoing and provide for my family, and it’s great to get over the $2 million mark.” Shiozawa and his wife, Ali, have three daughters, Stella, 7; LuLu, 5; and Ivory, 3. They live in Chubbock, Idaho. Next up on the list of cowboys chasing $2 million in career earnings is four-time World Champion Bareback Rider Kaycee Feild. The 31-year-old sat at $1,977,542 as of the March 19 PRCA World Standings.

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Making It Count

BY TRACY RENCK A year ago, the approach to qualifying for the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo changed for many contestants. That was because money won at the 2017 RNCFR became more important than ever. All money won at the 12 circuit finals rodeos, All American ProRodeo Finals and the RNCFR counted toward the 2017 PRCAWorld Standings. Several cowboys, such as bareback rider R.C. Landingham, tie-down roper Randall Carlisle, saddle bronc rider Jesse Wright and steer wrestler Nick Guy, parlayed their RNCFR winnings into qualifications for the coveted 2017Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. The year-end champions from each of the 12 circuits, plus the average winners from each of the circuit finals rodeos compete at the RNCFR. This year’s RNCFR is April 5-8 in Kissimmee, Fla. Landingham emerged as the top money earner of the 2017 RNCFR, collecting $29,630 over the rodeo’s four days last April. Landingham’s RNCFR performance was crucial to qualifying for his second consecutive WNFR in the No. 13 spot with $89,261. Another trip to Las Vegas would have been unlikely for Landingham without his earnings in Kissimmee, especially since the Hat Creek, Calif., cowboy battled the rest of the season with a severe shoulder injury he suffered in mid-May. “Winning the RNCFR was a big deal,” Landingham said. “It pays a lot and gives great awards, and it was cool for me that it counted (in the Several cowboys used RNCFR as springboard to WNFR qualification

Bareback rider R.C. Landingham won the finals at the 2017 RNCFR with an 88.5-point ride on Korkow Rodeo’s Onion Ring. He was the big-money winner at the event with a total of $29,630. Those earnings helped boost him to his second straight bid to the WNFR. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Ric Andersen

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standings) because I got hurt halfway through the year and I didn’t get to finish out the year and I still made the Finals. The money that they pay at the RNCFR is great. If you win that kind of money at one rodeo, it will change your entire year and your whole perspective on the way you’re rodeoing and your confidence. If you win that deal (the RNCFR) you will walk out of there with a big smile on your face.” MEANWHILE, CARLISLE’S lone WNFR qualification on his résumé came in 2013. But his stellar effort at the 2017 RNCFR, where he earned $19,521, catapulted him to a return trip to Vegas. Carlisle finished 13th in the regular-season standings with $85,566, $356 more than Cory Solomon, who entered the Finals in 15th. “The RNCFR was great for me,” Carlisle said. “I dang sure enjoyed it. It gave me a big jump. It is hard to go to another rodeo and win $19,000. I didn’t have to rodeo as hard (after winning that money at the RNCFR). I could just ease along. It was a big help for me. It would be hard to say if I would or wouldn’t have made the NFR without going to the RNCFR, but what I accomplished at the RNCFR dang sure helped me. I could enter a little bit better and could relax a little bit. When you have a chance to win that much money at the RNCFR you better have your ‘A’ game because of the competition there.” WRIGHT IS NO stranger toWNFR bids. He has qualified seven times (2010-14, 2016-17), winning the world championship in 2012. Despite all his success at the WNFR, Wright is a proponent of the circuit system and the RNCFR counting in the world standings. Especially since he earned $16,016 at the RNCFR when it counted most. Thanks to his outing at the RNCFR, he qualified in the No. 14 position for the WNFR, $981 more than Audy Reed, who arrived in Las Vegas in the No. 15 slot. “It makes the circuit guys have to really pick a circuit and go,” Wright said. “Now you have more incentive to hit 15 rodeos, so you can qualify to go to it (the circuit finals), and it makes a huge difference when you can win that much money at the RNCFR. We make sure we get our circuit count, so we can go to the Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo every year. It is just icing on top of the cake if you can qualify for the RNCFR.” GUYHAS BEEN a competitor at five WNFRs, including the last four, and he was aware of the role his $11,656 in earnings at the RNCFR played in qualifying for the Finals in December. Guy finished ninth in the final 2017 regular-season standings, but he had only $11,794 more than Chason Floyd, who qualified as the No. 15 bulldogger for the WNFR.

Jesse Wright competes during the 2017 RNCFR. Wright, the 2012 saddle bronc riding world champion, won $16,016 at the 2017 RNCFR, which was a jolt to him qualifying for his seventh WNFR last December. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Ric Andersen

Steer wrestler Nick Guy, shown at the 2017 WNFR, made it four consecutive WNFR bids after his strong effort at the 2017 RNCFR, where he won $11,656. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Greg Westfall

gets going to have a family vacation type of deal. What I earned at the RNCFR was a good cushion for me. To hit that much that early in the spring was great. You can have a good spring and win $12,000 in April and May combined.” Guy has competed in only two rodeos since January – in Denver and Fort Worth, Texas – because he broke his talus bone in his right ankle in Denver. He initially thought it was a sprain. “The talus bone connects the bottom of your leg to your foot, and it’s a slow-healing bone,” Guy said. “Now, I’m feeling healthier and I’m really looking forward to going to the RNCFR and making my comeback. If you can do well in Kissimmee, you can go from not even being in the Top 100 to possibly getting inside the Top 15. I need to use it (the RNCFR) this year as a rodeo to get myself right back in the hunt so I don’t have to be panicking so much in April and May.”

“There’s a lot of money to be won at the RNCFR,” said Guy, who is headed back to Kissimmee, Fla., to compete in the RNCFR. “It’s also an important thing to have that (circuit money and RNCFR money) count in the standings. It has opened the door for guys to win a lot of money at those rodeos, and it did help some guys to make it to the NFR. It’s nice to be able to go down there and run at that much money. You can’t really go anywhere in the country and run at that much money against so few guys.” For Guy, the timing of the RNCFR can double as a vacation. “They take good care of you while you’re down there competing at the RNCFR and it’s kind of a time when guys take their families down there and go to the beach or whatever,” Guy said. “It’s end of the winter before the spring

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Enjoying Kissimmee’s numerous attractions So Many Options

ossibly the most attractive things about the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo being in Kissimmee, Fla., are the attractions – though the payout of more than $750,000 doesn’t hurt. With the rodeo taking place April 5-8, some cowboys opt for a lengthier trip to the Sunshine State to take advantage of the numerous activities in and around the city of Kissimmee. With plenty of folks – competitors and fans alike – heading to Florida to experience the RNCFR, here are seven topics (for seven rodeo events) of places, parks and perks to experience while in sunny Florida. P

OUTDOOR TOURS & ACTIVITIES Getting outdoors to soak up the sun and wildlife is one of the region’s biggest draws. • Swamp tours are a popular attraction in central Florida, and Kissimmee is no stranger to that experience. The headwaters to the world-famous Florida Everglades in south Florida start in Orlando. Many of the swamp tours include airboat rides, such as the ones at Boggy Creek Airboat Rides and Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park . Boggy Creek offers a variety of airboat rides, including a one-hour night expedition. There is also a “Native Village,” which reenacts how Native Americans used to cook, hunt and live. In addition to airboat tours, Wild Florida offers “Adventure Packages,” including a half-day package and an airboat tour that adds a zipline tour with Forever Florida ’s Adventure Zip Package. • Speaking of gators, at Gatorland , the self-proclaimed “Alligator Capital of the World,” visitors can get up close to alligators and crocodiles. The reptiles range in size

Reptiles

Photo courtesy Gatorland

from babies, known as grunts, to 14-foot behemoths that live in the park’s Breeding Marsh. Gatorland also has a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, animal shows, zipline and a new, off-road adventure. The park is less than 15 minutes from Silver Spurs Arena. • For a more challenging adventure, one high above the ground and that has visitors climbing through the trees, the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park elevates climbers to an aerial-obstacle course above the ground. Patrons can swing on Tarzan-type ropes, climb ladders 50 feet above the ground, leap into hanging nets, soar on ziplines and discover more exciting challenges. There are also special courses for young adventurers. THEME PARKS There are almost too many to choose from. Walt Disney World Resort , Universal Orlando Resort , SeaWorld Parks & Resort , and Fun Spot America , are all within about a 30-minute drive of Silver Spurs Arena, where the RNCFR will play out. • Walt Disney World Resort has four distinct parks – Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are also a pair of Disney water parks to cool off at. • Universal Orlando also has options. Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure bring movie magic to life. Universal’s Volcano Bay is a water park. • SeaWorld Parks & Resort offers SeaWorld, Aquatica (a water park) and Discovery Cove, which offers the chance to get up close and personal with some of the park’s wildlife. • LEGOLAND Florida Resort , another family-fun theme park, is about one hour away. • Fun Spot America is a theme park with locations in both Kissimmee and Orlando that offers rides and attractions.

BY SCOTT KANIEWSKI

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HOT-AIR BALLOON TOURS If you’d rather get a bird’s-eye view of central Florida, the area offers spectators the chance to rise above the swamps and marshes in hot-air balloons. • Both Orlando Balloon Adventures and Bob’s Balloon Rides share the experience of gliding through the air beneath a hot-air balloon, viewing the wildlife, theme parks, lakes and swamps. Orlando Balloon Adventures typically floats around the southern corners of Walt Disney World. Private charters and shared gondola flights at sunrise are available. • Bob’s Balloon Rides, as others, flies from the treetops to about 1,000 feet, often offering great views of parks, lakes and skylines around central Florida. FISHING With so many swamps and lakes around Kissimmee and the greater-Orlando area, fishing is one of the region’s most popular attractions. And for good reason, with Kissimmee on Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho for short). Lake Toho is known for its bass fishing, with trophy seekers flocking to the region in search of the Big One. • Guided Bass Tours in Kissimmee helps anglers experience Florida’s famous wild shiner fishing for big bass on Lake Toho. • Orlando Fishing Guides , also in Kissimmee, offers fishing guides to multiple area lakes, including Toho. You can also book an airboat tour through the company’s website. There are plenty of other choices if you’re looking for guides, so check out experiencekissimmee.com. GOLFING With more than a dozen golf courses in and around Kissimmee, competitors and fans alike who enjoy taking to the links have plenty of options. With courses designed by Johnny Miller, Rees Jones and Gary Koch, the variations offer challenges to players of all skill levels. • Falcon’s Fire Golf Club (designed by Jones) boasts a 7,000-yard course from the black tees. • Mystic Dunes Golf Club was designed by Champions Tour Player and NBC golf analyst Koch. It received 4.5 stars from Golf Digest . • At Harmony Golf Preserve (billed as the only Johnny Miller Signature Designed Course in central Florida), the course is not only nearly 7,500 yards long, but also built on a 260-acre wildlife preserve. • Prices vary, with some courses, such as Royal St. Cloud Golf Links, advertising visitor rates as the same as resident rates. Check out experiencekissimmee.com for more courses. DINING Every level of dining is available in Kissimmee, from fast food to exquisite cuisine. Culinary adventures can be as diverse as the area’s attractions. • There are nationally known chain restaurants to breweries and eateries specific to Kissimmee. The famed Columbia Restaurant has been owned and operated by five generations for more than a century. It also owns the distinction as Florida’s oldest restaurant (founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez Sr.) and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. If it’s Italian cuisine you’re looking for, Café D`Antonio could be on the list. The ristorante’s website boasts the menu as a blend of old-world tradition with modern innovation. • There are also places to catch dinner and a show, such as Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament , Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows and Capone’s Dinner & Shows . • Satisfying a group of people with one restaurant can be a challenge. Both Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs offer combined shopping and dining experiences separate from their respective parks, giving visitors plenty of choices to satisfy their taste buds. SHOPPING And speaking of shopping, in addition to CityWalk and Disney Springs , the region has several options for shoppers seeking deals at outlet malls. • Orlando Premium Outlets-International Drive , Orlando Premium Outlets-Vineland Ave and Lake Buena Vista Factory Outlets give deal-hunters options for great value on premium products. • Celebration Town Center in nearby Celebration, Fla., claims to have the finest selection of traditional shops and boutiques, as well as a business district, “all modeled after those found in small American towns.” • The LOOP in Kissimmee, is an open-air mall that has nearly everything a shopper could want, including a 16-screen, state-of-the-art movie theater.

Animal Parks

Photos courtesy Experience Kissimmee

Fishing

Dinner & Show

Zip Lines

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