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Page 1: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012
Page 2: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

2 | 2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo

Vehicles shown with optional accessories. Avoid operating Polaris RANGERs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts. Always use cab nets. Drivers of RANGER vehicles must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Avoid operating Polaris ATVs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing and seat belts. Polaris adult ATV models are for riders aged 16 and older. Be sure to take a safety training course. For safety training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887, see your dealer, or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. In Canada, see your local dealer. ©2011 Polaris Industries Inc.

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Craig, CO“Thanks for buying locally.”

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Page 3: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo | 3

Vehicles shown with optional accessories. Avoid operating Polaris RANGERs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts. Always use cab nets. Drivers of RANGER vehicles must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. Warning: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Avoid operating Polaris ATVs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing and seat belts. Polaris adult ATV models are for riders aged 16 and older. Be sure to take a safety training course. For safety training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887, see your dealer, or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. In Canada, see your local dealer. ©2011 Polaris Industries Inc.

NEW! RANGER CREW® Diesel — Comfortable Seating for 6

Hardest Working Smoothest Riding Features:— NEW! Improved dash/seat sealing for increased cab comfort

— 40% more range than comparable gas model (RANGER CREW)

— On-Demand True AWD maximizes traction

— 90% of peak torque is available at 1600 RPM for incredible low-speed pulling

Find YOURSTOdAY AT:

diESEL POWER TO CARRY YOUR EnTiRE CREW.

2989 RiveRside Plaza, steamboat sPRings, Co

970.879.5138

www.steamboatpowersports.com

HouRsTuesday-saTurday

9aM-6PM

find us on:

Live each day so you can look every man squarely in the

eye and greet him with a glad hand

No Bull.

970-879-3900W. US HWY 40

Steamboat Springs, CO

970-824-21001776 W. Victory Way

Craig, CO“Thanks for buying locally.”

www.cookchevrolet.comChevrolet

Page 4: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

4 | 2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo

2611 West Hwy 40 | Craig, CO 81625 | (970) 824-5434 | www.rockymtnmachinery.com

20865506

Your community truck dealershipSteamboat motorS .com

Below Invoice pricing on eligible Ram Vehicles.

Tear out this ad for $1,000 Pro Rodeo Cash Rebate!

2310 Lincoln Ave | Steamboat Springs, CO 80487Phone 866-253-0453

Page 5: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo | 5

2611 West Hwy 40 | Craig, CO 81625 | (970) 824-5434 | www.rockymtnmachinery.com

20865506

Your community truck dealershipSteamboat motorS .com

Below Invoice pricing on eligible Ram Vehicles.

Tear out this ad for $1,000 Pro Rodeo Cash Rebate!

2310 Lincoln Ave | Steamboat Springs, CO 80487Phone 866-253-0453

Page 6: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

6 | 2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo

Stay Up to Date — and Dress Appropriately — with the Latest News & Weather.

Where to go? What to Eat? Find Business Reviews & Information.

Don’t Miss a Thing — Look up a Complete Calendar of Steamboat Events.

What to Do? Find Information on Steamboat Activities, including Movie Times.

Search Classifieds — Jobs, Real Estate, Rentals, Merchandise and More.

Find Money-Saving Coupons, Ads & Hot Steamboat Deals.

Submit and View Photos & Videos.

NEW

FREE App Download Available for iPhones, iPads and Android mobile phones.

the new mobile app

To advertise, call 970-871-4218 or email [email protected]

introducing...

Page 7: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

T hanks for joining us!Welcome to the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series, the nation’s best

professional rodeo series. The 10 weeks of pro rodeo competition held annually in Steamboat Springs mean that you are sitting in the rodeo capital of the Rocky Mountain region. This year’s 21 perfor-mances make the Steamboat series the most frequented tour stop in the five-state Rocky Mountain Region. It says a lot about Steamboat to have more annual pro rodeos than any other community in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Utah or New Mexico.

In fact, by vote of contestants, stock contractors and other rodeo committees, our rodeo has been named Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Small Out-door Rodeo of the Year out of more than 500 rodeos across the country. And in 2010 and 2011, the series was named the Mountain State Circuit Small Rodeo of the Year. It’s the rodeo board of directors and the committee’s goal to produce the best

series in pro rodeo each year, and 2012 is no exception.

We thank you fans for filling the stands and cheering on our competitors, who are some of the best athletes in profes-sional rodeo and who journey to Steam-boat Springs from across the country. Our riders and animals represent some of the best in the sport. Current and former world champions and National Finals Ro-deo qualifiers find their way here several times each season, and horses and bulls showcased at last year’s National Finals Rodeo likely are part of your rodeo expe-rience here.

On behalf of the board of directors, together with a group of dedicated vol-unteers, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 2012 Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series.

So, sit back, enjoy a beverage and get ready for pro rodeo action at its best!

— Brent Romick, chairman of the board and arena director

Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series Board of Directors

Brent Romick (chairman)John Shipley (president)

Ward Van Scoyk (treasurer)Steve DawesBrian DellenDave HartleyJohn Kerst

Walter MagillRen Martyn

Laura SankeyMichael SiskPaul Strong

Dean VogelaarChris Wilson

Administrator and Corporate Secretary

Char Mighton

Rodeo SecretaryBarbara Duggan

TimersLinda Urie, Doris Mayhan, Kay Dellen

The 2012 Official Program for the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series is produced by the

Steamboat Pilot & Today

Suzanne SchlichtChief operating officer

Scott StanfordGeneral manager

Brent BoyerEditor in chief

Eugene BuchananMagazine editor

Laura TamucciCreative services manager

PhotographersMatt Stensland, John F. Russell,

Susannah Blundell

WritersEugene Buchanan, Tom Ross, Luke Graham

Advertising design and production Rachel Girard, Stephanie Corder, Severiano

DeMarco, Todd Wilson, Fran Reinier

Advertising salesChristy Woodland

For advertising information, call Mike Polucci at 970-871-4215

Welcome

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2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo | 7

Stay Up to Date — and Dress Appropriately — with the Latest News & Weather.

Where to go? What to Eat? Find Business Reviews & Information.

Don’t Miss a Thing — Look up a Complete Calendar of Steamboat Events.

What to Do? Find Information on Steamboat Activities, including Movie Times.

Search Classifieds — Jobs, Real Estate, Rentals, Merchandise and More.

Find Money-Saving Coupons, Ads & Hot Steamboat Deals.

Submit and View Photos & Videos.

NEW

FREE App Download Available for iPhones, iPads and Android mobile phones.

the new mobile app

To advertise, call 970-871-4218 or email [email protected]

introducing...

Page 8: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

InsideWelcome...............................................................7

Schedule................................................................9

Entertainment.....................................................10

Calf.Scramble......................................................12

Celebrating.Pat.Mantle.......................................14

Rodeo.Clowns....................................................15

Contractors..........................................................20

Masterplan..........................................................22

Rodeo.History.....................................................24

Behind.the.Scenes..............................................26

Rodeo.Events......................................................28

Rodeo.Terms.......................................................32

Past.Champions..................................................34

Season.Roundup.................................................37

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Open 7 days a week • 4pm - Close • 56 7th Street, Steamboat • 970-879-9898 www.GhostRanchSteamboat.com

Don’t miss the authentic western character of the Ghost Ranch...for those that love food and music!

Page 9: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

All performances are held at Brent Romick Rodeo Arena at Howelsen Hill, 501 Howelsen Parkway in

downtown Steamboat Springs. Tickets at the gate are $15 for adults, $8 for children ages 7 to 15, and free for children 6 and younger. Advance tickets are $14 for adults and $7.50 for children 7 to 15 and are available at The Steamboat Grand, Sheraton Steamboat Resort, Gondola General, the information center in Gondola Square, F.M. Light & Sons, All That Jazz, the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association visitor center and Steamboat Central Reservations. All tickets are general admission. The main seating area is covered and overflow seat-ing is not. Handicap parking and seating are available.

Visit www.steamboatprorodeo.com for more information.

The barbecue is open from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Pre-rodeo entertainment is from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Event Schedule

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June 15 and 16: 7:30 p.m.June 22 and 23: 7:30 p.m. June 29 and 30: 7:30 p.m.July 4: 6:30 p.m. followed by fireworksJuly 6 and 7: 7:30 p.m. July 13 and 14: 7:30 p.m. July 20 and 21: 7:30 p.m. July 27 and 28: 7:30 p.m.Aug. 3 and 4: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 and 11: 7:30 p.m.Aug. 17 and 18: 7:30 p.m.

Order of events (subject to change)

Opening ceremoniesBareback ridingSponsor flagsTeam ropingCalf scrambleTie-down ropingRam scrambleSteer wrestlingClown actSaddle bronc ridingNo. 11 team ropingCowgirls barrel racingPeewee barrel racingBull riding

2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo | 9

Page 10: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Although the rodeo is serious business for riders, the heart of the event for organizers is ensuring it’s an entertain-

ing venue for spectators. To that end, every year event staff brings in

talent from far and near to keep you on the edge of your seat during the action and the breaks. From calf scrambles and kid zones to barbecues, vendors, bands, rodeo clowns and more, there’s fun for the whole family every night of the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series.

On the music front, concessionaire Fraysher Enterprises has booked seven bands to play on the entertainment stage from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. every performance this year. Bands include bluegrass band Ragweed, country rock sensation Cabin Fever and the popular Jesse Christensen and Trevor Potter.

Clowns and specialty acts (see page 15) fill the gaps between the bucking and riding ac-tion with an all-star lineup of talent coming to

Steamboat from across the country. “They help assist with the flow and make sure we don’t have any dragging spots of the performance,” says series Chairman Brent Romick, adding that a good bullfighter has to be funny and witty as well as banter with the announcer — all while protecting fallen cowboys.

This year sees the return of several longtime favorites — including J.W. Winklepleck; Keith Isley, voted 2011’s best clown and comedy act; Frankie “Punkintown” Smith; and Troy “The Wild Child” Lerwill — while making several new additions to the lineup. Highlights include the merry-making of Scot Allerdings, J.J. Har-rison and Bert Davis, the Coppertown Clown.

“They’re a true throwback to the old Wild West shows like Buffalo Bill,” maintains longtime rodeo announcer John Shipley. “Whether you go every night or once a year, you see stuff at a rodeo that you just don’t see anywhere else.”

Let the Show Begin Entertainment the goal at

Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series

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June 15 & 16 .............Scot AllerdingsJune 22 & 23 ......... J.W. WinklepleckJune 29 & 30 ..................J.J. Harrison July 4, 6 & 7 .....................Keith IsleyJuly 13 & 14 ...................................... .............Frankie "Punkintown" SmithJuly 20 & 21 ..................... Bert DavisJuly 27 & 28 .......... J.W. Winklepleckand Troy "The Wild Child" Lerwill August 3 & 4 ..............Mark Swingler August 10 & 11 ..... J.W. Winklepleck August 17 & 18 ..... J.W. Winklepleck

June 15 ..................Jesse ChristensenJune 16 ...............Yampa Valley BoysJune 22 ............................... Ragweed June 23 .....................Old River RoadJune 29 .........................Trevor PotterJune 30 ..................Jesse Christensen July 4 .................................. Ragweed July 6 ............................Trevor Potter July 7 .....................Jesse ChristensenJuly 13 ................................ RagweedJuly 14 ................Yampa Valley BoysJuly 20 ................Yampa Valley Boys July 21 ...................Jesse Christensen July 27 ..........................Trevor Potter July 28 ..................John Wayne Band Aug. 3 ................................. Ragweed Aug. 4 .......................Old River RoadAug. 10 ...............Yampa Valley Boys Aug. 11 .....................Old River RoadAug. 17 .................John Wayne BandAug. 18 ..................Jesse Christensen

Band schedule

Barrel man, clown

and specialty act

schedule

10 | 2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo

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Page 12: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Brought to you by F.M. Light & Sons

Don’t think the cowboys and cow-girls get to have all the fun. Your young’uns can get in on the action

every night, right down to the dirt on their boots, at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series. All they have to do is join in the calf or ram scramble.

Just listen for the announcer to let you know when and where to line up your children (usually at the west end of the arena), and then get ready to cheer them on as they try to grab a ribbon off the tail of a calf or ram. The calf scramble is for children ages 6 to 12, and the ram scramble is for children ages 5 and younger. The young ones compete just the same as the big kids but with a gentle sheep substituted for a calf.

“It’s one of our most popular events,” says the rodeo series’ Charlene Mighton, adding that as many as 100 children take

part in the tail-grabbing action every night. “For a lot of visitors, it’s the highlight of their trip.”

The format is simple: Children gather in

the arena, the calf or ram is released, and the kids try to grab the ribbon off its tail. As well as bragging rights, the winners also receive a buckle and a gift certificate.

Calf, Ram Scrambles Fun for all ages

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At the end of every Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series season, saddle bronc riders have a bit more riding

on the line: The top six face off in the Pat Mantle Memorial Saddle Bronc Riding Championships, a single ride event whose winner — who last year was Brandon Munn, winning it for the fourth time — gets $2,000 in prize money and a Win-chester rifle.

The contest celebrates Mantle, a veri-table Marlboro Man look-alike who grew up raising cattle and horses on his family’s ranch in Dinosaur National Monument and represents all things rodeo in Steamboat. Best known for his horse roundups in nearby Brown’s Park every year, Mantle, who died in 1992, played an integral role in the development of Steamboat’s rodeo. “When we were kids, if we told our daddy we were hungry, he’d hand us a stick and point at a jack rabbit,” he once told a reporter.

A fierce rodeo competitor in bronc rid-ing and roping, he created the 7-11 Rodeo Co., became a rodeo producer and rode as a pick-up man into his 50s. He also oper-ated the Sombrero Ranch Stables in Estes Park, Boulder, Grand Lake and Steamboat. Every fall some 600 horses were returned to Northwest Colorado to graze and he’d

round them up again come spring. He was so tough that once, while

working at a rodeo in Boulder, an ornery bull named Long John known for jump-ing the fence threw a cowboy and made

straight for the fence where two little girls were sitting. Riding his favorite horse named “Fritz,” Mantle roped Long John at the top of his jump and pulled him back into the arena.

The Pat Mantle Memorial Award

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Cowboys get all the credit for ropin’ and ridin’, but behind every one is a clown (bullfighter or bar-

rel man) watching his back. With equal duty protecting riders and entertaining the audience, their hands are as full as a rider’s grip on his rope. Following are a few you’ll see jumping into barrels and jalopies this season.

Scot Allerdings

June 15 & 16A high school physical education

teacher and wrestling coach, Scot Allerd-ings, 35, of Gillette, Wyo., has the perfect pedigree for bullfighting. After 13 years doing it in rodeos from Jackson, Wyo., to the Dodge National Circuit Finals, he’s now switching gears as a barrel man

while still providing a laugh a minute. “I look forward to bringing my best

each and every performance,” he says, highlighting his Rodeo Chicken, King of the Throne, and Granny at the Rodeo acts. “I just love to entertain people, especially kids. Put-ting a smile on a kid’s face is a great feeling.”

Allerdings grew up around rodeo, joining his grandfa-ther and dad at contests throughout the country. After riding bulls in high school and college, he attended a bullfighting school and eventually earned his Profes-sional Rodeo Cowboys Association card. “When I was young, I always paid close attention to the bullfighters and clowns,”

he says. He’s familiar with Steamboat, as well,

competing and bullfighting here before. “I love its Western, mountain town atmo-sphere,” he says. “Everyone is friendly and supportive of the rodeo, and it’s a first-class event every weekend.”

J.W. Winklepleck

June 22 & 23, July 27 & 28, Aug. 10 & 11,Aug. 17 & 18

If there’s one clown who knows what cowboys go through, it’s J.W. Winkle-pleck.

Clowning AroundAn inside look at

Steamboat’s rodeo clowns

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On any given night, you might see him put on his face makeup and ride on a bucking bronc before putting on the rest

of his clown gear. Winklepleck start-

ed riding in Steam-boat in 1994, won the bareback competition in 2000 and almost another in 2007. “I enjoy them both,” he says. “But you can’t ride bucking horses forever.”

He’s since carved out a niche as a bar-rel man and performer, getting up close with the audience and interacting the whole time. His acts also include snow-boarding behind a horse — something near and dear to those in Steamboat.

He’s also known for his announcer rapport, with his banter providing some of the best entertainment of the night. “The atmosphere at the Steamboat rodeo is way above that at a lot of rodeos,” he says. “You can’t beat the scenery, and it’s a fun committee and town.”

J.J. Harrison

June 29 & 30J.J. Harrison, 36, has made fast work

of a clowning career. A pilot and former teacher, he’s become one of the most

sought-after rodeo clowns in the country because of his quick wit, walk and talk. The fat suits and dancing also help.

"It's not an act; it really is who I am,” the former rider says. “I really am that goofy."

Best known for his walk and talk antics and in-teraction with an-nounc-

ers, he also has a trick or two up his sleeve. “I'm also known for my air suit acts,” he says. “I have a sumo dancing and queen act that lands me on a horse in an air-filled suit — you never know how that one ends up.” He also has a gi-ant dancing clown suit he breaks out for the crowd.

“It’s clean family humor everyone can enjoy,” he says. “Everyone wants to laugh, and I get to give that gift to people. I want people to feel like they lost 10 pounds just watching me.”

And it doesn’t get any better than

performing in Steamboat. “Steamboat is a beautiful town and a great place for rodeo,” he says.

Keith Isley

July 4, 6 & 7Ask Keith Isley to speak in front of

people at a Kiwanis Club meeting, and he couldn’t do it. The 38-year rodeo vet-

eran has a shy side. But in front of

“10,000 people with makeup on,” he says, “it’s nonstop action.”

Isley got into rodeo at age 15 bareback riding and taking on bulls. He realized early on that he enjoyed protecting

the cowboys more than the competition. He was the PRCA Clown of the Year

the past three years and is an eight-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year award winner. For the second year in a row, he swept the Coors Man in the Can, Comedy Act of the Year and Clown of the Year awards at the annual PRCA awards. His acts include trick roping and riding as well as animal routines.

“We do quite a few different acts,” he says. “We try to do something different every night.”

What started as a weekend gig has

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now turned into a career. He’ll work the biggest rodeo in the world one week and a high school rodeo the next. “I’m the most blessed person in the rodeo busi-ness,” he says. “I’m going to make dang sure I don’t forget where I came from.”

Frankie “Punkintown” Smith

July 13 & 14Punkintown is doing what his mom

never wanted him to do, but now he’s found a catch.

“Now I get paid to do what my momma used to whip me for,” he says. “I was out to prove her wrong. Now I’m dancing to ‘How do you like me now?’”

Always the enter-tainer, Punkintown returns to Steamboat

for the sixth straight year. He entertains with a mountain dance called clogging, similar to river dancing, that has become a big part of his act. But the biggest and most trusted part of his act is his trusty sidekick: a horse named Wrangler. He says that despite what he does, Wrangler usually steals the show.

“I call him American Express because I never leave home without him,” he says.

Bert Davis

July 20 & 21Known as the Clown with All the Dogs

as well as the Coppertown Clown, Bert Davis’ rodeo resume is as long as the

face of a fallen cowboy. Going on 38 years as a per-former, he began his bullfight-ing career at age 16 in 1974, eventually winning Best Com-edy Barrel

Clown and Best Specialty Act for his animal routines. He’s worked in 41 states as well as Canada and Australia, and he comes armed with a quick wit, wacky sense of humor, great crowd interaction and a set of trained dogs who steal the show. “I love performing in front of a crowd,” he says. “And so do my dogs.”

You might have seen his routine else-where, as well. Davis reached the third round on America's Got Talent in 2010 for his Muttley Crew act featuring 10 res-

cue dogs adopted by Davis and his wife, Frannie. His dogs also were recognized by National Geographic in the documen-tary "Dogs with Jobs," and he earned the dubious distinction of starring in the documentary "Stomped and Gored."

Troy Lerwill

July 27 & 28Troy Lerwill also is known as The Wild

Child. Say no more. That pretty much sums up the Payson,

Utah, native, who started his rodeo career before he reached puberty and was competing on a motorcycle by age 10. By the time he was 18, Lerwill was the top ranked profes-sional motocross rider in Utah.

Now, he’s moved on to safer sports. He started his bullfighting career in 1994, first as a barrel man. But his lifelong love for motorcycles took over, and he quickly incorporated them into his acts. In 1998, The Wild Child was born. Since then Lerwill has performed at rodeos across the country, including the granddaddy of them all, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, bringing his high-flying,

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wheel-spinning fun to crowds wherever he goes.

Mark Swingler

Aug. 3 & 4If there is one thing about Mark

Swingler’s act, it’s that the audience is as-sured to stick around to the end.

“Mine’s a gotcha act,” says the Austin, Texas, native. “We lay a storyline in front of everyone, and it all comes together at the end. People even bring their friends back to see

what their reaction is.”The punchline to the act has been

developed by one of the PRCA’s best. Swingler has been with the PRCA for 20 years and has been a rodeo entertainer for 26. This year marks his fifth visit to Steamboat’s rodeo series, and he loves coming back. “I love coming to Steam-boat with the cool weather in the sum-mer,” he says. “I’m wearing a jacket at night while it’s 120 degrees back home.”

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Page 20: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Just like on Wall Street, the stock at the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series jumps up and down. And it owes itself

to animals provided by some of the best stock contractors in the country.

Cowboys can’t be cowboys without their rides, and this year’s rodeo series in Steamboat adds two new stock contrac-tors to its arsenal to guarantee high-flying fun for riders and spectators. In all, the 10-week series will see stock from five contractors and subcontractors throughout the season, ensuring the Steamboat rodeo has the best in the bucking business.

“Every contractor has its own following of competitors, so this should bring even more riders here,” says rodeo administra-tor Char Mighton. “Everyone will be pretty excited about riding fresh mounts.”

The contractors will provide stock for one to three weeks (two to six rodeos). Leading things off is newcomer Picket Pro Rodeo and subcontractor J Bar J Rodeo of Circle, Mont., followed by regular provider Glenn Southwick, of Southwick’s Rocky Mountain Rodeo, from Jay Em, Wyo. Weeks seven and eight will see stock from Burns Rodeo, of Laramie, Wyo., followed by the longtime mainstay Harry Vold Rodeo Co. from nearby Avon, which has been supplying rodeos for 60 years.

Finding top-notch stock is paramount to luring in top-notch riders, and the Steamboat rodeo has rolled up its sleeves to ensure the 10-week series has nothing but the best.

“You have to have quality animals; that’s the key to a great rodeo,” says stock

provider Kirsten Vold, whose father, Harry Vold, moved his trade from Canada to Colorado 43 years ago. “Riders and spec-tators will see quality buckers here this year.”

Vold’s 32,000-acre Avondale ranch houses more than 600 horses and 150 bulls, with the company bringing 40 hors-es and 25 bulls to Steamboat this summer. Southwick, which raises all its own stock and knows its animals intimately, does about 35 rodeos a year. Owner Glenn Southwick says longtime fans will recog-nize some of his horses and that first-tim-ers will be in for a good show. “We have good, fat, healthy livestock that will buck,” he says. “And we know everything about them — from the up-and-comers to the potential superstars.”

Beneath the Saddle Getting to know the animals

providing the ride

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Page 22: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

The Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series is one of the most success-ful rodeo series in the country and

is an integral element in the culture of the Yampa Valley. The Brent Romick Rodeo Arena is an important part of the Howelsen Hill complex, a landmark in Steamboat Springs, and an important amenity to the residents and visitors who attend events at the facility each year.

The last major rodeo facility improve-ment was done in 1990 through a city bond offering. At the time, the main grandstands were erected, awnings were added to bleachers, the current arenas were con-structed and the Yampa River Core Trail was created. After 20 years of awe-inspiring performances by two- and four-legged rodeo athletes, the rodeo grounds are ready for some much needed facility improve-ments.

“The plan addresses the needs of the Steamboat Springs community, considers cost and value, and will provide multi-func-tionality and improved performance of the

facility,” says Chris Wilson, director of the City’s Parks, Open Space and Recreational Services.

Beginning in January, city staff, advisory committee members and residents worked to develop a schematic design plan for improvements to the facility as the first step identified in the Howelsen Hill Master Plan implementation strategy, approved by Steamboat Springs City Council in Decem-ber 2009.

At the forefront of the planning process is developing a plan that creates a multiuse facility for community events and different uses at Howelsen Hill. The proposed plan includes several plaza spaces that promote year-round community gathering and ac-commodate a variety of activities and group sizes.

Some of the benefits of the new plan include:• Increased safety at the facility for animals,

contestants and visitors.• A superior guest experience.• A centralized plaza, amphitheater, vendor

and kids play area that is multipurpose and attractive to a broad range of user groups.

• Improved efficiency for operations and maintenance as well as making the facil-ity more sustainable.

• An increased number of parking spaces, providing a centralized parking area at Howelsen Hill.

• Improved rodeo arenas, pens and chutes. • Allowance for winter (Nordic) and sum-

mer (rodeo) activities to occur with greater efficiency.

• Increased quality of spectator seating.• Improved vehicular and pedestrian circu-

lation and access.• RV hook-ups.

The plan is available at www.steamboat springs.net/recreation.

The Rodeo Facility Improvement Com-mittee will be working with the Steamboat community to raise funds to help make these improvements a reality. More informa-tion can be found at www.steamboatpro rodeo.com

Facility Improvement Plan Benefits More Than Rodeo

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Improvements to the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena include plazas, better parking facilities and improved spectator seating.

2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo | 23

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As you enjoy this year’s Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series, you’re also glimpsing a time-honored

tradition that has been in town for more than a century.

Rodeo’s roots have been a part of Routt County since the first white settlers arrived in Steamboat Springs in the late 19th century. And roping and riding still are very much a part of life for many of those living in the Yampa Valley.

“Ranching and rodeo has been im-portant here forever,” longtime rodeo announcer John Shipley says. “It’s part of our whole tradition.”

The sport came to the area by neces-sity. Early settlers established home-steads, raising horses and livestock as a way of life. Eventually, the town grew and rodeo skills migrated from ranches to competitions, becoming a vital part of town gatherings. Spectators would form a rodeo ring by positioning their horses in a circle, heads turned inward. In later days, they used cars to form the circle.

The makeshift arenas didn’t dampen competitiveness. In the early 1900s, Steamboat earned a reputation for rear-ing some of the toughest buckers in the business. Famous horses from the era in-

Rodeo’s roots in Routt County

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Edgar Bobbitt on Canahejo, en route to first place in Steamboat Springs, 1920.

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clude Pin Ears, Carrie Nation and General Pershing, ridden by such rodeo heroes as Tuffy Wren, Bill Corbett and Kid Vaughn.

The beginnings of the weekly festivi-ties arose in the mid-1970s as the Friday Night Jackpot, where contestants gath-ered once a week to compete for their accumulated entry fees. “Those original Friday night rodeos were pretty wild and a lot of fun,” rodeo board member Brent Romick says. “They were pretty loosely regulated.”

By 1982, with the Jackpot in danger of disappearing, local Steve Dawes revital-ized the operation. Within a couple of years, the Jackpot Rodeo grew to include Saturday night, and the Steamboat Springs Rodeo Series was born.

In 1988, the first and last weekends of the 10-week series became sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Associa-tion. With the success of these events, the rodeo committee changed the event’s name in 1989 to the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series, and it’s been sanc-tioned by the PRCA ever since.

Throughout this 114-year history — from the first Cowboys’ Roundup Days, now celebrated every July 4, to today’s weekly pro series, a winner of the PRCA’s Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year — the town still hangs its hat on its ranching and rodeo roots, with many of the origi-nal homesteads providing stock and com-petitors in the early days still owned by

the same families. Held twice a week all summer long, the event draws cowboys from far and near, attracting some of the nation’s top competitors trying to earn their way to the National Finals Rodeo.

So the cowboy hats you see down-town aren’t just worn for fashion. The area’s ranching community is as alive and kicking as the animals you see in the arena.

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Carl Uncapher riding to the podium at the Toponas Rodeo.

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Rodeos don’t happen by themselves. As well as lining up the best animals and riders possible, organizers put

in a lot of work behind the scenes to pull off such a grandiose event. So let's tip our hats to:

Brent Romickarena director

As chairman of the series board of direc-tors and the rodeo’s arena director, Brent Romick wears a big hat. He’s responsible for the overall production of the rodeo, including coordinating the rough stock and timed events, interfacing specialty acts and local events and working with the chute bosses to ensure everything fits into an action-packed, two-hour performance.

“It’s a lot of work,” says Romick, a member of the Professional Rodeo Cow-boys Association since 1975 and a founding member of the Steamboat Spring Pro Rodeo Series. “But it’s also a lot of fun.”

Involved in rodeo for most of his life, Romick has competed since his youth in riding and roping events and is a former series champion in team roping, bull riding, bareback, calf roping and steer wrestling. He still competes in team roping and also has served as the Mountain States Circuit Team Roping director. Throughout it all, he still strives to produce the best pro rodeo series in the nation, helping Steamboat win the PRCA’s Best Small Outdoor Rodeo Of the Year in 2002.

“Since the majority of rodeos are in the small outdoor category, it was a special honor receiving this award,” he says, add-ing that Steamboat also won the 2010 and 2011 Mountain States Circuit Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year. “It’s our goal to produce the best series in all of pro rodeo every year.”

Ward Van Scoyksite manager

As an attorney for local law firm Weiss and Van Scoyk, Ward Van Scoyk is used to troubleshooting to get his job done. That makes him a shoo-in as site manager for the Steamboat rodeo, where unexpected glitches can rear their heads like broncs in a chute.

On the local rodeo board since 1992,

his job is to ensure that everything runs smoothly in the arena. An all-around handyman, he does everything from turning the lights on and off to flagging the rough stock events and assisting with the calf and ram scrambles. He also ensures the neces-sary equipment is where it needs to be, from sponsor flags for the flag girls to elec-tric eyes for barrel racing and communica-tion equipment for officials. Plus, there’s the general troubleshooting that comes with the rough-and-tumble territory.

“The Steamboat rodeo is great,” says Van Scoyk, whose family started Denver’s Colorado Saddlery Co. in 1946. “I love be-ing involved with performances, working in the arena, and having fun with contestants and fans.”

John Shipleyannouncer

Soon after arriving in Steamboat in 1982, John Shipley announced that he was going to ride bareback horses at the Friday Night Jackpot. Anyone who knew anything about

rodeo realized that was a bad idea, but Shipley attended two rodeo schools and got on (and bucked off) week after week. It wasn’t until a last-minute substitution for a missing announcer that he realized he had “a lot more aptitude describing it than doing it.”

Instead of his dream of attaining PRCA membership as a contestant, Shipley reset his goal to join the organization as an an-nouncer. After hard work and advice from Hall of Fame announcer Hadley Barrett, Shipley achieved that goal in 1987. Since then, he’s announced rodeos from Montana to Florida, receiving the PRCA’s coveted life membership Gold Card. Career highlights include announcing steer roping at the National Finals, the Ram National Circuit Finals, Cheyenne Frontier Days and being selected for 12 circuit finals.

For the past few years, Shipley, who also has served as president of the rodeo com-mittee for 25 years, has concentrated his vocal cord efforts solely on Steamboat, to the benefit of riders and spectators. “I love playing a small part in keeping an impor-tant part of our heritage alive,” he says.

Behind the ScenesAn inside look at people making it all happen

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Brent Romick

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Page 27: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Brian Dellenchute boss

The clowns aren’t the only ones with a juggling act at the rodeo. As chute boss, it’s Brian Dellen’s job to keep the bucking chutes organized to make sure the right cowboy gets on the right horse or bull in the correct order. He also has to keep the announcer informed of who’s getting on when and keep things safe for rider and animal.

A one-time saddle bronc and bull rider and bullfighter, he’s a good man for the job. “This allows me to stay involved in a sport and close to the action in a sport I really love,” says Dellen, who also has worked the chute crew at the National Finals. “It’s my way of still rodeoing.”

Dellen adds that he loves the Steamboat rodeo because many riders come back every year — which makes it easier to keep things organized in the chute. “You need two things to have a successful rodeo: contestants and spectators,” he says. “And Steamboat has both.”

Char Mightonadministrator

Believe it or not, paperwork piles up as high as the manure at a rodeo. Managing all the red tape for the Steamboat series is Char Mighton, the rodeo’s administrator since 1998. “There are quite a few logis-tics to deal with,” says Mighton, who also hires personnel, handles ticket distribution, supervises the gate and maintains contes-tant standings. “I love the rodeo’s Western way of life, the people I work with and especially the visitors here attending their first-ever rodeo. It’s also great to get to know the contestants who compete here regularly and watch them progress through the season.”

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Brian Dellen John Shipley

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Page 28: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Bareback ridingSponsor

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The most physically demanding event in a pro rodeo may be bareback riding. Cow-boys use one hand to grasp a leather “rig-ging” to stay on the horse and are judged on their spurring technique and bucking action of the horse. To score higher points, riders must turn the toes of their boots outward and lean way back. No score will be given if the cowboy does not “mark out” the horse. Judges watch closely to ensure that as the horse comes out of the chute, the cowboy’s feet are above its shoulders. The feet must remain there until the horse’s front feet hit the ground. A bareback rider must remain on the animal for eight seconds.

Steer wrestlingSponsor

Fraysher Enterprises

Steer wrestlers, also known as bulldog-gers, try to toss a steer onto its back after jumping off a quarter horse. Courage, tim-ing and balance are essential. The objective: get the steer on the ground the fastest using only strength and leverage. Done correctly, the event takes only three to five seconds. The cowboy starts his run behind a barrier with another cowboy called a hazer, who keeps the steer from turning away. The steer is then given a head start. When it reaches the “scoreline” and the rope barrier is released, the steer wrestler and the hazer chase the steer until the wrestler can make his jump. The wrestler then hooks his right

arm around the steer’s right horn, grasps the left horn with his left hand, and digs his heels into the dirt and uses leverage to bring down the animal.

Barrel racingSponsors

Steamboat Motors and Ram Rodeo

Peewee Racing:Steamboat Flyfisher

The goal of barrel racing is to run a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels in the fastest time. The horses pivot on their haunches at high speeds and execute each

A guide to Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series events

2012 Rodeo Events

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Page 29: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

turn with only inches to spare. Typically, quarter horses are used in barrel racing. The rider incurs a five-second penalty if a barrel is knocked over.

Team ropingSponsor

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Team roping demands close cooperation between two cowboys (“header” and “heeler”) and their horses. The steer is given a head start as the header waits behind a rope barrier. If the header breaks the barrier, a ten-second penalty is assessed. The heeler follows. The header is the first one to rope and must catch the steer either around the horns, neck or one horn and the head. As soon as the header secures the loop, he “dallies” the rope around the saddle horn and rides to the left, turning the steer away from a right-handed heeler. As the header rides away, the heeler tries to rope the steer’s hind feet. A five-second penalty is assessed if the heeler catches only one foot. The two riders then back their horses to take the slack out of their ropes. The clock stops when all the slack has been taken up and the ropers are facing one another.

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Page 30: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Saddle bronc ridingSponsor

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Unlike bareback riding, where the cow-boy grabs a rigging fastened to the horse’s back, a saddle bronc rider grips a thick rein attached to the horse’s halter. He then must mark out the horse as in bareback riding. As the horse bucks, the rider bends his knees to pull his heels back and then snaps his feet back to the horse’s shoulder as the animal’s front feet hit the ground, synchronizing spurring with the horse’s movements. The rider is judged on spurring action, his control of the horse and the degree to which he keeps his toes turned out. The horse’s bucking action contributes to the score, just as in bareback riding.

Tie-down ropingSponsors

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After giving the calf a head start, the horse and rider begin their chase. As the cowboy throws his loop, the horse comes to a stop. With his horse still skidding to a stop, the cowboy dismounts, runs to the P

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Page 31: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

calf, throws it to the ground and ties any three legs together with a “pigging string.” The horse must keep slack out of the rope, but not pull so tight that the calf is dragged. When the roper finishes tying, he throws his hands in the air to signal to the flag judge. Then, he gets back on his horse and rides toward the calf, putting slack back into the rope. The calf must remain tied for six seconds after the rope is slack or the cowboy will receive a “no time.”

Bull ridingSponsor

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In what is hoped to be an eight-second ride, the rider holds a flat-braided rope in his gloved hand. As he settles onto his bull in the chute, he pulls the rope’s tail through a loop and wraps the rope around his riding hand, at times weaving it through his fingers for better grip. Each bull has a different style of bucking: some spin, others circle, others throw in jumps or kicks, and others move sideways in mid-air. As the cowboy waves his free hand to counter the bull’s gyration and maintain his balance, he must avoid touching the bull with his free hand or he is disqualified. The cowboy’s control and the bull’s bucking efforts each account for half of the score. P

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Page 32: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Don’t fret if you hear a few new words being bantered about the arena. Rodeo has its own vernacu-

lar. Following are a few terms and phrases you might catch wind of throughout the evening:

Timed eventsAny event in which a competitor is

racing against the clock. Steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping and barrel racing are the most common.

Riding eventsA term used to refer to the saddle

bronc, bareback and bull riding events.

Rough stockLivestock used in riding events as op-

posed to timed events.

ChuteThe area where an animal is held

prior to the event. In rough stock events, this is where the cowboy gets on the animal just in front of the grandstands. The timed-event chutes are at the west end of the stadium.

Initial contact ruleA term used in bareback and saddle

bronc riding referring to where the cowboy’s heels, or spurs, are positioned on the animal when it leaves the chutes. The cowboy’s feet are required to be above the horse’s shoulders, giving advantage to the horse coming out of the chute. If the cowboy’s feet aren’t positioned properly, a judge will throw a yellow flag onto the ground, nullifying the ride. The rule doesn’t apply to bull riding.

BarrierAn advantage is given to the animals

in the timed events through what is called the barrier rule. The barrier is two pieces of rope connected by a piece of

kite string in front of the chute. In timed events, if the cowboy breaks through the barrier before it is released by another rope tied to the steer or calf, a 10-second penalty is assessed.

All-around cowboyA title given to the athlete who accu-

mulates the most money in two or more events.

Mountain States Rodeo Circuit

One of 12 professional rodeo regions, including rodeos in Colorado and Wyo-ming. Cowboys earn points for each per-formance, with those earning the most qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo.

RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo

This rodeo awards more than $500,000 in prize money and features contestants from each of rodeo’s 12 geographic circuit systems. World champions and weekend cowboys qualify based on how they do in their home circuits.

RankA term cowboys use to describe a par-

ticularly vicious bull or bucking horse. Most often, it is used in a complimentary way — generally, the ranker a bull or bucking horse is, the higher the score.

HeaderIn team roping, the cowboy who

catches the steer’s horns.

HeelerIn team roping, the cowboy who

catches the steer’s hind legs.

HazerIn steer wrestling, one cowboy rides

alongside the steer to keep it running straight. Generally, steer wrestlers give 25 percent of whatever they win to their hazers. Often, one hazer will haze for several steer wrestlers, and many steer wrestlers also haze for other steer wres-tlers.

Rodeo Terms 101

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Page 33: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

National Finals RodeoThe biggest rodeo of the year, the Na-

tional Finals Rodeo is held every December in Las Vegas. Only the top 15 money win-ners in each event qualify for the 10-round rodeo, which has a purse of more than $5 million. The National Finals Rodeo decides the world champion in each event.

SlackOften, more cowboys enter a rodeo

than there are slots to compete. Cowboys not scheduled to compete post their times or score during slack, held after the Friday night performance. Scores and times from slack count just like those posted during the regular performance.

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%&$! Aka gosh darnit, a term you might

hear when a bull rider fails to ride the necessary eight seconds or a heeler fails to rope a steer’s hind legs. A good time to cover your child’s ears with your cowboy hat.

Hyah! A one-syllable version of “giddy-up”

used to spur a horse along.

ManureThat byproduct that comes from

horses and livestock’s derrieres respon-sible for the arena’s fragrant aroma.

HowdyTypical cowboy greeting, morning,

noon and night. Sometimes doubled-up to “howdy, howdy.”

Yeehaw!Multipurpose exclamation of ap-

proval or encouragement.

A few from the

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2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo | 33

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Page 34: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

BarebackMatt Webber, 1985; Tracy Lawton, 1986;

Mark Darling, 1987; Brian Swingle, 1988; Jesse Banek, 1989; Gordon Griffith, 1990; Gordon Griffith, 1991; Shane Call, 1992; Shane Call, 1993; Rick Bradley, 1994; Rick Bradley, 1995; Rick Bradley, 1996; George Harty, 1997; Rick Bradley, 1998; Mitch Walz, 1999; J.W. Winklepleck, 2000; Travis Carlson, 2001; Gary Burgener, 2002; Zach Curran, 2003; Cody Fox, 2004; Jerad Schlegel, 2005; Jerad Schlegel, 2006; Micky Downare, 2007; Larry Streweler, 2008; Craig Wisehart, 2009; Craig Wisehart, 2010; David Streweler, 2011

Saddle broncMarty Forester, 1985; Wes Hertzog, 1986;

Steve Claypoole, 1987; Clay Keller, 1988; Dane Noyce, 1989; Wes Hertzog, 1990; Harry Virden, 1991; Chuck Halloway, 1992; Tommy Cress, 1993; Wes Hertzog, 1994; Brett Brooks, 1995; Colt Bruegman, 1996; Marty Forester, 1997; Mitch Walz, 1998; Mitch Walz, 1999; Josh Bil-

brey, 2000; Bryan Costner, 2001; Chet Johnson, 2002; Ryan Rodewald, 2003; Ryan Rodewald, 2004; Britt Trumbull, 2005; Chance Skelton, 2006; Brandon Munn, 2007; Brandon Munn, 2008; Travis Darling, 2009; Jake Griffin, 2010; Jake Griffin, 2011

Bull ridingSteve Cooper, 1985; Ty Rinaldo, 1986; Steve

Baker, 1987; Nick Buckley, 1988; Scott Pofahl, 1989; Jeff Cathcart, 1990; Kevin Malovich, 1991; Doug Joseph, 1992; Trent Knez, 1993; Eddie Faircloth, 1994; Hunter Cathcart, 1995; Troy Hipsag, 1996; John Pinnt, 1997; Scott Jacobson, 1998; Sid Killingsworth, 1999; Clint Walker, 2000, Justin Mildenberger, 2001; Jarrod Ford, 2002; Josh Koschel, 2003; Ryan Greenlee, 2004; Josh Kaine Johnson, 2005; Luke Gray, 2006; Clayton Savage, 2007; Clayton Savage, 2008; Clayton Savage, 2009; Lonny Graham, 2010; Brady Menge, 2011

Tie-downJerry Green, 1984; Ben Grave, 1985; Jerry

Kraft, 1986; Lyle Horn, 1987; Dan Johnson, 1989; K.C. Jones, 1990; Dan Johnson, 1991; Lane Johnson, 1992; Dick Carroll, 1993; Lyle Horn, 1994; Cory Zion, 1995; Charlie Kings-bury, 1996; Jack Hadley, 1997; Jake Clark, 1998; J.D. Crouse, 1999; K.C. Jones, 2000; Cory Zion, 2001; Chris Downey, 2002; J.G. Marshall, 2003; K.C. Jones, 2004, Joe Colletti, 2005; Trevor Theil, 2006; Trevor Theil, 2007; Joe Colletti, 2008; Troy Hubbard, 2009; Darnell Johnson, 2010; Mark Black, 2011

Steer wrestlingMardell McKnight, 1989; Mark McNamee,

1990; Dick Schneider, 1991; Eric Pickering, 1992; Eric Pickering, 1993; Craig Stein, 1994; Dan Cathcart, 1995; Eric Pickering, 1996; R.C. Harbour, 1997; Doug Cox, 1998; Leon Vick, 1999; Wade Corliss, 2000; Wade Corliss, 2001; Jimmy Allen, 2002; Eric Pickering, 2003; Bill Claunch, 2004; Cole Fritzlan, 2005: Shawn

Past Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series champions

34 | 2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo

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Page 35: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Mills, 2006; Jake Simmons, 2007; Wyatt John-son, 2008; Theo Federer, 2009; Shawn Mills, 2010; Shawn Mills, 2011

Team ropingMerrit Linke, 1985; Port Toft, 1986; Dan

Haskins, 1987; Marty Seeley, 1988; Port Toft, 1989; Lee Lancaster and Chris Glover, 1990; Steve Winnery, 1991; Kevin Norell, 1992; Joe Roderick, 1993; Grant Scheer, 1994; Lee Lan-caster and Lynn Lancaster, 1995; Greg Barrier and Dennis Hathcock, 1996; Randy Mekelburg and Lee Lancaster, 1997; Dwight Arnold and Mike Christnick, 1998; John O’Connor and Taz Green, 1999; Paul Griesman and Bret Tonozzi, 2000; Troy Kreutzer and Tim Kreutzer, 2001; Paul Beckett, 2002; Luke Lancaster and Jason Gilchrist, 2003; Lance Allen, 2004; Lance Allen and Paul Beckett, 2005; Shawn Hagler and Alan Erickson, 2006; Jerod Farella, 2007; Jay Tittel, 2008; Shawn Harler and Riley Pedro, 2009; Lee and Luke Lancaster, 2010; Lance Al-len and Jake Day, 2011

Barrel racingTina Lenard, 1985; Coleen Burman,

1986; Casey Fawcett, 1987; Susan Campbell, 1988; Sonja Rose, 1989; Vicki Donaho, 1990; Raedene Spears, 1991; Julie Haskins, 1992; Julie Haskins, 1993; Mary Anderson, 1994; Mary Anderson, 1995; Mary Anderson, 1996; Mary Anderson, 1997; Gayla Shaefer, 1998; Mary Anderson, 1999; Casey Shelsted, 2000; Bonny

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Page 36: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Wheatley 2001; Belinda Brownell, 2002; Ra-nette Taylor, 2003; Bonnie Austin, 2004; Margie Ward, 2005; Margie Ward, 2006; Margie Ward, 2007; Kelly Koeppen, 2008; Julie Haskins, 2009; Julie Haskins, 2010; Julie Haskins, 2011 (PeeWee Barrels: Katie Jo Knez, 2011)

All-around cowboySteve Claypoole, 1987; Dar Haskins, 1991;

Shane Call, 1992; Shane Call, 1993; Tammy Brennan, 1993; Tyke Bennett, 1995; Tyke Ben-nett, 1996; Randy Mekelburg, 1997; Mitch Walz, 1998; Mitch Walz, 1999; Chris Downey, 2001; Jarrod Ford, 2002; Luke Lancaster, 2003; K.C. Jones, 2004, K.C. Jones, 2005; Mario Baleztena, 2006; Joe Colletti, 2007; Mario Baleztena, 2008; Mario Baleztena, 2009; Cole Dorenkamp, 2010; K.C. Jones, 2011

Pat Mantle Memorial Saddle Bronc Riding

ChampionshipsMarty Forester, 1993; Eudell Larsen, 1994;

Brett Brooks, 1995; Justin Miller, 1996; Brett Brooks, 1997; Mitch Walz, 1998; Todd Mc-Caughey, 1999; Mitch Walz, 2000; Mitch Walz, 2001; Chet Johnson, 2002; Britt Trumbull, 2003; Brandon Munn, 2004; Andy Kurtz, 2005; Chad Mosher, 2006; Tate Owens, 2007; Brandon Munn, 2008; Travis Darling, 2009; Brandon Munn, 2010; Brandon Munn, 2011

Court

esy

Photo

2011 Steer Wrestling Champion Shawn Mills.

36 | 2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo

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Page 37: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

While the grown-up cowboys and cowgirls put on a great show last year, it was 5-year-old Katie Jo

Knez of Craig who stole the crowd’s heart, guiding her trusty steed, Duke, around bar-rels with an eagerness more often seen in competitors five times her age to win the sea-son championship in peewee barrel racing.

Knez accepted the belt buckle that comes with the championship with a smile that out-shone even the sparkly buckle she won.

Her blond hair whipped all summer from beneath her cowboy hat as she powered Duke around barrels in all 10 events of the season while her parents, Erin and Toby Knez, watched. “By the last event, she didn’t hold anything back at all,” Erin Knez says. “But I was terrified that first week.”

Knez was joined in her championship by several newcomers and plenty of Steamboat rodeo veterans. Julie Haskins took her fifth Steamboat buckle and third in a row in the barrel racing. Shawn Mills made it back-to-back championships and three overall in the steer wrestling, and Lance Allen won his third buckle in the team roping, along with Jake Day. Jake Griffin fought through an injury to

claim his second consecutive saddle bronc championship.

Greg Barnes was tops in the No. 11 team roping, Mark Black was the champ in tie-down rop-ing, David Streweler was first in bareback riding, and Brady Menge was the best in bull riding. K.C. Jones was named the all-around cowboy for the season.

Saddle bronc rider Brandon Munn, meanwhile, put together one more piece of a Steamboat rodeo career that was already long ago impressive. He won his fourth Pat Mantle saddle bronc riding compe-tition, besting a field of six in the season’s final event to win a rifle and $2,000.

Three cowboys finished that showdown with score-worthy rides, but Munn’s 73 proved best — and almost as much of a crowd-pleaser as Knez and Duke.

2012 Season Roundup5-year-old Katie Jo Knez a crowd favorite

2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo | 37

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Page 38: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

Ste

am

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Pilot

& T

oday

Five-year-old Katie Jo Knez racing to first place in the Peewee Barrel Racing division.

38 | 2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo

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Page 39: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

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Page 40: Steamboat Rodeo Guide 2012

40 | 2012 steamboat springs pro rodeo

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