Handy Sports Rag

Photo by Marnie Ragan

Bull riders set to daze Bowden
by Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan
July 23, 2006

A rank pen of bulls is set to challenge the world's best bullriders as Main Event Inc., of Bowden, is presenting the Bowden Daze bullarama on Saturday, July 29.
As part of the World Professional Bullriding Inc. tour, the event is expected to attract 36 of the top bull riders from Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia.
With an added purse of $6,000, the Bowden event is one of the richest on the World Professional Bullriding tour which holds events across North America.
Besides riding for a fist full of dollars, the riders will be looking to gain valuable points which count towards qualifying for the WPB Finals scheduled in Red Deer, AB. from Dec. 1-2, 2006.
After packing up their gear in Bowden, the riders will head on down the road to Sundre where they will participate in another WPB sanctioned bullarama from August 4-5, 2006.
As the schedule in August has events scheduled every weekend, the riders will have an opportunity to increase their points total and add some jingle into their Wrangler jeans' pockets.
At the latest event held this past weekend at Tee Pee Creek AB, the bulls held the upperhand as very few rides reached the eight-second buzzer.
In the long go session, Strathmore's Cory Perry wasn't playing around as he marked a 78 on Hokey Pokey to record the highest score of the go-around.
Meanwhile, Delburne AB bull rider, Cody Stamp, marked a 77 on Aftermath to gain a berth into the short go-around.
Steve Homann found out eating Oreo cookies is easier than riding the bull Oreo who provided Homann with a 73.5 score.
With marked rides of 73, Kyle Frizzi and Neal Wallator split the 4/5 rung. Frizzi hung onto Duece Bigalow while Wallator rode Goldburg.
There is no doubt Ft Saint John, BC bullrider, Tanner Moore, is a traveling warrior as he travels hundreds of miles to attend the events held in Alberta. And he drew the perfect bull, Travel'n Soldier, which provided him with a comfortable marked ride worth 71 points.
With a mark of 69.5, Strathmore's Mark Johanson was the final rider to qualify for the short go-around showdown.
In the short go, only two riders covered their mounts. Johanson marked 78.5 points aboard Patch while Frizzi managed to hit the highlight reel with a 74.5 ride aboard Sports Centre.
For their efforts, Johanson earned $1,039 while Frizzi took home $850.00.
Johanson finished the event with 330 points which vaulted him into ninth place in the WPB standings.
Jory Vine is the overall points leader with Neal Wallator holding down second place on the leaderboard.
Meanwhile, the latest standings on the PBR Canada tour, Scott Schiffner is the current leader with earnings of $18,644.04.
A former $50,000 Calgary Stampede winner, Schiffner won the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association bull riding championship in 2001.
With the earnings from PBR Canada, Schiffner coupled with the money won on the CPRA, Schiffner has won more than $200,000 riding rank bulls on Canadian soil over an eight year period.
Sitting in second place in the PBR Canada standings with earnings of $16,698.74 is Tyler Thomson.
With earnings of $14,822, Aaron Roy is in third place on the PBR Canada tour.
On July 20-21, the PBR Canada tour stopped in Sylvan Lake. Details of this event were not known at press time.
At the end of July, the bull riders head out to Surrey, BC to participate in a PBR Canada sanctioned event.

O'Neill sets a new Calgary Stampede record
by Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan
July 17, 2006

Didsbury saddle bronc rider, Glen O'Neill, was feeling a bit "cool" after his ride at the Calgary Stampede on Tue. July, 11.
O'Neill drew the 2004 Canadian Professional Rodeo Association saddle bronc horse of the year, Cool Alley from the Kesler Championship Rodeo pen of horses and spurred out a 94.5 ride breaking a long standing Calgary Stampede record in the saddle bronc riding competition.
Except for his final mount of the million dollar rodeo, O'Neill was a dominant force by registering high marks on all three of the horses he drew in the qualification rounds.
On Thurs. July 13 he was still making headlines as he spurred out an 86.5 ride aboard Lurking News.
Instead of taking a day off to go picking strawberries, he returned to the rodeo infield on Fri. July 14 and marked an 87.5 ride aboard Strawberry Alley.
His three head total of 268.5 placed him in the semi-final round on Sun. July, 16 to contest for the $100,00 purse offered to the eventual champion of the event. It was in this round, the Australian born cowboy met his misfortune as he failed to qualify for the winner take all final round of "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth".
Although the Australian native was unable to tuck $100,000 into his Wrangler Jeans, he did ride away from the Calgary Stampede with close to $20,000 in prize money.
O'Neill is no stranger to the pressures of winning at the Calgary Stampede as he won the $50,000 purse in 1995 and he tucked $25,000 into his pockets in 2004.
Excluding the earnings from the Canadian Finals Rodeo held annually in Edmonton, O'Neill holds the CPRA regular season earnings in saddle bronc with $54,381. On the CPRA circuit, O'Neill has won over $350,000 in career earnings on Canadian soil.
During his ten years of competing in the National Finals Rodeo, held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, O'Neill set an earnings record in 2002 and set an aggregate record by riding all ten mounts. He was crowned the World Saddle Bronc Champion in 2002 and captured the Canadian Saddle Bronc Championship in 2000.
Meanwhile, Davey Shields Jr. successfully defended his Stampede bareback title recording a 91.5 point ride aboard Coconut Roll, a 13-year old mare.
Last year in the final round of the Calgary Stampede Shields drew Grated Coconut and set a Stampede record with a 94 point ride.
Although Shields would have preferred to draw Grated Coconut again, he knew he had a winning horse when he picked Grated Coconut's mother, Coconut Roll.
And prior to the start of the $100,000 show-down, Shields realized he needed a near perfect ride as he was up against two previous National finals Rodeo winners, Cimarron Gerke and Will Lowe.
Gerke drew Grated Coconut, regarded by many cowboys as the best bareback horse in North America, but could only muster an 86.5 ride on her, good enough for third place in the final four showdown.
Before Shields rode, Will Lowe, of Canyon, Tex., set the pace with 90.5 ride and despite establishing the mark for the other riders he had to settle for second place.
Show-down Sunday was just about perfect for Shields as he earlier recorded a 91 point ride on Kesler's Championship Rodeo's Street Dance in round 10.
Shields is no stranger to show-down Sunday as he has qualified for the championship round six times before, winning his first Calgary Stampede crown in 1996.
Although he has won the $50,000 purse offered by the Calgary Stampede three times prior to this year, Shields indicated riding away with the championship is more difficult every year as the sport is attracting better poised riders who want to be declared Stampede champions.
This year's crop of Canadians at the Calgary Stampede was probably the best of all time and with the sport growing throughout the country, Canadians will always be part of the Stampede show-down for years to come.

Area ropers enjoy Christmas in July
by Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan
July 10, 2006

On the rodeo scene, the dawning of July is usually called, "Christmas in July"
And area ropers, Travis Gallais, Mark Nugent, Dale Skocdopole and Cliff Williamson were able to enjoy the first week of July by tucking over $1,000 apiece into their Wrangler jeans' pockets by placing in three high-paying rodeos.
At the Airdrie Ranch Pro Rodeo, Travis Gallais won the tie-down roping event by flanking his calf in 8.2 seconds, winning$2,233.
Meanwhile at the 70th edition of the Frontier Days Rodeo held in Swift Current, SK, Water Valley's Mark Nugent won $1,465 with a lightning quick time of 8.4 seconds taking first place in tie-down roping. Dale Skocdopole won $1,274 by finishing in second place with a recorded time of 8.5 seconds.
At the Ponoka Stampede, Madden's Cliff Williamson roped in $1,851 by placing third in the aggregate with a three head total of 28.2 seconds.
With over $275,000 in prize money, the Ponoka Stampede is the third largest rodeo on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association circuit and it attracts the best cowboys and cowgirls across North America, New Zealand and Australia.
American bronc riders dominated the bareback competition as Cimmaron Gerke pocketed $3,574 in earnings by claiming the aggregate with a 174 marking on two head. His traveling mate, Forest Bramwell finished second with 173 points. For his efforts he won $2,829.
Big Valley saddle bronc rider, Rod Warren, earned $3,120 by racking up 166 points, just two shy of the eventual winner, Jess Martin of, Dillon MT.
Top bull tamer at Ponoka with a two head marking of 174 was Tanner Girletz earning $3,829. Warbug, AB bull rider, Tyler Pankerwitz claimed second with a combined score of 173 worth $3,083.
Claiming $3,137 in the tie-down roping event was Marty Becker who flanked three calves in 24.5 seconds.
Two veteran bulldoggers fought it out in steer wrestling as Lee Graves, reigning World Professional Cowboys' Association champion played second fiddle to Curtis Cassidy, who won $2,930 by claiming the aggregate with a total time of 13.2 seconds. For 13.7 seconds of work, Graves won $2,662.
Around the barrels, the quickest cowgirl with a combined time of 35.83 seconds was Rayel Robinson winning $4,382. Cochrane's Brooke Ramsay placed third with an aggregate time of 35.44 seconds, pocketing $3,202.
Meanwhile, the class of the saddle bronc riders at Airdrie was Rod Warren scoring an 80 point ride aboard Big Stone's Rodeo Muskrat. With a marked ride worth 77 points, seven-time World saddle Bronc champion, Dan Mortensen won $2,211.
Big Stone's Rodeo bareback horse Grey Dawn ccarried Russ Hallabay to the pay window with an 82 point ride worth $2,035.
Although the bulls held the upperhand, Jordie Campbell was able to hold onto Big Stone Rodeo's Head Banger for eight seconds marking an 85 to claim $2,699.
Cochrane bulldogger, Baillie Milan pinned his steer in 3.6 seconds earning $2,411. Finishing second with a pin of 3.9 seconds was Innisfail steer wrestler, Greg Hoar pocketing $2,157.
Rayel Robinson won the ladies' barrel racing finishing the run in 14.52 seconds, earning $2,820.
In Swift Current, Clair Fitzpatrick won the saddle bronc riding event by marking an 81 on the back of Big Stone Rodeo's Steppin' High. In just eight seconds he won $1,587. A 79 point ride earned Rod Warren $1,222.
Claiming the bareback event with an 82 point ride aboard Big Stone Rodeo's Cosmo was Davey Shields Jr. earning $2,011.
Only two bull riders, Garth Oldfield and Jordie Campbell met the eight second whistle. With identical scores of 81, the riders won $2,502 apiece.
Brent Willsie won the steer wrestling event pinning his critter in 3.8 seconds, winning $1,892.
Quickest cowgirl around the barrels was Debbie Regner winning $1,369.
This week the rodeo hands' attention will be turned towards the Calgary Stampede.

O'Neill making a move in World standings
by Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan

Didsbury saddle bronc rider, Glen O'Neill, is making a move in the 2006 Jack Daniel's World standings.
As of June 18, 2006, O'Neill holds down 10th place with $31,139 in earnings. To date, he has participated in 30 rodeos on the World Professional Rodeo Cowboys' Association tour.
After missing the 2004 National Finals Rodeo due to injury, the Australian native is anxious to reach the form which enabled him to capture the 2002 World Saddle Bronc Championship at the National Finals Rodeo held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada.
O'Neill is no stranger to the pressures of the NFR as he has qualified for the year end rodeo ten times.
Besides making his mark on the rodeo scene in the United States, he has been a dominant force within the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association as he won the 2000 Canadian Saddle Bronc Championship. He has also won the Calgary Stampede $50,00 jackpot in 2004. In the rodeo infield he shares the World/Canadian record for the highest scored saddle bronc ride, 95 points.
At the Sundre Pro Rodeo held last weekend, O'Neill won the saddle bronc competition by marking an 82 on Franklin Rodeo's Cowboy Chilli. For his eight second ride O'Neill pocketed $1,866.
With marked rides of 80 points, Chet Johnson and Jim Berry split 2-3 worth $1,342 apiece.
A Stroud, OK cowboy, Doug Fennel, was the top bareback rider with an 87 point ride on Franklin Rodeo's Black Fox. for his work in the rodeo infield, Fennel pocketed $1,866. Four riders,
Luke Walker, Todd Shelton, Don McLeod and Cole Quitman shared 2-5 for 87 point rides worth $1,033 apiece.
Top bull rider at the Sundre Pro Rodeo was Blade Young, of Tyvan, SK. Young wasn't shy mounting the critters in the Franklin Rodeo's pen as he marked an 84.5 aboard One Shy. He was able to tuck $2,183 into his Wrangler jeans. By marking an 83.5 ride, Max Fortmuller of, DeWinton, AB picked up $1,821 for second place.
By flanking his calf in 8.1 seconds Olds roper, Travis Gallais earned $2,000 for placing first in the tie-down roping event. For 8.4 seconds of work, Curtis Cassidy, of Donalda, AB split 2-3 with Todd Gallais, of Sundre. Both ropers earned $1,684 apiece.
Bulldogger, Baillie Milan, of Cochrane, along with Tim Kemp pinned their steers in 3.9 seconds to share the lead in the steer wrestling event. They pocketed $2,200 apiece.
Stony Plain steer wrestler Dallas Frank won $1,833 by pinning his steer in 4.0 seconds.
Around the barrels, the quickest cowgirl was Debbie Renger of, Okotoks, with a time of 17.56 seconds, worth $2,371. With a run of 17.64 seconds, Lisa Lockhart won $2,016 for second place. Finishing third with times of 17.75 seconds apiece, Sheena Dunham and Tracy Gulick split 3-4 worth $1,541 apiece.
Meanwhile, at the Guy Weadick Memorial Rodeo held in High River, Ross Kreutzer of, Arrowood, AB was the top saddle bronc rider with an 86 point ride, worth $1,977, Beiseker's JR Reding won $1,624 for an 83 point ride, good enough for second place.
Current leader in the Jack Daniel's World bareback standings, Chris Harris of, Itasca TX, shared top billing with two other cowboys, Andy Bolich and Cimaron Gerke. All three hands had marked rides of 81 points, earning them $1,578 apiece.
On the bulls, Devon Mezie of, Scandia AB won $2,750 for an 86 point ride. With a marked ride of 85 points, Justin Volz, of Charlie Lake B.C. won $1,894 for second place.
A posted time of 7.6 seconds was good enough for Shawn Williamson to win the tie-down roping event, a run worth $2,017. Second place went to Cody Rood with a time of 7.7 seconds earning him $1,886.
In the steer wrestling, Bart Doan won his first cheque of the season, $2,465 for a marked time of 4 seconds flat. Claiming second place with a pin of 4.2 seconds was Daniel Yates. He pocketed $2,205.
Henryetta, OK cowgirl, Sherrylyn Johnson was the quickest cowgirl around the barrels winning $2,314 for a posted time of 17.62 seconds. Finishing second with a time of 17.74 seconds was Lauren Chad.
This week, the rodeo hands are busy with the Calgary Stampede as they will be trying to cash in on the $50,000 purse for a first place finish in any event.

By tucking $4,375 into his Wrangler jeans' pockets after the Daines Ranch Rodeo held in Innisfail last weekend, Strathmore bull riding sensation, Scott Schiffner, surpassed former Canadian Professional Rodeo Association bull riding champion, Kelly Armstrong in career earnings.
With the money earned last weekend, Schiffner has now earned $228,292 in taming the rankest critters in North America.
Amongst his earnings, Schiffner has won the $50,000 purse at the Calgary Stampede and walked away with the Canadian Professional Bull riding championship in 2001.
Over his career, Armstrong, now a stock contractor, earned $225,729 on Canadian soil.
Although Schiffner didn't capture the aggregate in the bull riding at Innisfail, his 85 point ride aboard Kesler's Rodeo's Nip and Tuck vaulted him into second place and maintained his earnings lead in the 2006 CPRA bull riding event. So far Schiffner has earned $20,113 and has a comfortable lead over Steven Turner with season earnings of $11,117.
Capturing the bull riding event at Innisfail was 2003 Canadian bull Riding Champion Jody Turner who marked an 87.5 ride aboard Girletz Rodeo's Weight A Minute worth $5,691.
Texan bareback rider, Chris Harris, has to mosey up to Canada to find gold in his saddlebag. Harris moved into first place in the Canadian standings by claiming $4,196 for an 85 ride aboard Peters and Son's Gold Dust. So far this season, Harris from Itasca, Tex., has mined $12,682 on Canadian soil.
Although Madden calf roper, Cliff Williamson, failed to win the tie-down roping event at the Daines Ranch, he remains in first place in Canadian standings with $12,505. his earnings are almost $4,000 ahead of Marty Becker with $8,457. At Innisfail, Becker was able to make some ground on Williamson as he placed second in the average pocketing $4,975. Claiming top spot was another Texan, Nathan Steinberg who flanked two calves in 15.7 seconds worth $5,637 in cold Canadian cash..
In the saddle bronc event at Innisfail. Cody DeMoss thought he was in heaven as he earned $6,678 for an 85 point ride aboard Peters and Sons' Classic Angel.
Bulldogger Barry Kreikemier of, West Point, Nebraska pocketed $6,713 to walk away with the steer wrestling championship.
With the embarking of July comes "Cowboy Christmas", as the rodeo hands have an opportunity of winning over one million dollars in prize money as some of Canada's richest rodeos are set to open the chutes starting with the Ponoka Stampede, Airdrie Pro Rodeo, Swift Current Frontier Days Rodeo, Williams Lake Stampede, Benalto Rodeo and of course the Calgary Stampede.

Local cowgirl steals hearts of rodeo fans
By Barry Williams
June 10, 2006
Olds Albertan

A ten year old Innisfail cowgirl, Sydney Daines, stole the hearts of hundreds of rodeo fans at the Daines Ranch Rodeo held this past weekend.
Riding her trusty side-kick, Old Reba, Daines surprised everyone by capturing the average in the ladies open barrel racing.
For her efforts, she pocketed $3,000 and was presented with a gold buckle.
And she will probably be listed in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association record book as being one of the youngest competitors to win an event at a major rodeo.
"It was an amazing run," said a proud grandfather, Jack Daines.
"I think she surprised everyone at the rodeo, including the other barrel racers," Daines added.
This was Sydney's best result on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association competing in a major event. She has participated in the Pee Wee girls' barrel racing and junior barrel racing and has been quite successful at these events.
Being born into a prominent rodeo family, Sydney has been around the sport of rodeo all her life and it was only a matter of time before she would make a name for herself.
Sydney's early success hasn't surprised her grandfather who noted she is a natural rider and loves horses.
Although there were many highlights at this year's edition of the Daines Ranch Rodeo, Sydney's victory will remain very special to the Daines' family.
with over $250,000 in prize money, the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo is one of the top five rodeos on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association circuit and money won at the rodeo counts towards Canadian professional Rodeo Association standings and the World Professional Cowboys' Association World standings.
For years, the rodeo has always attracted the best cowboys and cowgirls from Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
"I can't say for sure if this was the best rodeo we've had but it was certainly high on the list," said Daines, noting the rodeo committee is always trying to improve the rodeo.
At this year's event, the number of cowboys and cowgirls surpassed 300 and many of the rodeo hands trying to test their luck against the best stock in North America were former or current World and Canadian champions.
And besides attracting the rodeo hands who have been travelling from rodeo to rodeo for years, the list of entries included relatively new and upcoming competitors making a name for themselves on the Jack Daniels' World Professional Rodeo Cowboys' association standings.
In the bareback competition, Chris Harris, of Itasca, TX outlasted the competition in Innisfail and added to his $53,592 earnings he has won on the WPCA circuit. Harris is currently leading the Jack Daniels/WPCA standings. Harris has never won the World Bareback Championship but has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo four consecutive years.
Meanwhile the current saddle bronc leader in the Jack Daniels' World Professional Cowboys' Association Cody DeMoss, of Itasca, TX added to his current earnings of $81,146 by being the best saddle bronc rider at Innisfail.
At the Brooks Kinsmen Pro Rodeo held last weekend, Luke Butterfield, of Ponoka, marked a 77 aboard Big Stone's Rodeo's Muskrat to capture the saddle bronc competition. For his efforts, Butterfield won $1,072.
There was a 2/5 split amongst Alan Bandy, Rod Warren, Dustin Flundra and Rod Hay. all four cowboys marked 75 points on their mounts and won $584.
In bareback, three riders, Clayton Bunney, Cimaron Gerke and Dom McLoed split the top rung with rides of 80 points apiece and $858 in earnings.
Jason Finkbeiner was the top bull rider marking an 83 aboard Big stone's Rodeo Hiawatha.
With marked rides of 82.5, Wade Marchand and Luke Ellingson split the 2/3 rung worth $909 apiece.
Two cowboys, Clark Houghson and Chad Johnson flanked their calves in 8.2 seconds to win the tie-down roping event, a win worth $1,449 apiece.
With a time of 3.8 seconds, Ryan Guest was the top bulldogger winning $1,785. Todd Maughan claimed second place with a time of 4.2 seconds, worth $1,785.
Around the barrels, Joleen Seitz was the quickest cowgirl circling the figure eight course in 17.64 seconds, worth $1,452.
Placing second amongst the barrel racers was Gayle Howes with a time of 17.68 seconds, worth $1,245.
Camrose ropers, Justin and Brett mcCarroll won the team roping competition with a time of 6.3 seconds, worth $2,332. With a time of 6.9 seconds, the pair of Clint Olson and Blair Stroh took second place.
At the Lea Park Rodeo held in Marwayne, AB, Wyoming saddle bronc rider Ryan Mapston
wasn't feeling too blue about his ride as he marked an 85 on Franklin Rodeo's Blue Too to pocket $2,279.
Todd Herzog placed second marking an 82, worth $1,171.
In the bareback competition, Alan Dacyk wasn't dancing in the rodeo infield as he marked an 82 aboard Calgary Stampede's Fancy Dancer to claim a share of first place with Larry Sandvick, who rode Franklin Rodeo's Power Play. Both cowboys won $1,882 apiece.
It is uncertain if bull riders cry out loud while trying to tame their critters but Chad Besplug couldn't hide his emotions as he marked an 87 aboard Franklin rodeo's Cryin' Out Loud to claim the bull riding event, a win worth $2,250. With a marked ride worth 83.5 points, Justin LaVenture claimed the second rung worth $1,975.
By flanking his calf in 7.9 seconds Bruce H Robinson won the tie-down roping, worth $2,227.
Taking second place with a time of 8.1 seconds was Dale Skocdopole. His time was worth $1,646.
Top bull dogger was Maple Creek's SK William Beierbach who pinned his steer in 7.9 seconds earning $2,227. Taking second place in the steer wrestling with a time of 3.7 seconds was Travis Frank earning $1,870.
Around the barrels, Suzanne DePaoli was the quickest cowgirl with a time of 16.56 seconds.
In second place with a time of 16.69 seconds was Rana Walter.
Taking first place in team roping with a time of 4.9 seconds was the pair of Matt Fawcett and Troy Fischer. Their work in the infield was worth $2,994.
This coming weekend, the competitors are riding into Sundre, High River and Wainwright.

Cliff Williamson adds to career earnings
By Barry Williams
June 10, 2006
Olds Albertan

Madden calf roper, Cliff Williamson, has won more money than any other cowboy on Canadian soil and he keeps adding to his career earnings of $705,038.
last weekend at the Bonnyville Pro Rodeo, Williamson tucked another$1,465 into his Wrangler jeans' pokets by flanking his calf in 8.7 seconds to take top billing in the tie-down roping event.
With the money earned, Williamson's seasonal earnings now stands at $10,568 and he remains in first place in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association standings as of May 30, 2006.
Being at the top of the CPRA standings is nothing new to the 26 year veteran calf roper as he has won the Canadian Tie-down roping championship five times. And as Williamson continues to dominate the sport in Canada, his trusted sidekick, Salty, has been named the Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year, three times.
Splitting the 2-3 spot in tie-down roping at Bonnyville with ties of 9.1 seconds were Stacey Cornet and Shawn Williamson.
All it took for Mitchell Stieger, of Turner Valley, AB to win the saddle bronc competition at Bonnyville was a Buck And A Half. He marked an 83 aboard the Franklin Rodeo's horse and pocketed $1,131 for his efforts.
Jeremy Harden, of Big Valley, AB marked an 81 to take second place, a ride worth $936. With earnings of $546 apiece, James Crozier Jarrett Monroe and Dustin Thompson finished in a 3/5 split with rides of 78 points.
Franklin Rodeo's Pop A Top took hanna's Don McLoed to the pay window as he won $954 with an 84 point ride to win the bareback competition. Todd shelton placed second with a 76 point ride while Reid Brown and Kyle bowers split 3/4 with rides of 74.
As a result of an 87 point ride aboard Franklin's rodeo Just Jessie, Val Marie's Karson Legault is $1,200 richer and the bull riding champion at Bonnyville. Daniel Hansen scored an 85 for a second place finish and Devon Mezie placed third with an85 marked ride.
Jeremy Harden, the 2005 Canadian All-around Champion won the steer wrestling event pinning his steer in 3.6 seconds, worth $1,643. Calgary's Lee Graves finished second with a time of 4.3 seconds. Placing third was Cody Thomson with a time of 5.2 seconds.
Around the barrels, Kerry Maynes of. Maple Creek SK was the quickest cowgirl with a time of 17.08 seconds worth $1,146.
In team roping the pair of Jim Randle and Marty Becker took first place with a time of 4.9 seconds.
At the Cowtown Pro Rodeo held in Maple Creek, SK., Ross Kreutzer marked an 82 aboard Big Country's War Cry to win the saddle bronc riding event, worth $1,462. Dustin Thompson, Kyle Thomson and Jim Berry split 2/4 with marked rides of 81.
With an 82 point ride aboard Big Country's Walkin Wolfe, Kevin Langevin won the bareback event worth $939. Michael Solberg and Don McLoed received marks of 81 apiece to grab a share of 2/3.
Nathan Roy of, ASquith SK barely had time for a coffee break as he won the bull riding event with a marked ride of 81 aboard Big Country' Rodeo's Coffee Break. For rides worth 79 points apiece, Beau Hill and Jessie Torkleson split the 2/3 rung.
Top tie-down roper with a time of 8.2 seconds was Darren Zieffle. Jeff Chapman chipped in with a time of 8.4 seconds to place second and Trygve Pugh finished third with an 8.5 second tie.
Top bulldogger was Ryan Guest with a time of 4.4 seconds. Darren Cassidy placed second in the steer wrestling event with a time of 4.6 seconds.
Fastest cowgirl around the barrels in a time of 17.26 seconds was Maxine McKenna of, Lethbridge. Cranbrook's Stacie Chisholm was second in a time of 17.67.
Top team ropers were Dale and Wayne Skocdopole with a time of 5.2 seconds.
Meanwhile, at the Taber Pro rodeo, Scott Bresee was not lonely as he marked a 78 aboard Kesler Rodeo Co's Without U to win the saddle bronc event. A former Canadian saddle bronc champion and 2002 World Saddle Bronc Champion, Glen O'Neill, of Didsbury, split 2/4 with a marked ride of 74.
If there was a mist in the rodeo arena, it failed to bother Kyle Bowers as he spurred out a 78 aboard Kesler rodeo co's Blue Mist to win the bareback competition at Taber.
Two-time World Bull Riding Champion, Beau Hill,, of Glacier, MT won the bull riding event in Taber with an 84 ride aboard Kesler Championship Rodeo's Orbit Up. Second place went to Scott Schiffner with an 83 point ride.
Innisfail bulldogger, Greg Hoar won the steer wrestling event with a time of 3.9 seconds. Tim Kemp took second place in the steer wrestling with a time of 4.4 seconds.
Posting the quickest time in the ladies barrel racing was Janet Cummingham with a time of 13.20 seconds. Second place around the barrels went to RhondaVergouwen with a time of 13.25 seconds.
Area rodeo fans are reminded the Daines Ranch Rodeo is set to open the chutes in Innisfail from June 14-18.

Lucas ties down Cloverdale Rodeo
May 29, 2006
By Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan

Carstairs super looper, Joe Lucas, flanked his calf in 7.2 seconds to earn a share of top money in tie-down roping at the Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition held in Surrey, B.C. from May 19-22.
For his efforts, Lucas tucked $5,448 into his Wrangler jeans and increased his seasonal earnings to $6,779 good enough for 4th place in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association standings.
Lucas is no stranger to winning big money rodeos as he won the $50,000 purse at the Calgary Stampede in 1987. A four-time Canadian tie-down roping champion, Lucas has qualified for the Canadian Finals Rodeo held annually at Edmonton's Rexall Place twenty-one consecutive times.
His work inside and outside of the rodeo arena has not been unrewarded as he was named the CPRA Cowboy of The Year in 1996.
During his illustrious rodeo career, Lucas has earned $537,971 and is only the second Canadian rodeo hand to surpass the half million dollar mark for career earnings.
Lucas's long time friend, Cliff Williamson, of Madden, is the all-time money leader on the CPRA circuit with $705,038.
At Cloverdale, Lucas shared the top spot in the tie-down roping event with Clint Robinson of, Spanish fork, UT.
Meanwhile, in steer wrestling two area bulldoggers held the top two positions at Cloverdale.
Brent Willsie, of Caroline, pinned his steer in 3.5 seconds while Innisfail steer wrestler, David Gibson placed second with a quick time of 3.7 seconds. Willsie earned $,5,715 in earnings while, Gibson pocketed $4,318.
For Jess Martin, of Dillon MT, riding a rank bronc in Canada is pretty cool as he posted an 88 aboard Kesler Championship Rodeo's Cool Alley to claim first place money, of $7,039.in the saddle bronc event. Another American rider Chad Ferley, of Oelrichs, SD split 2/5 with Dalton Kraft, James Crozier and Lance Mulvahill. All four riders marked 85 on their mounts and earned $4,106 apiece in prize money.
Forest Bramwell, of Pagosa Springs,CO wasn't quite out of this world in the bareback event as he spurred out a 91 aboard Kesler championship Rodeo's Shootin Stars to claim top spot worth $6,181 in prize money. two other American bronc busters, Cimmaron Gerke and four time World Bareback Champion Bobby Mote split 2/3 with rides of 89 points worth $4,507 in prize money.
Kesler Rodeo Co's wild bull, Repeat Offender, is a true winner as Blindross bullrider Jordie Campbell marked an 86 and strolled out of the arena with a wad of money, $7,168. Two riders, Beau Hill and Tyler Thomson split 2/3 with marked rides of 85 worth $5,448.
DeWinton cowgirl, Sierra Stoney was the fastest rider around the barrels with a run of 16.02 seconds claiming first place in the ladies barrel racing, a win worth $8,360.
With a time of 4.4 seconds, defending Canadian team roping champions, Rocky Dallyn, of Nanton, and Travis Gallais, of Olds placed second pocketing $8,230.
Rodeos in Brooks, Lea Park and Rocky Mountain House fill the CPRA schedule this coming weekend.

Steven Turner leads World Professional Bullriding standings
May 29, 2006
By Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan

Cochrane bull rider, Steven Turner, is leading the World Professional Bullriding standings as of Nay 20, 2006.
With the tour now heading into a busy part of the season, Turner Turner is hoping he can build on the lead he has on Ashton Arychuk, of Big Valley. Turner has collected 1,145 points through the current tour. Arychuk is right behind Turner sitting in second place with 1,135 points. In third place with 1,110 points is Neal Wallator of, Red Deer. Calgary bull tamer, Jared Jensen, remains in fourth place with 1,105 points. Rounding the top five positions is Rodger Green, of Sylvan Lake, with 915 points.
In WPB action last week at the Alix Ice Breaker Bull Riding Classic, Ashton Arychuk was the only rider to cover two mounts. In the long go-around he wasn't too hungry as he scored 79.5 points aboard Big Country's T-Bone placing him in 5th place with 65 points. However, in the short go-around he was the only rider with a marked ride worth 76.5 points aboard Remington's Del Rio. for his efforts he pocketed $2,500 and won the aggregate with 365 points.
Acme's Justin Mack smoked the long go-around with an 82.5 ride on Main Event's Smokin. Cochrane's Jody Turner rolled the dice but came up short in his effort marking a81.5 ride on Diamond's 9's High Roller.
Catching third place with an 81 point ride aboard Big Country's Copper Catch was Jared Jensen of, Duchess.
Although Chris Hansen, the defending CPRA Bull Riding Champion, could be called a big wig, his head wasn't swollen in Alix as he managed to sneak into the short go-around with 79.5 ride aboard Remington's big Wig.
Richie Wellch had high hopes of making an impact in the short go-around as he was had the last qualifying ride to make the final round, with a 77 point ride on Diamond 9's Sudden Impact.
As for the overall standings, Mack finished second with 280 points. Placing third with 250 points was Turner.
In the Eckville Bull Arena, Wacey Nash, of Blackie, was the overall leader with 385 points. Nash marked a 78 on Main Event's Let It Ride in the long go-around and followed it with an 85 point ride on top hat's Out Cast in the short go-around. For his efforts, Nash pocketed $2,150 in prize money.
With an 81 point ride aboard Top Hat's Bob, Barrhead's Chris Hansen captured the long go-around at the Eckville event. Hansen was only the second rider to cover his mount in the short go-around as he marked an 81 on top of Main Event's Smokin. He finished the event with 370 points and tucked $2,080 into his pockets for his 16 seconds of work.
Main Event's Smack Down carried Strathmore's Mark Johanson to the pay window to collect $750 for his 85 point ride.
Crossfield bull rider, Kyle German, collected $300 for a 77.5 point ride aboard Main Event's No Strings. Overall, German finished fourth with 210 points.
On the PBR Canada Rocky Cup Tour held in Saskatoon, Aaron Roy of Asquith, SK walked away with the overall championship pocketing $5,692. It was Roy's first win on the Canadian tour and moved him into first place in the PBR Rocky Cup series with $10,778.
Roy collected 256 points on three head in the course of the two day event.
American Tater Porter, the 2000 PBR champion, placed second earning $2,577.
Black Diamond's Tyler Thomson is in second place in the PBR Rocky Cup series tour with earnings of $9,531.
A former Canadian Professional Rodeo Association Bull Riding champion, Scott Schiffner is in third place on the PBR Rocky Cup series tour with $9,523 in earnings.
From June 2-3, the PBR Rocky Cup tour continues with a stop in Winnipeg, MB.

Several area cowboys are striking it rich on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association circuit at rodeos being held in B.C.
For the three weeks in May, the rodeo hands saddle up and trekk out west where they participate in five scheduled rodeos throughout British Columbia; Vernon, Princeton, Cloverdale, Luxton and Falkland.
With close to $350,000 in prize money up for grabs, the first run into B.C. is important for the cowboys and cowgirls riding towards an appearance at the Canadian Finals rodeo scheduled from Nov.8-12 in Edmonton.
Offering the most prize money amongst the five rodeos is Cloverdale with a purse over $250,000. Ranked as the sixth largest rodeo in Canada, over 250 participants usually make the trip to Cloverdale on the Victoria Day long weekend.
And the rodeo hands are kept busy as the Luxton and Falkland rodeos are held on the same weekend.
On the first weekend in May, the Vernon rodeo opens the chutes while the Princeton rodeo takes place a week later.
At the Princeton rodeo, Innisfail saddle bronc rider, Kyle Daines, felt like rolling the dice as he spurred out a 79 aboard C+ Rodeo's Casino Royal to pocket $799 in earnings. Jim Berry, of Rocky Mountain House, placed second with a 77 point ride, worth $599. Dustin Flundra, Scott Lourance and Jeremy Harden split 3/5 with marked rides of 75 points apiece.
Top bareback rider was Alan Dacyk, of Worsley, with a ride worth 83 points on C+ Rodeo's Billy paying out $846. Placing second with a 79 point ride was Don McLoed. Carstairs rider Matt Crowe finished third with a 79.
Playing games aboard a bull is not adviseable but Mike Gill, of Worsley, AB had some fun aboard C+Rodeo's x and O's as he marked an 89 worth $698 in prize money. Cole Harvey and Steven Turner split 2/3 with marked rides of 76.
Water Valley roper, Mark Nugent, flanked his calf in 8.4 seconds to capture the tie-down roping event. he picked up $899 for his efforts. A tie of 8.8 seconds was good enough for Baillie Milan to take the second rung, worth $742. Curtis Cassidy placed third with a time of 9 seconds flat.
Veteran bulldogger, Curtis Cassidy, of Donalda AB., was the fastest cowboy to pin a steer. His run of 5.2 seconds earned him $886. Earning $733 with a marked time of 6.2 seconds, Logan Leask placed second in steer wrestling. Cody Cassidy took third place with a timed run of 7.0 seconds flat.
Around the barrels, Aimee Willis, of Princeton, B.C. was the quickest cowgirl posting a time of 17.84 seconds earning her $741. A Savona B.C. barrel racer, Joleen Seitz placed second with a run of 17.88 seconds. It was a one, two, three punch for B.C. racers as Kelle Lee Noble came in third with a time of 18 seconds.
Meanwhile, at the Vernon Pro rodeo, Victoria, B.C. saddle bronc rider Rod Rimmer was a star as he posted 79 on C+ Rodeo's Stardust to win the featured event. Jim Berry's 78 ride placed him second while, Levi Harbin finished third with a 76 point ride.
Four-time Canadian bareback riding champion, Davey shields Jr. and Clayton Bunney, split the bareback competition by posting 82 points aboard their mounts. Shields rode Kryptonite with Bunney aboard Billy. Kevin Langevin took third.
Devon Meizei won the bull riding by covering C+Rodeo's Sweet Pea for 83 points. Sharing second and third with rides of 78 points were Cody black and Wade Marchand.
In tie-down roping the cowboy with the quickest lasoo with a time of 9 seconds flat was Chad Bouchard, of Rolling Hills. AB. Slim Creighton placed second posting a run of 9.1 seconds.
Innisfail's Greg Hoar won the bulldogging with a time of 4.8 seconds, worth $900. Placing second by posting a time of 4.9 seconds was Cody Cassidy. By claiming a time of 5.5 seconds, Clayton Moore placed third.
Jolleen Seitz kept her form in the ladies barrel racing by marking the figure eight pattern in 17.97 seconds. Lindsay Bartko finished second with a time of 18.14 seconds. With a time of 18.20 seconds, Kirsty White placed third.
After the may long weekend, the rodeo hands will ride into Bonnyville, AB., Maple Creek, Sk. and Taber, AB.

Travis Gallais -Rocky Dallyn leading team roping standings
May 8, 2006
By Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan

Defending 2005 Canadian Professional Rodeo Association team ropers, Travis Gallais, of Olds, and Rocky Dallyn, of Nanton, are leading the CPRA team roping standings as of May7, 2006.
Although the current 2006 rodeo schedule is just over a month old, Gallais and Dallyn have placed in five rodeos to-date and have tucked $1,336 into their Wrangler jeans' pockets.
Together the super loopers have won two Canadian team roping championships in 2003 and 2005.
Gallais has been on the Canadian rodeo trail since 1997and has earned $78,505 divided into three separate categories; tie-down roping $22,336, team roping $37,596 and Canadian Finals Rodeo $18,571.
In 2002, Gallais was named the Pro rodeo Cowboys' Association Rookie of the Year in team roping.
Meanwhile, Dallyn has earned $56,167 since bursting onto the Canadian rodeo scene in 2001.
Seven-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys' Association World saddle bronc champion, Dan Mortensen , of Billings MT has a slim $859 lead over Jim Berry, of Rocky Mountain House, AB. Mortensen has earned $6,937 while Berry has $6,078 in earnings.
Defending 2005 CPRA saddle bronc champion, Rod Warren, of Big Valley, AB has yet to appear within the top twelve in saddle bronc standings.
Wainwright, AB saddle bronc rider, Alan Bandy is in third place on the Canadian circuit with $4,667 in earnings.
Another American, Chris Harris, of Hasca TX is leading the Canadian standings in bareback with $6,425 in earnings.
Hanna's Don McLeod is sitting in second place in the bareback competition with earnings of $5,285. Holding down third spot in bareback with $4,667 is Wainwright's Alan Bandy.
A former $50,000 winner of the Calgary Stampede, Scott Schiffner, of Strathmore, is the top bull rider with earnings of $8,408. In second place on the bull riding scene with $5,697 in earnings is Cochrane's Steven Turner. Holding third place with earnings of $5,692 is bull tamer Ty Elliott, of Vernon BC.
In the tie-down competition the top roper is Curtis Cassidy, of Donalda, with earnings of $5,676. Brad Goodridge, of Stanfield OR is in second spot with $5,079 in earnings. Claiming the third spot with earnings of $4,481 is Grady Lockhart, of Chadron NE.
Bulldogger, Alex Cripps, of Williams Lake, BC is leading the steer wrestling standings with $6,221 in earnings. With earnings of 6,082, Curtis Cassidy, of Donalda, holds down second place. Claiming third place is bulldogger Dallas Frank , of Sony Plain, with $4,802 in earnings.
Fastest cowgirl in the ladies barrel racing is Rayel Robinson, of Alix with earnings of $6,042. Monica Wilson, of Cardston, is in second with earnings of $4,384. holding down third place is cowgirl, Rachelle Boyes, of Souris, MB with 3,552 in earnings.
Rodeo hands will have the opportunity to increase their earnings as they will ride into Princeton, BC to participate in the annual rodeo from May13-24. A week later, they will wander throughout British Columbia riding into the Cloverdale Rodeo, the Luxton Rodeo and the Falkland Stampede.

Wallator smack downs Caroline bull riding event.
April 28, 2006
By Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan

Red Deer's Neal Wallator wasn't going to let the bulls get the best of him at the Small Town Smack Down bullarama held last weekend in Caroline.
Wallator was one of two bullriders covering their mount at the annual event sanctioned by the World Professional Bullriding Inc., of Bowden.
In the opening long go-around, Wallator failed to be a slippery rider as he marked an 80.5 aboard Main Event's Grease Monkey pocketing $1,400.
Two riders, Beau Brooks, of Carstairs, and Ty Prescott, of Strathmore, settled for a 2/3 split recording 79.5 rides. Brooks covered Main Event's Bull Winkle while, Prescott rode Main Event's Still Smokin.
Biggar, SK rider, Jordan Laventure, posted a solid 78 on Main Event's Smack Down to claim fourth in the event.
Meanwhile, Miles Pennington, of Stettler, tried to capture the lime -light in Caroline but his 75.5 ride aboard Main Event's Lime Lite was short of the top marked ride.
Rounding out the top six rides of the long go-around was Mike Duthie, of Cochrane. Although he wanted to feel like a big wig at the conclusion of the annual event, his 74 point ride on Remmington's Big Wig barely qualified him into the short-go.
In the short-go, the bulls held the upperhand as four riders tasted the infield dust. Pennington marked an 86.5 ride on Top Hat's Dr. Pepper while, Wallator topped out an 86 ride on Main Event's Unwound.
With earnings of $2,495, Wallator was the aggregate leader with 390 points. Pennington finished with 340 points worth $1,788.
Meanwhile, in Nanton the bulls were making history at the History Lives Here bullarama as only one critter, Main Event's Pinstripe, was rode during the short-go. Jared Jensen, of Duchess, marked an 82 on the bull and was the only rider to cover a pair of bulls during the stop on the World Professional Bullriding Inc. tour.
In the short-go, Jensen marked an 80 on Big Country's All the Pieces. For his efforts, Jensen collected 350 points and earned $2,400.
Acme's Justin Mack wasn't drunk on his first mount, Top Hat's Tequila, as he marked an 84.5 for the best ride in the long-go.
No drug's were present on Vernon's Wade Marchand as he needed all his faculties to post an 82.5 aboard Top Hat's Cocaine to post the second highest score of the round. A score of 82 on Main Event's Smack Down. qualified Cory Perry, of Strathmore, a place in the short go.
Other riders to make the short go were Ryan Weisner, of Olds, Jared Jensen and Neal Wallator.
Next events scheduled on the World Professional Bullriding tour are in Lamont, AB on May 12 and in black Diamond, AB on May 13.
On the PBR Canada Rocky Cup tour stop held in Prince Albert, Stettler's Scott Schiffner dominated the two day event by accumulating 266 points on three bulls. Schiffner rode away from the event with $7,144 tucked into his Wrangler jeans. Denton Edge, of Marwayne, earned $4,057 for placing second. Locking up third place with $2,293 in earnings was Tyler Thomson, of Black Diamond.
Saskatoon, SK is the next stop for the PbrCanada Rocky Cup Tour as riders will be bunking down for the two day event running from May-12-13.

Professional Bull Riders Invading Canada
April 16, 2006
By Barry Williams
Olds, Albertan

Area bull riding fans now have another professional bull riding tour they can cheer for.
A recent announcement made by the Professional Bull Riders Inc. (PBR) stated they will be organizing an all Canadian tour known as PBR Canada.
With over 30 sanctioned events across Canada for the 2006 season, the PBR Canada tour will bring the same amount of rock and roll excitement offered by the original PBR tour encompassing the United States.
Since it's inception ten years ago, the PBR has provided bull riders from across the world the opportunity to participate in highly energized bullaramas through the Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler.
Over the years, several world class Canadian bull riders have competed at PBR sanctioned events. Now, with the formation of PBR Canada, these riders will be able to participate in Canadian bullaramas and compete for a berth into the PBR World Finals scheduled every December in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Promoters of the new Canadian tour have identified 12 events where the money won will be recognized and count towards qualification into the prestigious PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals.
Prize money awarded at the remaining 18 events in Canada will count towards the PBR Canada Finals known as the Tristone Capital Rocky Cup Canadian National Finals presented by Dickies. From Nov. 24-26, 2006, the top 30 qualified riders from the Canadian tour will meet ten competitors in the PBR World Tour to compete in the Rocky Mountain Cup, emblematic of bull riding supreme cy in Canada. Calgary will be the host community for the first Canada PBR Finals sanctioned Canadian championship.
At the conclusion of the season, the top ranked rider on the Canadian tour will be declared the Canadian champion and will therefore represent Canada at the PBR World Finals.
Last weekend, PBR Canada held it's first area event, a bullarama in Cochrane. Results of this event were not known at press time.
Meanwhile, with the addition of the PBR tackling the Canadian rodeo infields, bull riders here in the frozen north have two different competitive associations to ride for.
For over eight years, the World Professional Bullriding Inc. (WPB), based in Bowden, AB, has hosted numerous bullaramas throughout Canada and the United States. These events have attracted competitors from Canada, United States, New Zealand and Australia.
Last week, riders trekked into St. Paul to participate in the WPB sanctioned event which attracted 36 riders, many of them ranked highly on the WPB tour and in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.
In the long-go, Brooks' bull tamer, Jared Jensen didn't need any extra motivation as he marked an 82 point ride aboard Girletz's Extra Innings.
And there was nothing lazy about Dusty Morton's 81 point ride on Tach's Lazy Boy.
With rides worth 79 points apiece, Rodger Green and Dale Bala split the 3/4 position.
Only two qualified rides were recorded in the short go. Bala drew Tach's Hot Seat and withstood the heat marking an 85 point ride. When the chips were down, morton failed to step up to the challenge as he marked a 74 aboard Tach's Mr. Chips.
In the average, Bala earned 375 points and $1,600 in prize money. With 360 points apiece, Morton and Jensen split 2/3 in the average earning $1,300 in prize money.
With four events completed, Olds, Taber, High Prairie and St. Paul, Rodger Green leads the pack with 825 points. In second place with 535 points is Dale Bala. Sitting in third place with 505 points is Jared Jensen. Rounding out the top five positions are Cody Black in fourth place with 505 points and Cory Perry with 395 points.
Next events on the World Professional Bullriding schedule are in Nanton April 21 and Caroline on April 22.
This weekend, April 21-22, the PBR Canada tour will stop in Prince Albert, SK for a sanctioned event.

Area hands compete at Calgary Royal Rodeo
By Barry Williams
April 10 , 2006
Olds, Albertan

Several area cowboys and cowgirls were among a throng of competitors competing at Rodeo Royal held at the Calgary Corral this past weekend.

Besides the $6,000- purse for the winner of each event, the participants were also vying for a bye into the semi-final round at the2006 Calgary Stampede scheduled from July 7-16.

Seven-time World Saddle Bronc champion, Dan Mortensen, of Billings, MT. certainly wasn't feeling foolish aboard Foolish Maggie as his 85 point ride was good enough to claim top spot in the aggregate worth $6,927.

Rocky Mountain House rider, Jim Berry, was exploding out of the chute as he marked 82 aboard Exploding Rocket to take second place in the aggregate. Scott Bresee and and Lance Mulvahill split 3/4 with rides worth 81 points.

Texan Chris Harris tackled his fears riding a bronc as he spurred out an 86 on Fearless Warrior to lead the bareback riders in the aggregate. For his efforts he earned $6,397.

Jason Delguercio, of Maple Creek, Sk. placed second in the aggregate with 82 points aboard Coconut Roll, while Five riders including, Don Mcloed, Alan Dacyk, Dusty Lavalley, Kyle Bowers and Gerke Cimmaron split the 3/6 hole with rides worth 82 points apiece.

A past $50,000 Calgary Stampede winner and 2001 Canadian bull riding champion, Scott Schiffner, of Strathmore, won the bull riding aggregate with a 90 point ride on Shiver and Shake. His eight seconds of work was worth, $6,937.

Ty Elliott marked an 86 on Blue Duck to place second.

Meanwhile, the 2003 Canadian All Around champion, Steven Turner, of Cochrane, drew a quick breath and rode Carbon Dioxide for an 85 marked ride, good enough for third place in the aggregate.

In the tie-down roping event, it was a battle of veteran ropers as Curtis Cassidy, of Donalda flanked his calf in 7.8 seconds to capture the aggregate while, in second place was Oregon's Brad Goodrich with a tie of 8.1 seconds.

Taking the third spot in the aggregate with a tie of 8.1 seconds was Cochrane's Baillie Milan.
Six-time Canadian champion, Madden's Cliff Williamson held fourth place in the aggregate with a time of 8.9 seconds.

A multiple event contestant, Curtis Cassidy won the aggregate in the bull dogging event with a time of 4.7 seconds. He added another $3,000 to his earnings.

Just a tenth of a second behind Cassidy was Alex Cripps, of Williams Lake, B.C. with a 4.8 second tie.

Quickest cowgirl around the barrels was veteran racer, Rayel robinson of alix, AB. with a time of 13.30 seconds.

With a run of 13.38 seconds, Monica Wilson, of Cardston crept into the second rung in the aggregate standings.

Cochrane's Brooke Ramsay, a former Canadian Rookie of the Year split 6/7 with a time of 13.51 seconds.

Next stop on the CPRA tour is in Lethbridge from April 21-23, 2006.

Roberts spurs out victory at Camrose Spring Rodeo
By Barry Williams
March 27, 2006
Olds, Albertan

Didsbury bareback bronc rider, Dusty Roberts, spurred out his first seasonal victory at the Camrose Spring Rodeo held in Camrose last weekend, from March 17-16.

It was the second stop for the rodeo hands on the 2006 Canadian Professional Rodeo Association tour.
Roberts marked an 81 aboard Moccasin Telegram and pocketed $892 for his efforts.

And with the victory, the 2004 Canadian Novice bareback champion sent out a clear message he is prepared to compete with the veteran riders on any given day.

With marked rides of 79 points apiece, Crooked Creek's Dusty LaValley and Don McCloed, of Hanna, AB split 2-3, earning $858. Taking the 4th hole with a marked ride of 74 was Colton Harden, of Big Valley, AB.
Although it was a moderate temperture in the rodeo infield, Cochrane's Steven Turner was smoking hot in the bull riding event as he scored 87 points aboard Heat Wave, picking up $822.

With the earnings, Turner, the 2003 Canadian All Around champion, moved into 6th place in the CPRA bull riding standings. Come Bouvier, of Empress, AB finished second with an 85 point ride while, Crossfield's Kyle German placed third with a 79 point ride.

In tie-down roping, Alvin Bouchard, of Scandia, AB flanked his calf in 8.8 seconds winning $999. Two veteran ropers, Big Valley's Dale Skocdopole and Innisfail's Patrick Cassidy split 2/3 with times of 8.8 seconds. Both ropers picked up $740 for their efforts.

Although the bulldoggers failed to break the elusive 4 second barrier, the payout was worth the effort as JD Hays, of rocky Mountain House, was the quickest steer wrestler with a time of 4.3 seconds, good enough for $1,2006. Pocketing $1,048 with a time of 4.6 seconds was Greg Hoar, of Innisfail. Airdrie's Todd Maughan placed third with a time of five seconds flat.

Quickest cowgirl around the barrels was Rana Walter, of Lethbridge, with a time of 14.25 seconds, a ride worth $1,017. In second place was Donna Beirbach, of Maple Creek, Sask. with a time of 14.31 seconds. Magrath's Terryl Woodward placed third with a clocking of 14.37 seconds.

Taking the team roping event with a time of 4.7 seconds was the team of Dirk and Cody McCarrall. Chalking up second place with a time of 5.0 seconds was the roping antics of Wayne and Dale Skocdopole.

Meanwhile, at the Medicine Hat Spring Classic Rodeo, the defending Canadian team roping champions of Travis Gallais and Rocky Dallyn started this season where they left off last year, on the winner's podium. With a time of 5.2 seconds, the best team ropers topped the event earning $1,366 apiece.

Smiling all the way to the bank was Maple Creek's Dan Black as he tucked $1,495 into his Wrangler jeans. Black spurred out an 83 on top of Kesler's Smiling Cat to win the saddle bronc competition at Medicine Hat.
Being spun around and round was alright for Blade Young as he won the bull riding event with an 84 point ride on Kesler's Talespin.
Top bareback rider at the Medicine Hat rodeo was Don McCloed, the only cowboy to cover two mounts with a combined score of 155.
Taking the tie-down roping with a time of 8.1 seconds was Stacy Cornet, of Kyle, Sask.

Top steer wrestler was Gene Wart with a time of 4.2 seconds.
American, Terri Kay Leibrand, of Belt MT. was the quickest cowgirl around the barrels with a time of 16.44 seconds.

Next stop for the rodeo hands is in Calgary to contest for the Calgary Royale Rodeo being held from April 6-9.

Bull riders trekking into Torrington
By Barry Williams
March 21, 2006
Olds, Albertan

An annual spring ritual is about to take place in Torrington.
On Saturday, April 15, the nation's premiere bull riders will be trekking into Torrington to participate in the Torrington Go Fur Broke bullarama.
Sanctioned by the World Professional Bullriding Inc., the Go Fur Broke event has ann added purse of $3,500 which is the main reason why it attracts bull busters from the United States, New Zealand and Austrailia.
And this year, the bull riders have formed a partnership with the Red Deer Buccanneers senior men's football club. Funds raised from the Go Fur Broke bullarama will be donated to the Buccaneers, members of the Alberta Football League.
In their 5th year of competing in the Alberta Football League, the Buccaneers Football club is comprised of players from the central Alberta area.
"Most of the players on the Buccaneers are graduates of high school or university football programs," said Darrin Lang, of Olds.
Because most of the players have a strong football background, Lang indicated the Alberta Football League is very competitive.
By becoming involved with the Go Fur Broke bullarama, Lang is hoping the added exposure of the Buccanneers will instill interest in the team.
"During the year, our players get involved with various community events throughout central Alberta," Lang added.
"By volunteering at the different functions, we are able to raise funds for the team," Lang said.
And because the World Professional Bullriding Inc. holds bullaramas throughout central Alberta Lang feels the partnership with the bull riders is a good match.
"We are always looking for ways to raise funds for the football club," Lang added.
most of the Buccaneers fund raising is directly related to community events and the players are always eager in assisting different functions in a variety of ways such as security or ticket sales.
An indoor training Camp for the Buccaneers commenced this weekend at the Collicut Centre in Red Deer and Lang noted these weekly practices will continue until the season commences in May. All home games are played at Great Chief Park.
Other teams in the Alberta Football League are; Calgary Gators, Calgary Razorbacks, Calgary Wolfpack, Edmonton Stallions, Grande Prairie Drillers, Lloydminster Vandals and Medicine Hat Marauders.
At the last World Professional Bullriding event held in High Prairie Jesse Torkelson, of Winnfield, AB was the aggreagate points leader with 390.
In the long go-around, Torkelson pocketed $2,000 with 85 point ride on Top Hat's Tequila Town. He didn't come unwound in the short go-around as he marked an 86 point ride aboard Main Event's Unwound.
Sylvan Lake bull rider, Rodger Green placed second in the aggregate with 330 points.
Green scored a 77.5 ride aboard Top Hat's Warlock in the long go-around and marked an 85.5 aboard Mr. Chips in the short go-around. Green pocketed $1,300 for his efforts.
Taking third place with 310 points was Wade Marchand, of Vernon, B.C. Apparently marchand had no strings attached in making the trip into Alberta as he scored a 72 ride on Main Event's No Strings. in the short go-around Marchand scored the highest marked ride, an 88.5 on Dr. Pepper. His two rides were worth $2,450.
Next event scheduled on the World Professional Bullriding tour is in St. Paul, AB. on March 25.
All events are produced by Main Event operated by Ty Northcott, of Bowden, AB.

Cody Black conquers bulls at Buck and Jive bullarama
By Barry Williams
January 9, 2006

Cody Black knows how to ring in the new year, ride bulls for a fist full of dollars.
Black rode out of town on Dec. 31, 2005 with over $3,000 in his Wrangler jeans' pockets as he conquered two rank bulls to capture the 2005 Buck and Jive held in Olds on new year's eve.
In the long go around, Black had no intentions of paying back his event money as he rode Pay Back for a 79 score to advance to the short go around.
Whether or not, Jordie Nash was drinking and riding, he picked the perfect bull Tequila Town to celebrate new year's eve as he scored 82 points to lead the long go around.
Although smoking was not allowed in the arena, Jory Vine, of Strathmore, was puffing hard aboard Smokin in recording an 81 for the second highest score in the long go around.
And Jamie Vang, of Nanton, chose a different lazy boy to relax on as his 78 point ride aboard Lazy Boy was good enough for the third best sore in the opening round of bull riding.
Cochrane's Steven Turner, a former Canadian bull riding and all around champion, managed to take the right turn in Olds as U-Turn carried him to a 77 point ride while Mark Johanson, a third generation bull rider, turned in a 77 point ride aboard Diablo for a share of 5/6 in the long go around.
Six riders, Black, Johanson, Nash, Turner, Vang and Vine all advanced to the final go around. After the riders drew their bulls for the final ride-off, they took their turns aboard the rank critters.
Only two riders were able to hang on for the eight seconds.
When the final eight second buzzer sounded, only two riders, Black and Johanson were able to cover their mounts.
Johanson decided to let everything hang loose picking Let it Ride for his final mount. And he put it all out in the open recording a 82 setting the standard of 159 for the final bull rider of the evening, Black.
Some people think bull riders are crazy to ride the critters, but Black proved he definitely wasn't in line for a straight jacket just yet as he mounted Straight Jacket for his ride. Although Straight Jacket has a 90% rating in bucking off riders, Black beat the odds with an 87 point ride to claim the aggregate with a 169 on two head.
For his efforts, Johanson claimed $2,500 in prize money.
Besides the bull riding, Trooper Whitney and Dawson Northcott were entered in a bull fighting competition. Each bull fighter was matched against the rankest bulls in the pen with the bull fighters being marked on how close they came to the bull, how far they could get the bull to chase them and being able to make certain moves while antagonizing the bull during their 60 seconds of fighting the bull.
it was a very close competition with Northcott marking 83 points and Whitney receiving 81 points.
A crowd estimated at over 600 took in the action and 36 bull riders attempted to cover their mounts.
2006 Buck and Jive was sanctioned by the World Professional Bullriding Association and produced by main Event, of Bowden.

Ring in the new year with the bulls
By Barry Williams
December 23, 2005

Shine up your boots, slick back your hair and get ready to ring in the new year with a rank pen of bulls.

On Dec. 31 2005, a World Professional Bullriding Inc sanctioned bullarama will be held at the Olds Cow Palace.

Produced by Main Event Inc., of Bowden, the bullriding event is expected to attract thirty-six of the best bull riders from, Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia.

It is the first event of the 2006 World Professional Bullriding schedule which will end with the 2006 World Finals scheduled for Red Deer in early December.

A very successful 2005 bullriding season came to an end last weekend with the 2005 World Professional Bullriding Finals bullarama held in Red Deer.

In the long go scheduled for the first day of competition, Helena MT. rider, Roy Cooper marked an 86.5 on Gerletz Rodeo's Spin City.
Madden's Skyler mcBride proved he was better than white trash as he rode Main Event's White Trash for an 86.5 to earn a split of top spot.
Peter's and Sons legendary bull, Alberta Premium, carried Calgary's Jared Ivensen to an 84.5 score. Meanwhile, Scandia's Devon Menzie failed to freak out on Top Hat's Freaky Friday as he conquered the bull for an 84.5 ride.

And Lacombe's, Kevin French, was not lighting up a smoke during his ride as he marked an 84 point ride aboard White Line Rodeo's Toker.
With an 83.5 ride on Del Rio, Ashton Arychuk was the final rider to qualify for the short go.

Although there was no sign of a storm outside the arena, there was a mini storm for eight seconds inside as Arychuk posted the best score of the short go, an 93 on Top Hat's Another Storm.

Freaky Friday maintained his reputation of being a money bull as Devin Mezie put together a92.5 point ride.

Chris Hansen certainly wasn't crazy to ride Main Event's Straight Jacket as he posted an 89 point ride to walk away with third place money.
Day two saw the riders post scores in the low 90's and high 80's as some true grit rides were the order of the day.

Posting the best score in the long go was Garth Olfield with an 84.5 ride aboard Smokin.

Some rodeo fans say bull riders sit on a hot seat with every ride but with an 84.5 marked ride aboard Les Trask's Hot Seat, Arychuk made a cool ride to post the second best ride marked at 84 points.

Marking the third best score was marked by Kyle French, an 83.5 on Main Event's Bullwinkle.

In the short go, all riders were chasing Winfield's Jesse Torkelson as he set the standard with an 90 point ride aboard Straight Jacket.
Main Event's Unwound became wound up in carrying Great Fall's Tyler Tailon for an 88 point ride.

Riding Bert Thompson's Johnny Ulma, Garth Oldfield posted an 87 for third place money.

Over the two days of riding, Arychuk was the best rider placing first in the aggregate with Jared Jensen taking second and Jesse Torkelson finishing third in the aggregate.

When everything was tabulated during the season, Devon Mezie was the overall leader with 3,080 points.

New Zealander, Leigh Caie placed second with 2680 points and Jared Jensen finished third in the final standings.

Travis Gallais and Rocky Dallyn set CFR team roping record
By Barry Williams
November 13, 2005

Super loopers Travis Gallais, of Olds, and Rocky Dallyn, of Nanton, set a new team roping record at the Canadian Finals Rodeo held last week at Rexall Place in Edmonton.
And a year of trekking down the prairie roads paid off for the pair of ropers as they captured their second Canadian championship in three years of participating at the CFR.
In five rounds of tossing a lassoo at a steer, Gallais and Dallyn comprised an aggregate time of 31.6 seconds a full second ahead of their nearest competitors Dwight Wigemyr and Daryn Knapp.
Although Gallais and Dallyn managed to capture first place in just one round they were very competitive as they finished within the top three in all five rounds at the CFR.
In bursting out of the chute in the first round, Gallais and Dallyn set the standard with a lightning quick time of 4.4 seconds.
They were a bit slower in the second round finishing with a time of 5.4, their poorest time in the event.
In the third round they rebounded with a time of 5.1 seconds and in the fourth go-around they posted a time of 5.3 seconds.
When they rode out in the fifth and final round they needed a time of 5.3 seconds or less for the championship. By the time they had their critter roped they posted a time of5.1 seconds.
Big Valley saddle bronc rider, Rod Warren, captured his 13th high-point Canadian championship and his second Canadian saddle bronc championship.
Warren covered his mount in four rounds posting scores of 80.5, 81.5, 84 and 83.5. With fifteen championship buckles won at the CFR, Warren joins the select company of legendary saddle bronc rider Kenny McLean who won six saddle bronc championships and nine all-around Canadian championships.
In the bull riding, Chris hansen, of Barrhead, continued his remarkable year in taming bulls as he covered three bulls at the CFR to win the Canadian bull riding championship. Hansen has been known to hang his hat in Caroline.
Although bulldogger, Lee Graves missed his final steer, he had the steer wrestling championship wrapped up before the fifth go-around. It his third Candian steer wrestling championship.
Airdrie's Jeff Chapman his first Canadian tie-down roping championship.
Alan Dacyk, of Worsley, spurred out his first Canadian bareback championship. Last year, Dacyck was a rookie competitor at the CFR and finaished third. At 30 years old, he became the econd oldest Canadian bareback riding championship.
Around the barrels, Rayel Robinson, of Alix, AB., captured her fourth Canadian ladies barrel racing championship.
Kesler Championship Rodeo was named the stock contractor of the year for the 6th time. His most remarkable bucking horse Cool Alley was voted the top bucking horse at the CFR. Cool Alley has also taken home the same honors from the NFR.
After a hiatus through the winter months, the 2006 Canadian Professional Rodeo Association will commence with the spring rodeo in Camrose from March 17-19.

Williamson setting new standards at CFR
By Barry Williams
November 7, 2005  

September 12, 2005  Madden calf roper, Cliff Williamson, is setting new standards at the Canadian Finals Rodeo being held at Edmonton's Rexall Place from Nov. 9-13, 2005.
When Williamson nods his head to let his calf loose from the chute it will mark the 26th consecutive year he has done so, a CFR record.
And his trips northward have been rewarding as he has captured the Canadian tie-down roping championship five times, another CFR record. He also holds the Canadian record for the most money earned in any discipline at $677,070. As well, Williamson has established an earnings record at the CFR with $180,632.
As the defending Canadian tie-down champion, Williamson will be the roper to catch at this year's CFR. Some rodeo hands feel he has an advantage as his trusty mount Salty has been named the tie-down horse of the year three times. When Williamson broke into the Canadian Professional Rodeo circuit in 1980 he was named Rookie of the Year.
Scandia's Alwin Bouchard is the season money earner leader heading into the CFR with $65,900. Most of his earnings came at this year's edition of the Calgary Stampede.
After missing the CFR last year, Water Valley's Mark Nugent turned his year around and, will be trying to win his second Canadian tie-down championship.
A two event competitor, Rod Warren, of Big Valley, is competing in his 16th consecutive CFR and is vying for his second Canadian saddle bronc championship and his 15th Canadian all-around championship. Warren has qualified for the CFR 16 consecutive years earning $180,631. In his trips to the CFR Warren has won the Canadian saddle bronc championship once and the Canadian all-around championship 13 times. His Canadian career earnings stands at $471,205.
When it comes to riding saddle bronc riders, there is one name standing out, Rod Hay. Competing in his 16th consecutive CFR, Hay holds the career saddle bronc earnings of $471,170 and is the defending champion heading into this year's CFR.
Penhold saddle bronc rider Todd Herzog has qualified for his first CFR. This year was a break-out season for Herzog as he claimed $21,204 in earnings.
There will be a new Canadian bull riding champion as 2004 champion, Rob Bell, of Water Valley, failed to qualify for the CFR. Bell spent most of the year on the Professional Bull Riding Tour and he is trying to qualify for the event finals being held later in December in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Although 2004 defending Canadian bareback riding champion, Davey Shields Jr., qualified for the CFR, he will not be competing at this year's finals leaving the competition wide open. Shields won the $50,000 at the Calgary Stampede and is the season leader heading into the CFR with $78,93 in earnings.
Four time Canadian steer wrestling champion Lee Graves, of Calgary, appears to be the bull dogger to catch at the CFR as he is the season leader with $31,617 in earnings. Graves will be challenged by two Cochrane steer wrestlers, Baillie and Tanner Milan. Caroline's Brent Willsie will be vying for his first Canadian Steer Wrestling championship.
In the team roping event, Travis Gallais, of Olds, and Rocky Dallyn, of Nanton, will be trying to rope their second Canadian championship.
After the CFR a handful of Canadian cowboys will be trekking to Las Vegas to participate at the National Finals Rodeo being held in December.