Rodeoathletesjun15 p2

JUNE 2015

A portfolio of Today and Tomorrow’s Brightest Rodeo Stars

Cash Robinson & Feather River Rodeo gambles on the National All-Around Title & Boys team at the CNFR.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Zeke Thurston | Shelby Freed | Travis Woodard | Ace Slone | Feather River Rodeo Team National Intercollegiate Rodeo Finals & Reno PRCA

Rodeo Athletes Rodeo has always been a part of my life. I can’t ever remember a time in my childhood that didn’t include bucking chutes, roping steers, bulls, arenas and cowboys.

My father Cecil ran a string of bucking horses, as well as rode saddle broncs in the 1930’s. My mother Cathleene, was a rodeo secretary for many years. Most of my brothers and sister competed in rodeo as well.

I started out competing in Little Britches rodeo during the 1970’s and went on to ride saddle broncs in college and the PRCA. When my daughters started to rodeo I returned to the arena, this time it was with my camera in hand. I’ve been taking rodeo photos for the past 15 years.

Rodeo Athletes has captured my attention with their exciting concept of promoting rodeo as well as showcasing the human and animal’s perceptions as well. I’m looking forward to capturing the rodeo spirit, lively hood, heritage and competitions with Rodeo Athletes for many years to come.

I feel blessed I get to capture and promote the American sport of rodeo though my photos. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I like to think my photos tell a current story with a long, proud western heritage.

WT Bruce Photos 3718 Thompson Rd Homedale Idaho 83628 208-573-2402 photos@wtbrucephotos.com

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Table of Contents

10 14 19 23 27 31 34 38 42 46 52

Brennon Eldred CSI Rodeo

Zeke Thurston Feather River

Justin Wade Borrego Kanin Asay

Tyler Pearson Shelby Freed Luke Creasy Ace Sloan

Travis Woodard

Photos provided by the athletes’ family members.

For information on advertising or other inquiries, visit our website at www.rodeoathletes.com, email info@rodeoathletes.com or call us at (623) 777-9451.

The publisher is not responsible for the accuracy of the articles in RodeoAthletes.com Magazine. The information contained within has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on this material. Appropriate professional advice should be sought before making decisions. Copyright 2015.

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Meet the team

JUSTIN RICKELMAN Managing Director of Film Productions

HOLLY BOND Editor

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VALORIE SMITH

Advertising Sales Director

MATT SHERWOOD

President of Rodeo Athletes Inc.

DAN HUBBEL

Official Photographer

WT BRUCE

Official Photographer

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& by: Todd EldErldedred Brennon

Born to compete

Brennon Eldred

From football to basketball and calf roping to bull riding, Brennan Eldred has dipped his toe, and excelled, in many sports, but what made him finally decide to concentrate on rodeo and fulfil his dreams?

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T

hankfully Brennan took to sport like a duck to water which allowed him to expel a lot of that energy, but what was most surprising was that anything Brennan attempted was like he had been playing it for years – and he was barely six years old – yet he played these sports like a grizzled veteran.

With so many interests and such little time to enjoy them in whilst at the same time trying to knuckle down and get an education I often wondered where Brennan’s passion would take him. I knew he would go on to follow his dream, but for a time I wasn’t quite sure what his dream was – and neither did he.

It wasn’t until Brennan got on his first calf that he knew he wanted his future to be in rodeo – and from that point on he was totally hooked.

When he was just 4 years old Brennan visited a horse sale and somehow convinced his Grandpa to bring home a big stout gray gelding that was supposed to have come off a big ranch, and as soon as he jumped on the saddle it took off and disappeared behind the barn. Brennan was so small he looked like a rag-doll being tossed back and forth on top of this huge horse. It was one of the scariest moments I can remember watching him and I’ve seen him on the back of 1700 pound bull. He fell from the horse and slid bare-back across gravel, only stopping as he cracked his head on the side of the barn.

The first thing Brennan said when he came to was, “Dad you need to take that SOB back to the horse sale,” which is exactly what we did.

The experience did nothing to dampen Brennan’s enthusiasm; however rodeo and equine sports weren’t Brennan’s only passion. Just

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a year later he finished second in the wrestling world nationals and then threw a basket from half court right on the buzzer in a school basketball game.

I couldn’t understand how he did it, but Brennan had a passion which could not be slowed down, and every time he tried his hand at a new sport he was instantly great at it. He piled so much enthusiasm and commitment into everything he did and I was so impressed with his ability to not be fazed by new challenges and to take something on without fear.

In fact, there is only one time I can remember where Brennan admitted to me that he was scared, which was during his first attempt at saddle bronc riding. He told me he was nervous, which was completely unlike him, but for him to be so open about it made me admire him even more – because he went out there and he did it. Afterwards he said it had been a scary experience, but I was proud of him for tackling something which scared him, even if it did turn out to be not for him in the long run.

Brennan enjoyed many successes after joining the Junior High Rodeo Association and won the state final in two consecutive years. He even went on to place at the Junior Wran-

From the moment he could walk Brennan was impossible to keep still. He was such an energetic, tough and rambunctious child that even I struggled to keep up with the ball of pure energy I call my son.

gler National finals where finished second in the world.

Whitney and NFR qualifier Trevor Kastner took Brennan under their wing. It was a dream come true from Brenna, which meant it was a dream come true for me also. To see him so happy and fulfilling his dream was one of my proudest moments – and believe me, having such a talented and driven son comes with more than its fair share of proud moments.

he

One of my proudest moments as a father came when Brennan was just 13 years old and he entered Battle of the Bulls in an open rodeo. He was only small, which wasn’t surprisingly considering he was half the age of most of the other competitors, but he didn’t care one bit and neither did I, but my face hurt from smiling when he took home the trophy and established himself as a real threat to the big boys.

In his first year on the professional circuit Brennan made $50,000 before he was injured just a short time after joining the PRCA. This took him out of the arena until the summer run, but he had the passion and confidence to drive him and he made it to his first WNFR.

Brennan will always be the first to admit that school wasn’t exactly where his commitments lied and he begged me for years to take him out of school and let him study at home.

He begrudgingly attended high school mainly so he could take part in their various sports programs, but after his sophomore year I finally

buckled and allowed him to be home schooled, at which point he became a full time amateur bull rider.

When he was 12 Brennan met his idol, champion bull rider Cody Whitney and there and then Brennan decided that he wanted to be just like Cody. He personified everything he admired and I prayed that Cody wouldn’t retire before Brennan turned 18 so that he would have the chance to work with him at least once.

Amazingly, and something which Brennan had dreamt of since he was a child, once he turned 18 Cody

Brennan couldn’t have done it if it wasn’t for Trevor Kastner and former world champion bull rider Cody Teel who rode with him all the way. He learnt a lot from those guys and is now lucky enough to call them two of his best friends.

So what’s next for Brennan? Not surprisingly, he has his sights set high and is hoping to receive his very first gold buckle in December at the Thomas and Mack. But the sky is the limit for Brennan, and so long as he keeps up his drive and determination he is destined to make it way beyond the clouds. 

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ie by: Steven Birn

The CSI Rodeo Program: A Tradition of Excellence

As successful as Trasen has been inside the arena, Trasen has been a just as successful outside it as well. He has served as the CSI Rodeo Team’s President the last two years.

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he College of Southern IdahoRodeo Program has built a “Tradition of Excellence” over nearly the past 40 years. Although CSI is not nearly as old as many colleges and universities (CSI will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2015) who participate in intercollegiate rodeo through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA), it has built one of the foremost programs in the country. The keys to the developing such a strong rodeo program comes down to the student-athletes, the CSI Administration, facilities, coaching, and the support of the community.

In 2015, the CSI Men’s Rodeo Team won the Rocky Mountain Region Team Title and the CSI Women’s Team were the Reserve Champions.

This year, CSI Cowboys won the bareback riding, bull riding, first, second, and third in the bronc riding, second in the steer wrestling, and both the All-Around and Reserve All-Around Cowboy titles and will take 7 men to the CNFR. The CSI Cowgirls won third in the barrel racing and second in the goat tying and 5 ladies will represent CSI at the CNFR. The CSI Men were led by 4 time CNFR qualifier from Stone, I d a h o Trasen Jones.

Trasen has qualified for the CNFR the last three years in the bull riding.

He was last year’s Rocky Mountain Region Bull Riding Champion, a feat he repeated in 2015. To top off his college rodeo career, Trasen also was the 2015 Rocky Mountain Region All-Around Champion Cowboy, Reserve Champion Steer Wrestler, and will also be competing at this year’s CNFR in the team roping with CSI teammate, Josh Dufurrena. In Trasen’s previous trips to the CNFR in the bull riding, he has placed 11th, 8th, and 7th respectively. In 2015, Trasen will look to improve on his previous finishes and maybe even contend for an all-around title at the CNFR. As successful as Trasen has been inside the arena, Trasen has been a just as successful outside it as well.

He has served as the CSI Rodeo Team’s President the last two years, its Rough Stock Captain, and has always been a lead by example type of person. Just recently, Trasen was awarded The CSI Presidential Athlete Award, the highest honor any athlete at CSI can achieve.

After winning the Rocky Mountain Region Bareback Riding Championship, Dylon Baker will compete at the CNFR for the second straight year in the bareback riding. Dylon also was crowned the Rocky Mountain Region Reserve Champion All-Around Cowboy in 2015. As such, Dylon will also complete at the CNFR in the team roping with fellow CSI cowboy, Preston Pirtle. Dylon’s experience at the 2014 CNFR will go a long way in his preparation and success at this year’s CNFR. Preston Pirtle is a sophomore from

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Spring Creek, Nevada majoring in Ag-Business. Preston and Dylon began the 2014-15 season roping together and then chose to rope with different partners this spring. They will be reunited at the CNFR and will look to bring home the championship.

The CSI Bronc Riders dominated the field in the Rocky Mountain Region this year winning the first five places in the Region. The 2015 Rocky Mountain Region Champion Bronc Rider is no stranger to the winner’s circle and is one of the top ranked bronc riders in the PRCA this year.

Rusty Wright added another title to his resume when he won the Region this year and will compete in his first CNFR. Rusty has followed the footsteps of not only his dad, but most of his uncles, to CSI and the CNFR. Cody Wright, Rusty’s dad, and his uncles, Calvin, Alex, Jesse, and Spencer, all competed for the CSI Rodeo Team and all qualified for the CNFR. In 2013, Spencer was the National Champion Bronc Rider and in 2014 the World Champion. Rusty is also looking to follow his dad and uncles Jesse, Jake, and Spencer to the National Finals Rodeo and a chance to win his own World Championship. While following in the family tradition, Rusty is also blazing his own trail to success. In 2014, Rusty won the PRCA Permit Challenge and was also the PRCA Rookie of the Year in the bronc riding. In 2015, he has won the prestigious San Antonio Stock Show and

Cassie Bahe

Rodeo, the Clark County Fair and Rodeo, and Stonyford, California Rodeo. Rusty is a freshman from the Bronc Riding Capital of the World, Milford, Utah.

Clayton Brum is a newcomer to the CSI Rodeo Team this year. He is a freshman from Lockeford, California who also competes in the bull riding, team roping, and tie-down roping. Clayton is an Animal Science major at CSI and is a pretty fair all-around cowboy to boot!

Carson Hamilton will round out the bronc riders representing the College of Southern Idaho at the CNFR. Carson is no stranger to the CNFR as well and will use his prior experience in Casper to his advantage.

Carson is a sophomore Equine Studies major at CSI and is from Wellsville, Utah.

The sixth member of the CSI Rodeo’s CNFR Team is Josh Dufurrena. Josh is a sophomore Ag Business major from Winnemucca, Nevada. Josh finished the year as the 4th place header in the Rocky Mountain Region and will rope with CSI teammate, Trasen Jones. Josh moved up the standings considerably this spring after switching partners and roping with Trasen. Josh also works the tie-down roping event and also is a pretty handy pick-up man during

Clayton Brum

Cole Hatcher

Chuck Povey

practice.

One might ask how a person competes at a junior college for 5 The CSI Women’s Team was led by years. In Chuck’s case, it happened an amazing young women, “Chuck” by a series of events that were out of Povey. Chuck is in her 5th year at the her control and also by design.

College of Southern Idaho. Chuck Chuck began her academic career as joined the CSI Rodeo Program as a a Liberal Arts major and receive her freshman in the fall of 2010 and has Associate Degree in that major. She been a mainstay of the program began looking at transferring to another school to pursue an additional degree in Physical Therapy.

Around the same time, CSI began developing on a new major, Physical Therapy Assistant. Chuck came back for her third year to take some required classes for that major and was hoping to be able to get in the inaugural class. As it turned out, the new program was delayed over a year. Chuck continued to take classes that would meet the Jordan LaRoque requirements for the new Jordan LaRoque program all the while since day one. This year will mark hoping the Physical Therapy AssisChuck’s 5th year competing at the tant program would actually get off CNFR, a feat not many can claim to the ground. During the fall semester have accomplished. As a freshman, of 2013, Chuck was accepted into the she competed in the goat tying and new program but would not actually breakaway after winning the Reserve start with coursework for the All-Around Cowgirl title and the program until the spring of 2014. All Champion Breakaway Roper for the of the coursework will be completed Rocky Mountain Region. As a soph- this spring and all that is left for omore, she again competed in the Chuck to finish will be her Clinibreakaway. Her third year she made cals/Practicum and she will officially it in the breakaway and team roping. graduate in December of 2015.

Her fourth year and again this year, Chuck will compete in the goat tying. Along the way Chuck has taken full

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Josh Dufurrena

advantage of her college experience.

She has served as the CSI Rodeo Team Women’s Captain for two years, a Regional Event Director, and also served as the Rocky Mountain Region’s Student Director for two years. Chuck has been on the President’s List several times and was also awarded The CSI Presidential Athlete Award. The very same award Trasen Jones won this year and Chuck’s brother-in-law, Aaron Skinner, won in 2009. She also earned a 4.0 GPA this fall and spring.

Jordan LaRoque, a sophomore from Rupert, Idaho has qualified for the CNFR for the second year in a row in the barrel racing. Her experience in Casper will definitely help her as she looks to improve on her 2014 CNFR performance and bring home some hardware in 2015. Jordan also competes in the breakaway roping and team roping.

Bailey Bartlome, a sophomore from Kuna, Idaho. She graduated with a Liberal Arts Associates Degree this spring and will be applying to the Radiological Technology program here at CSI. She will be competing in the breakaway roping at the CNFR this year. Bailey’s season nearly came to an end during the Weber State Rodeo in March. During the team roping, Bailey got the fingers on her right hand caught in a coil and it broke both her index and middle fingers and tore the tip of her

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Preston Pirtle

Rusty Wright

ring finger off. Doctors in Ogden operated on her finger that night, removed the finger to the first joint, sutured it up and released her. Bailey missed the next rodeo but entered and competed in the breakaway roping at the Regional Finals Rodeo only two weeks after her accident.

Cassie Bahe, a freshman Ag Engineering major from Grantsville, Utah, Cassie will compete in the breakaway roping and look to leave her mark on the record books in Casper. Cassie also competes in the goat tying and team roping for the Golden Eagles.

Sydney Porter has come the furthest to compete for the CSI Rodeo Team this year. She is from Haleiwa, Hawaii and is a freshman Liberal Arts major. Sydney competed in the breakaway roping, team roping, goat tying, and barrel racing this season and will run barrels at the CNFR this year. Sydney is an excellent student as is evident by her spring semester GPA of 4.0 and her 3.8 Cumulative GPA. Sydney earned Dean’s List honors her first semester of college and was on the President’s List this spring.

As a whole, the College of Southern Idaho Rodeo Team had a 3.07 GPA for the 2014-2015 rodeo season.

Congratulations to all the members of the CSI Rodeo Team and the CNFR Qualifiers from CSI! Good luck and “Fly Like an Eagle!”

Trasen Jones

ton s r u h T a d n y L : by Alberta writer Lynda Thurston is a former radio broadcaster, song writer, musician and rancher. Lynda is married to 6 x NFR saddle bronc rider Skeeter Thurston of Hyannis, NE and mother to rodeo champions Wyatt, Zeke, Sam and Tess.

Zeke Thurston

$50,000.00 Champion at Houston was born ready!

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J

uly 15, 1994 was the last Friday of the Calgary Stampede. My husband, Skeeter, hadn’t done any good in the Saddle Bronc riding and was going to be heading out for some rodeos in the US. It seemed like a good time to go to the hospital for the birth of our second son, Zeke, after Wyatt was born in “91.” I filed my last rodeo report with the radio stations and we headed to the hospital so his dad could meet his new son before he was hundreds of miles away.

Zeke’s birth during one of the oldest and biggest rodeo’s in North America was a foreboding of things to come. “Everything Cowboy” you could have called him. From the time he could crawl, his favorite toy was a miniature clown barrel and baggy pants made by his Granma Sherry.

Zeke loved to climb, chase, rope, and ride anything within his reach. Thirteen months after Zeke was born, Sam filled our little ranch house to the brim…and the vehicles, and the tractor, and the beds in a cheap motel room on the rodeo road. Our lives were filled with all sorts of western excitement thought up by three cowboy kids who had endless imaginations and no fear.

Skeeter was often on the rodeo trail or helping on the ranch in Nebraska while the boys and I ranched alone in Alberta. Even as very small kids, I could put them horseback to help me; and somehow, we would get all the work done.

Zeke was a natural athlete, packing a rope everywhere he went and keen to crawl on any horse on the place.

When he was just seven-years-old he convinced stock contractor, Kelly Armstrong, to let him ride a bucking bull calf. Despite wearing a helmet, a stub horn went through the facemask and severed the roof of Zeke’s mouth. After surgery, he was short ten baby teeth at once. It was a

large payout for the tooth fairy. Not long after this accident, Zeke’s horse stumbled while gathering cows and gave him a concussion.

For the first time ever fear crept into Zeke’s personality. Riding was something he did tentatively. It seemed that Santa knew the solution to the problem. Our kids all rode big saddle horses, flag horses, old pick up horses and had never ridden ponies.

One Christmas morning a raggedy, black, thoroughbred/pony cross was waiting in the barn with a Santa hat on and a ribbon around his neck. At 13.2 hands he was unintimidating and loved people. In fact, he was a character with faults. He was ill broke and liked to buck. He didn’t know how to walk on a loose rein, but out to the snow banks that winter, Zeke and I went horseback and a great love affair came alive. It was hard to decide who was learning more, the spoiled horse or Zeke. Fear vanished as Zeke determined to turn, Runt, as the boys called him into a suitable ranch horse worthy of the name.

Zeke then went on to compete in the boys steer riding at the Canadian Pro Rodeos winning the Canadian Championship in true “Zeke style” in 2008.

Runt soon became the star mount for Zeke in our boys trick riding and roping act that took them all over North America. The bond that Zeke and Runt formed was formidable.

Despite Runt’s continual penchant for bucking, Zeke trusted him enough to do the wedding ring at a run while doing the hippodrome stand, also crack whips and do the suicide drag, stroud layout and hook him to another black pony to Roman Ride.

Runt became a fair ranch horse, except size was a handicap. On one occasion when Zeke and his Uncle Jimmy were doctoring a cow, the old cow pulled the saddle clear over Runt’s head. Zeke was left setting on the ground in his saddle and holding his dallies.

The story about Runt and Zeke is told here because as a Mother, coach and mentor, I witnessed the change

that made all of the difference in Zeke’s life. Fear was dissolved by mastery. That mastery has led to many awards and accomplishments for Zeke and my other sons. They were honored as the Contract Act of the Year in Canadian Professional Rodeo at just 13,10 and nine years of age. Zeke then went on to compete in the boys steer riding at the Canadian Pro Rodeos winning the Canadian

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Championship in true “Zeke style” in 2008. Although it is called steer riding, at the pro level they ride brahma bred bucking cows. They are double rank. In 2008 at the CFR while handling extra duties performing in the trick roping and riding, Zeke won three rounds and placed in four of five rounds to walk away with the Bronze trophy and Champion buckle.

At home on the ranch our family worked hard. The boys were expected to learn to drive teams of draft horses, milk a cow, work cattle on the coldest and hottest days of the year and pitch in to help us survive.

The boys used their rodeo earnings to help us buy a bigger stock trailer and that’s how they high school rodeo’d and hauled their rope horses. No fancy rigs, just sleep wherever as long as you remembered to say your prayers.

Zeke and Wyatt went on to qualify for the National High School Rodeo Finals in every year they competed; Wyatt in saddle bronc and Zeke in bulls and saddle bronc. Zeke was also awarded the timed-event Horse of the Year for his calf and heel horse,Poncho.

While the boys were young I was a big influence on their horsemanship and we spent many long hours in the saddle together, but as their love of riding saddle broncs grew, the admiration they had for their dad became central to their learning and pursuit of their discipline. At our home we talk about bronc riding at breakfast, lunch and supper. If Tess and I try to talk about barrel racing the topic soon switched back to broncs by one of four bronc riders in our family,but the discussions are always deep. We talk about try. We talk about having an important knowledge of horse behavior, human weakness and strength, and most important of all, we talk about our faith.

When people asked me if I was surprised that Zeke won $50,000 at

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the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo, my honest answer was,“no.” I know his character and his schooling from all kinds of wonderful mentors he’s had over the years. I watched him walk on crutches out of the hospital less than 48 hours after a bull broke his femur in two. I waited in surgery after a bronc smashed his ankle at the College Finals in June and watched him win everything just six weeks later in August to qualify for the CFR in the Novice Saddle Bronc Riding.

I remember one day when Zeke rode the outlaw Runt to trail cows and calves 10 miles. That horse didn’t want to stay at the back and bring up those calves. He was hot and impatient and he had that eight-year-old kid frustrated beyond words, but looking back that old horse finally learned to watch a cow and Zeke learned to keep trying. That horse

might have been a $50,000 dollar gift from Santa.

Zeke was gone all winter. His ten year old sister, Tess, missed him terribly. The first thing theydid when Zeke got home in May was go move some pairs into another pasture.

Tess road Runt and Zeke rode a colt.

Runt still bucked, but it didn’t bother Tess. She has learned to be tough from her brothers. She knows the bar gets set high in this family, not to please others, but simply to be the best God made you to be. It doesn’t matter if you are six-time NFR qualifier,Skeeter Thurston’s kid, it matters that you saddle your horse andride the trail ahead of you; the rest takes care of itself.

Zeke is a perfect example of that philosophy. He was on the alternate list to go to Houston. When someone didn’t show up, he made sure he got there and used the opportunity. He believed he would do well. He grew up in a home with a Rodeo Houston buckle and saddle his dad won in 1986.

Skeeter and I were at Tess’s hockey game in Camrose, AB when Zeke climbed on those last two horses at Houston. We had only a tiny cell phone to watch, but the excitement was overwhelming. There was no fear in my stomach, only a warm happy expectation. Momma’s just know “some” things. 

Being on top in the region is a familiar place for the team, but Segura said the ultimate goal would be to win a national championship title.

Feather River Rodeo Team dialing in on a National Championship.

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Deep in the mountains of the Plumas County National Forrest in California lies a small community college with a rodeo team that has achieved big things.

With classrooms and arenas surrounded by great pines and boarded by the Feather River, the Feather River College rodeo team, coached by Jesse Segura, has spent the past ten years kicking up dust in the intercollegiate rodeo world.

Since its meager beginnings in 2004, the team has grown and risen to the top. With national rankings, consistent championships, and visits to the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, the Feather River College Rodeo team has proven its grit and worth since the days when the team struggled just for a place to practice.

Now, the more than 60 students on the team can be found practicing diligently at the Rodeo Arena on campus. Whether it is a group of students roping a bale of hay, or some homegrown cowboys taking a turn on the college’s rough stock, the rodeo team has brought new a way of life to Feather River College, and that way has proven to be the way of champions.

Through the hard work of the coaching staff, students have the opportunity to learn from some of the best rodeo talent in the country. By constantly encouraging purposeful practice, Segura and his assistant coaches have lead the Men’s Rodeo Team to the top ranking in both the region and the nation in 2015.

The Women’s team is right behind

them with a number one ranking in the region, and a numbered three ranking in the nation.

These rankings mark a historical accomplishment for the rodeo team. It is the first time both men’s and women’s team have won the region in overall team standings, and Segura said with the celebration of the team’s tenth anniversary, the achievement came at the perfect time.

Feather River College is one of the smallest community colleges in California, but that has not

stopped the rodeo team from defeating some of the largest four-year schools in the West. The team competes against top schools such as Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo, University of Nevada Las Vegas, and Fresno State.

Being on top in the region is a familiar place for the team, but Segura said the ultimate goal would be to win a national championship title. With some members of the talented team heading to the national championships on June 14, that goal just might become a reality.

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Segura’s reputation as a coach and teacher precedes him, and with that reputation comes students seeking to be a part of his team.

A team he calls the most talented he’s ever seen.

“The men’s’ team consists of a few upper classmen that are talented at what they do.” Said Segura, “but to accompany those upper classmen are very handy freshmen that have assisted the teaming in winning the regional title.”

Some of these freshmen, like Cash Robinson, and Clayton Biglow, have shown that being a jack-ofall-trades can pay off in the rodeo world. “(Robinson) did very well in high school,” said Jesse about Robinson’s high school rodeo accomplishments. “The bottom line is that he is a cowboy, and that brings a lot to our team.”

Robinson competes in every event in rodeo, and raked in enough points over the year to be awarded the West Coast Region All-Around Cowboy, champion titles in three events, and the Top Rookie title in the region. Cash is majoring in equine science. Biglow presents strong competition in the bareback riding, and team roping events, and as a former National

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High School Rodeo champion, he is no stranger to winning.

Junior Dane Lybbert Browning will also be competing at nationals in the steer wrestling, calf roping and team roping. Dane is obtaining a bachelors degree in the colleges new Equine and ranch management program. Also heading to nationals is freshmen, and member of the women’s team, Chelsey Bushnell. Bushnell competes in breakaway roping and team roping. Chelsey was

able to make the college finals even after missing half of the rodeos in the region due to a knee surgery; she is also studying to become a physical therapist.

Other Qualifiers for the CNFR From Feather River College include Casey Meroshnekoff another Past National High school champion in the bareback riding, Quincy Crum Saddle Bronc, Tommy Denny Bull Riding, Bailey Bidwell Goat tying, Sydney Howard Goat Tying, and Courtney Wood Goat tying.

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Rodeo Athletes Magazine / June 2015

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Living the GOOD life Justin Wade Borrego A family man who always delivers on his promises, J.W. Borrego enjoys nothing more than making others happy.

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J

ustin Wade Borrego was born on January 28th 1983 to Larry and Valerie Borrego. J.W. as he is called today, has one older sister, Kim, and comes from a roping family so was always destined to become a roper. His love for horses and the outdoors began at an early age.

If his dad or sister were outside riding or practicing roping, he would grab his mom to watch alongside him – he was always fascinated even when he was too young to do it himself.

J.W. got his first horse, Rambo, at age 3 ½ and as long as there was day light, J.W. was on Rambo’s back. He owned two more Shetlands, after Rambo; Honey, a Palomino; and his all-time favorite, Patches, a black and white paint.

J.W. would attend the team roping events with his dad, mom and sister and was always so anxious to participate, yet he could not understand that he was still too young to get into the thick of it himself. At a very young age J.W. would sit and watch roping tapes, after roping tape, after roping

tape. His favorite roper to watch was Mike Beers. He and his sister would watch the roping tape and then rope the little dummy, each pretending they were some of the professional ropers. J.W. would always be Mike. He was able to meet Mike Beers at the Colorado State Fair and they have since become good friends, but the 8 year old J.W. was beaming when Mike let him warm up his horse for the night performance at the fair.

Once J.W. began school he discovered that there were other sports to participate in, so we signed him up for T’ball and so his love for baseball began. He is a natural athlete and was very good at the sport. He was called “wheels” on the baseball diamond due to the speed that he ran the bases when he would get a hit.

Upon entering middle school, J.W. joined other sports. He participated in football, basketball and continued to play baseball in the summer as well as attend roping’s with his dad. His dad taught him the skills and techniques of roping while his mother was his basketball

coach at middle school. J.W. was a typical, ornery boy throughout his middle school years and kept his parents on his toes.

Upon entering high school, J.W. decided it was time to dedicate his time and energy to his one constant sport which was team roping. He was bound and determined to make the High School Rodeo finals and he did! In his junior year he qualified as a header and his senior year he qualified as a heeler. He was named Rookie of the year in 2001, which was his senior year in high school, for the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association, and he joined the rodeo team during his two Rodeo Athletes Magazine / June 2015

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years at Tucumcari College.

Throughout his roping career J.W. has won a variety of buckles, saddles, tack, boots, a rifle, and recently a truck, along with plenty of monetary prizes. His most memorable event in team was the first buckle he won, which was at a roping at the Colorado State Fair grounds in 1998. It was special because it was the first time he had ever gotten his hands on a buckle and because he won it heading for his dad.

A close second was a roping he won at a memorial roping for a dear friend of his who had lost his battle with cancer and each year there is a roping in his memory. J.W. wanted to win that roping for his friend and he accomplished that a couple of years ago.

J.W.’s roping career has given him

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the opportunity to travel all over the U.S and take in as many sights as possible. It has also given him the opportunity to meet thousands of people, all of whom he considers his friends. He is very easy going, goofy, loving, and one of the most caring people I know. He is not afraid to give or help in any way, knowing that many times he will not be getting anything in return.

At the age of 29 J.W. lost his best friend and his confidant, his grandfather, whom he had been extremely close to. J.W. promised his Pa that he would take care of his grandma and he has done so for the past three years, going as far as putting his rodeo career on hold to make sure she has the best care.

When J.W. isn’t caring from his grandma he is busy rebuilding the family far, with his roping arena coming along nicely as he

applies the finishing touches. Local people from the community have complimented him on how he has improved his land, but J.W.’s response is always, “it’s not my land, it is my Pa’s and I am just taking care of it for him.”

His roping career and all the people and places he has been, has made him the person he is today. Very caring, family oriented, down to earth, hilarious, and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

J.W. will spend the rest of his life living on “The Highway of Legends” in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, fixing up his grandpa’s ranch whilst making sure he finds some time to enjoy roping, training horses and living the GOOD life!

y by: Sydney Asa

Kanin Asay His parents, environment, and most importantly, the Lord, molded Kanin into the man he is today and those things have helped him achieve the successful bull riding career he has had. Kanin has had to overcome some set-backs with regard to staying healthy.

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I

had the pleasure of meeting Kanin when he was twenty-one-years-old; my stories of Kanin start a new chapter in our lives. From marriage, to kids, to traveling with kids, to rodeo, family, and some memorable trips to the NFR, these stories of his childhood told by family and friends are countless. But to hear his family talk about him, the best way to describe him would be to introduce you to Kasen our three-year-old son!

Kasen amplifies everything his dad was and still is most days. To hear them talk about Kanin, he was apassionate, fearless, hard-headed kid, who lived life on the edge. From the time he could walk he would swing a leg over anything he could find to ride. Dad, arms on the couch, bum lambs, a horse and eventually a bull.

Through all that grit; however, is the sweetest, most loyal, kind-hearted soul you will find. Kanin and his brothers were raised to love and respect animals, so every memory have critters in it. From the duffle bag they filled with worms from the irrigation ditch that they brought into the house to share or the countless animals Kanin roped, or the dares to jump off the barn. There was never a bet, dare or adventure Kanin wasn’t up for. He loved to explore life and took it head on.

Kanin was always determined to accomplish his goals; whatever he set his mind to, and he could and would make it happen. From wrestling to bull riding, he was going to succeed, and succeed he has! Kanin always knew from a very early age what he wanted and would not allow anything to get in his way.

He would spend countless hours honing his skills to ride better, and continues that today.

His parents, environment, and most importantly, the Lord, molded Kanin into the man he is today and those things have helped him achieve the successful bull riding career he has had. Kanin has had to

overcome some set-backs with regard to staying healthy. But as the saying goes for a bull rider, it is not if you get hurt, but when and how bad.

He has had countless operations, including two hip surgeries, knee, shoulder, and a splenectomy. The splenectomy is how Kanin chose to break me into the challenges of being a bull rider’s girlfriend and later his wife. Two months into dating, I received a call that Kanin had been put on a life flight to Portland, OR and needed emergency surgery to save his life. He was jerked down, knocked out and stepped on by a bull. His spleen was ruptured, some ribs were broken, had a fractured skull, had bleeding on his brain, hyper-extended his knee and tore his ear part way off. In Kanin Asay fashion, a quick two month recovery he was back on a bull and won his first pro rodeo in, Lewiston, ID. Injuries are part of the sport of rodeo, but for Kanin his true challenge came on May 18, 2011.

That day will forever be ingrained into all of those who loved and adored his mother, Kimela Sue Asay.

Kanin’s cheer leader, his mentor, his trainer, his spiritual leader, and most importantly, his mother was lost in a tragic horse accident.

Philippians 4:13 tells us “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.” I am sure Kanin will tell you his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his living, breathing word were the things that got him through the early months of the loss of his mother.

Kim was a huge part of Kanin’s life and he will credit her with much of his success in the rodeo arena.

Earlier, I talked about Kanin working to hone his riding skills. His mom played the trainer roll for him.

She would put him on a horse bareback and blind folded, while moving the horse around to help him master his balance. She pushed him to be the best and always told him, “Dobetter than your best.” Her work ethic was more than impressive and I have no doubt Kanin inherited that from her. Kanin’s father, Mike, rode

bulls in his early years and genetics being what they are; Kanin no doubt got those bull riding genetics from his dad. Mike adores his boys and while work took him away from day-to-day as Kanin grew up, he has always been proud and a huge supporter of Kanin and his brothers.

Some of Kanin's biggest accomplishments to date are: Five-time NFR bull riding qualifier, two-time Reserve World Champion, the only two-time National Xtreme Bulls Champion, the 2009 NFR Average Champion. Last year he passed the million dollar mark in career earnings.

There are two qualities you should know about Kanin that make him the wonderful, most treasured man I love. His devotion and love for the Lord and his family. Despite the challenges, he will not leave me and our two children home. We are blessed and privileged to be in a position to go on the road with Kanin for the majority of the rodeo season, and he will be the first to tell you he wouldn’t have it any other way. He is a kind, caring father who always looks for the opportunity to teach our young children, Kasen and Kymber. A quality, he without a doubt, learned from his parents. His mom was famous for always teaching you something.

Home for us is 160 acres in Powell, Wyoming. Kanin loves to ranch, farm, put up hay, raise cattle and spend time building his future for our family. When we are home, the days are long and the nights short.

He takes advantage of that time off the road to build a place we are proud to raise our family.

Kanin’s strong faith defines him; he is a man of his word and his integrity is beyond impressive. He doesn't just talk the talk, but he walks the walk! You will find him on bended knee often.

And what is truly impressive, is that bended knee was more likely for you, his family, his friends and those who have supported him and continue too. 

Rodeo Athletes Magazine / June 2015

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son by: Cheryl Pear

Tyler Pearson’s Story Fully Supported by Team Pearson

T

Tyler continued rodeoing and has a great family of rodeo friends. He received a rodeo scholarship from the University of West Alabama. He majored in “Rodeo” and minored in Business.

yler’s athletic ability was evident at an early age. He was constantly on the move.

He started playing baseball at age five and could do it all: hit, throw and catch. One instance that comes to mind in particular was when he made all-stars for a particular coach that was known to be very

aggressive and competitive; which was right down Tyler’s alley. He hated to lose at anything. The coach put Tyler behind the plate as catcher.

It was extremely hot, especially with all the catching gear on. The coach kept checking on Tyler, but Tyler just kept on playing, diving after balls, blocking the plate, just playing his heart out. During the game coach started calling him Engine, Engine #9, and the nickname stuck through-

out his all-star years with this coach and teammates.

We had horses and went to team ropings and jackpots when we could.

Tyler started riding our heading horse around and it wasn’t long before he wanted to rope. He was about eight-years-old and we would let him track down the steers and later let him rope, but not dally. He was roping the dummy really well

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and was catching quite a few from horseback. He was pretty impatient, so it was hard to stick to the “no dallying” rule. The next step was to let him dally and stop the steers. It didn’t take long to notice he was a natural. We had a cousin whose children competed in the Jr. High School Rodeos in our area and they kept after us to enter Tyler. Tyler’s first rodeo was in Brandon, Mississippi. It had rained the night before, so it was muddy and Tyler was riding an old 17- hands-tall gelding named “Tractor.” Tyler and a partner we just picked up at the rodeo won the team roping and that was the beginning of his rodeo career; little did we know the roads this would lead us all down.

Tyler went on to compete in calf roping, team roping, and as he got older moved on to steer wrestling.

He had to make a decision his freshman year in high school between baseball, football or rodeo. He chose to rodeo, so we committed our full support to him and that choice. That same year he told us he wanted to attend his first steer wrestling school. It was a four-day school in Louisiana. We didn’t own a steer wrestling horse, so we worked it out for him to ride one of his friend’s that was going to be at that school. Tyler may have weighed 150-160 pounds at the time. We attended the school and watched every drill and run that was made. Tyler had blisters, scrapes, torn up clothes and was totally exhausted, but always ready to run the next one. We thought there was no way he was going to stick with this event, but boy were we wrong. When we left the school on that Sunday afternoon, Tyler was asleep on the back seat of the truck before we got to the highway.

Tyler competed in all the timed-events in High School Rodeo and had his share of bad draws, poor cattle and ill fate along with all the good, and one sad memory. In 2001 Tyler qualified for the High School National Finals in Springfield, IL.

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adamant that he didn’t want to just leave Magic in Springfield. That was his friend. We loaded Magic up with the help of two other rodeo dads and made the eight-hour trip home to Louisville, Mississippi to be met by a hometown friend that helped us bury Magic and get us back on the road to Springfield. Meanwhile, Tyler competed that night on a horse he had never ridden, but made a good run. Tyler was given the Hard Luck Award in Springfield that year.

He had a great year and qualified in four events; one being his favorite, steer wrestling. By that time he had a steer wrestling horse named, Magic. That name describes this duo so well. Tyler and Magic just meshed so well together from the beginning.

Magic scored well, he put Tyler where he needed to be every time, and Tyler trusted him. We were getting things ready for our trip to Springfield and the week we were supposed to leave Magic got a cut on his back hip. We took him to the vet to have it looked at and things seemed okay for the journey.

All seemed well the first couple of days then we noticed Magic was having trouble. He wasn’t eating and seemed to be lethargic. We called another vet and soon realized things were serious. He had acquired a form of toxic poisoning. Magic died in Springfield the same day that Tyler was to compete on him. Our whole rodeo family mourned with us and supported us every step of the way. Tyler was devastated and was

While Tyler competed in the timed events in high school and later in college rodeo, he left the rough stock events to his best friend, Bradley Fulton. They were friends at a very early age and were thick as thieves.

They laughed together, played sports together, drove the girls crazy together and rodeoed together. They had big future plans of rodeoing together professionally and maybe one day, settling down after they each found “the one” and living close to each other. Those plans changed forever their junior year of high school. Our local rodeo club sponsored a hometown Jr High/High School Rodeo every year. Bradley was out in the Friday night performance. He had drawn a grey horse that had a history of taking a little run and then bucked straight down the pen. Adrenaline was pumping and we all expected to see Bradley make a good ride on a good horse.

The chute opened and the horse took his little run, Bradley had marked him out and was looking great, then the horse threw his head down and

stumbled, his nose hit the ground and flipped. Bradley was knocked unconscious and never recovered.

Tyler had hope that Bradley would be alright, but that was not in God’s plan. It was a sad time for all of our rodeo friends and family and Bradley will never be forgotten.

Tyler continued rodeoing and has a great family of rodeo friends. He received a rodeo scholarship from the University of West Alabama. He majored in “Rodeo” and minored in Business. He rodeod hard and perfected his skills and qualified for the National College Finals for all four years. Tyler was competing in College Rodeos, PRCA rodeos, while filling his permit in the PRCA. He was covering a lot of miles and was gone from school quite a bit, but we are proud to say he graduated from UWA as a Business Major.

In 2011, Tyler met a beautiful young lady from Louisiana. He was truly smitten. She had many things going for her, but mainly, “she was hot,” and that is a direct quote from Tyler himself. She was also participated in rodeo. They dated for several years, were best friends and then married in 2010. They have hauled over a lot of highway and have seen a lot of country together. Tyler will tell you she is quite the help mate. At all of

4’9” (next to his 6’3”), she can hook up a stock trailer, load horses or steers, drive all day or night, keep a clean house and barn, cook meals, entertain their many rodeo friends, teach goat tying, calf rope, barrel race and raise a family all at the same time. He knows he has a keeper.

They are the proud parents of a two year old, handsome son, Stetson Bradley Pearson. (Yes, named after Tyler’s friend, Bradley Fulton).

When Tyler got out of college, he went to rodeos on and off, worked a few jobs, remodeled a house for him and his family, had knee surgery, just the typical things rodeo guys do.

In 2012, Tyler committed to rodeo, and in 2013, Tyler qualified for his first NFR. We were one excited family. As soon as we knew for sure that he was going, we booked our flights and rooms. Tyler’s support group was huge. His hometown rallied and supported him and was anxious to hear good news. His sister, Nikki, and her family planned to make the trip as well as his in-laws and several friends. We were all pumped!

After practicing with friends in California on the horse Tyler would ride at the finals, Tyler, Carissa, his wife, and Stetson loaded up for their Las Vegas trip. They got settled in, horses situated, learned their way around and got ready for

the big rodeo. Tyler was our superstar! The steer wrestlers met at the Thomas & Mack to throw all the steers down, which is common practice. Tyler threw a steer and felt a little tweak in his knee. He didn’t think much about until he threw another steer and heard a pop and knew something was wrong. Meanwhile, we were home preparing for our trip knowing we would watch the first couple of performances from home, then fly out to enjoy the rest of the rodeo. We always talk to our children wherever they are, but this call may have been due to anxiety, nerves, or intuition. When we called Tyler said he was on his way to the Sports Medicine Team, something wasn’t right with his knee, but it would all be okay. There was never a question in his mind that he might not compete. After evaluations and X-rays, they said Tyler had torn his MCL. Of course our hearts were broken for him. He had worked so hard to get there and now he was going to have to deal with this injury on top of the nerves of his first NFR. We were at a loss, but Tyler handled it like a champ (again, our Superstar). He said from the beginning he would be okay. We helped him all we could from our living room with prayers, tears and so much pride as he threw his first steer. Tyler placed 2nd in a round and 4th in the Overall Average. Only four guys out of the Top 15 steer wrestlers in the world got 10 steers down.

Tyler flew from Las Vegas to Dallas, TX after the NFR to have knee surgery. After a few days of rehab, he was back in the saddle, literally.

Not necessarily what Dr. Tandy Freeman suggested nor his wife, and surely not his mother. Tyler is still hauling hard on the rodeo trail with goals set for another appearance at the NFR in December. Keep Tyler and “Team Pearson” in your prayers for a safe and prosperous year. We hope to see you all in Las Vegas, December 2015!

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by: Janie Freed

Shelby Freed My father is a legend in the arena and outside of it, not only has he taught me great skill, but he is the most positive person I know. He has the best attitude that even when your losing he makes you feel like you’ve won.

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I

began my rodeo career at eight-years-old at IJRA rodeos where I won my first belt buckle team roping with my older brother, Pace Freed. You can ask anyone in my family when they asked me what I wanted to be when I was younger, I would say either a goat tier or a barrel racer. I would say that dream along with immense support from my family has led me to where I am today. I am now tying goats at the highest level possible and heading to the College National Finals in Casper Wyoming this year.

This year marks my 11th national finals that I’ve been blessed enough to qualify for.

I started this streak in junior high, the very first year they added the Wrangler Division. I am truly grateful for this added experience to rodeo. I was one of the few people who were able to compete in the very first year of the national finals in Gallup, NM. At this point in my life, I was not planning to go this far in my future rodeo career, but my parents definitely were. Around this time they were leasing a mare named Surf ATana whom had a SI of 88 and buying a breed to the infamous,Frenchmans Guy. I owe my entire barrel racing success to them and their strategic planning

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at this time. From there, I went on to qualify three separate years to the Junior High National Finals. High school is where I feel that I truly shined in the goat tying, the barrel racing, breakaway roping, cow cutting, pole bending, and of course, the team roping. I won the State All-Around title my junior and senior year of high school and qualified all four years for the National Finals in Farmington, NM and Gillette, WY. To say I’ve had a minor cold streak at a national level is an understatement in my own mind. In the past 11 years I’ve only made two short rounds and those were both in Junior High.

Last year at the college finals I had, what I consider, one of my biggest wins of my rodeo career when I split the round win in the goat tying with 6.3. The tides are turning in my favor this year and I can feel what’s about to happen in June. This year in the Rocky Mountain Region, I won the Barrel Racing and Reserve All-Around. I will be com-

Last year at the college finals I had, what I consider, one of my biggest wins of my rodeo career when I split the round win in the goat tying with 6.3.

The tides are turning in my favor this year and I can feel what’s about to happen in June.

peting in Casper one last time this year in both the Barrel Racing & Goat Tying. My barrel horse is named, The Guys A Surfer, aka, Boomer. He is the result of my parent’s very smart decisions about 10 years ago. We bred, raised and trained him all while breeding him to many of our own mares and a few outside horses. Boomer is also a team roping horse.

He has competed with my dad, Chris Freed, and my now Fiancé, Nick Ellsworth, at the World Series Finale in Las Vegas, amongst many other pro and amateur rodeos. In fact, the very first time I ran barrels on Boomer at a pro rodeo my dad was also heading on him. It was quite the rat race to switch his team roping saddle to my barrel saddle with just a few runs in between us.

To this point his oldest colt crop is five-years-old and I actually headed on one of his colts, Who DatSurfer, at the college rodeo’s this year. My goat tying horse is named,Bungy, and this year marks the 10th year I’ve been riding him. This horse has taught me so many things; many of whichare very humbling. He mostly

taught me to be a winner in both the breakaway roping and goat tying.

The horses and wins I’ve been blessed enough to have has been a large testament to my family and the knowledge and positive belief they have had. My mother, Janie Freed, who is an amazing horsewoman skilled with chiropractic’s, massage therapy, and kinesiology has completely pushed me to the athlete I have become. She is a force that keeps me pushing to be the best at everything I do.

My father is a legend in the arena and outside of it, not only has he taught me great skill, but he is the most positive person I know. He has the best attitude that even when your losing he makes you feel like you’ve won. My brother, Pace, is an inspiration, an entrepreneur, and most of all, he is the best at everything he does. Because of our parents, we have been extremely successful in and out of the arena. 

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Barrel Racing Socks

TM

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Family by: The Creasy

Luke Creasy Making

His Family Proud “From being our youngest son, to now being such an amazing father to his own son, Cash, we are fortunate to see that the lessons and ideals that we passed down to him are carrying forth in such a positive and respectable manner.�

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An older brother’s perspective:

By Clay Creasy (Brother, Teacher, Rancher, Rodeo Competitor) Mom tells the story about the day that my little brother was born, and how I walked in, gave a disapproving gesture, and then stomped out of the hospital room. Needless to say, our relationship didn’t get off to the greatest start. Although we had our share of disagreements, which sometimes led to dust-ups, our similar interests led us to many of the same places in our youth. We played hockey, baseball, golf and skied for fun, but we always had horses to ride and cattle to rope or chase.

For myself, school and sports generally came a lot easier than they did for Luke. In this sense, many things would just seem to happen for me; whereas, Luke had to work much harder to develop the basic skills of a task, but once he did this with something he liked, he would become borderline fanatical to where that interest turned into mastery.

Being so close in age, we were often competing at the same contests, and a rivalry was always present; however, as we grew up and began becoming more involved in rodeo, our personal styles and preferences led us into very different events. I began competing in the saddle bronc riding and calf roping, he chose bareback riding and steer wrestling, and we both participate in the team roping as the family’s shared event. Even though I had started earlier, our levels of success began at the same time in high school, with Luke having his success start to gain momentum while being in the 10th Grade. As I graduated from high school and began competing at the Canadian College andNovice Professional rodeos, Luke’s talents easily transitioned to triumphs at the Novice Pro level, and even from his first rodeo, it was again a competition for us both to try and succeed.

In a sense, his opportunity to pursue

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rodeo in the States was started by a friend of mine that had been on the rodeo team at West Texas College who had his coach initially inquire about me. Since I was pursuing my education degree in Canada, I passed on the offer, but informed them about my little brother. This favor to him came full circle many years later, as I was completing my degrees after a solid Canadian College career, when my brother convinced his coach at Texas Tech University to offer me a scholarship to try and help their team qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo. Again, we were given another opportunity to compete at the same level, this time for an even greater combined goal, where we could both work toward the success of the team, and although our team fell short of its goal, it was a year where the rivalry changed, and we instead continued to grow to support each other’s achievements, and not feel like we had to outdo the other.

As time so often does, the goals for my rodeo career have shifted significantly from what I once imagined them to be, but I still enjoy competing at a few local events and have been enjoying moderate levels of success. One of the best parts of my own competitions anymore is when people ask me how Luke is doing, or better yet, congratulate me on some recent victories that they have heard about. It is great to see that the hard work he has put in and the sacrifices that he has endured have gotten him ever closer to his own goals, and I

hope to see him compete at the big rodeo in December that every top professional cowboy sets out to make. I know all of us will be cheering him on!

A Mother’s perspective:

By Shelly Creasy (Mother, Real Estate Agent, Figure Skater, and Barrel Racer) Being on the same ranch for the boys’ entire lives, hard work and chores was an expectation, with many of those hours spent horseback. We always ensured that the boys were mounted on horses that had proven track records as kid horses, but looking back, I’m not sure if that gave them the confidence to be willing to get on bucking horses, or just made them search out a bigger challenge.

Luke’s rodeo career began with local gymkhanas and 4-H events, which carried on into roping and riding steers. He then began competing in the team roping at high school rodeos, but at one of the fall rodeos, Dave Shields, had brought in a mechanical bucking machine for aspiring bronc riders to hone their skills, and Luke took the chance to give it a try. Upon returning home, Luke announced that he wanted to be a bareback rider, but it took a few days for me to even respond, as I contemplated the physicality of the event. At this point in time, even though he had ridden a few steers, his favorite pastimes involved reading books and drawing pictures, and he did not seem to have the physical

One of the best parts of my own competitions anymore is when people ask me how Luke is doing, or better yet, congratulate me on some recent victories that they have heard about. attributes necessary to prepare him for such an undertaking. Not wanting to get in the way of a boy’s dream, I placed a very large stipulation on my permission, which stated that he must start by doing 50 push ups and sit ups a day for a week, working his way up to 500 of each per day, and then maintain that level for at least two months. Upon completing this requirement, I promised him I would pay for his first bareback riding school. Luke followed the instructions to the letter, but the deal came to a conclusion in October when the next school wouldn’t happen until January. In a fitting chain of events, I got the boys in contact with Dave Shields, who lived close enough that they could drive up once a week to get on the same bucking machine that started this dream. Those hours spent outside with only the protection of a canvas tent to cut the wind of a Canadian winter forged a bond between Dave and Luke that exists to this day.

After what seemed like forever to Luke, January finally came and with it, the opportunity to go to his first school and get on real horses, and that he did. He climbed on four different horses and rode them all.

With the hard work and practice carried into the spring with the confidence to succeed at the high school rodeos. The first rodeo went well

into his bareback riggin, and upon completing his ride he could not double grab, and hung up on his horse. The next day I took him to the doctor where we learned that it had indeed been severely broken, and we were sent off immediately for surgery; much to Luke’s dismay.

After returning from surgery, Luke began a rigorous workout program from a personal trainer who had been a part of Dave’s schools, Mark Barrett, and it gave him the ability to return from his injury to continue pursuing his dream. with Luke winning both days. The second rodeo started off with similar luck; however, upon dismounting his first bareback horse he got kicked in the elbow. It happened so fast that he was convinced that he just jammed it on the ground, but it was causing great discomfort to him. Given Luke’s determined, tough-guy attitude, he would not allow himself to believe it was broken, and continued on in the team roping with his brother, placing that day. I went to watch him the next day, only to find Luke walking around with an ice pack on his elbow, and to my horror it appeared to be broken. He brushed off my concern, and continued with the plan to compete in both events again. He went on to place a second time in the team roping, but he needed assistance to get his hand

Those initial roadblocks placed in front of him ended up being minor setbacks that prepared him for the realization that rodeo is a tough sport that can be hard on a person’s body and mind, but the best competitors overcome those setbacks to get to where they want to be. When I look back and see where Luke started from, and what he has done to get to where he is, I have been blessed to get the chance to watch his hard work and dedication align with his dream.

From being our youngest son, to now being such an amazing father to his own son, Cash, we are fortunate to see that the lessons and ideals that we passed down to him are carrying forth in such a positive and respectable manner. He is living his life the way he wants to, and doing so in a manner that makes his family proud.

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by:

To Make an Ace It was exciting to share that moment with my long-time best friend as he was every bit as excited as I. Even with a 1 on my scorecard, Jason got the better of me that day, but forever more I can always say, “I made an Ace.”

J

ason Timmerman and I had been anxiously awaiting our long overdue golf match. Our respective golfing addictions and competitive nature had guided us to the Club at Rebecca Creek in Spring Branch, Texas. For the previous three months, I had been traveling the United States on the rodeo circuit.

Jason and I would relay scores and stories as we found chances to hit the links over the summer, but it would only lead to smack talk for our eventual showdown. Finally, the time had come and we were ready to find out who could better walk the walk and talk the talk.

I have little recollection of the first 11 holes on that fateful day. Jason would probably tell you it was because of the steady beating he was

putting on me, but all I know is the tide would soon change. Number 12 was a short par 3 that would usually play at about 130 yards. That day; however, the original green was under repair as the course was undergoing numerous renovations.

A replacement green was mowed just in front of the original green, and the hole now played only about 110 yards. After watching Jason sail one over the back of both greens with his gap wedge, I decided to play my sand wedge. I hit what I’m pretty sure was my first good shot of the day. As I watched the ball in flight, I remember thinking it was going to be a little right of the hole, but I just hoped it was the right distance as it initially seemed like I may have left it a little short. Luckily for me, there was a small mound on the front right side of the green, and when the ball hit on the backside of that mound, it

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kicked towards the flag. From the tee box, we couldn’t see the ball go in the hole. I knew it was going to be close, but you never expect for it to actually go in! As we drove towards the green, my heart rate climbed.

The entire replacement green was now in sight, and my ball wasn’t. At this point, I remained skeptical as I would rather assume I had missed the green entirely than let myself believe I had made a hole-in-one only to inevitably be let down. Jason felt no need to hold in his excitement, and as soon as we could see the green was lacking of any golf balls, he knew it had to be in the hole! Before I got the cart to a complete stop, he was out and headed for the flagstick. When he started shouting that I had made it, I was not far behind! It was exciting to share that moment with my long-time best friend as he was every bit as excited as I. Even with a 1 on my scorecard, Jason got the better of me that day, but forever more I can always say, “I made an Ace.” The only advice I can give on making an Ace on the golf course is to find a course under repair and the replacement greens will help your chances.

I can; however, tell you about the factors in my life that made me who I am today. The making of this Ace had everything to do with my family’s support in, and even more so, outside of the arena. Numerous people have had influence on my life, but I am going to focus on the 3 whom I believe most shaped me into the person I am today.

Dad My dad, Tod Slone, is a seven-time calf roping NFR qualifier from 1987-94. It was an incredible twist of fate that propelled him from the rodeo arena into the business world.

After trying countless different tree fits, he put together his own dimensions for a tree that he believed would fit his horse to perfection. He sent the measurements to Billy Don Hogg and had Hogg build a custom

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saddle for him. The tree fit perfectly, and my dad won the first rodeo he took it to. That rodeo would also be the last that he rode his shiny new saddle, because the next week in Fort Madison, Iowa his horse, new saddle and all, was stolen as they dimmed the lights for the National Anthem.

My dad would find the stolen horse seven years later at the rodeo in Denver, Colorado, but the saddle was never found.

Being unable to afford another Hogg saddle, Dad took his tree measurements to a local saddle tree manufacturer at Comal Saddlery. This saddle also fit his horse very well, and it wasn’t long before other calf ropers were interested in buying a saddle with my dad’s tree. Working with Comal Saddlery, he began endorsing his new tree as the Tod Slone line of calf roping saddles.

Years later, Comal Saddlery would give him a chance to buy into the company, and when a contrast in ideals would eventually arise, my dad split off and moved our family to Cuero, Texas to start Tod Slone Saddles.

My dad’s success in the arena, as well as the office, provides only a small amount of the respect and admiration I have for him as a person. Most important are his family values and genuine good nature. Growing up,

We were both straight ‘A’ students from elementary school on.

It was this focus on education that led me to graduate 4th in my class of nearly 200. my dad insisted on taking his family with him while traveling across the country. Having the opportunity as a young kid to experience Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, The Grand Canyon, and of course, Disney Land, encouraged my own ambition to rodeo professionally. I not only want to experience all the West has to offer for myself, but hopefully for my future family as well.

Once old enough to play sports, I found I had a true passion for competing. What began on the baseball diamond spread to the football field, basketball court, and, of course, the rodeo arena. Cuero’s passion for high school football emu-

lates a slightly scaled-down version of that depicted in the movie Friday Night Lights. Being a three-year starter on the top ranked team in the state, finishing a varsity regular season career of 30-0, and playing for a state championship brought my most notorious athletic accolades.

However, I always considered myself a better baseball player. A four-year varsity starter on the diamond, I led the greater Victoria area multiple times in batting average and stolen bases. It wasn’t until my senior year that I decided to pass on the opportunity to play college baseball to pursue my career in rodeo.

I will forever be grateful that my dad never pressured me to rope and drop some of the sports I was involved in.

If I wanted to practice roping, my dad was more than willing to help, but he always let me choose for myself. He has never shown disappointment in me when I didn’t perform well, and in the same breath, has never shown more than a hint of joy in his eyes accompanied by a handshake after some of my biggestwins. My dad is great at keeping inconsequential results in perspective, but I will always strive to catch a glimpse of that flicker of pride.

Mom My mom, Lonna Slone, is the backbone of our family. My dad is great at keeping things in perspective, but my mom is better! She would take books to read at all of my baseball games, and would just peek her eyes over top of the pages when I came to bat. Lacking of a single competitive bone, my mom couldn’t care less about the outcome of games or stats on my performance. She was always there to support, but she was never heard. So many parents live and die on their child’s performance, and I feel blessed that my performance couldn’t alter my parents’ moods for better or for worse. I know a lot of kids feel as though they’ve let their parents down when they don’t

perform well, but I never got that sense in the slightest.

as my parents were able to influence mine.

My mom’s ability to keep perspective on what was most important meant that school always came first. She kept my sister and me focused on keeping our grades up to the level we were capable of achieving. We were both straight ‘A’ students from elementary school on. It was this focus on education that led me to graduate 4th in my class of nearly 200.

My academic credentials paired with my extracurricular activities helped me to land the Terry Foundation full-ride academic scholarship which I used to graduate from the Mays School of Business at Texas A&M. I can also proudly say that I am only the second most accomplished academic in my own family. My sister, Kailey, graduated with honors as the most outstanding woman in the entire senior class at Texas State University before going on to get her Master’s Degree in communication. After vowing to never come back to small town Cuero, she was forced to go back on her word when she fell in love with Cuero native, Martin Leske. Kailey has since come home and has played a vital role in growing Slone Saddles into the company it is today. She and Martin recently blessed the family with a new addition. Stratton Cole Leske is now the joy of the entire family, and I pray we are all able to influence his life as positively

Pa It comes at a sad time that I write about the influence my grandfather, Lonnie Liviningston, had on my life.

He recently passed away, and has left me to reflect on our numerous excursions in the great outdoors.

Along with my passion for sports, I am also fueled by a love for the outdoors. Pa began to pique my interest by telling his many stories of hunting trips past as I sat on his knee in awe. It didn’t take long before we began making our own hunting stories. We made many memories in a deer stand and with a rod and reel, but Pa’s greatest contribution to my life were the lessons that he intertwined in everything we did. He taught me to look a man in the eye while applying a firm handshake, and made me vow from an early age that I would not drink until I was 21.

His deep voice and stern demeanor demanded respect, and you never got the notion that he didn’t mean what he said.

I am going to miss Pa more than words can say, but I know he will always be my biggest fan and I will do my best to make him proud! I can’t wait to start taking Stratton hunting and fishing, and I will do my best to recall all of Pa’s stories and lessons for generations to come. 

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Promoting Health Start with the Filtering Organs

Y

ou wouldn't expect to get longevity and consistent performance out of your vehicle without changing its filters on a regular basis, and the same holds true for our animals.

Our animals need that regular maintenance for their filtering organs too. The two major filters being the liver and kidneys.

The liver plays a key role in the detoxification process, breaking down old damaged cells, a central role in the metabolic processes, in fat metabolism, and blood clotting. While the kidney's work day and night filtering the blood, excreting the waste through the urinary system. A good maintenance program for these filtering organs is to support them twice a year in the Spring and Fall with Silver Lining Herbs #27 Liver Support and #37 Kidney Support.

Nature provides vegetation to naturally support the cleansing organs in these seasons. Herbs like; dandelions, burdock, and milk thistle are very important to their diet. These plants are only available for a short time in their most usable form and the horses will instinctively graze on these plants at the proper time if given the opportunity. Have you ever tried to lead a horse by some dandelions in the Spring? If you have,

chances are that horse tried to eat them. Dandelions are known for being one of the best liver tonics available. They are only available for several weeks, and they are plentiful.

Our horses need this and as you lead your horses by the dandelions you will see they crave it.

Many times our horses do not get access to these important plants and because of that some health issues may show up. Beyond that, many people will spray out dandelions of t h e i r pastures with an

herbicide.

Now the horse does not have access to the very plant that supports their liver the best. Along with exposure to the chemicals, which has an impact to the liver.

With practices like this we can see health issues that show up in the eyes, with cloudy or runny eyes or on

the skin, with hives. Thick, cloudy urine and stocking up is another occurrence that can indicate congestion in the filtering organs.

How about burdock? Have you ever found burdock in your horse’s forelock or mane? Burdock is known as one of the best blood purifiers of all herbs. Modern scientific research has uncovered diuretic properties and tumor inhibitors in burdock with studies done on animals. Burdock may also inhibit mutation-causing chemicals that can lead to cancer. The time of year when you see horses with burdock on them the most is the Fall, another great time to support your horses filtering organs.

Much of the time chemicals and excess protein and minerals are the reason the liver and kidneys are struggling in the first place, therefore it is important to not use things that cause these organs to struggle. Some examples would be chemical wormers, fly sprays, pesticides, herbicides, along with sweet feeds, and high amounts of alfalfa. A huge step forward in health will be made by steering clear of these toxins, in addition to taking a page from nature and supporting the liver and kidneys in the Spring and Fall. Or take a page from your mechanic and see if he would ever recommend you not changing your vehicles filters. ď Ž

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dard o o W e n le r a D : by

Travis Woodard NOT JUST A TEAM ROPER

T

Darlene Woodard Wife of two time World Champion team roping heeler and mother of Travis Woodard

ravis Jay Woodard was born November, 13 1983. It was a great day for his Dad, Walt Woodard and myself, his mother, Darlene Woodard. I said Walt and I got married, Rodeoed and spent every day together for 7 years, then when we didn’t have anything else to talk about, we had Travis. Travis was very smart and walked and talked early. He was a great kid and a joy for our family. We took him every where we went. We didn’t want to push the rodeo life on him, so we tried to let him experience all of different things this world has to offer. We took him to Australia, New Zealand and traveled all over the US and Canada.

We rodeoed until he started school and Walt stopped rodeoing full time.

Walt just went to a few rodeos and put on roping schools to support us.

We had a swimming pool and trampoline, Travis was very athletic he could do flips off the Trampoline into the pool and swim like a fish.

When he was 8 years old Walt went to a roping in Florida. Travis came up to Walt very upset, he told him some kids were laughing at him because he was Walt Woodard’s son and he didn’t know how to coil a rope up or swing it. He ask if he could teach him how to. Walt told him yes he would but he couldn’t do it right then. When we got home Walt ask Travis if he was sure that he wanted to learn to heel and Travis said he was and from that day forward he was in the arena with us.

In the Forth Grade I started home schooling Travis so we could travel with Walt. We had a great time. He had a zest for life. He could go any where and talk to anyone about anything. Still can. Rodeo kids get

real smart about life and how to get things done and he was no different.

Travis’s Granddad (Walt’s dad) Sheldon Woodard Started Walt team roping and he was so happy when Travis started roping. Sheldon would take Travis to little local ropings when Walt was away. When Walt was home we would all go, Sheldon and I would head for him in the lower numbered ropings and Walt would head for him in the higher numbered ropings. Gramdma Audrey (Walt’s Mom) would come and bring us lunch.

During the week we would spend all day in the practice pen roping, in the evernings we would swim and barbecue. While we ate, we would talk about our day, what we had learned or what we had to work on. Then we would make our plan on which ropings we were going to in the weeks to come.

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In California back then there were two big ropings. The Chowchilla Stampede and the Oakdale 10 steer.

When Walt was growing up Sheldon and Walt could hardly wait until they roped good enough that they could enter. Oakdale, California was about 30 miles from our house. The 10 Steer was a 3 day event so we would always camp out at he arena grounds. Grandma Audrey would bring us up lunch, Fried Chicken, Homemade rolls, potato salad and Chocolate cake. We all looked forward to her coming. Walt had won it twice by the time Travis started going. You can imagine the pride we felt when Travis won it heeling for Walt.

Walt’s Family were teamsters in the 20’s and 30’s they used draft horses to carry ore to the smelter. When Sheldon’s father lost a child to brain cancer he said the smelter was why she got sick so he relocated his whole family from Tooele, Utah to Galt California. Where they bought a dairy and started milking dairy cows.

They ran the dairy for seven years when Sheldon’s dad decided to sell out and become a race horses trainer. Sheldon helped his dad on the track and shoed all there horses until he decided to start his own shoeing business. Sheldon’s Uncle was a horse shoer for the United States Cavalry and one of the Woodard ancestors took care of the horses and shoed them for Brigham Young on his way across the prairie to Utah.

When we found all that out on a Family trip back to Tooele, Utah Travis said he was going to learn how to shoe horses because he wasn’t going to be the first Woodard that didn’t know how. Now Walt and Travis shoe all our horses.

When Travis was about 14 a really good friend of ours sent us a 2 year old filly to break and start. When the filly got there she was way to small for Walt to ride. Walt told Travis he was going to have to start her, with his Granddad’s guidance he broke her and did a great job. That started

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hand in hand with nutrition. So she wanted them to eat healthy meals but Travis wanted it to taste good.

They have learned together how to cook delicious healthy meals. Along with the meals they are connoisseur of fine wine. Walt and I know nothing about wine, we just like it sweet.

his love of training horses. Sheldon taught him all that he knew but Travis wanted to go to another level with it, so he went and trained with several great horseman. He now starts and trains all of the horses we compete on.

Travis is a well rounded person. He likes to do a lot of different things.

He started Dating a girl by the name of Rachel Brum who was going to college to become a personal trainer.

Travis decide he wanted to get in better shape so he was going to start jogging. Now he use to sit in a chair by our front room window and watch his Dad jog, when Walt decided to make his big comeback. When Walt would come in he would tease his dad and tell him “that’s not a jog, that’s a fast walk” and he would laugh. After about a week of Travis jogging, he told his dad “I now understand why you went that speed, you have to, If your going to be able to make it!” He went on to marry Rachel who is now his personal trainer and the mother of his son Wyatt Jay Woodard who is now 1 year old. If you don’t know what Travis looks like, he is very handsome or at least I think so. I tell Rachel, “I made him but you honed him down!” Because of Rachel being a personal trainer of course that goes

When he first got into the prorodeo like most boys, in his down time he played video games and watched movies. After a few years, as he tells it. He was getting tired of the games and he realized he could quote all his favorite movie’s verbatim. so he turned on sports center when he realized he could say what the sports caster was going to say because he had watched it so long it was repeating it’s self. It was an ah hi moment for him. He told me he realized he had came to the end of his entertainment. He said he realized he was wasting so much of his time. He decided to use his extra time learning something useful. He had always wanted to know spanish, so thats what he was going to learn. He did some research and decided Rosetta Stone was the best program. It consisted of 3 DVD’s. He did the first DVD. listened to it several times until he know it inside and out. Then he did the same with the 2nd DVD. but when he put the third one in they just started rambling off in spanish and he couldn’t understand a single word so he decided to learn how to play the guitar. He now plays the guitar beautifully.

We are a very close family. Travis and his family live about 12 miles from us in a house in town, but he keeps all his horses at our ranch. He comes out everyday to ride and rope, train and teach, here at the Woodard Training Center. He bought 14 acres about a mile from the ranch and will build a house on it in the near future.

We are looking forward to them being that much closer to the ranch.

Woodard’s are all about Team roping and we are looking forward to the day that Wyatt can join Walt and Travis in the arena. 

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Innovation Meets Sports Entertainment Industry written by Garrett Baxter CEO and Founder of Rodeo Athletes Inc.

Today we live in a world where technology demands a large amount of athletes’ and sponsors’ time to get their name and product out to the public and potential buyers. Rodeo Athletes Inc. has created the first of its kind website where social media, athletes, sponsors, colleges, universities, agents, events, and the largest endorsed product store-front in the western industry are all tied together.

In the Immersion Age of Rodeo Athletes Inc. where RodeoAthletes.com allows The Sponsor and Athlete to maximize their social media reach and minimize their time spent. This allows them time to connect directly in a two-way

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dialogue with their consumers and fans without intermediaries or solely about product or services, but about topics that are simultaneously relevant and interesting to both fans and sponsors. Rodeo Athletes Inc. is continuing to teach sponsors and athletes to create and distribute their own high-quality content.

By the same token, the customer will engage the brands content, contributing, and consuming.

Social media will become a conduit rather than a like or follow button. It will become part of their network within which the brand/athlete and the consumer speak to each other.

It is the air wave. As with the Digital Age of marketing, the

measures are precise, the brand or athlete knows instantly what is popular and important with its engaged consumers and fans; also, it knows what they like and what they share, which deepens the relationship between fan and brand. They genuinely like each other. It is like a two-way laser, targeting between the brand, athlete and individual consumer; actively pointing at each other.

David Ogilvy may have predicted this future by saying, “What really decides consumers to buy or not to buy is the content of your advertising.”

How RodeoAthletes. com works, is athlete sponsors, universities, events, and agents

build their own profile on the site which will allow them to engage and speak to one another; but most importantly, it allows them to speak directly to their customers and fans by helping them find what they are looking for to improve their talents and lives.

Athlete Profiles: Athlete Profiles will allow the athlete and their fans to speak to each other as well as let The Athlete to show off the products they endorse with videos and their own store linked to the products they endorse.

The site will also allow athletes to seek out an agent to help them align with sponsors and potential sponsorships offered to athletes in the industry. With that being said, the greatest thing the site will offer, is that an athlete will be able to post on one site and it will go out to all of their social media platforms with a custom sponsor or athlete signature. This allows the athlete to promote their sponsors at the level which their sponsors demand for said sponsorships. This site will also help the youth athletes promote their talents and achievements to colleges and universities across the world with complete profiles to share to potential schools and sponsors as they expand their competition level.

Sponsor Profiles: Sponsor Profiles allow the sponsor to have their own store on Rodeoathletes. com as well as have their products tied to the sponsored athlete and their personal profile and store. This will give the sponsor maximum exposure of their product. The site will also be the one-stop social media post for the sponsors, allowing them to spend more time in direct dialog with their customers and promote their products the way it will be needed in the Immersion Age. College/University Profiles: College/University Profiles will open up the largest scouting talent site in the world allowing colleges to pinpoint the quality and specifications they want to recruit to their school as they do their best to win national titles in the Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

With this site, schools will be able to find athletes by age, state, GPA, accomplishments and sponsors. This will allow schools to spend less money on travel and recruitment, and more money on scholarships to the athletes that they recruit.

Agent Profiles: Agent Profiles will give agents access to sponsors and athletes around the world, and allow them to broker deals for their clients in ways that have not been accessible; ever before in the

sports entertainment industry.

Agents will be able to research sponsors before submitting their clients to them as well as research the credentials of potential athletes without communicating until they feel they are a good match for them and their sponsors they work with.

Event Profiles: Event Profiles will open up the largest athlete information package in the sports industry with live feed for all of the athletes competing at their event each night from photos, bios sponsors, and endorsed products to help the announcers promote the athlete as each athlete deserves while competing in foreign cities across the world. The events will also be able to book, sell and promote ticket sales to attending fans and athletes with PDF e-mail; booking conformation tickets helping events save on printed tickets, which will allow them to go green. Events will also be able to host products on their store front, allowing them to sell event memorabilia year-round to attending and non-attending fans. Events will also be able to utilize social media the way events demand on all platforms on one easy posting by managing members of the event.

COMING SOON!