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Home is Where the Heart
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WINTE R 2013
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CONTENTS In This Issue
8 To Quote Lisa Lockhart
16 Wade's World 20 Watch Out for These Guys! Blane Cox & Junior Nogueira 22 Let Freedom Ring Speak up for Tuffy Gessling 23 Incase You Missed It Results from RFD-TV's The American
6
30 Late Night Snacks What Cody,Sage and J.B. Like to Snack On
In Every Issue
6 Bull Session New Babies!
14 Shop It! 10 Bronc Riding Nation News Doug Hall Blackfeet Bronc Rider 24 26
Late Nights with Anthony Lucia A Drive to Rodeo Austin
26
Rodeo Famous Rigs The Brazile's Castle on Wheels
This issue's theme:
SHED IT
Do what Wade Sundell is doing and focus on shedding last year and dominate your dreams this year.
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16
20
april patterson
LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR...
From now until the end of 2014 Rodeo Fame is going to focus on Celebrating. We don't celebrate enough. Sometimes we get so busy kicking butt and making new goals that we forget to CELEBRATE the NOW. Yes, it's important to make goals and dream big but let's not miss the moments in life worthy of celebrating... accomplishments, friendships, new babies, promotions, and even birthdays! No matter what age, being alive another year deserves a party. Party on rodeo fans!
"My husband and I welcomed this little guy into our lives on February 6, two days before my birthday. Tyce Von Patterson. 8 pounds 6 ounces and 20 inches." April Patterson
Happy birthday
to Katherine Bach and Judi Rohr, two amazing cowgirls turning 78 this year! Yes, they still saddle up and ride into the sun-set.
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Rodeo Fame Team
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF April Bach Patterson WRITERS/REPORTERS Tori Morris Lori O’Harver Brenda Matamoros Lauren Anthony COLUMNIST Anthony Lucia Layout & Design Chantel Miller ADVERTISING morgan@rodeofame.com april@rodeofame.com ADVISORY BOARD Judy Nelson spring 2014 INtern Brooke Luiz Cover Photo Whin Media (580) 729.0352 RODEO FAME PO BOX 95 • Azle, TX. 76098
Editor's Pick
"Celtic Complexion is amazing. I tried it and my first thought was, silk in a jar. I have never felt anything like it on my face. A week later a friend asked me what I was doing different to my face because it looked like it was glowing."
April Patterson rodeofame.com
5
Bull Session |
Social Media Finds
Rodeo Famous
Your Community
Congratulations to all these couples! May your year and baby be BLESSED with HEALTH and BIG WINS Wade and Linsay Sumpter had a boy, Weston Richard Sumpter, 8 lbs and 21 inches long on December 17, 2013.
Chad Masters February 3, 1981 Patrick Smith February 5, 1980 Riley Minor February 7, 1988 Charly Crawford February 8, 1978 Brian Bain February 10, 1982 Cimarron Boardman February 10, 1981 Paul Eaves February 10, 1990 Wade Sundell February 10, 1985 Austin Foss February 12, 1992 Tyler Willis February 12, 1990 Houston Hutto February 16, 1981 Corey Maier February 18, 1985 Blaine Linaweaver February 18, 1975 Trell Etbauer February 20 1985 J.R. Vezain February 22, 1992 Caleb Twisselman February 23, 1981 David Key February 28, 1969 Olin Hannum February 28, 1978 Travis Graves March 1, 1984 Kaycee Field March 4, 1987 Turtle Powell March 6, 1973 Randon Adams March 7, 1982 Seth Hardwick March 8, 1989 Jake Vold March 12, 1987 Joe Gunderson March 13, 1985 Jessy Davis March 14, 1981 Jason Havens March 15, 1977 Winn Ratliff March 17, 1989 Bobby Welsh March 20, 1984 Troy Crowser March 22, 1988 Colby Lovell March 22, 1987 Garrett Tonozzi March 22, 1985 Shane Proctor March 24, 1985 Chuck Schmidt March 28, 1988 Jake Long March 30, 1984 Les Shepperson March 30, 1978 Brent Lewis March 31, 1970 Cody Wright April 1, 1977 Jason Miller April 4, 1974 Shane Erickson April 4, 1980 Dustin Elliott April 5, 1981 Monty Lewis April 6, 1981 Jhett Johnson April 7, 1971 Sam Spreadborough April 8, 1981 Brady Tryan April 9, 1989 Matt Zancanella April 9, 1976 Drew Horner April 10, 1989 Cody DeMers April 17, 1979 Spencer Mitchell April 22, 1988 Steven Dent April 23, 1986 Brad Culpepper April 23, 1970 Heith DeMoss April 26, 1985 Cesar de la Cruz April 29, 1983 Gabe Ledoux April 29, 1980
Rodeo Famous
SOCIAL MEDIA FINDS Awe, how sweet is Ryan Gray! We found this message he wrote to his wife on Facebook:
Justin and Emy Lou Davis had a girl, Shyla Rae Davis, on December 28, 2013.
Ryan and Lacy Gray had a boy, Ransom Dale Gray, on January 7, 2014 8lbs 8oz and 22 inches long.
January
Births
FEBRuary
Rodeo Famous
MARCH
ersation in Bull Session: an informal conv out something which a group of people talk ab
Clint Cooper January 4, 1982 Travis Tryan January 5, 1981 Justin Maass January 9, 1975 Tate Stratton January 11, 1985 Tilden Hooper January 12, 1988 Cody DeMoss January 14, 1981 Billy Etbauer January 15, 1963 Jeff Willert January 18, 1982 Chad Ferley January 25, 1980 Clif Cooper January 26, 1988 K. C. Jones January 27, 1971 Nick Sartain January 27, 1979 Tuf Cooper January 31, 1990
APRIL
bull session
Birthdays JanUARY-AprIL 2014
Colby got his first taste of rodeo
Mckennon and Kaitlyn Wimberly had a boy on January 9, 2014 - Wilder Walker Wimberly. Colby and Kassidy Lovell had a girl, Jewel Grace Lovell, on January 18, 2014. Turtle and Molly Powell had a girl, Rayna Jo Powell, on January 20, 2014 8 1/2lbs 19 1/2in long. Jesse and Aubrey Wright had a girl, Ivy Mae Wright, 7.7lbs 19 inches on February 4, 2014. Brendon & Allison Clark had a boy, Casyn Cree Clark, on February 13, 2014. Jade and Haley Corkill had a boy, Kelton Allen Corkill, 6 lbs. 10 oz., 20 inches February 14, 2014.
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Houston last night....asked me when he'd get to rope there and I said after u get older and learn to ride better and rope better.. he said he'd love to but he didn't have time for that because he needed to go to the hospitality.. love how little kids think! JADE CORKILL
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Inside Scoop |
Lisa Lockhart
To QUOTE...
Lisa Lockhart 7X WNFR Qualifier & The American Champion Barrel Racer 2014 Here is what Lisa Lockhart had to say when RFM asked her about Louie her horse, RFD-Tv's The American's arena set-up and her year so far>>> I’m not a huge goal setter. You just go out, put forth your best effort daily, and hope that it’s good enough. I’m looking forward to a successful year whether it be for my husband, my kids, or myself in our endeavors."
We go and do our job. Sometimes it’s for 100's and sometimes it’s for 1000’s of dollars. To me it doesn’t really matter the stakes. My philosophy is, you go and do your best every single time no matter if you are running for a $100 or $100,000."
Photos by Whin Media
The American was a very unique setup with the two arenas side by side. I wasn’t sure what to expect in a big football stadium like that, but I think it worked out well for them. They went from one arena to the next and just rotated arenas and events. There wasn’t so much downtime in between events." It (The American) was a little more difficult for the barrel racers compared to what we are used to. The alley was shorter than what we are accustomed to, but that’s part of it. When adversity comes in you have to react to the situation and make the best of it. It just made it a little bit more challenging. The ground was great. The fact that they raked the ground for us was very much appreciated." Louie is a model of consistency. That is his strongest asset. He has a ton of desire and try. He gives his all every time. I don’t know if he ever has anymore to give because I think he gives 110% every trip. He may not be the fastest horse, but he’s definitely consistent. As long as I do my job, he does his." It hasn’t really been a reality to me yet (winning The American), but I did count the zeros on the check, I’m not going to lie! They handed it to me, and I was like, wow, I’ve never seen anything like that! We haven’t really decided what to do with it yet ($100,000). We may take the kids on a trip or try to do something to remember it by. This by far surpasses any other large winnings I’ve had."
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It hasn’t really been a reality to me yet, but I did count the zeros on the check, I’m not going to lie! LISA LOCKHART
compiled By tori morris
Inside Scoop |
Bronc Riding Nation
Bronc Riding Nation
News! Top Quotes from The World’s Richest One Day Rodeo (RFD-TV’S THE AMERICAN)...
Photo by Nic Ford Ford-Photography.com
"Lewis Field. When I was a kid, I prayed to that guy." ~ Ty Murray, watching Lewis help KayCee out on his bareback horse. “I took one look at that short alley and knew some lucky fan was going to be having a barrel horse with their nachos." ~ Fallon Taylor "I gave every one of them an average. If they wanted more, they had to earn it." ~ Ty Murray, on rein length. "You couldn't GIVE me the million to get on." ~ Billy Etbauer “Father Time is undefeated.” ~ Ty Murray “For that kind of money, your body will get over it.” ~ Rope Myers, on the Gold Buckle Exemption’s decisions to come out of retirement to compete.
“What’s a 21 year old going to do with a Million Dollars?” Richie Champion
Doug Hall, warming up for Calgary Stampede’s Novice Bronc Riding last summer on ‘Rawhide’, an outstanding youngster from Black Eagle Rodeo Company.
Photo by Daybreak Creations /Missy Gordon Photo daybreakcreations.zenfolio.com
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Doug Hall Blackfeet Bronc Rider Doug Hall’s family tree looks like its roots might have been transplanted from ‘Lonesome Dove’. His ancestor, John Hall, trailed cattle from Texas to Blackfeet country in Montana where he fell in love with the beautiful Josephine Beaver Eyes and married into the tribe.
Since then, his descendants have gone on to ranch, raise, ride bucking horses and be inducted into halls of fame in a way that has woven the Hall name into the rich fabric of the gorgeous, wild country. Doug Hall is a decorated student, top college bronc rider, multiple Indian National Finals
Rodeo qualifier and role model working to inspire a generation of alcohol free, champion cowboys from not just the Blackfeet and First Nations but across the whole, borderless landscape of Bronc Riding Nation. In a world hungry for heroes… Doug Hall has already earned a place of honor. Fortune smiles on those who are prepared. Look for his star to continue to rise and this young cowboy to dance among the legends for years to come.
Inside Scoop |
Bronc Riding Nation
"SPRING PLANTING"
'Spring Planting being custom fitted with her new halter just before WNFR 2013.
2002 Blue Roan Mare by ‘Spring Break’ out of ‘Jubilee’ Owners: Flying ‘5’ Rodeo Company & Big Bend Rodeo Company; Don Hutsell, Chad Hutsell and Sonny Riley From the families of star bucking horses and bucking horsemen comes the outstanding, champion mare known the world over as Spring Planting. In 2007, Spring Planting made her debut in the PRCA arena. Seven years later, she earned the vote of top bronc riders to be named PRCA Saddle Bronc of the Year. She’s also won the respect and admiration of bucking horse fans globally. “We call her ‘Princess’,” Chad Hutsell said of Spring Planting. “She’s a pet on the ground, loves attention and is 100% convinced she’s better than everybody else. We never tell her differently.”
We call her ‘Princess’... Chad Hutsell
She’s good in the chutes, honest in the arena with her patented move being a lead change as she comes around the corner on her preferred, circular trip. It’s a swap that’s given her the reputation as a ‘money or mud’ kind of mare. Hang that corner with her and she’ll help you draw a check at the world’s best rodeos …. let her rock you into one stirrup and you’ll be in the mud. There’s no ‘safety zone’ with Spring Planting. She’s always a test and always great watching!
Photo by Lindsey Harter Photo
Spring Planting’s highest marked effort to date was 93.5 (just 1.5 points off of the all-time record high scores in the event) under Cort Scheer at Calgary Stampede 2013. rodeofame.com
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Inside Scoop |
Bronc Riding Nation
Calgary Stampede's hot young talent 'Texas Cherry' remains unridden after 12 high profile outs.
Photo by Greg Westfall Photo westfall.photoreflect.com
"TEXAS CHERRY" 2007 Bay Mare by Grated Coconut out of Flavoured Cherry Owners: Calgary Stampede The fabled Calgary breeding program involves generations of wisdom of its gifted horsemen, 22,000 acres of lush grassland, carefully selected genetics and the best of modern technology from the breeding shed to articulate data bases that detail their individuals and proven nicks. Intelligent alchemy and a liberal dusting of magic produced Calgary Stampede’s hottest young talent, ‘Texas Cherry’. The 7 year old has 12 lifetime outs and has never heard the 8 second buzzer with a rider still aboard.
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Veterans Ty Murray and Billy Etbauer introduced her in reverent tones to a worldwide audience during RFD-TV’s The American as the mare with ‘the reputation’ in Bronc Riding Nation. She left no doubts after rapidly having her way with top hand, Tyler Corrington. Her talent was slow to emerge, according to Calgary’s Keith Marrington. The proven nick between her sire and dam seemed to have failed the mare they called ‘Tart Cherry’. She showed no interest in early exposures under a dummy and showed little more under
the bareback rigging, but when they hung the halter on her at San Antonio, she fired. Figuring the Lone Star State agreed with her, her name was changed to ‘Texas Cherry’ and a star was born. The Calgary philosophy strives to put each of their horses in a position to gain confidence with every out. Watch for this electrifying Canadian mare to take her rightful place among the world’s elite bucking athletes. Written By Lori O' Harver
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Inside Scoop |
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SPRING 2014
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Cover Story |
Wade Sundell
ssing y, progre lls. rl a e d e d start and bu broncs deo worl ro to om e s th e in calv traight fr interest eep and e, Wade went s “I bought e h k s li g in e rid o. uit cen pro rode boy” q ollege s f from got s “cow g eyes full o ing the c mateur ranks to t that winter I e o iz rg r o te F c a u a n r er li l/ b a e o , rk h o A it a im c h . p sc ade ft five-t filled h s obody the high 05 and ell. Wit ood nature, the t,” said W 2007. “I 0 d h d 2 n g il u u w in o S s b it rt pa le g Wade my perm n’t get my card ght his card in is equal irresistib did ou t went to ess and qualifier f and an n g h ie in g h d u c ri then jus Wade b is to hurt and c , d m r, n ff n e o o a ro n s ) b r o a 7 a h h le 0 off. Wad (20 d of a ye add boy ore year WNFR s ixed with the kin American cow works taking lize paid d every m ia c e e n p o s s l e a m de rode bull g.” The choice to and has qualifi tradition and free boy, Wa that the onic cow 009 ridin e 2 ic c c y n in n n a a ro R m b F e ro ik first WN . define. L made his come to lays just as hard e d a . W e dp Iowa, ear sinc hard an oxholm, d of trouble y B f o outskirts eeing what kin ny.” His on the “s tland po Raised st days e o h m S t y n e m sp n says he t myself into o ge ld u o c I
N
Photo by Whin Media
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SPRING 2014
Wade with is mother Laura Grieser, step-dad Bill Grieser, and brother Jesse Sundell after his Round 5 win at the 2013 NFR.
Cover Story |
Wade Sundell
jective mary ob ri p is h ear, but e of aid Wad bucked off all y ot me s ,” le k c g bu get one has want to the gold up. Only have e down “I didn’t e , m n 4 to t o 1 e t 0 g d a 2 l la th il r g w d fo e s e s a n s o w e nly he ym ard to e alread hoping maybe o n what e.” ing forw er. I’v v awesom enting o what he is look m o I’ y m tt is o m s re o R , p c F n e N d w n b n o e W a d h ld 3 , u W . 01 13 and at wo im in 20 lad the 2 I wanted it to be pressive year. Th im ll a re behind h ade said he is g t a a e de the in th ents ar wh W any, Wa nds, asn’t ne hot start mplishm p o w a c m it in 2014, c o to t a c n u ff a f b O ie his t o ear.” lright, Americ hat his fr lthough the bes “It was a forward to this y ady won The s to be w ade Sundell him A ld hold up in m g e e in e g lr iv s a in g , k , s e W o u wo I’m lo resum Rodeo d with. ade ha ! Show & ’t gotten person, not his se are enamore ason, W pologies a 2014 se n Antonio Stock rnings. “I haven ing no a b k d n a o o fa m g d d y n n a ll a a a S a e , l re rms mily and the been a 0 in tota CA fa on his te $122,00 time. It’s won (PR ving life g li 0 n 0 is lo ,0 almost a 0 2 t) in rodeo in t a little over $ this poin in to win a ve go had (at w I’ ’t r. n to e fa v is o a goal at I h th te winter s a ) s im g lt in u y tand World S ,” said Wade. “M rs a e y t pas
Richie Champion, editorin-chief of Rodeo Fame, April Patterson and Wade Sundell pose for a picture after April said "quick do something funny for the camera." Both of the guys simultaneously started pointing at each other.
Photo by Whin Media
rodeofame.com
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Cover Story |
Wade Sundell
Photo by Whin Media
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SPRING 2014
Cover Story |
What People Are Saying About Wade:
Wade Sundell
Wade with his mother Laura Grieser after his Round 5 win at the 2013 NFR.
Wade has the biggest heart of anyone I know, and will help anyone or everyone he meets. He is ambitious, determined, loving, and devilish. He is one of a kind. I am a mother who is very proud to call him her son! – Laura Grieser, Wade’s Mom
“Wade is always happy and has an infectious attitude. There’s never a dull moment around him. I think he was born 100 years too late.” – Bobby Mote, 4X World Champion Bareback Rider
“Wade Sundell is in a league of his own. It doesn’t matter what he’s doing. If there is a bar set, he is going to raise it!”
Wade's niece Maliyah and telling a story nephew Wes to Wade and ton, his girlfriend Shelby.
– Richmond Champion, RFD-TV's The American Champion Bareback Rider 2014
“Wade could have been born 100 years ago. He is a great guy. He never holds anything back. He is exciting to watch.” – Ryan Gray, 8X WNFR Bareback Riding Qualifier
Did You Know??? Wade’s favorite song is Waylon Jenning’s “Don’t You Think this Outlaw Bit Done Got Out of Hand.” Wade was a 3X State Wrestling Qualifier in high school. Wade’s dad, Doug, also rode saddle broncs in the PRCA and at one time competed in all 3 rough stock events.
Doug Sundell (dad), Wade, Cary Veach, and Jesse Sundell (brother) after Wade won the 5th Round at the 2013 NFR. rodeofame.com
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Inside Scoop |
Watch OUt
Watch out
for these guys!
With success at PRCA rodeos and qualifications at The American, both Junior Nogueira, Team Roping, and Blane Cox, Tie-Down Roping, are quickly making names for themselves in the professional ranks. RFM picks these two guys as ones to watch throughout the rest of the 2014 season!
I filled my permit at the very first rodeo I went to. Blane Cox
Blane Cox
Tie-Down Roping Top 50 PRCA ranking at press date How old are you, and how long have you been rodeoing professionally? I am 20 years old. I bought my PRCA permit at 18. I filled my permit at the very first rodeo I went to, and I bought my card the next day. (Each contestant must win a set amount of money on a permit at professional events before they can compete as a professional card holder.)
Junior Nogueira Team Roping Heeler 3rd Place The American
Nogueira, a Presidente Prudente, Brazil, native, was visiting Arizona this January when he was introduced to Jake Barnes through mutual friends. “Roping with Jake is a dream come true. I don’t have words to describe it. God has been very good to me,” said Junior of his opportunity to rope behind the legendary Jake Barnes. Junior’s family has a ranch in Brazil where he trains and shows Quarter Horses when at home. Junior listed the type of cattle roped as being the main difference between Brazil and the USA, “In Brazil, we rope brahmans at jackpots. They have to be necked (roped around the neck instead of around the horns).” Nogueira has already filled his PRCA permit by placing at the National Western Stock Show Qualifier and at The American he ended up 3rd overall against the toughest competition in the nation. With his flashy style and good nature, we will be seeing a lot more of this talented young Brazilian.
Is qualifying for the final round of The American one of your greatest achievements to date? I would put this in my top 3 for sure. It’s up there with big roping’s that I’ve won that meant a lot to me. What was it like to compete for $1,000,000? It’s just another rodeo, and that’s how I want to think of it. It’s a pretty big deal for me. I’m really happy. compiled By tori morris
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SPRING 2014
Roping with Jake is a dream come true. Junior Nogueira
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Inside Scoop |
Tuffy Gessling
Let Freedom Ring Tuffy Gessling
What happened to Freedom of Speech for a clown?
Since Tuffy’s rise to the rodeo spotlight last summer, he has faced harsh criticism, death threats, and overall negative feedback from American society. That’s all because he performed a skit that many professional clowns have performed before, the “Living Dummy” skit. A crowd favorite, the living dummy acts as a scarecrow during bull riding and he wears a funny mask. The skit is nothing new to professional rodeo clowns, and many before Tuffy have entertained using famous politician’s, celebrities, even the president’s mask on their dummy. Even though numbers of rodeo clowns use the same skit, Tuffy was the only one to be singled out. During the Missouri State Fair last year Tuffy used the president as his dummy, and the crowd went wild. Well, most of them. Before the infamous living dummy skit Tuffy was turning away rodeo contractors left and right. “I was booked completely, I didn’t sit around waiting for contractors to call and hire me. I was very busy before,” Tuffy said. Things are certainly different today. Now Tuffy has only eight or nine rodeos booked this year and he struggles to get new gigs. “A lot of contractors won’t hire me because of what happened. It’s awful difficult to get new rodeos,” he continued. Tuffy explained that rodeo committees are leery to hire him because of the negative publicity from last year’s incident.
I gave up those limo rides and hotel rooms because I knew it wasn’t worth it. Tuffy Gessling
Paying the bills is now a daily struggle even with new sponsors such as CSI Saddle Pads. Tuffy is still optimistic about the future, and he speaks of his love for rodeo with a genuine smile on his face and in his heart. He remembers his mentor, former rodeo clown Larry Conley, who introduced him to the living dummy skit. “I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. He was a jack of all trades, and was loved by folks everywhere. He taught me all of my pyrotechnics and the dummy skit that is so well known today,” Judgement rained hard on Tuffy in the aftermath of the Missouri State Fair rodeo. Soon his phone was ringing off the hook with offers to tell his story on national television’s “Inside Edition.” Tuffy turned down the all expense paid trip to New York because he didn’t want to put rodeo in more negative light. “I gave up those limo rides and hotel rooms because I knew it wasn’t worth it,” he said.
Note to readers: If you are interested in booking Tuffy Gessling at your up-coming event call (417) 209-6956
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SPRING 2014
Still, as time marches on Tuffy has hope that business will pick up even though he admits his clown barrel has been “sitting patiently at the house.” And would he do it all over again? “Yes, I’d do it a 1,000 times over again any day,” Tuffy said. WRITTEN BY Lauren Anthony
In case You Missed It! ARLINGTON, TX – It was billed as the largest one-day payout in rodeo history and as promised by The AMERICAN, $2 million dollars were paid out in full including $1.1 million to Richmond Champion, a qualifying bareback rider from The Woodlands Texas who rode his way to the jackpot on Assault. “When you come to an event like THE AMERICAN you have to set goals,” Champion said. “After my second ride it started to hit me that I would have a chance at the million dollars.” It was Randy Bernard, President and CEO of Rural Media Group, whom came up with the idea to highlight amateurs and pros in the same arena.
THE AMERICAN RESULTS THE AMERICAN $1 Million Dollar Cowboy · Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, TX, Total winnings: $1.1 million THE AMERICAN All-Around Champion Trevor Brazile, Decatur, TX Bareback – THE AMERICAN Champion Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, TX $100,000 Steer Wrestling – THE AMERICAN Champion Hunter Cure, Holiday, TX, 3.75 – $100,000 Team Roping – THE AMERICAN Champion Kaleb Driggers (HD), Albany, GA / Patrick Smith (HL), Midland, TX– $100,000 per man Saddle Bronc – THE AMERICAN Champion Wade Sundell, Boxholm, IA – $100,000 Tie-Down Roping – THE AMERICAN Event Champion Tyson Durfey, Weatherford TX– $100,000 Barrel Racing – THE AMERICAN Champion Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, SD – $100,000 Bull Riding – THE AMERICAN Champion J.B. Mauney, Moorseville, NC – $100,000
“THE AMERICAN was created to provide an opportunity for qualifiers to compete against the best in the world. It truly was a historic day for western sport athletes. I would like to thank the sponsors, contestants and fans for supporting and making this vision a reality.” Event champions received a $100,000 paycheck along with a prize package totaling more than $27,000.
WRITTEN BY brenda Matamoros
Along with a ton of cash, the winners took home some sweet prizes too. Like the Polaris you see them taking their victory lap in. Now that's a great way to start a year.
Photos by Whin Media
Late Nights
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driving to Rodeo Austin and I was thinking about team roping. Obviously, I was thinking about partnerships again. How one year a team can do really good and then stay strong for the next few years. Then, there is the team that has done good and decides to try and do better with other partners. And there is always a team that has roped good together in the past, but now they are struggling, and they try to stick it out. It truly is a spectacle when you get to see behind the scenes of the elite teams of the professional rodeo world. The team I pondered the most was the
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At that point in my thought this song came on the radio. The name of the song is, "Say Something." As I listened to the words it made me laugh but not in a facetious manner. I contemplated the struggle of those teams that have gone from winning to losing. Here are the lyrics with a few changes I made when I heard the song. Lol. Enjoy. But don't cry.
g up on yo u ing, I'm g iv in h et m so in p S e to if yo u wa nt m I'l l be the on e, for yo u ed el he o uld've w I re he w y n A g up on yo u ing, I'm g iv in h et m so l ee H a ll rope is so sm And I feel my d a he rs e stee It was over th at a ll g in h ot it m ea nt n
Every belt handcrafted, one at a time, to your specifications.
William & DeAnn Briggs (406) 925-9876 lonetreeleather@reagan.com
one who had a great year last year, but this year they are struggling. Same cowboys, same horses and the same rodeos but no winning.
e a nd fa ll And I w ill rid ing to heel I'm still lea rn g to cra w l. Just sta rtin
g up on yo u ing, I'm g iv in steer Sp in som eth n't get to The d ul o c I at th I'm sorry w ith yo u o uld've roped Any where I w g up on yo u. ing, I'm g iv in Heel som eth de wa nt to say a llow my pri pe w ith b ut I And I w ill sw ro to nt a w I e that Yo u're the on goodbye g up on yo u ing, I'm g iv in for Yo u Sp in som eth I ca nt catch at th h-oh-oh-oh) y rr so ed for yo u (O And I'm el he e 'v d ul o re I w And a ny whe up on yo u g, I'm g iv ing in h et Say som
A header and a heeler singing to each other...Just wanting the other to say something. Or spin something, or heel something. It's really no one's fault; just how things work. 24
SPRING 2014
“Instead of sitting in my room wondering what to do, with Smarty I was able to get the feel of roping a different way.” JADE CORKILL
On Dec. 6 – day two of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – Clay Tryan got a text. It was from Jade Corkill, standing in his hotel room unable to hold his rope. Corkill was offering to step down, to give 16th-place heeler Jake Long the next nine rounds with Tryan, or let Tryan grab some tie-down roper already entered – whatever the rule said. “I felt like I’d ruined everything we’d gone through all year,” says Corkill, who the night before had sliced three of his left fingers to the bone in his dally and could no longer grip his reins and coils. “I just felt bad for him and his family. We were in Las Vegas where we make our money, and all of a sudden he’s roping with a handicapped heeler.” Corkill faced not only the excruciating pain, but also the sick realization that the game plan he’d spent months preparing was now out the window. His coils were spilling out of his hand like a slinky every time he tried to toss a loop. Cool-as-a-cucumber Tryan simply texted back, “You know what you’re doing. You, I’m not worried about.” Tryan knew Corkill would do whatever it took to get himself and his partner a pair of second gold buckles – and it took Smarty. Sporting numb fingers, heavy tape and a glove on his left hand for the first time, Corkill still couldn’t get his left
hand to close again once it opened. He realized he would have to hold his reins with just two fingers, and somehow throw without letting any rope slide out of his left hand. Talk about awkward. And then there was getting to the horn. “I had no confidence whatsoever,” says Corkill. “I felt like my odds of getting a dally or not getting one were exactly the same either way.” He was right. He missed his dally completely the second night, but luckily he’d switched horses and Switchblade stayed hooked while he tried again and pinched it off for sixth-place money. “The next morning, I was in the Justin SportsMedicine room and Allen Bach was in there having them work on his shoulder,” says Corkill. “We were talking about it and he offered to bring a Smarty to Horseman’s Park and pull it for me. That meant a lot to me, that he would do that to help me.” Doctors had warned Corkill not to practice or basically even go outside for the risk of infection or further damage to the fingers. But Corkill knew that Bach could simply stop the Smarty at any time. Plus, the machine has springs in two different places for forgiveness. “When I got hurt, that steer was getting away from me and my horse was ahead of the jerk, so I had tried to get ahead
The best in the world use Smarty.
of it, too,” he says. “With Smarty, part of what I wanted to do was reinforce not cutting any corners. And I needed to get comfortable with my reality instead of making believe I wasn’t hurting and would have time to dally like always.” Corkill asked Bach to bring Smarty to a different arena two more times later that week for life-changing practice sessions. “I just went slow the first few times to get a feel for how to rope that way,” he says. “Then, a few times, I’d stand still and he’d go around and make a circle and come by me going full speed and as soon as I’d get going, he’d turn. We made fast runs like I would make that night at the rodeo.” Smarty’s value in working on safe dallying is priceless. After all, Corkill points out, he’s dallied as much as anyone in the world – but still got hurt doing it. After three sessions, Corkill had his mojo back at the horn by the seventh round. And of all the gold buckles he may win, this is one he will never forget. “Instead of sitting in my room wondering what to do, with Smarty I was able to get the feel of roping a different way; of trying a few things in a controlled setting to see what might work,” he says. “It gave me peace of mind and I thought, ‘Hey, I can do this.”
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Inside Scoop |
Rodeo Famous Rigs
presents...
RFM likes to check out what the rodeo famous are cruising around in and for this issue we chatted with Trevor and Shada Brazile about their Rodeo Famous Rig. Check back in every issue to see who's rig we will visit next.
What kind of trucks do you drive? Trevor: A Chevrolet Denali pulls the living quarter trailer. The bus is a Freightliner. Favorite features about trucks? Trevor: The bus has got way more engine than I would ever need. As a guy, I like having that extra horsepower. Chevrolets just ride better. When you go as many miles as we do, it makes a difference What kind of trailers do you pull? Trevor: Twisters Tell us about the trailer that you pull behind the bus that allows you to take a jeep with you on the road. Trevor: The car hauler (trailer) is kind of a custom deal. I never liked just having a bus. You didn’t have any way to get around when you got there and this alleviated that problem.
26
SPRING 2014
Inside Scoop |
Rodeo Famous Rigs
The bus has got way more engine than I would ever need. As a guy, I like having that extra horsepower. Trevor Brazile rodeofame.com
27
Inside Scoop |
Rodeo Famous Rigs
Shada: The jeep is definitely my favorite feature. My kids are getting bigger now, and we like to go do things when we get to a town. We kind of go explore the town, whether it be go find some tennis courts and play tennis, play basketball, or take the kids to the park. We take Treston fishing. This rig has allowed us to explore the towns we get to travel to a little bit more. Favorite feature about your living quarters trailer? Trevor: It’s a side load, so I have a bigger tack room. Shada: I don’t spend a whole lot of time inside of the living quarter trailer. We have a side load, so it allows us to have the whole back as a tack. That’s probably my favorite feature.
The jeep is definitely my favorite feature.
Shada Brazile
28
SPRING 2014
Inside Scoop |
Rodeo Famous Rigs
Who does the most driving? Shada: We have 2 drivers. We learned through trial and error everything worked better for my horse to be in a separate rig because he’s a little more high maintenance. Over the 4th when it’s real hard, we kind of all pitch in. When it’s just kind of going down the road, I’m entertaining 2 kids, reading stories, and watching movies with them. It’s definitely a lot different than when we first started. Who’s the better driver? Shada: Trevor. I’m a slow driver. It takes us forever to get there when I’m driving. I don’t pass. Trevor: No question…me. It’s not even an argument. On long trips, what do you guys do to pass the time? Shada: We read stories, watch movies, any game we can think of to play with the kids like Go Fish or Memory Match. Any little games that they have. We tried to play Operation a few times, but that doesn’t work very well on the road. I get into teacher mode, and I will make him (Treston) do flash cards, work on his math. Trevor: Sleep. I’m bad to sleep going down the road, it passes time. If I’m not driving they (the kids) are usually in the back watching a movie with me. What is the first rig you remember having? Trevor: A ½ ton, two-tone, brown Ford with a really old side by side two horse. I remember it over heating a lot on the side of the road and getting passed by everyone else going to the junior rodeo. I remember thinking one day I’m going to win enough to have a good rig. Shada: I took Roy’s (Cooper) camper to high school rodeos. Camper and a bumper pull. If you could drive a sports car, what kind would you drive? Shada: I don’t think I would drive one. I have no desire to drive a sports car. My sports car would be an Escalade. I like being bigger than everyone else on the road. What’s your idea of a great rig? Trevor: My favorite rig…I just got a GMC Yukon, and I would just go with that and a one horse. That is my favorite way to go. Just get a motel. compiled By tori morris
rodeofame.com
29
Recipe |
Late night snacks
LateNightSnacks
Are you a late night snacker? You are not alone because these Rodeo Famous guys get a little hungry themselves!
What are some of your favorite late night snacks?
It gets pretty random. Candy maybe. I like to change it up, chocolate bar or something, and a lot of coffee, for sure. Cody Teel, World Champion Bull Rider
Beef jerky and red bull! Sage Kimzey, Professional Bull Rider
AÂ bowl of Lucky Charms cereal. J.B. Mauney, Reining World Champion Bull Rider and RFD-TV's The American 2014 Champion Bull Rider
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SPRING 2014
Compiled By Brooke Luiz
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LONG LIVE rope in your teeth and dust in your lungs. LONG LIVE those ten days in December. LONG LIVE silent partners standing 15.2 hands tall. LONG LIVE living up to your back number. LONG LIVE COWBOYS.®
NFR
GAS LAS VE
47MWZ TREVOR BRAZILE
11 Time All-Around World Champion Cowboy
LONG LIVE COWBOYS.® wrangler.com
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