27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 1
2016 rodeo schedule THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016
Heart of America Carnival...................................................................................6:00 P.M. – MIDNIGHT
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016
National Anthem by .............................................................................................................. Klarissa Muñiz LOS FRESNOS PRCA SLACK PERFORMANCE................................................................................... 9:00 A.M. Judging of Jr. Beef Cattle................................................................................................................. 9:00 A.M. Judging of Home Show Arts & Crafts............................................................................................. 9:00 A.M. Judging of Lambs.......................................................................................................................... 10:30 A.M. Peewee Lamb Showmanship Immediately Following (Ages 3 – 7) Home Show Exhibit Area Open To Public...................................................................................... 12:00 P.M. Judging Of Goats.............................................................................................................................. 1:30 P.M. Peewee Goat Showmanship Immediately Following (Ages 3 – 7) Heart of America Carnival Opens............................................................................................ 4:00 P.M. Live Bands Under The Tejas Corral Tent......................................................................................... 4:00 P.M. Trail’s End Arts & Crafts Show Opens Mechanical Bull, Trampolines & Water Balls Opens Judging of Market Steers................................................................................................................. 5:00 P.M. Gator Country Show........................................................................................................................ 6:00 P.M. LOS FRESNOS PRCA RODEO..................................................................................................... 8:00 P.M. Rodeo Girls Trick Riding & Professional Bullfighters Competition Calf Scramble (Grades 9 – 12) & Mutton Bustin (Ages 4 – 7) Fireworks FREE CONCERT IMMEDIATELY AFTER RODEO BY SIDEWINDER Gator Country Show...................................................................................................................... 10:30 P.M. Trail’s End Arts & Crafts Show Closes .......................................................................................... 12:00 A.M. Heart of America Carnival Closes................................................................................................. 12:00 A.M.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016
National Anthem by .............................................................................................................. Kathleen Clark Judging of Market Hogs.................................................................................................................. 8:30 A.M. Peewee Hog Showmanship Immediately Following (Ages 3 – 7) Judging of Home Show Baked Goods............................................................................................. 9:30 A.M. LOS FRESNOS PRCA RODEO PARADE............................................................................................ 11:00 A.M. Live Bands Under The Tejas Corral Tent...................................................................................... 11:00 A.M. Trail’s End Arts & Crafts Show Opens .......................................................................................... 12:00 P.M. Mechanical Bull, Trampolines & Water Balls Opens Heart of America Carnival Opens.......................................................................................... 12:00 P.M. Live Auction and Sale of Home Show Baked Goods....................................................................... 3:00 P.M. Gator Country Show........................................................................................................................ 4:00 P.M. LOS FRESNOS PRCA RODEO..................................................................................................... 6:00 P.M. Rodeo Girl Trick Riding & Professional Bullfighters Competition Calf Scramble (Grades 6 – 8) & Mutton Bustin (Ages 4 – 7) Fireworks CONCERT IMMEDIATELY AFTER RODEO BY AARON WATSON Gator Country Show........................................................................................................................ 9:00 P.M. Trail’s End Arts & Crafts Show Closes .......................................................................................... 12:00 A.M. Heart of America Carnival Closes................................................................................................. 12:00 A.M.
Table of Contents Sponsors...................................................... 3 Announcer Andy Stewart........................... 5 Johnny “Backflip” Dudley.......................... 6 City Council Welcome................................. 8 Arena Layout ............................................. 9 Stace Smith Pro Rodeo............................. 12 Los Fresnos Rodeo Committee............... 13 From the Chairman................................... 14 Professional Bullfighters Team............... 16 2016 Rodeo Queen.................................... 23 Honoring Our First Responders.........24-25 The History of Rodeo................................ 27 Cameron County Fair & Livestock Show....... 28 Madison McDonald................................... 29 White Tiger Discovery ............................ 30 Aaron Watson............................................ 31 Madelyn Victoria ..................................... 32 Gator Country............................................ 33 Sidewinder ................................................ 34 2015 Pro Rodeo Cowboys World Standings......36-37 About the PBF........................................... 42 Cowgirl Competition Winners.................. 46
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2016
National Anthem by ................................................................................................ Jordan Taylor Sandoval Judging of Rabbits........................................................................................................................... 8:00 A.M. Livestock Judging Contest............................................................................................................ 10:30 A.M. Bluegrass Jam Under The TEJAS Corral Ten................................................................................. 11:00 A.M. Trail’s End Arts & Crafts Show Opens Mechanical Bull, Trampolines & Water Balls Opens Heart of America Carnival Opens.......................................................................................... 12:00 P.M. Trail’s End Arts & Crafts Show Opens .......................................................................................... 12:00 P.M. Scholarship Award Presentation..................................................................................................... 1:30 P.M. Livestock Judging Contest Awards Gator Country Show........................................................................................................................ 1:30 P.M. LOS FRESNOS PRCA RODEO..................................................................................................... 3:00 P.M. Rodeo Girls Trick Riding & Professional Bullfighters Competition Calf Scramble (Grades 3 – 5) & Mutton Bustin (Ages 4 – 7) Removal of all Animals & Home Show Exhibits.............................................................................. 3:00 P.M. Cameron County Livestock Show Closes........................................................................................ 3:00 P.M. Gator Country Show........................................................................................................................ 5:30 P.M. Trail’s End Arts & Crafts Show Closes .......................................................................................... 7:00 P.M. Heart of America Carnival Closes.................................................................................................. 11:00 P.M.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR
FEBRUARY 17, 18 & 19, 2017
a production of
LFN, LLC DBA Los Fresnos News www.losfresnosnews.net
*Orthodontics done by General Dentist
27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 3
thanks to our sponsors Platinum Sponsor
Bull Bleacher Sponsor
General Sponsor
City of Los Fresnos Community Development Corp.
Gillman Auto Group Magic Valley Elec. Corp.
Mobile Screen Sponsor
Cow Bleacher Sponsor
American Electric Power Holt Power Systems KTEX Fox Sports AM 1700 RGV Sunbelt Freedom Newspapers Los Fresnos CISD H&E Equipment Anderson Columbia Republic Services Briggs Equipment Tejas Rental Sherwin-Williams Alamo Fireworks Matt’s Cash & Carry Wild 104.1 FM KRGV News Channel 5
Tipton Motors
Gold Sponsor Glazer's Dist./Miller L&F Dist./Budweiser Naismith Engineering Boot Jack Luke Fruia Greg's Four Star Drive-In
Silver Sponsor Los Fresnos Inn & Suites First Community Bank Cavenders Western Wear Republic Services Schlitterbahn Beach Resort LFN LLC (LF News)
Bronze Sponsor Dirty Al’s Seafood Restaurant
Shallow Sport
Outside Corral Area Sponsor Tejas Rental
Grand Entry Sponsor Dairy Queen
Out Gate Sponsor Texas Gas Service
Chute Sign Sponsor Fatty Chem By-Products Elliff Motors Neuhaus&Company Action Aire Texas Regional Bank HEB
Clown Sponsor
Concert Sponsor
Smith-Reagan Insurance Agency
Church’s Fried Chicken City of Los Fresnos HEB
Event Sponsor
Bullfighting Sponsor Glazer’s Dist./Coors Light L & F Distributors/Bud Light
Bullriding Sponsor Vulcan Materials Company
Tejas Rental State Farm David Armendariz DnT Construction Cricket McDonald’s Restaurant IDEA Public Schools
Ticket Sponsor Boot Jack
Mutton Bustin Sponsor Intercity Ambulance Emergency Medical
Calf Scramble Sponsor Brownsville Toyota
Roping Box Sponsor McCoy’s Building Materials
Calf Bleacher Sponsor R. M. Walsdorf, Inc. Subway Sandwich Shop Hughston Insurance Agency Gomez, Mendez, Saenz, Inc. Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP Vulcan Materials Co. Cardenas Motors R. M. Walsdorf, Inc.
Membership Sponsor J&L Refrigeration McCoy’s Building Materials
Box Seat Sponsors H. B. Girault Shuckman Farms Vulcan Materials Co. Chaffin Mark & Shannon Milum Jim & Kathleen Moses Gloor Lumber Zarsky Lumber Rachel Basalvuos Debbie Abrego Jesse & Julie Breedlove Boot Jack Meyn Sandblasting Texas Regional Bank KTEX JP Reed Farms Gillman Auto Group Cavenders Western Wear Ron Bowen I. E. S./Dr. Gallegos Harlingen Medical Center G3 Ranch Cardenas Motors Orlando Rocha
Larry Cantu Cardoza Fresno Systems Services Tapia’s Cafe Lazy L Ranch Back To Action Shrimp Outlet Raul Atkinson Carpentry DMG Eloy Atkinson I. E. S./Dr. Gallegos Jose S. Cisneros M.D., P.A. Bill Hudson Sherwin-Williams Brown & Brown Realty & Greer & Associates Management Fox Sports AM 1700 RGV Gulf Coast Paper Co. Alamo Fireworks Zarsky Lumber Cricket Jesse & Julie Breedlove WILD 104.1 FM Jose G. Leal & Family Briggs Equipment Steve Atkinson Matts Cash & Carry Harris Family KTEX Gonzalez Family AEP Texas Spawglass Brownsville Toyota Gilbert Guajardo Holt Power Systems Magic Valley Electric Cooperative San Benito News Coastal Insurance/Debroah Vann South Padre Parade Isla Restorations AEP Texas LFN llc L&F Distributors/Budweiser Jerry & Claudia Martinez KRGV News Channel 5 Ibarra Construcion La Feria News Gulf Coast Paper Co. KTEX Bode’s Bay Fishing Gulf Coast Paper The Real Estate Source Port Isabel Press Luis Aldaco Los Fresnos News C & E Construction Glazier’s Distributors/Miller Light Mike Trejo/Ace Towing & H & E Equipment Recovery Los Fresnos Ambulance Service Spellane Business Services Stitch Gallery Gray Family Justin Boots Sun Valley Dusting Bert Ogden Ram - Harlingen Juan Garcia Farms KISS FM All The Time San Jose Ranch Southwind Arilines Inc Hunt Pan Am Lot Atkinson Lisa Putnam ALJ Enterprises The Green Law Firm P.C. Vulcan Material Company Cardoza McCormick Family Garza/Milum Ruby Milum Realty Pam & Kenneth Denny Dr. Missy’s Vet Mobile Cepeda Family Pederson Construction
Arena Sign Sponsors
4 j 27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert
bULLRIDING
Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. i
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Welcome PRCA Rodeo
27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 5
roDEO aNNOUNCER
Andy Stewart
It is one thing to do what your momma tells you. It’s quite another when she dares you. Enter Andy Stewar t, a professional rodeo announcer for nearly two decades. He began calling rodeos, imitating announcers of the day long before he purchased his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association card in 1995. “When we were home watching videos of our team roping or rodeo videos, I would imitate the announcers,” said Stewar t, of Collinston, La. “When my brother and I would rope the dummy, I’d announce it. “On a dare from my mother, I star ted doing some small play days and horse events. I didn’t k now what I was doing, but apparently I had the gift of gab.” It’s a gift he shares with others 43 weeks a year all across this land, calling rodeos and bull-riding events. Stewart’s been nominated for Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Announcer of the Year each of the last three seasons. He’s one of the most sought-after play-callers in the game. “I’m probably as big a rodeo fan as there is in the world,” Stewar t said. “I enjoy the camaraderie of the cowboys, the lifestyle. Rodeo is a tr ue a spor t there is. There are not big contracts. These guys are doing what they do because they love it, and they’re not guaranteed a dime to do it.” He spent much of his year either traveling or living away from home, but he’s chasing his dreams. There’s a blessing, he said, in being able to make a good living doing something
one loves. “I do this because of the people and the lifestyle,” he said. “You’re not going to f ind a better bunch of people. I have so many friends and extended family all over the countr y because of rodeo. “The people are what make rodeo so special. Rodeo offers me the oppor tunity to go to a lot of places I don’t nor mally go and see a lot of things I don’t nor mally see.” “Having a good production at a rodeo is probably the most impor tant factor, and it’s nice to k now that when you work with a company that’s professional, their main goal is to produce a high quality rodeo,” Stewar t said. “It makes my job easier, and it’s a lot of fun to be involved with that.” His announcing talent and achievements also include: • 24 years experience • 7 time Top 5 finalist for PRCA Announcer of the Year • 2 time Southeastern Circuit Finals Announcer • 2006 Ram National Circuit Announcer • 10 time CBR World Championships Announcer • North American Team Roping National Finals • National Pro Bull Riders Association Finals • Athens MCA Rodeo • Voice of the Cheyenne Fronteir Days • Voice of the Inagural RFD TV American presented by Polaris at AT&T stadium!
6 j 27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert
Johnny “Backflip”
Dudley BaRRELMAN/sPECIALTY ACT
Professional rodeo clown and barrel man “Backflip” Johnny Dudley of Denton, TX is one of the top talents in pro rodeo. He is known for amazing feature acts, along with his quick wit and off-the-cuff banter that keeps crowds laughing until their sides hurt. He has performed at rodeos from Florida to Alaska and just about everywhere in between. He has been chosen twice for the Turquoise Circuit Finals rodeo and 2016 will be his third appearance at the PRCA’s All American Finals. But, before becoming a rodeo clown, Johnny served 8 years in the United States Marine Corps and then went on to college where he graduated with a degree in International Business. Johnny is one of the most likeable people you will ever meet and greets everyone with a big Texas smile. i
Coors Light Full page
8 j 27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert
City Council Welcome The City of Los Fresnos City Council would like to welcome Rodeo Fans to the
27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo Congratulations to the Rodeo Committee, past and present, for 27 years of hard work providing the best entertainment for the Rio Grande Valley and scholarships to area youth. The Rodeo Committee has worked hard this past year adding additional events and activities so Rodeo Fans will have a great weekend to watch the best cowboys and cowgirls perform and be able to see some great musical talent in our local group Sidewinder as well as Aaron Watson. Stace Smith Pro Rodeo, PRCA Stock Contractor returns bringing the best stock in the business helping attract the best Cowboys & Cowgirls in the PRCA. It is good to have the best with the best. The Cameron County Fair & Livestock Show is celebrating their 36th anniversary. Be sure to congratulate them for a tremendous job of serving the youth for all these years. You will see some of the best livestock shown by students from the Rio Grande Valley. We hope you enjoy the additions to the Tejas Rental area with entertainment before and after the rodeo. Last but not least is the carnival and of course good food and entertainment. During your visit to our great City, please visit the businesses in Los Fresnos. Again, welcome to the City of Los Fresnos and hope to see all of you again next year on the weekend of February 17, 18 and 19, 2017.
Now sit back and enjoy the Rodeo!
Polo Narvaez, Mayor
Yolanda H. Cruz, Council Member Place 1
Swain Real, Council Member Place 2
Javier Mendez, Council Member Place 3, Mayor Pro-Tem
Bibi Garza, Council Member Place 4
Gary Minton, Council Member Place 5
27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 9
ARENA layout & Pricing
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10 j 27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert
MUtton Bustin Mutton bustin is an event held at rodeos similar to bull riding or bronc riding, in which children ride or race sheep. In the event, a sheep is held still, either in a small chute or by an adult handler while a child is placed on top in a riding position. Once the child is seated atop the sheep, the sheep is released and usually starts to run in an attempt to get the child off. Often small prizes or ribbons are given out to the children who can stay on the longest. There are no set rules for mutton busting, no national organization, and most events are organized at the local level. The vast majority of children participating in the event fall off in less than 8 seconds. Age, height and weight restrictions on participants generally prevent injuries to the sheep, and implements such as spurs are banned from use. The practice has been documented as having been introduced to the National Western Stock Show at least by the 1980s when an event was sponsored by Nancy Stockdale Cervi, a former rodeo queen. At that event, children ages five to seven who weighed less than 55 pounds could apply, and ultimately seven contestants were selected to each ride a sheep for six seconds. There are no statistics about the popularity of the sport, but anecdotal reports suggest thousands of children participate in such events every year in the U.S. Supporters consider the event both entertaining and a way to introduce young children to the adult rodeo “rough stock� riding events of bullriding, saddle bronc and bareback riding. i
Cowboy songs & frontier poetry
956-330-6838 drwpops@gmail.com
12 j 27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert
STACE SMITH 2004-2014
STock Contractor of the YEar & RodeO Producer
The Greatest Show on Dirt!
Smith Pro Rodeos is compr ised of t wo PRCA cards; Stace Smith Pro Rodeos and Smith Har per & Morgan. Both of these cards are cont rolled by St ace Smith who has been pro duci ng rodeos for over 20 years. Over the past ni ne years, St ace Smith has produced more PRCA rodeos than any other PRCA stock cont ractor. I n 2014, Smith Pro Rodeos produced 22 PRCA Rodeos consisti ng of over 70 per for mances. I n addition to PRCA rodeos, Smith Pro Rodeos produces PBR and Bronc Match events th roughout the year. It is i n large par t to his exper ience that St ace Smith has been named PRCA Stock Cont ractor of the Year i n 20 04, 20 05, 20 06, 20 07, 2008, 20 09, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. T his consecutive eleven year accomplish ment has never been achieved i n PRCA histor y. I n 2014, Smith Pro Rodeos had seven PRCA rodeos nomi nated i n the fou r “Rodeo of the Year” categor ies. It also marked the eleventh consecutive year that a Smith Pro Ro deos production was awarded Stock Cont ractor of the year. Smith Pro Rodeos produces rodeos across ni ne different st ates f rom Mississippi th rough Texas, Colorado, Nor th Da kot a, Ut ah and Wyomi ng. Smith Pro Rodeos has developed a fast paced high- energ y rodeo theolog y that is pro duci ng sold out per for mances across the southeast United St ates. Many pat rons at tend multiple per for mances and word of mouth has been ou r best for m of adver tisi ng. Most indoor shows are k icked off with an N FR qualit y laser and py rotech nic show followed by a captivating cowboy opening. A seamless production follows complete with high qualit y sou nd and sou nd effects. Professional lighti ng highlights the action at hand. Each per for mance is caref ully plan ned i n advance, f rom buildi ng equal, exciti ng pens of livestock, to plan ni ng the order they will be presented accordi ng to the stock and r ider’s at t r ibutes. All ti med event livestock come di rectly f rom the Smith ranch, so there are no mismatched pens or deliver y issues. Because of these effor ts, t u r nouts are at a mi ni mu m, so each rodeo is a balanced represent ation of the spor t. Smith Pro Rodeos has an excellent breedi ng prog ram, so there are several head of older N FR mares we do not haul and a nu mber of colts that we do not haul or lease out yet. We ow n approxi mately 60 head of bulls that we cu r rently t a ke to PRCA and PBR events. For the last th ree years, Smith Pro Rodeos has ran ked among the Top 3 stock cont ractors i n providi ng the most ani mals to the W N FR (20 09-25, 2010 -25, 2011-16). Additionally, Smith Pro Rodeos was awarded the 20 05 PRCA Bareback Horse of the year and the 3rd place 20 05 PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year. A scr ipted per for mance followi ng a desig nated load list provides the rodeo cont ract person nel a chance to be prepared for the build-up for the feat u re r ide, which i n t u r n, i ncreases the spect ator’s enjoy ment of the rodeo per for mance. T hat feeli ng of suspense and anticipation is key i n any spect ator spor t. T h r illi ng the audience, while allowi ng the stock, the contest ants, and the rodeo person nel and volu nteers to operate withi n a desig nated scope, provides a seamless operation that br i ngs spect ators back per formance af ter per for mance. T his approach works f rom the smallest rodeo to the largest rodeo, as evidenced by Smith Pro Rodeos conti nually havi ng rodeos nomi nated to the top PRCA Rodeo honors i n all divisions year af ter year. i
27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 13
Carlos Salazar 1990-2016 27 yrs.
1990-2016 27 yrs.
1994-2016 23 yrs.
1997-2016 20 yrs.
1997-2016 20 yrs.
1997-2016 20 yrs.
2001 - 2016 16 yrs.
2001-2016 16 yrs.
2004-2016 13 yrs.
2005-2016 12 yrs.
2005-2016 12 yrs.
2006, 08-2016 10 yrs.
2008-2016 9 yrs.
1990-96/2008-11/2014-16 14yrs
1990-2016 27 yrs.
1993-2016 24 yrs.
1990-2016 27 yrs.
1994-2016 23 yrs.
Tyson Zufelt 2009 - 2016 8 yrs.
2012 - 2016 5 yrs.
2012 - 2016 5 yrs.
2013 - 2016 4 yrs.
2014 - 2016 3 yrs.
2014 - 2016 3 yrs.
2015 - 2016 2 yrs.
Associate Directors: Aida Todd, Debora Goss, Luis Gonzalez, Rhonda Cantu, Amy Gonzales, Diana Salazar, Macray McCormick, Rosalinda R. Lopez, Blanca Harris, Janice Jirmasek, Mary Zurita, Ruby Milum, Brian Schwark, Jesse Rodriguez Jr., Melanie McCormick, Shannon Cherrington, Burney Baskett, John Costilla, Mike Spellane, Shannon Milum, Cedric Lord, Neil Anderson, Sherri Garcia, Christina Milum, Kathleen Moses, Patty Gomez, , Sherry Macomb, Connie Juarez, Linda Chaffin, Peggy Reed, Stephanie Crow, Melissa Meyn, Austin Milum, Erik Kersey, Gene Daniels, Nathan Lil, Jesse Breedlove and Jesse Rodriguez Sr.
Gene Daniels Charles Curtis Jerry Bruce Ramon Ramirez Richard Meyn Jim Solis Todd Cash Brian Hunsaker Bob Middleton
1990 - 2011 1991 - 2010 1990 - 2002 1992 - 2002 1992 - 2001 2004 - 2011 2001 - 2007 1997 - 2001 1999 - 2002
22 yrs. 20 yrs. 13 yrs. 11 yrs. 10 yrs. 8 yrs. 7 yrs. 5 yrs. 4 yrs.
Gilbert Guajardo Jr. Burney Baskett Don Blake Joe Serrata Mercedes Cantu Russell Kemp Tom Andrews Dale Rice
1995 - 1998 2013 - 2014 1990 - 1991 2004 - 2005 1990 - 1991 2004 - 2005 2002 - 2003 1990
4 yrs. 2 yrs. 2 yrs. 2 yrs. 2 yrs. 2 yrs. 2 yrs. 1 yrs.
14 j 27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert
From the Chairman Dear Rodeo Fans:
Welcome to the 27th Annual LOS FRESNOS PRCA RODEO “Biggest Little Rodeo in Texas” On behalf of the Rodeo Committee, I would like to thank all of our sponsors who with your generous support we will be able to put on this great event. Thank you! We were blessed with great weather last year thus we had an outstanding rodeo all three days and record breaking attendance. The Rodeo Friday and Saturday was followed by a great Concert provided by Sidewinder, and Josh Abbott Band. You will notice that the concert stage is next to the bucking chutes. This allows the concert to start right after the rodeo performances. This year we will have the Sidewinder band performing again on Friday right after the performance. Then on Saturday after the rodeo performance we will have Madelyn Victoria lead in for Aaron Watson. Along with the addition of the Activity Area which featured Gator Shows, Petting Zoo, live bands, mechanical bull, trackless train, new trucks on display, Livestock Show, Arts and Crafts and a Carnival, all added up to a fun filled weekend. We will be bringing Stace Smith Pro Rodeo Stock Contractor back again which has won the Stock Contractor of Year at the WNFR 11 times. Stace Smith brings the best stock in Pro Rodeo to Los Fresnos which attracts the best cowboys in the PRCA to our rodeo. Our announcer will be the outstanding voice of rodeo, Andy Stewart. The Professional Bullfighters Association brought to you by Jim McClain and Allen Nelson, who the Rodeo Committee considers part of the Los Fresnos Rodeo Committee family, will bring some of their top bullfighting teams to compete as they protect the bull riders during the rodeo. This year we will have two teams of bullfighters each competing against each other to earn the most points. We will have team Bud Light and team Coors Light to protect the riders during the rodeo. The Calf Scramble featuring the youth from the Cameron County Fair & Livestock Show and the Mutton Bustin event will be held in all 3 performances. It takes a lot of hard work to bring this event to the Rio Grande Valley. The rodeo committee and I take our hats off to all the volunteers that help us and to the sponsors that support us. We look forward to your continued support. Please feel free to ask me or any of the committee members (light blue shirts) for assistance and pass on any suggestions you might have to make this event better. Thanks again and we look forward to bringing you the Biggest and the Best Little Rodeo in South Texas. We hope to see you at the rodeo next year February 17, 18, and 19 of 2017. i
IT’S RODEO TIME!
16 j 27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert
THE WILD SIDE OF RODEO WELCOME PBF PROTECTION
BULLFIGHTING by Allen Nelson
When rodeo fans think of rodeo, the one thing that comes to their minds most often is the most popular event…..bull riding! No cowboy seems braver than the one that takes on 1800 pounds of hide, hoof, and horn; the bull rider! So, if the rider is the bravest man at the rodeo, how do we describe the men who take on the challenge of saving the rider from the bull; the bullfighter?!? That’s right, the men who are the bravest cowboys best life insurance policy, the bullfighters, have to be out of their mind! With ice water running through their veins they will put their own lives on the line to save the rider time and time again. Sometimes they make it look easy! Sometimes they pay the price! Are they crazy? Or, maybe, they are cunning athletes full of bull sense with lightning quick cat like reflexes! Either way, the action is the wildest in the sport of rodeo! Unique to the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo is the addition of the Professional Bull Fighters (PBF) Protection Bullfight. The PBF competition attempts to make sense out of chaos by pitting one team of two bullfighters against other teams for bragging rights in a game of “quien es mas macho”; which team is the wildest, the craziest, the smartest, the luckiest and the best at protecting the fallen riders! The competition makes the action hotter as each ride, and each wreck, has the potential to launch one team into the winners circle, just as a misstep could send the leader into the cellar! Call it what you will, the action is double when a cowboy’s in trouble! Every cowboy that gets on a bull will fall off or ride and dismount, and when he does a PBF bullfighter will have to make a move to ensure the cowboy lives to ride another day! Crazy? Maybe! Wild? You bet! Bull riding and Protection bullfighting! Two competitions in one! i
Sean Peterson
Evan Allard
Ryan Wilson
Chad Dowdy
18 j 27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert
CDC
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27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 23
JORDAN TAYLOR SANDOVAL 2016 RODEO QUEEN
Jordan Taylor Sandoval, daughter of E.J and Linda Sandoval reside in Rio Hondo, TX. Jordan is a senior at IDEA College Prep in San Benito and is an active student in and out of the classroom. She is a member of both the Deep River and Highland Hustlers 4-H club. Jordan cur rently serves as the 2015-2016 Cameron County Council 4-H President. As a proud member of both clubs, Jordan has been fully involved in 4-H for 8 years. Throughout those years, she has exhibited various projects such as goats, lambs, steers and heifers at local prospect shows, the Cameron County Fair & Livestock Show and the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo. Not only does Jordan show, she also competes in local, county and district livestock judging competitions. She takes part in volunteering her time at Tractor Supply’s Clover Days selling raff le tickets benef itting 4-H, The Countr y Vet, Loaves & Fishes Homeless Shelter and at the Smokin’ on the Rio BBQ contest selling merchandise. She is also the Parliamentarian of the National Honors Society chapter in her school and is Top 15 in her class. Jordan will be attending The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley in the fall pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Jordan’s future goals are to receive a Doctorate’s in Biomedical Sciences and become an Epidemiologist under Veterinar y Medicine. Jordan will be singing the National Anthem for Sunday’s performance.
HONORING OUR
FIRST RESPONDERS The official newspaper of the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo
VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.LosfresnosNEWS.NET
THANK YOU, LOS FRESNOS FIRE DEPARTMENT AND EMS!
THANK YOU, LOS FRESNOS POLICE DEPARTMENT!
Your Community Newspaper, Serving the Heart of the Rio Grande Valley
VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.LAFERIANEWS.NET
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Bareback Riding
Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified.
As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. i
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27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 27
the history of RODEO Professional rodeo evolved from a working lifestyle, and the cowboys who compete in today’s events carry on the rugged tradition established by their eighteenth & nineteenth century predecessors. Life on the cattle trails produced a breed that became a living legend --- the American cowboy. To succeed in the early West, cowboys had to develop their roping and riding abilities to a high level. As they honed these skills, their competitive spirits broadened as well. Wild West shows, such as those produced by the legendary Buffalo Bill, painted a colorful portrait of this hybrid of frontiersman and athlete. Challenges to determine who could rope the quickest calf or ride the wildest horse became common practice at day’s end. Roping and riding contests were often staged in the nearest available corral or pasture. These friendly competitive matches among ranch hands evolved into the modern sport of professional rodeo. Today, PRCA rodeo evokes images of the early West with its contests between untamed horses and cattle and that independent breed --- the American Cowboy. During the past century, rodeo has developed from casual, individual contests into a highly organized national sport. Cowboys first organized in 1936, calling their group the Cowboys’ Turtle Association (CTA). In 1945, the CTA became the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA), and the sport of rodeo began to grow. By 1952, the RCA sanctioned more than 500 rodeos annually. In 1975, the name of the organization was changed to the “Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association” (PRCA), a more accurate name for what had become the largest and most prestigious sanctioning body in the history of rodeo. Today the PRCA has over 9,000 cowboy members and each year sanctions more than 650 rodeos, which entertain an audience estimated to exceed 23 million. In addition, more than 40 million people annually enjoy the Wrangler Pro Rodeo Tour series on OLN, CBS, and ESPN2 cable TV networks. Total prize money exceeds $34 million annually, and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, has grown into a more than $5 million super series held each December to determine world champions in each rodeo event. The Wrangler NFR is also televised on the ESPN and ESPN2 TV networks. i
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C
ameron Count Fair & Livestock Show 2016
Y
LIVESTOCK SHOW EXECUTIVE BOARD Valerie Arizmendi President William Goad Sherilyn Goad Virginia Miller Delmer Stanko Linda Sandoval Larry Fitting
Vice President Treasurer Secretary VP Livestock VP Home Show VP Sponsorships
LIVESTOCK SHOW MEMBERS
Troy Fitting, Robert Salazar Willie & Yolanda Mata Jaime & Sonya Martinez Abel Suarez Rebecca & Carl Morrill
Mark Miller EJ Sandoval Eloy Garcia Anna Lee Stanko Billie D. Simpson Juan & Olga Ramos
SHOW VOLUNTEERS
David Arizmendi Ebon Jones Buck & Stephanie Rhyner
Sam & Missy Morrow Marco Ponce Mari Galvan
The 36th Cameron County Fair and Livestock Show continues to provide an opportunity for the 4H and FFA members of Cameron County to display their projects in healthy competition during the three day event that is held in conjunction with the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo. The Heart of America Carnivals will once again be on the grounds providing thrills and excitement with their roller coasters and Ferris Wheel. For those who prefer to spin the wheels or throw the darts in the chance to win a prize, this fun will be here too. And if you just like to taste the flavors of carnival food there will be plenty around. The home show has 198 entries that include arts and crafts, photography, woodworking and welding. This year the exhibitors will be afforded the opportunity to auction the shop projects on Friday evening after the steer competition is completed if they choose. The big favorite is the baked goods competition which will be judged on Saturday and the baked good auction will be held Saturday afternoon after the completion of the hog show. Both auctions will be open to the public. All proceeds from these auctions go directly to the youth. The 2016 show has a total 371 animal entries that include rabbits, lambs, goats, hogs and cattle. This year the Judges will be from Texas A&M University and will work with the youth to expand their knowledge in addition to placing the animals. Come by and see all the excellent specimens of animals the youth of Cameron County bring to the show. We are sure you will be impressed!
– Valerie Arizmendi
CCFLS President 2016
Heart of America Carnival schedule: Friday February 19: 4 p.m. – 12 midnight; Saturday February 20: 12 p.m. (noon) – 12 midnight; Sunday February 21: 12 p.m. (noon) – 11 p.m.
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Madison MacdonalD At 22 years of age Madison MacDonald is one of the World’s Top Equestrian Athletes in the arena. She is a seasoned entertainer who has been performing since the age of 11 years old! Madison has had the honor of performing across Canada and the United States at world renown events and rodeos. She has been selected to perform at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas for the past 5 consecutive years. Madison has a unique equestrian background composed of diverse disciplines Professional Trick Rider, Barrel Racer, Horse Trainer, Team Roper, Equine Stunt Woman, Bareback & Bridleless Performer and Clinician. Madison currently lives in Stephenville, Texas. When not on the road; she is at home training horses, teaching new generations of up and coming trick riders allowing her to give back to the sport which she loves. i
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coastal express trackless train Coastal Express Trackless Train is operated by Coastal Event Rentals, LLC formally Rent-A-Tent and is independently owned and operated. Coastal Event Rentals, LLC provides clean quality party tents, inflatable bouncers, waterslides, dance floors, accessories, tables & chairs. Coastal Event Rentals, LLC strives for customer service and satisfaction. Their goal is to keep you coming back. They service the following cities: South Padre Island, Port Isabel, Brownsville, Los Fresnos, Rio Hondo, San Benito, Harlingen, Lyford, Raymondville, La Feria, Mercedes, and Weslaco. Coastal Event Rentals, LLC has various tent styles and configurations from 10 x 10 to 30 x 60. They also offer a great selection of inflatable bouncers, moonjumps, castles, bouncer slide combos, dry slides and water slides. For more information contact Coastal Event Rentals, LLC at (956)434-2586. i
White tiger discovery The “White Tiger Discovery exhibit” is a super-charged educational and entertaining exhibit for children and adults alike! You may have seen some of our animals at the large premiere zoo’s, Animal Planet, LIFE Magazine, Late Night With David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, State Fairs, and others, but to see them up close and in person in a preforming educational exhibit is an awesome experience! There is no doubt that such animals draw huge crowds. The “White Tiger Discovery” program is a special designed exhibit and conservation education program which goal is to promote and excite people to the many conservation issues involving the last five remaining species of tigers in the wild. This program exhibit has many features that are huge crowd pleasers. Being able to see the keepers feed the tigers and conduct “Tiger Talks” is an event that guests will not soon forget, and will also spark the conservation interest in such guests by taking their involvement one step further allowing them to see what the tiger is all about. i
AARON
2016 CONCERT PERFORMER
WATSON
Working hard is a serious unde r st at ement for Watson, who performs hundreds of shows every year, has collaborated with special guests like Willie Nelson, Dale Watson, Jack Ingram, and Bill Joe Shaver, cracked the Top 10 on the Billboard 200, and sold hundreds of thousands of tickets, all as a totally independent artist with his own label. The lead single from ‘The Underdog, “That Look,” which Watson wrote for his wife Kimberly, turned heads by debuting in the Top 10 of the Billboard Country Digital Songs Chart and closing out the year as one of the most successful-selling independent singles of 2014.
“If your dreams aren’t handed to you on a sliver platter, that’s ok,” says Watson. “You go out there and you chase them. You may have to work hard for them, but don’t let anyone discourage you.” ‘The Underdog,’ then, is more than just an album title for Watson. It’s a mission statement.
“ I ’d rather be an old fencepost in Texas than the king of Tennessee,” Aaron Watson sings on “Fencepost,” echoing the words of one of his favorite fellow Texans, Sam Houston. It’s a song about a rising Texas country songwriter who gets the door slammed in his face by big-time Nashville record executives who underestimate him. Instead of giving up on his dreams, though, he rolls up his sleeves, proves them all wrong through sheer determination, and soon finds them knocking on his own door. If it sounds familiar, that’s because, as Watson sings, it’s “a true story,” and the reason he’s titled his 12th record ‘The Underdog.’ “I’ve always liked the idea of the underdog,” says Watson. “I’ve always liked the idea that the guy who’s not supposed to win could still beat all the odds through hard work and perseverance. A lot of people are always telling us that what we’re achieving in the music business is just next to impossible. I don’t really consider it that way. We’re just out there working hard.”
“The idea of the underdog really describes where I’m at right now in my career and what we’re trying to achieve with this record,” he explains. “I’m not one of these guys that can put on a pair of skinny jeans or turn my hat around backwards and sing those pop country radio songs. Nothing against the guys who do that because it’s their thing and true to who they are, but if I played that role, it wouldn’t be me. When I’m singing these songs hundreds of times a year, they need to be things I personally believe in.” For Watson, there are three things he believes in above all else: family, faith, and fans. “There is no Aaron Watson without those three things,” he says. “My faith is what guides me. It keeps me focused on my music. God has blessed me with an amazing wife and beautiful kids, and at the end of the day, success to me is working hard and making a living for my family. That’s all any dad wants. My fans like the fact that I’m really a normal guy,” he continues. “If I can’t get on stage and talk to my fans about my faith and my family, I’ve got nothing.” It’s little surprise, then, that the album opens with “The Prayer,” a song inspired by a copy of Johnny Cash’s book ‘The Man In White,’ which Watson found in the Faith section of a used bookstore on tour.
“I started reading this book on the bus, and before you get started with the story, Johnny just talks about his struggles with different addictions and how his faith saved his life,” says Watson. “He talks about how he tried to kill himself and that was the turning point where he knew Jesus wasn’t through with his life. When we think of Johnny Cash, he’s The Man in Black, he stands tall, and he’s a very intimidating figure. He was ‘Folsom Prison Blues,’ ‘Ring of Fire’ Johnny Cash! And he was going into a cave to kill himself! I tried to put myself in that cave with this song.” Rather than dwell on the darkness of that moment though, “The Prayer” is a song about finding the light and letting it shine through. The same goes for “Bluebonnets,” a song written in memory of Watson’s late daughter Julia Grace, who passed away shortly after birth of Trisomy 18 and was laid to rest on a beautiful hillside overlooking where the Texas state flower blossoms for a brief, gorgeous window every spring. “Like bluebonnets in the spring we’re only here for a little while,” he sings. “It’s beautiful and bittersweet so make the most of every mile.” Like the great country songwriters who inspired him—Hank, Waylon, Willie—Watson has a lighter side, too. “Blame It On Those Baby Blues” is a sweet love song, “Freight Train” is a rollicking road anthem, and “One Of Your Nights” is what Watson describes as one of his “lovemaking songs.” Meanwhile, “That’s Why God Loves Cowboys” and “That’s Gonna Leave A Mark” are pure country through and through. The disparate sounds and feelings on the record are all masterfully tied together through the production work of Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, George Jones, Zac Brown Band). “I needed someone who was going to push me to better myself melodically and lyrically,” says Watson. “Keith understood all that and he really dove in and found a way to get the best out of me. I was able to get right in there with this legendary producer and work alongside him and soak up every moment, and I’m forever grateful.” Working with such an acclaimed producer as a completely independent artist was a real coup for Watson, and just one more reason he painted his face up like a rodeo clown on the album cover. “The rodeo clown is a huge underdog,” explains Watson, who sings from the perspective of one on “Rodeo Queen.” “He’s up against a huge bull trying to protect these riders, putting his life on the line. Talk about an unsung hero.” It’s an appropriate metaphor for a man who’s defied the odds and conventional wisdom, chasing down his dream through hard work and determination even when the door was slammed in his face. “When you fear when you fail when you feel you’re gonna fall,” he sings on the title track, “follow your heart and always believe in the underdog.” i
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2016 CONCERT PERFORMER
MADELYN Victoria
Madelyn Victoria is a 24 year old singer-songwriter from deep South Texas. Performing professionally since 15, Madelyn has made a name of herself in the Rio Grande Valley. Winning competitions such as the Caesar’s Palace Shania Twain Sing Off Contest... & opening for names like Easton Corbin, Zac Brown Band, the Charlie Daniels Band, and many more; she has made an impression and paved a new path for all original artists in the RGV. Currently, Madelyn Victoria and her own band perform at local venues, honkytonks, bars, and events in south Texas. Madelyn also sings the National Anthem at United League games, and at local high school sporting events, political rallies, patriotic ceremonies, rodeos, and stock shows, including the 2009 Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo in Los Fresnos, Texas where Madelyn Victoria was crowned the inaugural Rodeo Queen. This small lady has a powerful, rich soulful voice which brings a new fresh sound to the Country music scene. Her single “He Only Loves Me on the Dance Floor” has just been released and is available for purchase on iTunes. Madelyn can sing it all, but her true voice & songwriting ability lies within the Country music roots. More info at http://www.madelynvictoriamusic.com. i
WELCOME PRCA Rodeo & Rodeo Fans!
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GATOR COUNTRY
Gator Country is a 15-acre reservation and rescue educational facility located in Beaumont, TX for alligators, crocodiles and snake. Visitors there can hold, touch, and swim with gators as well as learn about other reptiles and crocodilians. Gator Country has been featured on the CMT show Gator 911 which chronicles the adventures of Gary Saurage, conservationist and owner of the Texas-based adventure park, as he and his team work in dangerous waters to rescue gators from unusual places and deliver them to their new refuge. Gator Country will be performing twice daily on Friday and Saturday of this years rodeo. For more information on Gator Country, please visit www. gatorrescue.com. i
Klarissa MuĂąiz
SINGS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM FRIDAY Klarissa Muniz is a Senior at Los Fresnos High School and a member of the Los Fresnos Fut ure Far mers of America. She is also a memeber of the Los Fresnos High School Varsit y choir, as well as having qualif ied to be in all-region choir.
Kathleen Clark
SINGS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM SATURDAY Kathleen Clark is an 18 year old senior at Los Fresnos High School. She is actively involved in theatre ar ts, choir and the Miss Los Fresnos Organization, as Miss Los Fresnos. This Januar y she was named 1st chair in the TMEA All-State Choir, making her among the top 2.2% of musicians in the state of Texas for the second consecutive year. She has also managed to achieve academic success, being in the top 8% of her graduating class, maintaining membership in the National Honor Societ y and receiving the Advanced Placement Scholar Award. She is th rilled to be singing the National Anthem at the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo for the second year in a row.
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Good Good SIDEWINDER Luck Luck Riders
2016 CONCERT PERFORMER The south Texas rock and roll band, Sidewinder, was founded in August of 1984 by guitarist/vocalist David Valdez and drummer/vocalist Paul Pederson. Performing in various other bands yet, never together, Valdez and Pederson, joined forces under simplistic common ground which was their shared passion for high energy rock n roll music. Influenced by music and artists over a broad era from the 60’s through the 80’s, Sidewinder’s sound and style evolved into a unique distinctive original blend. As a trio, the bands trademark sound is based not only on Valdez’s ability to literally shred on the guitar combined with the broad full tone, clarity, and wall of sound coming through his amplifiers yet, his technique, approach and conviction as he plays. Pederson’s approach to the drum kit is complimentary to Valdez’s blazing guitar work. Along with sharing lead vocal duties with Valdez, he is able to provide a solid foundation while, simultaneously, incorporating some tasty chops to accentuate the bass lines along with Valdez’s blistering guitar riffs. Throughout the years, Sidewinder has built a following starting from their home base in Brownsville, Texas playing local venues and onward through their extended travels performing in every setting imaginable from the club stage to the concert stage. As well as doing their own shows, they have opened for other artists including: Head East, Joe King Carrasco, Jon Anderson, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Loverboy, Kansas, and most recently, Kevin Fowler and Pat Green. Joining Valdez and Pederson in the present lineup is the return of bassist, Rey Ybarra. Ybarra returns bringing back his exceptional talent with a rock solid yet, spicy style on the bass guitar. Along with the bass, he brings his talents as a vocalist as well. Ybarra’s exceptional ability in moving around the fret board provides the third and final element to the recipe for the distinctive Sidewinder sound. More info at sidewinderrocknroll.com. i
Riders
Give 'em the
Give 'em the boot. Ride em Cowboys!
Ride em Cowboys! Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Give 'em th Fa Like a good neighbor, Ride em Cowboys! Sta
John Ftacek, Agent 101 South Main St La Feria, TX 78559 Bus: 956-797-2881 john.ftacek.g5pp@statefarm.com
John Ftacek, Agent
1001060.1
is Like a good neighbor, St w
David Armendariz, Agent
Armendariz, John Ftacek, Agent 101 South Main St. 224 David W. Ocean Blvd Agent State Farm, IL W Ocean Blvd 224 101 South Main St Home Office, Bloomington, La Feria, TX 78550 Los Fresnos, TX 78566 Fresnos, TX 78566 La Feria, TX 78559 Bus: 956-797-2881 Bus: Los 956-233-3276 Bus: 956-233-3276 Bus: 956-797-2881 john.ftacek.g5pp@statefarm.com david.armendariz.dr2a@statefarm.com david.armendariz.dr2a@statefarm.com john.ftacek.g5pp@statefarm.com Hablamos Español
John Ftacek, Agent 101 South Main St La Feria, TX 78559 Bus: 956-797-2881 john.ftacek.g5pp@statefarm.com 1001060.1
Hablamos Español
I’ll w your Get Get CAL
State Farm, Home Office
LOS FRESNOS
CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
A Proud District Serving a United Community
Best Wishes To All Students at the Cameron County Fair & Livestock Show!
Lane Thomae, Los Fresnos United
Angelina Carlos, Dora Romero Elementary
Hunter Wernecke, Los Fresnos Elementary
Madison Wilson, Los Fresnos High School
What We Do Here Shapes The World!
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2015 Pro Rodeo Cowboys World Standings BareBack Riding Steven Peebles Redmond, OR
314,139
$
Steer Wrestling Hunter Cure Holliday, TX
241,514
$
Team Roping Header Aaron Tsinigine Tuba City, AZ
227,671
$
Team Roping Heeler Kollin VonAhn Blanchard, OK
231,600
$
Steer Roping Trevor Brazile Decatur, TX
122,112
$
27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 37
2015 Pro Rodeo Cowboys World Standings All Around Cowboy 518,010
$
Trevor Brazile
Decatur, TX
Saddle Bronc Riding 276,246
$
Jacobs Crawley
Boerne, TX
Bull Riding 327,177
$
Sage Kimzey
Strong City, OK
Barrel Racing 303,846
$
Callie DuPerier Boerne, TX
Tie Down 242,354
$
Caleb Smidt Bellville, TX
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BROWNSVILLE – 956.350.3355 – 4455 N Expy. 77/83 – Morrison Crossing Center – Near Kohl’s McALLEN – 956.687.2668 – 3300 Expy. 83 & Ware Rd. – Palms Crossing Town Center Mon. – Sat. 9am – 9pm; Sun. 11am – 7pm - S e e W h at ’ s I n S t o r e at C av e n d e r s . c o m
27th Annual Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo & Concert j 39
Tie Down Roping
As with saddle bronc riding and team roping, the roots of tie-down roping can be traced back to the working ranches of the Old West. When calves were sick or injured, cowboys had to rope and immobilize them quickly for veterinary treatment. Ranch hands prided themselves on the speed with which they could rope and tie calves, and they soon turned their work into informal contests. As the event matured, being a good horseman and a fast sprinter became as important to the competitive tie-down roper as being quick and accurate with a rope. Today, the mounted cowboy starts from a box, a three-sided fenced area adjacent to the chute holding the calf. The fourth side of the box opens into the arena. A cowboy’s success in tie-down roping depends in large part on the precise teamwork between him and his horse. The calf receives a head start that is determined by the length of the arena. One end of a breakaway rope barrier is looped around the calf’s neck and stretched across the open end of the box. When the calf reaches its advantage point, the barrier is released. If the roper breaks the barrier before the calf reaches its head start, the cowboy is assessed a 10-second penalty. The horse is trained to come to a stop as soon as the cowboy throws his loop and catches the calf. The cowboy then dismounts, sprints to the calf and throws it by hand, a maneuver called flanking. If the calf is not standing when the cowboy reaches it, he must allow the calf to get back on its feet before flanking it. After the calf is flanked, the roper ties any three legs together with a pigging string - a short, looped rope he clenches in his teeth during the run. While the contestant is accomplishing all of that, his horse must pull back hard enough to eliminate any slack in the rope, but not so hard as to drag the calf. When the roper finishes tying the calf, he throws his hands in the air as a signal that the run is completed. The roper then remounts his horse, rides forward to create slack in the rope and waits six seconds to see if the calf remains tied. If the calf kicks free, the roper receives no time. i
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Team Roping
Team roping, the only true team event in ProRodeo, requires close cooperation and timing between two highly skilled ropers - a header and a heeler - and their horses. The event originated on ranches when cowboys needed to treat or brand large steers and the task proved too difficult for one man. The key to success? Hard work and endless practice. Team roping partners must perfect their timing, both as a team and with their respective horses. Similar to tie-down ropers and steer wrestlers, team ropers start from the boxes on each side of the chute from which the steer enters the arena. The steer gets a head start determined by the length of the arena. Team ropers such as Joe Beaver and Travis Tryan spend long hours perfecting their timing with each other and their horses. One end of a breakaway barrier is attached to the steer and stretched across the open end of the header’s box. When the steer reaches his advantage point, the barrier is released, and the header takes off in pursuit, with the heeler trailing slightly further behind. The ropers are assessed a 10-second penalty if the header breaks the barrier before the steer completes his head start. Some rodeos use heeler barriers too. The header ropes first and must make one of three legal catches on the steer around both horns, around one horn and the head or around the neck. Any other catch by the header is considered illegal and the team is disqualified. After the header makes his catch, he turns the steer to the left and exposes the steer’s hind legs to the heeler. The heeler then attempts to rope both hind legs. If he catches only one foot, the team is assessed a five-second penalty. After the cowboys catch the steer, the clock is stopped when there is no slack in their ropes and their horses face one another. Another important aspect to the event is the type of horses used by the ropers. The American quarter horse is the most popular among all timed-event competitors, particularly team ropers. Heading horses generally are taller and heavier because they need the power to turn the steer after it is roped. Heeling horses are quick and agile, enabling them to better follow the steer and react to it moves. i
Champions think outside the box and against the clock Professional rodeos carry forward the heritage of the cowboy code, western lifestyle and love of working with animals. These exciting competitions showcase the ideals, hard work and showmanship necessary to win. We proudly salute the organizers and the competitors in the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo. • 203 N. Arroyo Blvd • 956-233-3606
wellsfargo.com © 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. 127234 01/15
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About the PBF Conceived by a handful of visionary bullfighters with the goal to grow the sport of bullfighting through education, competition and sound marketing strategy, the Professional Bullfighters Inc. is the premier bullfighters organization in the United States. With the growth of Professional Bull Riding into mainstream sports, a competition for protection bullfighters was not only imminent in coming it is demanded as a process to bring the elite bullfighting athletes to the forefront of the industry while setting standards to maintain quality control within the sport.
Protection Bullfighting: The bullfighters compete as two-man teams in protection bullfighting. The bullfighters work as a team to maintain protective coverage for the bull riders escape. The bullfighters teamwork is crucial, they must be able to react to each others moves to maintain a parallel position on either side of the bull at all times. One wrong move or misread could be dangerous for both the bull riders and the bullfighters.
Judging Criteria TURNING BULLS BACK: The ability to engage the bull to make him turn back and spin, if needed, to gain the rider more points. DISMOUNT POSITIONING: To be in the right place when the bull rider dismounts takes precision timing and a great deal of bull savvy. The bull dictates where the bullfighters will be at all times during the ride. The bullfighters must be able to react instinctively to the bull’s actions to be able to give the bull rider the best possible opportunity to escape unharmed. HOOKING PREVENTION: The bullfighters analyze not only every move the bull makes but the rider, too. By doing so many times the bullfighters can prevent the wreck before it happens by spotting little things that cause the bull rider to be bucked off and possibly hooked. Sometimes there is nothing they can do to prevent the injury but are engaged in the wreck distracting the bull to give the bull rider a chance to escape. HANG-UPS: When the bull rider gets hung up, the bullfighters will work as a team, with one getting the bulls head under control, while the second bullfighter goes to the riders hand and works to free it from the rope. DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: The danger factor of not only the bull, but also the situation. A horned bull that hooks will have a higher degree of difficulty than a muley bull that hooks. Many times the difficulty lies in the situation the bull rider is in, such as a hangup, where the bullfighters have to expose themselves to risk more. AGGRESSIVENESS: The bullfighters’ aggressiveness to the action taking place during and after the ride. SHOWMANSHIP: The ability to take the situation and make it entertaining for the audience.
Scoring
The teams each compete on an equal number of bulls. They will be given a cumulative score on each section of bulls. The scoring is different than other rodeo events in that Protection is not scored on a 1-100 scale for each bull. Instead each technical maneuver that the bullfighters make has a point value. The maximum points that can be earned on a single bull are 18 points per judge. The judging is performed by Professional Bullfighters as they are the only person capable of reading a situation and determining if the bullfight team was at the right place performing the right maneuvers based upon the action taking place. i
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