YOUR local
YOUR GOOD-NEWS PAPER
www.yourlocalwaggaweekly.com.au
ISSUE 009 FRIDAY, 2 FEBRUARY, 2018
Top announcer used to be rodeo clown
Wagga rodeo clown Wade Nichele is in action at this weekend’s Pro-Rodeo at Equex. pennie scott A YOUNG fellow wandered over to the entry table wearing board shorts, a surfie shirt and thongs. His performance in the calf-ride was ignominious, and landing on his head hurt. But, for Terry Murray, this was his first taste of rodeo, and he loved it. His third ride made the eight seconds time, but in getting off his ankle snapped, requiring a plate and seven pins to put it back together. “That knocked me out for 12 months.” “I wasn’t a very good rider and only competed in amateur events and realised quite quickly I wasn’t going to make a living out of this game,” Terry laughed. “But, I loved the people and the sport so I decided to become a rodeo clown, which I was for 20 years. During this time I travelled throughout Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada, meeting wonderful people and seeing amazing sights.” “In 2001, my son said Dad, you can’t do this anymore as time is ticking against you.
“I’ve always had the gift of the gab so I thought my next stage was to be the announcer at rodeos and I’ve been doing this ever since.” In 2017, Terry was awarded Rodeo Announcer of the Year, of which he is very proud. “In Australia there are around 12 professional announcers so I try to be a bit different,” he explained. “A rodeo is four to five hours long so having plenty of interesting material is essential to keep the audience informed and entertained. “Humour is always a winner and the years of being a clown means I have a few pockets in which to find some funny stories,” Terry explained. Prior to a rodeo, Terry studies the entries of riders in the bull riding, saddle bronc and bareback events to know their current performance status and form. Once the bulls and horses are allocated to the riders is when knowing the people and athletic animals brings Terry’s memory and ability to create informative descriptions to keep the crowd fully engaged. “I write each entry up, keep records,
compare previous rides on which stock so I have something interesting to say all the time,” Terry explained. “I pride myself on getting the information right and get cranky with myself if I don’t.” The Wagga Pro-Rodeo is a favourite of Terry’s, which he describes as a beautiful venue, adding that Wagga is a real rodeo town. “We already know the outstanding stock from Happy Gill and his family, including the 2017 Champion Bucking Bull of Australia, High Flying Akubra. He hasn’t been ridden in a long time so the crowd loves to see which cowboy draws this bull. “Australia’s top cowboys have entered, including Shane Kenny from Emerald in Queensland, who is the country’s most decorated cowboy specialising in time events. Ben Thorpe from Young has drawn the bull Reverend Mr Black and this is his first ride back since an injury. “The bull Wallaby Bob has Wagga’s Sean Lynch and three-times and current saddle bronc champion Brad Pierce will be pitting himself against the tough saddle bronc, White Socks,” Terry said.
Hailing form Rosewood is Ben Hall, the current bareback bronc champion who has drawn one of his great challenges, Ramblin’ Angel. This pairing will be a highlight of the rodeo. Cherie O’Donoghue from Lockington in Victoria is the most successful cowgirl on the circuit with a long record of championships dating from 2003, including the highest female prizemoney winner, the All-Round Australian ProTour Cowgirl seven times and taking out the Australian Pro-Tour Barrel Racing Champion five times. At Wagga, she’s competing in the Barrel Race and Breakaway Roping. “The Wagga Pro-Rodeo has attracted all the best riders from across the country. The weather is forecast for a perfect 27C and there’ll be plenty of food, drinks and the best entertainment,” Terry said. The Wagga Pro-Rodeo is on this Saturday, 3rd February at the Equex Complex, Copland Street. Gates open at 1.00pm and the event concludes at 10.30pm with admission payable at the grounds.
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