Oklahoma State University Rodeo Association Booster Club

2006 Marks the 60th Anniversary of the OSU Rodeo Association and the current Boosters want to host a reunion gathering. If you were ever a member of the OSU Rodeo Association (either as a NIRA card holder or not), please contact Cathryn Christensen by email to gathering@okstaterodeo.org or by phone at 405-269-6051.
Also, we are working with the OSU Special Collections and Archives to build a permanent collection of OSU Rodeo memorabilia. If you have old programs, photos, ribbons, button, buckles, awards, rodeo equipment or anything else relating to the OSU Rodeo club, NIRA rodeo, or a former member of the OSU Rodeo club, please contact Cathryn Christensen at the same contact information above.
These items will be professional stored, cared for, and inventoried. So much of our history has been lost. Please help us build a foundation of traditions for the future rode

OSU RODEO ASSOCIATION BOOSTER CLUB WEB SITE

Seven deserving members earn induction into ProRodeo Hall of Fame

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – It was a day of celebration for seven deserving individuals as they were inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, Colo., in front of a crowd of 1,200.

            The day began with a patriotic opening and The National Day of the Cowboy committee presented a flag to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Red Steagall served as the Master of Ceremonies.

            This year’s class included two-time bull riding world champion Jim Sharp of Stephenville, Texas; 1982 all-around world champion and 1986 tie-down roping world champion Chris Lybbert of Forestburg, Texas; six-time Wrangler National Final Rodeo bullfighter and five-time world champion bullfighter Rob Smets of Merkel, Texas; 1960 world champion steer wrestler Bob A. Robinson of Hagerman, Idaho; long-time rodeo supporters John and Mildred Farris of Addington, Okla.; and the late Doc Sorensen of Idaho Falls, Idaho, who created the Flying U Rodeo Co. and produced rodeos in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Oregon and Arizona.

            “This is a great day to celebrate our Western Heritage and we are honored to induct seven deserving individuals into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame today,” said PRCA Commissioner Troy Ellerman.

COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE

HOF PROFILE JIM SHARP     HOF PROFILE Chris Lybbert  

HOF PROFILE ROB SMETS      HOF PROFILE bOB a. rOBINSON

HOF PROFILE JOHN AND MILDRED fARRIS     HOF PROFILE DOC SORENSEN

Bareback rider Clint Cannon

One of the big events over the Fourth of July weekend was the Rodeo of the Ozarks and one of the cowboys competing was bareback rider, Clint Cannons.  Clint won rookie of the year in bareback for the PRCA in 2003,  He was featured in a story by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT GAZETTE STORY

Where are they now?  Woody Porter

For years he was one of the top rodeo clowns in the Midwest and then he "retired".  I say that with quotes because these guys never retire, they just so select events.  What is Woody really doing these days?  He is the manager of Ponderosa Trails in Pineville, Missouri.  One of the premier resort areas for horse lovers in Missouri,  The facility has RV hookups, stables, tack shop, restraint and of course riding trails.  Check out their site below.

PONDEROSA TRAILS WEB SITE
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Bull riders find bright lights

The Professional Bull Riders is in its 13th year, and one of its biggest success stories has been the ability to draw crowds in metropolitan areas.

This season, the association has tour stops in Anaheim, Chicago and Detroit.

COMPLETE STAR-TELEGRAM STORY

Stetson still the hat of the American West

DALLAS, Texas, June 22, 2006 (AFP) - Few icons are as American as the cowboy hat: grandiose, utilitarian and a trademark of the West. 

The king is still Stetson, the original cowboy hat, created almost 150 years ago. 

COMPLETE POLITICAL GATEWAY STORY

Rodeo honors life of deceased local cowboy

This past Saturday, for the first time, three-time bareback world champion Arthur Stoner got the recognition he deserved, according to his mother, Jackie Stoner, who was present at the event.

COMPLETE SUN STORY

UPDATE Jason Clemons-Jason Clemons  of Winterset, Iowa was life-flighted from Comstock's Extreme Bullriding event to Omaha, Nebraska, during the Saturday. June 11th bull ride after he suffered facial injuries during his ride.  Jason had broken almost ever bone in his face and had facial surgery the following Wednesday.   Doctors placed nine plates, mesh and numerous pins in his face to rebuild it.  Miraculously he received no brain damage or injury to his eyes!  He has now returned to his home in Winterset to recuperate.   We have been informed there will be some sort of benefit for him and we will keep you informed.

SEBRA / KENJ Productions Announces USCA Team Bull Riding     
 The team sports rivalry between South Carolina and Georgia has spread to the rodeo arena. USCA Baseball Coach Kenny Thomas announces the first ever Southern Extreme Team Bull Riding Event. On July 21st and 22nd 40 top bull riders from the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association will pair off in two twenty man teams. The Red verses the Black in an all out battle for over $10,000 in awards and prize money. Some of the rankest bulls in the sport will be on hand for the event. Twenty championship buckles will be awarded to the winning team members. The fans will benefit also. Coach Thomas has provided prizes including gift certificates for the spectators who pre-select the winning team. “Applying the team concept to bull riding only makes since... Professional Bull Riding has seen an enormous growth in recent years and it is often compared to NASCAR. The team concept will allow spectators to participate.” stated Thomas. SEBRA Director Tom Smith added “Coach Thomas is going to generate a lot of excitement to the sport by adding the team element... The cowboys love competition and the fans will benefit from it.”

CLICK HERE FOR SEBRA WEB SITE 

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Rodeo Attitude Member Rodeo Stockyard Announces Changes
Rodeo Stockyard, Inc. is excited to announce the "Online Auction" is back, with a few changes. The
fee to self-list and sell any item in any of the standard categories has been lowered to 3% with
no charge to list. If the item does not sell, it costs you nothing.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE

British TV airs "Beyong the Bull" as "Rodeo World"

The ten part series that was such a big hit in America is airing on British TV on the show ""Rodeo World".  The popular PBR stars are proving they are truly International stars as well.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVINGSCOTSMAN.COM STORY

Justin Healers on hand to watch over visiting cowboys

Mommas who let their babies grow up to be rodeo cowboys can rest a little easier knowing the Justin Healers are watching the action.

COMPLETE WEATHERFORD, TX DEMOCRAT STORY

Nothing phases Bill Bass, professional bullfighter

If you saw Bill Bass at work, you'd probably call him a clown. But his real title is bullfighter, the one at the rodeo who gets between the bull and the rider after a buck or dismount. Sure, he wears a bit of makeup and a cowboy hat with the top cut off, but his job is serious and dangerous.

COMPLETE SCINDY.COM STORY

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Rodeo in California Isn't Just for Shopping
This undoubtedly will sound funny coming from the editor of a magazine called West, but being an Angeleno, I sometimes forget that I'm living in, well, the West.
By this, I don't mean to suggest I'm unmindful that California lies far beyond the 100th meridian and, from its station, there arises a spirit and worldview far different from those in, say, New York or Washington.
Still, when you're sitting in L.A., you can lose sight of just how Western this place is, in the cowboy sense of the word.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE LA Times  STORY

Lambert grew up at the rodeo

The PBR is hitting Canada full force and the response has exceeded all expectations.  The following artilce is just one of  many you will find in Canadian papers:

Zane Lambert was a fast learner, which is important when you plan to make a living riding unruly, 2,000-pound bulls.

CLICK HERE FOR SLAM CANOE STORY

Flag Bearers are rodeo riders, too

Often overlooked and without a chance to win awards, one group of athletes will repeatedly display their skills in the name of community service during the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo. (Rodeo Attitude selected this story because we don't give enough credit to those who help us with events and our sponsors)

CLICK HERE FOR LOMPOC STORY

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Rodeo clown finds niche in Bullying Hurts program

As a rodeo clown, Marvin Nash gets his share of bulls coming after him.
But outside the arena, Nash has found a niche by helping youths deal with bullies through a program called Bullying Hurts.
"We've got some type of program going in, I think, 37 states," he said.
The Bullying Hurts program stresses support, attention and education. It teaches, among other things, that bullying is a part of life, violence toward bullies is not a solution and supporters of victims of bullying is key to helping them deal with it.

CLICK HERE FOR CENTRAL DAILY STORY

MORE INFORMATION FROM PRCA ARCHIVES

BULLYINGHURTS.COM

Newcomer ropes in title at Windy Ryon

In a random draw, Chad Mathis was slotted as the first to compete among 40 invitational steer roping contestants at the Windy Ryon Memorial Roping.

CLICK HERE FOR FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM STORY

Marion soldier killed in Iraq a "hero,' father says

(Rodeo Attitude note:  He was only 22 and while overseas he learned to ride bulls and loved it.   He gave his life in service of his country.  Please pray for his family in this time of sorrow.)

Marion County sheriff's Lt. Allen Blair called his son a hero this Memorial Day, less than a week after he died when a bomb struck his Humvee while he was on routine patrol in western Baghdad.

Spc. Robert E. Blair, 22, a Marion County native who graduated from Lake Weir High School in 2003, was patrolling Thursday about 3 p.m. when the vehicle was hit. He was killed instantly, along with his commanding officer, Capt. Douglas A. DiCenzo, 30, of New Hampshire. The vehicle driver is in critical condition, authorities said.

CLICK HERE FOR ORLANDO SENTININEL STORY

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Cowboy Stylin'

Renny Smith hustles into his Western Skins clothing store every day with enthusiasm, usually wearing the very same clothes he sells to his customers. Smith opened Western Skins, 5054 W. Madison, in 2001. The store, celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, has found a niche in a community more accustomed to clothing stores selling sports jerseys and gym shoes rather than cowboy boots and leather chaps. 

(I liked this article because it not only tells the influence of the cowboy lifestyle in Chicago but the history of the Black Cowboy)

COMPLETE AUSTIN WEEKLY NEWS STORY

CLICK HERE FOR WESTERN SKINS WEB SITE

Chilicothin rodeo racers live on skill and nerve 

Four horses stir the ground and toss their heads as a breeze blows bunch grass in golden waves across the hillside. Below us the broad sweep of the Nemaiah Valley unfolds in a tapestry of conifer groves and airy natural pastures, split by Nemaiah Creek, which meanders lazily toward the shores of frigid Chilko Lake. Beyond, the glaciated Coast Range summits form a craggy western skyline. There’s neither scenery appreciation nor much chatter under way among the four riders, just expressions that range from the abject fear of the rookie to the stony concentration of the experienced horseman who knows exactly what lies ahead.

(This sounds like a nice long weekend to put in your August plans if they include Canada and rodeo)

COMPLETE STRAIGHT NEWS STORY

CLICK HERE FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA RODEO ASSOCIATION WEB SITE

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Sammy Reynoso

Gail is always proud of the clowns that attend her reunions and that she has written about and interviewed over the course of her career.  She is always elated when one of these rodeo legends makes the news.  Sammy Reynoso of Redwood City, California, is one of these.  He was recently named to the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame.

CLICK HERE FOR INSIDEBAYAREA.COM STORY

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Barrel Racing loses an icon

Dr Nick Bar, The Ultimate Barrel Horse Sire, passed away on Monday morning May 1, 2006. "NICK" made a little 8-year-old girls dream come true. Owned by four-time National Finals Rodeo Qualifier, Fallon Taylor, "Nick" was loved by all.

COMPLETE HORSECITY.COM STORY

"Way Out West" Barbie Not your traditional barbie

Decked out in red boots, skimpy denim shorts and a fringed leather vest, and leaning against a split-rail fence with a lariat in hand, "Way Out West" Barbie looks as if she just sashayed out of a vintage auto-parts calendar.

And that, pardner, appears to be just what toy manufacturer Mattel Inc. had in mind in gussying up this latest incarnation of its iconic plastic doll.

COMPLETE OCREGISTER.COM  STORY.

Repeal the "Death Tax"

Currently there is a bill in both the House and the Senate that are scheduled to be voted on in May before the Memorial Day break.  These bills would repeal Estate Taxes often called "Death Taxes".  These taxes penalize hard working ranchers and farmers and American families involved in small businesses (successful rodeo companies included!).  Please take a moment to study the issue and call your representatives and tell him "enough is enough" repeal the "death tax" or as Rodeo Attitude member and rodeo announcer Chad Nicholson put it in his e mail to us, "Death tax is dead wrong".  Thanks to all the members who sent us this information.  We are glad to pass it on.  The following links will help you:

http://www.freedomworks.org/deathtax/death_tax.php

http://www.policyandtaxationgroup.com/html/repeal.html

http://www.heritage.org/Research/Taxes/BG1428.cfm

Of course we always recommend

THOMAS - Legislative Resource  

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May is end of school year but beginning of Rodeo Season!

Spring rains bring May flowers and lots of high school rodeos.   With  the end of the school year families begin to prepare for the summer rodeo season.  Horses need to get back in the groove and tack needs to be in top notch shape.  It is a time of great anticipation.  We want everyone to have a wonderful summer so please take a moment and check your generators.  Make sure all exhaust systems are working.  Then take a moment and check safety equipment.  Do not make the mistake of thinking to be a real "cowboy" you need to ride with as little protective gear as possible.  Any of the legends of the "good ole days" would have loved to have had this equipment available to them.  Vests, helmets, teeth guards and even ropes without frays can cut down not only on injuries, but add on to the length of time you can enjoy competition.  Thank you.

Classic Heartland Contribution Drive

I hope you have all enjoyed having Classic Heartland to listen to as you surfed all the great sites on Rodeo Attitude.  What you might not have known as like the Rodeo Attitude Program, Classic Heartland is done a lot by volunteers and contributions.  They are currently running their annual drive.  Please take a moment and visit their site and consider even a small contribution

CLICK HERE FOR CLASSIC HEARTLAND WEB SITE. .

Equine Drill Team to Honor Buck Owens and "Streets of Bakersfield"

The Dust 'n Diamonds Equestrian Drill Team will once again perform at the Kearn County Sheriff Reserve Stamped Rodeo.  This year they wil perform to "Streets of Bakersfield" which was written by our Director of Cowboy Ministries, Homer Joy, and made famous by Buck Owens, in honor of Buck.  This rodeo used to be called the Buck Owens Stampede.

COMPLETE TEHACHAPIN NEWS STORY

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Wade Leslie hopes for recovery in France, China

He made bull riding history in 1991 when he became the only man to ever score a perfect 100 point ride.  A pickup accident in 2001 left him paralysed and now he wants to make history again by going overseas for a new spinal treatment that is not yet available in America.  Mike Wallis is hoping the cowboy world will help.

COMPLETE STORY

Sports Wives Form New Association

Whether their husbands compete in football or rodeo, often these ladies are the backbone of family life.  The new association will not just be a gossip session but will work to change the stereotype of athetes wives as well as serve as a support group for their members.

COMPLETE MIAMI HERALD STORY

WEB SITE PSWA MAGAZINE AND ASSOCIATION

Outdoor Life Network (OLN) Has New Name

The Outdoor Life Network is changing its name to Versus.

CLICK HERE FOR SIGN ON SAN DIEGO ARTICLE

Federation of Black Cowboys Endures Unbelievable Suffering

In the past we have written of the great work that is done by this group and their founder, Jesse L. Wise.  On April 12th Mr. Wise's wife and 5 other family members were found murdered in their home in Leola, Pennsylvania.  The victims were killed approximately April 8th and 9th while Mr. Wise was in Brooklyn on business.  Mr. Wise's grandson, Jesse Dee Wise Jr., 21, has been charged with the murders.  It appears that Jesse Jr. stole money and credit cards from his victims, went on a spending spree and lived in the house with the bodies in the basement from the time of the murders until they were discovered when Mr. Wise called a friend to check on his family as he was concerned he had not heard from them.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the founder and members of teh Federation of Black Cowboys and their families.  We know that all the victims were known to participate in Federation activities and they will be greatly missed by all.

CLICK HERE FOR FUNERAL ARTICLE

CLICK HERE FOR LANCASTER ONLINE STORY

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Injures are just part of rodeo life

DALY CITY - When you need answers at the Grand National Rodeo, go to the clown.

Rodney "Shotgun" Gaston, who had just finished pointing to various parts of his body that have been punctured by bull horns, was asked why a 40-year-old man spends his nights dodging 2,000-pound bulls.

"I'm too lazy to work and too scared to steal," was Gaston's answer, a line he doubtless has used before.

Then he smiled. Or at least, it looked as if he was smiling. It was kind of hard to tell with that big smile already painted on his face.

COMPLETE CONTRA COSTA TIMES ARTICLE

Whiplash Doesn't Throw Rodeo Cowboys

We always knew rodeo cowboys were tough but now we have a doctors report and a Forbes article to support our claims.

"TUESDAY, April 11 (HealthDay News) -- For reasons that remain unclear, rodeo cowboys recover more quickly from whiplash than other people, Canadian researchers report.

"What we found is that rodeo athletes recover faster (an average of 30 days vs. 73 days) and miss less work even though they shared the same occupation," Dr. Robert Ferrari, of the University of Alberta's department of medicine, said in a prepared statement."

COMPLETE FORBES ARTICLE

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Rodeo Attitude's Jason Cahill Makes the News

We love nothing more than when our members make the news.  In the April 2nd edition of the Daily Press Jason Cahill was one of the featured riders.  Hope you enjoy the article.

DAILY PRESS STORY

Oaklander bucks rodeo stereotypes

Learning how to buck the negative influences of his East Oakland neighborhood taught Kevin Willis some of the mental toughness and survival skills he depends on in the sport of professional bull riding.

Riding a bull is a head game - no bull

This article was prompted by the Grand National Rodeo but is a terrific article on bull riding guro, Gary Leffew, of California

New Mexico Honors Young Cowboy Killed in Drunk Driving Accident