Larry Shuey Memorial Bull Riding  

Written by Dawn Raney: Rhodes Alumni and DJ at Kix 101.1

On July 23^rd the town of Rhodes prepares for yet another Rhodes Pride Day.  In recent years we have started a new tradition to this old celebration in memory of one of our own.  Many people either knew Larry, the man, or Larry, the rodeo contestant and supporter, but I wanted the opportunity to let people get to know that in reality they were actually one in the same.  Larry Shuey was a friend to many who admired him for his accomplishments in the rodeo arena as well as a father and business man.

            In 1952 Larry moved to Rhodes from neighboring Collins where he met Donna Brittan.  They were joined in marriage in 1957 and were actively involved in the rodeo circuit.  Never traveling further then a neighboring state Larry and Donna managed to raise 8 children: 2 sons (Larry Don (or Horse) and Jim Bob) and six daughters (Sherri, Sandy, BJ, Terri, Penni, and Shannon).  Larry’s commitment to his family was the one thing in his life that stopped him from turning pro. Those who knew Larry knew he loved his family above all else.  

            As every cowboy knows with every bull ride you not only feel the adrenaline rush but you always run the risk of a potentially fatal injury.  In the length of his career Larry had his share of injuries, but the one that stood out the most is when he was gored by a bull.  He broke two ribs and puncturing a lung.  In 1967 he sustained a broken leg and it was this injury that actually slowed down his career.  He was involved, but his actual riding days were not the same after the injury.  His most notable awards and wins are commemorated in his many trophies, buckles, and saddles.   One of the awards he was the most proud of was when he won the Amateur Saddle Bronc Championship at the world famous Annual Sidney Rodeo in Sidney , Iowa .

The boys followed dad into the arena when they were in high school, but chose not to pursue it any further.  Both instead followed dad in the business he opened: Shuey Construction based out of Rhodes .    

            In 2003 friends organized what was originally slated as a benefit for Larry as he faced treatment and therapy for prostate cancer, but in the end the cancer proved to be bigger then even Larry could handle.   Instead of a benefit the Annual Larry Shuey Memorial Bull Riding was born.  Forty bull riders, both local and professional will take their chances on some of the rankest bulls offered by one of Iowa ’s best known breeders of bucking bulls, High Risk Bucking Bulls out of Monroe .  High Risk was honored by the riders who voted them Stock Contractor of the Year for both the Bullriders of America (BOA) and the National Federation of Professional Bullriders (NFPB) in 2004.  An honor that exemplifies the respect the riders have for their bulls.  The added money for the event is $2,000 and the champion will receive a trophy buckle. The event is a sanctioned event through BOA and NFPB and recently it was added as a B&W Challenge event. As a B&W Challenge Event the winner will have a chance at an extra $750 if he can ride the bounty bull at the end of the event.  The respect the riders have for this event and the man it honors is displayed in the roster.  Among the 40 men competing will be PBR standouts, Jody Newberry and Craig Sasse.   Also, slated to ride will be Corey Davis, 2004 Prairie Circuit Champion and Curt Check, 2004 BOA and NFPB Champion.

Comedy relief for the event will be Jeff “Boomers” Veteto.  Jeff was recently voted as the BOA Finals Barrelman for 2005.  Just another example of how our small town will roll out the welcome mat with top notch entertainment!

Present throughout the night will be the top officers of Rodeo Attitude, including Larry, Cindy and LoriDee Meyers and Todd Crase.  They will be assisting Kix 101.1 who will be offering door prizes and hosting a pre-event autograph session with Jody Newberry, Craig Sasse, Corey Davis, Boomers and other riders. 

 Rhodes, a small community of 297 people, will grow by close to 3,000 people.  They will come to enjoy not only an impressive bull riding event, but fireworks, a dance and friendly Iowa hospitality, but most important, they will come to honor and remember the man who brought rodeo to Rhodes .