Behind The Chutes

World Reknown Bullfighter - Rob Smets hosts "America's Toughest Jobs" Episode on Bullfighting
[Sep. 26, 2008] National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) has chosen FIVE-TIME WORLD BULL FIGHTING CHAMPION, Rob Smets, to judge it’s nationally televised, NBC's "America's Toughest Jobs". Rob has been asked to host two episodes, Friday, September 26th, 8 ET/7 CT & Friday, October 24th 8 ET/7 CT. Rob will be evaluating the remaining contestants giving one THE BOOT at the end of each episode. By Reg Bravo

2008 Mesquite Rodeo Season Closes Saturday September 27th - Races Close for Gold & Silver Buckles
[Sep. 26, 2008] The Mesquite Championship Rodeo closes the chutes on its 2008 season on Saturday (Sept 27), with several races for gold and silver championship buckles too close to call...One of the closest races is in saddle bronc competition. Loren Barber of Slate Shoals, entered on Friday, has taken the lead with $3,157 after winning $475 last weekend. Barber is followed by Waxahachie cowboy Cody Smith, also competing on Friday, who trails by only $230. By Courtesy Mesquite Rodeo

Gail Woerner to receive Will Rogers Medallion Award September 23rd
[Sep. 22, 2008] The Academy of Western Artists has announced that Gail Hughbanks Woerner has been selected as a recipient of the 2008 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Western Non-fiction for her latest book, "Rope To Win, The History of Steer, Calf, and, Team Roping". Gail will receive her award at their awards ceremony Tuesday evening, September 23 at Granville Theater in Garland, Texas. By Cindy Meyers, Rodeo Attitude

Tobacco Ads at Rodeo Grounds Under Scrutiny
[Sep. 17, 2008] A move is underway to remove tobacco ads from the Rowell Ranch Rodeo grounds in Castro Valley.

Bullying Hurts Program Hires Former Bullfighter George Doak
[Sep. 12, 2008] A very effective program called BULLYING HURTS that educates teenagers, through a variety of organizations, to mentor grade school children against bullying, has hired former rodeo clown and bullfighter, George Doak as Director of Rodeo Relations and Education Communication. The veteran of twenty-eight years in the rodeo arena, baiting the bull and saving cowboys, will promote this positive service program throughout the rodeo world encouraging committees and individuals to introduce this worthwhile project in to their home communities. By Gail Woerner

The Wrangler® Brand’s Karl Stressman Nabbed for Top Professional Rodeo Post
[Sep. 12, 2008] Wrangler® Western Wear announced today that after 12 years and countless accomplishments unprecedented in his sector, Karl Stressman – director of rodeo and special events for Wrangler Specialty Apparel – will join the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) as president and CEO of PRCA Properties and interim CEO of the PRCA. By Courtesy Wrangler® Western Wear

National Cowboy Museum Announces Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductees
[Sep. 4, 2008] Inductees are chosen annually by a vote of the Rodeo Historical Society (RHS) membership. Nine inductees will be recognized at a special ceremony and brunch on Sunday, October 26. The Hall of Fame class of 2008 includes Hadley Barrett, Don Gay, Charles Sampson, George Williams and Marty Wood. Being honored posthumously are: Lane Frost, Chuck Parkison, Claire Belcher Thompson and C.E. “Feek” Tooke.

Catching up with rodeo announcer Tallman
[Sep. 4, 2008] The Olympics has Bob Costas. Pro rodeo has Bob Tallman...As the long-running 2008 Summer Olympics recently was broadcasted on NBC, I enjoyed hearing Costas' smooth and eloquent style of sports commentary. And when I covered the 17-day Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Stock Show Rodeo in Fort Worth earlier this year, I never became tired of hearing Tallman announce the performances.

Aftermath - Rodeo Clown Reunion
[Sep. 2, 2008] The Rodeo Clown Reunion was a huge success in Dodge City, Kansas. The Dodge City Days Rodeo Committee and so many more sponsors made our stay there so enjoyable and memorable. The honorees dressed in their familiar costumes of the past and donned their individual ‘clown faces’ to entertain the fans all over Dodge City, including autographing before each of the five rodeo performances and helping with the Youthville Rodeo for Exceptional Children, the Mutton Bustin’, the Boot Scramble and tossing T-shirts to the fans. By Gail Woerner

Working the ranch no bull for this rodeo family
[Aug. 28, 2008] With the sun barely up, Jim Gay and his crew at the Rafter G Rodeo Ranch in Terrell roll into action. It's a Thursday morning, and it's not long before the ranch hands and the first group of bulls appear across the pasture. This is part of the herd fans will see buck at the Mesquite Championship Rodeo later on Friday and Saturday nights.

"America's Toughest Jobs" Premiers
[Aug. 25, 2008] Did you know rodeo bullfighters have one of the most dangerous jobs in America? Check out the new reality show on NBC to learn more!

Jack A. Weil, 107; Entrepreneur Put Style in Western Wear
[Aug. 17, 2008] Jack A. Weil, a celebrated entrepreneur of the American West, who added snaps and snappiness to cowboy shirts and then sold those shirts to thousands who never saw the sagebrush, died Aug. 13 at his home in Denver. He was 107. The cause of death was not reported.

Rodeo World Champion Jim Shoulders' Prize Saddle Available for Live Online Bidding on Proxibid
[Aug. 12, 2008]

Report: Toni Braxton, Ty Murray, Dan Marino, Mrs. Brady all 'Dancing'
[Aug. 6, 2008] Reality TV World is reporting that Ty Murray is rumored to be one of the contestants on the 7th Season of "Dancing With The Stars". Could the "King of the Cowboys" be about ready to show the world the moves of a great athlete?