Cndadian Professional Rodeo Association Announces 2008 Award Winners and CFR Personnel

By Courtesy CPRA
Posted Friday, October 10, 2008

CALGARY, AB - The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) announced the 2008 Award Winners for Stock of the Year, Timed Event Horses of the Year and also the 2008 Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) personnel.

The annual awards, voted on by various members of the CPRA, recognize top bucking stock, timed-event horses and the year’s top stock contractor in addition to contract act and announcer of the year. Other awards, yet to be announced, include Cowboy of the Year, Committee Person of the Year, Committees of the Year (large and small) and the Golden Rake Awards, voted on by the ladies barrel racers.

For the ninth consecutive year, Duane Kesler of Kesler Championship Rodeo received the Stock Contractor of the Year honour. Kesler also supplied four-time saddle bronc Horse of the Year, #354 Cool Alley, 2004-2006, 2008.

Calgary Stampede’s #G-65 Grated Coconut picked up the bareback Horse of the Year title for the fifth time, 2003-2005, 2007, 2008.

A sweet prize for Big Stone Rodeo Inc, Bull of the Year, was awarded to #308 Spoonful of Sugar.

Dean Edge, Rimbey, AB, had his horse, Sid, named tie-down Horse of the Year for the fourth year in a row.

Continuing a family tradition is Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, Wrangler, a first-time winner for Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, AB. Dad Greg Cassidy’s horse Willy won the title five times previously.

Another first-time winner, Ladies Barrel Racing Horse with the Most Heart, was Foxy, who has carried Traci Dawson, Erskine, AB to a great year.

Announcer of the Year went to Dave Poulsen, Claresholm, AB. Senlac, SK’s Ash Cooper was named Specialty Act of the Year.

Heading to the CFR are Pick-up men Gary Rempel, making his 11th appearance, and second-timer Jason Resch. Bullfighter Scott Byrne, Wainwright, AB, enters his seventh year at the CFR and will be joined by last year’s alternate, Jessie Byrne, Saskatoon, SK.
This year’s alternate is David Sandilands. Brenda Vold and Maxine Baird will be the timers.

The 2009 professional rodeo season kicks off this weekend at the New Holland Saskatoon Stampede Pro Rodeo in Saskatoon, SK, on Oct. 10-12. Rodeo contestants will also be headed to Prince George, BC’s West of the Rockies Pro Rodeo Final, Oct. 17-19.

For up to date standings and results, visit www.rodeocanada.com