Contestants announced for NRA Finals

Posted Monday, February 1, 2010

February 1, 2010 – A star lineup of contestants is scheduled to compete in the Stockton Oil Company Northern Rodeo Association Finals, which rides into Billings’ MetraPark Arena Feb. 18-20.

Former Wrangler NFR barrel racer Shelley Murphy of Helena joins a roster that includes four other PRCA Montana Circuit Finals qualifiers in her event, while fellow Helena cowgirl Cee Cee Tryan, fresh off an All-American stint roping for Montana State University, leads the pack into the Finals in breakaway roping.

The bareback riding will feature local favorite Justin Miller of Billings, who is currently leading the PRCA Montana Circuit, while bull rider J.D. Harrell of Roy will attempt to hold onto his lead in the bull riding and men’s all-around standings.

And the team roping lineup includes, among others, veteran Montana Circuit heeler Kory Mytty of Lolo, along with MSU standout headers Edward Hawley of Hays and Cody Tew of Harlowton. NRA heeling standings leader Sam Levine of Wolf Creek, along with Hawley, was a top-10 finisher in the PRCA Montana Circuit last year, and will also compete in tie-down roping with fellow Montana Circuit roper Bryant Mikkelson of Buffalo.

The NRA Finals, which boasts a $60,000 purse, annually showcases only the top ten contestants in each of seven events based on the preceding season. With more than 1,200 cowboys and cowgirls competing at 42 sanctioned rodeos throughout the summer rodeo season, the NRA is one of the largest regional rodeo associations in the United States.

For the seventh year, the rodeo finals coincide with the Northwest’s premier agricultural and home/health trade show – the Montana Agri-Trade Exposition. The first performance, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., will be followed with a concert by Grammy Award-winning country rock band, The Kentucky Headhunters.

Tickets start at just $15, with half-price rates for kids. Get yours at the MetraPark box office or by calling (406) 256-2422 or toll free at (800) 366-8538. Group Tickets and VIP ticket packages can be ordered directly from Yost Events at (208) 863-4310.