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New Stock Pens Biggest Job Of 101 Ranch Rodeo
Officials
 The 101 Ranch Rodeo foundation has been quite busy since February
reconstructing the stock pens and constructing holding pens for the
roped animals of the 101 Ranch Rodeo.
"The rough stock pens, located on the south side of the arena, have been
there for thirty years or so," Raymond Tole, vice president of the
foundation said. "We had a tough time removing them, and redrilling
holes for the new poles and welded work of the new pens."
The work has been performed from trustees of the volunteers and
volunteers, plus the Kay County community service sentencing program,
Dan Meador, Director.
"We couldn't have done it without the large amount of pipe donated by
Conoco, and other materials by CEJA Oil Company. Transportation has been
furnished by NCI Inc.," Tole said.
The work will provide three pens for the rough stock, including broncs
and bulls, and one for timed events. "We'll also have some smaller pens
for the animals in that night's performance, that will be able to speed
up the events," Tole said. "He said the goal is to have new catch pens
at the north end of the arena.
Other improvements at the arena are to add a permanent bathroom on the
west side, and "We would like to add a third, with a shower, at the
south end," Tole said.
The trustees and volunteers have been working evenings from 7 p.m. until
dark on Wednesday and Thursday, with another group of workers on
Saturdays. "It's been a large undertaking, tearing out the old pens that
were 30 years old," Tole said.
The 101 Ranch Rodeo was named by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association a year ago as the No.1 rodeo in the Prairie Circuit. "We're
proud of that, and hope to continue nabbing that honor. We're doing some
things that could enhance the honor," Tole said.
101 Ranch Rodeo foundation president is Scott Klososky and Rick
Barnthouse has been the arena director. This year, the 101 Ranch Rodeo
will be held on Aug. 20-21-22, with slack performances on Aug.19. The
Rumford Brothers of Abbyville, Kan., will again provide the stock for
the rodeo and produce the rodeo, for the second year in a row. It
included a year ago, some extra shows to fill in and quite a show before
the grand march.
101 Ranch Rodeo A Chute-Out Event
Some of the finest and hardest working athletes in the United States
will be on hand Aug. 22-24 to compete in the annual 101 Ranch Rodeo.
The 1991 101 Ranch Rodeo is part of the Coors Chute-Out Rodeo series, a
fact that guarantees a high-quality program in every aspect imaginable.
Now in its 13th year as a supporter of the sport through its association
with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Coors is one of
the major supporters and key players in the success of America's oldest
sport.
While Coors is associated with many facets of professional rodeo, its
Chute-Out series is the most popular and visible element. Besides the
contestants, several other rodeo participants
— including announcers, stock contractors,
clowns and barrelmen, and committees — profit from the benefits of the Chute-Out
series.
The 101 Ranch Rodeo is one of more than 50 Coors Chute-Out rodeos
scheduled for 1991, and like all the rest, it promises to provide plenty
of fun, excitement and thrills for those fortunate enough to be in
attendance.
Dennis Parker Named Marshal For 101 Ranch Rodeo
Conoco regional vice-president, administration, and refinery manager
Dennis Parker will serve as marshal for the 101 Ranch Rodeo Parade which
will take place Thursday in downtown Ponca City to kick off the 32nd
annual rodeo event.
The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Union Street and West Grand Avenue
and then proceed east on Grand Avenue to Seventh Street, according to
,John Heinze, parade chairman.
Parker is an active supporter of the rodeo as well as many other events
in Ponca City and surrounding area. When asked to be parade marshal,
Parker said, "I would be delighted and consider it a privilege to act as
marshal for this event with such an outstanding heritage."
The parade will kick off the first ,night's performance of the, rodeo,
which will begin at 8 p.m. at the 101 Ranch Rodeo arena at North Ash
Street and West Prospect Avenue.
"We have received a large number of parade entries, but anyone
wishing to participate in the parade is cordially invited to still
enter," Heinze said. "Persons having a horse, buggy, wagon, antique or
classic car as well as floats and walking units are encouraged and
invited to enter," Heinze added that trophies will be awarded in various
categories.
Heinze asks that everyone be in position in the staging area at Union
and Grand by 5 p.m. Thursday.
Anyone with questions should call the rodeo office at 765-2980, or
Heinze.
Barbecue Will Kick Off 1991 101 Ranch Rodeo
In Ponca City, barbecue and rodeo go hand in hand and this year's 101
Ranch Rodeo barbecue is no exception. Preparations are being finalized
for the barbecue, slated for Thursday, which traditionally kicks off the
32-year-old rodeo and it's cookin' up to be a great one say its
organizers.
"We're planning to serve approximately 800 people," said Debra Morrow,
chairman of this year's barbecue. "We've tried to make it more
attractive to families by adding the option of a children's plate for
those under 12, It should make it both fun and affordable for the entire
family to attend the barbecue and the rodeo."
The annual barbecue, held on "Family Night" at the rodeo, is sponsored
jointly by the Ponca City financial institutions: American National
Bank, First National Bank and Trust, Heartland Federal, Pioneer Bank and
Trust, and Security Bank and Trust. Employees from those institutions
will be serving the meal being provided by Head Country Bar-B-Q.
We'll be serving Head Country barbecue beef, backed beans, potato salad
and tea or lemonade," said Danny Head of Head Country Bar-B-Q. "There
will be lots of good food for everyone plus a bonus of a $1-off coupon
to Head Country Bar-B-Q Restaurant on the back of every dinner ticket."
There will also be entertainment by vocalists from the Ponca Playhouse
and free balloons for the children, according to Morrow.
Advance tickets for the pre-rodeo barbecue, which is served from 6 to 8
p.m., are available at all five financial institutions, the Chamber of
Commerce, Sisco's Circle S Western Store, Head Country Bar-B-Q
Restaurant, McVay's, Eastman National Bank in Newkirk and Pioneer Loans
in Blackwell.
"By purchasing tickets in advance people can save 50 cents on each
ticket," Morrow said. "Add that to the dollar-off coupon on the back and
you've got a great bargain meal!"
Advance tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children under the age of
12. Tickets will be sold at the gate for an additional 50 cents each.
This year's barbecue committee included Morrow, Security Bank and Trust;
Dick Pitts, American National Bank; Robin Carpenter and Nancy Goad,
First National Bank and Trust; Kathy Tippin, Heartland Federal; and Mari
Wright, Pioneer Bank and Trust. Assisting the committee were Danny Head
and Scott Klososky.
101 Ranch Rodeo To Start 32nd Year
The big names of rodeo are coming to Ponca City this week as the 32nd
annual 101 Ranch Rodeo unfolds at the rodeo arena in the northwest part
of the city, Ash Street and Prospect Avenue.
While the Thursday night entry list looks similar to a "Who's Who in
Rodeo", there's no shortage of entries for the three nights, Aug. 22-24,
as indicated by Louise Williams, in charge of the entry lists. The rodeo
performances begin each night with the Grand Entry at 8 p.m.
Rumford Rodeo Stock Contractors from Abbyville, Kan., will be providing
the stock for the rodeo and producing the 101 Ranch Rodeo this year — a break from many previous years when the
Walt Alsbaugh Stock Contractors from Colorado had produced the show. A
member of the contractors, Bronc Rumford, will appear as a contestant
during the rodeo.
Festivities will be kicked off Thursday with the annual 101 Ranch Rodeo
parade in downtown Ponca City. Parade chairman Johnny Heinze indicated a
large group of entries for the 1991 parade, which will have as the
Parade Marshal, Dennis Parker, vice president from Conoco Inc. The
parade begins from Union Street and West Grand Avenue at 5:30 p.m.
heading east to Seventh Street where it disperses.
There will be time, too, to reach the rodeo grounds where Ponca City
financial institutions are sponsoring a barbecue, with all the
trimmings, from Head Country Bar-B-Q, between 6 and 8 p.m.
Highlighting the Saturday performances at the rodeo will be the
designation of the 1991 101 Ranch Rodeo Queen. A number of contestants
will be appearing in a contest that goes a long way in naming the queen.
A luncheon along with a style show for the contestants will be held at
noon Saturday at the American Legion.
The rodeo will also have added incentive from special sponsorships, such
as being part of the Coors Chute Out, Copenhagen/Skoal, and Coca-Cola
Winners Circle.
But the best part comes from that "Who's Who in Rodeo" list of
contestants. Just the very first night, the bull riding event alone
lists five of the top eight present money winners in the event seeking
spots in the National Finals Rodeo. They include Tuff Hedeman of Bowie,
Texas, currently in second place behind Clint Branger of Roscoe, Mont.
Hedeman has $58,977 to date, just $367 less than Branger.
Also scheduled to appear the first night Aug. 22, are Jim Sharp, Kermit,
Texas, third; Norman Curry, Deberry, Texas, fourth; Ervin Williams,
Tulsa, seventh; and Raymond Wessel, Wichita, eighth.
Protecting those bull riders, and keeping the crowd entertained during
the rodeo at various times, will be Kevin Rich, who is one of the top
bullfighters on the circuit this year. Rich, from Bucklin, a small
southwestern Kansas town, now makes his home at Windsor, Colo., raising
bulls and other stock.
The rodeo fans will have been treated to some other "Who's Who in Rodeo"
names entered, during the bareback riding Thursday, when five of the top
16 will appear including Wayne Herman, Dickinson, N.D., fourth; Phil
Smith, Emerson, Ark., eighth; Mark Garrett, Story, Wyo., 11th; Marvin
Garrett, Belle Fourche, S.D., 13th; and R.C. Patterson, Kim, Colo.,
16th.
Also scheduled to appear are the top two team ropers in the country. The
No.1 team roping duo is Charles Pogue, Ringling, Okla. and his partner,
Steve Northcutt, Odessa, Texas. They have $43,553 each and are ahead of
that second pair, of Bob Harris, Gillette, Wyo. and Tee Woolman, Llano,
Texas, who have $38,887 apiece.
Another well-known name and previous NFR champion set to appear on
Thursday is Ote Berry, Checotah, Okla., who is No.2 in steer wrestling.
He is just $4,000 behind the No.1 spot at the present time, held by Todd
Fox of Marble Falls, Texas.
Not to be outdone, there is a top name in the girls barrel racing event,
expecting to show up Thursday. That would be Vana Beissinger, of Lake
Worth, Fla., who is No. 3 on the present money list with $42,392.
Also, in the saddle bronc riding No.9 on the top 16 in the 1991 world
standings hoping to make it to the NFR later this fall is an entrant for
Thursday - Bud Longbrake of Dupree, S.D., with $36,621 slightly less
than $2,000 off the No.8 spot held by Kyle Wemple, Milford, Calif.
Following the usual 10 entries in each event participating during the
regular part of the rodeo Thursday, there will be some slack
performances - entrants who had entered on time, but for production
purposes are given their opportunities after the regular rides and
events.
Cowboy Artist's Work Available at 101 Rodeo
 While
cowboy artist Fred Fellows will be unable to attend the 101 was
Ranch Rodeo and coordinate a showing of his works at the Fine Arts
Center and Conoco, some of his prints have been donated as rodeo fund
raisers.
Carey Head from the Rodeo Foundation, said that Ponca City News staff
writer Louise Abercrombie and Gary Davis (former rodeo foundation
chairman) had discussed inviting Fellows to the rodeo as a VIP (Very
Important person), with the possibilities of showing his works.
"You can just imagine how I felt when he said he would like to donate
one instead. I was thrilled to have him say that, so you can imagine too
what it was like to receive his package with six signed and numbered
prints inside. His only stipulation was that I show the four pieces
depicting women in frontier life to the Pioneer Woman Museum," Head
said.
Head said her parents purchased two of the individual prints on the spot
for $110 apiece.
"I took the other four to West End Interiors and A and A Paint. Marsha
Mauk and Dean Allen took two apiece to frame as a donation to the Rodeo
Foundation," Head said.
She said the prints will be shown during each night's rodeo performance.
One print will be auctioned during Saturday's Queen's Luncheon and the
other three will be announced Saturday night.
Anyone interested in purchasing a gallery-framed, signed and numbered
limited edition print at a bargain price should stop by the booth at the
southeast gate inside the rodeo grounds and make a bid. The winners will
be contacted by telephone, according to Head. She said all proceeds
benefit the rodeo foundation.
The 'Elite' 101 Ranch Rodeo
The 101 Ranch Rodeo has become, as of Wednesday night, and it was
scheduled that way, an "elite" rodeo as Bronc Rumford of Rumford Rodeo
Stock Contractors pointed out.
Somewhere along the way, confusion that team roping and steer roping
were one and the same, has been cleared up considerably during a visit
with Rumford.
"The 101 Ranch Rodeo had steer roping some time back, but lately it had
not included it in the program of events. It had recently gone to team
roping exclusively. However, there had been requests for it (steer
roping) to be returned to the program, and we're ready," Rumford said
early Wednesday afternoon.
That's just what happened, and a section of slack "steer roping" was
held Wednesday night in preparation for "the final" three days of the
101 Ranch Rodeo, which gets under way at 8 p.m. tonight.
There were several National Finals Rodeo hopefuls in that Wednesday
night performance, and others are expected to appear tonight through
Saturday.
"Steer roping added to the program is advantageous to the rodeo and
community. There are options, and most rodeos do not have the steer
roping and many do not have team roping (two competitors roping the same
animal). By having both, the 101 Ranch Rodeo will offer every rodeo
event possible to contestants and the fans," Rumford said.
"There's probably only ten percent or less that have every rodeo event.
The list of contestants gives good reason to having it, and it has paid
off," Rumford said.
Rumford related, "Dad (Floyd, a partner in the business) was always
interested in horses. He'd been a contestant and had aspirations of a
championship. But a tractor accident sidetracked him. He almost lost a
leg as a result, and in fact doctors wanted to take it." "Dad ended his
contact with competition, and got into the livestock business because he
wanted to be involved. I came along and got into the swing of things. We
traveled all over, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Chicago and eastern rodeos.
"I got into rodeoing at a very young age. Early on, they billed me as
the youngest bareback rider (at 31/2 years). I did a routine on an old
bay named Sonny. When I reached 10 I got into competing, and rode the
rough stock until I was 32. Since then, I've limited it to bulldogging
and calf-roping," Rumford said.
The stock contractor said there was no question that calf roping might
be one of the toughest, requiring a lot of different aspects of rodeo
— riding, roping, throwing, tying, and doing
it in a matter of seconds. "It's like all of the others thrown into one
contest," Rumford said.
Producing a rodeo, such as a stock contractor does, is big bucks
business. "The most ideal situation is to have one animal per
contestant. On occasion, an animal will have to be run twice in a week
as a The most ideal situation is to have one animal per contestant. On
occasion, an animal will have to be run twice in a week as a result of
the entry list at rodeos we've produced," Rumford said.
He said there was a fine line between top notch bucking animals, used
once a week. "You've also got to consider care of the animal, and
depending on how good the animal is, the animal may head to Circuit
(regional) rodeos and even to the National Finals," Rumford said.
When animals cost between - $1000 and $25,000, you can't afford to abuse an
animal. "We've got some in that price range, and some that have shown
their stuff at the National Finals," Rumford said.
When a rodeo calls for three nights of calves and contestants expand the
entry list, there's extra runnings, called "slack." Rumford said a stock
contractor has to be prepared to offer calves and steers enough as a
result of the needed "freshness" of the animals.
He said the animals are not bred to be a beefy animal, and will command
$100 to $200 apiece. "A novelty to the animal is the horns, and a
Mexican bred calf or steer are the ones we like to have for the rodeos.
It simply makes the Mexican ranchers cornering the market," Rumford
said.
Rumford said the ideal stock contractor schedule is one rodeo per week.
However, on occasion Rumford has had two rodeos a week. He said the
usual is Monday-Wednesday or Thursday-Saturday. "One rodeo per week
seems to work best for us," Rumford said.
The Rumford stock for the 101 Ranch Rodeo includes 56 head of bucking
horses, and 15 saddle horses. "The saddle horses are for pickup men,
flag men, and opening ceremony routines," Rumford said. The stock also
includes 90 head of steers and 35 calves, a pair oxen which will be used
to chronicle a 101 Ranch event during the opening ceremony, trained
Brahma, two Mexican bulls that are from Portugal bullfight arenas and 28
bucking bulls.
You certainly can say that rodeo stock contractors have a sizeable
investment.
Rumford said they also provide a specialty act, "And this one is one of
the best in all of rodeo. It's Tommy Lucia, who has been nominated
several times to entertain at the National Finals. It will be a treat to
see him. He has a super act with a horse, named 'In His Glory'," Rumford
said.
"We have an opening pageant that is a tribute to Bill Pickett, a former
101 Ranch ranch hand. It should be exciting, particularly for you (Ponca
Citians and area rodeo goers) around here," Rumford said.
Some of the stock to look for and appearing at the 101 Ranch Rodeo, and
possibly heading to the National Finals, are bulls "Sunflower," "Juke
Box," "Dougle 0 Hall's Reject," and "Tiny Tim/Skoal," according to
Rumford.
Top notch horses include a three-time bucking horse of the year on the
Prairie Circuit, "Red River/Skoal" Also appearing are "TNT/Skoal," and a
notable, "Strycnyne," whom Rumford said was 35 years old, and "a grand
old horse."
"All of the cattle we use, we eventually put into a stocker-feeder
program, and on occasion feed them on out to market. We've got 600 acres
of farm ground that we have in wheat and pasture, therefore combining
two uses out of the animals," Rumford said.
The stock contractor said they are always looking to improve, and
therefore, he spends some time just going to another rodeo to compete.
"I was at the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo at Abilene, Kan., Tuesday, and able
to see a close friend, Harry Void, who produces that rodeo. We always
look for some tips about how to do some things," Rumford said.
So you can see, there's always an opportunity to improve.
Area Folks Pulling For Leading Rodeo Money Winner
 Ty
Murray, the leading money winner by far in the 1991 World Standings;
with a current $111,455
— almost double that of his nearest
competitors
— has a number of Ponca City and area folks
rooting for him as he participates in tonight's events of the 101 Ranch
Rodeo.
Murray, 1989-90 World Champion, leads Tee Woolman of Lano, Texas, in the
all-around. Woolman is $55,030 shy of what Murray has under his belt to
date in the unofficial Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association standings.
Now from Stephenville, Texas, Murray is fourth in saddle bronc riding
with $48,305 and sixth in bull riding with $40,934. He is scheduled for
tonight's performances of the 101 Ranch Rodeo in three events, bareback
riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding.
Murray took the world championship in 1990 with earnings of $213,772.
Murray's folks were from the Marland area and close cousins of Murray
who are still here include Richard and Alvena Crum, Laurzell (Murray)
Holmes and James Murray. There are other distant cousins also in the
area.
101 Ranch Collectors To Meet Saturday
 The
101 Ranch Collectors will be meeting at the Hutchins Memorial building
in Ponca City following the 101 Ranch Old Timers reunion, Saturday, Aug.
24, at 10 a.m.
The collectors will have some of their prized pieces of memorabilia of
the 101 Ranch on display by 9 a.m. The public is welcome. There will '
be posters, pictures, post cards, guns used in the 101 Ranch Wild West
Show, badges, watch fobs, and other items. Some members are even known
to trade.
The displays will be closed during the Old Timers reunion, but will open
again after the meeting, until 3 p.m.
Kathryn Stansbury, author of "Lucille Mulhall, Her Family, Her Life, Her
Times" will speak on "The 101 Ranch, the Myth and the Reality." The
collectors will elect officers.
Long Night, Top Scores Spark Opening Of 101 Ranch
Rodeo
The 101 Ranch Rodeo The 101 Ranch Rodeo got off to a "darkened" start,
but when the lights came on for good, fans got some real thrills in
watching some of the best scores posted and some that will take some
doing in staying on top.
The lights went out twice just as the rodeo got under way, but upon
being fixed around 8:30 p.m., they stayed on for good.
For the regular rodeo fan, competition was over for them shortly after
10 o'clock, but with the heaviest entry list ever, additional
performances were held in the calf roping, girls barrel racing, steer
wrestling, and team roping. The hardiest of rodeo fan left the arena at
3 a.m. Friday, bleary-eyed and ready for tonight's second performance
beginning at 8 p.m. There will be a third performance at 8 p.m.
Saturday.
The extra performances as a result of the entry list prompted rodeo
officials to some run off Wednesday night in the steer roping, and that
event is a two go-round event. Thursday night, the extra performers were
in commonly referred to as "slack". Rodeo officials said there were 437
contestants in all for the 32nd annual event, the first time there had
been more than 400.
Nine contestants plus 38 "slack" ropers to get rid of the bulk of 69
entries in the calf roping event, came up with some quick times. A pair
of 9.1s were recorded after 2:42 a.m. Friday when the final 12 began
roping. They were Fred Whitfield, Cypress, Texas, who currently is tenth
on the 1991 World Standings of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association, and Marty Lindner, of Giddings, Texas. Next are Doug Close,
Wayne, Okla., with 9.5 and Rabe Rabon, Paradise, Texas, at 9.7. Ken
Bailey III of Okmulgee, Okla., has a 10.2 and Ricky Canton, Cleveland,
Texas, has a 10.3.
Vana Beisinger of Lake Worth, Fla., who reportedly won the girls barrel
racing at the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene, Kan., Wednesday night,
and is No. 3 on the money list, had a 16.86. She was the only one to be
under the 17-second barrier.
Next were Beth Braudick, Terrell, Texas, with a 17.10 followed by a pair
of 17.29s, including 12-year-old Felicia Otis, Blanchard, Okla., and
Shandi Metzinger of Dexter, Kan.
Fans got a big thrill early in the bareback riding, when Mark A. Garrett
of Story, Wyo., put an 80 on the boards with his ride Thursday — Justin
Williams of Pratt had a 77 and Phil Smith of Emerson, Ark., is at 76.
Posting a 75 was Marvin Garrett of Belle Fourche, S.D.
Top bull rider to date is Matt Fenhaus, of Rapid City, S.D., with a 72.
Other scores that figure in the money at the present time are Scott
McCune, Houston, with a 71 and Nika J. Calico, Stilwell, Okla., with a
69.
Saddle broncs were led by Bud Longbrake of Dupree, S.D. with a 76. He's
in ninth place of the world standings money list. Next are a trio of
70s, including Matt Reed, El Dorado, Kan.; Jarrett McGraw, Garden City,
Kan.; and Todd Fike, Pavillion, N.Y.
A best time of 11.9 by Glenn Smith of Redfield, Kan., and his partner
James E. Litts, Fort Scott, in the regular performance of team ropers
was riddled considerably by a number of team ropers in the "slack"
event. Best in the team rop-ing event is a familiar pair to all
rodeo-goers, Steve Northcutt of Odessa, Texas, and Charles Pogue,
Ringling, Okla. They are the No. 1 team in the nation, and showed off
with a 5.5.
Next in the team ropers come Shannon Frascht of Protection, Kan., and
partner J.M. Skaggs of Apache, Okla., at 5.9. There are a pair of 6.2s,
including Jon Hamilton of Vian and J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw; and the team
of two more Oklahomamans, Kelly Perkins and Jimmy L. Wade, both of
Ringling. A 6.8, posted by the team of Clay Del Hurst of Buncombe, 111.,
and Shawn A. Harris of Vilonia, Ark., follows.
Ten more steer ropers competed during the second go-round Thursday.
Wednesday had a group of 10 second go-round ropers, and Friday and
Saturday will produce 10 more apiece.
Thursday, the best time of 11.0 was put on the books by Tutt Garnett of
Elgin, Texas, but with his 27.5 posted on Wednesday, he has to settle
for an average of 38.5.
Best average now appears to be Shawn Johnson, of Pampa, Texas, with an
11.2 on Thursday to go with a 12.5 on Wednesday, or a 23.7 aver- age,
taking out the leader, James Alien of Vinita, who had a 27.1 on his
one-day effort Wednesday in the two go-rounds.
In steer wrestling, the largest number of entries (73) found 43
additional contestants performing after the crowd dwindled down. There
were a pair of 4.7s in the "slack", including Rex Meier of Checotah and
Tracy Browne of Durant. Todd Greer of Many, La., has a 4.8, along with
Brad Lahman of Caney, Okla. Clyde Himes of Beulah, Colo., has a 5.0 and
next are Albert Hiemer, Tryon, Okla., and Jimmy Henson, Mounds, Okla.,
each with5.1. Sever- al are between that and 5.6, which was the best
performance before the rodeo crowd, turned in by Marty Musil of
Crescent, Okla.
Fans tonight will really get to see some more big-name top money-
winners. Ty Murray of Stephenville, Texas, will be in all three riding
events. Murray is a $55,030 leader in the all-around, and is listed
fourth in saddle bronc and sixth in bull riding.
In the saddle bronc riding, the en- try list tonight includes three of
the top five in the world standings, Robert Etbauer, Goodwell, third;
Murray at fourth, and fifth-place Dan Etbauer, also of Goodwell.
Three others scheduled to appear in bareback riding are members of the
top 16 in the world at the present time for 1991, including Ken
Lensgrave, Meade, S.D., third; Bruce Ford, Kersey, Colo., seventh; and
Merle Temple, Porcupine, S.D.,
12th. Also in bull riding will be Scott Mendes, Fort Worth, who is 13th
as of Aug. 20.
Two high-ranking girls in the barrel racing include Angie Meadors,
Wetumka, and Kim West, Oklahoma City, 10th and 12th respectively.
Mike Macy, Post, Texas, who is ninth on the team roping and a partner
are scheduled to appear. In calf roping, three top-16 names include
Brent Lewis, Pinon, N.M., third; Joe Beaver, Huntsville, Texas, sixth
and James Zant, Harper, Texas, 16th. Doug McMillen, Sidney, Neb., 10th
in steer wrestling will attempt to get additional push for the
standings.
Gift-of-gab Dr. Lynn Phillips of Enid, Okla., kept the crowd happy,
along with bullfighters Scott Williams and Kevin Rich. The antics of
Tommy Lucia, with his horse Glory and trained monkey Whiplash are a
sight also. And a real refreshing effort has been the Wildcat Cowboy
band under the direction of Steve Workman.
Bull Riders Thrill Crowd At Rodeo
A Trio of bull riders thrilled the crowd Friday night by taking over
that event during the second running of the 101 Ranch Rodeo at the rodeo
arena. The 1991 version of the rodeo, produced by the Rumford Rodeo
Stock Contractors, ended its three-night stand at 8 p.m. Saturday.
A 72 posted by Matt Fenhaus, Rapid City, S.D., on Thursday was bettered
by Steve Washington, Tulsa, 74; K.J. Pletcher, Springer, Okla., and Shon
Mclntyre, Coulterville, 111., both with 73s.
Three more 72s made it a four- way logjam for fourth, including Fenhaus.
Others were Scott Mendes, Fort Worth; Tony Booth, Saginaw, Texas; and
Dick Miller, Comanche, Okla.
In the girls barrel racing, Vana Biessinger of Lake Worth, Fla., held a
slim lead at 16.86 over the first girl to ride the clover-leaf pattern
Friday. Collette Baier, Hardtner, Kan., made it in 16:95. They were the
only two, with Biessinger riding on Thursday and Baier on Friday, to get
under the 17-second barrier.
Kim West of Oklahoma City pulled into third with a 17.07, just head of
Beth Braudrick, Terrell, Texas. And Angle Meadors, Watumka, Okla., had
rode it in 17.17 to push a pair of 17.29s down a notch. They were
Felicia Otis, Blanchard, Okla., and Shandi Metzinger, Dexter, Kan.
Team roping leaders stayed on top, by a scant tenth of a second. But
defending world champion Alien Bach, Merced, Calif., and his partner
Robert Scogin, Frierson, La., posted a 5.6 to pull into second behind
the current 1991 leaders, Steve Northcutt, Odessa, Texas and Charles
Pogue, Ringling, Okla., who have a 5.5.
Currently in the money, or near the top, after Friday's running were
Shannon Frascht, Protection, Kan., and J.M. Skaggs, Apache, Okla., with
a 5.9, followed by two teams at 6.2, Jon Hamilton of Vian and J. P.
Wickett of Sallisaw; and Kelly Perkins and Jimmy Wade, both of Ringling.
The Friday night performance calf-ropers were unable to crack the top
four from Thursday. Still at No. 1 before the Saturday running, two guys
from Thursday, each at 9.1, were Fred Whitfield, Cypress, Texas and
Marty Lindner, Gid- dings, Texas. The next group were Doug dark of
Wayne, Okla., with a
9.5 and Rabe Rabon, of Paradise, Texas, at 9.7. Best on Friday was a
10.0 by Joe Beaver of Huntsville,, Texas, that may get fifth.
Friday's best steer roping was Kelly Casebolt, Pawhuska, Okla., at 10.2.
Only four ties were made, and Casebolt's 10.2 plus 21.1 on Wednesday
gives him average 31.3, fourth in the running behind leader Shawn
Johnson, Pampa, Texas (12.5 plus 11.2 for 23.7); James Alien, Vinita
(12.4 plus 14.7 for 27.1; and Bucky Lee Braden of Burbank (15.2 plus
14.5 for 29.7).
Others close in the steer roping after Friday included Dan Fisher,
Andrews, Texas (12.1. plus 19.6 for 31.7 — it would have been 21.7 if
his Thursday catch hadn't been too quick from the runway costing a
ten-second penalty).
There were two others who had chances Saturday night, Rocky Garnett of
Hutchins had an 11.2 during Wednesday night slack and Neil Worrell of
Fredonia had a 12.3 the same night.
Steer wrestlers had one move into the top four on Friday, but there were
two heart-breaking efforts. Both Keith Easter of Burkburnett, Texas, and
Ricky Huddleston of Talihina, Okla., had 3.7s only to see their times
balloon because of breaking the barrier too soon — putting them well out
of the money. Rick Bradley of Burkburnett had a 4.9, to go to fifth,
behind twin leaders Rex Meier, Checotah and Troy Browne, Wilburton, each
at 4.7 and Todd Greer, Many, La., and Brad Lahman, Caney, Okla., at 4.8.
Clyde Himes, of Beulah, Colo., was at 5.0. Two others had 5.1, including
Jimmy Henson, Mounds, Okla., and Albert Hiemer, Tryon, Okla., while Stan
Mauldin of Wetumka saw a 4.5 Friday go to 14.5 on the barrier penalty.
Dave Appleton, Arlinton, Texas spurred his saddle bronc well enough, got
the ride and finished with a judged 78 to take the lead of saddle bronc
contestants. That put him above Thursday's Bud Longbrake of Dupree,
S.D., who had a 76. Cory Hughes of Pratt had a 72 Friday, to be third
while there were three 70s hanging on for fourth. They included Matt
Reed, El Dorado, Kan.; Jarrett McGraw of Gar- den City and Todd Fike of
Pavillion, Wyo.
Bareback riders were shooting at an 80 turned in by Mark Garrett, Story,
Wyo., on Thursday. Rick Hudson, another Cowboy from Wyoming, via
Laramie, got close at 77 to move into a tie for second with Justin
Williams of Pratt. Phil Smith, Emerson, Ark., had fourth after Friday
with a 76 and Marvin Garrett, Belle Foursche, S.D., had a 75.
Big Crowd Sees Three Riders Move Into First In 101
Events
The final night of the 101 Ranch Rodeo Saturday night at the rodeo
grounds saw three riders push their way into first place in the eight
events held. It was a night where the rodeo was dedicated to the memory
of Mike Sokoll, longtime Wild West Show figure of Ponca City, who had
died earlier Saturday morning at the age of 97.
Despite the sadness of Sokoll's death, the rodeo drew the largest crowd
in several years. Rodeo arena official Rick Barnthouse said it was the
first time he'd seen the arena "filled like that in my five years on the
committee."
Crowned Queen of the 101 Ranch Rodeo during the final night of the three
performances was Heidi Ahrens of Collinsville.
Two girls barrel racers moved in front to take the top two spots with
quick times in the clover-leaf pattern. Deb Mohon of Gladewater, Texas,
had a 16.83, for $789.19, while Lanita Powers, just ten-hundredths of a
second behind at 16.93, took second.
The two had knocked out earlier leaders of Colette Baier, Hardtner,
Kan., who had 16.95 on Friday, and Vana Beissinger, Lake Worth, Fla.,
who had an official 16.96 recorded on Thursday.
Other money-winners in the girls barrel racing were Tana Halverson,
Willison, N.D., fifth, 17.90; Kim West, Oklahoma City, sixth, 17.07;
Both Braudrick, Terrell, Texas, seventh, 17.10; Angie Meadors, Wetumka,
eighth, 17.17; and Felicia Otis of Blanchard and Shandi Metzinger,
Dexter, Kan., sharing ninth.
On Saturday night, Brian Rice of Choctaw jumped to the front with a 77
score in the bull riding event. That got him $1,043.62; and runner-up
Steve Washington, Tulsa, who had 74 on Friday, had to settle for second
money. Third went to Shon Mclntyre, Coulterville, Ill.; K.J. Pletcher of
Springer and Tony Booth of Saginaw, Texas, each had 73 for third.
Sixth was a four-way tie, with 72 scores, including Matt Fenhaus, Rapid
City, S.D.; Lloyd Koerth, Whitsett, Texas; Dick Miller, Comanche; and
Mark Cain, Atoka.
The top bareback bronc rider also rode on Saturday, when Steve Abernathy
of Tulsa picked up a total of $852.34 for first place on a score of 82.
That knocked out an 80 by Mark Garrett, Story, Wyo. Next was Nick Hudson
of Laramie, Wyo., with a 76, followed by a pair of 75s, from Marvin
Garrett, Belle Fourche, S.D., and Justin Williams, Pratt. A 72 by Thad
Emerson of Pratt garnered sixth money.
The calf roping was decided by a pair of 9.1s turned in during slack .
Thursday night. Dividing first place money of $1,285.25 apiece were Fred
Whitfield of Cypress, Texas and Marty Lindner, Giddings, Texas. Third
went to Doug dark, Wayne, Okla., on a 9.5 followed by Rabe Rabon,
Paradise, Texas, at 9.7. They also rode slack Thursday.
Friday, Joe Beaver, Huntsville, Texas, pushed his way into the money for
fifth place with a 10.0 and Ken Bailey of Okmulgee held on from Thursday
slack for sixth with a 10.2.
The steer roping event may have been the most interesting, with ropers
getting two chances apiece during go-rounds held from Wednesday through
Saturday. First with the best average, however, was Guy Alien of Vinita,
who had 10.2 and 11.4, for 21.6 average and $1,176.93. Second in average
went to Shawn Johnson, Pampa, (12.5 and 11.2 for 23.7); while third was
taken by Neil Worrell, Fredonia, Kan., at 23.9 on 12.3 and 11.6, and
fourth went to James Alien, Vinita, 12.4 and 14.7 for an average of
27.1.
First go-round went to Tee Woolman, Llano, Texas, 10.7, for $1,176.93.
Shaun Burchett of Pryor was second at 10.8 followed by Rocky Garnett,
22.1 and Steve Flinn, St. George, 11.3. They all participated on
Wednesday. Second go-round , Kelly Casebolt, Pawhuska:1mSrGuy Alien,
Vinita, who each had a 10.2 and each picked up $1,029.81. Third was
split by Gary Armitage, Portales, N.M., and Tutt Garnett, Elgin, Texas.
Team ropers Steve Northcott, Odessa, Texas and Charles Pogue, Ringling,
Okla., maintained first place from Thursday night with their 5.5 to take
$879.06 each. Next went to Robert Scogin, Frierson, La. and Alien Bach,
Merced, Calif., at 5.6. Third was the team of Shannon Frascht,
Protection, Kan., and J.M. Skaggs, Apache, Okla., at 5.9.
Fourth in team roping went to a Valley Springs, Calif., pair, Daniel
Green and Chris Green. Fifth was split by two teams, both with 6.2s.
They were Jon Hamilton, Vian and J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw; and Kelly
Perkins and Jimmy Wade of Ringling.
The saddle bronc championship was decided on Friday when Dave Appleton,
of Arlington, Texas, had a 78 score. That pushed Bud Long- brake,
Dupree, S.D., who had 77, to second place. Appleton's win was good
enough for $886.10.
Third in saddle bronc riding went to Don Reno, Jay, with a 73 on
Saturday and three with 72s, all on Saturday, tied for fourth, including
Cory Hughes, Pratt; Paul Peterson, Guymon and Skeeter Thurston, Hyannis,
Neb.
The steer wrestling event was also decided on Thursday when a pair of
4.7s were recorded. They included Tracy Browne, Durant and Rex Meier,
Checotah, each getting $1,323.80. Third was also divided, with Brad
Lahman, Caney, Okla., and Todd Greer, Many, La., each getting a 4.8 on
Thursday.
Friday, Rick Bradley, Burkburnett, Texas, had a 4.9 for fifth place and
sixth went to Clyde Hines, Beulah, Okla., who had a 5.0.
The rodeo was the production of Rumford Rodeo Stock Contractors,
including the family of Floyd Rumford and sons, Bronc and Tommy. It was
the first 101 Ranch Rodeo in years produced by someone other than Walt
Alsbaugh. |
ANNOUNCER: Dr. Lynn Phillips
