SPRING 2O17
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO
PRIME TIME...SHOW TIME
2017 SHOW RECAP
RODEO RESULTS, SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES AND MORE!
The 2017 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo lived up to its Prime
Time billing. More than 1.2 million people from around the globe
witnessed the legendary event that featured 26,594 animals
shown by exhibitors from 42 states and 236 Texas counties.
It’s the single, annual event that tells the world that Fort Worth
remains and will always be “Cowtown.”
More than anything, it’s the people that make the Stock Show
the place to be when January rolls around each year. Ensuring
that each exhibitor, guest and competitor had a Prime Time
experience, approximately 2,200 volunteers and staff devoted
countless hours to jobs large and small. These men and women,
as well as sponsors, are truly the heart and soul of the Stock
Show. A big “thank you” goes out to everyone that came and
made their own Prime Time memories. So, spend a few minutes
exploring this issue of Whoa! and see for yourself why This Thing
Is Legendary®.
IN THIS ISSUE:
• SPECIALTY RODEOS: PAGES 2-3
• PRCA RODEO: PAGES 4-5
• JUDGING CONTESTS: PAGE 6
• INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S LEADERS: PAGE 7
SPECIALTY RODEOS
CHAMPIONSHIP
TEAM:
RODEO HOUSTON
The Fort Worth Super Shootout trophy is hoisted by Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo official,
Joe Bruce Hancock (center) while Team Rodeo Houston is all smiles. Team members
(in red shirts) are left to right: Will Lowe, Bareback Riding; Mary Walker, Barrel Racing;
Clay Elliot, Saddle Bronc Riding; Dakota Elridge, Steer Wrestling; and Aaron Pass, Bull Riding.
BULL RIDING
Cody Campbell, Team National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (Denver) - $10,000
SADDLE BRONC
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Jacobs Crawley, Team Cheyenne - $10,000
STEER WRESTLING
Dakota Eldridge, Team Rodeo Houston - $10,000
BARREL RACING
Mary Walker, Team Rodeo Houston - $10,000
BAREBACK RIDING
Tim O’Connell, Team Fort Worth - $10,000
BEST OF THE WEST RANCH RODEO
COWBOYS OF COLOR
Swenson Land & Cattle Co., Stamford, TX
Team Members: Alan Rabel, Jerrad Johnson, Bonner Voss, Tell Good,
Mark Voss
Top Horse – Angus – Tongue River Ranch, Paducah, TX
Top Hand – Miles Brown – R. A. Brown Ranch, Throckmorton, TX
Ranch Bronc Riding: Lamar Hankins, Spencer, OK
Steer Wrestling: Chase Crane, Tulsa, OK
Tie-Down Roping: Bud Ford, Mansfield, TX
Ladies Barrel Racing: Jayme Wilson, Mounds, OK
Bull Riding: Maverick Potter, Waxahachie, TX
BULLS’ NIGHT OUT
BEST OF MEXICO CELEBRACIÒN
Champion - Sage Kimzey, Strong City, OK - $15,065
A showcase of Mexican tradition and artistry, hosted by 4th generation
charro, Jerry Diaz, featuring rodeo events, musical entertainment,
dancing exhibitions from local entertainers Mariachi Jalisciense, Ballet
Folklorico de Fort Worth dancers and La Guadalupana.
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WORLD’S ORIGINAL INDOOR RODEO
BAREBACK RIDING
STEER WRESTLING
TEAM ROPING
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, IA
$12,020
Erich Rogers, Round Rock, AZ and Cory Petska, Marana, AZ
$12,067 each
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®
Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, CA
$15,250
Jake Wright, Milford, UT
$13,997
THIS THING IS LEGENDARY
®
With more than 1,100 contestants, the World’s Original Indoor Rodeo is
a favorite of professional cowboys and cowgirls across the nation. Each
performance provides spectators the quintessential experience of a
traditional, yet fast-paced, rodeo. Eight athletes now claim themselves
Fort Worth Champions for 2017.
TIE-DOWN ROPING
BULL RIDING
BARREL RACING
JERRY ANN TAYLOR
BEST DRESSED AWARD
Tuf Cooper, Weatherford, TX
$17,186
Fallon Taylor, Collinsville, TX
$16,123
Dave Mason, Burnet, TX
$11,642
Kathy Grimes, Medical Lake, WA
$5,000
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JUDGING CONTESTS SHARPEN SKILLS
CREATE OPPORTUNITY
Judging contests are likely one of the most overlooked, but
most important activities contributing to the Stock Show’s
mission of educating youth about the livestock industry.
Besides valuable knowledge about evaluating livestock,
meat or even grasses, judging team competitors must
develop strong discipline to achieve success. The competition
is intense and success comes with hours of work and
preparation.
There’s much more at stake than a trophy or rosette. Judging
team competition – especially at the collegiate level – can
often be the key to the beginning of a successful career.
Executives of the nation’s major meat processors and
livestock industry corporations often look to judging contests
for many of their future star employees. Simply put, success
on a judging team can open important doors for a young man
or woman seeking a career in agriculture. The Stock Show’s
judging contests have a broad reach, attracting not only 4-H
and FFA members from across Texas, but college students
from as far away as North Dakota, California, Colorado,
Wisconsin – even Honduras and Australia.
Judging Contest Factoids:
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INTERCOLLEGIATE
MEAT JUDGING
CONTESTS
INTERCOLLEGIATE
LIVESTOCK
JUDGING CONTEST
INTERCOLLEGIATE
DAIRY CATTLE
JUDGING CONTEST
4-H AND FFA
CONTESTS
•Texas Tech University has captured the last eight Sr. Division team titles
•Clarendon College has been a top three finisher Jr. Division team in each of the last 10 contests.
•Two international teams –
Zamorano University (Honduras) and Australian National – have fielded teams in the Jr. Division
since 2014. Zamorano University finished third in the Jr. Team rankings in 2016 and 2017.
•In the previous five years the Texas •The University of Wisconsin – •The Wildlife contest, only in its Madison team has taken top honors for the last three years. Michigan State won in 2014.
•Tarleton State University was the only Texas team competing in 2017. Besides Wisconsin, participating teams came from as far away as California (Modesto Jr. College) and
North Dakota (North Dakota State University).
second year, drew 20 teams and 42 participants.
•Meats Judging was the Stock Show’s largest 4-H and FFA contest with 60 teams and 219 participants.
•In all, 800 4-H and FFA youth and 240 teams competed in Dairy, Goat, Horse, Meats, Range and Pasture Plant ID and Wildlife contests
in 2017.
Tech team has won the Sr. Division three times (2014, 2015, 2016). Oklahoma State University won in 2017 and Texas A&M in 2013
•Blinn College has won the Jr. Team title in 2017 and 2014, while Fort Scott Community College (KS) won in 2016, Hutchinson Community College (KS) in 2015, and Connors State College (OK) in 2013.
•In 2017 Jr. College Teams came from five states – Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska and Texas.
INVESTING IN TOMORROW’S LEADERS
SCHOLARSHIPS - $564,500
For Texas youth, the burden of paying for a college education continues to grow.
In addition to supporting the Will Rogers Memorial Center, funding scholarships
is the Stock Show’s top priority and our commitment continues to grow. More
than 135 students from across Texas were awarded scholarships for the year.
New for 2017, was a scholarship for the Range and Pasture Plant ID contest. The
Overall High Point Individual in the Senior Division earned a $4,000 scholarship.
Neeraj Bkakta from Milam County 4-H was the first-year winner.
EDUCATIONAL GRANTS - $99,400
Deserving organizations sharing the Stock Show’s commitment to providing
youth with outstanding programming and facilities receive our support.
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
CONTRIBUTIONS - $7,000
Local charities receive support for various events and fundraisers. Providing
rodeo ticket vouchers is a common way the Stock Show supports organizations
with common values and commitment to the community.
Fort Worth Stock Show Scholarship Programs:
PROGRAMS
texas
In addition, the Stock Show supports numerous other agricultural scholarship programs such as Texas 4-H, Texas FFA,
Ranch Brigade, Texas High School Rodeo Association and others.
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I’ve been coming here since I
was in diapers and my grandpa
has a picture on the wall here [in
the Will Rogers Coliseum] . Thanks
for making this rodeo legendary.
– 2017 Champion Tie-down Roper,
Tuf Cooper
RODEO FEATURES
Making rodeo more fun and engaging continues to be a major objective and
2017 was no exception. To bring the action closer, help you remain abreast of
event standings, enhance the entertainment factor or provide discriminating
fans more amenities, several new features were added.
Were you smarter than a bullfighter? The Stock Show’s trivia game,
sponsored by Wrangler, utililized our mobile app during rodeo performances.
More than 5,000 people played the game designed to give the gadget friendly
spectator more fun and test any trivia buff’s Stock Show smarts. Questions
ran the gamut from early day history to funny queries about Stock Show
personalities and interesting facts and figures.
Ground Level Camera Angle – Taking the rodeo fan to the dirt, a new
ground-level camera gave spectators fascinating angles at action on both
ends of the arena. Located near the middle of the Will Rogers Memorial
Coliseum floor, replays of arena action were more visual and dramatic.
Exciting Finals Format – Twenty-eight PRCA rodeo performances
consummated into a final performance with big paychecks on the line.
Suspense for contestants and fans alike ended only after the highest
ranking qualifier had their turn on the arena floor and a champion was
revealed. Winners expressed raw thoughts and emotions with fans as rodeo
personalities Pam Minick and Dave Appleton interviewed each champion at
the culmination of each event.
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Leader Boards – Fans could also keep up with contestant standings in
real time. New leaderboard screens located at both ends of the coliseum
To win a championship in Fort Worth in front of
these amazing fans, this is the coolest thing ever.
– 2017 Champion Barrel Racer, Fallon Taylor
instantaneously updated leader standings. Thus, spectators could keep
track of not only each performance’s competition, but its impact on
go-round rankings as the PRCA rodeo’s 29 performances progressed.
“We want the casual or serious rodeo fan to be able to grasp and
appreciate the drama unfolding on the arena floor and its impact
on the contestants at any moment,” said Stock Show President and
General Manager Brad Barnes. “Elements like leaderboards and
instant replay better allow the audience to be truly engaged in the
arena experience which makes rodeo more fun.”
VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT
nearly 90 men and women committed to answering questions or helping
the confused visitor find his friends that are waiting for him at the
Stockman’s Café or the FFA Children’s Barnyard.
Suppose it was your first visit to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. You get
parked, pay the general admission and walk onto the sprawling 100 plus acres
of Stock Show grounds. Where do you go first? Where are the animals? What
about a rodeo performance? I was hoping to find a pair of cowboy boots.
Applications for Ambassadors, and all Stock Show volunteer positions,
are accepted until November 1. Go to fwssr.com and complete one today.
Looking to make a difference?
We have your opportunity.
While maps, apps and brochures are handy, sometimes talking to a real person
is what you want and need. That’s where the Ambassadors come in. A group of
SHERRILL GERARD
Sherrill Gerard has served as a Stock Show Ambassador for four years. Growing
up in Fort Worth, she is part owner of a local surveying firm, G Curtis Surveyors.
She and her husband, Larry, have three daughters. Besides volunteering at the
Stock Show, Sherrill helps out with Concerts in the Garden each summer.
I grew up coming to the Show with my parents and sisters. Dad was a 4-H kid
so we always had to see the animals. One of my daughters belonged to Arlington
Heights FFA and I gained an appreciation about the education emphasis of the
Stock Show.
The Stock Show plays an important role in our “cowboys and culture” image and
our high regard for tradition and history.
[At the Stock Show there’s] something for all the senses, not to mention the heart
and mind. Being an Ambassador puts one in a unique position of needing to
know all kinds of things. I really enjoy being able to help folks.
This year I saw a young man (maybe 12) drop his fountain drink in the middle of
the concourse. He ran into the restroom and came back with paper towels and
started cleaning. The event staff told him someone else would clean up the mess
but the kid insisted. I love what this says about the kind of folks who come and
the kids they’re raising.
I remember when Tanya Tucker performed during the rodeo when I was 9 years
old. She was only 14.
If you’ve been looking for a great volunteer opportunity, look no further
than the Ambassador Committee. There’s no need to be a horse show
or rodeo expert. Just a willingness to learn where the Bank of Texas
Petting Zoo is located, how to find the north entrance to the Will Rogers
Coliseum, or the Cavender’s booth in the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits
Hall. If you share our desire to help people, we’ll give you everything you
need to be successful; including the cool purple jacket.
Sherrill Gerard and Ed Chisholm are Stock Show Ambassadors featured
in this issue’s Volunteer Spotlight. Like all Stock Show volunteers they
lead busy lives, but take the time each January and February to make
sure the Stock Show’s legendary status endures.
ED CHISHOLM
Serving as an Ambassador since the committee’s inaugural year in 2012,
Ed Chisholm says he’s proud to be a part of the Stock Show family.
As Head Athletic Trainer and Associate Athletic Director at Fort Worth
Country Day School, Chisholm keeps a busy schedule that includes
spending time with his two daughters. His wife, Paige Farris Chisholm,
also serves as a Stock Show Ambassador and recruited Ed to serve on
the committee.
Fort Worth is very proud of her western heritage roots and I love everything
about the Stock Show. It’s a great opportunity to become a part of this
awesome event that brings so much to our city.
I love helping people find something enjoyable to do at the Stock Show.
I learn something new every year.
The Stock Show brings people together from all walks of life. I’m amazed
and encouraged about the amount of diversity that you see at the Stock
Show, day by day, year in, year out.
Most importantly the Stock Show gives us a chance to rub elbows with
what I believe is a big part of our future – the kids that are vested in
agriculture and the future of this country.
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FWSSR AND OUR COMMUNITY
STOCK SHOW SPECIALTY DAYS
Saluting our heroes and supporting important local causes. The Stock Show has a deep appreciation for the men and women
that make our community great. Corporate support lets thousands enjoy the Stock Show for free and organizations dedicated to
enhancing human health receive financial support from the Stock Show and our devoted patrons.
®
Dickies Day
JANUARY 19
Pink Day
JANUARY 24
Free grounds admission thanks to Dickies ®!
Raised $23,100 for Susan G. Komen® Greater Fort Worth.
TCU Day
JANUARY 26
Military Appreciation Day
JANUARY 30
Cook Children’s Day
FEBRUARY 1
Frog fans showed up in full force Rodeo Purple!
Active and retired military and their families enjoyed the
Show compliments of Denbury Resources.
Raised $41,000 for Cook Children’s Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit. $125,000 since 2014.
RODEO REDLINE RIDES AGAIN
The Stock Show’s easiest, cheapest
weekend parking option
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Rodeo Redline gave nearly 3,000 visitors a comfortable, easy, chauffeured jaunt to
the Stock Show’s front entrance. For $5 (half-price) visitors parked at Billy Bob’s
Texas and let us do the rest. When they’d taken in their Stock Show fill, we dropped
them back at their car. No walking, no waiting; just park, ride and rodeo the Redline
way! Thanks to Cavender’s for the Redline rider discount coupon program.
STOCK SHOW SPONSORS
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS MAJOR SPONSORS
An ExxonMobil Subsidiary
and to many more supporters that help make our Stock Show a world-class event.
OFFICIAL STOCK SHOW PRODUCTS & SERVICES
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Beef: Nolan Ryan Beef
Direct Broadcast Satellite Service Provider: DISH® Network
Energy Company: XTO Energy
Hospital: Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
Mattresses and Massage Chairs: Mattress Firm®
Soft Drink: Coca-Cola®
Utility Vehicle: Polaris® Industries
Vehicle: Chevrolet
Workwear: Dickies®
MEDIA SPONSORS
• 95.9 The Ranch/ 92.1 Hank FM
• New Country 96.3 KSCS
• La Estrella En Casa
• La Grande 107.5
• NBC 5
• Star-Telegram
• Telemundo 39
• WBAP News/Talk 820 AM
STAR-TELEGRAM STOCK SHOW ART
CONTEST SPONSORS
SHERRILL GERARD
• Rebecca and Jon Brumley
• Ann and Carol Rhodes Charitable Trust
• Wortham Insurance & Risk Management
• Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP
• The Amon G. Carter Foundation
SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS
• Bank of Texas Petting Zoo
•B
arrel Horse News presents Timed Event Challenge Barrel Racing and Pole Bending
• Big Tex & CM Trailers presents Ranch Rodeo Champion team trailers
• BNSF Railway presents PRCA Steer Wrestling
• Boot Barn® presents PRCA Barrel Racing
• Central Market presents the Moo-seum Experience
• Coors Light Roadhouse and Coors Light Stage and
Chuck Wagon sponsor
• Dannon - yogurt sampling
• Denbury Resources presents Military Appreciation Day
• Heifer Superintendent’s Beef Challenge: Devon Energy
- Supporting Sponsors: Diversified Geosynthetics, Inc., Energy Service Company, ROC Service Co. and Select Energy Services
SPECIAL EVENT SPONSORS Continued
• DISH® Network: presents PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding
• Frost presents PRCA Bareback Bronc Riding
• Jud Little Ranch Fast Five
• Junior Agricultural Mechanics Project and Texas M.A.D.E. Sponsors: Devon Energy, Lincoln Electric, Ag Power, Andes Coil
Processors, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, ESAB, Miller/Hobart, Priefert, Big Tex, RDO Equipment, Ritchie Bros., Saint-Gobain,
O’Neal Flat Rolled Metals and TD Industries
• Cavender’s Chuck Wagon sponsor
• Justin® Boot Company presents Scramble Fore Scholarships Golf
Tournament, Sports Medicine Team, Justin Mutton Bustin’® and
co-presents Calf Scramble
• Leo Potishman Foundation: Scholarship programs
• Lone Star Ag Credit presents Chuck Wagon Races,
Mustang Magic and Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon
• Mattress Firm® presents PRCA Bull Riding and co-presents Rodeo Big Screens
• NBC 5 presents Rodeo Leaderboards
• North Texas Tollway Authority presents Toll Tag Tuesdays
• Nolan Ryan Beef Cooking Demonstrations
• Oncor: Mobile Jumbotron Experience
• Panhandle: Stock Show Goes Pink participation
• PlainsCapital Bank presents Bulls’ Night Out
• Pro View Global Digital Surveillance: Equine “Horsepitality”
• Schaefer® Ranchwear presents Fort Worth Super Shootout ®
• Star-Telegram Chuck Wagon sponsor
•S
tate Farm Insurance® presents Justin Mutton Bustin’® and
co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración and Cowboys of Color Rodeo
• Telemundo 39 co-presents Best of Mexico Celebración and
Cowboys of Color Rodeo
• Texas Farm Bureau Insurance® presents Planet Agriculture and TAF
Ag Magic Show
• Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth co-presents
Rodeo Big Screens
• Texas Mutual Insurance Co. co-presents Calf Scramble
• TX Whiskey presents PRCA Tie-Down Roping
• UMB Bank presents PRCA Team Roping
• Walls® Chuck Wagon sponsor
• Waste Connections, Inc. Chuck Wagon sponsor
•W
estern Horseman® magazine presents Ranching Heritage Weekend
and Timed Event Challenge - Team Roping and Tie-Down Roping
• Wrangler® presents Are You Smarter than a Bullfighter?!
• XTO Energy Chuck Wagon sponsor
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Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Fort Worth, TX
Permit No. 3153
This Thing is Legendary®
P.O. BOX 15O • FORT WORTH, TEXAS 761O1-O15O
2018 RODEO TICKETS
ON SALE MAY 1 !
ST
Pre-order at
*
FWSSR.COM
*Ticket pre-orders are filled in the order received, on a first-come, first-served basis and specific seating requests are not guaranteed. All pre-orders are mailed out beginning Nov. 27.
North Texas
Chevy Dealers
An ExxonMobil Subsidiary
Photos courtesy of Glen E. Ellman, James Phifer © 2017