The rodeo industry has been in the news a lot lately with discussions regarding the Elite Rodeo Association (ERA) and PRCA. The PRCA prevailed in a case February 4 when a judge ruled in favor of the PRCA. This in turn disallowed the cowboys of the ERA to compete in PRCA rodeos. This dispute might go on for some time and I hope some type of happy medium can be reached by both organizations. There is so much talent involved in the rodeo world that I hate to not see them compete any chance they get. I have tried not to take sides on this issue but I have always liked it when something new comes along in the world of rodeo and team roping. I think back to all of the now existing organizations that came into being with much controversy in the beginning and later made it better for the competitors or they failed and went away.
The Turtles organization, which is now the PRCA, was founded in the same way when the competitors decided to take their future in another direction and they did. I’m not siding with the ERA, but I will try and make an effort to go to their first event and see what they have to offer. I wish them all the luck in the world and hope they can follow their beliefs.
It is a shame that the two sides couldn’t have worked out something together. For years I have said that we need to accumulate all of one’s winnings to show who the real money winner in the specific events and not just money won in one organization. The money shown would be so much greater and would showcase the best in the sport. We in this industry have to realize that our sport is great in our own world and is an American tradition, born and raised right here in North America. But we also have to realize that it is probably never going to be a NFL, NBA, MLB, or any of the other major league sports. It will possibly never get that big, but it can be better for those who do love it as a fan or competitor. Our sport caters to a certain industry and we are not that big that we should continually be dividing. We should stick together for the betterment of the sport and industry. Our traditional way of life is challenged more every day with less and less people being raised on ranches and farms, plus the declining number of western movies.
One thing that has evolved from the ERA competitors not being able to compete in the PRCA rodeos, is the new names in the PRCA standings. The contestants who are in the list are names of great talent and deserve to be there. I realize that if the names of those absent were in the competition, it would be different, but they aren’t, and it is what it is, and we will continue to see some new talent rise to the top.
Just before press time on Feb. 23, 2016, PRCA made the following announcement: "The efforts of the PRCA to protect its members and the association were vindicated. At 1:12pm, the ERA dismissed entirely its lawsuit against the PRCA."
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Very sad month of February with the passing of Lewis Feild. From all of the social media posts and relay of stories we received here, it sounds like Lewis had a wonderful send off with many friends and family present. What a mark this cowboy made on the industry and his personal life. RIP my friend. See his obituary on page 20 of this issue.
Another loss to the western way of life was Roger Schrimp of Oakdale, Calif. Roger has worked with many cowboys over the years with legal issues and was on many of the committees around the Oakdale area. Roger was also very well known in the Boy Scouts world and had served them all over the world. Roger was the past president of Rancheros Visitadores. RIP my friend.
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By the time most of you read this, The American will be over and some new names in the rodeo business will be crowned in that one-day rodeo. Once again, a huge amount of talent will be competing. The American semi-finals results are featured in this issue of RSN on page 47.
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One of my favorite events of the year is coming up in March and that is the Timed Event Championships held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. Twenty of the top cowboys in the world will be there to compete in five Timed Events. Each contestant will compete with 25 runs over three days and five performances. Along with the top hands, we will also see some of the best horses in the industry. Justin McKee and I will have the privilege of announcing this thrilling event which will feature contestants from many states. This year will also feature a new program in the production of the event. One of the changes will be that each performance will feature a new opening. If you read this prior to the event dates, March 4-6, make plans to be there with us.
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We were sorry to hear that one of our longtime RSN advertisers, David S. Brown, was seriously hurt while competing at a WSTR event he was producing in King City, Calif. in January. At press time, he was on the mend and hopeful for a complete recovery.
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Ropers Sports News is proud to announce that they have become the official publication for NCJRA (Northern California Jr. Rodeo Assn.). NCJRA is a youth organization that is celebrating their 34th season. This great association has seen many NFR competitors come through their ranks such as Daniel Green, Kyle Lockett, Wade Wheatley, Cody Cowden as well as many more.
Rodeos are scheduled throughout the spring and summer in Northern California as well as Nevada. See their ad on on page 29 of this issue.
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Spring is in the air and with it comes many roping so be prepared to have your gear in shape and have your trailer serviced. Safe travels.
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