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Nite Rodeo breaks from chutes
By Richard Reeder
This document was published online on Monday, June 02, 2008
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| Kaycee Neisuis of Riverton recorded a 2.9 in breakaway roping, but a penalty made her time 12.9 during the Cody Nite Rodeo’s opening festivities Sunday night. (Photo by Ken Blackbird) |
Despite the persistent threat of rain, the Cody Nite Rodeo began its 70th season Sunday night.
A slight breeze and a few clouds were all that greeted rodeo goers after recent heavy rains sank a dump truck in the arena grounds Thursday.
“We dug it out and were ready to go by Friday afternoon,” contractor Maury Tate said. “We're ready for the rodeo to get started.”
As people entered the gate, they were able to take photographs with Hollywood the Bull and Tootie the Mini Horse.
Timber Tuckness and other bullfighters taught people roping tricks.
And while it wasn't quite a full house or loaded with contestants, Tate was pleased with the turnout.
“The crowd looks good and as more people visit town, we'll fill up,” he said. “The contestant list is good and it will be exciting to watch.”
The crowd enjoyed a 5-year-old cowboy on his stick pony prior to the opening ceremony.
The boy rode into the arena and imitated the big boys, even pretending to be thrown - only to remount and ride again as the crowd cheered.
Three middle school-aged boys tried to rope and ride a calf.
After several failed attempts, one of the boys finally mounted the bucking calf.
His ride was short though as the calf threw him and ran to the safety of the exit gate.
Once the events started, the cowboys and cowgirls provided a good show.
In the bareback event, David Clapp and JR Vezain each posted a 72 to tie for the night's top honors. Defending Nite Rodeo champ Sylvan LaCross failed to stay on and post a score.
In calf roping, Greybull cowboy Casey Good edged Clayton Miller and Cody's Justin Viles. Good posted a 13.8, Miller 15.4 and Viles a 16.1.
It was a close contest in breakaway roping. Defending champ Tia Brannan posted a 4.2, but was assessed a 10-second penalty at the barrier for a 14.2.
Sally Phillips posted a 3.1, but 2007 finalist Kim Neisuis moved ahead with a 2.9.
Sister Kaycee Neisuis posted a 2.9 to tie Kim, but was given a 10-second barrier penalty to move out of the money.
Two-time champion Shawn Molton won the saddle bronc riding with a 71, the only posted score in the event.
Jade Berry won the steer wrestling event with a 7.7 when 2007 all-around champion Blake Mindeman missed his steer.
In the junior steer riding event, three contestants failed to ride for six seconds.
In team roping, Cody's Ken Stambaugh and partner Casey Nelson took the early lead with an 8.7, but Viles and partner Cody Tew grabbed the lead with an 8.5.
It looked like Cody rodeo veterans Alex Thomas and Richard Hodson won the event when they posted a 6.6, but a barrier penalty gave Viles and Tew the win.
Cody barrel racer Bailey Allshouse seized the lead with an 18.37 on the third ride of the night. She held on as 2007 finalist Angie Thomas had the second-best time of 18.41.
In junior barrels, Sara Brenner, after taking several minutes to get her horse to make the run, posted a 20.42 to win. Cydney Tate was second with a 20.51.
And much like the junior steer riders, nine cowboys failed to post a score in bullriding as Tate's Mo' Betta stock got the best of them.
The rodeo continues daily at 8 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $17 for adults and $8 for children 7-12. Season passes are $35 for adults and $20 for children.
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