Published: April 11, 2008 07:45 pm            

BRETT HOFFMAN: Dogwood Classic is a big draw

Though this weekend’s Dogwood Classic PRCA Rodeo was viewed as a smaller pro show, it drew some big names.

For example, five-time National Finals Rodeo bareback riding qualifier Chris Harris of Itasca entered the annual Palestine rodeo, which was scheduled for April 11-12 at the Anderson County Arena.

Last year, Harris finished 11th in the world title race after earning $97,475. And last month, Harris clinched the bareback riding title at the Dodge National Circuit Finals in Pocatello, Idaho.

Steven Anding of Cross Roads, who finished fourth in bareback riding race at the National Circuit Finals, also entered.

One reason that a smaller rodeo such as the Dogwood Classic often draws great rougstock riders is because the organizing committee hires an outstanding stock producer. Scotty Lovelace, who heads up the Wascom-based Classic ProRodeo Co., was recruited to provide the stock in Palestine.

Last year, Lovelace sent seven bareback broncs with such names as Wise Guy and Fancy Free to the December National Finals in Las Vegas. With that in mind, a world class bronc rider knows his chances of drawing a challenging bronc that can help him earn a paycheck is better when a respected contractor such as Lovelace is hauling in the stock.

Some top timed events competitors also entered the Palestine rodeo including Mary Burger, who won the 2006 world barrel racing title, Blair Burk, who has 13 NFR tie-down roping qualifications, and Jeff Chapman of Athens, another former National Finals tie-down roper.

Another reason that the Palestine rodeo is a draw is because organizers opted to place it on the PRCA’s Heartland ProRodeo Series. In order to be part of the series, the added money (the prize money that’s put up by the organizing committee) must be less than $30,000. The Heartland Series rodeos have lured many high-profile competitors because the PRCA is keeping standings from the series rodeos and the top competitors will advance to a Waco finals in October that’s expected to offer a purse in the neighborhood of $400,000 to $500,000.

The Henderson County Stampede, which is scheduled for April 25-26 at the Henderson County Fairpark Complex in Athens, also has been placed on the Heartland ProRodeo Series. And Like the Palestine rodeo, the Athens rodeo committee has hired a well respected stock producer. Sammy Andrews, who owned the renowned late world champion bull, Bodacious, will provide the livestock.

Hitting the 90s

Veteran Luke Snyder was scored in the 90s three times en route to winning the title at a midseason tour stop on April 3-5 in Nampa, Idaho. After turning in a 91 in the final round atop a bull named Gods Gift that's owned by Don Kish, Snyder finished with a four-ride soore of 360.5 and earned $41,974.

Snyder is scheduled to compete in PBR tour stops in San Antonio on May 17 and in Dallas (American Airlines Center) on June 21-22.

Consistent cowboy

Evan Jayne, a native of France who lives near Huntsville won the bareback riding title with a score of 87 when the Mesquite Championship Rodeo opened its 51st season on the weekend of April 4-5. Jayne also won the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo bareback title in February. For information on the rodeo, call 972-285-877 or visit www.mesquiterodeo.com.

College rodeo update

In the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, both Sam Houston State men’s and women’s teams are ranked second in the Southern Region following the April 3-4 Panola College Rodeo in Carthage. Trinity Valley is ranked eighth in both the men's and women's team standings.

Brett Hoffman is a 20-year rodeo columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. He can be reached at brett@myrodeoinsider.com.

        

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