Cowboy Grille: Justin McDaniel
10/17/2007
Who’s Justin McDaniel? Just the hottest thing going in bareback riding, that’s all. Since mid-August, the 21-year-old all-around cowboy from tiny Porum, Okla., has turned just about every horse he’s ridden into a winner, bagging nearly $36,000 at the first three Ariat Playoff Series rodeos in Caldwell, Idaho, Puyallup, Wash., and Omaha, Neb. While the 2005 Resistol All-Around Rookie of the Year earned a trip to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas to pick up his award at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, McDaniel is eager to return to Las Vegas this year, with a different buckle in mind.
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Cowboy Grille: Jake Hannum
10/17/2007
It’s apparent that Jake Hannum has been proving himself throughout the 2007 season. The 27-year-old comes from a prominent professional rodeo family, but is building his own reputation as a talented timed-event cowboy. Preparing for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the Ogden, Utah, tie-down roper is working hard and hoping to continue his strong run as the 2007 season comes to a close.
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Brandon Beers
9/18/2007
Brandon Beers of Powell Butte, Ore., started his year off by winning RodeoHouston’s $27,500 final round with his dad, world champion heeler Mike Beers. The 21-year-old team roping header is No. 1 in the world heading into the final month of the 2007 rodeo season. Beers has had quite the month finding a new partner after his father suffered a severe injury, but doesn’t let any circumstance get him down. He looks forward to each rodeo and is grateful for the family and friends around him.
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Cowboy Grille: Chance Smart
9/18/2007
Mississippi bull rider Chance Smart may be from the southeast, but don’t let that make you doubt his abilities. The 23-year-old is having quite the year with several big wins, including the RodeoHouston Xtreme Bulls average title. On the verge of his first Wrangler NFR in just his second year in the PRCA, Smart is making an impact and enjoying every bit of the life he has been given.
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Cowboy Grille: Rod Hay
8/17/2007
Saddle bronc rider Rod Hay of Wildwood, Alberta, is still learning the ropes of Professional Rodeo every day. The 17-time Wrangler NFR qualifier has quite the list of credentials, including a record eight Canadian Professional Rodeo Association saddle bronc riding titles. The only missing accolade is a world championship gold buckle. But don’t think that gets him down. This husband and father of three is focused, determined and healthy going into the final part of the 2007 season.
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Cowboy Grille: Steven Dent
8/2/2007
All-around cowboy Steven Dent of Mullen, Neb., is having quite the year. Coming off a huge week at the 2007 College National Finals Rodeo, where he earned his first NIRA Men’s All-Around Champion title, Dent is continuing his surge into the ProRodeo circuit.
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Cowboy Grille: Levi Wisness
8/2/2007
North Dakota steer wrestler Levi Wisness had quite a successful winter run and is now rolling through the summer season, staying strong amid tough competition in the world and Tour standings. The 26-year-old University of Wyoming graduate is grateful for the experience he’s gained during his professional rodeo career and is looking forward to what lies ahead.
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Cowboy Grille: Cooper Kanngiesser
7/30/2007
Cooper Kanngiesser of Attica, Kan., is pretty pleased with the way his life is going right now. The 2007 DNCFR bull riding champion is ranked among the Top 10 in both the world and Wrangler ProRodeo Tour Standings and the Top 15 in the Dodge Xtreme Bulls standings. The 22-year-old newlywed is healthy and motivated as he looks ahead to his second consecutive Wrangler NFR qualification.
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Cowboy Grille: Trent Creager
7/30/2007
Trent Creager of Stillwater, Okla., has had quite the tumultuous career. A reoccurring injury sidelined him for much of the past few years, but the 27-year-old is back stronger than ever, holding his own amidst some of ProRodeo’s toughest competitors. The tie-down roper is eighth in the world standings and is setting his sights on his first Wrangler NFR qualification.
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Cowboy Grille: Jake Long
6/7/2007
Heeler Jake Long of Alva, Okla., was crowned the 2007 DNCFR champion in Pocatello, Idaho, earlier this year. Since then, Jake has added several wins to his ProRodeo resume. The 23-year-old is currently ranked seventh in the World Standings, partnered with longtime friend Coleman Proctor.
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Cowboy Grille: Taos Muncy
6/7/2007
Teenager Taos Muncy is making a name for himself in ProRodeo. Muncy, 19, is currently ranked third in saddle bronc riding in the world standings. With a family history in rodeo, the Panhandle State University student is holding his own among the sport’s legendary competitors.
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Cowboy Grille: Cimmaron Boardman
4/27/2007
Tie-down roper Cimmaron Boardman came close to making his first Wrangler NFR last year, finishing just one spot out of the top 15. Getting that close has motivated the Missouri cowboy who now resides in Texas. We caught up with the 26-year-old team roper to learn a little more about his background.
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Cowboy Grille - Jule Hazen
4/13/2007
Steer wrestler Jule Hazen had been flying under the radar until he won $50,000 in Houston on March 17. Now the cowboy from Protection, Kan., is No. 1 in the ProRodeo Cowboys World Standings and won more money in a single rodeo than he had during his entire career. We caught up with the 25-year- old to learn a little more about him.
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Cowboy Grille - J.W. Harris
4/9/2007
Bull rider J.W. Harris had a break-out year in 2006, setting a Dodge Xtreme Bulls record in Reno, Nev., with a 96-point ride, an Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo arena record with a 95 and his first qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Harris, of May, Texas, hopes that his positive attitude and riding ability will help him capture his first world title.
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Cowboy Grille: Josi Young
3/7/2007
Multi-event cowboy Josi Young is on a mission to qualify for the Wrangler NFR in bareback riding and team roping. Rodeo came natural for Josi, as his dad, Mickey, qualified for the Finals 11 times. We caught up with this rising star from Idaho as he prepares for his second Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo appearance.
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Cowboy Grille: Shane Schwenke
2/20/2007
Team roper Shane Schwenke could be considered a “Jack of all trades.” Not only is he a professional team roper, but he also runs a Western store with his wife, Heather, and is the president of the Bear Paw Round-up Rodeo in Chinook, Mont. We caught up with this multi-talented cowboy to see how he does it.
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Cowboy Grille: Justin Arnold
2/1/2007
Saddle bronc rider Justin Arnold is eager for the new season to begin after finishing the 2006 year just one spot out of the Top 15. Arnold, of Santa Margarita, Calif., plans to start his year in San Antonio and in the meantime is dealing with single-digit temperatures in his home state.
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Cowboy Grille: Bryce Miller
11/26/2006
In 2004 and 2005, saddle bronc rider Bryce Miller qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo by the middle of September. This year, Miller had to fight and claw his way into the Top 15
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Cowboy Grille: JP Wickett
10/24/2006
Steer roper J.P. Wickett has never finished higher than fourth in the world standings during his 12-year career, but he enters this year''s National Finals Steer Roping as the No. 2 roper.
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Cowboy Grille: Matt Sherwood
10/13/2006
Team roper Matt Sherwood joined the PRCA in 1994, but it wasn''t until this year that he felt he could make a committed effort to make it to the Wrangler NFR. Now, with only two months left in the 2006 season, Sherwood is in contention for a world title.
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Cowboy Grille: Doug Pharr
10/10/2006
It has been a busy year for tie-down roper Doug Pharr in and out of the arena. Earlier this year, the 30-year old from Resaca, Ga., asked barrel racer Brittany Pozzi to marry him. The big day is set for Dec. 16 in Pozzi''s hometown of Victoria, Texas.
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Cowboy Grill: DJ Domangue
9/22/2006
Bull rider D.J. Domangue stumbled into rodeo as a kid and had a hard time finding a groove until he broke his right arm and was forced to switch to his left for riding. Looking back on that incident, it was the turning point of his career
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Cowboy Grille: Bradley Harter
8/30/2006
Saddle bronc rider Bradley Harter is glad the second half of the 2006 season has been more prosperous than the first as he looks to be back in Las Vegas this December. Harter is even eyeing a chance at winning the Linderman Award this year
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Cowboy Grille: Gabe Ledoux
8/16/2006
Louisiana steer wrestler Gabe Ledoux barely missed the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2005, finishing 16th in the world. This year, he is currently ranked ninth in the world and is eyeing his first trip to the "Big Dance."
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Cowboy Grille: JD Garrett Jr.
8/8/2006
J.D. Garrett Jr. is tickled to be back riding horses and loving every minute. We caught up with the 26-year-old as he prepares for the second half of the 2006 season and his wedding day.
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Cowboy Grille: Justin Macha
7/27/2006
Tie-down roper Justin Macha finished the 2005 season in the 25th spot in the world standings. After a promising first half of 2006, the 26-year-old from Needville, Texas, hopes to be in the Top 15 and make his first appearance at the Wrangler NFR.
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Cowboy Grille: Travis Sellers
7/12/2006
Bull rider Travis Sellers finished in the top 30 in 2005, but is hoping to be in the Top 15 in 2006. The 23-year-old cowboy believes if the second half of the season is as good as the first, he''ll be able to punch his ticket to the Wrangler NFR this year.
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Name-calling can be a measure of respect
7/12/2006
I had a pretty good Fourth of July run, but my traveling partner — Jason McLain — didn't. Jason broke his leg in the short round at Reno and will be out for a while as most of you already know. Jason rode his bull and then the bull got him down and hit him with his horn. It was a bad deal to watch. I am really hurting for him because he was having an awesome year and was on a role riding really good.
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Cowboy Grille: Cesar De La Cruz
6/28/2006
Growing up with mentors like his uncles, George and Victor Aros, and his grandfather, Cowboys Turtle Association member Vic Aros, Cesar De La Cruz was destined to be a team roper.
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Cowboy Grille: JJ Elshere
6/13/2006
South Dakota saddle bronc rider J.J. Elshere hopes the momentum he gained in the winter will propel him through the summer months and to a possible berth in his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
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Cowboy Grille: Kyle Hughes
5/30/2006
When he was growing up, Kyle Hughes didn''t have to imagine what it was like to be a professional rodeo competitor. His father, Paul, qualified for the National Finals Rodeo a total of 12 times and Kyle is hoping to follow in his footsteps this year.
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Cowboy Grille: Paul Jones
5/10/2006
Bareback rider Paul Jones transitioned from the sport of motorcross to the rodeo world when he was a senior in high school. His first rodeo victory came in 2000, and he is now hoping to add a Pace Picante ProRodeo Chute-out title to his resume
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Cowboy Grille: Scott Kormos
4/26/2006
Tie-down roper Scott Kormos has been pretty quiet since qualifing for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2004. After spending most of 2005 working with a new horse and sticking close to home, the 25-year-old cowboy is back.
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Cowboy Grille: Bobby Welsh
4/12/2006
Bull rider Bobby Welsh, who began his quest for a Wrangler NFR berth at the age of two, made the trip to Las Vegas for the first time in 2005. Currently ranked 6th in the world standings, Welsh is on pace for a second appearance this December.
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Cowboy Grille: Charly Crawford
3/30/2006
When team roper Charly Crawford qualified for his first Wrangler NFR in 2005, he said that it was, by far, the best feeling he had ever experienced.
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Cowboy Grille: Chad Ferley
3/28/2006
Saddle bronc rider Chad Ferley is hoping some of his traveling partners'' good fortune has rubbed off on him this year. We recently caught up with him to find out more about his plans for the future and his thoughts on traveling with the world champion.
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Cowboy Grille: Levi Rosser
3/2/2006
Before March 22, 2002, a broken barrier was the difference between failure and success in the rodeo arena for Levi Rosser. That was the day he was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. Now, a broken barrier is just a piece of string that needs to be picked up.
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Cowboy Grille: Heath Ford
2/16/2006
Bareback rider Heath Ford comes from long line of rodeo legends, so it was only natural for him to be a professional cowboy. However, the newly engaged 28-year-old also enjoys writing songs and someday may even become a history teacher.
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Cowboy Grille: Scott Snedecor
2/6/2006
Steer roper Scott Snedecor won his first world title by a mere $1.67 in 2005, but as he commented after the win, "It doesn''t matter if it is $1 or $10 million, a win is a win."
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Cowboy Grille: Zeb Lanham
1/19/2006
Zeb Lanham may have been hesitant about getting on his first bull, but he has more than made up for it since
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Cowboy Grille: Cory Petska
1/13/2006
Team roper Cory Petska is looking forward to his third Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where he will be roping with three-time world champion Tee Woolman. It took the duo four years to form a partnership, but the wait was well worth it.
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Cowboy Grille: Chet Johnson
12/19/2005
After an extremely successful year, Saddle bronc rider Chet Johnson is looking forward to his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December. We caught up with the Wyoming cowboy to learn more.
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Cowboy Grille: Shawn Greenfield
10/21/2005
Steer wrestler Shawn Greenfield is hoping that a strategy to "just have fun," along with a horse named Mister, will lead him to a world title during his third trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
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Cowboy Grille: Rowdy Buechner
10/14/2005
Rowdy Buechner has been on a roll since the end of June, but will be laid up for awhile with a hip injury. The rest will give him time to help plan for his upcoming wedding. We sat down with him to learn more about the keys to his success.
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Cowboy Grille: Clint Craig
9/22/2005
Bull rider Clint Craig is hoping for a profitable fall to get him back to the Wrangler NFR in December. Currently ranked ninth in the Wrangler ProRodeo Summer Tour Standings, Craig is busy preparing for the final stretch of the season.
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Cowboy Grille: Hunter Herrin
9/22/2005
Tie-down roper Hunter Herrin has been making waves in the PRCA this season. Currently ranked sixth in the Wrangler ProRodeo Summer Tour Standings, Herrin is enjoying his Puyallup success and preparing for his first Pace Picante ProRodeo Challenge.
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Cowboy Grille: Shain Sproul
9/13/2005
Team roper Shain Sproul is a big sports fan. The 28-year-old Arizona cowboy, who won''t be caught eating "rabbit food," loves to head to the golf course while on the road and wouldn''t mind trading places with Tiger Woods for a day.
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Cowboy Grille: Stockton Graves
8/19/2005
Oklahoma seems to be the hotbed for talented steer wrestlers, with Stockton Graves a member of that fraternity. Graves (Newkirk) qualified for his first Wrangler NFR in 2004 and is on his way to another chance at a gold buckle.
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Cowboy Grille: Cody DeMers
8/19/2005
Two-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier Cody DeMers is a cowboy through and through who has dreams of some day owning a ranch in Montana. You won''t find him on Fear Factor and probably don''t want to talk to him early in the morning.
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Cowboy Grille: Andy Martinez
7/25/2005
Bareback rider Andy Martinez qualified for his first Wrangler NFR last year and recently won his first Pace Series title. He travels with World Champion Kelly Timberman and Wrangler NFR qualifier Scott Montague.
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Cowboy Grille: Cade Swor
7/25/2005
Tie-down roper Cade Swor accomplished one of his dreams last year when he qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Swor now has his mind set on winning a world title.
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Cowboy Grille: Steve Woolsey
7/11/2005
Rookie bull rider Steve Woolsey has had a profitable winter and has been splitting his time between college and PRCA rodeos. But now that school is out for the summer, he can focus all his efforts on his goal of becoming a world champion.
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