story by Angelia Kerkhoff
PAFRA members, Rhonda & Kennny Ellison – Photo by Brian Gauck
Kenny and Rhonda Ellison have been married for 15 years and have participated in Team Roping together for the past 10 years. They live in Calera,Alabama on a combined 150 acrea ranch, owning over 100 Long Horn Cows. They love competing as a team, especially in the Rodeo environment, for they are also members of PCA, and PRCA. They have one child, JT Ellison who also loves Team Roping and Calf Roping.
Kenny is extremely proud to be apart of the military Rodeo Association for he loves supporting his country and the world of Rodeo. He is currently the South-Eastern Ciruit Director. He manages daily duties on the Cattle Ranch and works with individuals learning to team rope. He is also the President of Champion Ropes Company. He has been riding in rodeos for over 40+ years. He has competed in every event possible, except for Saddle Bronc. He earned PAFRA’s World Champion Heeler title for three years and World Champion All round title in 2014.
Rhonda is a Major in the Air National Guard; Alabama CERFP (CBRNE Enhance Response Force Package). She is a Public Health Officer part-time yet also a full-time Veterinarian. She owns CaleraAnimalHospitaland Calera Equine Facility. Her biggest passion is in Team Roping Heading but she will compete in Breakaway and Barrels, and try her hand in Heeling from time to time. She stated there was one point in her life that she enjoyed Bull riding but has realized that’s in the past and would not ever test that skill today. Rhonda is currently the Treasurer. She has earned PAFRA’s World Champion Header for two years, and the All Ladies All round title in 2014.
This couple is a unique couple for they were the first ever to both win the All Around Title in the same year. If you were to ask them, they would respond that day was the most memorable day ever. They love being with other military family members in a sport they love so dearly.
