Profiles Archives - The Rodeo News

Profiles

ProFile: Mayce Marek

Mayce Marek is looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life – she will be going to Warton Junior College on a rodeo scholarship, majoring in business with a minor in physical therapy. “I want to look into business and running an equine facility that has a deal…

ProFile: Chris Woodruff

Chris Woodruff is the man behind Stetson Country Christmas, Roper Cowboy Marketplace, and his latest venture, ALL IN Barrel Race and ALL IN Breakaway – both held at the Orleans Arena during the WNFR and guaranteeing more than $800,000 payout. Chris rode bareback horses in high school and college. “I…

ProFile: Phil Sumner Rodeo Company

The International Finals Youth Rodeo, known as the world’s richest youth rodeo, will take place for the 27th year on July 7-12, 2019, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Not many understand the beginnings of the event better than Phil Sumner of Phil Sumner Rodeo Company. “The national high school rodeo finals had…

ProFile: Josh Peek

Josh Peek jumped his last steer in January at a buddy’s house. Before that it was Houston, March 2018. “I slowed down and decided to quit in September of 2017 – I couldn’t be away from my wife and kids anymore and I knew there was more on the horizon…

ProFile: Talsma Performance Horses

story by Madison Clark Ty Talsma is a fifth generation South Dakota rancher, who also fills the role of cowboy and horse trainer at Talsma Performance Horses. “Where I’m at now evolved from rodeoing,” explains the 41-year-old from, Springfield. “Growing up all I wanted to do was go to rodeos,…

ProFile: Sydney Frey

Sydney Frey, daughter of NFR bareback rider, Shawn Frey, won the barrel racing at the Junior American, held in Fort Worth, Texas. Her efforts against 155 barrel races won her $10,000 and a Twister 2 horse trailer, a beautiful buckle, and a Resistol 100x hat. “It’s another great opportunity for…

ProFile: Jessica Routier

In her first year at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Jessica Routier set her rodeo career on fire. And she had some help in doing it, aboard an exceptional horse. Routier, of Buffalo, South Dakota, rode Fiery Miss West, “Missy”, won over $250,000 for the year, and finished the rodeo…

ProFile: Luke Branquinho

Five-time World Champion Steer Wrestler Luke Branquinho won’t be shaking his booty under the bright lights of Las Vegas this December. He’s spent way too much time on the injured reserve list lately for that. But after a couple of comebacks in consecutive years, the living legend is looking forward…

ProFile: J.C. Malone

All-night drives, truck-stop coffee, fast food, and a laundry list of expenses that never seem to end. There are thousands of easier occupations than the life of a professional rodeo cowboy, and it’s pretty tough at times to make it pencil, even for a world-class-caliber contestant. One big check can…

ProFile: WyoTech

Jim Mathis of Wheatland, Wyoming traveled many miles chasing the USTRC jackpot circuit for nearly 17 years. Jim had worked the rope in ranch work for many years, but after watching his younger brother, Scott competing as a team roper, he took some instruction from him and started entering himself.…

ProFile: Mia Manzanares

Mia Manzanares has come a long way since being on the cover of the Rodeo News in August of 2012. Six years later, the 21-year-old cowgirl has achieved her goals she set at that time. She will be a senior at McNeese State University and will graduate with a degree…

ProFile: Donna Keffeler

Donna Keffeler is surrounded by clowns, but she loves every minute of it. As the marketing arm for one of the PRCA’s national sponsors, she works closely with 45 PRCA barrelmen and with rodeos, providing the right tools to go to retail and increase sales. She administers the Man in…