Written by: Siri Stevens

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Goober Snider is one of the co-event directors for steer wrestling and has been in the Mid-States Rodeo Association for five years. Goober acquired his name from his parents. “It’s actually a nickname. I was born on the same day as my dad’s best friend that had that nickname too. So I have been called Goober since I was really little and it’s stuck with me.” His given name? Kent.

As event director, he makes sure the cattle are right for the rodeo, the arena score is set up right, and any issues brought up by competitors are addressed and resolved. For Goober the Mid-States organization is just right and says, “All the rodeos are close and the people you meet are great. They are just good events to go rodeo at. I’ll get to about 30 rodeos each year. But because of my school schedule I sometimes have to work around that.” Besides competing in Mid-States, Goober is a member of NSRA and NIRA.

He is attending Dodge City Community College where he is about to complete his degree in ag management. “This is my third year in school; I already have an associate’s of science in welding. I have a rodeo scholarship and that helps out a lot with the cost of college.”

Goober owes his start in rodeo to his brother, Monte. “We used to show cattle when I was young, but when Monte was old enough to start high school rodeo, he talked our folks into letting him get started and I picked it up too. He’s two years older and has been my biggest influence. Monte was the state high school heading in 2009.”

When it’s time to compete, Goober has a system he puts into play. “It’s about slowing down, doing the basics correct, and reacting to the run. I have a lot of ‘try’ and that keeps me competitive.” Just to be sure the mojo is good, you won’t find him putting his cowboy hat on the bed or carrying any 50 dollar bills. But most importantly, he says, “Don’t wear a belt buckle for a week after you win it. It’s bad luck to put them on too soon so I don’t chance it.” From his good friend and mentor, Steve McKay takes the adage, “Trust your pilot and respect your monkey.”

Goober is quick to acknowledge the help he has received from family and friends. “There are lots of people that have helped me. First, my brother, he’s helped me out with my horsemanship, and life in general. My parents have always supported and encouraged me in what I do. Steve and Jace MacKay, Taylor Davis, Loren Gorsuch, have all helped me a lot. I’d like to thank my rodeo coach, Kent Crouch, for all he has done for me.”

The 21-year-old bull dogger is the youngest of the family and along with his brother, Monte, has two sisters, Cara and Randi. His parents are Alan and Kathy Snider. Goober claims Bartlett, Neb. as his home and travels between home and school, a six-hour drive away. “I have a house in Dodge City that I stay at, my brother and I live there together.”

During the week Goober is carrying 14 credit-hours at school, practicing with rodeo team after school, and working part time at the stockyards. Goals for the future are to continue to rodeo, make it to the CNF, and moving back to Bartlett after his college is complete.