Coming from a very distinguished and accomplished rodeo family, Central Plains Rodeo Association (CePRA) triple-event contender, Tyrell Rumford, is on his way to paving his own trail in the rodeo world. Currently sitting fourth in the steer wrestling and fifth in the tie down roping standings, Tyrell also competes on both ends of the team roping. “Something that I always tell my friends is: the reason we rope is because it’s fun. At the end of the day, if you can look back and say you had fun, then it was a success,” he said of his reasons for rodeoing.
Although a four-year card holder, Tyrell competed within the organization off-and-on throughout high school and, after becoming a member, worked his way to the reserve champion tie-down roper in 2012. “The rodeos are run good with decent entry fees and good payouts, but most importantly, they are fair to everyone,” he said of the base that sets a long future with the CePRA.
A cowboy with deep roots in the sport, Tyrell credits his family for his start. “It’s a family thing and I have them to thank for all of their support, help and encouragement along the way,” he said. While being involved in the once owned family rodeo company [Rumford Rodeo Company], the branches start with his dad (Bronc), who rode barebacks and later competed in the steer wrestling and calf roping in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). He is now the Fort Hays State University rodeo coach. His mom (Kate) has worked hard in training barrel horses and competing within the CePRA, but has recently started team roping and is working Pro-Am events. “I hope to be able to at least hit some jackpots with her this year,” said Tyrell. The list does not end there, for both of Tyrell’s siblings have earned a name through their own accomplishments. His brother (Justin), who once competed in the saddle bronc and steer wrestling in the PRCA and the CePRA, is now best known as a two-time PRCA Clown of the Year and the Coors Man in the Can. His sister (Haley Schneeberger) is a six-time PRCA rodeo secretary of the year. “I think I’m the only member of my family that has not been on the cover of the Rodeo News,” Tyrell humored of his family’s achievements.
It wasn’t until his freshman year of high school that Tyrell got interested in the tie down roping. Upon finding his center for rodeo competition, he expanded to the steer wrestling, which he says his brother helped him get his start. “Justin is so very encouraging and has helped me in so many ways,” he said. Later, he picked up the team roping, but continues to explore other areas in which to master in the arena. Dabbling as a pick-up man since the early years of high school, Tyrell has found himself getting more and more jobs such as the World‘s Toughest Rodeo Series. “It’s a wonderful thing to be able to work with your family,” he said. “And I would love to be selected as a pick-up man for the Prairie Circuit Finals this year.”
The 23-year old Fort Hays State University senior is working on a major in general studies with an emphasis in leadership, where he is looking into coaching for his future. While he has served as the rodeo club and team president for the past two years, Tyrell is also interested in the arts. He says that at one time he had worked in western, mainly pencil, drawings, but now focuses his talents in braiding much of his own tack and is a self-taught guitarist.
As a member, of not only the CePRA, but the PRCA and the KPRA, Tyrell qualified for the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, Colo., to kick his 2014 season off. But his goals rest in making the CePRA Finals and the Prairie Circuit Finals.
