Here it is December and we are back in Las Vegas ready for another Wrangler NFR. The year has gone by quickly and has brought some changes to the line-up this year. Some of it was brought on by the Elite Rodeo Association having their first year of competition which took some of the familiar names off this year’s WNFR list. Some of the new names competing this year in the Thomas and Mack are just pure talent that have joined the ranks of the PRCA. It will be a great Finals as always and with the big money that is up for grabs some world titles will be decided this first week in December.
There is a lot of big money available with all of the other activities going on outside of the main WNFR. The World Series Ropings at the South Point will be bigger and richer than ever and if you want to see some first class ropings in a pristine environment, make plans to spend some time over at the South Point. Not only are there great ropings going on but each night the WNFR go-round winners will be on stage getting their buckles, which is always a great after party. Also the South Point has some awesome restaurants with a great selection of food. There will also be the traditional trade shows going on all week which promise to be bigger and better than ever. Come enjoy the fun and quality of this fine property.
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The Gold Card Reunion is planned again this year and will be held at The Orleans the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the Finals week. Thursday is mainly checking in and meeting up with old friends. Friday is the main gathering during the day with a luncheon and Saturday culminates with a breakfast gathering among friends. It is a great time to touch bases with those you haven’t seen for some time and to catch up on all the gossip. One guy who sadly won’t be there is Jack Roddy, as he is recovering from major back surgery. He had a couple of bad weeks after the surgery but as of this writing he is home and wife Donna is giving him the best of care. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back up and at ’em soon. Earlier this Fall, Jack received the Ben Johnson Award at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. I gave him a bad time and told him that his back got sore from wearing that medallion around his neck 24 hours a day.
Anyone interested in attending the Gold Card Reunion on Friday, which is the main day, can call Larry Jordan at 406-223-6503 for information on the event.
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Visited with our good friend Dr. Bert Johnson this past week and he is doing well and plans to be in Las Vegas for at least part of the Finals. Be sure to pick up a copy of his new book “Ropin’ Doc” while in Vegas.
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Had a chance to talk to Bobby Mote after the ERA Finals in Dallas and he was very happy how the Finals turned out after a very trying year for him and his fellow competitors that took a chance and ventured out on their own to try and make rodeo more known to the general public and to build a fan base and following. They opened many new doors in the rodeo world and gave up a lot in personal income to prove their point. It was not an easy feat by any means and through the years some of the owners and directors gave up their shares and positions so they could go back and compete in the PRCA. Some of them will be competing at this year’s WNFR. The roster of competitors was very strong as we know it in the rodeo world and what they tried to do was to introduce themselves to the fans and create a following along the way. Bobby admitted that they all learned a lot this past year about the production end of the rodeo business and are planning to continue to plan another year of events in 2017. Whether you are for or against this idea you have to give these individuals credit for taking the idea they had and sacrificed a lot to stick it out for the entire year at a cost to them financially and credibility in their rodeo profession. I’m sure a lot was learned from this new concept and we will have to see what it brings in the coming year and hopefully rodeo talent will be able to work both arenas for the betterment of the sport. Be sure to read about the ERA Finals and the year end champions in this issue.
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Las Vegas will offer a variety of trade shows again this year and they will be spread all over, from old town to the far end of the strip at South Point. Anything from kids toys to the finest in new living quarter trailers will be on hand. One can pretty much do all of their Christmas shopping while attending the Wrangler National Finals.
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Enjoyed my time at the ACTRA Fnals in Reno, NV and who wouldn’t enjoy staying at the Silver Legacy. The Finals were great and made many ropers very happy with the many ways to win during the week of competition. I was fortunate to get to announce some of the ropings this year and I was in awe of some of the young talent arising in the roping world. Congrats to all of those who placed during that week and to the world champions. You can read all about it in this issue.
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Many other ropings will be going on prior to the WNFR and during that week so be sure to check out the ads in this issue to make your plans for all of the holiday ropings clear though New Year’s Day. And remember, a gift subscription to Ropers Sports News makes an ideal Christmas gift for anyone interested in roping. Call or go online today to get a gift card sent out in time for Christmas.
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our subscribers and advertisers for making this another great year. A big thanks to Stephanie and Jenny in the Ropers Sports News office for making it all work.