PRCA readies for big 4th in Window Rock

By Oree Foster
Staff Sports Writer

WINDOW ROCK — The Fourth of July holiday is considered 'Cowboy's Christmas', where PRCA contestants zigzag across the country competing for prize money in prestigious rodeos.

More than 50 rodeos are staged throughout the country during the holiday where PRCA contestants jockey for positions in the world standings.

Window Rock is one of the stops for premier cowboys and cowgirls.

Lucrative prize money is expected to lure the world's top cowboys during the 21st Annual Fourth of July PRCA rodeo at Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena, July 4-7.

Dave James, PRCA coordinator, said this year's rodeo is expected to top last year's payout of $153,659.05, when 473 contestants competed.

James said this year's added money is $72,000, the largest amount of money in the history of the rodeo.

As an incentive each of the eight event winners during each of the four performances earn $500, totaling $16,000 for the four days of competition, according to James.

"The added money of $72,000, plus the $16,000 and contestant's entry fee makes the prize money attractive," James said. "We are hoping to reach approximately 500 contestants this year. The added money and this year's incentive should bring in the contestants."

Added money and incentive cash award to event winners per performance are the keys to a successful rodeo, James said.

"When the PRCA contestants arrange their schedules for the Fourth of July holiday, they look for rodeos with large amount of added money," James, who works for Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation who is responsible for conducting the event, said."The contestants want to make their trips to the rodeos worthwhile, due to high cost of fuel. Some contestants enter five, six or even seven rodeos during the holiday."

James said the Window Rock PRCA rodeo has played host to reigning world champions, past world champions and contestants who are currently in the top 10 in the world standings. Ty Murray, Jim Sharp, Trevor Brazile, Dan Mortensen, Billy Etbauer, Joe Beaver and Sherri Cervi are just a few well known contestants who have competed in Window Rock.

"Since the rodeo began here, every year we've had our share of top 10 contestants competing here," James noted. "Trevor Brazile and Sherri Cervi have been competing here for some time. The feedback we get from the contestants is that they like to compete here because of the prize money. The contestants would rather pocket prize money than awards."

An 8 a.m. slack on July 3 kicks off the rodeo. Performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. July 4-7.

Trevor Brazile, of Decatur, Tex., claimed the all-around and tie-down roping championships during last year's rodeo.

Tom McFarland, of Wickenburg, Ariz., captured the bareback title, earning a $3,933 paycheck. J.J. Elshere, of Quinn, S.D., garnered the saddle bronc event, collecting $4,571.28 at the pay window.

Bobby Wales, of Quail Valley, Calif., won the bull riding, netting $5,044.50. Joey Bell Jr., of Malakoff, Tex., turned in a stellar performance to win the steer wrestling, pocketing $1,638.75.

Daniel Key, of Caldwell, Tex., and Kory Koontz, of Sudan, Tex., paired up to win the team roping. Each cowboy received $1,857.25. Sherri Cervi, of Marana, Ariz., was the women's barrel racing champion, garnering $3,163.16.

Sammy Andrews, of Bagwell, Tex., returns to provide the stock for the rodeo. James said contestants enter the rodeo due to Andrews' stock.

"Sammy Andrews has tough bucking stock," James said. "That is why we draw PRCA's top 10 contestants. Sammy has quality bucking stock. Sammy is well respected on the PRCA circuit."

James said Mike Mathis, a top PRCA announcer, will be behind the microphone describing the action and providing profiles of the contestants.

"Mike Mathis is one of best announcers on the PRCA circuit," James said. "Mike knows the contestants and describes the action, keeping the rodeo fans well informed."

James said in addition to the PRCA rodeo, the Ahoo'Hai Days open all-Indian rodeo is scheduled on July 7-8.

"CNRA, AIRCA, NNRCA members and non-members are welcome to compete," James said. "Non-members will be assessed a $5 charge. This is an open all-Indian rodeo."

A slack is set for 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. performances are scheduled for July 7-8.

At conclusion of July 8th performance, Akali Yazhe Junior Rodeo Association has scheduled a rodeo at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Junior rodeo events are steer riding, peewee barrel racing, junior barrel racing and junior bull riding.

After the completion of the junior rodeo, top 10 contestants from the Ahoo'Hai Days vie for event championships.

Rodeo events include bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, ladies' breakaway, ladies' barrel racing and team roping (can enter twice).

Added money for each event is $2,500, with the exception of team roping, which is $5,000.

The male and female all-around champion each receive $1,000 apiece.

Special events include senior 50-plus breakaway and #5 team roping (can enter twice).

Call-ins are scheduled for June 25-29. For entries call Secretary Rose Claw at 928-781-4340. Call-backs are set for July 2-3 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Benita Jay will handle the call-backs at the Navajo Nation Fair Office in Window Rock at 928-871-6702.

PRCA stock contractor Sammy Andrews will handle the stock for Ahoo'Hai Days rodeo.

On July 1, an open junior rodeo is scheduled. The rodeo features Native American and non-Native American contestants.

An open wild horse race is scheduled for July 7 at 9 p.m. James said the wild horse race is open to Native Americans and non-Native Americans.