Some consider Arkansas part of the South, while others lump the state into the Midwest.
Arkansans are hardly ever referred to as being "out West." But cowboys come from all over and Arkansas has had some professional cowboys with notable achievements.
Among that list are:
Bobby Hurley of Clarksville, 1993 and 1995 PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) world champion header who will be inducted into the PRCA Hall of Fame Class of 2008 on July 12
Jared Standridge of Dennard, 2007 IPRA (International Professional Rodeo Association) team roping champion header
Shawn Harris of Joy, 1990 and 1994 IPRA team roping champion heeler
Michael Harris of Vilonia, 1996 IPRA team roping champion heeler
Kenny Wilcox of Greenbrier, 1980 NFR (National Finals Rodeo) average winner bull riding champion
Jory Levy formerly of Conway, and graduate of the University of Central Arkansas, 2007 team roping champion heeler who holds the team roping world record fastest time of 3.6 seconds
Brandon Thone of Damascus and Chad Harper of Prattsville, 2006 Bob Fiest Invitational winners (team roping)
Ricky Hyde of Mount Vernon, six-time NFR Qualifer in calf roping
While a number of these cowboys are retired and no longer competing in the PRCA, their accomplishments deserve recognition and honor. Truly though, cowboys never really get "out of the business." Some go on to become top-notch horse trainers, rodeo coaches, stock contractors, rodeo producers, or dads and moms who pour all they've learned into their children and raise their own future champions.
Cowboys not only rodeo in a competitive spirit, but recognize the sport as a way of preserving Western heritage. It is special to them, and a way of life they treasure despite the love-hate relationship they may often feel about their ups and downs in the arena.
Spectators will have the opportunity to watch and enjoy some professional cowboys and cowgirls from all over the nation compete in Conway in the PRCA Rodeo on Friday and Saturday, at the Don Owen Sports Complex. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children 7-12 years, 6 years and under will be free. Admission gates will open at 5 p.m., and performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night.
There are 129 competitors signed up for Conway's first professional rodeo, and committee members are expecting a large turnout. Their advice to spectators is to "come early and bring lawn chairs."
