2019 Masik Tas All Indian Rodeo brings thrilling competition to Ak-Chin Indian Community

Each December, Masik Tas events commemorate the formal recognition of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. This year’s celebration included concerts, a carnival, a holiday light parade, and a full rodeo held December 13-15.

The All-Indian rodeo thrilled participants and fans alike with competition in bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and more. Ak-Chin Indian Community Vice Chairman Gabe Lopez and Council Member Lisa Garcia presented awards to the top winners in each category.

Two competitors received top recognition, Evan Betony as All-Around Champion Cowboy and Sarina Dehozy as All-Around Champion Cowgirl. Congratulations to all winners and participants for an outstanding rodeo!

Matthew Tuni took first place in bareback, Michael Bates topped Tie-Down Roping, and Jay Joaquin bested the saddle bronc competition. For Ladies’ Breakaway, Serena Dahozy took first place, while Kortney McReynolds topped Ladies Barrel Racing.

Other winners included Evan Betony for bull riding, Julius Figueroa for steer wrestling, Dwight Sells for Team Roping Header, and Cameron Tsinigine for Team Roping Heeler. For Ladies Team Roping Header, Recinda Yazzie placed first, while Jolene Yellowman topped the Ladies Team Roping Heeler category.

In the Century category, with contestants age 50 and older, Reggie Sells topped the Team Roping Header, and Victory Begay took the Century Team Roping Heeler. 

The event also included Four Tribes team events. For the 4 Tribes Team Roping Header, Clay Martinez took the top spot, and Ty Romo topped the 4 Tribes Team Roping Heeler category. Team Shotgun placed first in the Wild Horse Race category. 

This year’s Masik Tas theme was: “Our language is our medicine. We lose our language; we lose our medicine.”

If you missed the Masik Tas rodeo or other events, make sure to check them out next December! Events are open to all.