Cowboys seeking gold in the Professional Rough Stock World Finals

2013 Professional Rough Stock World Finals held in Rapid City

Rapid City, SD – (November 15, 2013) Thirty-six cowboys have come to the Black Hills of South Dakota prospecting for gold in the Professional Rough Stock (PRS) World Finals.  Three of the most electrifying events wrapped into one heart-stopping show is a fitting description for the PRS.  Cowboys competing in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bullriding will compete for over $75,000 in cash and prizes seeking their own fortune of Black Hills Gold.

“Professional Rough Stock is a new association that combined all three rough stock events to bring a new day to rodeo,” stated PRS President, Spud Whitman. The PRS was formed a few years back and has already doubled their World Finals payout in year two.

Contestants from across the United States and Canada have qualified to compete at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center on Friday and Saturday.  The caliber of cowboys is impressive with numerous National Finals Rodeo and Professional Bull Riders qualifiers, but Whitman bragged on the bucking horses.   “I look forward to the breeding programs and development in the future.  We might have the best guys in the world and we need the best animal athletes.”   Painted Pony, Chuckulator and Lunatic Fringe are just a few of the horses out this weekend.

On Thursday night, during the banquet presentation PRS board members, leaders, personnel and stock contractors were recognized.  Whitman along with an all-cast crew of who’s who in the world of rodeo including PRS announcer Steve Godert and former PRCA World Champions Kelly Timberman and Monty “Hawkeye” Henson spoke about the amazing lineup of bucking horses and the cowboy matchups competing at the PRS World Finals.

When Sanford Deal the PRS Stock Coordinator was acknowledged for his hard work in the back pens he walked up, accepted his buckle, and then took the microphone.  Deal thanked, “the academy for voting for him.”  He sense of humor and good-natured remarks were well received by the standing room only crowd.  Contestant’s wives, children and rodeo fans were on hand to witness the contestant jacket presentation by Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Kristina Maddocks.

“It is rodeo time in the great state of South Dakota this weekend with the Pro Rough Stock World Championships. It’s a new day in rodeo!,” stated Whitman.   As a five-time PBR Finals Qualifier, Whitman is no stranger to the rodeo industry.  Whitman, CEO Todd Marsh, Vice President Scott Reder, Arena Director Kurt Manke and Production Manager Kevin Contardo along with a small production team are transforming the sport of rodeo.  The success is evident in their PRS series being televised on RFDTV.

“I have a super staff and crew. Every weekend we show up at a PRS event and it feels like we show up at the Super Bowl with an eight-man football team,” commented Whitman.  In comparison to the other rodeo organizations which run a much larger staff.   “You start out small and you grow and develop,” Whitman finished.

Heading into the finals are leaders Josi Young of Buhl, ID with $13,688 in Bareback Riding, Cort Scheer of Elsmere, NE with $15,595 in Saddle Bronc and McKennon Wimberly of Cool, TX with $15,392 in the Bullriding.