Categories: Rodeo News

RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN 2015 Presented by Polaris RANGER

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On March 1, 2015, male and female western athletes from around the world will gather at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the chance to compete in the second annual rodeo known as “The AMERICAN.” The event will be sponsored by the Polaris Industries, renowned provider of off-road vehicles. RFD-TV plans on broadcasting the competition.

The American Difference

Richmond Champion Check – The American

Attending spectators and off-site viewers have the chance to watch cowboys and cowgirls demonstrating their skills in seven traditional rodeo events ranging from saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling to barrel racing and bull riding. However, there are a couple of unique differences.
With $2 million dollars at stake, The American offers the most lucrative payout of all western sporting events.

The grand prize winner alone walks away with a minimal and staggering amount of $1 million. Winners of individual categories also walk away with $100,000 plus a prize package worth nearly $30,000.

The package includes a Bohlin buckle, a Browning rifle, a customized Cactus saddle and a Polaris Ranger. Second place winners receive $25,000. Qualifiers winning their event also share a $1 million side pot.

“We are very proud to announce the largest, richest, one-day rodeo in history.” – Randy Bernard (Former CEO of Rural Media Group)

The second unique aspect involves the participants themselves. Athletes deemed the crème of the crop by the committee receive a personal invitation to participate in The American. Representing the top 10 athletes in each field, the contestants are not required to pay entry fees. Any other interested western sports athletes may also compete pending placement in two initial qualifying rounds. At a location of personal choice, athletes compete in the events of their choosing during round one. Top point winners qualify and continue the process. The semi-finals involve an elimination rodeo on February 20 through 22, 2015, at the Fort Worth Stockyards at the Cowtown Coliseum.

The American Rodeo represents the third and final round. The one day rodeo requires that all contestants compete in their event during round one.

The top 4 competitors in each event then progress to the ShootOut round. The Champion and Reserve Champion are then determined in the finals.

2014 Results

RFD-TV’s The AMERICAN very 1st winner, bareback rider, Richmond Champion in 2014

Scoring a total of 90 points, bareback rider, Richmond Champion, was last year’s rodeo winner. Hailing from Woodlands, Texas the 22 year-old Champion made history. He was the only qualifier from among 46 competitors to win his event.

Unfortunately, due to recent injuries and subsequent surgeries, bareback rider, Wes Stevenson and bull rider, Shane Proctor could not accept the invitation to participate in this year’s competition. Both continue recovering.

Follow Cowboy Lifestyle Network for all the highlights of this year’s The AMERICAN.

Richmond Champion

Aaron Kuhl

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.