LINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;(June 12, 2024)&nbsp;—&nbsp;Nebraska Sports Council officials have issued a reminder that the deadline to receive a free shirt with paid registration in the Cornhusker State Games (CSG) is June 19.&nbsp;Officials also shared details about Opening Night festivities scheduled for Thursday, July 11 from 7-8 p.m. in front of Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

More than 3,800 Nebraskans are already registered, and organizers expect more than 10,000 will participate in the 40th annual Games, which features competition in more than 70 sports over two weekends from July 11-21.&nbsp;Those interested can find information and register at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cornhuskerstategames.com/" target="_blank">CornhuskerStateGames.com</a>.

All participants registered by June 19 not only receive the free athlete shirt, but a host of Summer Fun Freebies valued at more than $50, including a certificate for a free Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich and vouchers for free admission to the Lancaster County Super Fair, the Nebraska State Fair, a Lincoln Saltdogs baseball game and an Omaha Storm Chasers baseball game.

CSG Opening Night festivities are free and open to the public.&nbsp;Free ice cream treats will be provided by Hiland Dairy.&nbsp;The event also includes a meet-and-greet with current and former Husker athletes, notably including women’s volleyball standout Rebekah Allick and men’s basketball standout Josiah Allick, both of whom will be involved in the lighting of the Games caldron at 7:15 p.m.

Opening Night sponsors include presenting partners: Arby’s of Lincoln, Liberty First Credit Union, J &amp; H Specialty Contracting, and Visit Lincoln.&nbsp;Black Hills Energy is the Torch Lighting sponsor and other contributing partners include: Crete Carrier Corp./Shaffer Trucking, Amigos/Kings Classic, Hiland Dairy, News Channel Nebraska, Digital Sky and Complete Weddings and Events.

The Cornhusker State Games is produced by the Nebraska Sports Council, which also conducts the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games, the Pumpkin Run, Nebraska DiamondFest, Nebraska NetFest, the Nebraska Showdown Volleyball Tournament, Heartland Havoc Wrestling Tournament, and the WellPower Movement.&nbsp;Platinum sponsors include: Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, the Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskasportscouncil.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

Nebraska Sports CouncilLINCOLN, Neb.&nbsp;(June 12, 2024)&nbsp;—&nbsp;Nebraska Sports Council officials have issued a reminder that the deadline to receive a free shirt with paid registration in the Cornhusker State Games (CSG) is June 19.&nbsp;Officials also shared details about Opening Night festivities scheduled for Thursday, July 11 from 7-8 p.m. in front of Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.More than 3,800 Nebraskans are already registered, and organizers expect more than 10,000 will participate in the 40th annual Games, which features competition in more than 70 sports over two weekends from July 11-21.&nbsp;Those interested can find information and register at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cornhuskerstategames.com/" target="_blank">CornhuskerStateGames.com</a>.All participants registered by June 19 not only receive the free athlete shirt, but a host of Summer Fun Freebies valued at more than $50, including a certificate for a free Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich and vouchers for free admission to the Lancaster County Super Fair, the Nebraska State Fair, a Lincoln Saltdogs baseball game and an Omaha Storm Chasers baseball game.CSG Opening Night festivities are free and open to the public.&nbsp;Free ice cream treats will be provided by Hiland Dairy.&nbsp;The event also includes a meet-and-greet with current and former Husker athletes, notably including women’s volleyball standout Rebekah Allick and men’s basketball standout Josiah Allick, both of whom will be involved in the lighting of the Games caldron at 7:15 p.m.Opening Night sponsors include presenting partners: Arby’s of Lincoln, Liberty First Credit Union, J &amp; H Specialty Contracting, and Visit Lincoln.&nbsp;Black Hills Energy is the Torch Lighting sponsor and other contributing partners include: Crete Carrier Corp./Shaffer Trucking, Amigos/Kings Classic, Hiland Dairy, News Channel Nebraska, Digital Sky and Complete Weddings and Events.The Cornhusker State Games is produced by the Nebraska Sports Council, which also conducts the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games, the Pumpkin Run, Nebraska DiamondFest, Nebraska NetFest, the Nebraska Showdown Volleyball Tournament, Heartland Havoc Wrestling Tournament, and the WellPower Movement.&nbsp;Platinum sponsors include: Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, the Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.&nbsp;Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nebraskasportscouncil.com/" target="_blank">NebraskaSportsCouncil.com</a>.

CSG Shirt Deadline is Today (June 19th)

Cozad Community Schools is pleased to announce that Jordan Haarberg has been named the new Head Girls Golf Coach at Cozad High School.&nbsp; Coach Haarberg is currently a Guidance Counselor at Cozad High School. She brings excitement and energy to the girls’ golf program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I'm excited to coach the Lady Haymakers Golf Team this fall. I look forward to helping the girls refine their skills and develop a lifelong passion for golf that will go beyond their high school years.” - Jordan Haarberg

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718804965986.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Cozad Community SchoolsCozad Community Schools is pleased to announce that Jordan Haarberg has been named the new Head Girls Golf Coach at Cozad High School.&nbsp; Coach Haarberg is currently a Guidance Counselor at Cozad High School. She brings excitement and energy to the girls’ golf program.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I'm excited to coach the Lady Haymakers Golf Team this fall. I look forward to helping the girls refine their skills and develop a lifelong passion for golf that will go beyond their high school years.” - Jordan Haarberg

Jordan Haarberg announced as new Cozad Girl's Golf Head Coach

North Platte, NE- The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors are pleased to host the Junior Ambassador Golf Classic. &nbsp; On Tuesday and Wednesday July 30-31, the 2024 Junior Ambassador Classic Two Day Golf Tournament will take place at our local Rivers Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Courses.&nbsp; Many junior golf entrants ages 7 to 18, from around the state, will participate in one of the most prominent junior golf tournaments in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors include the infamous “Junior Slugfest” and BBQ on the evening of July 30th at Rivers Edge Golf Club.&nbsp; &nbsp; Junior Golfers are randomly grouped into Scramble teams that compete in a Sudden Death scramble playoff for trophies.&nbsp; &nbsp; This event is unique to this youth tournament and has become a very popular feature of this event. &nbsp; This event is designed to help install courage and confidence in players who are new to competitive golf and introduce youth golfers to other players.

Day 1: July 30th, play will start at Rivers Edge Golf Club 9:00am – 4:30pm.&nbsp;

Slugfest: July 30th, Rivers Edge Golf Club 6:00pm-8:00pm

Day 2: July 31th, play will start at Lake Maloney Golf Course 9:00am – 3:00pm.

There is an optional instruction clinic, in lieu of playing in the tournament for new or novice youth golfers on July 30th at Rivers Edge.

Big Trophies will be awarded for the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament.&nbsp; The trophy presentations will be held at the end of play on July 31st at Lake Maloney Golf Club from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.&nbsp; &nbsp; If media members would like a text message for the exact time of the trophy presentation, please email <a href="mailto:tlucas@nlnb.com">tlucas@nlnb.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Due to the generous sponsorship of over 25 local businesses and these golf courses, the entry fee for the full tournament is only $30 for 9-hole players and $40 for 18-hole players.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Golfer Registration forms can be downloaded at the NP Chamber's website&nbsp;

(www.NParea.com) or picked up at the River’s Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Shops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718717735872.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>Ty LucasNorth Platte Chamber AmbassadorsNorth Platte, NE- The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors are pleased to host the Junior Ambassador Golf Classic. &nbsp; On Tuesday and Wednesday July 30-31, the 2024 Junior Ambassador Classic Two Day Golf Tournament will take place at our local Rivers Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Courses.&nbsp; Many junior golf entrants ages 7 to 18, from around the state, will participate in one of the most prominent junior golf tournaments in Nebraska.&nbsp;&nbsp;The North Platte Chamber Ambassadors include the infamous “Junior Slugfest” and BBQ on the evening of July 30th at Rivers Edge Golf Club.&nbsp; &nbsp; Junior Golfers are randomly grouped into Scramble teams that compete in a Sudden Death scramble playoff for trophies.&nbsp; &nbsp; This event is unique to this youth tournament and has become a very popular feature of this event. &nbsp; This event is designed to help install courage and confidence in players who are new to competitive golf and introduce youth golfers to other players.The Tournament Schedule:&nbsp;Day 1: July 30th, play will start at Rivers Edge Golf Club 9:00am – 4:30pm.&nbsp;Slugfest: July 30th, Rivers Edge Golf Club 6:00pm-8:00pmDay 2: July 31th, play will start at Lake Maloney Golf Course 9:00am – 3:00pm.There is an optional instruction clinic, in lieu of playing in the tournament for new or novice youth golfers on July 30th at Rivers Edge.Big Trophies will be awarded for the top performers in all flights and divisions for the two-day tournament.&nbsp; The trophy presentations will be held at the end of play on July 31st at Lake Maloney Golf Club from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.&nbsp; &nbsp; If media members would like a text message for the exact time of the trophy presentation, please email <a href="mailto:tlucas@nlnb.com">tlucas@nlnb.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to the generous sponsorship of over 25 local businesses and these golf courses, the entry fee for the full tournament is only $30 for 9-hole players and $40 for 18-hole players.&nbsp;&nbsp;Golfer Registration forms can be downloaded at the NP Chamber's website&nbsp;(www.NParea.com) or picked up at the River’s Edge and Lake Maloney Golf Shops.

2024 Junior Ambassador Classic Two-Day Golf Tournament

Alliance, Neb. - Eagle Media, Panhandle Post and KCOW Radio are excited to welcome Canon Rath as the new “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs. Rath currently serves as a News Director for Eagle Media and works throughout the Nebraska Markets for North Platte Post, Sandhills Post and Panhandle Post. He will maintain his current position with this new expanded role.

Last season, Rath called games for our sister market, Sandhills Post, calling local area games of the week on Flatrock 100.7. His duties included doing play-by-play for football and basketball.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are thrilled to have Canon expand his role at Eagle, becoming an integral part of our team in Alliance and Chadron,” said Olivia Hasenauer, Nebraska Regional Manager. “With his extensive experience in play-by-play coverage and his deep knowledge of the teams and players in Western Nebraska, Canon is the perfect fit. His grandpa, has&nbsp;ties in the Bayard area&nbsp;further enhance this seamless transition.”&nbsp;

Rath has over eight years of sports broadcasting experience and six years of radio broadcasting. Throughout his career, he has called games at the high school and collegiate level. Canon also had a once in a lifetime opportunity to call the 2020 Class D2 Football State Championship between Dundy County Stratton and Burwell for Nebraska Public Media (formerly known as NET).&nbsp;

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to become the new “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs and getting to know the coaches, student-athletes and community starting this fall,” said Rath. “I can’t wait to get to work and bring Bulldog athletics on KCOW radio!”&nbsp;

KCOW Radio and Panhandle Post&nbsp;are excited for this next chapter and looking to be the premier provider of coverage for the Panhandle Region.&nbsp;

“This is an exciting time not only for our dedicated audience, who passionately follow AHS sports on KCOW 1400AM/92.5FM and Panhandle Post, but also for the schools we cover. In Western Nebraska, being local and embedded in our communities is crucial,” said Hasenauer.&nbsp;“We pride ourselves on providing top-notch coverage for our young student-athletes. At Eagle, we are committed to being the premier provider of news, sports, and entertainment in the Panhandle Region.”&nbsp;

Rath graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in May 2023 as a dual major in Sports Communication and Sports Management. During his 5-year tenure as a Loper, he was heavily involved with the student run radio station 91.1 KLPR, where he hosted a weekly sport show, hosted a weekly sports update and did play-by-play/color for Loper Athletics. 

He spent four years on the KLPR Sports Staff and was Sports Director for his last three years of college. He has been nominated many times at the national level for his work for Loper Athletic broadcast, his weekly sports update “Loper Update” and the longest student running show “Throwin Lopes” where he created it with fellow student Grant Tighe in 2020.&nbsp;

Rath got his start in broadcasting when he was a Junior at Kearney High School when he joined the Bearcat Sports Network, which is Kearney High School’s Striv program. Canon got his start in radio his freshman year in college when he joined Platte River Radio as a board op and producer. He would regularly produce the Doug and Daddy Show, studio engineering many sporting events, and more. Rath also hosted the "Rutts and Rivals Scoreboard Show" for two years. After a 2-year stint, Canon would join KRGI as a color analyst announcer for the St. Paul Wildcats football team.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Rath just recently celebrated one year with Eagle Media earlier this month. He has done work for Panhandle Post along with Sandhills Post and North Platte Post. During his free time, Rath enjoys playing golf with his grandpa, going on walks, playing pickleball and playing video games. Feel free to follow <a href="https://x.com/Canon_K9_Sports">Canon Rath on X</a> (Formerly Twitter).&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718645739737.jpeg" alt="Canon Rath calling the UNK Women's basketball game in November 2022 (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Canon Rath calling the UNK Women's basketball game in November 2022 (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Panhandle Post&nbsp;Alliance, Neb. - Eagle Media, Panhandle Post and KCOW Radio are excited to welcome Canon Rath as the new “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs. Rath currently serves as a News Director for Eagle Media and works throughout the Nebraska Markets for North Platte Post, Sandhills Post and Panhandle Post. He will maintain his current position with this new expanded role.Last season, Rath called games for our sister market, Sandhills Post, calling local area games of the week on Flatrock 100.7. His duties included doing play-by-play for football and basketball.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are thrilled to have Canon expand his role at Eagle, becoming an integral part of our team in Alliance and Chadron,” said Olivia Hasenauer, Nebraska Regional Manager. “With his extensive experience in play-by-play coverage and his deep knowledge of the teams and players in Western Nebraska, Canon is the perfect fit. His grandpa, has&nbsp;ties in the Bayard area&nbsp;further enhance this seamless transition.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718645909086.jpeg" alt="Canon Rath and former KLPR sport staff at the 2024 NSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament. L-R: Canon Rath, Jon Willis and Ethan McCormick (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Canon Rath and former KLPR sport staff at the 2024 NSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament. L-R: Canon Rath, Jon Willis and Ethan McCormick (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rath has over eight years of sports broadcasting experience and six years of radio broadcasting. Throughout his career, he has called games at the high school and collegiate level. Canon also had a once in a lifetime opportunity to call the 2020 Class D2 Football State Championship between Dundy County Stratton and Burwell for Nebraska Public Media (formerly known as NET).&nbsp;“I’m very excited for the opportunity to become the new “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs and getting to know the coaches, student-athletes and community starting this fall,” said Rath. “I can’t wait to get to work and bring Bulldog athletics on KCOW radio!”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718646404753.jpeg" alt="L-E: Trevor Bentley and Canon Rath calling the 2020 Class D2 Football State Championship for Nebraska Public Media (formerly known as NET) (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>L-E: Trevor Bentley and Canon Rath calling the 2020 Class D2 Football State Championship for Nebraska Public Media (formerly known as NET) (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>KCOW Radio and Panhandle Post&nbsp;are excited for this next chapter and looking to be the premier provider of coverage for the Panhandle Region.&nbsp;“This is an exciting time not only for our dedicated audience, who passionately follow AHS sports on KCOW 1400AM/92.5FM and Panhandle Post, but also for the schools we cover. In Western Nebraska, being local and embedded in our communities is crucial,” said Hasenauer.&nbsp;“We pride ourselves on providing top-notch coverage for our young student-athletes. At Eagle, we are committed to being the premier provider of news, sports, and entertainment in the Panhandle Region.”&nbsp;About Canon Rath&nbsp;Rath graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in May 2023 as a dual major in Sports Communication and Sports Management. During his 5-year tenure as a Loper, he was heavily involved with the student run radio station 91.1 KLPR, where he hosted a weekly sport show, hosted a weekly sports update and did play-by-play/color for Loper Athletics. He spent four years on the KLPR Sports Staff and was Sports Director for his last three years of college. He has been nominated many times at the national level for his work for Loper Athletic broadcast, his weekly sports update “Loper Update” and the longest student running show “Throwin Lopes” where he created it with fellow student Grant Tighe in 2020.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718646125193.jpeg" alt="Canon Rath in New York City in March of 2020 with his IBS Award for "Best Sports Update" (Courtesy Photo)" />
 <figcaption>Canon Rath in New York City in March of 2020 with his IBS Award for "Best Sports Update" (Courtesy Photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rath got his start in broadcasting when he was a Junior at Kearney High School when he joined the Bearcat Sports Network, which is Kearney High School’s Striv program. Canon got his start in radio his freshman year in college when he joined Platte River Radio as a board op and producer. He would regularly produce the Doug and Daddy Show, studio engineering many sporting events, and more. Rath also hosted the "Rutts and Rivals Scoreboard Show" for two years. After a 2-year stint, Canon would join KRGI as a color analyst announcer for the St. Paul Wildcats football team.&nbsp;&nbsp;Rath just recently celebrated one year with Eagle Media earlier this month. He has done work for Panhandle Post along with Sandhills Post and North Platte Post. During his free time, Rath enjoys playing golf with his grandpa, going on walks, playing pickleball and playing video games. Feel free to follow <a href="https://x.com/Canon_K9_Sports">Canon Rath on X</a> (Formerly Twitter).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Eagle Media, KCOW Radio welcomes Canon Rath as the next “Voice” of the Alliance Bulldogs

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo Communications

North Platte, Neb. (June 15, 2024) –&nbsp;Ean Price’s bank account has some additional padding after a Saturday night at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb.

The Leedey, Oklahoma saddle bronc rider scored 85 points on the Beutler horse Fight Night to take the 2024 title and win more than $2800.

The mare, a nine-year-old sorrel, could have been intimidating to any other saddle bronc riders, but not to Price.

“When you look up her stats online, it could make a guy nervous because of the zero (scores) on there, but I figured it’s just because she bucks.”

And she did buck. The mare was rested, having had time off; her last rodeo was Austin, Texas in March.

“Rhett (Beutler) told me she was fresh, and I just told myself to take the fight to her and don’t wait for it to happen,” he said. “I kind of bobbled the ride at the beginning, but she was bucking and I just felt like I finished a good ride on a great horse. I thank God for the opportunity to come and do this.”

This is the second year the 25-year-old cowboy has rodeoed hard, and he’d like to be able to rodeo full time.

“I’d like to rodeo good enough to stay on the road,” he said. With his win in North Platte, “it feels like I’m getting closer.”

Winning a big check from the Buffalo Bill Rodeo helps.

“It takes a lot of the financial burden off. If you can go out there and know you’re just having fun and know you don’t have to worry about where your next tank of gas is coming from, it changes a lot. You can go out there and have fun more than anything.”

In the team roping, the number one and two man in the world standings paired up to win the 2024 title.

Dustin Egusquiza, the header, and Levi Lord, the heeler, turned in a time of 4.5 seconds to be this year’s champs.

It was on a good steer as well. “That really helps,” Lord said, “when you have one on the better end.”

They competed on Friday, June 14, in the rain, which wasn’t ideal.

“It’s definitely tougher,” Lord said. “You obviously prefer nice ground and nice weather, but it happens with rodeo. It’s something you have to deal with. I think you can either shy away from it, or lean into it and we were excited to be there.”

The rain and mud has followed Egusquiza and Lord all spring.

“Honestly, this spring we’ve been unlucky with the mud. Everywhere we’ve gone, it’s been either rainy or muddy. It’s following us around, but it’s worked out OK.”

This is the second year for the duo to rope together, and Lord loves it.

Roping with Egusquiza as a header “is pretty awesome,” he said. “It’s like cheating sometimes. He can reach the steer from pretty much anywhere in the arena, and that sure makes it easy on me, to know you’ll get a lot of throws and most of the time it’ll be pretty fast.”

Lord, roping with Nelson Wyatt, set the arena record in the team roping in 2020 (3.8 seconds). Lord is from Sturgis, S.D.; Egusquiza calls Marianna, Florida home.

A new arena record was set in the barrel racing by a repeat Buffalo Bill Rodeo champion.

Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi rounded the barrels in 16.55 seconds to set the record, which was broken several times this weekend, due to a smaller barrel pattern.

The Lampasas, Texas cowgirl won the North Platte rodeo in 2013, and loves coming to North Platte.

“I’ve been coming to this rodeo for 21 years,” she said. “This rodeo gets my summer kicked off.” She complimented the arena conditions as well. “I think the ground conditions are the best they’ve ever been. The committee has done an amazing job.”

She was aboard an eleven-year-old stallion, SR Industry Titan, whose barn name is Titan, a horse owned by the 70 Ranch.

“He helped me break the record last year for single season earnings,” she said. Her 2023 earnings were $270,563.

Stallions can often have aggressive personalities, but not so for Titan.

“He’s just the sweetest guy. He has so much heart and so much try. You would never know he’s a stud. My seven-year-old daughter has ridden him.”

Pozzi Tonozzi is a three-time and reigning world champion barrel racer.

The bull riding came down to the final night of rodeo.

Kansas man JR Stratford won his event with an 86.5 point ride on the Beutler bull Mayhem.

Injuries in the second half of last year plagued the 21-year-old. A bull stepped on his head in Kennewick, Wash. in late August, causing a brain bleed. And two torn shoulders didn’t help either.

He qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, but didn’t ride well, and after winning round three, he broke his leg in round four, which took him out of competition.

“My goal is to be the world champion,” he said. “God willing, if I can stay healthy, I can do it.”

Stratford is ranked seventh in the world standings.

Other champions at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo include bareback rider Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas (88 points); steer wrestler Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Australia (8.7 seconds on 2 head); tie-down roper Conner Matheson, Stephenville, Texas (19.5 seconds on 2 head); and breakaway roper Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa.

During the rodeo, the 2024 Trail Boss Award was given to Jim Gragg. The Tryon man has volunteered at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo for the past fifty years, untying calves after each tie-down roping run. He has never missed a performance in the last half-century and has missed very few rodeo slack mornings.

NebraskalandDays activities continue next week with a prime rib feed, competitive art show, beer garden and food court, and concerts by Parker McCollum with support from Flatland Cavalry and Meg McRee on June 21 and Jelly Roll with support from Priscilla Block and Austin Snell on June 22.

For more information, visit the website at NebraskalandDays.com

Results, North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo June 12-15, 2024

All-around champion: Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. (tie-down roping, steer wrestling)

<a></a><a>Bareback riding – 2024 champion:&nbsp; Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas</a>

1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 88 points on Happy Hour; 2. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. 84.5; 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Wyo. 84; 4. Gauge McBride, Kearney, Neb. 83; 5. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 82; 6. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb. 80.5; 7. Spencer DeNaeyer, Seneca, Neb. 80; 8. Jake Kesl, Tendoy, Idaho 78.5

<a>Steer wrestling – 2024 champion: Travis Munro, Queensland, Australia</a>

1. Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Aus. 4.0 seconds; 2. (tie) Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. and Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. 4.1 each; 4. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. 4.3; 5. Marc Joiner, Loranger, La. 4.5; 6. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 4.7.

1. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla. 3.5 seconds; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 3.9; 3. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan. 4.1; 4. Logan Lemmel, Whitewood, S.D. and Jacob Sterkel, Brighton, Colo. 4.4 each; 6. (tie) Sawyer Strand, Sioux Falls, S.D. and Payden McIntyre, Douglas, Wyo. 4.5.

Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Aus. 8.7 seconds on 2 head; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 8.8; 3. Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. 9.1; 4. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 9.2; 5. Tyler Ravenscroft, Nenzel, Neb. 9.3; 6. Cody Devers, Perryton, Texas 9.4.

Tie-down roping – 2024 champion: Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas

1. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 8.9; 2. JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 9.0; 3. Denton Oestmann, Auburn, Neb. 9.3; 4. Zane Kilgus, Pryor, Okla. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.8; 6. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 9.9.

1. (tie) Ryan Belew, La Junta, Colo. and Coy Arnold, Abilene, Kan. 9.1 seconds each; 3. Chance Wall, Cheraw, Colo. 9.5; 4. Ty Moser, Volga, S.D. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.7; 6. Trey Hall, Rolla, Kan. 9.9.

1. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 19.5 seconds on 2 head; 2. Jase Staudt, Saguache, Colo. 20.9; 3. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 21.1; 4. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 21.3; 5. Glenn Jackson, Okmulgee, Okla. 21.8; 6. (tie) Cole Robinson, Moorcroft, Wyo. and Ty Moser, Volga, S.D. 21.9 each.

<a></a><a>Saddle bronc riding – 2024 champion:&nbsp; Ean Price, Leedey, Okla.</a>

<a>1. Ean Price, Leedey, Okla. 85 points on Fight Night; 2. Joe Priebe, Cody, Wyo. 84; 3. (tie) Talon Elshere, Hereford, S.D. and Kasey Rosendahl, Meeker, Colo. 79 each; 5. Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. 78.5 6. (tie) Roper Kiesner, Ripley, Okla. and Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 78 each; 8. Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb. 77.</a>

<a>Breakaway Roping -2024 champion: Layni Masters</a>

1. Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa 2.5 seconds; 2. Brooke Curuchet, Belle Fourche, S.D. 2.6; 3. Devin Robinson, Moorcroft, Wyo. 2.7; 4. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. 2.8; 5. Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif. 2.9; 6. (tie) Morgan Foss, Rhame, N.D., Kristy Farris, Sentinel, Okla. and Josie Mousel, Colman, S.D. 3.2 each; 9. Taylor Raupe, Douglas, Kan. 3.3; 10. (tie) Josie Conner, Iowa, La. and Lauren Hopkins, Lipan, Texas 3.4 each; 12. Bailey Witt, Coleman, Okla. 3.6.&nbsp;

Team roping – 2024 champions: Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. and Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D.

1. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla./Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 4.5 seconds; 2. Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 4.9; 3. Cyle Denison, Iowa, La./Tanner Braden, Dewey, Okla. 5.3; 4. Trevor Olson, Mud Butte, S.D./Tracer Olson, Wanblee, S.D. 5.4; 5. Jake Poncost, Wittmann, Ariz./Cole Cooper, Montrose, Colo. 5.5; 6. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. 5.6; 7. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Az./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. 5.7; 8. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./TJ Watts, Eads, Colo. 6.0; 9. (tie) Cooper Brott, Gothenburg, Neb./Dawson McMaster, Madison, Kan. and Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla./Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla. 6.1 each.

Barrel racing -2024 champion: Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas

1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas 16.55 seconds; 2. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. 16.74; 3. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas 16.77; 4. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 16.79; 5. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. 16.80; 6. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 16.87; 7. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. 16.88; 8. Tillar King, Ft. Worth, Texas 16.93; 9. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas 16.95; 10. Ari-Anna Flynn, Charleston, Ark. 16.99; 11. (tie) Patty Finney, Ainsworth, Neb., Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla. and Ashley Day, Volborg, Mont. 17.04 each.

Bull riding – 2024 champion: JR Stratford, Byers, Kansas

1. JR Stratford, Byers, Kan. 86.5 points on Mayhem; 2. Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan. 86; 3. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. 85; 4. Hudson Bolton, Milan, Tenn. 83.5; 5. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo. 83; 6. Brandon Ballard, New Hope, Kent. 81; 7. Riggen Hughes, Kempner, Texas 73.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718537082137.jpeg" alt="A team roper competes at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The rodeo concluded on June 15 and paid over $135,000 to the winners. Photo by Kami Freeman." />
 <figcaption>A team roper competes at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The rodeo concluded on June 15 and paid over $135,000 to the winners. Photo by Kami Freeman.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. (June 15, 2024) –&nbsp;Ean Price’s bank account has some additional padding after a Saturday night at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte, Neb.The Leedey, Oklahoma saddle bronc rider scored 85 points on the Beutler horse Fight Night to take the 2024 title and win more than $2800.The mare, a nine-year-old sorrel, could have been intimidating to any other saddle bronc riders, but not to Price.“When you look up her stats online, it could make a guy nervous because of the zero (scores) on there, but I figured it’s just because she bucks.”And she did buck. The mare was rested, having had time off; her last rodeo was Austin, Texas in March.“Rhett (Beutler) told me she was fresh, and I just told myself to take the fight to her and don’t wait for it to happen,” he said. “I kind of bobbled the ride at the beginning, but she was bucking and I just felt like I finished a good ride on a great horse. I thank God for the opportunity to come and do this.”This is the second year the 25-year-old cowboy has rodeoed hard, and he’d like to be able to rodeo full time.“I’d like to rodeo good enough to stay on the road,” he said. With his win in North Platte, “it feels like I’m getting closer.”Winning a big check from the Buffalo Bill Rodeo helps.“It takes a lot of the financial burden off. If you can go out there and know you’re just having fun and know you don’t have to worry about where your next tank of gas is coming from, it changes a lot. You can go out there and have fun more than anything.”In the team roping, the number one and two man in the world standings paired up to win the 2024 title.Dustin Egusquiza, the header, and Levi Lord, the heeler, turned in a time of 4.5 seconds to be this year’s champs.It was on a good steer as well. “That really helps,” Lord said, “when you have one on the better end.”They competed on Friday, June 14, in the rain, which wasn’t ideal.“It’s definitely tougher,” Lord said. “You obviously prefer nice ground and nice weather, but it happens with rodeo. It’s something you have to deal with. I think you can either shy away from it, or lean into it and we were excited to be there.”The rain and mud has followed Egusquiza and Lord all spring.“Honestly, this spring we’ve been unlucky with the mud. Everywhere we’ve gone, it’s been either rainy or muddy. It’s following us around, but it’s worked out OK.”This is the second year for the duo to rope together, and Lord loves it.Roping with Egusquiza as a header “is pretty awesome,” he said. “It’s like cheating sometimes. He can reach the steer from pretty much anywhere in the arena, and that sure makes it easy on me, to know you’ll get a lot of throws and most of the time it’ll be pretty fast.”Lord, roping with Nelson Wyatt, set the arena record in the team roping in 2020 (3.8 seconds). Lord is from Sturgis, S.D.; Egusquiza calls Marianna, Florida home.A new arena record was set in the barrel racing by a repeat Buffalo Bill Rodeo champion.Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi rounded the barrels in 16.55 seconds to set the record, which was broken several times this weekend, due to a smaller barrel pattern.The Lampasas, Texas cowgirl won the North Platte rodeo in 2013, and loves coming to North Platte.“I’ve been coming to this rodeo for 21 years,” she said. “This rodeo gets my summer kicked off.” She complimented the arena conditions as well. “I think the ground conditions are the best they’ve ever been. The committee has done an amazing job.”She was aboard an eleven-year-old stallion, SR Industry Titan, whose barn name is Titan, a horse owned by the 70 Ranch.“He helped me break the record last year for single season earnings,” she said. Her 2023 earnings were $270,563.Stallions can often have aggressive personalities, but not so for Titan.“He’s just the sweetest guy. He has so much heart and so much try. You would never know he’s a stud. My seven-year-old daughter has ridden him.”Pozzi Tonozzi is a three-time and reigning world champion barrel racer.The bull riding came down to the final night of rodeo.Kansas man JR Stratford won his event with an 86.5 point ride on the Beutler bull Mayhem.Injuries in the second half of last year plagued the 21-year-old. A bull stepped on his head in Kennewick, Wash. in late August, causing a brain bleed. And two torn shoulders didn’t help either.He qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, but didn’t ride well, and after winning round three, he broke his leg in round four, which took him out of competition.“My goal is to be the world champion,” he said. “God willing, if I can stay healthy, I can do it.”Stratford is ranked seventh in the world standings.Other champions at the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo include bareback rider Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas (88 points); steer wrestler Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Australia (8.7 seconds on 2 head); tie-down roper Conner Matheson, Stephenville, Texas (19.5 seconds on 2 head); and breakaway roper Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa.During the rodeo, the 2024 Trail Boss Award was given to Jim Gragg. The Tryon man has volunteered at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo for the past fifty years, untying calves after each tie-down roping run. He has never missed a performance in the last half-century and has missed very few rodeo slack mornings.NebraskalandDays activities continue next week with a prime rib feed, competitive art show, beer garden and food court, and concerts by Parker McCollum with support from Flatland Cavalry and Meg McRee on June 21 and Jelly Roll with support from Priscilla Block and Austin Snell on June 22.For more information, visit the website at NebraskalandDays.com- ### -Results, North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo June 12-15, 2024All-around champion: Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. (tie-down roping, steer wrestling)<a></a><a>Bareback riding – 2024 champion:&nbsp; Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas</a>1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 88 points on Happy Hour; 2. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. 84.5; 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Wyo. 84; 4. Gauge McBride, Kearney, Neb. 83; 5. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 82; 6. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb. 80.5; 7. Spencer DeNaeyer, Seneca, Neb. 80; 8. Jake Kesl, Tendoy, Idaho 78.5<a>Steer wrestling – 2024 champion: Travis Munro, Queensland, Australia</a><a>1st&nbsp;round results</a>1. Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Aus. 4.0 seconds; 2. (tie) Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. and Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. 4.1 each; 4. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. 4.3; 5. Marc Joiner, Loranger, La. 4.5; 6. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 4.7.2nd&nbsp;round results1. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla. 3.5 seconds; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 3.9; 3. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan. 4.1; 4. Logan Lemmel, Whitewood, S.D. and Jacob Sterkel, Brighton, Colo. 4.4 each; 6. (tie) Sawyer Strand, Sioux Falls, S.D. and Payden McIntyre, Douglas, Wyo. 4.5.Average:Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Aus. 8.7 seconds on 2 head; 2. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 8.8; 3. Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. 9.1; 4. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 9.2; 5. Tyler Ravenscroft, Nenzel, Neb. 9.3; 6. Cody Devers, Perryton, Texas 9.4.Tie-down roping – 2024 champion: Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas1st&nbsp;round results1. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 8.9; 2. JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 9.0; 3. Denton Oestmann, Auburn, Neb. 9.3; 4. Zane Kilgus, Pryor, Okla. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.8; 6. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 9.9.2nd&nbsp;round results1. (tie) Ryan Belew, La Junta, Colo. and Coy Arnold, Abilene, Kan. 9.1 seconds each; 3. Chance Wall, Cheraw, Colo. 9.5; 4. Ty Moser, Volga, S.D. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.7; 6. Trey Hall, Rolla, Kan. 9.9.Average1. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 19.5 seconds on 2 head; 2. Jase Staudt, Saguache, Colo. 20.9; 3. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 21.1; 4. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 21.3; 5. Glenn Jackson, Okmulgee, Okla. 21.8; 6. (tie) Cole Robinson, Moorcroft, Wyo. and Ty Moser, Volga, S.D. 21.9 each.<a></a><a>Saddle bronc riding – 2024 champion:&nbsp; Ean Price, Leedey, Okla.</a><a>1. Ean Price, Leedey, Okla. 85 points on Fight Night; 2. Joe Priebe, Cody, Wyo. 84; 3. (tie) Talon Elshere, Hereford, S.D. and Kasey Rosendahl, Meeker, Colo. 79 each; 5. Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. 78.5 6. (tie) Roper Kiesner, Ripley, Okla. and Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 78 each; 8. Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb. 77.</a><a>Breakaway Roping -2024 champion: Layni Masters</a>1. Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa 2.5 seconds; 2. Brooke Curuchet, Belle Fourche, S.D. 2.6; 3. Devin Robinson, Moorcroft, Wyo. 2.7; 4. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. 2.8; 5. Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif. 2.9; 6. (tie) Morgan Foss, Rhame, N.D., Kristy Farris, Sentinel, Okla. and Josie Mousel, Colman, S.D. 3.2 each; 9. Taylor Raupe, Douglas, Kan. 3.3; 10. (tie) Josie Conner, Iowa, La. and Lauren Hopkins, Lipan, Texas 3.4 each; 12. Bailey Witt, Coleman, Okla. 3.6.&nbsp;Team roping – 2024 champions: Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. and Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D.1. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla./Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. 4.5 seconds; 2. Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 4.9; 3. Cyle Denison, Iowa, La./Tanner Braden, Dewey, Okla. 5.3; 4. Trevor Olson, Mud Butte, S.D./Tracer Olson, Wanblee, S.D. 5.4; 5. Jake Poncost, Wittmann, Ariz./Cole Cooper, Montrose, Colo. 5.5; 6. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. 5.6; 7. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Az./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. 5.7; 8. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./TJ Watts, Eads, Colo. 6.0; 9. (tie) Cooper Brott, Gothenburg, Neb./Dawson McMaster, Madison, Kan. and Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla./Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla. 6.1 each.Barrel racing -2024 champion: Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas 16.55 seconds; 2. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. 16.74; 3. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas 16.77; 4. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 16.79; 5. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. 16.80; 6. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 16.87; 7. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. 16.88; 8. Tillar King, Ft. Worth, Texas 16.93; 9. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas 16.95; 10. Ari-Anna Flynn, Charleston, Ark. 16.99; 11. (tie) Patty Finney, Ainsworth, Neb., Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla. and Ashley Day, Volborg, Mont. 17.04 each.Bull riding – 2024 champion: JR Stratford, Byers, Kansas1. JR Stratford, Byers, Kan. 86.5 points on Mayhem; 2. Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan. 86; 3. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. 85; 4. Hudson Bolton, Milan, Tenn. 83.5; 5. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo. 83; 6. Brandon Ballard, New Hope, Kent. 81; 7. Riggen Hughes, Kempner, Texas 73.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

Buffalo Bill Rodeo Crowns 2024 Champs

North Platte, Neb. (June 13, 2024) –&nbsp;During the second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, a Wyoming cowboy took over the bareback riding lead with an eight second ride on the Beutler horse Level Out.

Joe Priebe, Cody, scored 84 points on a horse he’d been told would be a good draw.

Priebe, who is in his second year of pro rodeo competition, was ready for the ride.

The horse “left clean, and I felt him take a bit of a scoot, and I was saying to myself, I hope this horse breaks (into bucking) and I kept lifting my rein.”

“That’s a really good horse to have.”

Priebe competed in North Platte two years ago, but didn’t do well. He’s grown and progressed in his bronc riding since then.

“I was not as good as I am now,” he said. “I wasn’t near as prepared and I didn’t have the confidence I have now.”

Time has helped his skills mature, and he’s worked at it, too.

“I read a lot of books about sports psychology and mental preparation, and I applied them. I prayed a lot, and I put a lot of work into it,” he said.

“I used to write down a list of everything I needed to do every day, to get better, and I’d cross things off,” as they were accomplished. “Once I started doing that, it made a difference.”

A farrier by trade, when he travels to rodeos throughout Wyoming, he’ll schedule appointments with clients as he travels to rodeos.

“If I’m not out rodeoing, I’m shoeing horses. I try to separate the bronc riding and horse shoeing a little bit, but they overlap.”

In the bareback riding, a household name in the rodeo world leads his event.

Rocker Steiner, known for his “rebel” image, scored 88 points on Beutler’s Happy Hour to take the lead.

It was the second time for the Weatherford, Texas cowboy to ride the mare; he won the long round in Tucson, Ariz. on the horse in 2023.

“That’s probably my favorite horse of Bennie (Beutler’s),” he said. “She’s probably not the rankest horse he has, by any means, but she gives you confidence, makes you feel like you’re doing everything right.”

The twenty-year-old cowboy is ranked fifth in the world standings; his dad, Sid, was the 2002 PRCA Steer Wrestling World Champion; his granddad, Bobby, won the 1973 PRCA Bull Riding World title.

Beutler’s horse Happy Hour is an eight-year-old mare who has been selected to buck at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo several times.

Other high scores and fast times from the morning slack and the evening competition include steer wrestler Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. (3.9 seconds); tie-down roper Ryan Belew, La Junta, Colo. (9.1); breakaway roper Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif. (2.9); team ropers&nbsp;. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. and Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. (5.7); barrel racer Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas (16.77) and bull rider Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan. (86 points).

The third night of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 14 starting at 8 pm. The rodeo is broadcast on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. (June 13, 2024) –&nbsp;During the second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, a Wyoming cowboy took over the bareback riding lead with an eight second ride on the Beutler horse Level Out.Joe Priebe, Cody, scored 84 points on a horse he’d been told would be a good draw.Priebe, who is in his second year of pro rodeo competition, was ready for the ride.The horse “left clean, and I felt him take a bit of a scoot, and I was saying to myself, I hope this horse breaks (into bucking) and I kept lifting my rein.”“That’s a really good horse to have.”Priebe competed in North Platte two years ago, but didn’t do well. He’s grown and progressed in his bronc riding since then.“I was not as good as I am now,” he said. “I wasn’t near as prepared and I didn’t have the confidence I have now.”Time has helped his skills mature, and he’s worked at it, too.“I read a lot of books about sports psychology and mental preparation, and I applied them. I prayed a lot, and I put a lot of work into it,” he said.He set goals as well.“I used to write down a list of everything I needed to do every day, to get better, and I’d cross things off,” as they were accomplished. “Once I started doing that, it made a difference.”A farrier by trade, when he travels to rodeos throughout Wyoming, he’ll schedule appointments with clients as he travels to rodeos.“If I’m not out rodeoing, I’m shoeing horses. I try to separate the bronc riding and horse shoeing a little bit, but they overlap.”In the bareback riding, a household name in the rodeo world leads his event.Rocker Steiner, known for his “rebel” image, scored 88 points on Beutler’s Happy Hour to take the lead.It was the second time for the Weatherford, Texas cowboy to ride the mare; he won the long round in Tucson, Ariz. on the horse in 2023.“That’s probably my favorite horse of Bennie (Beutler’s),” he said. “She’s probably not the rankest horse he has, by any means, but she gives you confidence, makes you feel like you’re doing everything right.”The twenty-year-old cowboy is ranked fifth in the world standings; his dad, Sid, was the 2002 PRCA Steer Wrestling World Champion; his granddad, Bobby, won the 1973 PRCA Bull Riding World title.Beutler’s horse Happy Hour is an eight-year-old mare who has been selected to buck at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo several times.Other high scores and fast times from the morning slack and the evening competition include steer wrestler Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. (3.9 seconds); tie-down roper Ryan Belew, La Junta, Colo. (9.1); breakaway roper Rylee George, Oakdale, Calif. (2.9); team ropers&nbsp;. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. and Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. (5.7); barrel racer Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas (16.77) and bull rider Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan. (86 points).The third night of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 14 starting at 8 pm. The rodeo is broadcast on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.

Wyoming, Texas cowboys jump to the top; PRCA action continues in North Platte

North Platte, Neb. (June 12, 2024) –&nbsp;A world champ left his mark on his first trip to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.

Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo., scored 84.5 points on the Beutler horse Top Gun to take the lead in the bareback riding.

The 2023 PRCA world champion bareback rider hadn’t been on the horse he’d drawn, a seven-year-old gelding, but he’d scouted by watching videos of his rides.

“He looked like a lot of work,” he said, “but if you could stay with him, you’d do well. He wasn’t easy to ride.”

Last year, Hayes dominated his event in pro rodeo, setting the PRCA record for the most money won by a bareback rider in the regular season ($265,805), and winning the world title with more than $434,000 in season earnings, more than $100,000 ahead of the reserve world champion.

This year, there’s been more competition at the top of the dogpile of bareback riders.

Hayes and fellow riders Leighton Berry and Cooper Cook have all three been vying for the number one spot.

Right now, Hayes is at the top, but the three are close, trading spots nearly every week. “We’re all within $2,000 of each other,” Hayes said.

He likes contending with the others. “It’s kind of a fistfight right now. It’s pretty fun, having that kind of competition this year.”

In the steer wrestling, an Australian is at the top of the pack.

Travis Munro, who lived in Townsville, Queensland, Australia till 2021, when he moved to Balko, Okla., turfed his steer in 4.0 seconds to win the first round in his event.&nbsp;

Munro, who didn’t begin steer wrestling till he was in his twenties, excelled at the sport and decided to move to the U.S. to pursue steer wrestling in the States, where there is more money to be made in the sport.

On TV in Australia, the 31 year old watched his heroes: world champion steer wrestlers like Tyler Waguespack, Kyle Irwin, and others, and now he’s competing against them.

“Rodeo is a lot bigger in the U.S., and I wanted to be the best of the best.”

He became friends with fellow steer wrestlers Cody Devers and Marc Joiner, who he travels with, and their help has been immense.

“They’ve helped me out a bunch. I call them my best friends in this country. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Making the transition to a new continent and culture halfway around the globe wasn’t easy.

“It was tough,” he said. “The fact of not knowing anyone, and stepping out of my comfort zone, and trying to meet people,” he said. “I’m not really an outgoing person anyway, so I had to step out of my comfort zone.”

“I had to try, and it was worth it. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”&nbsp;

Last year, he finished the 2023 season in seventeenth place in the world standings, two holes away from the top fifteen, who advance on to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where world titles are determined.

This year, his goal is to make the Wrangler NFR. “I want to be the first Australian to qualify for the National Finals (in the timed events.) I won’t stop until I make it happen, and this year’s going to be the year.”

In the barrel racing, a new arena record was set.

The reigning world champion barrel racer Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi rounded the barrels in 16.55 seconds to take the lead and set the record.

During the rodeo, the 2025 Miss Rodeo Nebraska was crowned.

Danielle Forster, Elwood, won the title. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor of science in animal science with an equine focus, she will work towards her master’s degree in animal science with specialization in extension and education from the University this fall.

The 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned earlier in the day. The title went to Blue Hill resident Jaelyn Himmelberg. Himmelberg will begin her post-high school education at Doane University this fall, majoring in biology with an emphasis on a pre-physician assistant path.

Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include tie down roper Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas (8.9 seconds); saddle bronc rider Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. (78.5 points); breakaway roper Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa (2.5 seconds); team ropers Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D. and Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. (4.9 seconds); and bull rider Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. (85 points).

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues with its second performance of four on Thursday, June 13 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at www.NebraskalandDays.com and at the gate.

Results, 1st&nbsp;Performance and slack, June 12, 2024

North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo

1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. 84.5 points on Top Gun; 2. Jake Kesl, Tendoy, Idaho 78.5; 3. Colton Clemens, Blackfoot, Idaho 77.

1. Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Australia 4.0 seconds; 2. (tie Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. and Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. 4.1 each; 4. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. 4.3; 5. Marc Joiner, Loranger, La. 4.5; 6. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 4.7.

1. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 8.9 seconds; 2. JD MCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 9.0; 3. Denton Oestmann, Auburn, Neb. 9.3; 4. Zane Kilgus, Pryor, Okla. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.8; 6. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 9.9.

1.&nbsp;Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. 78.5 points on Mean Dream; 2. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 78; 3. Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb. 77; 4. Cooper West, Phillip, S.D. 72.

1. Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa 2.5 seconds; 2. Brooke Curuchet, Belle Fourche, S.D. 2.6; 3. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. 2.8; 4. (tie) Morgan Foss, Rhame, N.D. and Josie Mousel, Colman, S.D. 3.2 each.

1. Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 4.9 seconds; 2. Trevor Olson, Mud Butte, S.D./Tracer Olson, Wanblee, S.D. 5.4; 3. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. 5.6; 4. Layne Carson, Grassy Butte, N.D./Jesse Chase, Mandaree, N.D. 6.2; 5. (tie) Rio Nutter, Rapid City, S.D./Coy Johnson, Buffalo, Wyo. and Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D./Trae Smith, Georgetown, Idaho 6.3 each.

1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas 16.55 seconds; 2.&nbsp;Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 16.79; 3. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. 16.80;&nbsp;4. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. 16.88.

1. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. 85 points on Bracket Buster; 2. Hudson Bolton, Milan, Tenn. 83.5; 3. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo. 83; 4. Brandon Ballard, New Hope, Kentucky 81.

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationsNorth Platte, Neb. (June 12, 2024) –&nbsp;A world champ left his mark on his first trip to the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo., scored 84.5 points on the Beutler horse Top Gun to take the lead in the bareback riding.The 2023 PRCA world champion bareback rider hadn’t been on the horse he’d drawn, a seven-year-old gelding, but he’d scouted by watching videos of his rides.“He looked like a lot of work,” he said, “but if you could stay with him, you’d do well. He wasn’t easy to ride.”Last year, Hayes dominated his event in pro rodeo, setting the PRCA record for the most money won by a bareback rider in the regular season ($265,805), and winning the world title with more than $434,000 in season earnings, more than $100,000 ahead of the reserve world champion.This year, there’s been more competition at the top of the dogpile of bareback riders.Hayes and fellow riders Leighton Berry and Cooper Cook have all three been vying for the number one spot.Right now, Hayes is at the top, but the three are close, trading spots nearly every week. “We’re all within $2,000 of each other,” Hayes said.He likes contending with the others. “It’s kind of a fistfight right now. It’s pretty fun, having that kind of competition this year.”In the steer wrestling, an Australian is at the top of the pack.Travis Munro, who lived in Townsville, Queensland, Australia till 2021, when he moved to Balko, Okla., turfed his steer in 4.0 seconds to win the first round in his event.&nbsp;Munro, who didn’t begin steer wrestling till he was in his twenties, excelled at the sport and decided to move to the U.S. to pursue steer wrestling in the States, where there is more money to be made in the sport.On TV in Australia, the 31 year old watched his heroes: world champion steer wrestlers like Tyler Waguespack, Kyle Irwin, and others, and now he’s competing against them.“Rodeo is a lot bigger in the U.S., and I wanted to be the best of the best.”He became friends with fellow steer wrestlers Cody Devers and Marc Joiner, who he travels with, and their help has been immense.“They’ve helped me out a bunch. I call them my best friends in this country. I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”Making the transition to a new continent and culture halfway around the globe wasn’t easy.“It was tough,” he said. “The fact of not knowing anyone, and stepping out of my comfort zone, and trying to meet people,” he said. “I’m not really an outgoing person anyway, so I had to step out of my comfort zone.”But his efforts paid off.“I had to try, and it was worth it. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.”&nbsp;Last year, he finished the 2023 season in seventeenth place in the world standings, two holes away from the top fifteen, who advance on to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where world titles are determined.This year, his goal is to make the Wrangler NFR. “I want to be the first Australian to qualify for the National Finals (in the timed events.) I won’t stop until I make it happen, and this year’s going to be the year.”In the barrel racing, a new arena record was set.The reigning world champion barrel racer Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi rounded the barrels in 16.55 seconds to take the lead and set the record.During the rodeo, the 2025 Miss Rodeo Nebraska was crowned.Danielle Forster, Elwood, won the title. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor of science in animal science with an equine focus, she will work towards her master’s degree in animal science with specialization in extension and education from the University this fall.The 2024 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned earlier in the day. The title went to Blue Hill resident Jaelyn Himmelberg. Himmelberg will begin her post-high school education at Doane University this fall, majoring in biology with an emphasis on a pre-physician assistant path.Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include tie down roper Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas (8.9 seconds); saddle bronc rider Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. (78.5 points); breakaway roper Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa (2.5 seconds); team ropers Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D. and Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. (4.9 seconds); and bull rider Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. (85 points).The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues with its second performance of four on Thursday, June 13 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at www.NebraskalandDays.com and at the gate.- ### -Results, 1st&nbsp;Performance and slack, June 12, 2024North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill RodeoBareback riding1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. 84.5 points on Top Gun; 2. Jake Kesl, Tendoy, Idaho 78.5; 3. Colton Clemens, Blackfoot, Idaho 77.Steer wrestling1st&nbsp;round1. Travis Munro, Townsville, Queensland, Australia 4.0 seconds; 2. (tie Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. and Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. 4.1 each; 4. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. 4.3; 5. Marc Joiner, Loranger, La. 4.5; 6. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb. 4.7.Tie-down roping1st&nbsp;round1. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas 8.9 seconds; 2. JD MCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 9.0; 3. Denton Oestmann, Auburn, Neb. 9.3; 4. Zane Kilgus, Pryor, Okla. 9.6; 5. Connor Matheson, Stephenville, Texas 9.8; 6. Clint Graves, Oxford, Kan. 9.9.Saddle bronc riding1.&nbsp;Jack Skavdahl, Harrison, Neb. 78.5 points on Mean Dream; 2. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa 78; 3. Garrett Long, Valentine, Neb. 77; 4. Cooper West, Phillip, S.D. 72.Breakaway roping1. Layni Masters, Leon, Iowa 2.5 seconds; 2. Brooke Curuchet, Belle Fourche, S.D. 2.6; 3. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. 2.8; 4. (tie) Morgan Foss, Rhame, N.D. and Josie Mousel, Colman, S.D. 3.2 each.Team roping1. Payton Pirrung, Hartford, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 4.9 seconds; 2. Trevor Olson, Mud Butte, S.D./Tracer Olson, Wanblee, S.D. 5.4; 3. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. 5.6; 4. Layne Carson, Grassy Butte, N.D./Jesse Chase, Mandaree, N.D. 6.2; 5. (tie) Rio Nutter, Rapid City, S.D./Coy Johnson, Buffalo, Wyo. and Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D./Trae Smith, Georgetown, Idaho 6.3 each.Barrel racing1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas 16.55 seconds; 2.&nbsp;Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. 16.79; 3. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. 16.80;&nbsp;4. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. 16.88.Bull riding1. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. 85 points on Bracket Buster; 2. Hudson Bolton, Milan, Tenn. 83.5; 3. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo. 83; 4. Brandon Ballard, New Hope, Kentucky 81.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

Bareback champ takes lead at Buffalo Bill Rodeo, Aussie wins first round of the steer wrestling

Kearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head men's basketball coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson&nbsp;announced today that four transfers will take to the courts for the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;this upcoming season.

They are guards&nbsp;River Johnston&nbsp;(North Platte),&nbsp;Elijah Knudsen&nbsp;(Mead, Colo.),&nbsp;Allen Taylor&nbsp;(Bradley, Ark.) and wing&nbsp;Kendrick Gilbert&nbsp;(Las Vegas, Nev.). These are UNK's first recruits for the 2024-25 season.&nbsp;

&nbsp; Knudsen has two seasons of eligibility remaining after playing at&nbsp;RMAC-member&nbsp;Colorado Mesa with Taylor a grad transfer from Division II Academy of Art (Calif.). He also played for&nbsp;Levison&nbsp;at Southern Arkansas U. Tech. Next, Johnston spent his freshman season at NAIA Doane with Gilbert having two years left after being at the College of Southern Nevada and UNLV.

Johnston (6-2) was Doane's second leading scorer this past season, averaging 10.1 points a night while also supplying 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Averaging 26 minutes a night and appearing in 24 games (21 starts), he had 11 double digit efforts. Four of those came in a row in mid-January including a season-best 26 points in a win over&nbsp;Briar&nbsp;Cliff (Ia.).

"River comes from the historic basketball program at North Platte High which has produced former&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;Nate and Jake Mohs, as well as 2003 NCAA Division II Player of the Year Nick Branting," said Levinson. "He is a transfer from Doane where he had a very successful freshman year."

Having 10 points, three steals, three boards and two assists in an exhibition game at Nebraska, Johnston was a Class A all-state pick at North Platte. He tallied over 1,300 points in his prep career and played for former&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;Matt Kaminski.&nbsp;

"River brings ball skill, toughness, and a great feel for the game to our program and will remind fans of the local kids whose urgency and togetherness helped build the foundation that past&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;Basketball success grew from," said Levinson.

"Elijah is one of the best shooters Colorado high school basketball has seen and will be adding to the history of a UNK program that has been built on shooting," said Levinson.

In 59 career games at CMU, Knudsen sunk 64 threes and averaged close to 12 minutes a night. He had five double digit efforts and had two games with six made threes. At Mead, Knudsen was the 2020-21 Class 4A Player of the Year, averaging just under 20 points per game. He averaged almost 19 as a senior and graduated with over 1,100 career points.

"Not only can Elijah shoot the ball, but he understands the game and will give us much needed ball handling and is a&nbsp;hardnosed&nbsp;competitor," said Levinson.

A 6-3 lefty, Taylor was a three-time All-Region selection for SAU Tech. Averaging nearly 20 points per game in his final season, he was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2023. The program won 58 games in his tenure, claiming two regular season and conference tourney titles and finishing seventh at the 2021 national tournament. At&nbsp;ArtU, he helped the Urban Knights go 20-9 this past winter, including a 15-5 mark in the Pacific West Conference.

"Allen is not only one of the best basketball players I have coached, he also is one of the best people I have ever been around on a regular basis," said Levinson.

Taylor appeared in all 29 games, with 12 starts, for&nbsp;ArtU&nbsp;and ranked second on the team in threes made with 40. He warmed up as the year went along, having seven double digit efforts in the final 13 games. That included a season-best 21 points in the finale vs.&nbsp;Azusa&nbsp;Pacific in the league tournament.

"He is going to bring leadership, character, athleticism, toughness, and scoring to our program and I cannot wait for our fans, the community, and our staff and students here at UNK to meet him," said Levinson.&nbsp;

Gilbert (6-5) spent two years at Southern Nevada (Henderson, Nev.) after being a walk-on at UNLV during the 2020-21 season. He averaged 10.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the CSN Coyotes in 2022-23. Leading the team in field goal percentage (.613) and ranking third in scoring, he had four 20-point efforts with his season-best being 23 vs. Scottsdale C.C.

"Kendrick is a rangy defender and slasher who brings energy, toughness, and length to the&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;perimeter. I am excited about Kendrick's ability to impact winning in a lot of ways and he will be a big asset to our future success," said Levinson.

As a&nbsp;redshirt&nbsp;freshman for CSN, he started 16 times and averaged nearly one free throw per game. Prepping at Peoria (Ill.) and&nbsp;Durango&nbsp;(Las Vegas) High Schools, he helped Durango reach the state tournament for the first time in 17 years by having 16 points in a regional final win over Coronado. Finally, he comes from basketball family as his brother,&nbsp;Koray&nbsp;(Central Missouri) and Keshon (Iowa State), both played in college.

UNK will announce more newcomers in the coming weeks and months.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718035349739.jpeg" alt="River Johnston (Courtesy of UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>River Johnston (Courtesy of UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>UNK AthleticsKearney, Neb. –&nbsp;Nebraska Kearney head men's basketball coach&nbsp;Marty Levinson&nbsp;announced today that four transfers will take to the courts for the&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;this upcoming season.They are guards&nbsp;River Johnston&nbsp;(North Platte),&nbsp;Elijah Knudsen&nbsp;(Mead, Colo.),&nbsp;Allen Taylor&nbsp;(Bradley, Ark.) and wing&nbsp;Kendrick Gilbert&nbsp;(Las Vegas, Nev.). These are UNK's first recruits for the 2024-25 season.&nbsp;&nbsp; Knudsen has two seasons of eligibility remaining after playing at&nbsp;RMAC-member&nbsp;Colorado Mesa with Taylor a grad transfer from Division II Academy of Art (Calif.). He also played for&nbsp;Levison&nbsp;at Southern Arkansas U. Tech. Next, Johnston spent his freshman season at NAIA Doane with Gilbert having two years left after being at the College of Southern Nevada and UNLV.Johnston (6-2) was Doane's second leading scorer this past season, averaging 10.1 points a night while also supplying 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Averaging 26 minutes a night and appearing in 24 games (21 starts), he had 11 double digit efforts. Four of those came in a row in mid-January including a season-best 26 points in a win over&nbsp;Briar&nbsp;Cliff (Ia.)."River comes from the historic basketball program at North Platte High which has produced former&nbsp;Lopers&nbsp;Nate and Jake Mohs, as well as 2003 NCAA Division II Player of the Year Nick Branting," said Levinson. "He is a transfer from Doane where he had a very successful freshman year."Having 10 points, three steals, three boards and two assists in an exhibition game at Nebraska, Johnston was a Class A all-state pick at North Platte. He tallied over 1,300 points in his prep career and played for former&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;Matt Kaminski.&nbsp;"River brings ball skill, toughness, and a great feel for the game to our program and will remind fans of the local kids whose urgency and togetherness helped build the foundation that past&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;Basketball success grew from," said Levinson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718035453102.jpeg" alt="Elijah Knudsen (Courtesy of UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Elijah Knudsen (Courtesy of UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>"Elijah is one of the best shooters Colorado high school basketball has seen and will be adding to the history of a UNK program that has been built on shooting," said Levinson.In 59 career games at CMU, Knudsen sunk 64 threes and averaged close to 12 minutes a night. He had five double digit efforts and had two games with six made threes. At Mead, Knudsen was the 2020-21 Class 4A Player of the Year, averaging just under 20 points per game. He averaged almost 19 as a senior and graduated with over 1,100 career points."Not only can Elijah shoot the ball, but he understands the game and will give us much needed ball handling and is a&nbsp;hardnosed&nbsp;competitor," said Levinson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718035491631.png" alt="Allen Taylor (Courtesy of UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Allen Taylor (Courtesy of UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>A 6-3 lefty, Taylor was a three-time All-Region selection for SAU Tech. Averaging nearly 20 points per game in his final season, he was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2023. The program won 58 games in his tenure, claiming two regular season and conference tourney titles and finishing seventh at the 2021 national tournament. At&nbsp;ArtU, he helped the Urban Knights go 20-9 this past winter, including a 15-5 mark in the Pacific West Conference."Allen is not only one of the best basketball players I have coached, he also is one of the best people I have ever been around on a regular basis," said Levinson.Taylor appeared in all 29 games, with 12 starts, for&nbsp;ArtU&nbsp;and ranked second on the team in threes made with 40. He warmed up as the year went along, having seven double digit efforts in the final 13 games. That included a season-best 21 points in the finale vs.&nbsp;Azusa&nbsp;Pacific in the league tournament."He is going to bring leadership, character, athleticism, toughness, and scoring to our program and I cannot wait for our fans, the community, and our staff and students here at UNK to meet him," said Levinson.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718035549784.jpeg" alt="Kendrick Gilbert (Courtesy of UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Kendrick Gilbert (Courtesy of UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>Gilbert (6-5) spent two years at Southern Nevada (Henderson, Nev.) after being a walk-on at UNLV during the 2020-21 season. He averaged 10.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the CSN Coyotes in 2022-23. Leading the team in field goal percentage (.613) and ranking third in scoring, he had four 20-point efforts with his season-best being 23 vs. Scottsdale C.C."Kendrick is a rangy defender and slasher who brings energy, toughness, and length to the&nbsp;Loper&nbsp;perimeter. I am excited about Kendrick's ability to impact winning in a lot of ways and he will be a big asset to our future success," said Levinson.As a&nbsp;redshirt&nbsp;freshman for CSN, he started 16 times and averaged nearly one free throw per game. Prepping at Peoria (Ill.) and&nbsp;Durango&nbsp;(Las Vegas) High Schools, he helped Durango reach the state tournament for the first time in 17 years by having 16 points in a regional final win over Coronado. Finally, he comes from basketball family as his brother,&nbsp;Koray&nbsp;(Central Missouri) and Keshon (Iowa State), both played in college.UNK will announce more newcomers in the coming weeks and months.&nbsp;

UNK Men's Basketball adds four transfers, including North Platte's River Johnston

<a>North Platte, Neb. –June 10, 2024 – The excitement of pro rodeo returns to North Platte with this year’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo.</a>

Over 500 professional cowboys and cowgirls will be making North Platte one of their stops this weekend as they pursue the dream of a gold buckle and winnings.

They come from near and far; a few will travel across town, while some call Hawaii and Australia home.

North Platte cowgirl&nbsp;Stacey Hansen&nbsp;doesn’t have many miles to travel to run barrels this weekend.

The 43-year-old woman grew up in Smolan, Kansas and moved to North Platte in 2007 when she married her husband, Trent Hansen.

<a>She’s barrel raced since she was a young girl, competing mostly at barrel racing events and a few rodeos.</a>

This year will be her first time to compete at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, mostly because she has a horse with the skills to do well at the professional level.

<a>Slingshot, a ten-year-old bay gelding, was purchased by Hansen five years ago. He was taught the barrel pattern, but she’s getting him accustomed to the rodeo world, seasoning him, “getting him comfortable in the atmosphere so he can do his job and not be nervous.”</a>

Rodeos have a different ambience than jackpot events: they can be loud, with lots of people around.

Slingshot’s personality is “a bit watchy,” she said. “He shies at things.” Hansen will ride him to the arena before the show starts, letting him look around so he will feel more comfortable during barrel racing time.

She and Trent have two daughters: Haidyn, who is fourteen, and Harper, age eight. Haidyn races sprint cars while Harper likes the horse activities. She and her husband “split forces” on the weekends; Trent takes Haidyn to her races, while Harper goes with her mom.

The girls’ different interests require lots of fuel, as each parent takes them to their activities. “We need a fuel sponsor,” Hansen laughed.

Hansen teaches at Adams Middle School in North Platte.&nbsp; She will compete during slack on Thurs., June 13.

For Merriman, Neb. bareback rider&nbsp;Garrett Shadbolt, last year didn’t go as planned.

After having competed at the Wrangler National Finals the previous two years, he broke his leg in June of 2023, while rafting down the Niobrara River, just a week before the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.

By the time it was healed, the heaviest part of the rodeo season was over and it would have taken a lot to catch up with the top fifteen riders, so he stayed home.

Now he’s back. Shadbolt did well at the winter rodeos, winning the National Western Rodeo in Denver and finishing as reserve champ at Rodeo Houston. The spring has been slow, but rodeo season is about to kick off in earnest.

“I’m entered pretty seriously over the Fourth of July,” he said. “I’m just going to have to go do the thing, and be gone a while.”

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo Communications<a>North Platte, Neb. –June 10, 2024 – The excitement of pro rodeo returns to North Platte with this year’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo.</a>Over 500 professional cowboys and cowgirls will be making North Platte one of their stops this weekend as they pursue the dream of a gold buckle and winnings.They come from near and far; a few will travel across town, while some call Hawaii and Australia home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718029129851.jpeg" alt="Barrel racer Stacey Hansen, North Platte, will compete at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo for the first time in her pro rodeo career. Photo courtesy Taylor Averill." />
 <figcaption>Barrel racer Stacey Hansen, North Platte, will compete at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo for the first time in her pro rodeo career. Photo courtesy Taylor Averill.</figcaption>
 </figure>North Platte cowgirl&nbsp;Stacey Hansen&nbsp;doesn’t have many miles to travel to run barrels this weekend.The 43-year-old woman grew up in Smolan, Kansas and moved to North Platte in 2007 when she married her husband, Trent Hansen.<a>She’s barrel raced since she was a young girl, competing mostly at barrel racing events and a few rodeos.</a>This year will be her first time to compete at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, mostly because she has a horse with the skills to do well at the professional level.<a>Slingshot, a ten-year-old bay gelding, was purchased by Hansen five years ago. He was taught the barrel pattern, but she’s getting him accustomed to the rodeo world, seasoning him, “getting him comfortable in the atmosphere so he can do his job and not be nervous.”</a>Rodeos have a different ambience than jackpot events: they can be loud, with lots of people around.Slingshot’s personality is “a bit watchy,” she said. “He shies at things.” Hansen will ride him to the arena before the show starts, letting him look around so he will feel more comfortable during barrel racing time.She and Trent have two daughters: Haidyn, who is fourteen, and Harper, age eight. Haidyn races sprint cars while Harper likes the horse activities. She and her husband “split forces” on the weekends; Trent takes Haidyn to her races, while Harper goes with her mom.The girls’ different interests require lots of fuel, as each parent takes them to their activities. “We need a fuel sponsor,” Hansen laughed.Hansen teaches at Adams Middle School in North Platte.&nbsp; She will compete during slack on Thurs., June 13.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718029170701.jpeg" alt="Merriman, Neb. cowboy Garrett Shadbolt is a two-time Buffalo Bill Rodeo bareback riding champion. He will compete in North Platte this year. Photo by Don Christner." />
 <figcaption>Merriman, Neb. cowboy Garrett Shadbolt is a two-time Buffalo Bill Rodeo bareback riding champion. He will compete in North Platte this year. Photo by Don Christner.</figcaption>
 </figure>For Merriman, Neb. bareback rider&nbsp;Garrett Shadbolt, last year didn’t go as planned.After having competed at the Wrangler National Finals the previous two years, he broke his leg in June of 2023, while rafting down the Niobrara River, just a week before the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.By the time it was healed, the heaviest part of the rodeo season was over and it would have taken a lot to catch up with the top fifteen riders, so he stayed home.Now he’s back. Shadbolt did well at the winter rodeos, winning the National Western Rodeo in Denver and finishing as reserve champ at Rodeo Houston. The spring has been slow, but rodeo season is about to kick off in earnest.“I’m entered pretty seriously over the Fourth of July,” he said. “I’m just going to have to go do the thing, and be gone a while.”Being gone from home is getting harder for him, who, with wife Katie, has three kids, a son and two daughters, under the age of four.Leaving the ranch, where he is the fifth generation of Shadbolts, is hard, but once he gets on the road, it gets easier.“Once I get going and stay out (on the road), it’s easier than coming back and forth.”The 28-year-old has won the Buffalo Bill Rodeo twice (2021-22) and is ranked seventh in the world standings.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718032855646.jpeg" alt="Sam Daly, Tryon, Neb., is a college student who is rodeoing professionally this summer and will compete in North Platte at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Courtesy photo." />
 <figcaption>Sam Daly, Tryon, Neb., is a college student who is rodeoing professionally this summer and will compete in North Platte at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Courtesy photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>Like barrel racer Hansen,&nbsp;Sam Daly&nbsp;will take his first stab at competition at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo.The nineteen-year-old cowboy grew up in Tabor, Iowa, with his mom, Elizabeth Shirley, but spent holidays and summers with his dad, Mike Daly, on the family ranch near Tryon.A steer wrestler, Daly competed in high school rodeo in Iowa and qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo all four years of high school.Competing in the pro ranks is different than high school and college, Daly said. For one, it’s tougher competition.“It’s a jump from the small-town guys up to the big (name) guys,” he said. But it’s also motivating.“When you see a steer wrestler go out there and be four (seconds) flat, you’re cheering for him, but at the same time, you’re wanting to out there and be a 3.9. You want to work all the harder to match him.”Daly is a student at Pratt (Kan.) Community College, rodeoing collegiately and majoring in animal science. He is the grandson of Art Daly, a rancher, rodeo announcer and musician who passed away in 2014.Rodeo competition kicks off Wed., June 12 and runs each night through June 15. Shows begin at 8 pm. Slack, the extra competition that doesn’t fit into the evening performances, is June 12- 13 at 8 am each day.The rodeo is held at the Wild West Arena in North Platte.Tickets range in price from $11-$24 and can be purchased online at NebraskalandDays.com, at the NebraskalandDays office, and at the gate.For more information and a complete schedule of NebraskalandDays events, visit the website or call&nbsp;the office at 308.532.7939.