By Tom Smith
The 35th anniversary performance of the International Finals Rodeo returned to the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. The return was welcomed by everyone involved. Not only was the facility user friendly for the livestock and contestants, but the crowd seemed to enjoy the change. The contestants were more assessable and they could interact between events. The Western Tradeshow vendors also welcomed the return to the fairgrounds.
One could not help but feel the reverent air of the historic State Fair Arena. During the anxious moments before the start of the rodeo you could almost sense the presence of ghosts of cowboys long since past. Many contestants ventured into the tunnels under the grand stands and with flashlights viewed the original wooden bucking chutes. Entombed forever like Egyptian artifacts in the catacomb chambers of a pyramid. Like hieroglyphics one could see where Freckles Brown and Clyde Vamvoras had carved their names generations ago. You could stand on the very steps that they did and touch the same sliding gates. The place is hallowed ground and is respected by the cowboys.
The feeling that one gets from being behind the chutes can not be explained. The familiar smell of arena dirt brings back memories of treasured experiences. The announcer�s voice, going through the performance line up, fills the coliseum. The sound system sends vibrations that resonate in the cowboy�s very soul. As the starting time grows near the sounds of slamming chute gates and thundering hooves can be felt as bareback horses are loaded in the alley way.
The activities increase, as the contestants and stock contractors make final preparations. The smell of rosin, benzoin and baby powder mixes with the dust and fills the nostrils as riggings and flanks are set. Contestants linger behind the scenes making physical and mental preparations. They kneel in prayer, asking for strength and protection, and they offer thanks for being allowed the opportunity to be among the top cowboys in the business.
Some chat and joke with friends while others stay to themselves immersed in deep concentration. You can hear the sound of ripping athletic tape being applied to wrists and fingers as one last piece of protection for old injuries. The clicking of spur rowels and the snap-pop of brightly colored chaps can be heard as riders visualize the ride about to take place. It�s the calm before the storm in the quest between man and beast.
The crowd begins to settle into place and the background music intensifies. Your blood starts pumping as the arena goes dark. The spot lights rotate in motion with the music;
When the invocation begins hats are placed on chests and heads are bowed, silent prayers are seen moving on lips. The cowboys rock back and forth on their toes as the National Anthem is played. They know when the song ends� �and the home of the brave.�� The arena will be flooded with light and the chute boss will bark over the roar of the crowd�. Come on! Let�s go! Let�s rodeo!!
All of the arrangements, preparations and prayers come down to one nod of the head as a bronc explodes from the chute. Another is loaded in its place like a well oiled rifle. The IFR is rodeo at its best. It�s a spectacle of color and emotion, a spectator event where all the senses are involved.
I talked to several rough stock contestants throughout the weekend. I asked them what it felt like to qualify for the finals. The pride and joy was expressed on first time qualifier Mathew Bright�s face as he mounted his horse with a big grin. 18 year old 2 time IFR qualifier Justin McDaniel�s face lit up explaining the feeling. Contestants showed great respect and admiration for veteran bareback rider Harold Miller (48 years), and saddle bronc riders Billy Joe Cline (47 years), and Jim McIntyre (46 years). The three were just happy to have made it. They were inspirational during the performances and vowed to return next year.
I spoke to several former world champions and retired competitors now working behind the scenes. 1988 and 1989 World Champion Bareback Rider Bobby Cooper said attending this year brought back wonderful memories for him, �it is great to still be around and moving.� The week started out tough for 2000 World Champion Bareback Rider and IFR34 qualifier Scot Mitchell. He looked as if he felt a little out of place, but as each performance came and went his smile grew. Scot is putting together a pen of broncs and I�m sure it won�t be long till he is on the chutes at the finals pulling flanks on Mitchell bucking horses. Six time qualifier and former Bareback Riding Director Rob Gillispie has moved on and has found a new place in rodeo raising bucking bulls. He said he gets that same competitive feeling competing in futurities, but still cherishes his IFR memories.
For World Champion Shawn Minor, and IFR average winner Roger Lacasse the awards from IFR 35 come in the form of big payoff checks, gold buckles and fancy tooled saddles. For others the awards might only be a thumbs up nod from a competitor, an approving hand shake from a stock contractor or a complimentary comment from a pickup man. None the less the awards should provide inspiration and satisfaction.
Being a contestant in the IFR is an achievement that has been earned. It�s been paid for with heart, soul and sacrifices of blood. Nagging injuries from seasons past, bruises and bumps from the preceding year; Time with family and loved ones that is lost forever on all night drives and weeks spent on the road. Opportunities for business ventures are put off for years in pursuit of a dream. It all plays a part in the title and honor of being in the top fifteen. IFR contestants should wear the jackets and display the awards with pride. You earned it and you deserve it.
This behind the scenes cowboy received three awards during the finals� The first, being able to be apart of IFR-35, watching my friends and hero achieve their dreams, the second, seeing the smiling face of Cord McCoy only a few months after his accident, and finally, the blessing of knowing that dreams and prayers do come true.