Circuit Finals rodeo in Great Falls
Three-day event begins Jan. 12 at Four Seasons Arena
The Daily Inter Lake
The 28th annual Montana PRCA Circuit Finals at the Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls will feature the top pro rodeo contestants along with the state's finest PRCA rodeo stock.
Circuit titles will be on the line as the top cowboys and cowgirls will be vying for year-end titles. The event will run Jan. 12-14 with performances at 7 p.m. the first two days and 2 p.m. on the final day.
The contestants holding the best hand coming into the finals in each event are as follows: bareback riding - Andy Bolich of Belgrade with $7,809.85; steer wrestling - Ken Holland of Dillon with $9,853.71; team roping (header) - Jason Handy of Scobey with $15,348.99; team roping (heeler) - Chase Gauger of Bozeman with $15,854.57; saddle bronc - Jake Costello of Newell, S.D. with $14,623.32; tie-down roping - Brett Fleming of Worden with $8,791.40; ladies barrel race - Shelly Anzick of Livingston with $9,996.75; and bull riding - Cody Buller of Glendive with $11,999.89.
Randy Schmutz will handle the announcing duties while Dennis Halstead of Calgary is the rodeo clown. Cory Brooks and Al Sandvold will share the bull fighting duties. The pickup men are Bill Blankenship and Jay Shaw.
Also, Cathy Wieferich is the secretary and Berva Dawn Kesler and Kitty Blankenship are the two timers.
The stock contractors for the Circuit Finals are Sankey Rodeo Company, Brookman Rodeo Company, Kesler Rodeo Company and Kesler Championship Rodeo.
The all-around title features a tight race with only $2,500 separating the top four individuals. Ryan Siemsen of Huntley leads with $13,867.93.
The year-end titles will not be decided until the final day.
Montana circuit contestants who win either the year-end title or the average title at the Circuit Finals also qualify for the Dodge National Circuit Finals to be held in Pocatello, Idaho, in March.
For more Circuit Final information, check the Montana PRCA Pro Rodeo Web site at www.montanaprorodeo.