Central Oregonian

Roping and riding

Rodeo featured great stock and a good crowd

LON AUSTIN/CENTRAL OREGONIAN

Austin Severance won both the calf riding and steer riding events at the Paulina Rodeo over Labor Day Weekend.

Lon Austin

“I was really pleased with our stock contractor, (B bar D)” said Rodeo President Ronnie Keys following the conclusion of the 61st annual Paulina Rodeo. “The stock was consistent, so it was all up to the individual, the draw didn’t matter.”

The quality of the stock clearly showed in the rough stock events.

Chance Peila scored an 85 on Sunday in the ranch bronc riding event to edge out Arnold Ray Fox, who earned a score of 83 on Saturday. Mitch Griffith finished third with a score of 77.

The saddle bronc riding saw Kade McLean take first place with a score of 75, while Shawn Morehead finished second with a score of 71.

Mike Sturza and Rob McLean won the local team roping with a time of 22.82 for the two go rounds, while J.W. Rose won the calf roping in a time of 12.45.

The Rose family had a great weekend, as Kelly Rose won the breakaway roping in a lightning fast time of 2.55, while Tommy Jack Rose won the kids sheep riding event. John Barry Rose also earned a payday, taking second in both the kids 9-under barrel racing and the kids calf riding events.

Organizers were pleased with how smoothly the rodeo went.

“The crowd Saturday was just outstanding,” Keys said. “Sunday was a little bit off, but it was still good.”

Keys added that the entire event would not be possible without all the volunteers that helped, as well as the NJROTC who took tickets at the gate and cleaned up after the event.

“A great big thank you to everybody,” Keys said.

For complete results see sports roundup on page 15.