Thousands attend first annual PRCA rodeo in Polson

POLSON - The first annual Mission Mountain PRCA Rodeo was by all accounts a rip-roaring good time and tremendous success.

Just ask the several thousand rodeo fans that showed up to watch the rodeo action Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Polson Fairgrounds.

Pro rodeo athletes like Ryan Mapston thrilled the crowds throughout the rodeo. Mapston collected $791.52 for an 86-point saddle bronc ride.

Jabe Anderson bull-dogged his steer in 4.3 seconds to earn the top check of $970.48 in steer wrestling and Chance Bernell earned a $1,008.80 check for roping his calf in 9.9 seconds in the tie-down roping.

Team ropers Dustin Bird and Jim Cole each earned $1,067 for a 6.1 second run and Zach Canton earned $543.20 for his 81-point ride in bareback. Jess Matt won the bull riding competition with a 76-point ride that earned him a check of $788.96.

The ladies barrel racing was won by Shelly Anzick in 17.49, for a $687.79 prize. Local Arlee product Rachel Sproul finished sixth in 17.82 to earn $239.23.

In all, the rodeo paid out around $20,000 in total prize money. Not a bad start for its first year.

"We couldn't have done better for a first year rodeo," Polson Fairground Incorporated's Una Rose Graham said. "It was put together by a lot of people and their hard work."

She estimated the stands (which can seat about 2,000-2,500 fans) were mostly full all three days, with a close-to-capacity crowd on Saturday night.

PFI president Brian K. Jones was impressed with the volunteerism.

"We are very excited about the results of the Mission Mountain PRCA Rodeo this past weekend," Jones said. "There has been fantastic support from the whole Mission Valley, from business sponsorships, volunteers and rodeo fans."

"We had many people just show up and ask how they could help in any way, and we never turn down help," he said. "The Keslers (stock contractors) are very professional and helpful, and we were very pleased to have the opportunity to work with them. We really appreciate all the work that everyone did to help get this PRCA Rodeo off to a great start."

Results

Mission Mountain

PRCA Rodeo

July 23-25

Bull riding - 1) Jess Matt, 76, $788.96; 2) Rick Wock, 74, $591.72; 3) Beau Hill, 73, $394.48; 4) Scott Schiffner, 71, $98.62; 5) Steven Turner, 71, $98.62.

Bareback - 1) Zach Canton, 81, $543.20; 2) Chad Vivian, 80, $407.40; 3) Dale Stoller, 75, $271.60; 4) Ben Wryzenski, 72, $67.90; 5) Ryan Beckman, 72, $67.90.

Saddle bronc - 1) Ryan Mapston, 86, $791.52; 2) Mitchell Steiger, 78, $593.64; 3) Jake Hayworth, 76, $495.76; 4) James Cole, 74, $197.88.

Steer wrestling - 1) Jabe Anderson, 4.3, $970.48; 2) Nick Stubblefield, 4.7, $803.16; 3) Jeff Solomon, 5.2, $552.17; 4) Pete Peterson, 5.2, $552.18; 5) Beau Lufborouch, 5.3, $301.18; 6) Rod Lyman, 5.5, $83.66; 7) Rod Paschke, 5.5, $83.67.

Calf roping - 1) Chance Bernell, 9.9, $1,008.80; 2) Ryan Siemsen, 10.6, $756.60; 3) Ryle Harms, 10.9, $504.40; 4) Clint Cooper, 11.7, $252.20.

Team roping - 1) Dustin Bird/Jim Cole, 6.1, $1,067; 2) Brett Williamson/Cesar Del La Cruz, 6.8, $800.25; 3) Tate Dempewolfe/Alex Watson, 72, $533.50; 4) Mark Salmond/Ty Steinbach, 7.3, $266.75.

Barrel racing - 1) Shelly Anzick, 17.49, $687.79; 2) Raylene Konzak, 17.64, $598.08; 3) Darae Larson, 17.74, $463.51; 4) Darcy Mapston, 17.74, $463.52; 5) Donna Johnson, 17.75, $328.94; 6) Rachel Sproul, 17.82, $239.23; 7) Robin Lyons, 17.84, $149.52; 8) Maria Gee, 17.87, $59.81.