On the Road Again: Time to do a little housecleaning

By Jim Thompson | Tuesday, December 19, 2006

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This is kind of a time for clean up of end-of the year information. Things like Kyle Whitaker winning his fifth Linderman award.

The Nebraskan breaks the tie with his dad Chip and Texas legend Phil Lyne. The award is named for Bill Linderman, the Montana cowboy who was killed in a plane wreck in 1965. They gave the first award the very next year.

* Steve Dent of Nebraska won the rookie of the year award in all-around and bareback riding. Minnesota's Tyler Corrington took the bronc honors as a rookie, and Daniel Yates of Red Lodge, Mont., won the rookie steer wrestling award.

* Jim Korkow noticed his good bucking horse Slippery in some distress in his South Dakota pasture at the end of October. They took him to the vets who were unable to improve his health.

Rather than let him suffer, they put him down on Nov. 15. He was 7 and had been the reigning PRCA saddle bronc of the year. He's buried with many other Korkow animals, on a hill overlooking the ranch.

* The PRCA installed a new honor at this year's NFR. The inaugural Legends of ProRodeo breakfast featured Jake Barnes as the "legend" and also honored Alan Bach for his leadership and for being such a positive role model. Good goin', boys!

* Speaking of legends ... George Strait is helping Roy Cooper cut a documentary on his life. The "Super Looper" cut a wide swath through pro rodeo and I, for one, am eager to see it.

* Congratulations again to Deadwood's Days of '76 winning yet another Rodeo of the Year award. I think this is No. 7. Way to go guys. I was privileged to announce the "Days" for 20 years, and this is a good feeling for all involved.

* And I'm so proud for Ashley Andrews of Bowman, N.D., winning Miss Rodeo America at Las Vegas.

What an end to a year filled with cancer treatments and fear, good results and hope, and finally, a crown. Believe me, even had she not won the award, she's still a Queen to all who know her.

I believe she's the first from North Dakota since Brenda Bonogofski.

* And having another good pickup man from the area is a treat..Clint Humble really deserves the honor. We're proud of you, Clint.

* I had just gotten back from vacation when I almost ran into Gerald McInerney in the parking lot of my office in Spearfish.

He was pretty pleased, at least as much as an old steer wrestler and pickup man can be, about the NRCA Finals in Gillette, Wyo. The folks there support the rodeo and are mighty lucky to have it.

Nice job again, Gerald, and to all who helped you make it come true - again!