Bulls, broncs, cowboys replace baskets at Show Me Center

A typical rodeo consists of cowboys and cowgirls riding on horses, tossing ropes and tackling cattle.

Throw in a youth dance contest and monkeys in cowboy hats riding on dogs, and it becomes more like the 18th annual Show Me Center Championship Rodeo in Cape Girardeau.

The two-day Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event, which began Friday and concluded Saturday, resembled a circus at times. It also brought a top-four finish for one of the five local contestants.

Ty Atchison of Jackson placed second in the saddle bronc event on Friday, finishing just three points behind the winner.

Other local contenders Saturday included Chris Evans of Benton, Jason Stroup of Gordonville and Cindy Robbins of Jackson. Gordonville's Carrie Stroup and Brent Menz of Delta competed on Friday.

Evans, 33, scored a 24.9 in the tie-down roping event. He successfully roped the calf but was slow to tie it down and was penalized for a broken barrier violation.

Chris Evans of Benton, Mo., cinched up his rope for a score in the tie down roping competition.

"It's nice to catch one and tie one in front of the home crowd," said Evans, who added that while tying the calf, the roped slipped off the calf's leg and cost him a couple extra seconds. "It's better than showing up and not doing anything.

"I'm glad I'm not too far from home," he added, laughing. "You only get one shot at it. It's kind of like getting one good pitch in baseball; you got to hit it. It's a tough sport."

Evans has been competing in rodeos for eight years and been a part of the PRCA for about two. He's competed at the Show Me Center three times.

"It's a nice little rodeo," he said. "I think this one is the best they've had so far."

Show Me Center marketing director Brad Gentry, in his fifth year at the event, was pleased with the turnout.

"We went to two days instead of three," he said. "I think that really helped out this year. And I think once people see what the rodeo's all about, they don't mind coming out to watch."

Stroup and team roping partner Bryan Reiter scored an 11.00, while the winner was clocked at 4.9 seconds.

Robbins finished seventh in the girls barrel racing in 12.16 seconds, while the winner finished in 11.75.

Menz did not place in the top four but was awarded Friday for staying on the bull for the full ride of 8 seconds in the bull riding contest.