My rodeo soapbox

What keeps a rodeo exciting? The Livestock? The Cowboys? Clowns?

All the above I suppose, those things are an intricate part of America’s #1 sport.

We are only able to enjoy our game because of …drum roll….SPONSORS!!

Sponsors are so crucial to rodeo at every level. One of the most important things I do as an announcer is promote sponsors. I know without them the rodeo would not happen.

Why do the sponsors donate? Maybe they are just huge fans of the sport. Certainly, they understand the economic impact a rodeo brings to a community. When it is rodeo time in towns all across Nebraska, the size of the town often doubles or triples those weekends. What a great time to shine the spotlight on your community and local businesses. Here is where I stand on my soapbox. You ever heard the following sayings? “Don’t slap the hand that feeds you” or “I scratch your back, you scratch mine”. They mean if you enjoy an event support the one’s that make it possible. In other words, if you love rodeo do business with its sponsors.

If you follow the very successful PBR, then you know their series is called the Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler. I’m appalled the last two times I have seen PBR President Ty Murray he has been wearing Levi’s jeans. Can you believe that? To me that would be like a U.S Marine wearing an Iraqi officers uniform. Working at the John Deere factory and going home to mow the lawn with a Snapper. Another example might be, being a teacher at a Public School yet home schooling your own kids. Do you get my drift? Understand where I’m coming from? Its not that I have a problem with Levi’s, Snapper or home schooling kids, it just the hypocrisy of making a living from one source but supporting brand X. What does this rambling mean? Well let’s make it simple, if you are a member of the Nebraska High School Rodeo Assn. Then take a look at their sponsors and when you have an opportunity to utilize the goods or services they provide,   and then do it. They have real estate companies, auto dealerships, trailer dealers, insurance agents, feed companies, windmill companies etc. etc. Chances are in a year’s time you will be need to business with a service they provide.

Whether you’re involved with Nebraska State Rodeo Assn., Mid-States Rodeo Assn., or the PRCA support their sponsors. Let’s prove to them their sponsorship is not an expense but an investment and an investment they will continue to make for years to come.

Comments are always welcome and I look forward to them.

Western Regards,

Travis Schauda