Announcer: Boyd Polhamus

We are proud to welcome back to our rodeo the 2007, 2008 and the 2009 Rodeo Announcer of the Year – Boyd Polhamus!

Twenty years ago, Boyd Polhamus announced a College Rodeo in Uvalde, Texas. He got the gig by pretending to be a rodeo announcer in his college’s practice arena at the same time he was competing as a cowboy. The pretending ended in October of 1985; and a career was born.

No one, not even Polhamus, could have imagined what the next two decades would bring. His resume now includes nine stints as an announcer at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Only Hall of Famers’ Cy Tallion and Bob Tallman have been selected that many times. He’s been selected twice to work the Dodge National Circuit Finals in Pocatello, Idaho. In addition, he’s announced the Montana, Turquoise, Badlands, and Southeastern Circuit Finals, as well as the Texas Circuit Finals ten different times.

In 2000, and again in 2003, he was honored as the WPRA Announcer of the Year, and he’s been a Top Five Finalist for the same honor in the PRCA on eleven different occasions.

In 2004, Polhamus announced eleven of the top 30 rodeos in the country and featured an itinerary that took him coast-to-coast and border to border; from San Francisio, CA to New York, NY; and from Del Rio, TX to Minot, ND. He also recorded hundreds of commercials in his home studio in Brenham, TX.

"Better than I deserve…" is Polhamus’ most common response to the question "How are you?" He says that comment most accurately describes both his professional and family life. His career demands nearly 300 travel days per year, and his wife, Sandee, is both his best friend and best advisor.

"There’s too much in my life that is right, that I have no control over, so it’s got to be God," Polhamus said. "Everything good that’s happened in my life can be traced back to a friend or family member who went out of their way to help me. Well, you don’t buy your friends at a department store; God puts them in your life. I can only hope I’ve treated them as well as they’ve treated me."

On those rare occasions when he can be found at home, Polhamus enjoys Team Roping, The Green Bay Packers, and working with his cattle on the Band-Aid Ranch in Brenham, TX.

Specialty Act: The One Armed Bandit, John Payne

John S. Payne, the notorious One Arm Bandit, was born to a rancher in the oil rich town of Shidler, Olahoma on April 4, 1953.

On June 12, 1973, after grabbing a hot wire, 7,200 volts of electricity ran through his entire body for an unbearable 10 seconds. John was killed. With fingers nearly burnt off, John fell 25 feet to his death.  His intestines were exposed and his left thigh burnt to the bone; but John was given C.P.R. and was brought back to life.

The doctor’s report read, “Not much brain damage”.  After 5 weeks in the Tulsa burn center, John checked himself out and went home to start breaking a horse he had bought during his time in the hospital.

In 1975 John took a liking to Judy Crabtree and they married.  John and Judy are responsible for what is now the most sought after gang in the rodeo world today, The One Arm Bandit Gang.  John has headlined the most wanted list since 1988.

Ranch life with four brothers taught John to “Get out of the way or get ran over" and “Get tough or Die". His occupations have included: Rancher, Saloon Owner, Gambler, Wild Cattle Puncher, and Professional Rodeo Entertainer!   Nine time, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) “Specialty Act of the Year” 

www.theonearmbandit.net/john_payne

 

Gizmo McCracken

If it's comedy, rodeo style you're looking for, then I'm your man! I have been entertaining rodeo crowds across the country for nearly a decade. Fans at Rodeos such as the Wrangler National Finals, Dodge National Circuit Finals, Cheyenne Frontier Days, as well as the finals of the PRCA Badlands, Prairie, Southeast, and Great Lakes Circuits have laughed themselves silly at such Gizmo specialty acts as Dr. Giz Buckin' Ambulance, Gizmo's Sir-Rink-In Machine featuring Doc the miniature Donkey and many more characters that may pop in that night. Fans attending countless rodeos this year will get the chance to see me in action!

Some of my highlights ...

Career Highlights

• Featured Act at the 2005 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo
• Nominated PRCA "Comedy Act of the Year" 2002 & 2005
• Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo 2006
• PRCA Badlands Circuit Finals – 1997, 2003, & 2007
• PRCA Prairie Circuit Finals – 1998, 2005
• PRCA Southeast Circuit Finals – 2004
• PRCA Great Lakes Circuit Finals – 1994, 1996, 2000 & 2001
• Cheyenne Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo – 2001 & 2002

www.gizmomccracken.com

 

Stock Contractor: Cervi Rodeo Company

Started over 60 years ago by one man, Cervi Rodeo Company has grown into one of the largest stock contractors for both big and small rodeo productions across the United States. Mike Cervi, founder, began his rodeo career at age 14, traveling across North America from the great plains of Texas to the rolling hills of Grand Prairie Alberta, Canada serving as a rodeo clown.

Since then Mike and his family have expanded to become the sole owner of two of the largest rodeo companies: Beutler Brothers & Cervi Rodeo Company and Cervi Championship Rodeo Company. Due to its size the company can draw from a heard of more than 800 head of bucking stock.

As a stock contractor, the company’s aims are simply stated. Mike believes that "My main goal is to produce a fast and exciting rodeo with the best bucking stock available."

No matter what size rodeo the Cervi’s produce, the essentials remain the same, "You have to have good bucking horses, bucking bulls and a lot of fighting bulls. You need color in the front and the employees in the back to make it run smoothly."

With that in mind all of these ideas have combined to form an amazing company which is why in 1982 and 2001 Mike Cervi was awarded the PRCA Stock Contractor of the Year award. He has also served on the PRCA Board of Directors and was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO.

Continuing it’s tradition of excellence Cervi Rodeo continues to produce some of the largest and entertaining rodeo events across the United States. In 2005 sons Binion and Chase Cervi along with their cousin Scott took over the day to day operation of the rodeo company. Mike continues to oversee the entire operation and provide assistance, advice and experience when needed. The Cervi family has a large and extended team that are dedicated and excited to help produce some of the nation’s most exciting rodeos.

With the age of cell-phones, computers and technology the younger generation has brought the rodeo company into the 21st Century while still keeping the family tradition alive. They can be found working across the United States while traveling to rodeos and are never too far away from the day to day activities at home in Colorado on their ranches.

Mike Cervi and the entire production crew continue to produce rodeos across the United States and with their vast knowledge, expertise and genuine love for the sport it is apparent where ever the crew travels that this is one of the best professions in the sport of rodeo.

Visit www.cervirodeo.com to learn more about the family and behind the scenes of the Rodeo World.

Bull Fighter: Cory Wall

Cory is an accomplished bullfighter and counted as one of the best in the business of professional rodeo. His list of accolades is endless and includes winning the most coveted award of "2009 PRCA Bullfighter of the Year", 2007 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo alternate Bullfighter, PRCA Tour Finale Bullfighter in both Omaha and Dallas, 4 time Texas Circuit Finals Bullfighter and was selected to work the prestigious Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, ID.

Not only is Cory a talented athlete in the arena, he is also a great ambassador for his sponsors, rodeo committees and young people. Cory spends countless hours promoting the sport of professional rodeo in the communities he visits throughout the year.

www.corywall.com

 

Serpentine Riders

Prior to the Grand Entry Dayton Rodeo’s Serpentine Riders will entertain the audience with their precision horsemanship. This year’s Serpentine Riders are choreographed and coached by Loree Stewart. Each of the Serpentine Riders is a member of the Dayton Wranglers Saddle Club. They are chosen through a tryout process beginning in early summer. Their commitment to precision timing and intricate maneuvers take hours of practice to perfect. The Serpentine Riders are also ambassadors for the rodeo, participating in events and signing autographs following each performance.

 

Miss Rodeo Iowa

"Miss Rodeo Iowa is the ideal Western American young woman. She wishes to further promote the sport of Rodeo. While representing Iowa during her reign, her travels will take her to all areas of the state and to many other states as well. She will be working hard to promote the state's Western way of life. At the end of her reign, she will have the opportunity to represent Iowa in the Miss Rodeo America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada." - Miss Rodeo Iowa website.

Jordanne Blair is the current Miss Rodeo Iowa, and Hannah Hilsabeck is the current Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa.