Ford, Rutland surge to front at Rangers Rodeo

Anyone who attends any rodeo is well aware that part of any performance are the opening ceremonies but come even earlier and see the contestants prepare is indeed something that will stick with you as they prepare for the 85th Annual Lawton Rangers Rodeo.

Roll after roll of tape and flex-tape go on arms, shoulders and even knees. It’s a habit they follow around the United States for professional rodeos.

And 30 minutes before the rodeo, veteran PRCA photographer Dale Hershman gathers the rough-stock riders for a short session where he reads a scripture and then prays with those who gather under the VIP area at the LO Ranch Arena.

Last night it worked for Kashton Ford who made the long journey from Sturgis, N.D., to try his hand against Lux Life from the Beutler and Son Rodeo Company.

“I wasn’t sure I was even coming here but one of my friends told me about that bronc and said it would a mistake to pass up the chance,” Ford said, an 18-year-old rookie.

Well his trip was well worth it as he and the sorrel bronc had a good outing and when the scoreboard said 85, he has surged into the lead and was quick to give thanks.

“I just want to say thanks to my Lord,” he said. “He makes all of this possible for us. I don’t usually try to scout broncs but I did look at a video and tonight everything worked like it was supposed to work.”

There will be a new group of contestants showing up Friday for the third performance that begins tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the LO Ranch Arena east of Lawton. Tonight’s performance is “Millitary Night” where Fort Sill personnel will be featured in the opening ceremonies and trainees will be in the audience.

There was no movement at the top of the saddle bronc riding standings but Carson Neal of Pearsall, Texas, did slip into a huge log-jam for second with a ride of 81 aboard Red Chickens. He is now tied with Sterling Crawley and Dahlyn Thomas who posted their 81s on Wednesday’s opening night.

The current leader in the WPRA barrel racing showed why he’s having a great season as she turned in a 17.27 to climb into second place in that popular event during Thursday’s performance. She will definitely get a check but with some good barrel racers coming to town tonight and Saturday there is still room to slip into the standings.

Taylor Johnson of Stillwater also got into the money but with a 17.56, however, she is definitely in jeopardy over the next two performance.

The Rangers have seen the competition from numerous major rodeos take away a large number of contestants, however, there are many tired, hurt and broke contestants and if they are out of contention for the National Finals Rodeo or the circuit finals, they have been saving entry fees.

Last night the Rangers just had two bull riders but one of those, Fulton Rutland, of Westville, made the first ride of the rodeo and when it was over he had stayed aboard Gangster Walk for an 87. While the first-place check is likely to be his come Saturday, he also got all the ground money last night and that could be considerable and the good news; it counts in the world standings.

“I had that bull at Greeley (Colo.) and had an 85 so I knew he was going to go left and that’s just what he did,” the Oklahoman said. “The ground money is hard to figure but if a guy has a doctor’s release the don’t charge them fees but if they turn-out, then I get it. I’m not sure how much it will be but it will help.”

Rutland is heading to Vinita for a Friday challenge and then will head elsewhere as his schedule permits.

“Right now is a good time because a lot of guys are broke or hurt, so there is a chance to win some money if you can just stay aboard.”