Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association Finals 2017
by Miriam Lucero with TJ Spoonhunter photography by Miriam Lucero
Can you give our readers a history of the GCPRA? The GCPRA was originally the Southwest Rodeo Association many years back but became the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association (GCPRA) is known as the largest professional ro- deo organization in Arizona. Rodeos are fun, thrilling, and fast- paced events for both the spectators and the athletes. This sport has increased considerably in popularity throughout the years, with continual growth. Participants come from all over Arizona, as well as Nevada, New Mexico, California and many other states.
O
n November 17 & 18, 2017 I had the distinct honor of photographing the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Associa- tion Finals in Laughlin, NV. My focus is to bring the be- hind the scenes of Rodeo, from the contestants, stock contractors, Directors of GCPRA, and the many hours of preparation it takes to bring a Rodeo together. Those two days, were highlights in my life to witness young
men and women practicing, the impact of watching them on top of broncs, bulls, roping and barrel racing. My adrenaline was racing, as I was in the trenches of photographing bulls, broncs and these 1500lbs stock are flying at me, with their contestants holding on or being thrown off!
I hope you enjoy the photos, the faces of the contestants, the stock, the Directors, and the reactions to this event.
Here are questions that I had, and TJ Spoonhunter Bronc Riding Director graciously answered.
26 FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018 I HORSE & AG MAGAZINE
Who started it? Current Board Members? Barrett Littell (President), Tammy Arnold (Vice President), Tj Spoonhunter (Director at Large), Teri Murphy (Marketing Di- rector), Shane Morin (Bareback) Cooper Dewitt (Saddle Bronc), Mike Trask (Bull Riding), Breann Stone (Barrel Racing), Willard Moody (Tie Down Roping), Dale Davies (Inc Tie Down Roping), Wacey Wescott (Team Roping), Nate Singletary (Inc Team Rop- ing), Derek Worthen (Steer Wrestling), Kayse Mahoney (Break- away).
How many rodeos a year does the GCPRA put on? Where are the locations? Will you be adding more rodeos in the future? 17 rodeos on average, Gilbert, Lake Havasu, Apache Junction, Globe, Queen Creek, Sanoita, Tucson, Duncan, Holbrook, Nee- dles CA, Durango CO, FT Mohave, Benson, The GCPRA is always looking to add more rodeos every year.
Behind the scenes, what are the preparations too pulling a rodeo together? Producing and organizing a rodeo is very hard. First the pro- ducer must determine the dates for the event, the location, hire
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