Billy’s Back

The most recognized name and face in professional rodeo arrived in Cheyenne early and his back is hurting. Billy Etbauer rides broncs like no other and he’s aged well by staying in great physical condition. But he finished a ride a few days ago by striking a fence and he’s visibly seized up. Etbauer sought some medical assistance from the Justin Sports Medicine team in Cheyenne yesterday along with a consult with Cheyenne Dr. Skip Ross. Billy will do all he can to have his body ready for his first ride at frontier days tomorrow. If you know anything at all about this man who has graced his mid-forties by leading the world standings again, Billy Etbauer will be spurring with everything he has to try and win what has proved to be the most elusive individual championship for him – The Daddy Of ‘em All. Etbauer traveled for many years with his two brothers, Dan and Robert. Dan is working as a pick-up man at Cheyenne Frontier Days this year. There is no rodeo man on this earth who would be happier than Dan will be if he rides alongside his brother to bring him safely down from a gold buckle ride in Cheyenne.

Pouring Down Scores Up

The skies finally broke over the arena yesterday and it was a good gully washer for much of an hour. Mud made for some splashy rides and runs. It’s always great to see that spray sent forward by the steer wrestlers. There were some high marks in bareback riding once the rain came including the two top rides of the competition so far – a pair of 87-point scampers by Bobby Mote of Oregon and newcomer Tyrel Nelson who lives in Cheyenne.

Hawaiian Exhibition

Cheyenne is recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 1908 Daddy when a trio of steer ropers from Hawaii competed in, and won, frontier days. A few “paniolos” – Hawaiian for cowboys – showed their skills in the Cheyenne arena yesterday. They have a very unique way of roping a steer’s head to a rail. The Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum has a special exhibit open on the whole history of Hawaiian cowboys in Cheyenne. Give it a look if you get the chance.

Friday Highlights

If you are a Wyoming rodeo fan you’ll want to get up early and cheer on world champion steer wrestler Jason Miller tomorrow. He’ll be out for frontier days slack beginning at 7 a.m. It’s free and the Lance Creek, WY dogger would appreciate the cheers. Jason is attending the free pancake breakfast tomorrow to flip jacks and sign autographs. He should be downtown by 8:30. Several hours before that bullfighter Jeremy Sparks is scheduled to be interviewed by a team from “The CBS Early Show.” Pending a last-minute change of events, Jeremy is supposed to make a 4:50 a.m. curtain call for a nationally-televised appearance from Cheyenne Depot Square.