Bronc School Continues to Grow Legacy

Goodwell, Okla. — The short rounds of college rodeo can always be found packed full of the red and blue vests of Oklahoma Panhandle State University Rodeo leaving no denying that Panhandle State is the bronc riding capital of college rodeo! The annual Deke Latham Memorial Bronc Riding School continues to grow this legacy as a tremendous amount of young talent is exposed to the Panhandle state tradition each year.

This year’s edition was held May 10-13 at the Doc Gardner Arena in Goodwell and saw over 25 students. Additionally, three students attended the Orin Larsen Bareback Riding School and three attended the Dan Etbauer pickup man school.

No doubt the level of instruction present at these schools is unsurpassable with a collection of world championships titles, numerous National Finals Rodeo qualifications, and many collegiate titles among the instructors including Robert Etbauer, Billy Etbauer, Dan Etbauer, Craig Latham, Brett Franks, Tyrel Larsen, Trell Etbauer, and Shade Etbauer.

The weather provided great days of instruction and the cowboys put their skills to the test during the match bronc riding Sunday afternoon, May 13. Gus Gallaird won the novice steer riding, a safer form of the traditional sport where the youngest group of students put their bronc saddles on steers. Lane Giovanetti won the novice bronc riding and Parker Glenn won the advanced bronc riding division. In the open bronc riding jackpot, Shade Etbauer was 80 points for the win. Orin Larsen got on his first saddle bronc in four years and was 79 points followed by his brother Tyrel Larsen with 78 points, and current team member, Rowdy Chesser was fourth place with 60 points. Each champion received a custom-made trophy bronc halter. Sam Goings was named the most improved student of the weekend and he earned $1500 to put towards purchasing a new bronc saddle.

Three awards were also given out to current Panhandle State students and rodeo team members at the conclusion of the event on Sunday. Callum Miller received the Shorty McCloy Award, Sam Goings earned the Deke Latham Award, and the Doc Gardner Award went to Lane Giovanetti.

McCloy Rodeo Company along with Frontier Rodeo Company, Mike Johnson, Skip Jones and Wes Kirton provided the horses for the event. Donations for feeding the livestock came from Gary Ivie, Tom Stephens, Arnold Beck, Murry Beasley, Britch Maddox, Ross Kelso with Frontier Feedyard, the Guymon Pro Rodeo Committee, Farmers Elevator and Texhoma Wheat Growers. The event received additional support from Guymon Convention & Tourism Board.