Round 1 of the Oklahoma City Pro Rodeo is Full of Action at the New OG&E Coliseum in OKC

It was a special night in Oklahoma City as Pro Rodeo christened the new indoor OG&E Coliseum at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds. The OG&E Coliseum replaced the longtime Jim Norick Arena, and this is one of the first of many rodeos the venue will see. Contestants from across the country gathered to compete in the beautiful new facility, with many being natives of the Sooner state.

   McCoy Rodeo and Tractor Supply put on this rodeo annually and it will continue with several more rounds throughout the weekend (Jan 23-25), regardless of weather. Although there is a winter storm impending, the leadership crew is taking every precaution to keep the contestants and livestock safe.

The competition in round 1 showed it will be a tough race throughout the weekend. Some extra events also added to the excitement of the Friday night show. Kansas born twin cowgirls Dayna and Mady Eilert were invited to ride bulls in the opening, showing their skills on what would become the first bull ride in the new arena. The girls showed good form and their gritty nature.

  Their energy set the pace for the rest of the night, and the roughstock riders got it done. The leading stock was from McCoy Rodeo and Mo Betta Rodeo and these bucking horses and bulls received high scores for their performances.

  In bareback riding, Cian Daly had a 74 point ride on a McCoy rodeo horse. Right behind him was young Nebraska cowboy Koltdyn Heath with a 73 point ride.

 The saddle broncs pushed their riders to perform, and the cowboys responded. Justin England had an 84.5 point ride on a Mo Betta Rodeo horse and Christopher Nelson had an 83.5 point ride also on a Mo Betta Rodeo horse.

  The top two rides in the bull riding were on McCoy Rodeo bulls, with PK Konkel and Patterson Starcher leading the board. Bulls are something the rodeo group is particularly well known for. Founder Cord McCoy is a famous Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) cowboy whose top events were bull riding and saddle bronc riding. He competed in everything from the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). His knowledge of the industry and first-hand experience has paid off when it comes to the quality of his productions and his work as a stock contractor. 

  An Oklahoma native, McCoy has seen his joy of triumph and tragedy in the rodeo arena, and had his skull crushed in 2004 by a bronc at an Oklahoma City rodeo. But he never stopped, continuing his multi-year career and even riding with a helmet when need be. His love for the rodeo shines through with his perseverance, and he was right there, organizing and cheering contestants on.

 The steer wrestlers brought their strength, and we saw Colton Swearingen with a 4.7 second run for first and Laramie Warren with a 4.9 second run just behind him.

The team and tie-down ropers were every bit as fast, with Clint Heller and Britton Grinstead leading the team roping with a 7.1 second run and Zane Rampey leading the tie-down.

   The ladies of barrel racing closed out the night with high speed and quick turns. Emily Griffin had a 16.24 second run to lead the barrel racers with Rachel Werkman close behind her with a 16.40 second run.

   Round 2 is on tonight and it’s anyone’s game. Who will be the round two winners?