‘Ironman’ is a true test for rodeo’s best

Why is the Timed Event Championship of the World called the “Ironman of ProRodeo?”

It’s the most challenging rodeo event in the world, where 20 invited cowboys pony up $3,000 each to test their versatile talents against one another and in each discipline: heading, heeling, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and steer roping.

“I’ve always loved roping calves and bulldogging and stuff,” said Russell Cardoza, a three-time heeling qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. “I’ve always wanted to win the Timed Event, so I finally got in it when I started rodeoing. I’ve kind of always liked all” the timed events.

The Timed Event also is the most rugged event in the game. Each contestant will make a run in each discipline, every performance. They compete over five go-rounds, which equates to 25 runs in just three days. Most of the cowboys in the mix focus on one particular discipline. Cardoza and Dustin Bird are heelers, while Spencer Mitchell is a header. Those guys are relative newcomers to the game, with Bird and Mitchell making their first appearances in the field last March.

“Actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be,” said Bird, who has qualified for the NFR each of the past two seasons. “I’m kind of getting to like it. I’ve just got to slow down a little bit and start doing things right. I get in a speed jam all the time.”

There are numerous others who have proven themselves among the greatest all-around cowboys in the game, from five-time Timed Event winner K.C. Jones, who qualified for the NFR in both team roping and tie-down roping, to three-time champion Daniel Green, who focused on heading during his 10 trips to Las Vegas. Josh Peek is an NFR all-around champion who has qualified in both steer wrestling and tie-down roping.

This field is loaded from top to bottom, including a couple of Linderman Award winners in Mike Outhier and Trell Etbauer, both of whom have proven themselves in timed events and riding bucking animals. They were quite handy during last year’s Timed Event, but it’s what fans have come to expect during the “Ironman.”

This year’s Timed Event Championship of the World will be showcased in an RFD-TV prime-time special Wednesday, March 12, just a few days after this year’s winner is crowned. It’s a grand celebration for the 30^th anniversary of the “Ironman of ProRodeo,” the most unique and challenging rodeo competition in the game. Only 11 cowboys have won one of the most prestigious titles in rodeo.

“They all work at it, and they know to not beat themselves,” Mitchell said about past champs.

Families will enjoy all of the activities planned for the performances. Ticket prices are $45 for VIP, box seats $35, reserved bleachers $30 and general admission $25. Children 12 and under are free in general admission and VIP. Group and multiple performance discounts are also available. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.lazye.com, calling Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or by calling the Lazy E Arena directly at (800) 595-RIDE.

A portion of the proceeds from the 2014 Timed Event Championship will be donated to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. In addition, Priefert Ranch & Rodeo Equipment, The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the Lazy E will again be auctioning off a Customized Priefert Roping Chute that will be used in this year’s competition to the highest bidder of the weekend – all proceeds will be donated to the Rodeo Historical Society. The Lazy E is proud to support this institution for western preservation!

Country Christian artist Susie McEntire-Eaton and her husband, Mark Eaton, will perform during Cowboy Church, set for 9 a.m. Sunday, March 9, at the Lazy E Arena – the service is open to the public. And new for 2014, the Lazy E will host the First Annual TEC Chuckwagon Cook-Off Competition starting Friday with final conclusion and meals open to the public on Saturday afternoon.

The 2014 Timed Event Championship is sponsored by Priefert Ranch & Rodeo Equipment, Pendleton Whisky, Wrangler, American Farmers and Ranchers Insurance, Bloomer Trailers, MacroAir, Cross Bar Gallery, Ram Trucks, John Vance Motors, Western Horseman Magazine, LT Energy, Swire Oilfield Services, R.K. Black Inc., Gist Silversmiths, Spin to Win Magazine, National Saddlery, Hot Heels, Rodeo Video, Resistol Hats, CSI Saddlepads, the Best Western Edmond, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites – Edmond.

The 2014 Timed Event Championship is a Lazy E Production. For more information on the Timed Event Championship or other Lazy E events, contact the Lazy E Arena, 9600 Lazy E Drive, Guthrie, OK 73044, (405) 282-RIDE, (800) 595-RIDE or visit www.lazye.com.

Official Invited Timed Event Championship of the World Contestants

Current Listing as of March 3rd, 2014, and Subject to Change

1. Daniel Green, Oakdale, California

2. Paul David Tierney, Oral, South Dakota

3. K.C. Jones, Burlington, Wyoming

4. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, South Dakota

5. Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Oregon

6. Trell Etbauer, Gruver, Texas

7. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Arizona

8. Jo Jo LeMond, Andrews, Texas

9. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colorado

10. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Oklahoma