Tri-State Neighbor: South Dakota Farm Newspaper

HURON, S.D. - The 2007 South Dakota Rodeo Association Championship Finals Rodeo was held Oct. 12-14 on the South Dakota state fairgrounds in Huron, S.D.

The three-performance finals was held in the beef complex building with large crowds and fast-paced rodeo action.

Twelve finalists from across the state of South Dakota competed in 12 events for the honor of being year-end champions.

On Oct. 13, finalists had an extra opportunity for competition in several jackpot events.

Breakaway roping for senior men and ladies, team roping, steer wrestling, calf roping and a NBHA barrel racing had good participation.

Men's all-around champion was Dan Nelson of Creighton, S.D. Reserve champion was Jeff Jones of Midland, S.D.

Women's all-around champion was Jessica Painter of Buffalo, S.D. Reserve champion was Sunnie Reeves of Owanka, S.D.

The Dakota Cowboy Christmas Trade Show was held in conjunction with the finals rodeo in the expo building with many interesting booths. Rodeo dances were held each night at the Crossroads Motel where go-round winners in attendance were given a special cash prize.

Special royalty in attendance was Ashley Andrews, Miss Rodeo America, from Bowman, N.D., and Lacey Cole, Miss Rodeo South Dakota.

SDRA officers and directors were elected during the membership meeting Oct. 12.

Serving as president for another year will be Dan Pirrung of Hartford, S.D. Lonnie Harrowa of Rapid City, S.D., is the newly elected vice president.

The 2007 rodeo season for the SDRA will conclude with the annual awards banquet to be held in Pierre, S.D., in November.

Event winners and runners-up will receive championship saddles and buckles made possible by a tremendous list of SDRA supporters.

Past champions in the SDRA will also be recognized.

A directors meeting will be scheduled along with the general membership meeting followed by a social, banquet and awards presentation.

The SDRA was established to help organize rodeo contestants, committees and stock contractors of South Dakota for their mutual protection and benefit.

The primary purpose of the SDRA is to help raise the standards of cowboy contests so they shall rank among the foremost American sports.

The SDRA will continue to work for the betterment of conditions and of the rules governing rodeo events.

Contact the SDRA by mail at 19287 108th Street, Lemmon, SD 57638.