Resistol Hosts Celebration for the 2017 Resistol Rookies of the Year
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – While many of the top PRCA competitors have multiple chances throughout their career to win gold buckles and titles in the events they compete in, there is one award that a competitor has only one shot at, the coveted Resistol Rookie of the Year. This award is given out to first year card members who are the high money winner of their event at the end of the season including WNFR. Resistol, one of the original sponsors of the PRCA and official hat of the PRCA, celebrated the 2017 Resistol Rookies with its third annual luncheon to honor each of the recipients. The rookies received airfare, tickets to the rodeo and hotel rooms to attend the special occasion.
Two Resistol Rookies qualified for the 2017 WNFR, Boudreaux Campbell in the bullriding and WPRA barrel racer Taci Bettis.
Congratulations to the all 2017 PRCA Resistol Rookies of the Year:
All-Around – Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, AL
Saddle Bronc – Shade Etbauer, Goodwell, OK
Team Roping Header – Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, AL
Team Roping – Heeler Cody Hogan, Athens, TX
Tie-Down Roping – Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, OK
Steer Wrestling – Jesse Brown, Baker City, OR
Steer Roping – Kelton McMillen, Paden, OK
Bareback – Tanner Phipps, Dalton, GA
Barrel Racing – Taci Bettis, Round Top, TX
Bullriding – Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, TX
Family, friends and industry people enjoyed music, food and fellowship as the rookies were honored and individually introduced during the noon hour at the South Point Hotel and Casino on the WNFR’s Resistol Day. The PRCA Resistol Rookies were presented with a custom, personalized 20X Resistol Black Gold hat and trophy carrying case, a beautifully fully tooled trophy Cactus Saddle, Resistol logo Yeti Cooler, a Resistol PRCA Rookie leather trophy jacket, Wrangler Jeans, and a gift from Fastback Ropes. World Champion and past Resistol Rookie of the Year Joe Beaver, World Champion Tuff Hedeman and past Resistol Rookies of the Year.
Cash Myers and Luke Branquinho each addressed the well-attended event with congratulations to the rookies and sentiments of what the title means. Their messages praised the 2017 Resistol Rookies’ hard work, and noted that is this a once in a lifetime achievement that only a special few achieve and a title they will carry throughout their career. PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman, Resistol General Manager Ricky Bolin and brand director Mary Jane Carpenter also congratulated the Resistol Rookies noting that they are the future of the sport and the PRCA. The PRCA Resistol Rookies of the Year were again recognized in the arena during Round 8 of the WNFR and presented their Montana Silversmiths champion buckles.
Resistol also invited and introduced the 2017 National Little Britches Association Resistol Rookies of the Year and their families. Congratulations to these amazing youth rodeo athletes: Bailey Fullmer, Senior Girl, Nevada; Culley Morgan, Senior Boy, Oklahoma; Chloe Northrup, Texas, Junior Girl; Coy Hebert, Junior Boy, Louisiana; Addi Jones, Little Wrangler, Oklahoma.
Resistol “Ride for the Brand” Award, a newly created award for an industry person or persons who promote the brand extensively throughout the year in an authentic and positive way. Each time a PRCA Resistol Rookie rides in any performance at a PRCA rodeo, this group of guys always announce this accomplishment. This title follows PRCA rookies throughout their careers. The “Ride for the Brand” award was presented to this group of announcers: Bob Tallman, Boyd Polhamus, Randy Corley, Wayne Brooks and Roger Mooney.
Also presented at the luncheon was the The Resistol “Man of the Year” award. This award goes to someone in the industry that goes above and beyond to further our industry, our sport and our lifestyle. The 2017 recipient is Karl Stressman. Karl was surprised by the award and gave heartfelt thanks.
Resistol will be promoting the 2017 Resistol Rookies through print and social media and look forward to returning to the South Point Hotel in 2018 for the 2018 Resistol Rookie Celebration!