BY JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
Hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls and thousands of spectators will make their annual trek to Hays this weekend for the Fort Hays State University Rodeo.
Fort Hays State Rodeo coach Bronc Rumford says the rodeo is a big deal for Hays and he expects at least 2,000 people to be in town for this year’s 48th annual rodeo, April 18 and 19 at Doug Philip Arena.
“There’s not very many events that will be a bigger economic impact on Hays,” Rumford said, noting most visitors will be coming from outside Ellis County.
Not only does the rodeo attract fans from all over, but it brings more than 500 competitors — representing 20 states — to Hays.
Rumford, in his fifth year as head coach at FHSU, said the Central Plains region is the biggest of the 11 regions and many of those athletes are some of the best in the country.
The No. 1 bull rider in ProRodeo, Sage Kimzey from Southwestern Oklahoma State will be in Hays this weekend to take part in the rodeo. Rumford said this is a very talented and tough region.
“Some of the best (competition) in the world,” he said.
Rumford also said he is excited about the FHSU team, which has had competitors make it to the championship round of every rodeo it has competed in this year.
Bareback rider Jake Willems is ranked No. 9 in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Central Plains rankings and is in contention to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo. Willems leads a talented by young FHSU men’s team this year.
The Fort Hays women’s team is ranked No. 13, and Rumford said they have six competing for the five spots on the points team. He believes they can compete to win this weekend’s rodeo.
Rumford said there are a number of special events for fans to enjoy. There is a costume ribbon roping Friday night and, Saturday is the wild ride, where riders dress in costumes and ride bucking horses. Also on Saturday, there will be a special entertainer that has appeared all over the world including Euro Disney.
Also on Saturday, the Doc Brower Memorial Scholarship will be awarded. The scholarship honors Dr. Garry “Doc” Brower, who coached the FHSU Rodeo Club for 25 years.
Events begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday night and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.