SPRINGDALE -- Chad Evans has already put 22,000 miles on a new truck he bought two months ago.
That's a prime example of the nomadic lifestyle he leads as a rodeo cowboy.
Rodeo of the Ozarks
WHEN: Today through Saturday, gates open at 6 p.m. and rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Parsons Stadium, Springdale
ADMISSION: $15 to $23 for grandstand seating; $25 for box seats; $38 for Buckle Club seats; children, $7 for grandstand seating.
INFO: www.rodeooftheozark… or call (877) 927-6336.
Rodeo of the Ozarks
Wednesday's results
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
NAME^POINTS/TIME
Louie Brunson^86
Will Smith^80
Hardy Braden^80
Jesse Bail^77.5
BAREBACK RIDING
Ty Bruer^83.5
Anthony Thomas^82
Casey Bruer^75
Shane O'Connell^68
Sandro Ferretti^68
STEER WRESTLING
Ryan Swayze^3.8
Weston Taylor^4.0
Joby Allen^4.8
Jarrett New^4.8
Gary Gilbert^5.1
Kamry Dymmek^5.2
TEAM ROPING
Reed/Brown^10.3
Sullivan/Sullivan^11.2
TIE-DOWN ROPING
Marcos Coasta^8.9
Sam Nave^9.4
Cole Wilson^12.7
Cody James^10.4
BARREL RACING
Emily Miller^16.98
Jennifer Arnold^17.13
Kristin Hanchey^17.22
Mary Burger^17.25
BULL RIDING
Walker Greynolds^82
Garrett Tribble^77 1/2
BAREBACK RIDING
Casey Brewer^75
Shane O'Connell^68
Sandro Ferritti^68
Ty Brewer^53.5
Anthony Thomas^52
Evans was back in his hometown to compete in Wednesday's team roping during the 72nd annual Rodeo of the Ozarks at Parsons Stadium. Evans and his partner, Thompson Berryhill of Talala, Okla., will be back Friday after driving from another event at Westville, Okla.
Evans and Berryhill failed to score on an opening night when the animals dominated the cowboys and cowgirls. Rodeo clown Cody Sosebee kept the crowd entertained, especially when he entered the arena dressed as Elvis on a chariot pulled by two small horses. Fans stayed around for bull riding, the last event where only two of the 16 riders stayed on long enough to record points.
"That's part of it," Evans said of Wednesday's disappointment. "But we'll be back Friday."
Evans now calls Fairland, Okla., home but he and his family were heavily involved in the Rodeo of the Ozarks while he was growing up.
"I started riding in the parade and grand entry when I was 5 years old," Evans said. "So, this rodeo is real important to me."
Evans, 33, graduated from Springdale High School in 2001, where he played football and baseball for the Bulldogs. He was a tight end and linebacker when Springdale won a state football championship in 2001.
But rodeo remains his passion, and the mileage on his 2016 Chevrolet truck is a testament to his dedication.
"We were at rodeos all last week, and we've got five more coming up," said Evans, who's been on the rodeo circuit for 10 years. "We'll be at Ozark, Mo., Saturday, and Edmond, Okla., Sunday. Then, we're home for five days and leave for 20."
The 72nd version of the Rodeo of the Ozarks will continue through Saturday night. The dates of the rodeo was moved up to attract more top competitors and to take advantage of a Saturday night crowd because July 4 falls on Monday this year.
Sports on 06/23/2016