Dakota Cowboy-06.23.23

The atmosphere was electrifying at the Dakota Winds Arena in Bowman, North Dakota, from June 7-11, 2023. We managed to connect with four ND state finalists, including Sheridan Bubel, the state champion breakaway roper, Sidney Sandstrom, the state champion rein cow, CeeJay Bohmach, a state finalist in barrels/breakaway, and Sutton Hennessy, a state finalist in steer wrestling/team roping. Today, Tisa Peek, co-host from Dakota Horse Magazine, will be conducting a meet and greet with them.

The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame community recently experienced a heartbreaking loss when a board member unexpectedly lost his cherished wife, Mona, in December. A native of the state's western part, Mona was an ardent visitor to The NDCHF. To honor her memory, a magnificent fountain has been unveiled at The Alvin Nelson Memorial Arena, and the establishment of The Mona Kramer Scholarship Fund exclusively for The NDCHF members and their families is a recent development. Ron, in conversation with Wild Bill, The NDCHF's media director, will be discussing this and other topics.

Our NDCHF Hall of Honorees Inductee for the Week is Rockie Kukla. Born in Dickinson, ND, in 1959 and brought up north of Killdeer, Rockie embarked on his rodeo career at the Killdeer Mountain Showdeo. Under the mentorship of Doug Hansen, he participated in team roping and saddle bronc riding during high school in 1976 and 1977 and made it to the National High School Rodeo finals in Lake Charles, LA. Rockie continued his rodeo journey at Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT, on a rodeo scholarship and made it to the NIRA finals in 1979. He held a PRCA card from 1978 to 1989, when he rode saddle broncs professionally. He qualified for the Badlands Circuit finals eight times, clinching the average win in 1987 and the reserve champion title in 1989. Despite breaking his leg at the Omaha rodeo while sitting 13th in the standings, Rockie had a successful career, finishing in the top 20 PRCA saddle bronc for five years. He received invitations to the Home on the Range Champions Ride seven times, winning it twice.

Meanwhile, our student-athlete of the week is Kiera Mavity from south of Dickinson, ND, a student at Dickinson High School. She is not just involved in rodeo but participates in many other extracurricular activities as well.

<h2>TAKEAWAYS</h2>

- Rodeo student-athletes provide insights into their journey from their introduction to rodeo, the challenges of managing sports, and their passion for the game.
- Mona Kramer's enduring love for the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame will be remembered for years to come.
- Kiera Mavity, a proactive high school student, excels not only in rodeo but also in numerous other extracurricular activities.

🛠 TOOLS AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE:
https://northdakotacowboy.org/
https://www.facebook.com/NorthDakotaCowboy/
https://medora.com/cowboyhalloffame/

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https://www.bek.news/dakotacowboy