Scott Kormos
3-Time Wrangler National Finals Qualifier
2002 Resistol Rookie of the Year
5-Time Texas Finals Circuit Qualifier
2-Time CNFR Qualifier (Top 5 in 01?)
2000 Southern Region Calf Roping Champ
2000 Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association Champ
Events: Tie-Down Roping
Born: 8/1/1980 Corsicana, TX
Joined PRCA: 2001
Residence: Teague, TX
Education: Hill College (Hillsboro, TX)
Other Occupation: Farrier
Family: Married Laine on May 19, 2007. She works as a Nurse.
Scott and Laine proudly announced that they are expecting a baby this year.
Jody: What are your plans in 2008?
Scott: To get back to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. We?ll see how the winter goes and take it from there.
Jody: How are you doing so far?
Scott: I placed 2nd in the 1st go-round in Ft. Worth, Texas and placed in the 2nd go-round in Denver, Colorado.
Jody: I know your two horses got hurt last year and you rode Justin Maass's great horse at the WNFR, what are you riding now?
Scott: I?m back on my two, Hick and Coon, they are both sound and good to go.
Jody: How did you get started roping and at what age?
Scott: I started about 7 years old. My Dad, Michael, team roped so that?s what I started out doing. Then one day my dad asked me if I wanted to go to a team roping or calf roping school. I chose calf roping.
Jody: You are fresh off your 3rd trip to the WNFR, what do you attribute your success to?
Scott: Good horses, trying to be consistent day in and day out, and good friends helping me along the way. You take last year, my horses got hurt and Justin Maass let me ride his horse (the AQHA Horse of the Year).
Jody: You are known as one of the fastest guys in the game, I witnessed a 6.7 second run in Lakeside, California, what is the fastest you?ve even been?
Scott: I?ve tied about 8 or 9 calves under 7 seconds, but the Lakeside run was the fastest.
Jody: Speaking of fast did you ever compete in the Mobetta Tying Matches?
Scott: Yes, I won the matches in 2004. In the finals, I went up against Matt Shiozawa and we were tied after 6 head and had to tie a 7th calf to decide a winner.
Jody: What is the most memorable run of your career?
Scott: I would say winning my first go-round at the Wrangler National Finals.
Jody: What roper did you look up to growing up?
Scott: Joe Beaver, he was the man when I was a kid. I liked watching him on the NFR tapes.
Jody: Did you play any other sports in school?
Scott: No. It was always roping. There was not enough time to play or practice other sports.
Jody: When you are not roping, what do you do for fun?
Scott: Relax! Play basketball and hunt.
Jody: Favorite sports team?
Scott: Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns. I?m a big football fan.
Jody: If you could have front row seats at any sporting event, which one would it be?
Scott: I would say the Super Bowl.
Jody: What?s your favorite meal on the road?
Scott: A good Steak, I like the Western Sky Restaurant in San Angelo, Texas.
Jody: Favorite Rodeo?
Scott: Houston, Texas. I like the atmosphere, the concerts and the committee treats you great.
Jody: Most famous person you?ve met?
Scott: George Strait.
Jody: If you were not a rodeo cowboy, what would you be doing?
Scott: I would be just a regular guy, with a job, or maybe a football coach.
Jody: Where are you headed next?
Scott: I go to Jackson, Mississippi on Tuesday, February 12th and then to San Angelo, Texas on
Saturday and Sunday, February 16th and 17th.
Scott is currently ranked #15 with $7,392 in the PRCA World Standings and ranked among the Top 15 in the Heartland Pro Rodeo Series
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Cory McFadden
4-time PBR World Finals Qualifier (2001-02, 2004-05)
National Finals Rodeo Qualifier (2001)
Pace Picante ProRodeo Challenge Qualifier (2004)
One of only two bull riders to ever ride the legendary bull Little Yellow Jacket twice
Nickname: Cory Mac
Hometown: Crane, Texas
Current Residence: Coleman, Texas
Birthday: December 4, 1975
Height: 5' 8" Weight: 140 lbs.
Family: son, Charles Cort
Turned Pro: 1995 PBR Member: 1996
Overall Earnings: Over $1,000,000
Career PBR Earnings: $631,644.27
PRCA: Over $400,000
2008 PRCA: #45 $10,535
Other Interests: Ranching
More Career Accomplishments
Finished Top 4 in the Average at the PBR Finals on 3 Different Occasions
Highest Marked Rides: PBR – 95 2002 PBR Finals on Little Yellow Jacket
95.5 2001 PBR Finals on Mossy Oak Mudslinger
95.5 2002 Billings, MT on Little Yellow Jacket
PRCA – 94 Denver, CO on S87 Bailey’s Diamond Dog
Average Ride Score: 85.95
9- 90pt Rides
1999 Texas PRCA Circuit Champion
Top PBR Event wins: Pasadena (TX), Odessa (TX), Pueblo (CO), West Monroe (LA), Wichita Falls (TX)
Top PRCA Event Wins: Cheyenne (WY), St. Paul (OR), Pendleton (OR), Corpus Christi (TX), Pecos (TX), Rodeo Houston, San Angelo (TX), Laughlin (NV), Kansas City (MO)
Jody: Where did you go this past weekend and how did you do?
Cory: I went to Corpus Christi, Texas and Lufkin, Texas and I didn’t win anything.
Jody: You had Frontier/Teague bull, Just a Dream, (a bull you’ve ridden for 91pts) in Corpus Christi, how did it go?
Cory: Just a Dream had not been out in about 4 months and he was really fresh. He had a good day, was wild and jumping high with some rolls, went right and pulled the rope out of my hand. Then went left and I only had the tail of my rope and he dumped me.
Jody: How did you get started riding and at what age?
Cory: All my family was involved in rodeo. I roped my first calf when I was about 6 yrs old and at 7 started riding steers. I roped and rode until I was about 11 or 12 (at which point) I knew I just wanted to be a bull rider.
Jody: What do you attribute your success to?
Cory: The privilege of having great parents that took me to the rodeos and events when I was a kid gave me the opportunity to be successful. They always gave me the choice to rodeo or do something else.
Jody: What is the most memorable ride of your career?
Cory: I have two. The short go at the 2001 PBR Finals on Mossy Oak Mud Slinger. This was my 1st PBR Finals.
The second ride was on Little Yellow Jacket at the PBR Finals, making me the first guy to ride him twice.
Jody: What rider have you looked up to throughout your career?
Cory: Wacey Cathey & The Razor (Jim Sharp). They were both West Texas Boys and legends when I was a kid. When you get older you look up to guys for different reasons. I looked up to my two traveling partners. Greg Potter- I have a lot of respect for him, coming from another country and winning. I don’t think I could go to Australia and be successful. It just has to be hard. He just didn’t win for one year; he’s done it consistently for a long time. Josh O’Byrne, for his determination. Josh taught me a lot about how to rodeo, how to get to rodeos and how to win.
Jody: You’ve had some severe injuries in your career, how do you feel this year?
Cory: Good so far, a few little things. The last couple of years have been terrible and my stats show it. I don’t think that I’ve been able to ride for 6 months in a row. This year I have been healthy and it’s starting to show in my riding.
Jody: Helmet or hat?
Cory: Hat. Last fall I fractured my jam and started using a mask with my hat. Tandy (Dr. Tandy Freeman) told me to get a helmet or mask or don’t ride. I thought it might bother me, but it didn’t and I rode really well. I still wear the mask sometimes and used it at Corpus Christi on Just a Dream. I’ve never used a helmet.
Jody: Will you consider wearing a helmet?
Cory: I might. I think it’s just what ever you’re comfortable with. I think kids should use them and eventually we may see all bull riders wearing them.
Jody: Like most bull riders you’ve had your share of bumps and bruises, what injuries have you had?
Cory: A fractured jaw, my ear stomped off, left hand crushed, knee surgery, some pulled groins, concussions (which have been the biggest problem in the last two years) and some other minor injuries.
Jody: For the young riders coming up in the game, how do you stay positive while you’re injured?
Cory: It’s about how bad do you want to ride bulls. Focus on your rehab and doing your rehab the right way to get better. The improvement of the injury helps you look forward. I try to stay positive and know that tomorrow I will be able to win.
Jody: What is it like being on the PBR Built Ford Tough Series?
Cory: Great. You’ve got the best bulls and some of the best bull riders in the world. It’s a different atmosphere than the rodeos. Every week you’re riding in front of big crowds and you are pushed to be you best at all times. The TV coverage allows people to keep tabs on you, when rodeoing you might go a while before anyone knows how you’re doing. It’s also a better opportunity to make more money and get sponsors.
Jody: What does the PBR supply for the Top 45?
Cory: You have no entry fees and you get an appearance fee.
Jody: Did you play any other sports in school?
Cory: Football and ran some track.
Jody: When you’re not riding, what do you do for fun?
Cory: I like to take my little boy to do something. This past weekend he got to go with me and we stayed an extra day in Corpus Christi and went to the beach.
Jody: Favorite sports team?
Cory: Dallas Cowboys
Jody: What’s your favorite meal on the road?
Cory: Steak and Potatoes, when I ride good enough.
Jody: Favorite Rodeo?
Cory: Cheyenne, Wyoming and St Paul, Oregon
Jody: Favorite PBR?
Cory: Worcester, Mass. The fans are crazy.
Jody: If you could have front row seats at any sporting event, which one would it be?
Cory: The Super Bowl
Jody: Any advice for a young bull rider?
Cory: Try as had as you can or stay at home
Jody: If you were not a bull rider, what would you be doing?
Cory: If I had my wish, I would just be a cowboy every day. Have a ranch and a lot of cows.
Jody: Goals for this year?
Cory: Just trying to get healthy and get to riding good again. To get back on the PBR Built Ford Tough Series, I love the rodeo trail but the Built Ford Tough Series allows you to be home a lot more. I would love to make either the PRCA or PBR Finals again.
Jody: Where can we see you next?
Cory: I have taken this week off. I'm going to Beaumont, Texas PRCA Rodeo and some other Texas rodeos next week. Maybe Jasper, Crockett or Conroe. Then hopefully the PBR at Liberty the following week.
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Luke Branquinho
2004 PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler
Joined PRCA: 2000
Career Earnings: $956,017.00
WNFR Qualifications: 6
Current 2008 Standings: #2 in the PRCA World Standings with $117,890
Professional Career Awards
Ø 2000 PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year- Steer Wrestling
Ø 2000 PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year- All Around Cowboy
Ø 2004 California Circuit Year-End Champ- Steer Wrestling
Amateur Awards
Ø 1998 California High School Rodeo All-Around Champion
Ø 1998 California High School Rodeo Steer Wrestling Champion
Ø 1998 California High School Rodeo Team Roping Champion
Ø 1996 California High School Rodeo Steer Wrestling Champion
Personal
Ø Born 9/17/1980 Santa Maria, CA
Ø Education: West Hills Community College (Coalinga, CA)
Ø Height: 6-0 Weight: 235
Ø Married to wife Lindsay who is a WPRA barrel racer
Ø Father of son Mark Cade who was born June 7, 2008
Interview (October 9, 2008)
Without any rodeos to go to, what have you been up too the last couple of weeks?
My dad and I left on the 29th for Lance Creek, Wyoming to do some mule deer hunting for 3 days; my dad killed a real nice deer. Then on the 3rd, we headed to New Mexico to hunt some elk. We were just south of Gallup, NM.
How has being a family man changed your rodeoing?
It’s tough not being at home, but I have to stay on the road to make a living.
Your coming off a huge win in Omaha, would you say it the biggest win in your career?
No, in 2004 I won the Las Vegas Winter Tour Finale for about $22,000 and won Dallas that same year for about $22,000.
I know you grew up in the ranching industry; at what age did you start rodeoing?
As soon as I could ride, I probably started junior rodeoing around six or seven.
When did you jump your first bull dogging steer?
1994, my freshman year in high school; I was14 years old.
You’ve already won a world title, what will it take to get another gold buckle?
Staying consistent in Las Vegas; if I didn’t miss a steer in 06 and 07, I could have won another (gold buckle), but that’s just rodeoing.
Do you own the bulldogging horses that you ride at the rodeos?
No, the grey horse “Skid” is owned by Rance Thrall of Norco and “Willie” is owned by Curtis Cassidy.
How many different guys ride them each week?
About 4 guys ride Skid.
Do you know how much money has been won on them this year?
Skid (has won) about $100,000 and I won $80,000 on him in the 2007 regular season alone.
They’ve won about $200,000 this year on Willie.
Who will haze for you at the WNFR this year?
Curtis Cassidy
You work multiple events at times, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, and Tie-Down. Besides the Steer Wrestling what is your favorite event?
Steer Roping, I only do it once a year at the Timed Event Championships.
If you could be the PRCA CEO for a day, what would be the first thing you would change?
Tough question. There are so many things. I would say try to get more sponsors into our sport. That trickles down to everybody, contestants, contractors, contract personal, everybody.
Do you think the PRCA should change the year-end cut off back to November?
No, it’s great where it is.
What do you think about moving the rodeo count back to 100 versus leaving it at 70 or making it less?
70 is good, with the price of fuel a 100 is just too many.
What rodeo format would you like to see?
They’re talking about an A and B rodeo system. Top 40 contestants in the A series with bottom 5 dropping off and picking up the top 5 in the B series throughout the season.
No C rodeos?
I don’t think there are enough Bareback and Saddle Bronc riders to have C rodeos.
What is the most memorable run of your career?
That’s tough. There are so many good ones. Probably the 2.7 second run in San Francisco (Cow Palace).
Was that your fastest run ever?
Yes.
What bulldogger have you looked up to throughout your career?
Quite a few. John W Jones, Jr., Oat Berry, and Steve Duhon.
Do you have a name for the dance you do after a great run?
Embarrassing
Being an announcer myself, I’ve got to know what you thought about calling the WNFR action on the radio in 2005?
I would have like to have been bull dogging in the arena, but it was exciting calling the action on radio and maybe a stepping stone for the future.
So there’s a future in the business?
I would like to try to give back to the sport and maybe make a little money.
You were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when you were 18 years old, is it tough to control since you are on the road so much?
No, I just try to eat right.
Do you have any advice for other people that are living with diabetes?
Don’t let it get you down and stay on top of it.
Did you play any other sports before you concentrated on rodeo?
Baseball
What position?
I played catcher.
No Football?
No, the coach didn’t think it fit with my rodeo schedule.
When you’re not rodeoing, what do you do for fun?
Hunt.
Favorite sports team?
No favorites.
What’s your favorite meal on the road?
Texas Roadhouse rib eye is hard to beat and the rolls with cinnamon butter.
What is your favorite rodeo?
A lot of them, I like Pendleton and Salinas.
If you could have front row seats at any sporting event, which one would it be?
The Super Bowl on the sideline.
Your successful rodeo career has given you the opportunity to meet many celebrities; does anyone stand out?
Tom Selick. I met him a couple of times at the NFR and he’s very friendly and personable and really into rodeo. A cool guy.
If you weren’t a rodeo cowboy, what would you be doing?
Good Question; a Hunting guide maybe.
Where are you off to next?
Tehachapi, California to do more hunting, then to Coalinga, California to be inducted into the West Hills College Sports Hall of Fame, and then to Dallas(Ariat Playoffs).
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