From: TSLOAN@MEDUSA.UNM.EDU Date: Tue, 11 Nov 1997 13:03:19 -0700 (MST) Subject: 11th IGRA Finals Rodeo IGRA Press Release November 11, 1997 Contact: Thom Sloan Public Relations Spokesperson 505-272-2670 tsloan@salud.unm.edu IGRA website www.igra.com The International Gay Rodeo Association [IGRA] has completed its 11th annual International Rodeo of Champions in Phoenix, AZ, October 23-26, 1997. Over 135 cowboys and cowgirls from across the United States and Canada completed for the title of International Champion in each of the 13 IGRA events. THe title of All Around Cowboy went to Dennis Terrell, Atlantic States Gay Rodeo Association [ASGRA] and All Around Cowgirl honors went to Carla Byrant, Oklahoma Gya Rodeo Association [OGRA]. Many cowboys and cowgirls were first-time Finals buckle winners in Phoenix. Some of those included: Debbie Andrews, Golden State Gay Rodeo Association [GSGRA] - Women's Bull Riding Rusty Beatty, Utah Gay Rodeo Association [UGRA] - Men's Bull Riding and Bareback Bronc Riding Jerry Cunningham, Colorado Gay Rodeo Association [CGRA] - Goat Dressing Jim De Line, Missouri Gay Rodeo Association [MGRA] - Men's Chute Dogging Kathy Kosorok, CGRA - Women's Steer Riding Slim Pickens, Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association [ARGRA] - Men's Steer Riding Other International Champions who have made their way to the Awards podium before the 11th Finals Rodeo and made it back this year included: John Beck, CGRA - Men's Flag Race Candy Bell, GSGRA - Women's Bareback Bronc Riding & Wild Drag Race Carla Bryant, OGRA - Women's Flag Race Justin Dennis, CGRA - Men's Calf Roping on Foot John Mason, CGRA - Goat Dressing Drew Oberbeck,GSGRA - Wild Drag Race Candy Pratt, Texas Gay Rodeo Association [TGRA] - Steer Decorating, Women's Break-away Roping & Women's Pole Bending David Smith, GSGRA - Wild Drag Race Dave Stinson, OGRA - Steer Decorating Dennis Terrell, ASGRA - Team Roping & Men's Break-away Roping Cheryl Wayne, TGRA - Women's Calf Roping on Foot Also honored at the Finals Rodeo were the Rookies of the year. THese are the man and woman with who accumulated the most points throughout their first year of IGRA competition. Honors went to Matt Stark, Kansas Gay Rodeo Association [KGRA] and Renee Rettstatt, GSGRA. Another important competition for IGRA this past weekend was the IGRA Royalty Competition. New Miss, Mr. amd Ms. IGRA representatives were crowned and will have the responsibility of representing IGRA at rodeos and other events throughout the coming year as well as raising funds for charities. THe new IGRA Royalty for 1998 are: Miss IGRA - Beverly DeMarco, aka Anthony DaSilva, New Mexico Gay Rodeo Association [NMGRA] Mr. IGRA - Kurt McGregor, Arizona Gay Rodeo Association [AGRA] Ms. IGRA - Tamara Marks, Michigan Gay Rodeo Association [MIGRA] 1st Runners-Up Miss IGRA - Anita Lei, aka Michael Hayward, Nevada Gay Rodeo Association [NGRA] Mr. IGRA - Rob Hadaway, NGRA Ms. IGRA - Dot Trevis, Northstar Gay Rodeo Association [NSGRA] 2nd Runners-Up Miss IGRA - Jame Roberts, TGRA Mr. IGRA - Guy Johnson, GSGRA Ms. IGRA - T.J. Alvis, AGRA IGRA is very proud of all of our International Rodeo Champions, our new IGRA Royalty for 1998 and all contestants who competed in the Finals Rodeo and Royalty Competition. Good luck in the coming year!