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Meet a few of our members....
Riders On The Storm
Rodeo can be a storm…whether facing financial obstacles, family
obligations, physical limitations, or the emotional drain of lingering
doubt, sometimes the whole experience feels as if one is caught in a
storm, a storm of distraction. While some shrink under the pressure,
others find a network of comrades to lean on, helping hold each other
up. Traveling partners are hard to find, traveling partners with a
common goal are precious.
Alex 18, Ryan 17, and Josh Cate 13, along with friends Jesse Sanchez
13, Jeremy Ives 16, and Jesse Lisenbey 18 comprise six members of the
CTJRA that travel together. This team of rough stock enthusiasts hit
the rodeo trail each year in a Ford van. The band of rodeo "badboys"
share the expense of travel, and are comforted knowing a pal will be
there for them behind the chutes…"they're a team", says Hank Cate, chief
pilot of the large red van, "when one of them wins, we feel like we all
win". Hank knows that financial hardships are often what holds talented
youths back, " I like helping these guys, I want to help the younger
kids get going". Hank is currently building a rodeo facility at the
family ranch, "I like to see the kids start out riding some colts up
there" he says, "it really builds their skills and confidence". During
the rodeo season, the team goes really hard, "if it takes a lot of
driving, I get Melvin to help out" says Hank. Melvin, father of Jeremy
takes the helm of the Ford whenever Hank can't go, or is too tired to
drive.
While the team competes in all rough stock events, they are also
respected "matmen" in the Caribou Trail School Wrestling Association.
Jesse Lisenbey is the high school wrestling team captain, an active
member on the USBRC tour, and varsity football player at Omak. Alex is
also a wrestler, and a USBRC competitor. Jeremy, a sophomore at Omak is
active in the CTJRA, and USBRC, he is a fierce wrestler at Omak High.
Ryan is a three event roughstock man, and plays varsity football, and
wrestles at Omak. Josh Cate and Jesse Sanchez also wrestle during the
winter, and because of their age, they get to compete against each other
at Jr. Rodeos, "those two guys are really good friends" says Hank, "
they love to try to beat each other". Josh placed 2nd, and Jesse took
1st at the Regional Wrestling Finals.
These six young men take rodeo seriously, "they're tough tough tough" is
a remark often heard in the grandstands, and when their ride is
completed, you couldn't ask for better help behind the chute. Jesse
Lisenbey is well known for his advice, and "hands on" help for first
time roughstock riders. They take school seriously too says Hank,
"they've gotta have that stuff in order". These kids are motivated…they
have what it takes; focus, vision, and the necessary support to keep on
track. The CTJRA is excited about having these first class individuals
as members, and welcomes them in "The Legends of Jr Rodeo Series".
So keep an eye out for the van….it will no doubt be appearing at a rodeo
near you, and when it does, take time to get to know these cowboys and
their support crew, they exemplify what's "right" with rodeo.
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