The Duncan Banner

Local News

Related Photos

  • Dean Gorsuch wrestles his steer to the ground in 3.8 seconds to win the first round of steer wrestling on Thursday night during the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo at the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center in Duncan. Robby Freeman/PRCA Ram Prairie Circuit Finals

    Gorsuch moves closer to circuit title

Related Links

October 19, 2012

Rumford is a barrel of fun for circuit finals

Ted Harbin The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — Do you remember that guy that could make you laugh no matter what?

Whether it was in the classroom or work site or just hanging out, he was always funny. Actions. Antics. Personality. It all came together in one package.

Welcome to the world of Justin Rumford of Ponca City, Okla., who will serve as the barrelman/funnyman and add his flavor of fun to the overall entertainment package that is the 2012 Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18-Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Stephens County Expo Center in Duncan.

“People want to laugh at each other more than they want to laugh at something,” said Rumford, who worked the Chisholm Trail PRCA Rodeo this past May. “When I’m in the arena, I’m saying the same stuff I’d say if I wasn’t clowning. It’s just me being me.”

Rumford grew up in Abbyville, Kan., and is the third generation of his family in the rodeo business. His grandfather, Floyd, established Rumford Rodeo Co., and his father, Bronc, continues to be an integral part of rodeo; in fact, he’s the chairman of the Prairie Circuit board.

Justin Rumford has done just about everything a person can in rodeo, but he seems to have found a home in the barrel. In fact, in just his second year at it, Rumford has been nominated for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Clown of the Year.

“I t means a lot because I’ve been involved in rodeo my whole life,” Rumford said. “I’ve never done anything else, and I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I’ve always wanted to be successful. A couple of years ago when I started this venture, I knew if I worked really hard and tried really hard that I could get to the top in the hurry.”

It helps to do something you love.

“This clowning deal is the best thing I’ve ever had,” said Rumford, who competed in college rodeo at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. “It’s something in rodeo that I can have longevity in. There’s not just a ton of risk, and it’s something I enjoy so much.”

In his lifetime, Rumford has been a contestant, a stock contractor, a bullfighter, a flankman, a pickup man, a truck driver; you name it, he’s done it. In fact, this isn’t his first Prairie Circuit Finals. He worked the finale last year when it took place in Weatherford, Okla. More importantly, he was a three-time qualifier in steer wrestling.

“I don’t think I’ve ever missed a Prairie Circuit Finals,” he said. “It’s just something I’ve always done. I’ve flanked bucking horses there, been the chute boss, flanked calves, untied calves. I’ve made the full circle.

So has his family. His sister, Haley Schneeberger, has been named the PRCA’s Secretary of the Year each of the past five seasons; she’s nominated again this year. She has worked with her brother in an orchestrated opening, and she’s served as the finale’s secretary. Schneeberger has been named the PRCA’s Secretary of the Year each of the past five seasons; she’s nominated again this year.

The rodeo lifestyle is that of a gypsy – there’s no staying in one place for long. For contestants, the bulk of the rodeo season is spent traveling from one event to another. That means lots of miles. Contract personnel – announcers, stock contractors, clowns, bullfighters, secretaries, etc. – don’t travel nearly as much, but they’re on the road plenty. Most work in a different locale every week.

“I don’t mind it, and I get to do it with Ashley,” Rumford said of his wife, who is a PRCA timer. “We bought a fifth-wheel, and we rodeo nine moths solid throughout the year. This year we’ve only had two weekends where we haven’t been at a rodeo.

“It never gets old. When one rodeo’s over, one committee is disappointed that the rodeo is over, so you drive to the next place. It starts all over again, and everybody’s excited again.”

There are many things that come with the rodeo lifestyle, and Rumford seems to enjoy them all. From meeting new people daily to hanging out with friends, family and friends who seem like family, there are many reasons he loves what he does.

“My main goal is to work the NFR, whether it’s flanking or bulldogging or being in the barrel,” Rumford said. “I just feel blessed to do something I love this much.”

Text Only
Local News
  • Transportation to Sunday prayer service offered to residents of communities Impacted by storms

    In yet another demonstration of the “Oklahoma Standard,” volunteers have made great efforts to help transport those impacted by the recent storms to Sunday’s prayer service at First Baptist Church in Moore.

    May 25, 2013

  • Commissioners discuss temporary fix to courthouse air conditioning issues

    The Board of Stephens County Commissioners held an emergency meeting Thursday to find a temporary solution for cooling off the courthouse, until a new system can be installed. Commissioners approved a temporary solution from Allied Services in Ardmore and will rent an air conditioning unit for $10,000 for the first month and $7,000 for the second month. The commissioners estimate it will take about two months for any company to get a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system in stock.

    May 24, 2013

  • DPS administrators discuss inclement weather procedures

    On Thursday, Duncan school administrators participated in a district-wide de-briefing to discuss how Monday’s reaction to a tornado threat went at each school. Superintendent Sherry Labyer said the response was overwhelmingly positive.
    Labyer said the school district will look to improve its procedures.

    May 24, 2013

  • Substitute teacher saves special education students from tornado

    When the F-5 tornado did its damage at Plaza Towers Elementary in Moore on Monday, and after the silence had passed, one little boy looked at his teacher and asked where his backpack was.
    “I don’t know, but we’ll look for it later,” Joy Hendrix said to  him.

    May 24, 2013

  • Velma-Alma Graduation A celebration of faith and unity
    There was a sense of celebration and appreciation throughout the J.M Carey Fieldhouse Thursday night in Velma. 
    With the graduation ceremony commencing for the Velma-Alma High School Class of 2013, came an assortment of emotions, all telling a story.
    In total 31 students walked the stage to receive their diplomas on the evening.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • 5-24 ginger.jpg Velma native runs only to discover home annihilated

    Stuck in traffic trying to get to his home, Roger Graham decided he might as well park the car and run. A Moore resident, the accountant, dressed in casual business attire, didn’t think twice about the distance.
    “It was two miles,” he said. “I just took off.” His wife, Kalissa, a school teacher, was right behind him.

    May 24, 2013 1 Photo

  • Duncan students to remain in school Tuesday, Wednesday
    When Duncan seniors cross the stage tonight, they won’t necessarily be done with high school.
    Duncan students will go to school Tuesday and Wednesday, following a three-day weekend for Memorial Day. DHS Assistant Principal Merry Stone said those two days are regular school days for students.

    May 24, 2013

  • Moore Tornado Showcases Advancements in Warnings

    Despite the utter devastation left in the wake of the massive tornado that tore through Moore, Okla. on Monday, the deadly storm, in many ways, helped showcase how far scientists have come in providing communities early tornado warning signs.

    May 23, 2013

  • ODOT efforts hampered by general public traffic

    Oklahoma Department of Transportation is requesting that motorists avoid I-35 through Moore, S. 19th Street because the ramp is closed and emergency and clean-up crews are hampering their efforts.

    May 23, 2013

  • 5-23 EMS Week.jpg National EMS Week shines spotlight on rescue workers

    The Air Evac helicopter was sitting on the helipad at Duncan Regional Hospital Wednesday, but not for emergency reasons.
    National EMS Week, May 19-25, is about connecting with the community and the Air Evac Lifeteam was doing just that.
    “Every base we have is doing something like this during the week,” said Heather Taylor, Air Evac program director. “We want to show appreciation to our community.”

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo