Malta's first open rodeo in a decade is a success

About 220 Men, women and children of all ages were present at the open rodeo held at the Pavilion last Friday.

Originally the rodeo was supposed to be at Trafton Park, but due to Malta's Thursday afternoon shower, mud and mosquitoes called for a venue change.

The event featured broncs from Jimmy Orahood (Malta), bulls from AJ Crasco (South Lodgepole) and roping stock from Dwayne Ozark (Vandalia).

It was the first open rodeo in the last ten years since the Mont./Can. Rodeo.

"I'm hoping to be able to put it on each year," said Kolby Messerly, who is founder of AM productions. "I hope also that it will keep getting bigger and bigger."

Though the numbers in team roping weren't there Messerly believes the rodeo went well.

The event held a $65 entry fee for bull riders, saddle bronc riding and bareback riders. There was an entry fee of $55 for calf roping, team roping, barrel riding and women's breakaway. Junior events, breakaway and barrel racing had a $45 entry fee.

Of the entries none had a bigger purse than the team roping event, which was a $999.22 prize that went to Shayne Bishop and John Graham, who tied the calf at 5.78 seconds.

Second place was awarded to Tate Dempewolf and Gary Woodworth, who finished at 6 seconds flat.

The main attraction was definitely bull riding, which was won by Chinook's Cameron Overcast, who was the only of six participants to time a score.

Overcast not only stayed on the bull for more than eight seconds, he held on for a 69 point ride.

He has been riding bulls since 2002, when he was a high school student.

"My dad rode bulls and my uncles all rode bulls and I guess it was just bred into me," Overcast told the PCN.

Considering that many other riders weren't able to get out of the gates and into the open, Overcast thought he may reach the same fate.

"He came out and turned back and I really thought he was going to stay out in front of the chute, but he ended up running out with me and I was kind of glad I was able to get him rode," he said with a grin under his handle bar mustache.

Overcast proudly wore his cross stamped chaps that night, showing his Christian faith and he only had one prayer that night.

"I just pray to keep me safe and ride to the best of my ability," he said.

In past rides Overcast has had close calls, which included losing a few teeth and broken bones after falling off, but not Friday.

Bareback riding was won by Chase Redfield, who posted a score of 71, while Tucker Zingg posted a score of 67.

Shane Knerr won the calf roping event, with a time of 15.53. No other riders posted times.

Alex Burnham won saddle bronc riding, with a score of 58 points. Burnham was the only rider to post a score.

Junior Breakaway was won by Brenna Krueger, who roped the calf in 4.30 seconds. Zane Fox was close, with a time of 4.59 seconds. Jase Bishop was the only other rider to post a time, which was 12.16.

Emily Kallenberger was winner of the Ladies barrel races, with a time of 15.43. Jenna Kittson was second best, with a time of 15.63.

Junior barrels was won by Kristyn Kittson, who had a time of 16.23. Talyssa Horn was second with a time of 17.39.

Ladies Breakaway was won by Laurel White who had a time of 4.53 seconds. Kirsty Stewart had a time of 5.65.