Plenty of Action in Trafton at "The Craig"

The Third Annual Craig Mangis Rough Stock Rodeo gave spectators plenty to cheer about at the Trafton Park Rodeo Arena last Saturday, August 20.

The event was put on by the Trafton Rodeo Arena Committee, and this year might have been committee President Jerey McEwen's favorite yet, according to his social media post following the event.

"The fans were loud and really enjoyed the show," McEwen said on the post. "We tried to keep things moving fast so the action never stopped and I feel the crew that we had running around kept the wheels turning quite well. The stock was phenomenal. Jim and Kelly Orahood and Tim Pankratz brought some absolute buckers and the riders did not disappoint; they rode some wild and crazy rides fighting for the coveted buckle."

Cole Rehm was the undisputed winner of the Ranch Bronc Championship and opening round, posting a ride of 79 in the finals, after posting a 76 to qualify. Rehm was purchased for $500 in the Calcutta auction.

Sam Phipps took second place in the Ranch Bronc Finals with a score of 78 points. Colter Dupree was the third place finisher with a ride of 77 in the finals. Tyrus Lamere was fourth with a score of 73 in the finals, but had to be checked on by Phillips County EMS. Colter Salveson posted a score of 68 points.

Ashton LaMere rode in the Ranch Bronc event but did not have a qualifying time.

Malta's Shawn Gilkerson was the only saddle bronc rider, but was unable to post a qualifying ride in his exhibition. The attempt was Gilkerson's first ride in a rodeo.

Havre's Cole Hould won the Bull Riding event posting a score of 83. Other competitors in the bull riding event were Sloan Lefdahl and Ethan Liddle who also had a reride. Hould posted the only qualifying ride.

Though the event had fewer bull riders than in past years, McEwen was thankful because it was a testament to the stock that the Crasco family continues to provide.

"Crascos brought a whole bunch of great bucking bulls in and the entries dropped to only three because I think the word is out that their bulls are incredible," McEwen said in his post. "Without great stock the show is weak. We had the stock, we had the crew, and we had the greatest set of fans I've seen in Malta in a long time."

The Wild Pony Races were won by Liberty Young, Titus Young, and Gracie Young who wrangled and rode their pony in 7.5 seconds. They had an unofficial ride score of 90. The Wild Pony event paid out $2,290 to the bidder that purchased the Young siblings.

Near the conclusion of the event, the Mangis Family presented six-year-old Will Brown the 2022 Mangis Memorial Top Hand Buckle.

Will's mother Katie Brown expressed her emotions while seeing her son accept the award.

" Didn't you see me crying?" Brown said. "I'm not sure who was more proud, me or his Dad. Seeing your kid receive an award that is so heartfelt , I just can't describe it..."