The High Plains Pro Rodeo held their opening night on May 29. With more than 30 bull riders in attendance at the grandstand full, the show went over well.

“We are very pleased with how everything turned out,” said HPPR Director JP Komorny.

“The rough stock performed excellently and the timed events went well,” he said.

Komorny added to this by saying the night would have not been possible without the volunteers that were on hand.

“We can’t thank these people enough,” Komorny said.

Opening the night was professional bull riding from CBR. A total of 40 guys slid onto the back of a bull and went for a ride. With all the guys riding, only four were able to cover. Taking first place was Tim Bingham with a score of 89. He was followed by Casey Decker with an 83. Third place went to Clay Cudmore with a 79. Rounding out the bulls was Wrangler Dunda with a 70.

In other rough stock events Jace Bailey scored a 74 bareback riding. Kevin Kapke of Colorado is the only other person to cover. Kapke scored a 42. Kapke was offered a re ride but chose not to take it.

In the saddle bronco riding the horses were the winners with only two guys covering. Jake Buckheots scored a 60 to place first and Tyrel Hoatson scored a 58 to place second.

After a little trouble with the electronic eye, the breakaway roping got rolling with two re rides. Kelsey Boots placed first with a time of 4.0. Second went to Jill Edelamn with a time of 5.2. Lexi Bath from Pine Bluffs, Wyo. snagged third with a time of 6.4.

Three teams managed to successfully rope a steer during the team roping event. Taking first was Chris Cover and Monte Jamison with a time of 6.07. Don Brommand and Brian Cullen placed second with a time of 11.2. AJ Franzen and DJ Tidyman took third as they managed to get the ropes on in 11.66 seconds.

In the mixed team roping only one steer got roped. The winning ropers were Samantha and Stuart Hoar.

Tim Malm set a blazing time in the tie down roping as he tied the calf in 9.8 seconds. He was followed by Bridger Chytka with a time of 10.33 and Brian Cullen with a time of 11.28.

Barrel Racing saw Kiley Peterson twist her horse around the barrels in 16.96 seconds. Martee Pruitt crossed the line in 17.18 seconds to place second. Lexi Bath was third with a time of 17.52.

Because of the storm that blew through the rodeo was delayed some. But the arena was in good shape and, after a quick once over with the tractor, was ready to go.

“We were determined to finish this show no matter how late it got,” Komorny said.

With the first show under their belts, the staff at HPPR said there will be some changes to the remanding shows. Instead of starting at 7 p.m. the shows will begin at 5 p.m.

“We will begin our timed events at 5,” said Komorny, “All roughstock will begin at 7 with CBR kicking it off.”

Gates will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday.