Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Vol. 4 No. 26 • $1.00 Winnemucca, Nevada
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A HIGH SCHOOL TRADITION SINCE 1985
More than 39 years ago, a bunch of us parents were sitting around after the State Finals Rodeo talking sadly about the kids who had been great contenders all year and just missed qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo – every contestant’s dream. There were always those few who we cried for and tried to console. Then, one day, returning from a National meeting in Denver, Rich Lee and Marcia deBraga hatched a plan. What if a consolation rodeo were held for those who, on any other given day, would have made it to Nationals themselves? The rodeo would feature the same format, enticing awards, the whole enchilada, but on a smaller scale. After convincing their spouses, cousins Fern Lee and Lyle deBraga, that
they really should be equally enthusiastic about the project, the Silver State International Rodeo was born. The first year, the SSIR was only open to contestants from the Western states and had about 150 entries. But it caught on and began to grow. Families who came to Fallon, Nevada, were greeted with warm hospitality by the business community. They had a good time. There was a bit less pressure on them that they experienced at the National Finals. They went home and told their friends. Changes were made: the rodeo was opened up to the 5th through 10th place finisher. Contestants were allowed to pick one extra event. A volleyball tournament was added and then changed to a mud volleyball tourcontinued inside