In just its second year of existence the Freeborn County Stampede has started to establish itself as a quality rodeo with an ability to draw some of the best competition and livestock in the area.

The word spread from last year’s event and cowboys like Fred Boettcher made the trip to the Freeborn County Fair to take part in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association event. Boettcher is a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and an all-around and bull riding champion of the 1999 Dodge National Circuit Finals.

Boettcher won the bull riding event Saturday at the Freeborn County Stampede, which is a part of the Great Lakes circuit of the Dodge National Circuit. Any money earned at any PRCA rodeo counts toward making the National Finals Rodeo. Boettcher was among a handful of the top cowboys at the Freeborn County Stampede.

In all, five cowboys at the Freeborn County Stampede had competed in the National Finals and most ranked in the top 50 of Great Lakes Circuit in the Dodge National Circuit. The group included a world champion in Bobby Harris, who won a team roping championship and Scott Montague, a National Finals rider.

“They enjoyed the arena because of its condition even though it was a little damp because of last (Friday’s) rain,” said Troy Thompson, one of the rodeo organizers. “Flat out, the meeting of the interstates is a great place to have an event.”

The quality of the rodeo was furthered by the stock Joe Simon, an Albert Lea native, provided. Simon, a nationally recognized stock contractor brought in a number of National Finals Rodeo bulls and broncs.

“They had good cowboys here,” Simon said. “It’s unusual to get that caliber of contestants here — anywhere in Minnesota.”

Even with added seating the arena was full of spectators taking in the rodeo and many complimented Simon, who produced the show, after the event.

The purse was another attraction for the cowboys with prize money ranging from $500 to nearly $1,000.

The road to the National Finals Rodeo is difficult and any money a cowboy is able to win helps the cause. Around $70,000 is required to make the NFR which can mean 50 to 100 events a cowboy has to ride in order to qualify.

“We live a rock star lifestyle,” Boettcher said. “You’re in a different town every night. It’s hectic life, but it’s a young guys game, too.”

It was Boettcher’s first time at the Freeborn County Stampede but he sees the event and sport growing in the future.

“Great crowd and beautiful weather,” Boettcher said. “I can only see it growing. I think this is a great time for rodeo. The atmosphere at a rodeo is second to none.”

Thompson is pleased to see the rodeo scene in Albert Lea growing after years of dormancy.

“Rodeo hasn’t been extremely big in this part of the woods for a few years, but boy, it sure has come back,” Thompson said. “I’m just real happy about that.”

RESULTS

Steer Wrestling TIME

First: Luke Wilson 4.6

Second: Wade Steffen 5.4

Third: Daniel Morton, Jr. 5.7

Fourth: Ty Standley 7.8

Tie Down Roping TIME

First: Jess Hume 11.9

Second: Josh Foutch 12.0

Third: Kyle Whitaker 14.4

Fourth: Quinlan Thomas 14.8

Team Roping TIME

First: Steve Kuntz and Tim Barg 6.1

Second: Mel Potter and Garrison Dixon 7.0

Third: Lee Van Der Geest and Joe Smith 7.2

Fourth: Carm and Tony Schneider 8.5

Barrel Racing TIME

First: Sue Berg 14.99

Second: Tammy Whyte 15.10

Third: Sandi Brandli 15.13

Fourth: Tammy Kowalski 15.21

Fifth: Adriane Kochie 15.35

Sixth: Julie Erkamaa 15.37

Seventh: Kathy Stoker 15.41

Eighth: Bobbie Jo Bohlman 15.55

Bareback Riding PTS

First: John Addison 85.0

Second: Bo Casper 79.0

Third: Tanner Aus 79.0

Fourth: Scott Montague 77.0

Sadle Bronc Riding PTS

First: Kyle Whitaker 79.0

Second: Byron Gilliland 76.0

Third: Cody Rud 73.0

Fourth: J.R. Bonner 71.0

Bull Riding PTS

First: Fred Boettcher 81.0

Second: Ryan Schumacher 70.0