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Jordan
Slick Phelps competes at the 2015 Indian National
Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo by Alice Phelps
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LAS VEGASPerseverance, hard work, and above all else,
family/community support is what makes a great athlete.
For the second straight year, Jordan Slick Phelps,
an Oglala Lakota/Dakota cowboy from Thunder Valley SD, is the 2015
Indian National Finals Rodeo Bull Riding Champion.
Theres no greater feeling than winning the world
back to back! My greater focus is the American semi-finals. Im
gonna work hard to have a better showing than last year. I want
to thank everyone for their continued support," stated Phelps.
Jeremy Meeks, of Interior, SD, won the gold buckle in the Saddle
Bronc category. Meeks pulled in a 74 point ride in the short go
to bring his overall average up to 274 points which secured his
world championship title.
Long Valley cowboy Joe Wilson garnered the coveted All-Around
Cowboy title, winning not only the championship saddle, buckle
and jacket, but also a brand new horse trailer at this years
INFR.
Steven DeWolfe, of Cuny Table, won the 4th Go Round in the Bareback
event. Ironically, DeWolfe was contestant #83 and he scored 83 points
to win the round. 83 was a good number for me to win the short
go last night with 83 points, noted DeWolfe on social media.
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Kade
Bettelyoun, the 2015 Miss Oglala Lakota Nation Rodeo Queen,
at the 2015 Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo by JoDee Bettelyoun
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Kade Bettelyoun, 2015 Miss Oglala Lakota Nation Rodeo Queen
was also representing at 2015 INFR.
I had them most amazing time! Carrying flags and working
the arena was a wonderful experience. It was an honor to share the
arena with such talented cowboys and cowgirls from all over the
nation," Bettelyoun said. "I enjoyed meeting new people
and experiencing all the different cultures. It was awesome to represent
my tribe at such a prestigious event.
Three stock contractors from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
participated in this years INFR including 3 Mile Creek Rodeo,
Wilson Rodeos, and Waters Stock Contractors.
Overall, South Dakota dominated the championship round. Elliot
Gourneau and Lynn Williams took the Team Roping championship. Sloan
Anderson is this years barrel racing champion and All-Around
Cowgirl.
Phelps and family intend to host a Bull Riders Only-Open
Challenge event on December 18, 2015, at the James Kjerstad
Event Center in Rapid City, SD. The challenge is open to 40 bullriders,
with 15 having a chance at the short go round. The event offers
a $5,000 added purse and registration begins December 1st.
Slick wants to do this to give back to the sport that
has treated him so well, noted mother Alice Phelps. She added
that they are looking for additional sponsors to help support the
event.
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Joe
Wilson, left, was named All Around Cowboy at the
2015 Indian National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jeremy
Meeks was named Saddle Bronc World Champion, his third world
champion title. Courtesy photo
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