By Alexandra Flodin
Mountaineer staff
Jon Ragatz of Cassville, Wis., competes in steer wrestling in hopes of moving on to the next qualifying round. Steer wrestling was one of eight events held July 12, 2017, during opening night of the 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo at the Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
COLORADO SPRINGS — With Pikes Peak as the backdrop of the Norris-Penrose Event Center, past and present Fort Carson Soldiers and their Families were recognized for their dedication and service to the nation. The 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo continued a long-standing tradition of celebrating military heritage as past and future Soldiers took center stage prior to seat-gripping rodeo action July 12, 2017.
Since 1946 the partnership between the military community of Colorado Springs and the rodeo has been built on heritage and respect. Some of the proceeds of the rodeo are donated to various Colorado Springs military and community charities to include Fort Carson programs that directly benefit Soldiers and their Family members.
A child prepares to be launched out of the chute on sheep back prior to the start of the 77th annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo July 12, 2017. Children had the opportunity to compete in the mutton bustin’ prequalifications and those with the highest score were invited to compete for medals, trophies and bragging rights. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
Opening night of the rodeo was Fort Carson Night as more than 50 athletes competed for the top scores and the chance to advance to qualifying rounds in eight events.
“I want to give another shout out to the 60 young men and women who have dedicated themselves to the Army and the armed services of our country,” Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general,
4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, said during opening ceremonies at the rodeo’s opening night.
The men and women the general was referring to marched onto the arena floor where they raised their right hands to recite the Oath of Enlistment that was rendered by Col. David M. Hodne, deputy commander, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. The recruits received a roaring round of applause from the crowd and then were invited to the stands to enjoy the rodeo with families and friends.
“We are one song away from the 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo,” said Gonsalves. “Let’s rodeo.”
Members of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard take to the arena with the U.S. and Colorado flags during the opening ceremonies of the 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo July 12, 2017, at the Norris-Penrose Event Center. The five-day rodeo kicked off with Fort Carson Night as 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Soldiers highlighted opening ceremonies, and athletes competed for the top scores and the chance to advance to qualifying rounds in eight events. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
Sgt. 1st Class Jody J. Manford of the 4th Infantry Division Band sang the national anthem as the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard displayed the nation’s colors on horseback while wearing reproduction uniforms to help lead the rodeo’s opening ceremonies.
Rain didn’t slow down the action as eight bareback horse riders took to the arena floor as they contended for the best scores in hopes of moving into the next qualifying round. The event also featured steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, tie down roping, barrel racing, bull riding and the evening’s youngest competitors in mutton bustin.’
American freestyle bullfighting, where man meets beast … or beef, ended the evening’s rodeo. The fighters ran, jumped, twisted, turned and flipped around bulls across the arena for points before ending the match by climbing the arena fencing, leaving fans cheering for more.
“I want to say thank you to the entire Front Range community on behalf of the entire division for the dedication, the love and everything that you do for our Soldiers and their Families,” said Gonsalves.
Spc. Jimmy Cantwell, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, rides Gunner through the Norris-Penrose Event Center as his team helps open the 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo July 12, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
Sgt. 1st Class Jody J. Manford of the 4th Infantry Division Band sings the national anthem during the opening ceremony of the 77th annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo July 12, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
Cadence Schaffer of Peyton didn’t let a little rain or stage fright keep her from winning gold in the mutton bustin’ competition during the 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo July 12, 2017, at the Norris-Penrose Event Center. One of the youngest of 25 children to compete, Schaffer scored a 91 for the win. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
A cowboy fights to hold on during the bareback riding competition July 12, 2017, at the 77th annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo held at the Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
Col. David M. Hodne, deputy commander, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, issues the Oath of Enlistment to about 60 future Soldiers before the start of the 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo July 12, 2017, at the Norris-Penrose Event Center. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, thanks the Front Range community for its support of the military and says the customary “Let’s rodeo” during the opening ceremonies of the 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo July 12, 2017. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)