By Al Camp
Chronicle staff

     Jim Crosby and Frank McKay hung on for eight seconds longer than any other cowboys during two days of competition at Tonasket.
     Crosby, White Salmon, took home nearly $4,800 in cash and prizes from the fourth annual Jeremy Ives Memorial Bull Riding May 30.
     McKay, Burns, Ore., worked his way through a qualifier, and two more goes to claim first place ($2,784 in prizes) in the second annual Out West Bronc Riding May 31.
     During Friday’s performance, Brandie Vickers presented her parents, Paul and Tina, a plaque commemorating their many years associated with rodeos in Tonasket.
     Paul Vickers has served as Tonasket Rodeo chairman for eight years.
     “We had really good attendance, our gate was up both nights,” said Tina Vickers, who is rodeo secretary.
     Rodeo weekend kicked off with kids’ games—barrel races and pole bending.
     On Friday night, the bulls proved to be the big winners, bucking off all but five of the 26 riders.
     Those five then competed for the title.
     Crosby finished with a 177 total after an opening 87 followed by a 90 score.
     Colby Reily of Stratford was the only other cowboy to ride two (79, 89) to finish at 168.
     Crosby received a $600 buckle created by Montana Silversmith (sponsored by DeTro’s Western Store, Superior Auto Parts and RDL Auto Service), jacket (sponsored by Pro-Stitch Embroidery) and burl wood plaque (sponsored by Vickers Trucking).
     Jodi Cook of J&J Smokeshop donated a feather, bandanna and cash to each of the final five bull riders.
     For Saturday’s bronc riding, the format called for the top 10 from a field of 22 riders to advance to another go. From that field of 10 the top five moved on to a final go for prizes. Scores were not accumulated.
     McKay qualified for the final 10 with a 72 ride. He then made what turned out to be the final four (only four of the 10 got complete rides) with a 76.
     In the finals, McKay produced a terrific 87 score that edged Gus Thoreson of Lovell, Wyoming, with an 84 and Jared Small of Durkee, Ore., with an 82.
     McKay received a $600 buckle created by Montana Silversmith (sponsored by DeTro’s Western Store, Jones Logging and Construction, and Double S Meats), jacket (sponsored by Roosters Espresso), burl wood plaque (sponsored by Vickers Trucking), and .30-.30 rifle (sponsored by Kruse Electric).
     Vickers said broncs got tougher and tougher to ride as the night progressed.
     More riders the first go stayed on the broncs (compared to bull riders), though two riders were sent to North Valley Hospital with injuries.
     Danny Alires landed hard on his back, and broke his collarbone.
     Eldon Blanchard had his bronc roll over him, possibly cracking some ribs.
     Tonasket currently is among four regional rodeos that are in a bulls and bronc series, according to Tina Vickers.
     Besides Tonasket ($12,000 total added for two rodeos), other rodeos in the circuit include Baker City, Ore., (June 18-19) with $30,000 total added, Plymouth, Idaho, (Aug. 8-9) with $16,000 total added, and Ellensburg, (Aug. 31) with $15,000 added for just bronc riding.
     Vickers said an attempt is being made to sign up at least 10 similar rodeos, with top hands advancing to a finals that a casino in Reno has agreed to host.
     Those helping to produce the rodeo this year included: Steven Kenyon, announcer; Jerry Jensen, scoreboard; Nell Henderson, timer; Neil Robinson, grand marshal; Lee Orr, sang American and Canadian anthems; Kieann Teall, queen; Big Ben and Flying 5 Rodeo Stock with Don and Chad Hutsell and Sunny Riley; Billy Richter and Robert Shannon, judges; Ricky Shannon, Clint Bruisehead and Don Dagnon, pickup men.
     Fourth Annual Jeremy Ives Memorial Bull Riding (26 riders): 1, Jim Crosby, Cheney, 87, 90, 177 total. 2, Colby Reily, Stratford, 79, 89, , 168. 3, Shawn Best Jr., Omak, 76. 4, Jace Berg, Colville, 72. 5, Waylon Timentwa, Omak, 70.
     Second Annual Out West Bronc Riding (22 riders)
     Top 10 qualified rides: 1, Jim Hill, Rigby, Idaho, 81. 2-3, Gus Thoreson, Lovell, Wyoming, and Kayle Gray, Cheney, both with 76. 4, Devin Richter, Omak, 73. 5-7, Frank McKay, Burns, Ore., Jared Small, Durkee, Ore., and Ben Londo, Athen, Ore., 72. 8, Cole Thoreson, Salmon, Idaho, 70. 9-10, Eldon Blanchard, Cold Stream, B.C., and Levi Bunch, Durkee, Ore., at 67.
     Top 5 qualified rides: 1, Gus Thoreson 79. 2-3, Kayle Gray and Frank McKay with 76. 4, Jared Small 75.
     Finals: 1, Frank McKay 87. 2, Gus Thoreson 84. 3, Jared Small 82.
     Friday and Saturday WRBA open barrel racing (overall top rides): 1, Katy Bremner. 2, Shawna Beeman. 3, Lacy Ralston. 4, Diane Miller.
     2000 Novice: 1, Trina Widmer. 2, Clayetta Walker. 3, Karla Gus. 4, Tracy Predoehl.
     Run for the Royal Crown
     Friday winner - Kolton Kartchner, Republic.
     Saturday winner - Jacob Stacey, Soap Lake.