Trio of Champs

The get-together tonight in Casper is honoring the 2011 world champion team roping heeler, Jhett Johnson, and his magical run at the national finals in Vegas earlier this month. Johnson started the finals in 12th position and finished leading money winner for his event.

There are two other Wyoming pro rodeo world champions who made magic in Vegas in the 2000s and both will be attending tonight's party for Jhett at the Parkway Plaza in Casper.



Kelly Timberman, 2004 World Champion Bareback Rider


In 2004, a little-known fellow from Mills put on a display of strength and courage and everyone in the rodeo world now knows Kelly Timberman. He won the gold buckle in bareback riding because he would not be denied. There is not a more focused and determined competitor and Kelly spends a good deal of time these days attempting to pass on his intensity and drive to the members of the Casper College rodeo team. He was the impetus for the program now called "Team Wyoming" that we so proudly operate within the Wyoming Office of Tourism.

Lance Creek's Jason Miller had a shot at his second gold buckle this year in Vegas. His last run was frustrating, to say the least, but a man of his intelligence and skill is not about to spend any time looking in the rear view window. He and Jhett love to rib one another and there will be some of that tonight - without question.



Jason Miller, 2007 World Champion Steer Wrestler

 Miller went into the 2007 national finals even further back than Jhett was this year. And Miller's consistency vexed the rest of the field as the other fourteen good doggers watched Jason shoot to the top with the great horse Willie underneath.

Please come out and meet these great Wyoming cowboys. Shake hands, share stories and have a good time. There is no charge for the event tonight beginning at 7. There is no other state like Wyoming and no better cowboys anywhere in the world. Stick around for the Wyoming band that is highly sought after all across the West -especially at rodeos. Chancey Williams and the Younger Bros. put on one heckuva show!

Dona Vold Larsen sent us a quick note this morning. It's the definitive word on why she can always be counted on to organize a Gold Buckle Gala for our state. "I love Wyoming," she said. We are right there with you, Dona. And thanks a bunch.

For the record, we are aware that another fine cowboy who calls Wyoming home won a gold buckle this Century. Frank Thompson of Cheyenne has stayed in our state with his lovely wife, Dawn, and raised a family. Frank is taking over the reigns as Arena Director at Cheyenne Frontier Days and is now a full-fledged Wyoming cowboy. But back in 2000 when he was crowned best steer wrestler in the world, Thompson was brought to the "Cowboy State" from South Dakota because he wanted to greet every sunrise with Dawn.