I love learning something new. This past Friday night during the second performance of the American Royal Rodeo at securely tight Sprint Center, barrel racer Tana Poppino shared some valuable information with me.

You see, not only is Jeanne Anderson a two-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo from White City, Kan., she’s a descendent of the Benjamin family, from the famous Benjamin Ranch in Kansas City, Mo., Poppino said.

Had I looked at her bio, I would’ve learned that she grew up around the Benjamin Stables, but I don’t think I would’ve put familial piece of information together had Poppino not “popped” up and provided me with those details.

It’s proof that rodeo’s grand legacy around Kansas City is strong and valuable, that the area boasts of more than the American Royal. That’s something to brag about.