The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association annually recognizes the best in the game on the night before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo beings.

The list of nominees was released by the PRCA on Thursday. As always, it’s a strong list of characters. Thankfully I’ve been blessed to work with many of these men, women and rodeos in some fashion this year, and I applaud them all for their recognition. Whether they win on Nov. 30 or not, they are the best in the business this year.

Over this past year, I’ve witnessed some incredible things, from amazing animal athletes to talented men who make thousands of people laugh at will. I’ve viewed the behind-the-scenes labor that is involved in producing world-class rodeos.

Many of these nominees are friends, and it is my honor to work with them over and over again. I wish them all the very best, not only this year but in the years to come.

Announcer
Wayne Brooks
Randy Corley
Mike Mathis
Boyd Polhamus
Andy Stewart

Bullfighter
Clay Heger
Nathan Jestes
Brandon Loden
Dusty Tuckness
Cody Webster

Clown
John Harrison
Keith Isley
Gizmo McCracken
Justin Rumford
Cody Sosebee

Comedy Act
John Harrison
Keith Isley
Gizmo McCracken
Troy Lerwill
Cody Sosebee

Dress Act
Bobby Kerr
One Arm Bandit and Co. – John, Lynn and Amanda Payne
Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls – Jennifer Nicholson and Spencer Litwork
Rider Kiesner
Tomas Garcilazo

Pick-up Man
Jason Bottoms
Shawn Calhoun
Chase Cervi
Gary Rempel
Matt Twitchell
Jeremy Willis

Secretary
Sunni Deb Backstrom
Haley Bridwell
Amanda Corley-Sanders
Brenda Crowder
Sandy Gwatney

Stock Contractor
Beutler & Son Rodeo
Cervi Championship Rodeo
Frontier Rodeo
Pete Carr Pro Rodeo
Stace Smith Pro Rodeos

Small Rodeo of Year
Bridgeport, Texas
Claremore, Okla.
Elizabeth, Colo.
Huntsville, Texas
Monte Vista, Colo.

Medium Rodeo of Year
Abilene, Kan.
Coleman, Texas
Deadwood, S.D.
Lufkin, Texas
Stephenville, Texas

Large Indoor Rodeo of Year
Denver, Colo.
Fort Worth, Texas
Rapid City, S.D.
San Angelo, Texas
San Antonio, Texas

Large Outdoor Rodeo of Year
Caldwell, Idaho
Cheyenne, Wyo.
Dodge City, Kan.
Pecos, Texas
Pendleton, Ore.