Pennsylvania cowboys traverse country to compete in Fallon rodeo

Five Pennsylvania high school cowboys used two modes of transportation to travel to Fallon for this year's Silver State International Rodeo.

Three families drove the 2,500 miles from the Keystone State to Fallon, and two opted to fly, but they had one common goal: To see their sons compete against some of the best bull riders in the West.

The five teenagers became interested in the SSIR because of the good memories pole bender Erica Hull had of last year's rodeo. They said Hull's family convinced them the SSIR was a quality rodeo, and that the residents of Fallon embraced the contestants and their families.

Returning to the West for Andy Paul is a homecoming. He grew up in Grand Junction, Colo., but his family moved to Prosperity, Pa., four years ago. Out of the five bull riders, the 16-year-old Paul was the only one who has scored points in this year's rodeo, which ends Saturday with the Top 15 Finals.

Paul talks passionately about the West and his days in Colorado. He has grown somewhat accustomed to Pennsylvania, but he doesn't sound convincing.

"Yeah, it's all right," he said, adjusting his hat.

Every year, Paul and his bull-riding friends will attend 21 rodeos, most of which are in central and eastern Pennsylvania. He became interested in bull riding because his parents were both involved in rodeo.

Matt and Thomas Shrader live 12 miles north of the West Virginia border. Matt, 17, knew he wanted to be a bull rider since he was a little boy. He finally fulfilled his dream three years ago. Thomas, 14, began bull riding almost 18 months ago.

"My brother got me involved, but we still help each other out," Thomas said.

The teens have enjoyed their visit to the West.

"From Kansas on has been pretty cool," said Matt.

Although the Shrader have lived in Pennsylvania their entire lives, Matt said he would like to live in the West.

"They know how to live out here," he explained.

He said the SSIR has good stock and good competition.

Jim Hoke, 15, hails from Mount Pleasant, a small community 45 miles east of Pittsburgh. He began riding bulls this year.

"I like it, and I don't feel scared," he said.

In fact, Hoke said he would like to ride bareback.

He has enjoyed his stay in Fallon, but he is not used to the state's dryness. He is also surprised by the natives' friendliness.

"Everyone talks to us, but they're surprised to see us (because they're from the East). But they're happy we're here. That's good Western hospitality."

Adam Housmer, 18, lives in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York state. He competes for the Pennsylvania association because his state doesn't sponsor high school rodeo.

Housmer and his mother traveled Interstate 80 to Nevada. Based on what he has seen so far, Housmer would like to stay here.

"It's been awesome. The people are nice out here," he said.

Paul interrupted Housmer.

"The people back home don't seem to be happy," he said.

Living in the East and following the Western way of life has been unique for the boys.

"Others look at us like we're strange," Matt Shrader said.

"See this," he said pointing to his Western shirt and jeans. "I wear this to school every day."

Schedule of events

7 a.m. Second Go-Around Cutting - Boys First

9:30 a.m. Seventh Rodeo Performance

2 a.m. Mud Volleyball Tournament (If Needed)

6 p.m. Queen Crowning Ceremony

6:30 p.m. Grand Entry - Presentation of New Queen

7 p.m. Eighth Rodeo Performance

9:30 p.m. Teen Dance, Dry Gulch

Saturday

7 a.m. Cutting Finals

6 p.m. Top 15 Finals rodeo

9 p.m. Awards Ceremony