DATE:     10/17/02
CONTACT:  Allan Quinn, (864) 859-4364 or (864) 901-3480
WRITER:   Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu
                         
Garrison Arena hosts
Pro Rodeo Nov. 15-16

     CLEMSON -- Clemson University's T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena
will host the 4th annual Fall Roundup Pro Rodeo on Nov. 15-16.
     Cowboys and cowgirls will compete for more than $3,500 and world
championship points.
     Rodeo competitors spend countless hours and miles traveling from
one rodeo to another. Travel logs of 75,000 miles per year are common
for cowboys and cowgirls who usually enter three or more rodeos per
week and commute all over the country.
     The ultimate goal in rodeo is to win a world championship. The
International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) names world
champions at the conclusion of the International Finals Rodeo in seven
events: bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding. bull riding,
cowgirls barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping and team roping.
     Spectators at the Fall Roundup will enjoy the clowning of Rockin'
Robbie Hodges from Cave Springs, Ga. Hodges was the Funny Man at this
year's IPRA World Championship Finals in Oklahoma City, Okla. and had
the crowd in tears from laughter.
     Also, the Thornton family will be showing off their horseback
riding skills. Daughter Janelle will demonstrate trick riding --
including Roman riding skills, leading a team of four horses around the
arena. Her father, Jerry, will be performing his Indian Pantomime.
     The rodeo will begin at 8 each evening.
     Tickets are on sale now at the arena and through any Ticketmaster
outlet or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
     Ticket prices are $15 for all reserved seating (regardless of
age). $13 general admission is for 13 years and up. Ages 3 12 general
admission is $6. Admission is free for ages 2 and under.
     The rodeo is sponsored by Easy Bend Farms of Easley and sanctioned
by the IPRA.
     For more information, contact Allan Quinn at (864) 859-4364 or the
arena office at (864) 646-2717 or 646-2718.
                              END