FAITH, SD – This year’s Faith Match Bronc Ride held during the 110th Faith Stock Show & Rodeo, always delivers for both contestants and spectators. But this year’s match set for August 5 at the Faith Fairgrounds has an added dimension….bronc riders who have been sidelined from earning points in a season curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rory Lemmel produces the PRCA sanctioned event.
“The number of bronc riders that couldn’t get in would amaze people. But they’re going everywhere they can. There are a limited amount of rodeos right now. Now, this weekend is good for rodeo in a couple of locations around the country but the Faith Match Bronc Ride will be their biggest pay day.”
Lemmel says that it’s the community that has really built the bronc match to the showcase it has become. “This little town…11 years ago the PRCA came to watch it to see if a stand-alone event would work. It’s pretty remarkable in a town of 400 some people where they add $15,000. That turned into an PRCA XBronc Tour and that led to a PRCA XBronc Finals, so it’s pretty remarkable for a small town to be where it all started.”
Stock for this year’s match is second to none, says Lemmel. “The short round is all National Finals stock. It will be highly competitive.”
A highlight of the event is “Riding for Pedro,” a competition held just prior to the match getting underway. “Pedro Dennis, a football, saddle bronc and bull riding athlete from Philip, SD, lost his life in a ranching accident two years ago,” shares Lemmel. “We take the best young bronc riders in South Dakota who ride for prize money and a buckle in Pedro’s honor. It’s a tribute to see the next generation who hope to ride in Faith someday.”
The action gets underway Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are available through the city office and at the gate.
“There’s 24 contestants and over half of them have been to the National Finals. Wade Sundell has come back from his injuries and this will be one of the first places he’ll ride. He was hurt really bad in California a year ago and some didn’t think he would ever ride again,” shares Lemmel. “We’re thrilled to have him pick Faith as one of his spots.”
The Faith Stock Show & Rodeo continues on Thursday., Aug. 6 and includes a Kids’ Day Rodeo, a Foot/Bike event at 12 Noon, Mutton Busting at 5:00pm with the Ranch Rodeo getting underway at 6:00pm.
