Redding Rodeo Grounds Hosts State Championship

Ashley Youman

Contributing Writer

The Redding Rodeo grounds recently played host to the CCPRA (California Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association) Finals on October 6th and 7th. The CCPRA was formed in 1966 and is based out of Cottonwood, Ca and has numerous events throughout California as well as a few in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. During finals the top 15 best of the best cowboys and cowgirls in each event come to compete for big money and bragging right amongst their peers.

The CCPRA finals offered a varied rodeo experience with a well presented program including all of the typical rodeo events, well produced sound, an excellent announcer, introductions of all of the participants and of course two action packed nights of the best rodeo cowboys and cowgirls in the CCPRA. The stock was provided by area stock contractors including Cottonwoods own Four Star Rodeo, Rockin M Rodeo out of Red Bluff, West Coast Rodeo in Fortuna, and Spur Productions out of both Red Bluff and Fortuna. Of course this event could not have taken place without the dedicated bullfighters and pickup men who helped ensure the safety of the participants in the Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, and Bareback.

Winners in the events this year included: Saddle Bronc - Chris Coleman, Calf Roping - Jesse Egan, Bareback - Alex Meroshnekoff, Barrel Racing- Cathy Caglairi, and Bull Riding- Jake Moore. Also, for the first time ever a woman was in the running for the All Around Cowboy award. It came down to Cathy Caglairi and Casey Minton competing for this highly coveted award with Casey Minton coming away with the title. About $500, 000 is awarded each year in prize money to those competing in CCPRA events.