The big show

 

D iné cowboys Tyson "Spud" Jones and Derrick Begay are riding and roping in the 50th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this week.

Both have appeared on national television in the past week, with Jones smiling over the weekend after a no score, indicating with his fingers that he came "that close."

Also over the weekend, the TV camera panned over the crowd showing a group of Navajos waving the Navajo Nation flag.

On Dec. 5, the Navajo Nation's Parks and Recreation Department hosted a reception honoring them at the Mirage Hotel and Casino.

Jones is competing in bull riding and Begay is competing in team roping as a header. The NFR started Dec. 4 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 13.

On Tuesday, Jones was tied for 5th place in Round 6 and was 5th in the overall average, with a top ride of 88.5.

In Round 1, he scored a 73.5; in Round 2 he had a no score; in Round 3, he had a no score; in Round 4, he scored a 73; in Round 5, he scored an 88.5; and in Round 6 he had a no score.

At the end of Round 6 on Tuesday, Begay and his partner Victor Aros were in 15th place in the team-roping average.

In Round 1, they were timed in 19.6; in Round 2, they turned in a 15; in Round 3, no time; in Round 4, a 4.6; in Round 5, no time; and in Round 6, no time.

Attempts by the Navajo Times to interview Jones have been unsuccessful for the past several months.

Begay said competing in the biggest show in the sport of rodeo is awesome.

"It's unbelievable. There's no other feeling in the world like it right now. It's amazing," Begay said, according to a press release from Parks and Rec.

A 2001 graduate of Winslow High School, Begay said he competed in the sport of rodeo for as long as he can remember.

Growing up in Seba Delkai, Ariz., meant working the ranch lifestyle alongside his family.

"It's just the way I was raised, it's something that always surrounded me," Begay said. "One thing led to another and here I am now."

His disbelief in making it to the big show is rooted in childhood dreams and aspirations.

"I always envisioned (being here) and dreamed about it, but it was just one of those things I thought I'd never do," he said.

Begay's support to compete in the NFR came from his parents and two sisters, all of whom traveled to Las Vegas to watch him compete.

The road to Las Vegas was filled with twists and turns. With each rodeo that came up, Begay had to focus on qualifying, even if it meant not competing in rodeos he'd usually attend.

"This year, I didn't get to go to the Indian finals, or the IIFR because I was trying to make the (NFR) finals," he said. "They don't get any bigger than this here."

That larger-than-life perspective hit Begay like a brick when he walked into the Thomas and Mack Center for grand entry.

"It's awesome to run right through (the center) and see your family in the crowd," he said. "That has to be the most memorable part."

Beyond family and friends, Begay said getting support from Navajo fans is incredible.

"Thank you for supporting me out there," he said.

President Joe Shirley Jr. was on hand at the Dec. 5 reception to honor the Navajo cowboys.

"I feel very elated on behalf of my people," Shirley said. "I know there are many young eyes of the rodeo athletes that are on these two.

"I know if Spud Jones and Derrick Begay can do it, there's that hope and prayer from these rodeo athletes that we can do it too," he added.

Ray Russell, Parks and Rec department manager, said, "In 2002, I predicted that within 10 years, the Navajo Nation would have a Navajo contestant competing in the PRCA National Finals Rodeo. Here we are, less than 10 years."

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