Old, new names among Ceremonial champs

For eight years, Kyle Smith watched top bulldoggers got to the winners' circle of the annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial rodeo at Red Rock State Park.

On Sunday, instead of watching Smith walked to the winners' circle for his first Ceremonial steer-wrestling champion buckle.

"It's always been there and I've always wanted to win but things never work out," Smith said. "I guess it just feels good."

Smith was one of hundreds of contestants who competed in the 89th Ceremonial rodeo. Over 30 contestants competed in steer wrestling. Smith won with a time of 5.3, winning $935.

The 29-year-old Mulholland Wells, N.M., native said he's been on a roll so far this year and hopes to return to the Indian National Finals Rodeo.

"I've been there four years and came close to winning," he said. "I haven't been there for the past two years. My goal is to make it back."

Also making headlines was Dennison Boone who was named all-around cowboy, as he took second in the tie-down event and in team roping with partner Cody Goldtooth.

Dee Dee Daswood was named all-around cowgirl, taking second in barrel racing and first in breakaway roping.

Daswood roped to a time of 4. 3 and had payout of $1,099.

The rodeo was Aug. 13 to 15 with stock provided by the Tsosie Brothers Livestock Co. and the Raymond Boyd Livestock Co.

Along with Smith were a handful of new winners including Earl Tsosie Jr., who won the bareback with a score of 70, winning $388.

In barrel racing Tammy Daswood swept the category with a time of 17.31 and earned $1,290.

Veteran riders also made their mark. J.R. Hunt took the saddle-bronc event with a score of 67, earning $651. Michael Bates won the tie-down roping event with a time of 12.2 and $881.

Julius Y. Begay was the champion bull rider. A veteran of rodeo, he said it was just another ride.

"It's a rodeo that will make you earn some points," he said. "I'm already qualified for the INFR. This rodeo is just practice."

Begay rode to a 73 and won $1,154.

The Shiprock native has been riding for over 29 years. He said he's won the bull-riding title at the Ceremonial about five or six times but still looks forward to coming back.

"Back then I was young and all that," he said. "Just getting on, having fun all the time. Still the same thing to this day. It's kind of like the nearest rodeo around here for me to go.

"There's a lot of newcomers, young guys and all that," he said. "You compare with them and it excites you to know you're competing with some of these young guys coming up, which is good."

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