McCook calf-roper Garrett Nokes captures crown

PHILLIPSBURG -- The third and final performance of the 74th annual Kansas' Biggest Rodeo culminated with record crowds and the best rodeo competition in the state of Kansas on Saturday.

Champions for the 2003 rodeo were crowned in all six rodeo events.

Four-time bareback champion of the world Marvin Garrett, Belle Fourche, S.D., was matched up with a National Finals Rodeo animal athlete, Smokeless Commotion, for an 88 point ride and the Phillipsburg championship.

Todd Rangel, Stephenville, Texas, took saddle bronc honors with an 88 point ride on Green Bucks.

In the bull riding, Rocky McDonald, Animas, N.M., stuck an 87-point ride on his bull, branded No. 622.

In the timed events, Prairie Circuit cowboy Garrett Nokes, McCook, took calf roping honors with his time of 8.6 seconds. The steer wrestling champion was another Nebraska cowboy, Justin Thompson of North Platte, with a time of 4.0 seconds. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, turned the barrels in 16.98 seconds to become the 2003 champion.

Phillipsburg rodeo fans were treated to a special appearance by Miss Rodeo America 2003, Lori Bortner.

Hailing from McCook, Bortner rode in the parade earlier in the afternoon and the grand entry at the rodeo and helped push out calves and steers during the rodeo.

The Prairie Dusters presented the American flag and posted for the grand entry, and the grand entry was full of local riders of all ages, continuing the tradition began years ago of receiving a rodeo ticket if the rider participated in the grand entry.

The Kansas' Biggest Rodeo tradition continues next year with the 75th annual rodeo.

The dates for next year's rodeo will be August 5-6-7, 2004. For more information on the rodeo and results, click on www.kansasbiggestrodeo.com.