Ranch Rodeo Opens CCYPS Season

By Samantha Humphrey

 The 2025 Chambers County Youth Project Show (CCYPS) Ranch Rodeo is officially in the books—and what a weekend it was! From thrilling competition to heartwarming community moments, this year’s event was a huge success, and we’re grateful to everyone who played a part.

  For those unfamiliar, a Ranch Rodeo is a competition where real working cowboys and cowgirls team up to demonstrate the skills they use every day on the ranch—emphasizing teamwork, practical know-how, and the ranching lifestyle.

  Friday Night – Women’s Ranch Rodeo – Five talented women’s teams kicked off the weekend on Friday, April 11, competing in Doctoring, Ranch Sorting, and Mugging. Winning Team: River Bend – Katie Pinner, Kirby Sandlin, Ashley Fears, and Dakota Smith; Top Horse: Brykley Husky; Top Hand: Kasey Caughman.

  Saturday – A Full Day of Family and Cowboy Fun – Saturday morning began with Coffee with the Cowboys, led by Brother Danny Biddy. Local legend “Cowboy Bob” Kahla was honored with the Pioneer Rancher award for his lifetime contributions to the agriculture industry.

  The youngest cowboys and cowgirls showed off their skills in the fan-favorite Mutton Bustin’ event. Over 30 children (ages 4–6) participated, with Owen Hankamer taking home the All-Around Buckle in Round 6.

  Later in the day, 16 teams competed in the Preliminary Performance of the Open Ranch Rodeo, tackling branding, ranch sorting, and double mugging. The top ten teams advanced to the finals, featuring doctoring and wild cow milking. The overall champions were: Nacogdoches Livestock – Robert Fea, Heath Kocurek, David Sorsby, and Charlie Edwards. Top Hand: Heath Kocurek. Top Horse: Robert Fea.

  Unlike many rodeos, 100% of the entry fees go back to contestants. All gate admissions and concessions support the CCYPS Scholarship Fund, while sponsorship dollars go directly to the youth through the Barn Sale or Auction at YPS.

  Last year’s Ranch Rodeo raised $54,000 for the youth of Chambers County. This year, we’re thrilled to share that $63,000 has been raised! Congratulations and thanks you to everyone who volunteered and sponsored the ranch rodeo!