For M ore Information:
Mike Hausmann
NHSRA M edia Coordinator
1-800-466-4772, ext. 213
mike@nhsra .org
www.nhsra .org

March 5, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NHSRA Welcomes "US Rodeo Supply" As New Sponsor

Denver, Colorado - The National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) is pleased to welcome "US Rodeo Supply" as a new sponsor of the organization. Founded in April of 2001, US Rodeo Supply is based in Des Moines, Iowa and is proud to be the complete equipment vendor for rodeo athletes of every event. Per the company's new sponsorship, it will become known as the "Official Roughstock Rodeo Gear of the National High School Rodeo Association and the NHSRA Wrangler Division."

Traditionally, the vast majority of the company's business has been through its website and specialty catalog. However, the firm recently opened up a new store measuring approximately 7,000 square feet that serves as a combined distribution center and retail space. A new mobile unit will also help to expand the business as well.

Matt Owen, who founded the company and also serves as Chairman / CEO, says that it was time for the business to further progress onto the national scene after its history of working with state and regional rodeo associations. "Working with the NHSRA just seemed like a perfect fit for us," Owen says. "It's a great match demographically, since we are interested in youth and greatly appreciate the NHSRA's focus on morals and good family values. A lot of our clientele are already involved in high school rodeo. So this was an easy decision for us.

Traditionally, the vast majority of our business is with bull riding. But over time, we've expanded our line gradually to focus on the other events as well." "Rodeo, for the most part, overlays with my core beliefs," Owen continued. " It was amazing to see how dedicated these rodeo families were, traveling around the country going from event to event and from one national finals to another. On another level, I also really like the idea that the NHSRA focuses so much on scholarships and education."

Owen also says that he is confident that this will be a very long- term partnership with the Association, adding that his overall goal is to provide the best customer service possible to all rodeo athletes and clientele. "Ultimately, we want to build more relationships with the families who are involved in rodeo," he explains. "Our name is gaining a great reputation and we want to further that goal. I view us more as a technology company than a rodeo company, because we are pushing the edge on how we run our business. We do our business, which focuses on 'e-commerce' right now, in a very non- traditional manner. There are not many typical western stores that stock the items that we do. Quite simply, we don't do apparel or boots. We specialize in rodeo equipment for all events. We also have some ranch and lifestyle products as well. But our overall focus right now is to build the very best product line that fully supports all rodeo events. And we also encourage feedback and hope to get as much as possible from athletes, parents, and rodeo supporters ."

NHSRA Executive Director, Kent L. Sturman, notes that the addition of the company to the Association's sponsor roster is a welcome sight. "We are so proud to announce this new partnership with US Rodeo Supply," Sturman says. "In just seven short years, the company has created a wonderful reputation for "top of the line" quality and overall excellence. Having a new partnership with U S Rodeo Supply is a terrific addition to the NHSRA that will undoubtedly be a great relationship for years to come."

For more information on US Rodeo Supply, please call toll free 1- 877- 728- 4766 or visit their comprehensive website which is located at www.usrodeosupply.com.

The NHSRA is one of the fastest growing youth organizations in the nation, with an annual membership of over 10,500 students from forty-one U .S. states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia. The Association sanctions over 1,100 rodeos on an annual basis. The NHSRA is governed by a national Board of Directors, which consists of one member from each state or province. A staff at the national headquarters in Denver, Colorado handles the day- to-day operations. For more information on the NHSRA, visit the Association's official website located at www.nhsra.org.

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The National High School Rodeo Association, Inc. is seeking a motivated, organized individual to serve as the Wrangler Division Coordinator for the NHSRA. Candidate must have excellent people skills, good computer knowledge, be able to multi-task and coordinate multiple activities, events and tasks successfully. Experience in event coordination and management needed. Job entails managing the junior high division of the NHSRA and the junior national finals rodeo. Send resume and references to:

Kent Sturman, NHSRA, Inc., 12001 Tejon Street, Suite 128, Denver, CO 80234.

What a trip!!!

I had a blast over in Springfield, IL attending the National High School Rodeo Association 2007 Finals.

Similar to my recent trip out to Pueblo, Co for the NLBRA Finals, I am almost speechless (partially because I am dead tired). If you want to get involved in a professional level youth organization, I would encourage you to check out the NHSRA.

Talent?

Oh buddy!!! I am excited to think about the future of the sport of Rodeo. These kids are top notch professional athletes with some promising futures. It was obvious that the addition of the Wrangler Junior Division has prepared these kids for the spot light once they advance up to the High School level of competition. On Saturday evening in the final round there were three Freshman that made it into the Bull Riding Short-Go.....and they were handy!

I spent most of the day in the Phoenix Performance booth with Phil Smith. It allowed me the opportunity to meet with many of our past customers and get introduced to some new friends from around the world - USA, Canada and even Australia.

I also had the opportunity to spend some time with Randy & Dennis George of the legendary G-BAR-G Bronc Saddles based on Riverton, WY. Their booth was adjoining the Phoenix Performance booth. Some of the nicest guys you will ever meet. Amazing family business. Looking forward to working together in the future and offering you some of their line of products.

Phil Smith also introduced me to Neil Barstow who owns Barstow Pro Rodeo Equipment based in Texas. Neil is also a legend in the rodeo industry and has provided a professional line of rodeo equipment for decades. Neil produces hands down the best bareback riggin on the market today. We are looking forward to expanding to include some of the Barstow Pro Rodeo Equipment line in the very near future.

Last but not least, Saturday evening I spent with Marc Andrus (SADDLE BARN)and his family watching the events. I had the chance to spend some time with Jesse Andrus who qualified from New Mexico in the bull riding. Jesse unfortunately had a run of bad luck and bucked off both his bulls. However look for him to be back and be a promising up and comer. Very talented kid.

We have been working with the folks at the NHSRA for several months to become the National Sponsor of the Roughstock Rodeo Equipment. Although it is yet to be "Official" it sure sounds like we will have the opportunity to become involved and help. It is a perfect fit and we would love to be able to. I'll keep you posted.

until next time....

Spur It' Up!!!

PS: I feel for those who had a 30+ hour drive home! I didn't get to find out home many hour flight it is back to Australia...Thanks for allowing your kids to be involved in such a great sport!

On the road again....

Just heading out the door to go pay a visit to the National High School Rodeo Association FINALS over in Springfield, IL. If everything works out I should be able to make tonights performance and stay through the last round.

Looking forward to learning the layout in anticipation for next year setting up a booth and becoming more involved with both the Wrangler Division and the High School.

As it turns out Marc Andrus (owner of SADDLE BARN) has been there all week with his son Jesse who qualified from New Mexico. So I am looking forward to catching up with him and brain storming about the future. Also, Phil Smith with Phoenix Performance is in attendance and has a booth set up.

Should be fun...

Spur It' Up!!!

For all the latest results at the National High School Rodeo Association Finals in Springfield, IL July 22 - 28 click here.

To view video click here