KPRA member Frank Morton
– Lone S Photography
story by Magie Downare-Nevius
Three-time Kansas Professional Rodeo Association (KPRA) Finals qualifier, Frank Morton, dominated the 2014 bareback riding standings and walked away as the year-end champion with over $6,300 in season winnings tucked in his pocket. In addition, the riggin’ rider raked his way to three first place finishes and captured the finals champion title with an aggregate score of 235 on three head, which was the highest average score over all of the rough stock events. “The KPRA offers local rodeos with good stock from the contractors,” Frank said of what has kept him coming back to the organization. “I would like to continue riding good and return to the finals this year. Hopefully, I will be able to get another year-end title.”
An on-again, off-again competitor since 2008, Frank has designated the KPRA as a foundation to his skill, while taking on the responsibility as a first-year bareback riding director. “It was a combination of volunteering and being voted in. I would like to see younger guys get involved in bareback riding; yet, at the same time, try to make it worth their while by trying to improve a little on what the association already has to offer. In this, I would like to get more added money for the finals,” he said of his hopes for the event.
The 27-year-old cowboy was not a rodeo-athlete until his freshman year of college. During his attendance at Dodge City, Frank decided that he wanted to get involved in the sport. In company of a buddy with the same interest, the pair tried their hands at spurring bucking horses. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into,” he remembered, and added that his friend no longer rides. Nonetheless, the event seized Frank’s heart and determination to succeed overtook him. He went on to compete on the college rodeo team for four years. In the process of earning double majors in Farm and Ranch Management and Welding Manufacturing, Frank progressed to a membership with the PRCA and has grown to be a two-time Prairie Circuit Finals qualifier. “I would like to try and make the RNCFR in the future,” he said.
Outside of the bucking chutes, the Wright, Kans., resident makes his living as a cowboy, performing day work for ranches in the area. His competitive nature also finds him competing in ranch rodeos on the side.
