NSPRA member Gary Lee Alger, Jr. – courtesy of the family
Gary Lee Alger, Jr. is just finishing his ‘rookie year with the Senior Pro Rodeo Association, and what a year it was for the Pendleton, Ore. cowboy. He went into the Finals with a sizeable lead and he did not slacken. He claimed both the Average and Year End title in the 40’s saddle bronc riding.
Gary says that the Senior Pro Association has a lot to offer for those who are over 40 and still wanting to compete. “The camaraderie and friendships that you make are some of the best things about going to these rodeos. You meet people from all over the country and you see them again at the different rodeos. I would say; If you like rodeoing, come on and join us.”
In 2016 he will be starting as the saddle bronc event director and he brings a fresh perspective and a lot of enthusiasm to the position. “I wasn’t looking for the job, but some of the bronc riders I met this year thought that I’d be a good director and they just kind of put me in there. I’ve been an event director for the Columbia River Circuit in the past so I have some background on what it entails. I’ll be the representative for the bronc riders in matters related to the association. I’ll be finding sponsors and getting awards for the Finals.”As a first year member to the NSPRA, Gary asked questions about the operation and soon found himself filling the director’s spot. “One of the things I would like to do is improve communication between the association and member-contestants and make things more user-friendly.”
Right now Gary’s only event is saddle broncs but don’t be too surprised to see Gary on bulls in the near future. “I’ve kind of thought about bulls. I rode bulls in high school and college and it does get my blood pumping when I see them.” Gary, a former PRCA competitor, is involved in hosting a rodeo Bible Camp for youths. “Putting on that rodeo camp gets me excited to rodeo again. A lot of the kids haven’t been around rodeo.”
Gary got started in rodeo as a young boy with the help of some neighbor boys. “Lance and Chance Dison were in PeeWee Rodeo and their dad came down and asked if my brothers and I would like to go. I was all for it, but my dad said I wasn’t big enough to do it. Well, all it took for me was for someone to tell me I couldn’t do something. I rodeoed in high school and college and I had a rodeo scholarship at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, and then on into the pros. I didn’t study much, but I did rodeo.”
Gary and his wife, Debbie have four children. The two oldest daughters, Jessica and Leini, are married and both expecting soon. Debbie is a big supporter of Gary. “One of the reasons that I can still get away to rodeo is that she really likes going and encourages me, so that makes it real easy with her backing. Our youngest boy, Garison is a senior this year and bull rider in high school rodeo. My oldest son, Lathan is attending college on a baseball scholarship.” Gary says that God is his guiding influence and he counts on that to get through everyday life. “Obviously my wife is my second big influence. She helps me with life, my job, rodeo, and everything else.”
During the week, Gary is an assistant superintendant for Lydig Construction doing commercial and industrial buildings. Leisure time is spent working on the home place. “We just bought a 10-acre ranch and I’m sure that will keep me busy the rest of my life. My wife and I do like to travel some.”
