story by Magie Downare-Nevius
Joel Redman (r) and Dr. Trotter (l) at the 2015 RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Florida – Elaine Gall
The Dodge City Roundup arena is primarily known for hosting the only PRCA Wrangler Million Dollar Tour Rodeo in the state of Kansas, and is the richest in contestant payout. Elevating the sport that appeals to contestants of all ages, the location, is also home to one of the nation’s oldest and longest running Little Britches Rodeos, along with drawing participants from across the state for the high school rodeo competition. The committee’s dedication in promoting the western heritage has the Dodge City Roundup, Inc., being named the PRCA’s “Large Outdoor Rodeo Committee of the Year” a record of nine times and was selected by Time Magazine as one of the “50 Authentic American Experiences“. Due to the extraordinary efforts, the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo was inducted into the PRCA Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2012.
In a change of venue, the Kansas Professional Rodeo Association (KPRA) and the Dodge City Roundup, Inc., has joined forces and Dodge City, Kans., is the new home of the KPRA Finals for a cycle of the 2015-2016 seasons, holding the first right of refusal. “We are very excited about it. It is our first year hosting the event and we hope to continue for many years,” said Joel Redman. “We want to show the KPRA cowboys and cowgirls that we are dedicated to them and not just have a finals, but make it a family rodeo event.”
Joel has served as the Vice President of the Dodge City Roundup, Inc. committee for the past four years, but has provided helpful action on the Board of Directors for 15 years and has been a member for 18 years. The 51-year-old cowboy descends from a rodeo family and started roping at the age of 5 years old. Having competed in various associations; such as the International Professional Rodeo Association, United Rodeo Association and the previously known Kansas State Rodeo Association, the retired roper says that he understands that contestants need to get paid for their talents. “The finals should have the largest payout, as the contestants that qualify are the best of the association. In this, we, as a committee, in partnership with the Boothill Casino, are adding a significant amount of money to the finals payout,” Joel said.
With his dad as a cattle buyer and growing up ranching, Joel developed a work ethic that allowed him to produce his own business of Redman Tile Works, which he has operated in custom kitchen and bathrooms for the past 20 years. Grasping the knowledge that hard work should be paid off and open doors to additional opportunity, Joel hopes that the increased KPRA Finals payout will grow to the extent of expansion in rodeos throughout the season. “We want to make the finals an event that pushes the contestants to want to qualify and demonstrate that there is a pot at the end of the rainbow. By dedicating themselves to the association, we hope that interest trickles down to increase contestant payout to cover entries throughout the season,” he said.
As a member of a devoted and enthusiastic production; which includes: President Dr. R.C. Trotter, Treasurer Tom Stanley, Secretary Cherry Deges, and Administration Assistant Elaine Gall, Joel’s relation enhances the overall objective of the Dodge City Roundup committee. “We want to be able to increase the interest in rodeo as a mainstream sport, rather than just a good ol’ boys competition,” he said.
