stories by Magie Downare-Nevius
Two-time Silver State International Rodeo qualifier, Hadley Cloward, is shooting for National criterion in his fourth year with the UHSRA. The 18-year-old cowboy is an experienced hooey thrower and team roper, taking silver elite status his sophomore and junior years, and is currently working his way up the standings this season. In addition, Hadley gets the opportunity to wait for the nod from younger brother (Hayden) in the team roping this year. “It has been fun to have them rope together and they are sitting pretty high in the standings,” said dad.
While the senior has an ever expanding résumé as a four-time state qualifier, his initial start in the sport started at an early age. “Since he was very young, Hadley has been playing with ropes and was actually quite handy with one by 4 years old,” dad said. As both parents (Cory and Shannon) competed at the high school level and Shannon went on to college rodeo and barrel race professionally, Cory says that Hadley’s uncle (Chris Nielsen) and wife (Sunny) were very instrumental in getting him in the competitive side of cowboying, along with a large impact from his grandpa (Kirk Johansen). “We live in an area where many people are involved in rodeo. We have many family and friends that have helped us along the way. In this, the Truman, Gordon and Ivie families, along with Brady Ramone, have been a huge help to our family,” said Cory. The love for the sport was also passed down to Hadley’s older sister (Haylie, 21), who is a former UHSRA competitor.
As cattle ranchers of approximately 200 head of mother cows, it doesn’t come to much of a surprise that Hadley enjoys the outdoors. On top of helping around the place, Hadley is also an accomplished welder and likes to hunt and fish, but has a talent for converting ranch horses into competitive equine athletes. “He has trained his own horses by himself and has done a great job with it,” Cory said. Having several welding and rodeo scholarships pending, along with keeping a 3.9 G.P.A., to earn academic scholarships, Hadley’s future education looks to be bright. “It is not easy to maintain a high G.P.A. when rodeoing and missing school, but he is very smart and dedicated,” said Cory. “He is in the process of deciding where he wants to go to college.
Third-year team roping qualifier, Rozin Manning, will work the state finals in double events, having made it in the tie-down roping for the first time during his four-year membership. “I would like to thank Josh Jennings. He helps me practice twice a week and has helped me reach my goal this year in the tie-down,” Rozin said.
Although, coming from a long-line of rodeo enthusiasts, Rozin inherited the urge from his parents (Gil and Shantel), who competed throughout their youth. “We’ve both always had horses and just love the sport, so wanted our kids to have the same opportunity if they desired,” Shantel said. Starting out in the National Little Britches Rodeo Association and junior rodeos, Rozin has progressed to a full designation with the UHSRA, but enjoys team roping with his younger brother (Hazer, 14) on the side. Hazer has also picked up the bug and competes in the steer broncs, breakaway roping and team roping within the UJHSRA. “I use a message that my dad gave me and I read it everyday. ‘Your hard work will bring greatness. Believe in yourself. Work for your dreams’,” Rozin said.
Even with his determination, the 18-year-old cowboy battles with a form of epilepsy, and since being diagnosed at 7 years old, has struggled with seizures. “It is a medical guessing game and they are not sure what form he has. In 89 percent of cases, medical professionals never find out why it has occurred,” Shantel explained. “We take things day by day and are just grateful that Roz can be happy and do something that he loves.” To help, Rozin has been inserted with a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) that goes off every minute, which sends electric current to the brain for 30 seconds at a time. “We are always looking for ways to help, but it could be so much worse. At least, medications help control the day seizures to let him try and live a some what normal life,” Shantel said. To get him through his days, Rozin says that he uses prayer and faith daily.
The senior of Bryce Valley High School is a former baseball player and wrestler, but has decided to dedicate his time to rodeo. Against his doctors’ wishes, Rozin has found his passion and works daily on his craft. “We have found that his horses have been the very best therapy for Roz and he spends many hours with them. We try not to limit him, and because of it, his hard work shows every time he catches,” Shantel said. Rozin has found a true teammate with his 12-year-old buckskin gelding “Doc”, who he has had for five years. “We are so very grateful for Doc. He has been great and keeps Rozin safe in and out of the arena,” Shantel said.
The 2014 Silver State International Rodeo (SSIR) trap shoot champion and reserve rifle shoot champion, Brody Woods, is a five-event cowboy, also hitting the competition in tie-down roping, team roping and cutting. While the 17-year-old cowboy is working on a state qualification in the calf roping, he has already made it in his remaining events for the third consecutive year. “He truly likes all of his events, but I would have to say that calf roping is his favorite,” mom said.
Getting an agricultural background from his parents (Brett and Donni), who both grew up on cattle ranches and continue to run around 300 head of angus cattle and raise alfalfa hay, Brody and his older sister (Jadon, 21) were riding at very young ages and have helped around the place every step of the way. With help from Donni, who dabbled in horse shows throughout her youth, the sibling pair were enabled to join local junior rodeos to start their competition careers. As Jadon went on to becoming a four-time SSIR qualifier and now competes in open cutting shows, Brody has been able to progress from the UJHSRA and has acquired two qualifications to the SSIR in trap and rifle shoot and tie-down and team roping. “Brody is definitely aiming for Nationals, but most of all wants to work all summer and be at the top of his game for next season,” Donni said.
Outside of the arena, the junior of Uintah High School in Vernal, Utah, enjoys big game hunting and has bagged deer, elk, two caribou and a bear, but is headed for a trophy doll sheep for his graduation present. Beyond there, Brody plans on going into construction management, but wishes to get his commercial pilot’s license first from Northwestern Junior College in Rangely, Colo., and hopes to participate on the rodeo team.