Australian music, culture showcased on day one of Houston International Festival 2014

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 27, 2014) The 2014 edition of the Houston International Festival (iFest) kicked off on Saturday, April 26, 2014 with concerts, displays, and activities focusing on the culture of Australia.

Musical entertainment was held throughout the day, along with interactive displays and exhibitions, giving patrons the opportunity to experience the Australian culture.

As is a tradition with iFest, diversity in the name of the game, allowing visitors to additionally experience other cultures from around the world.

Groups such as the Mexteco Ballet Folklorico, Feather Face, and El Rectorado del Son drew crowds for their performances, along with Australian didgeridoo player Cameron McCarthy and The Down Under Band Tribute to Australian Pop who focused on the featured country’s music.

The Houston Lonestars, an Australian Rules football team located in Houston, was also in attendance and a fan favorite as they demonstrated their sport and explained to visitors the different and similar aspect of the game.

Another favorite activity was the gold panning display which allowed patrons to pan for gold the way the prospectors did in Australia during the 1800s.

The display that drew tired souls who were look for a bit of relief was the rest area designed to simulate the Sydney Opera House.

The area was constructed inside Sam Houston Park with historical pictures and explanations of how the building was constructed from 1959 until 1971.

The festival continues on Sunday, April 27 with more performances and displays for those in attendance.

The headline concerts, beginning at 6:30 p.m., on the Bud Light World Stage with El Gran Silecio and The Down Under Band Tribute to Australian Pop ay 7:30 p.m. in the Coopers Down Under Pub.

The Houston International Festival also continues on May 3-4, 2014.

To view more images from iFest 2014, visit our sister site by clicking here.

Warrior Games to debut at 2014 Pasadena Strawberry Festival

PASADENA, TEXAS (April 21, 2014) There’s a NEW Game in town this year at the Pasadena Strawberry Festival!

May 18^th Sunday come out for the Strawberry Warrior Games, get really muddy and have a Blast!

Game consists of: Tug a War, Ball Frenzy, Serve to Score all in the MUD.

Teams of 6 will compete for the winners circle by being the toughest, muddiest and best timed team all around.

 

Complete all 3 events in the time allotted and score as many point as possible. Winning teams are award Trophy and Winners Packs.  Every team member gets a Warrior Shirt!

Don’t be left holding the rope - Sunday May 18^th!!

Get all the info and application at www.strawberryfest.org

Games are sponsored by University of Houston Clear Lake

Game shirts sponsored by The Tarp Depot – Pasadena

Kirsten Schwirtlich hits 8th HR of season in HBU's loss to Central Arkansas

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

CONWAY, ARKANSAS (April 19, 2014) The Houston Baptist Huskies fell to below .500 in conference play on Saturday, April 19, 2014 as they lost a 5-1 decision to Central Arkansas on the road in Conway, Arkansas.

The Huskies’ only run came off a first inning home run by Kirstin Schwirtlich on a 1-2 pitch.

Sending the ball over the center field fence for her eighth round tripper of the season, the 5-6 sophomore from Corpus Christi, Texas was 1-for-2 with one RBI.

Right handed pitcher Emily Mueller receive the loss, giving up four runs on seven hits, while walking two and striking out three.

For the third time in the series, HBU took the early lead but were unable to maintain the lead in the late innings.

With the loss, the Huskies fell to 16-23 in 2014 and 10-11 in Southland Conference play.

They are currently in sixth place in conference standings, one place behind Abilene Christian which is ineligible for posts season play.

McNeese State is currently at the top of the standings with a 15-5 conference record, followed by Sam Houston (13-7), Lamar (12-8) and Northwestern State (10-9).

HBU will play its final non-conference matchup of the season Wednesday, April 23 against the University of Houston.

The double header will be at Cougar Softball Stadium on the campus of the University ogf Houston with game times at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

 

 

Houston downs USF 5-3 to take Easter weekend baseball series

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 19, 2014)  The Houston Cougars came into their Saturday, April 19, 2014 game with South Florida; they were one-and-one in their 2014 series.

The Cougars rallied in the eighth inning, from a 3-2 deficit to down the Bulls 5-3 and to raise their season record to 29-10 in 2014.

In the first game of their Easter weekend series, on Thursday, April 17, 2014, the Cougars downed the Bulls, 3-2 on an 11 hit, three-run game with starting pitcher Aaron Garza seeing 6.2 innings of action, giving up a single earned run while striking out four.

Justin Montemayor pounded out two hits, with each getting an RBI.

Jared Robinson, pitching 1.1 innings in relief, received his third win of the season.

In the second game of the series on Friday, April 18, 2014, the Cougars fell to the Bulls by the score of 4-3.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

The No. 12 ranked Cougars could not overcome the four-run first inning by the Bulls, scoring two runs in the first innings and a single run in the seventh inning.

Casey Grayson tallied a 3-for-5 performance, with his fourth home run of the season and 3 RBI.

The in rubber game of the series on Saturday, April 19, 2014, Houston scored first, but the Bulls jumped on three runs in the fourth inning,

The Cougars tallied single runs in the fourth and eighth innings to tied the score at 3-all late in the game.

Houston broke the tie when Frankie Ratcliff, who was placed in the pinch hitting role, drew a bases loaded walk to give the Cougars a 4-3 lead.

Then Jordan Stading tallied another bases-loaded walk to give the Cougars a two-run lead.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

The Cougars raised their American Athletic Conference record to 6-6 with 12 conference game remaining.

The next contest for Houston will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 when they face non-conference opponent Sam Houston State University with a 6:30 p.m. CDT first pitch at Cougar Field.

TAMU-CC Takes Baseball Series Opener Over HBU

(Press Release via Houston Baptist University Athletic Media Relations Department)

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 11, 2014) Texas A&M-Corpus Christi scored five runs in the first inning, then put the game away with four in the fourth and four in the seventh in a 14-1 victory over HBU in the Southland Conference series opener Friday afternoon at Husky Field

Senior first baseman Bradley Brown went 2-for-3 with a double for HBU (15-15, 5-8 SLC), while senior outfielder Jordan McCoy singled to extend his hitting streak to eight games. Junior centerfielder Zach Nehrir doubled and scored the Huskies' lone run.

Tyler Ware went 3-for-4 with a triple, five RBIs and a pair of runs for TAMU-CC (18-18, 8-5). Cody Stephens was 3-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and three runs, while Jordan Lee was 3-for-4 and scored twice. Brandon Tierney and Frankie Salas each scored twice for the Islanders.

Matt Danton (5-2) earned the win for TAMU-CC, allowing one run on five hits in six innings. Junior Taylor Wright (2-6) took the loss for HBU, giving up five runs on four hits in 2/3 of an inning. Junior Ross Kennell threw four shutout innings for the Huskies, before the Islanders got to him for four runs in the sixth.

The series continues Saturday with a 1 p.m. first pitch. The Huskies will hold their annual Fish Fry Fundraiser at the game, with each plate costing $5 and all proceeds going to support HBU Baseball. Fish will be served from 12 p.m. through the end of the game.

Lopez, Hewitt, and Bryan Brothers advance at US Men's Clay Court Championship

Photo by JB Fletcher-Big Shot Snapshots

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 8, 2014) Tuesday, April 8, 2014 action at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship saw the No. 5 and No. 7 single players and the top ranked doubles team advance at River Oaks Country Club in Houston, Texas.

The number five seed, Spain’s Feliciano Lopez, defeated American Robby Ginepri in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2.

Lleyton Hewitt, who came into River Oaks as the number seven seed, took three sets to dispatch Canadian Peter Polansky 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.

In unseeded action, Donald Young (USA) easily downed fellow American Ryan Harrison 6-0, 6-1, while Michael Russell (USA) used straight sets to down Spain’s Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 7-6 (2).

Germany’s Benjamin Becker, who played his college tennis for the Baylor Bears, needed three sets to down Ruben Ramirez-Hildago 6-1, 1-6. 6-3.

American Steve Johnson rounded out the singles action by beating Denis Kudla (USA) 6-3, 7-6 (4).

Photo by JB Fletcher-Big Shot Snapshots

In doubles action, the USA brothers duo of Bob and Mike Bryan quickly defeated Nicholas Monroe and Donald Young 6-3, 6-4.

In other doubles match saw Australians Matt Ebden and Sam Groth beating Ken and Neal Skupski and 6-4, 7-6 (2).

Action continues on Wednesday with five singles and six doubles matches.

The headline matches of the evening include number one seed John Isner (USA) facing Dustin Brown (Germany) while the Bryan brothers will play the Australian pair of Matthew Ebden and Samuel Groth.

Querrey downs Bogomalov in first day action at U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship

By Robert H Kelly

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

 

Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 7, 2014) Monday, April 7, 2014 action in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship at Houston’s River Oaks Country Club saw four wild card entries decided and four regular tournament matches contested.

The four wild card matches, which were postponed from Sunday, April 6 due to rain, were made up beginning at 12 noon.

Winning their wild card matches and advancing to the regular tournament were Robby Ginepri (USA), Peter Polansky (Canada), Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo (Spain), and Ruben Bemelmans (Belgium).

Ginepri dispatched Australia’s Thanasi Kokkinakis 7-5, 7-6 (6) while Polansky took down Thiemo De Bakker (The Netherlands) in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.

Hidalgo needed three sets to top Zimbabwe’s Takanyi Garanganga 6-1, 5-7, 6-3.

Bemelmans also needed three sets to advance into the regular tournament, downing Ryan Harrison (USA) 6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (3).

In first round action, Germany’s Dustin Brown took just 49 minutes to down Rhyne Williams (USA) 6-1, 6-2.

Brown dominated with five aces and won 83% of his first serves (20-of-24) along with 50% (13-of-26) of first return points.

Jack Sock (USA) took a bit longer to send his opponent packing with a 6-1, 6-4, 55 minute win over Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic.

Karlovic was the number eight seed and the first seeded player to be eliminated in Houston.

In the 6 p.m. center court match, Sam Querrey (USA) survived a tough fought match against Alex Bogomalov, Jr., downing the 30-year old Russian 6-4, 7-6 (6).

In the post-match press conference, the 26-year-old from San Francisco, California was quoted.

“Right now, I’ll pretty much take a win however I can get it. The first time I kind of grinded trough a tough win like that all year. It feels really good and hopefully that can just lead to more wins and better play.”

Querrey evened his match history with Bogomalov to 2-2, having beaten him previously on grass in the first round of the 2012 Campbell’s Hall of Fame tennis Championships in Newport, Rhode Island by the score of 7-5, 7-6 (7).

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 matches will see No. 5 Feliciano Lopez of Spain facing Robby Ginepri (USA) and the No. 1 seeded doubles team of Bob and Mike Bryan (USA) playing Nicholas Monroe (USA) and Donald Young (USA

The doubles match will begin on center count at 6 p.m. followed by the Lopez-Ginepri match.

Qualifying play suspended at U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship; will resume Monday, April 7

Photo by JB Fletcher-Big Shot Snapshots

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 6, 2014) Play was officially suspended due to rain at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the U.S. Men’sClay Court Championship with the final four qualifying matches reschedule for Monday, April 7 at River Oaks Country Club in Houston.

Robby Ginepri  (USA)  is now scheduled to face Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS)  on center court at 12 noon, while Peter Polansky (CAN) and Thiemo De Bakker (NED) will begin play on court three at noon.

Takanyi Garanganga (ZIM) and Ruben Ramirez Hidalgi (ESP) will also have a noon match on court seven.

Ryan Harrison (USA)  and Ruben Bemelmans (BEL) will play the final qualifying match on court three following Polansky-De Bakker.

Other play on Monday will find Rhyne Williams (USA) playing Dustin Brown (GER) following the Ginpri vs. Kokkinakis matchup.

The final match of the afternoon will have Jack Sock (USA) playing No. 8 Ivo Karlovic (CRO) on center court.

In the evening matches beginning at 6 p.m., Alex Boromolov, Jr. (RUS) will face Sam Querrey (USA) on center court.

They will be followed by Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) playing Alejandro Gonzalez (COL).

Singles and doubles actions continues all week through Sunday, April 13 at River Oaks Country Club.

You can view the official draw page here.

Houston Dynamo fall to FC Dallas in Texas Derby; El Capitán stays in Frisco

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (April 5, 2014) BBVA Compass Stadium and the 22, 202 fans in attendance in Houston saw the return of the Texas Derby with the Houston Dynamo facing off against FC Dallas for Texas bragging rights and possession of El Capitán on Saturday, April 5, 2014.

The Dynamo could not seem to get the ball in the net, as Dallas dropped Houston by the score of 4-1.

As a result, Dallas will retain possession of El Capitán, the replica 18th century mountain howitzer cannon, that is awarded to the winner of the Texas Derby.

Saturday’s game is the only regular season game for both squads in 2014.

Dallas got on the board first, in the 31st minute, when midfielder Mauro Diaz and a few Dyanmo defenders were fighting in the box for the ball.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

The officials whistled for a penalty kick, and Michel sent the ball past goalkeeper Tally Hall for the score.

Houston evened it up in 41st minute when Brad Davis passed the ball to Ricardo Clark to tie the score at the half.

Dallas sent the score to 2-1 when Michel sent a free kick to Je-Vaughn Watson, who headed it past hall in the 61st minute.

They added their third goal of the evening in the 68th minute when a corner kick ricocheted of Will Bruin’s head and into the Dynamo net.

In addition, they added an insurance goal in the 70th minute when Watson again got the ball past Hall.

With the loss, the Dynamo fall to 2-2-0 (six points) while Dallas foes to 4-0-1 (13 points).

Houston will now hit the road for three straight matches before returning home to face Portland on Sunday, April 27.

They will play New England on Saturday, April 12, followed by a Saturday, April 19 meeting with Philadelphia,

The final match of the three-game road trip will be on Wednesday April 23 against New York.

Houston downs Memphis; 6-3 on two-run homer by Ashford Fulmer

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 29, 2014) The Houston Cougars scored three runs in the third inning to tie the game and three more late in the game to down the Memphis Tigers by the score of 6-3 in the second game of their three-game series at Cougar Field on Saturday, March 29, 2014.

The Cougars started off slow, with starting pitcher Jake Lemoine giving up two runs on three hits in the first inning to give the Tigers the early lead.

Memphis scores an addition run in the third to take a three-run lead.

The Cougars came storming back the third bottom of the third, scoring three runs when right fielder Kyle Survance singles to left field; scoring second baseman Josh Vidales from second.

First baseman Casey Grayson next reached base on a throwing error by Memphis third baseman Zach Schritenthal to score short stop Frankie Ratcliff and Survance.

Both runs were unearned.

In the seventh inning, Vidales’ sacrifice fly to center field allowed designated hitter Justin Montemayor to score the Cougars’ fourth run.

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

Houston increased their lead to three runs when center fielder Ashford Fulmer hit a monster shot over the left field fence for a two run homer; sending third baseman Jordan Stading home from first.

The home run was the second of the season for Fulmer.

Houston head coach Todd Whitting talked with the press after the game and had praised for his players:

"Gutsy performance by (Jake) Lemoine tonight. He got squared up a little bit, but he competed like crazy. He did a good job of keeping us in the game. We played horrendous defense behind him early in the game, but we played good defense late. Tyler Ford was money out of the bullpen. He came in, and was pounding the zone with his fastball. We had timely hits tonight, I told the team we had to put those first three innings behind us, because we can't control that. We just had to be better than them for the next six innings."

Tyler Ford, pitching 3.1 inning in relief got the win; the fourth of the year.

Lemoine saw 5-2 innings of action, giving up seven hits while facing 25 batters.

Memphis starting pitcher Jon Reed received the loss.

With the win, Houston raises its season record to 21-5 and 1-1 in conference play.

Houston drops conference baseball opener to Memphis

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 28, 2014) The Houston Cougars could not overcome an early run by the Memphis Tigers, falling in the first American Athletic Conference baseball game for both teams by the score of 2-1 at Cougar Field on Friday, March 28, 2014.

The Tigers got on the scoreboard in the first inning when lead off hitter Zach Willis scored from third base on a sacrifice bunt by Tucker Tubbs.

Willis reached base on a fielding error by Houston shortstop Frankie Ratcliff.

He advanced to second when Ethan Gross was hit on his first pitch from Cougar starter Aaron Garza.

Memphis scored their second run on a sacrifice by center fielder Jake Little to score third baseman Drew Griffin from third base.

Houston got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth inning on a fielder’s choice by second baseman Josh Vidales to score Caleb Barker.

Caleb Wallingford, pitching seven innings, got his fourth win of the season for the Tigers while Garza, pitching eight complete innings, received his first loss for 2014.

Bryce Beeler, pitching one inning of relief, got the save.

With the loss, the Cougars fall to 20-5 for the season and 0-1 in conference.

The second game of the weekend series will be at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, March 29.

James Dickey steps down as head basketball coach of the Houston Cougars

James Dickey spent four years at the
helm of the Houston Cougars.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Right Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 24, 2014) It is being reported via University of Houston press release and the Houston Chronicle that James Dickey has stepped down as men's head basketball coach at the Houston Cougars.

The announcement from the University of Houston was released via e mail press release on Monday, March 24, 2014 at 4:45 p.m.

The stated reason was given as “private family matters.”

Dickey spent four years at the helm of the Cougars, posting a 64-62 record along with one post season berth in 2013, advancing to the quarterfinals of the CBI tournament; beating the Texas Longhorns in the first round by the score of 73-72.

He holds a 217-196 overall career record, along with previous jobs as the head coach at Texas Tech (10 years) and as an assistant at Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Central Arkansas, Harding College, and Kentucky.

In the 2013-14 season, Dickey’s Houston squad defeated three Top 25 teams and finish the season with a 17-16 record.

In the press release from the University of Houston, Dickey was quoted:

“This has been a difficult decision to make. I continually preach to my players about being an everyday guy, and the balance of your personal and professional life is a major part of it. With that being said, I have a family matter that requires my time and energy, and I will regretfully step down from my current position at the University of Houston. I am extremely appreciative of Mack Rhoades (Houston athletic director) for the opportunity and for the value he brings professionally and personally. I cannot thank my coaching staff and our players enough for the experience and memorable moments over the past four years. The system of support set forth by our Athletic Department staff is world class, and I’m appreciative of every member of the Houston Athletics family. I would like to thank the Houston fans for their support through the years and greatly encourage them to continue their support of the program in the future.”

Houston will immediately begin a national search for Dickey’s replacement.

Five Texan gymnasts to compete for USA in Pacific Rim Championships

Simone Biles will lead the USA gymnasts
at the Pacific Rim Championships.
Photo by John Cheng/USA Gymnastics

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (March 24, 2014) Five athletes from Texas were selected to represent the United States at the 2014 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships in Canada on April 9-11, 2014.

2013 World all-around champion Simone Biles of the World Gymnastics Centre will lead the team of elite American gymnasts to the competition in Richmond, B.C.,

Simone is the 2013 World Championships all-around & floor exercise gold medalist, vault silver medalist and balance beam bronze medalist. She also finished fourth in the uneven bars final.

In addition, she is the 2013 U.S. all-around champion and vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise silver medalist and the 2013 AT&T American Cup silver medalist.

The Spring, Texas native will be accompanied on the artistic team by fellow Texan Bailie Key (Montgomery, Texas) of Texas Dream Gymnastics.

Bailey is the 2013 P&G Championship junior division gold medalist in all-around, balance beam, and floor exercise.

On the men’s side, Houston’s Chris Brooks of Team Hilton HHonors and Cypress Gymnastics and Katy’s Davis Grooms of Champions Gymnastics will also compete in Canada.

Brooks is the 2014 Winter Cup Challenge all-around champion, high bar silver medalist, and an alternate for the 2013 U.S. Olympic Team.

Grooms is the 2013 Men's Junior Olympic (13-14) national champion in the all-around, high bar and still rings.

In addition, Nicky Wojtana of Plano, Texas and the Texas Rhythmic Academy will compete in the female junior rhythmic competition.

The Pacific Rim Championships is a major regional gymnastics competition held every two years and is open to teams from member nations of the Pacific Alliance of National Gymnastics.  

Member countries include Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, United States and other nations on the Pacific coast.

Scott Kormos secures second tie-down roping title at Houston Rodeo

Photo by Darla Tamulitis
La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 23, 2014) With the time of 8.0 seconds, Scott Kormos clinched his second Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo title by winning the tie-down roping event on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

Those in attendance at Reliant Stadium saw the Teague, Texas native advance through six rounds of competition to take the overall Shootout title and $55,300 in prize money.
He captured his first Houston title in 2005.

In Super Series II, he tallied times of 9.6, 8.8, and 7.6 seconds in three rounds to place second with an aggregate time of 26.0 seconds.

In the semi-finals, he scored a solid 9.1 seconds to place third and advance him into the championship.

He then posted a ride of 8.8 seconds to secure his place in the Shootout.
Kormos, who has competed in Houston 11 times, was quoted in the post-event press conference:

“Houston is something every cowboy wants. Every year I’ve come here, I’ve wanted this. It’s been a tough winter; I’ve been struggling with some tough luck. I feel blessed to have this win today.”

Rhen Richard from Roosevelt, Utah, who was competing in his fourth Houston Rodeo, took runner-up honors, taking home $26,100.

Third place went to Reese Riemer of Stinett, Texas.

The 15-year veteran of competing in rodeo secured $13,850 in his first Houston appearance.

Cody Ohl secured fourth place with a 10.2 second ride to take home $11,050 in winnings.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the Super Shootout, with champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.

Feild takes top honors in bareback riding at Houston Lifestock Show and Rodeo

By Robert H Kelly

Photo By Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved

Copyright 2014, TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 23, 2014) Taking home his second Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo title in bareback riding, Kaycee Feild road his way to a score of 91 and as a result, pocketed $57,150 in prize money on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

The married father of one from Spanish Fork, Utah, stated in the post-event press conference that the win was special:

“I have some stuff I can spend it on, and share the wealth with my family.”

Feild, who has competed in Houston six times, advanced through Super Series II with scores of 85, 84, and 85 to place first with an aggregate score of 254 points.

He tallied the score of 93 to take first place in the semi-finals and capped that performance with the score of 88 in the championships.

He advanced to the Shootout, topping three other competitors to take the title.
Field has competed in Houston six times in his eight year rodeo career which stretches back to 2006.

Redmond, Oregon native Steven Peebles took runner-up honors with the score of 89; securing $20,717 in prize money.

Third place went to Bobby Mote (Stephenville, Texas) scoring 89 points for $19,317.
Tom O’Connell from Zwingle, Iowa rounded out the top four places with the score of 89 and $16,667.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the event part of the Super Shootout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.
Competition will be contested in bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling.

Heith Demoss takes top honors in saddle bronc riding at Houston Rodeo

Keith Demoss won the saddle bronc riding
at the Houston Rodeo, winning $55,783 in prize money.
Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2014 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (March 23, 2015) Topping three other finalists with the score of 92, Heith Demoss took the saddle bronc riding title at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo at Reliant Stadium on Saturday evening, March 22, 2014.

Saving his best ride for last, the married father of two tallied rides of 83, 84 and 86 in the Super Series for a aggregate score of 253 and third place.

Advancing to the semi-finals, he score 84 for sixth placing, forcing him into the wildcard round with a chance to qualify for the championship.

He recorded his best score of the competition, to that point, when the judhes awarded him an 88; placing first.

He matched that’s core in the championship, which advanced him to the Shootout named his eventual title.

In the post-event meeting with the press, Demoss was quoted:

“It’s just been a thing that’s seemed like a far off dream. It’s my entire life; everything I’ve got is from rodeo. I’d love to dedicate it to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and my wife Hallie.”

With the win, Demoss deposits $55,783 into his bank account.

Cort Scheer, hailing from Elsmere Nebraska, put together solid scores of 85 in the championship and 89 in the Shootout to secure second place.

He received $29,610 for his performance.

Dustin Flundra, from Pincher Creek, Alberta, Canada placed third with the score of 86, pocketing $15,500.

Rounding out the top four places was Rusty Wright from Milford, Utah, earning $13,760.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues on Sunday, March 23, 2014 with the Super Shootout at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo when champions from various North American rodeos competing for $50,000 in prize money.