Sam Bird has been the Team Roping Heading Champion at the Indian National Finals
Rodeo three times; 1976, 1988 and 2001. He has also won the Montana ProRodeo
Team Roping Champion seven times and the Northern Rodeo Association Team
Roping Championship twice. With all of Sam’s accomplishments, one can see why he
has acquired the nickname “The Champ.”
Rodeo is truly a family tradition for Sam, and he prides himself on that fact. He won
the 2001 Team Roping title with his nephew, Dustin Bird, also from Cut Bank. Bird
has six brothers and three sisters, with five that have been, or still are, involved with
rodeo. His wife, Terry, was also a tough competitor in the barrel-racing event.
Sam and Terry have two daughters that are following in mom and dad’s footsteps.
Brittany and Sammy Jo are both barrel racers and breakaway ropers. As a matter of
fact, in 2008, the sisters won both ladies events included in the INFR tour rodeo
association. Sammy Jo won the ladies barrel racing by 23 points and Brittany won
the ladies breakaway by 27 points. Sam and Terry instill their competitiveness into
both their daughters.
He gives a lot of credit to his brothers, Beaver, Dick, and Ron Bird. They started him
in the sport of rodeo and not only taught him how to rope and rope consistent but
also how to be competitive.
In 2008, Sam had both daughters and several nieces and nephews competing at the
INFR. He is very proud that he is still competing against them and not sitting in the
bleachers cheering them on. Sam should take a lot of credit for his family being
competitors at the INFR. He has always helped his family or anyone in general, in
anyway that he can. He is always willing to give advice, a helping hand, and a
practice pen with steers to name just a few.
Bird would like to thank his family and friends for the continued support he receives.
He would especially like to thank his mom and dad, Whizzie and Sam Bird Jr., who
have passed on now, but were always there for him in anyway he needed.
He would also like to give Bud Connelly a special thank you. Sam’s dad bought his
first roping saddle for Sam from Mr. Bud Connelly. Sam also won his first roping with
Bud at 12 years of age.
Sam has been a commissioner of the Indian National Finals Rodeo for eight years
and also qualified for the INFR 32 times. His goal since the beginning has been to
make Indian Rodeo bigger, better and more profitable for Indian Cowboys and
Cowgirls. He is also hoping to bring it to a higher level in which Indian Rodeo is just
as respected as any other rodeo organization.
Many people, in and out of the rodeo arena, have a certain respect for Sam Bird,
and for good reason. He is a genuine cowboy and a true champion.
Rodeo three times; 1976, 1988 and 2001. He has also won the Montana ProRodeo
Team Roping Champion seven times and the Northern Rodeo Association Team
Roping Championship twice. With all of Sam’s accomplishments, one can see why he
has acquired the nickname “The Champ.”
Rodeo is truly a family tradition for Sam, and he prides himself on that fact. He won
the 2001 Team Roping title with his nephew, Dustin Bird, also from Cut Bank. Bird
has six brothers and three sisters, with five that have been, or still are, involved with
rodeo. His wife, Terry, was also a tough competitor in the barrel-racing event.
Sam and Terry have two daughters that are following in mom and dad’s footsteps.
Brittany and Sammy Jo are both barrel racers and breakaway ropers. As a matter of
fact, in 2008, the sisters won both ladies events included in the INFR tour rodeo
association. Sammy Jo won the ladies barrel racing by 23 points and Brittany won
the ladies breakaway by 27 points. Sam and Terry instill their competitiveness into
both their daughters.
He gives a lot of credit to his brothers, Beaver, Dick, and Ron Bird. They started him
in the sport of rodeo and not only taught him how to rope and rope consistent but
also how to be competitive.
In 2008, Sam had both daughters and several nieces and nephews competing at the
INFR. He is very proud that he is still competing against them and not sitting in the
bleachers cheering them on. Sam should take a lot of credit for his family being
competitors at the INFR. He has always helped his family or anyone in general, in
anyway that he can. He is always willing to give advice, a helping hand, and a
practice pen with steers to name just a few.
Bird would like to thank his family and friends for the continued support he receives.
He would especially like to thank his mom and dad, Whizzie and Sam Bird Jr., who
have passed on now, but were always there for him in anyway he needed.
He would also like to give Bud Connelly a special thank you. Sam’s dad bought his
first roping saddle for Sam from Mr. Bud Connelly. Sam also won his first roping with
Bud at 12 years of age.
Sam has been a commissioner of the Indian National Finals Rodeo for eight years
and also qualified for the INFR 32 times. His goal since the beginning has been to
make Indian Rodeo bigger, better and more profitable for Indian Cowboys and
Cowgirls. He is also hoping to bring it to a higher level in which Indian Rodeo is just
as respected as any other rodeo organization.
Many people, in and out of the rodeo arena, have a certain respect for Sam Bird,
and for good reason. He is a genuine cowboy and a true champion.
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| INDIAN NATIONAL FINALS RODEO "Riding With Tradition" |
Bird Inducted into Montana Indian Athlete
Hall of Fame by Kari Zubach
INFR Commissioner Sam Bird was inducted
into the Montana Indian Athlete Hall of Fame,
Dec. 12, 2008.
The Montana Indian Athlete Hall of fame was
formed to ensure that Indian athletes receive
recognition for their lifetime achievements. The
Blackfeet Nation was well represented as Bud
Connelly, Samson Bird, Sam Bird III, Billie
Brown, Jess LaBuff and Leonard Guardipee
were inducted at this year's event.
Hall of Fame by Kari Zubach
INFR Commissioner Sam Bird was inducted
into the Montana Indian Athlete Hall of Fame,
Dec. 12, 2008.
The Montana Indian Athlete Hall of fame was
formed to ensure that Indian athletes receive
recognition for their lifetime achievements. The
Blackfeet Nation was well represented as Bud
Connelly, Samson Bird, Sam Bird III, Billie
Brown, Jess LaBuff and Leonard Guardipee
were inducted at this year's event.
The INFR website is currently looking for articles on INFR contestants, rodeos or other things
related to Indian Rodeo. Please email your articles to Kari Zubach kzubach@hotmail.com.
related to Indian Rodeo. Please email your articles to Kari Zubach kzubach@hotmail.com.
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The INFR a success for our Indian Cowboys and Cowgirls throughout
Indian Rodeo Country.
By: Kari Zubach, Sharon Small, and Jimi Champ
The 2008 Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) was a year of several firsts. The
INFR was held October 2-5th at the extravagant South Point Hotel & Casino in Las
Vegas, Nevada. The World Champions received top of the line sting ray trophy
saddles and gorgeous Montana Silversmith buckles. Contestants didn’t have to be
the world champ to get a buckle however, each go-round winner also was awarded
a Montana Silversmith buckle. After an exciting week of rodeo, 6 championships
went home with a well deserving contestant who had never won that coveted Indian
World title. The other five went home with champions from years past.
Jess Colliflower, the 2008 Men’s All-Around Champion qualified in the steer
wrestling and saddle bronc riding. A feat very similar to that of his father, John who
won the All Around title in 1989. Placing second in the saddle bronc riding and
second in the steer wrestling along with the All-Around title made the 2008 INFR
very profitable for this cowboy from Rocky Boy, Montana.
Kassidy Dennison won the 2008 Ladies All-Around Title. Kassidy kept it in the
family after her Aunt Carol Jackson-Holyon won the prestigious award in 2007.
This is the second All-Around title for Kassidy whom also won the saddle in 2005.
Kassidy competed in the ladies barrel racing and breakaway events. Although she
had a little tough luck on Saturday night in the barrel racing when her horse fell
leaving her with a sprained ankle, she cowgirled up and roped and barrel raced in
Sunday’s performance.
Nelson Tsosie and Rollie Wilson once again walked away with back to back
championships in the bareback riding and saddle bronc riding respectively. Rollie
was also this year’s runner up in the Men’s All-Around race, making money in both
the bareback and saddle bronc riding events.
Greg Louis had a great rodeo season in 2008. Greg won a PT Cruiser this
summer after winning the most money won in the rough stock events at Crow
Native Days, Rocky Boy and Crow Fair. Greg won the INFR bull riding title in 2005
and once again was crowned the champ in 2008. He was the only cowboy going
into the forth round that had covered three bulls while winning the first round with
an 82 point ride.
Raynell Holgate a freshman in college stayed calm and collected while cleaning
house in the ladies barrel racing. This young lady walked away with 3 of the 4 go-
round buckles as well as the World Championship awards. When she was asked
how she stayed so calm she replied, “I just stayed focused on my homework and
took every run as a separate run”. We wish the best of luck to Raynell in and out
of the arena.
The 2008 Ladies Breakaway roping title was won by Ms. Katelin Loring. Not only
did Katelin earn honors in the breakaway roping this year she also graduated with
honors from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in business
administration. She is now attending a masters program at the University of
Montana. This talented young cowgirl roped very smart and consistent with an
aggregate time of 13.8 on four runs. Katelin proved that hard work and
determination pay off in the arena as well as out.
Ty St. Goddard and Terry Doka also roped consistent on four head of steers at
“the big show” as Ty calls it. Ty not only qualified to the “Big Show” for the second
time, but was crowned the 2008 team roping champion. Terry Doka started the
week off right, winning the first round in the team roping while his daughter Justine
won the first round in the breakaway (both on last year’s heel horse of the year
Slash). Winning this year’s World Championship was a great victory for this
talented team.
Another horse of the year carried his cowboy to his first World Championship.
Mark Cuny of Billings, Mt won the Tie Down Roping on his horse Dice. This was a
very bitter sweet victory for Mark and Dice; this year will be the last year for the
duo as Mark retired Dice at the end of the fourth round. Dice won’t be completely
retired however Mark’s girls will still be riding him in the event he loves the best,
breakaway roping.
This year’s Steer Wrestling World Championship returns to Alberta, Canada. The
sting ray seat saddle will join another in the trophy room in Wright’s Bruised Head’s
home. Wright was very consistent with an aggregate time of 22.0 on four steers.
The INFR would like to thank as well as welcome our biggest sponsors, ROPER
APPAREAL & FOOTWEAR and THE SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA for making
the INFR a great success.
Indian Rodeo Country.
By: Kari Zubach, Sharon Small, and Jimi Champ
The 2008 Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR) was a year of several firsts. The
INFR was held October 2-5th at the extravagant South Point Hotel & Casino in Las
Vegas, Nevada. The World Champions received top of the line sting ray trophy
saddles and gorgeous Montana Silversmith buckles. Contestants didn’t have to be
the world champ to get a buckle however, each go-round winner also was awarded
a Montana Silversmith buckle. After an exciting week of rodeo, 6 championships
went home with a well deserving contestant who had never won that coveted Indian
World title. The other five went home with champions from years past.
Jess Colliflower, the 2008 Men’s All-Around Champion qualified in the steer
wrestling and saddle bronc riding. A feat very similar to that of his father, John who
won the All Around title in 1989. Placing second in the saddle bronc riding and
second in the steer wrestling along with the All-Around title made the 2008 INFR
very profitable for this cowboy from Rocky Boy, Montana.
Kassidy Dennison won the 2008 Ladies All-Around Title. Kassidy kept it in the
family after her Aunt Carol Jackson-Holyon won the prestigious award in 2007.
This is the second All-Around title for Kassidy whom also won the saddle in 2005.
Kassidy competed in the ladies barrel racing and breakaway events. Although she
had a little tough luck on Saturday night in the barrel racing when her horse fell
leaving her with a sprained ankle, she cowgirled up and roped and barrel raced in
Sunday’s performance.
Nelson Tsosie and Rollie Wilson once again walked away with back to back
championships in the bareback riding and saddle bronc riding respectively. Rollie
was also this year’s runner up in the Men’s All-Around race, making money in both
the bareback and saddle bronc riding events.
Greg Louis had a great rodeo season in 2008. Greg won a PT Cruiser this
summer after winning the most money won in the rough stock events at Crow
Native Days, Rocky Boy and Crow Fair. Greg won the INFR bull riding title in 2005
and once again was crowned the champ in 2008. He was the only cowboy going
into the forth round that had covered three bulls while winning the first round with
an 82 point ride.
Raynell Holgate a freshman in college stayed calm and collected while cleaning
house in the ladies barrel racing. This young lady walked away with 3 of the 4 go-
round buckles as well as the World Championship awards. When she was asked
how she stayed so calm she replied, “I just stayed focused on my homework and
took every run as a separate run”. We wish the best of luck to Raynell in and out
of the arena.
The 2008 Ladies Breakaway roping title was won by Ms. Katelin Loring. Not only
did Katelin earn honors in the breakaway roping this year she also graduated with
honors from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in business
administration. She is now attending a masters program at the University of
Montana. This talented young cowgirl roped very smart and consistent with an
aggregate time of 13.8 on four runs. Katelin proved that hard work and
determination pay off in the arena as well as out.
Ty St. Goddard and Terry Doka also roped consistent on four head of steers at
“the big show” as Ty calls it. Ty not only qualified to the “Big Show” for the second
time, but was crowned the 2008 team roping champion. Terry Doka started the
week off right, winning the first round in the team roping while his daughter Justine
won the first round in the breakaway (both on last year’s heel horse of the year
Slash). Winning this year’s World Championship was a great victory for this
talented team.
Another horse of the year carried his cowboy to his first World Championship.
Mark Cuny of Billings, Mt won the Tie Down Roping on his horse Dice. This was a
very bitter sweet victory for Mark and Dice; this year will be the last year for the
duo as Mark retired Dice at the end of the fourth round. Dice won’t be completely
retired however Mark’s girls will still be riding him in the event he loves the best,
breakaway roping.
This year’s Steer Wrestling World Championship returns to Alberta, Canada. The
sting ray seat saddle will join another in the trophy room in Wright’s Bruised Head’s
home. Wright was very consistent with an aggregate time of 22.0 on four steers.
The INFR would like to thank as well as welcome our biggest sponsors, ROPER
APPAREAL & FOOTWEAR and THE SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA for making
the INFR a great success.
| INFR SPONSORS |
| Seminole Tribe of Florida Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc Bureau of Indian Affairs – Fire Prevention Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park Roper Apparel Lybrisyn R & M Aviation and Ranch Classic Ropes/ Equibrand Product Group Rodeo Honeys Blackfeet Tribe Crow Meth Project Chippewa Cree Tribe and Curtis Pope Family FLINTCO Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association Southern California Tribal Technologies, LLC Blackfeet Manpower Program White Mountain Apache Tribe Walker River Paiute Tribe Blackfeet Community College Northland Networks PDS Gaming Boyd Gaming 4 Bears Casino Rosette & Associates, PC Tsuu T’ina Nation Glacier Peaks Casino Pechanga Band of Mission Indians Ely Shoshone Tribe Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation and Fair |
| INFR Headquarters: 406-338-7684 Copyright (c) 2007-2010 Indian National Finals Rodeo |