This past weekend (Oct. 3-5, 2014), the Mid-States Rodeo Association Finals were held in Lincoln. With this being the 40th annual finals, they recognized past champions from 1974 to date in all the events.
Four Elgin-area rodeo competitors were recognized during the weekend-long event. All four of those current and past champions are from one family.
Van Volk was recognized as a past Champion Bull Rider (1974). Van is the uncle of Ricky and JR Clouse.
Jerry Clouse was recognized as a past Champion Steer Wrestler (1979). Jerry is the brother in-law of Van and father of Ricky and JR.
Ricky Clouse was named the 2014 Champion Bull Rider.
JR Clouse was recognized as the last year’s (2013) BullFighter of the Year. JR also worked this year’s finals as a bullfighter.
Jake Bode of Elgin ended his 2014 season finishing third in Bull Riding according to the association’s final results.
