Brawley Chamber of Commerce
Brawley Cattle Call
37
Cotton Rosser might be the biggest rodeo man, even though
those outside of the sport may not recognize him. He has played an
integral role in Cattle Call rodeo since the 1960's. His Maryville-based
Flying U Rodeo Company is the stock contractor for Cattle Call and many
other major rodeos. His skill puts the bucking in the bronc, the sneer in
the bulls, and the giddy up in the horses during rodeo events. Those
animals, the sleek and the strong, are from his ranch. Rosser raises and
maintains better rodeo stock than anyone in the world.
A good business sense, a knowledge of rodeo, and a air for the
dramatic has allowed him to build Flying U into arguably the world's
premier stock contractor, right along side his western wear store
Cotton's Cowboy Corral. Following his career as a champion rodeo
cowboy, Rosser took the reigns of Flying U in 1956.
"Cattle Call is one of the nest rodeos in the country, bar none," boasts
Cotton, who at 84 years old is still one of the most famous and success-
ful stock contractors in the business. "Cattle Call is the best managed, the
physical plant is perfect and the level of competition is outstanding."
The smooth manner by which Randy Corley portrays the
action taking place in the arena has made him one of the top
announcers on the road today. His friendliness will make you feel as
if he is sitting right next to you discussing the rodeo, His enthusi-
asm and excitement as the level of competition rises will have you
sitting on the edge of your seat. All of these attributes have earned
him numerous awards and honors over the past 25 years of
announcing rodeos. "The important part is to be mentally ready to
have fun for that entire performance," he said. His knowledge of the
sport of rodeo comes in part from rst-hand experience. "I rode
barebacks and bulls, but I was never good enough to make a living
at it. I nally reached a point in my life that I decided I didn't want to
be another weekend warrior..." Further supporting his enjoyment
of the rodeo; he found his place as an announcer by ensuing
broadcasting school.
There are obviously many activities that go on behind the
scenes before the Grand Entry is conducted at any rodeo. Corley, a
19-year veteran of calling the action at Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association events, says preparation is
necessary to keep the most ardent fans informed and the rodeo bleacher "rookie" entertained.
"I try to be a liaison between the cowboy and the fan," he said. "I'm a big fan of this sport, and sometimes I get
caught up in the excitement myself. What the fans and the cowboys - hear in my voice is truly how I feel.
For Corley, a job perk is the relationships he has made with the rodeo contestants. He said if he happens to
make a mistake, they can't resist poking fun at the award-winning announcer.
Cotton Rosser
Randy Corley