Sports

Last Updated on Thursday, 01 August 2013 04:24

Cox Arena in Monongahela Sponsoring Pro Rodeo Events
By Paul Chasko

On Friday June 7 for the first time in nearly ten years we were able to attend a professional rodeo event in the Mon Valley – thanks to Kate and Shane Cox and several local business sponsors.

The trick is to bring the steer down - but not on top of you

The preceding day saw nearly an inch of rain fall in the area. Cox Arena outside of Monongahela, PA had about eight inches of mud instead of its normally dry base. We expected a cancellation but cowboys, cowgirls and livestock were already here or on their way and Kate and Shane were anxious to get their first APRA (American Professional Rodeo Association) sanctioned event underway. They were both anxious to compete as well. Many folks were happy to see a resurgence of this sport in our area.

Kate and Shane Cox

At present this isn’t a full rodeo but the only events missing were bronc riding and bull riding. The riders took part in the following timed and scored events:

• Steer Wrestling
• Calf Roping
• Break-Away Roping
• Barrel Racing
• Team Roping

The riders in the events are timed under APRA rules and amass points/cash leading to finals in September. Events and the arena are sponsored by local businesses in the Mon Valley. The attendance at this opening event was better than I expected. All of the riders were from Southwestern PA and many from Mon Valley communities. It was an exciting evening. There will be three additional APRA Rodeos this summer at Cox Arena – July 3rd, August 9th and September 6th.

Grabbing the steer from horseback can be tricky

In addition to the rodeo events Cox also holds “Fun Shows” where young riders can participate in events against kids in their own age brackets and maybe come home with a ribbon or two and a jackpot prize. The Fun Shows typically begin in the mornings and last well into the afternoon. Fun Shows are scheduled for July 6th, August 11th, September 1st and a special Halloween Fun Show on October 19th. It’s a fun time for spectators as well – something most kids don’t see every day.

Calf Roping

The Cox Arena is on Park Avenue Extension/State Rt. 481 that can be picked up at the South end of Monongahela. Rodeo events are evening events under the lights but the Fun Shows are daytime events. More details on events can be found on www.coxarena.org.

Click on "gallery" to see more photos of the rodeo by Paul Chasko