Following three nights of exciting rodeo action in Sulphur Springs, the organizers of the 2019 Cinch UFR, or United Finals Rodeo, are wearing smiles due to the excellent stock and talent and great attendance all three nights. In fact, Saturday night’s performance in the Hopkins County Civic Center arena had a packed house. Both the animal and human athletes were “top notch” on all three nights, according to many spectators. The Handicapable Rodeo, another memorable part of the annual rodeo, had record attendance, with over 400 children with disabilities or special needs getting ‘up close and personal’ with cowboys, cowgirls and horses. The naming of Miss UPRA 2020 and Miss Teen UPRA 2020 concluded weeks of preparation for the field of contestants, and the crowning was held in the arena as part of the final night of festivities. The United Professional Rodeo Association began in the same arena 40 years ago, first titled CRA or Central Rodeo Association. The Association’s circuit has now expanded to six states, with this year’s Finals awarding more than $300,000 in cash prizes.
Outgoing Miss UPRA for 2019 is Colleen Crumpton from DeKalb, Texas. Colleen, who says her life has “revolved around rodeo’ will now continue entering barrel racing events. She graduates from North Texas Community College in December 2019 and plans to continue studies towards a career in Phlebotomy. Colleen has won 14 rodeo titles since she began competing in 2000.
Outgoing Miss Teen UPRA for 2019 was Reannan Klodowski of Pilot Point, Texas. The crown was the first rodeo title she has won. Reannan shows livestock and has advanced to State levels in FFA News and Speaking contests. She hopes to become a Veterinarian.
Contestant Haileigh Mitchell took home the title of Miss Congeniality and the Miss UPRA Peoples Choice award in her first run at the Miss UPRA rodeo title. She stated that UPRA seems like a family, from the organizers, contestants and stock contractors, and she has made many new friends. Haileigh represented the Franklin County Sherrif’s Posse and recently moved from Quitman, Texas to Lubbock. She plans to continue entering rodeo royalty contests, and has future plans to enter the U.S. Coast Guard.
