Payson Roundup

Nationally ranked cowboy Wes Stevenson of Kaufman, Texas rides Vegas Lites to a 79 and a sixth-place finish at the Payson Rodeo.

Among the highlights of the August Doin's were a hometown cowboy's victory in the saddle bronc riding, a uniquely spiritual cowboy church and the return of a stock contractor who's been a part of the Payson Rodeo for 30 years.

In the saddle bronc event, former Payson High School student Jason Amon rode Sparrow Express to a tally of 84 and a firstplace finish.

At the traditional cowboy church, which was conducted Aug. 16 in the Payson Event Center stands, Philip Kiesner thrilled those on hand with his one-of-a-kind trick roping act set to gospel music.

Jerry Honeycutt

During the three days of the rodeo, Jerry Honeycutt handled most of the logistics, including working as a pickup man, flank man, chute boss and announcer. On opening day, he took time to fondly recall the August Doin's of the mid-1970s when they were held in the Rumsey Park rodeo grounds.

"I was only about 7 or 8 years old then, but they were among my favorite rodeos," he said. "I loved that place (Rumsey Park); I followed my dad around doing whatever chores I was asked to do."

Jordan Olson (above) races out of the gate as he and his heeler partner, Nick Sarchett (not pictured), attempt to rope this steer at both ends in record time. At right, Stevie Stockton accepts her trophy and certificate to the mighty applause of the excited crowd after all the mutton bustin' riders are congratulated for their valiant efforts.

Jerry is the son of longtime Alamosa, Colo. rodeo stock contractor Roy Honeycutt.

For Amon, his win was worth $1,353.32 in prize money, which trailed only the championship payouts in the bareback riding ($1,373.13) and bull riding ($1,602.15).

Jared Green finished his ride and had to dismount before the pickup man could get to him.

Among the highlights of the August Doin's were a hometown cowboy's victory in the saddle bronc riding, a uniquely spiritual cowboy church and the return of a stock contractor who's been a part of the Payson Rodeo for 30 years.

Rawlins Barrett shows off his new clown face as he gets ready to display his clown skills during the mutton bustin' event.

Sparrow Express, the horse Amon rode, is a highly regarded bronc who is a descendant of Roanie, the Saddle Bronc of the Year at the 1990 National Finals Rodeo.

In 2004, while a senior at PHS, Amon won the Arizona State High School saddle bronc championship and was named Arizona Reserve All-Around Champion.

Kathie Martin, a barrel racer from Elgin, Ariz., approaches the first barrel during her attempt to complete the three-barrel circuit with the quickest time

In 2005, he joined the pro rodeo circuit and has since traveled the country trying to make a living staying aboard uncooperative and disobliging steeds.

For cowboy church, about 80 worshippers turned up for the morning ceremonies hosted by cowpuncher preacher Coy Huffmon.

Tim Robertson had a tough time wrestling this steer.

What the church-goers didn't know is that Kiesner, the featured performer in the Kiesner Family PRCA Specialty Act, would amaze onlookers with his roping showmanship and artistry set to gospel music.

"It was amazing, very moving," said arena secretary Karen Kissel.

Rodeo Boss Bill Armstrong agrees, "it was very impressive, I'm glad we had a good turnout for it."

Len Lopez squiggles his face in an attempt to hide from this lens as he and his family wait for the start of the Payson Rodeo, Saturday.