Special to The Hays Daily News

PLAINVILLE -- The cliche "It's not my first rodeo" doesn't hold true for the 2009 Plainville Saddle Club Rodeo on Friday and Saturday in Plainville. It is the first rodeo for new stock contractor, Roberts Pro Rodeo.

But with a family steeped in professional rodeo history, Roberts has recruited to Plainville marquee names such as three-time world champion bronc rider Monty Henson, two-time National Finals Rodeo announcer Roger Mooney and top bull fighters Frank Newsom and Lance Brittan from the Professional Bull Riders.

"Change is always a little intimidating," said Billie Ayers of the Plainville Saddle Club. "But when Roberts Pro Rodeo offered to take Plainville to the next level, we wanted to do that for our community. We are very excited to be a part of this Kansas family's historic return to the arena."

Henson, of Fort Worth, Texas, won the world title in 1975, 1976 and 1982. His record of four average titles from the NFR has yet to be beat. He is in five hall of fames, including the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. Today, Henson is a rodeo judge, musician and legend who shares his knowledge with young contestants. In addition to being one of the judges at Plainville's rodeo, Henson will be performing at Tina's Bar and Grill following Saturday's rodeo performance.

When asked about Roberts Pro Rodeo, Henson recalled his first memory of Gerald and Ken Roberts in Strong City: "It was at the rodeo dance, and Gerald stood up and recited a poem called 'Dangerous Dan McGrew' that lasted 45 minutes. And then Ken got up and recited a poem called 'Sam McGee' that lasted 50 minutes. I never knew poems could be an hour long. I knew I met a kindred spirit."

Mooney also remembered the famed Roberts family for their rodeo prowess.

"I am really looking forward to Plainville and working with Roberts," he said.

Unlike most rodeo announcers tucked away in the crows' nest, Roger Mooney easily is recognized on horseback in the center of the arena on his horse, Flash. Born and raised in Ellijay, Ga., Mooney's career began by accident in 1984 when in college, he stepped in for the scheduled rodeo announcer who had a heart attack. In short time, Mooney went from being a contestant to one of the best announcers on the circuit with announcing accolades that include two-time NFR, five-time Calgary Stampede, five-time Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo and the Women's Professional Rodeo Association Announcer of the Year. When not rodeoing, Mooney can be found in the recording studio making radio and TV commercials, riding his Harley or one of his many tractors.

For PBR bullfighters Brittan and Newsom, Plainville's rodeo offers them a chance to stay busy while the rest of the PBR circuit takes a three-week break. Brittan is a headliner for Rodeo Austin, while Newsom has been featured among "one of the bravest athletes in America ... who makes an NFL middle linebacker look like Richard Simmons," according to a 2007 Sports Illustrated article.

Joining the bullfighters is rodeo clown Scott Cameron of Golden, Colo. When asked if he became scared fighting bulls, Cameron said," Sure I'm scared, but you have to keep it in perspective. As far as I know, there's not one carnivorous bull in the whole world. So they might kill ya, but they can't eat ya."

Roberts Pro Rodeo is owned and operated by Jared Roberts, a professional saddle bronc rider and instructor. Roberts is the fourth generation to carry on his family's legacy. He is the grandson of two-time all-around world champion Gerald Roberts and the great-grandson of E.C. Roberts, dubbed "Mr. Rodeo" by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

The Roberts family founded Strong City's Flint Hills Rodeo in 1937. The Flint Hills Rodeo is the longest consecutively run rodeo in Kansas. Roberts' parents, Jim and Susan, own Roberts Cowboy Outfitters in Salina. Jim Roberts also will be a judge at the rodeo.

It wasn't always all rodeo. Gerald became the first professional cowboy to endorse Wrangler jeans that eventually became the signature clothing line for the industry. The Roberts also have ties to Hollywood as stuntmen. And in 1959, Gerald was offered the role of "Rowdy Yates" for the pilot series of "Rawhide," but he turned it down to tour Europe with Casey Tibbs in a Wild West show. Clint Eastwood signed on to play the role of Rowdy instead.

When not competing in rodeos or working as a stock contractor, Jared is the proprietor of Short Go, a western wear and tack store located in historic George Philip Hardware in downtown Hays and in Manhattan.