Kent Cooper Fundraiser
5-5 Competitor News
By Steve Kenyon

May 8, 2002 - Rodeo's best are once again coming together to help one of their own.

10 Time National Finals saddle bronc rider Kent Cooper from Albion, Idaho is suffering from inoperable neck cancer, and a fundraising event featuring some of professional rodeo's top talent has been scheduled for June 1 at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

11 time NFR bareback rider Mickey Young from Jerome is one of the organizers of the event, along with former World Champion bronc rider Shawn Davis, now the rodeo coach at the College of Southern Idaho.

Young says "Kent has neck cancer, the doctors say it is inoperable, he is having to have radiation and chemotherapy."

June 1 at 7:30 at the College of Southern Idaho Rodeo arena Young says some of rodeo's biggest stars will be on hand.

"We're still working it out, but we could have as many as 30 bareback riders and 30 bronc riders, all world class guys, and hopefully a match bullriding. We are also planning an auction with some really nice items, and Johnny U will be playing music for a dance afterwards."

Young says an impressive field of bareback riders will be on hand.

"Kelly Wardell, (reigning World Champion) Lan LaJeunesse, Clint Corey and Bobby Mote, The Garrett's, Mark and Marvin will both be there. Ken Lensegrav is coming, so it should be an impressive group.

The saddle bronc riding could also be an NFR preview, including Jess Martin, Ryan Mapston, Denny and Rod Hay, Shane Moran, and Adam Newman.

The Kent Cooper Fundraiser is scheduled for 7:30 on June 1 at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

For more information contact Shawn Davis at (208) 733-9554 or Mickey Young at (208) 543-6956.

Young says "We are looking for really quality auction items, really nice stuff. Anyone wanting to donate to the auction can call Barb Patterson at (208) 788-9882."

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