Phillip McGinnis, Arenzville, son of Kellie Stocker
The Source
2009-10 Illinois High School Saddle Bronc Champion..last weekend, Altamont, IL Also going to the nationals in Farmington, New Mexico in team roping, small bore rifle shooting, and trap shooting Riding since before kindergarten… 3 years on the broncs Also won the state championship last year Winning score: 72.. 2 judges…each 50 points and 50 for the horse Leaving for the Marines Aug 3 Work: Webb Parlier of rural Arenzville Walks with a built-in limp ..when interviewed, a hole in the right hip of his jeans due to an errant steer with sharp horns. What it feels like to be on a bronc: That feeling you get right before you do something nobody else would do. Even if you’re four foot five you feel like you can take on a 600 pound guy. It’s hard to explain. Phil six foot four, weight: 190. First time bronc riding..Sterling Illinois..the msot frightening time of my life. Easier on body than bareback riding..saddle bronc: more classic
Origin of rodeo..ranches got together
After Marines..plans to raise good quality stock horses (working cowboy horses)
Wore spurs at Triopia.. had to wear them to ride before school and to work on the ranch after school so I just kept them on. The principal warned me against it but I guess I forgot a lot. I think she understood I needed them after school.
Nothing like the feeling of getting on a thousand pound animal and saying Let’s Dance! That’s what it is. The horse isn’t fighting you, he’s dancing with you..the cowboy and the horse..the more extreme sort of dancing.
Injuries: I’ve been pretty lucky..mostly bruises and stubbed toes and a concussion or two..but mostly my pride. Horses are more honest than people. A horse won’t look you in the eye and lie to you. It can’t interrupt you.. a better friend than most people.
The kid always took his book an skipped lunch to sit under a tree..in all weather. When I was in first grade I could barely read but Mrs. Potts got me a little book about a bull rider. I had it memorized. Showed me I could read. Been reading cowboy books ever since. Favorites: William Johnstone, Louis LaMour, Ben Green. 4 years active Marines, 4 years reserve Why the Marines? From what I hear they’re the best. Sense of pride and tradition. I’m pretty old school. I’m into tradition.
Riding a bronc is almost an addiction, I guess..like when you kissed a girl for the first time. You just want more. Harmonica Likeable Owns four horse… “I need to get rid of some, but I ‘spect I just get more.”