SIKESTON -- Alabama, Lonestar, Gary Allen and Trace Adkins won't be the only superstars performing at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo this year.
The top cowboys in the world will also be in attendance, showing off their riding, roping and wrestling skills, hoping to earn a share of the $115,000 purse.
"The level of competition is going to be very high, it always is here at Sikeston," said rodeo general chairman Randy Tuttle. "We've got some top notch livestock and cowboys coming in here. If you're wanting to see some good performances, this is something you don't want to miss."
Several cowboys scheduled to appear are currently ranked in top 10 of the PRCA Jack Daniels World Standings.
Nine of the top 10 ranked Bare Back riders in the world are scheduled to appear, including top-ranked Scott Montagoe of Wall, South Dakota.
Other ranked bare backers include (3) West Stevenson, Kaufman, Texas; (4) Pete Hawkins, Weatherford, Texas; (5) J.D. Garrett Jr., Belle Fourche, S.D., (6) Jared Laverone, Ville Platte, La.; (7) James Boudreaux, Curro, Texas; (8) Cody Jessee, John Day, Ore.; (9) Jason Jeter, Forth Worth, Texas; and (10) Jefferey Collins, Redfield, Kan.
In the Bull Riding event, all eyes will be on Jesse Bail of Camp Crook, South Dakota. A few years ago, Bail set a record at the Sikeston rodeo with a 95 point ride on King Kong. It was the highest score ever put on the notorious bull. He is currently ranked No. 5 in the world rankings. Other top bull riders coming are (4) Johnny Chavez, Bosque, Minn.; and (9) Colby Yates, Azle, Tenn.
Bail will also headline the Saddle Bronc competition, where he is currently ranked No. 2 in the world. Other ranked saddle bronc competitors coming in are (4) Rod Hay, Wildwood, Ark.; (5) Tom Reeves, Eagle Butte, S.D.; (6) Steve Dollarhide, Wikieup, Ariz.; (7) Billy Etsauer, Bee Heights, S.D.; (9) Rod Warren, Big Valley, Ala.; and (10) Rance Bray, Dumas, Texas.
In Calf Roping, five ranked competitors are scheduled to attend. Right now, the top one of the pack is No. 2 ranked Fred Whitfield of Hockley, Texas. The others are (5) Houston Hutto, Del Rio, Texas; (6) Cash Myers, Athens, Texas; (7) Jerome Schmeeberger, Bonca City, Okla.; and (8) Rusty Sewalt, Del Rio, Texas.
In Steer Wrestling, top-ranked Joey Bell Jr., of Salem, N.J., will be in attendance as will No. 2 ranked Cash Myers.
"You've got Sam Duvall coming in with steer wrestling," said Tuttle. "He's been around for a while. You've got Mark and Marvin Garrett, two brothers out of South Dakota. They've been tough competition for many years. Pete Hawkins, then Bill Huber on the calf roping side has been around for a while. Bull fights are also back, and that's always a crowd pleaser. From here on out, there are very few rodeos these guys can go to and gain the money points they need to bump them into the finals."
The rodeo will run Wednesday through Saturday at the Sikeston rodeo grounds, starting at 7 p.m. with the grand entry.