The Woodward News

Local News

July 19, 2012

Throckmorton back as Elks Rodeo announcer

Brandi Thomas Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — Top-flight rodeos typically have top-flight announcers, and one of the best in the business is part of the Woodward Elks Rodeo this week.

Charlie Throckmorton, of Grandview, Texas has been announcing the Woodward Elks Rodeo for the last 10 years.

"My first time to Woodward was as a guest announcer about 20 years ago," Throckmorton said. "I've traveled to more than 40 states and announced at both large and small rodeos, I've even been covering part of the Fort Worth Stock Show in the last few years."

Throckmorton started announcing when he was in high school, a time he also competed in team roping.

"I had no athletic ability, but loved the sport, so announcing was just a natural step for me," Throckmorton said.

In addition to providing information, the announcer is a key part of keeping the fans interested over the course of the 2-hour show each night.

"To keep the crowd interested you have to interact with them, to do that it helps when you have a great barrel man," Throckmorton said.

Throckmorton said he likes to know at least one thing about each contestant, something that involves a lot of research for a rodeo like Woodward where there are nearly 400 competitors.

He also said that the Elks Rodeo is one of the few left that haven't gone completely "modern".

"Many of the rodeos we go to now have become very commercialized and very modern, but this one here in Woodward still sticks with the tradition of rodeo," Throckmorton said.

Throckmorton says that the Elks do a great job to keep the entertainment value up at the rodeo each year.

"With all of the extra acts like the sky diver, trick riders and motorcycle riders it really makes for a fun night of good entertainment," Throckmorton said.

Throckmorton will operate from a newly renovated and covered announcer's area this year.

His reaction: "I love it."

"It is early when we start our preliminary rounds and that sun was just beating down on you, and was in your eyes, and last year was just extremely hot. The new stand will allow us to stay cool while we do our jobs," Throckmorton said.

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