Name: Harlan J. Thompson
Age: 34
Marital Status: Married – Rachelle
Family/Children: Three wonderful kids – Lacy, Lynsay, and Lathan
Hometown: Originally from Lukachukai, AZ; Reside in Round Rock, AZ
Native American Heritage: Dine (Navajo)
Horses: Three – Scooter, Rita, and Stick
Pets that you own: None
Rodeo Events Worked: Calf Roping & Team Roping and a little bit of Steer Wrestling (Then), Announcing (Now)
Association member of: Central Navajo Rodeo Association & Kids Rodeo Tour
Rodeo Accomplishments: Top 15 Finalist in Calf Roping with CNRA  a good seven years, 1992-1996, 1999, and 2002. I was selected as rodeo announcer of the year for Akali Yazhi Central Rodeo Association and Kids Rodeo Tour for 2007. The same year I was selected as co-announcer for the IIFR in Chandler, AZ.
When did you start an interest in rodeo? Rodeo has been in my family for a long time. I have relatives who have been involved with rodeo in the past and some still involved as contestants, rodeo and award producers. My family produces trophy buckles and saddles. My dad is a two time INFR trophy buckle maker, 1987 and 1988. I have uncles that are also in the trophy buckle production. My interest in competition began during my high school years from watching my cousin, Alyson, compete and win in rodeos. My interest in announcing began following a rodeo I did when my cousin, Fredrick, hired me to do his rodeo. I don’t know what he was thinking in making me the announcer but, I just went for it without no hesitation.   
What other sports other than rodeo do you enjoy? Basketball . . . I enjoy playing it and watching it. I’m a regular at the Arizona State High School Basketball Championships (3A Division) in Glendale, AZ and the NBA Playoffs and Finals in front of the TV.
What is the funniest thing that you have seen or experienced at a rodeo? Man, I have a lot but one that really stands out is my nightmares as the IIFR was nearing. I would have dreams where I would be at IIFR and am not in my western attire or the rodeo would already be on and I’m late. I was so nervous prior to IIFR. I kept thinking, “What did I get myself into”. Luckily my pal, Arnold Chee, was there to take care of me and support me from start to finish. I had fun in Chandler. I wouldn’t mind doing it again . . .
What advice would you give to Indian youth about rodeo or anything in general? About rodeo? Please, do it right and practice constantly. Use your talent and go as far as it’ll take you. Don’t mix it up with all the bad stuff and waste it. In general? Stay in school and get a college degree. Have something you can fall back on when your rodeo days are over.    

What advice would you give to Indian youth who wanted to participate in rodeo but didn’t have the resources or support to get involved? Get with someone positive who’s willing to take you in, teach and guide you through your rodeo dreams. And remember to always be respectful to your mentor because he/she would forever be the one responsible for developing you into a champion.   

Are there any songs that inspire or pump you up before you ride or rope?  “All my rowdy friends are coming over tonight” by Hank, Jr., “Detroit Rock City” by KISS, and “Ghost Riders in the Sky” the instrumental.

What would you like to see more of at Indian Rodeos? For the contestants? More money. For the committee? More sponsorship from local businesses and volunteers by local citizens. For the spectators? More entertainment/specialty acts, not just the spills and thrills of the rides or runs by the contestants. 
What are/ your favorite western movie(s)? Lonesome Dove . . . and, . . . Lonesome Dove . . .
What is your favorite music? Country, 80’s rock and heavy metal, some alternative and rap, and native tunes. My all time favorite artist/band are George Strait and Motley Crue. My favorite song is “Amarillo by Morning”.
What was your most memorable ride or run?  As a competitor? Actually catching and throwing a steer in 6.2 seconds at the UNLV College Rodeo in 1992. It was the second time entering the event with no practice or proper training what so ever. My best time as a short term steer wrestler. As an announcer? Announcing at the 2007 IIFR . . . I actually felt lonely following the rodeo.
Who is your all time hero? My father, Anthony Thompson. A very humble person with a lot of talent and strong heart.
What Indian Cowboy or Cowgirl has influenced you to rodeo? To compete? Alyson Thompson. He’s the cowboy brother I looked up to and whom guided me through the ins and outs of competition. Announcing? Ed Begay. He’s a three time INFR rodeo announcer. “The Dean” of Indian rodeo announcing.

Would you like to thank sponsors and or anyone for your success in rodeo? I like to thank my family and all my rodeo friends and committees for all they’ve done for me in the past and their continued support, present and future. Special thank you to Alyson Thompson for guiding and showing me the true in sights of indian rodeo. May you always be blessed. And last but not least, thank you to Fredrick Thompson for allowing me to announce my first rodeo during his 2004 Thompson’s Ahoohai Days Rodeo.   

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Harlan J. Thompson

Indian Rodeo Announcer

P.O. Box # 1324    Lukachukai, Az  86507     (928) 349-0374     triplestarsilversmith@yahoo.com

Objective

I will provide updated information of contestant/association profiles, performance stats, rodeo related topics, and promote committee and sponsors.

Announcing History

2006

* 15 Kids Rodeo Tour rodeos                                                 May – August

* Kids Rodeo Tour Finals Rodeo (3 Go Rounds)                   August

* Three (3) Central Navajo Rodeo Association rodeos          May – August

2007

* 12 Kids Rodeo Tour rodeos                                                 May – August

* Kids Rodeo Tour Finals (2 go rounds)                                 August

* 12 Central Navajo Rodeo Association rodeos                     April – August

* Central Navajo Rodeo Association Finals Rodeo (4 go rounds) August

* Utah Navajo Fair All Indian Rodeo – Bluff, Utah                   September

* Dine College Rodeo – Tsaile, Arizona                                 October

* International Indian Finals Rodeo (4 go rounds) – Chandler, Arizona December

2008

* 13 Central Navajo Rodeo Association rodeos                     March – May

* 9 Central Navajo Rodeo Association rodeos confirmed      June – August

* Ten (10) Kids Rodeo Tour rodeos confirmed                      June – August

* Kids Rodeo Tour Finals confirmed (2 go rounds)               August

* Dine College Rodeo – Tsaile, AZ confirmed                        September

Accomplishments

* Kids Rodeo Tour Announcer of the Year                                         2006 & 2007

* Akali Yazhi Central Rodeo Association Announcer of the Year       2007

* International Indian Finals Rodeo Announcer                                   2007

References

Frankie Begay, CNRA President                    Home Phone   (928) 787-2492

Cell Phone      (928) 349-0518

                                                                        E-mail              frankie@ntua.com

Paul Guy, Jr                                                    Home Phone   (928) 674-3324

                                                                        Cell Phone      (928) 221-2525

                                                                        Email               paulguyjr@citlink.co m

Sonya Taypotat, IIFR Public Relation             Home Phone   306-735-2777

Cell Phone      306-696-7742

E-mail              s_taypotat@hotmail.com