Our Barrelman: JJ Harrison

Hometown: Walla Walla, Washington

Achievements: National Finals Rodeo Barrelman 2012; PRCA Clown of the Year Nominee 2013, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

PRCA Membership: 2006

About: JJ Harrison grew up in Okanogan, Washington where his love for the rodeo began. It wasn't until high school when JJ decided to actually get involved in the events at the rodeo.

He took his passion to college with him and joined the rodeo team as a bull and bronco rider at Washing State University. "I gradually realized I was a wimp and migrated to team roping." Harrison Said. "I had a lot of fun and success roping over the years, but it wasn't a career I could have."

Harrison really established himself in Walla Walla, but didn't expect his move to further his career in rodeo. "I moved from Pullman to Walla Walla to follow a girl." Harrison said. "I lost the girl but kept the town." Pat Beard of the Beard Rodeo Company was the first to recognize Harrison's talents in Walla Walla, Washington and hired him for a bull riding competition he put on in Vancouver, Washington.

Harrison taught science and social studies at Walla Walla middle school for eight years. "I think I enjoyed that middle school humor almost more than I did the kids." After a few ears of balancing teaching and rodeo, Harrison was forced to choose between the two.

Though his love for the rodeo surpassed his passion for teaching, Harrison believes that his time in the classroom has influenced his witty and energetic act as a rodeo clown. "I'm a ball of energy that is quick witted and eager to find humor in every situation. I think it stems from natural ability and my experience in the classroom."

What makes Harrison a good rodeo clown isn't that scripted humor or set jokes most clowns use. It's the "off the cuff" stuff and spur of the moment quick wit that are his best attributes.

Our Bullfighters

Beau Schueth

Hometown: O'Neill, NE

Achievements: 2015 BOA Finals Bullfighter, 2017 CBR Bullfighter, Bull riding Tour Bullfighter, 2017 to Present Tuff Hedeman, 2018 Roughy Cup Champion, 2018 BFO Reserve World Champion, and 15+ Freestyle Bullfighting Wins.

About: Beau is a national bullfighter who grew up in O’Neill, NE. Rodeo had been something he wanted to do since he grew up watching the Clearwater Rodeo. When most young men want to join the rodeo circuit, they hop on a horse and start roping or they get on a bronc or bull and hold on for eight seconds. Schueth decided that while he still wanted to compete in rodeo, neither roping nor riding was a good fit. Beau Schueth, of O’Neill, decided to take the bull by the horns and become a bullfighter.

 

Clay Heger

Hometown: Asotin, Washington

Achievements: Nominated for PRCA Bullfighter of the Year 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

PRCA Membership: 2012

About: The Lewiston Roundup Association is proud to announce LC Valley and Asotin local Clay Heger as our newest bullfighter at the 87th annual Lewiston Roundup.

Clay left home to pursue his passion as a bullfighter. Clay says "I’ve had many great opportunities in my career and have been blessed enough to be selected to work the RAM Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo multiple times, as well as the Ram Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo multiple times."

"It’s also been an honor to make the National Finals Rodeo short-list, as well as being nominated as Top Five Bullfighters of the Year - the past six years! I’m very excited to come home and fight bulls at the Lewiston Roundup, a rodeo that helped grow my passion for the sport of rodeo!"

Nate Jestes

Hometown: Winnie, Texas

Achievements: Nominated for PRCA Bullfighter of the Year 2016, National Finals Rodeo Bullfighter 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020

PRCA Membership: 2010

About: Nate has been established in the Lewiston Roundup arena since 2014.