<p>Butch Thurman</p>

Rodeo announcer Wayne Brooks has been selected to work the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas next month. The Lampasas, Texas, announcer will be joined by Randy Corley and Boyd Polhamus.        

Brooks, who has announced at the Pendleton Round-Up since 2005, is looking forward to being able to work the big show.

Its a great time. A great opportunity, but I will tell you what, the full two weeks out there will sure test you, he said.

This is not the first time Brooks has worked at the finals. He was an alternate in 2001 and 2006.

Well, theyve changed the process up a little bit. Theres really not an alternate announcer anymore, theres just three guys that rotate in and out, he said. That makes it easier for everybody that is there.

Brooks says while its a thrill to be on the big stage in Vegas, you still have to treat it like a job.

We have an eight o clock production meeting every morning that one of us will have to attend and then you may have one at 10 (a.m.) and at noon, he said.

Brooks says a lot of planning goes into the production and he says the flag girls for the grand entry are already practicing.

We have a rehearsal scheduled for November 12-13 of next week, so theres thousands of hours that go in to the planning.

Brooks says he is blessed to work some of the most prestigious rodeos in the world and he thinks that helps get some attention.

You know, its events like Reno, Salinas and Pendleton that give you that stage to look good give you that opportunity to be a part of the great runs, the high rides and the records and big crowds. Its events like the Pendleton Round-Up that got me to where I am at today.

Brooks has gained a lot of respect from his peers, too winning some key awards throughout his career. He was named the PRCA Announcer of the Year in 2005 and 2010.

Just to be considered with the top group is an honor, he said. When I first started I thought this would be a great way to help feed my family for a while.  Well, 20 years later, my young family is all in college now. So, its been very important to me and to have the opportunity to do this for as long as possible.

Contact Butch Thurman at butch@rodeosportsupdate.com.