A 16-second performance captivated a large, cheering crowd of families and fairgoers in a miraculous display.

On Saturday, a young cowboy saw a glorious opportunity and took it. While competing in the Clark County Fair and Rodeo Mutton Bustin’ National Finals on April 12, Stoney Folkerts came out to the BEX arena in traditional rough stock rider gear, including chaps, shirt and a Lane Frost-style hat he waved in the same manner as the famed bull rider.

A few riders went before him, but as it came time to ride in the first session of qualifiers, emcee and National Champion Rodeo Clown Justin Rumford heard the voice of the rider.
“This is young Stoney Folkerts from Mesquite and he is riding in memory of his grandpa,” Rumford announced.

The chute opened and at the end of six seconds, the crowd was cheering as Folkerts rode from one end to the other end of the arena. He got up, dusted himself off and performed that Frost wave again as the score of 90 was announced.

Coming back for the championship round at 5 p.m., Folkerts did his tradition of checking the feather in his hat and checked in with registration. When his time came to climb into the chute, he got ready, breathed and gripped tight as the gate opened.

He hung on all the way to the other end of the arena again and flew off. He picked himself up, dusted himself off, smiled and began waving his fingers downward and up while pointing to the sky. The crowd went wild as he heard a 92 echoing on the microphone. In the end, Folkerts was announced as the winner of the day, riding an aggregate score of 182 between two rides of a total of 12 seconds. He was awarded the championship belt buckle and raised it over his head with a big smile.

Five months ago, Folkerts’ grandfather, “Papa” Ray Cortez, passed away unexpectedly. Cortez was highly influential and involved in youth sports for Pahrump Valley, Virgin Valley and Moapa Valley, helping youth obtain their greatness through his advice and support. The main sport he was known for was wrestling, but he also helped out in football and other sports.

Cortez was ranked in the top 25 in both roughstock, bull riding and bareback riding in 1998-1999.

Folkerts’ uncle Gunner helped him get ready for this year’s competition. Folkerts said he wanted his Papa to help him, but since he couldn’t be there, he had told his family that he was winning this year for his grandfather, and that is exactly what he did with family, friends and strangers cheering him on.