Dale Hancock used to entertain fans while bareback riding, now he orchestrates Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competitions around the region.
Hancock, 60, is a rodeo announcer, who knows all of the ins-and-outs of the sport with more than 30 years of experience. All of his knowledge and his "bigtime voice" will be on display when the rodeo comes to Conway on May 23-24.
"Being an announcer always keeps you involved in the action without competing," Hancock said. "You see in other sports where former players continue their career in the booth after their playing days, no matter what age you are. The reason why we do it is because we love the sport and we want to be apart of it any way that we can."
In his days of competing, Hancock qualified 19 times for the Arkansas Rodeo Association in bareback riding. Since giving up riding events, Hancock has announced rodeos in Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Iowa and Tennessee to name a few.
"Because of the price of fuel, I try to travel into the states that surround Arkansas," Hancock said. "I try to keep it to areas like east Texas and southern Missouri. The last rodeo trip that my daughter (Lori) and I took, it cost us around $600 for two vehicles."
Hancock won't have to travel far for this upcoming rodeo, considering that he resides in Greenbrier. He is a business owner of Valet Cleaners in Greenbrier. He is also part-owner of the Cowboy Way Western Store & Outwest Inc. in Cabot, and TMAG therapeutic horse products. So Hancock skills and knowledge expand outside the realms of announcing.
During the rodeo productions, he also juggles the sound system, music and information. He also deals with sponsors, understands the pace, entertainment and promotions that are involved with putting on a PRCA rodeo.
"It's a lot that goes into one," Hancock said. "But, we certainly enjoy it. I've heard nothing but good things about this event coming to Conway. There are a lot of folks that are excited about the event and this is the first time that it will be in Conway. I expect a big crowd. If one-tenth of those folks that said they were coming would come, then it'll be a packed house."
Hancock not only considers himself as a true cowboy, but he is also Dallas Cowboy fan. Former Arkansas running back Felix Jones got drafted by owner Jerry Jones' Cowboys with the 22nd pick in the first round of this year's NFL draft. Two of Hancock's favorite Cowboys, include NFL analysts Troy Aikman and Darryl "Moose" Johnston.
"I wished we could have gotten (Felix Jones' former teammate) Darren McFadden, but I know Felix will do a good job," Hancock said. "I'm a big Cowboys fan. I've been a fan ever since Roger Staubach was there. They'll be fun to watch next year."
