Arena Director - John Gwatney

“I grew up on the production side of rodeo, too,” said Gwatney, who does multiple tasks for stock contractor Carr Pro Rodeo. “I worked for Cotton Rosser and the Flying U Rodeo Co. As a little kid, I was in charge of feeding No. 16 Oscar, one of the best known bulls in rodeo. It was my job to make sure Oscar was being taken care of.”

Now he serves as a chute boss for Pete Carr, owner of the livestock company that provides animals for the rodeo as part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Gwatney handles several duties at all of the rodeos the Carr crew works, from organizing all the timed-event cattle to working with Pete on the production side, making sure everything is handled professionally for the audiences enjoying the show.

John's role is Chute Boss for Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, and he has served as Chute Boss for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping and Timed Event Championship. He's a key member of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) production team.

It’s just part of what John does that he shares with his wife, Sandy, another key member of the Carr Pro Rodeo staff who is a PRCA card-carrying secretary and timer.