Bullfighters

2012 Bullfighters: Eric Layton, Red Bluff CA & Mitch Coleman, Molalla OR

In rodeo’s early days, clowns were entertainers first, protectors of bull riders second. But in today’s sport of professional rodeo, protecting bull riders from serious injury or death is no joking matter.

Clowns are serious about saving bull riders, and often will put their lives in jeopardy. The men in the funny outfits have honed their skills and methods of distracting bulls, giving cowboys time to escape to the nearest fence railing or open gate.

About two decades ago, bullfighters started competing amongst themselves in informal bullfights, pushing each other to the edges of daredevil stunts. In 1980, Wrangler sponsored the first Wrangler Jeans ProRodeo Bullfight Tour, to entice and reward the unique, hardworking professional rodeo bullfighters.

The rodeo breed of bullfighting bears no resemblance to the Spanish event bearing the same name. In rodeo bullfighting, the four-legged contestants always leave the arena alive and unharmed.

At St. Paul, the primary focus of the clowns is first to protect the contestants and then to entertain the crowd.

Barrel Clown

2012 Barrel Clown: Mark Swingler, Austin TX

For sixteen years, Mark Swingler has dedicated his career to assuring that rodeo fans get their money's worth when he's in the arena. People roll in their seats with laughter when he presents his outrageous acts which can include his 1927 Model "T" car and/or his Extreme mini-moto racing, the original moonwalk, and his Westie dog, "Misty". He's been featured in opening ceremonies of the Wrangler NFR and has been nominated nine times as PRCA Comedy Act of the Year. Six times he's been one of Coors' Man in the Can Top 5. He's ranked as one of the top five rodeo entertainers in the country.

Mark hails from Austin, TX where he lives with his wife, Tami, and daughter, Jessica.

We look forward to watching Mark's fun-loving characters come to life in our arena bringing smiles and laughter to the young and young at heart.