World’s Toughest Rodeo continues to be family tradition in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS — The World's Toughest Rodeo continued to be a family tradition for Eastern Iowa-based stock contractor Dave Morehead as the two-day event put Day 1 in the books and headed for Saturday's 2016 finale at the U.S. Cellular Center.

Doors will reopen at 6 p.m. for a free preshow, including a chance to 'meet and greet' competing cowboys and cowgirls, followed by the resumption of competition at 7:30 p.m.

Three rough stock events (bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding) and one timed event (women's barrel racing) will be contested.

The rough stock events will each have two rounds: a long round in which all 12 entrants will compete, and a short round in which the top two scorers will face off in a 'winner-take-all' showdown.

The rodeo has received entries from 15 states — including Iowa — and Australia.

Morehead, who has been helping to bring the World's Toughest Rodeo to Cedar Rapids since 1986, runs family-operated Three Hills Rodeo from a 1,400-acre ranch near Bernard. The ranch keeps 300 horses and 70 bulls.

The most visible family member, at least to fans, is Dave's son, Jake, who has nearly 20 years experience as one of the two pickup men who stay on horseback and pick up cowboys and otherwise assist during riding events. Jake wrestled for Maquoketa High School and was a state champion high school saddle bronc rider.

The other pickup man, Luke West of Queen City, Mo., is married to Jake's sister, Lindsey, who does lighting and sound for the rodeo company.

Dave's wife, Marla, is the rodeo's marketing director and also directs music during performances while another daughter, Corey, handles hospitality and sponsor relations.

Jake's wife, Courtney, is the rodeo's secretary and timer.

Luke and Lindsey have two 'cowkids,' Lathe, 8, and Layne, 1 1/2, and are expecting a third.

Jake and Courtney have three kids: Sam, 9; Lily, 7; and Cade, 6.