About the Guest(s):
Scott Ballard is the eldest of the Ballard brothers from Marion County, Kentucky. Scott began his bull riding career in 1979 with high school rodeo and continued his career professionally until the age of 30. John Ballard is five years younger than Scott. John also took up bull riding at the young age of 13. He competed through high school and college and turned pro until retiring at 36. Neal is the youngest brother of the Ballard family and started riding at 18. He was the sole representative of the University of Kentucky at intercollegiate rodeos and later joined the University of Tennessee Martin’s rodeo team. Brandon Ballard is John’s 22-year-old son who is carrying on the family legacy as a professional bull rider. He remains on the rodeo circuit, performing in multiple competitions weekly. Addie Lawson is a recent graduate of Garrod County High, Addie Lawson competes in rodeo events, specializing in roping. She’s set to continue her career with a scholarship at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "Kentucky Sports Memories," host Gary Fogle dives into the fascinating world of rodeo, focusing on the accomplishments and passion of the Ballard family from Marion County. Kentucky is traditionally associated with thoroughbred racing rather than rodeo, but the Ballard brothers have made their mark in bull riding. The episode highlights conversations with Scott, John, Neal, and Brandon Ballard, providing insights into their motivations, careers, and what it takes to succeed in rodeo.
Scott Ballard reminisces about his early days and how his love for bull riding began, despite Kentucky's limited rodeo scene. He shares anecdotes about his journey to the high school nationals and the challenges he faced convincing his parents to support his unusual sporting choice. John Ballard joins in, explaining how he was drawn to bull riding after witnessing his brother in action, and shares his experiences from high school to professional rodeos. Neal Ballard recalls the hurdles he encountered in starting his rodeo career later than his brothers and becoming the lone representative of the University of Kentucky’s rodeo team.
The story then transitions to the next generation with Brandon Ballard, John’s son, who is actively competing in the professional rodeo circuit. The episode concludes with a segment on Addie Lawson, a young rodeo talent from Garrod County who has thrived in the high school rodeo scene and continues her journey on a rodeo scholarship at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Her story underscores the vibrant future of women in rodeo sports.
Key Takeaways:
The Ballard Family from Marion County has significantly contributed to rodeo sports, with all three brothers, Scott, John, and Neal, making a mark in bull riding and passing the legacy to the next generation.
Scott Ballard started his rodeo journey during his senior year of high school in 1979 and competed professionally until age 30.
John Ballard began riding at 13 and had a prosperous career through high school, college, and pro rodeo until retiring at 36.
Neal Ballard overcame parental restrictions and became the sole member of the University of Kentucky’s rodeo team, later joining the University of Tennessee Martin's squad.
Addie Lawson, a promising young rodeo star, has been successful in high school rodeo and is continuing her career on a scholarship.
Notable Quotes
"That's when I said, this is me. I loved it." - John Ballard
"There was nothing else I ever wanted to do other than this." - Brandon Ballard
"We rode horses to move cattle and roped, and rodeo was something that showcased our everyday lifestyle on the weekends for fun." - Addie Lawson
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