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In their long-standing tradition of rewarding excellence, the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) Foundation has announced the creation of the Shane Drury Scholarship. The award honors two-time College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) qualifier Shane Drury, from Ewing, Neb. The first $2,500 scholarship will be presented at the 2006 College National Finals Rodeo June 11-17 in Casper, Wyo. Drury made his first appearance at the CNFR in 1998 and finished fourth in bull riding while attending South Dakota State University. He transferred to Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Weatherford the next year and was part of the National Champion Men’s Team. In 2000, he qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and finished tenth in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) world standings while furthering his education at Weatherford. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing in December of 2001. While graduating from college was very gratifying for the young athlete, his year was also disappointing when he found himself four positions out of the top 15 and missed the Wrangler NFR. The determined cowboy was making a big push to get back to Las Vegas for the premier event of rodeo when he got devastating news.
After suffering from back pain – something bull riders get used to – Drury was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a type of cancer rarely found in anyone over 18. Chemotherapy was started to reduce the tumor. The tumor, along with portions of four of his ribs was removed. One of the things that kept him going through the process was the goal of returning to the rodeo arena. After being deemed cancer free, he started competing in the PRCA again, just two months after his final treatment. He had dreams of returning to the Wrangler NFR in 2004. However, a routine check-up found that the cancer was back. Drury went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He had more chemotherapy and more surgery and was deemed cancer free for the second time. Just four months later, he started having pain in his back and chest again. Again, doctors told him the cancer was back. Drury accepted the news with his typical “never quit” attitude and started planning for the next stage of the fight. Unfortunately the fight has changed from getting rid of the cancer to staying alive and making the most of his time here. His love of rodeo has brought him back to the arena, this time as a judge. He has judged events for the PRCA, the Professional Bull Riders and the NIRA. “Realistically, I don’t have much time left here on this earth,” Drury said. “I’m not thinking about that. I’m enjoying every day that I’m here and thanking God for every minute. I’m staying busy and keep telling everyone that I don’t have time to die.” Drury’s story, love of rodeo and attitude led to the creation of the scholarship, hoping that just as his story has inspired others to persevere and keep going, a student would be able to share their story and keep the inspiration going.
“It’s a compelling story and one that we want to tell for a long time,” said John Smith, commissioner of the NIRA. Fundraising efforts are ongoing with the idea that Drury’s legacy will encourage college rodeo athletes to keep pursuing their educational and rodeo goals no matter what they face outside of the arena. Donations to the scholarship fund are fully tax deductible and can be made to the NIRA Foundation in Shane Drury’s name. They should be sent to: National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Foundation, 2316 Eastgate North Suite 160, Walla Walla WA 99362. Drury plans on being on hand to present the first scholarship during this year’s CNFR at the Casper Events Center. The Shane Drury Scholarship selection committee includes: v Ann Bleiker, Colorado Springs. Bleiker is senior public relations coordinator for the PRCA. v Travis Burian, Bozeman, Mont. Burian is a former NIRA student president and Walt Garrison Award winner who qualified for the CNFR in bull riding. v Brent Gibson, Ogden, Utah. Brent is a National Director for Dodge Rodeo and has been involved with their program for many years. In 2005, he lost his wife Tana in a fight with breast cancer. v David Glodt, Houston, Texas. David is a television producer and has and will be producing the CNFR. He is also a partner in ProRodeo Films. v Ty Murray, Stephenville, Texas. Known as “King of the Cowboys,” Murray earned a record seven world champion all-around title in the PRCA. He is a former NIRA all-around champion and has been a star of the Professional Bull Riders. He now serves as that association’s president. v Stran Smith, Childress, Texas. Smith has eight NFR qualifications to his credit, but his biggest accomplishment is returning to the arena after having a stroke. In 2003 a heart defect caused the stroke. That May, he had surgery to correct the defect and returned to competition in July. v Karl Stressman, Greensboro, N.C. Stressman is director of event marketing for Wrangler Jeans and Shirts. His love of rodeo runs nearly as deep as his love of his family and if he’s not working or with his family, he is team roping. Karl’s wife Val is a breast cancer survivor and the Victory for Val Roping held over Memorial Day in Fort Worth has raised thousands for breast cancer research. v Bob and Kristen Tallman, Weatherford, Texas. Bob has received the PRCA’s Announcer of the year award six times and has announced the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 19 times. He and Kristen have a ranch and raise bucking bulls. For more information about the Shane Drury Scholarship contact Susan Kanode, public relations coordinator for the CNFR (817) 307-6336 or e-mail susan@cowgirlimaging.com. To learn more about Drury, visit his web-site, www.shanedrury.net. Updates on his condition can be found on the about link.
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