Unplugged: In the arena with a real S.A. Rodeo ‘champion’

Throughout the year, CPS Energy’s John Brogdon wears two hats. He’s a journeyman meterman in our electric meter shop, and he serves as chairman of the Special Sales Committee for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. For the next week or so, you’ll find John working in and around the auction barn located on the Freeman Coliseum grounds.

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The S.A. Rodeo has been a sort of ritual in this community for more than 60 years, and has grown exponentially with record-breaking crowds and purses. At this year’s Rodeo:

• Top musical performers including Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley will take center stage
• Professional bull and horseback riders will showcase their skills
• Grand champion livestock will be crowned and auctioned

But the real ‘champions’ of the show are the thousands of volunteers like John. For the past 12 years, he’s devoted more than 300 hours each year to help with a variety of duties – setting up pens and chairs, shoveling “stuff,” tearing down pens, and everything in-between. When asked why he continues to volunteer, he modestly says, “It’s so rewarding to help the kids out. They are our future.”

Shortly after the dust settles from this year’s Rodeo, you can bet your Stetson that John and his fellow volunteers will be corralling ideas to make next year’s event even more successful. A big shout out to all of these volunteers for bustin’ their tails – yee-haw!