Crowleys Look Forward To Competing In Front Of Local Fans
Stampede Contestants
Rodeo was the start of the relationship between JC and Heather Crowley, and the sport continues to be a huge part for their household in Poplar.
JC and Heather, who is originally from Grass Range, met 10 years ago during the Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo. “We have a lot of common goals and lifestyle,” JC said of the attraction. “And she was willing to move to Poplar, Mont.”
Heather explained of the relationship, “We’re both supportive of each other. JC’s been on the road a lot longer.”
JC joked, “I’m really good at directions and know the best places to eat.”
Nowadays, they are accompanied on their trip by their 7-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son.
“They are with us every mile,” JC said of the children.
Heather notes that the parents try to make the rodeo trips fun by spending time at water parks, museums and state parks. The children also enjoy meeting their friends on the rodeo circuit.
Although the children hope their parents fare well, it’s not on top of their list for what’s most important. “They’re most excited to see other friends, but they know what’s going on,” JC said. “It’s part of their lives now.”
This week, the family won’t have far to travel as both JC and Heather will compete at the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede. This marks the 26th year at the Stampede for JC and the 12th year for Heather. Although they have each placed second on occasion, JC in tie-down roping and Heather in barrel racing haven’t claimed first place in Wolf Point yet.
“Maybe this year,” Heather said. Heather is having a banner year since she earned top honors in Rapid City, S.D. She currently ranks in the top 35 for the world standings and sixth in the Canadian standings.
“I have to give a lot of credit to my horse,” she said. “We’ve gone to farther rodeos than we have in the past.”
JC is currently in the Canadian standings and has placed in the top 10 in Montana Professional Rodeo.
Trips this year have included heading to Tucson, Ariz., and Williams Lake, British Columbia.
But there’s still something special about competing in Wolf Point. “The tradition plays a big part being one of the oldest rodeos in Montana for sure,” JC said of the Stampede. “Wolf Point is still a really prestigious rodeo.”
Heather added, “I think it’s a huge stepping stone for circuit cowboys on their way to the circuit finals, but it’s not as big of draw for guys chasing the NFR as it used to be. It’s still a big circuit rodeo and can really make the difference in someone’s rodeo season. And they put on the best show. It’s a great community event. We love getting to compete with a hometown crowd.”
They definitely are aiming for good showings at the Stampede. “We’re there to win first,” JC said. “Whether it’s that rodeo or anywhere else, we’re always going for first.”
JC, who is a sixth-generation Poplar farmer/rancher, is doing a good job of following his father Darryl’s footsteps. Darryl was the top roper five times for the Montana circuit finals and made the National Ram Finals in 1990.
It’s unknown at this point whether the Crowley’s children will keep the tradition of competing in rodeos during upcoming years.
“They definitely have an interest. They enjoy the ranch work,” JC said. “Hopefully, they become really good at golf. It’s less expensive.”
