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DeBusk Joins Longhorn Rodeo Crew

Kevin DeBusk

Facility Located In Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Longhorn Rodeo family is pleased to announce the addition of a new family member, Kevin DeBusk. DeBusk, a graduate of the University of Tennessee in agriculture, will serve as publicist and Circuit Facility Manager.

“This is a dream come true,” DeBusk said. “When I was growing up I tried to break into the business as a clown but never had much success. Then I was fortunate enough to start covering rodeos, as a journalist and photographer, so it’s only natural for me to want a position like this.” He continued saying prior to ever meeting Bruce Lehrke, President of Longhorn Rodeo, he knew of him and his rodeo through an old friend who competed in cowgirl barrel racing back in the days of the Loretta Lynn Rodeo.

And what he knew was Longhorn Rodeo stands for quality. Lehrke and his rodeo company received the honor of Producer of the Year six-times and for the last ten years their Tulsa, Oklahoma rodeo has been named Rodeo of the Year. Additionally, they have received six New Rodeo of the Year honors.

DeBusk also brings with him an understanding of business and management. He served as Director of Communications for the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and then Interim Executive Director of the Association. He has also spent time as editor of the Mid-South Horse Review, with his focus on rodeo, including the Longhorn Finals and the Wrangler National Finals. Over the past year DeBusk has also provided Pro Rodeo World with event coverage and features.

So with his background how does DeBusk see himself fitting in? “I hope I fit in well,” he commented. “Over the years I’ve learned this is a family and I just hope I’m not the uncle no one wants at the party.”

Seriously though DeBusk added, “I’m not going to come in and try to change everything. After all, it must work pretty well, considering they’ve been in business for more than forty-years. However, with the addition of two rodeos this year I know it’s going to be learn on the go.

“But the one thing I do want to make sure I do is make it a positive experience for everyone involved, from the contestants to arena management. Because if all of us have a positive experience we know the most important people will, our fans!”

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