New Elite Rodeo Athletes group blazing a different trail

Ryan Gray has covered a lot of miles in his rodeo career so far since he turned pro in 2002.

But it’s a new trail he and nearly 100 other top riders and ropers are blazing that he thinks offers a bright future for the sport.

Gray and many of his buddies recently opened the inaugural season of competition in the Elite Rodeo Athletes on March 25 in Redmond, Ore. before a packed house and have since performed in Nampa, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah, April 8-9.

“We’re all making a big sacrifice, and it may not be for my career, but you know (for) the guys coming up is who’s going to benefit,” Gra...