For a number of years, the Sedan Ranch Rodeo has honored someone as a pioneer of ranching and the western way of life. These “old timers” as they are affectionately known, have all played a key role in the cattle business and have left their mark on our western and ranching heritage.

That tradition was continued at this year’s rodeo by honoring someone who is not quite an old timer but who truly exemplifies the qualities of the pioneer spirit.

Our 2009 Pioneer Award recipient is Tyler Bowman of Pawhuska.

Born on June 29, 1990, to Ace and Teresa Bowman, Tyler is the youngest member to be given this honor. He began handling ropes as a toddler and learned his skill from his dad, Ace; Uncle George; and Grandpa J.B.

Other grandparents are Mike and Libby Long of rural Peru (parents of Teresa Bowman) and Jean Bowman of Copan, in addition to J.B. and Mary Bowman who live west of Caney.

At a very young age, Tyler really began making a name for himself by winning “dummy ropings” at the Sedan Ranch Rodeo, Ben Johnson Memorial and other area events. But his name was really “put up in lights” when he won the National Dummy Roping competition in Las Vegas at the ripe old age of five.

Tyler, always mounted on his favorite horse “Sugar,” never missed helping gather cattle at home and with any neighbor who would invite him to come along. He attended Pawhuska Public Schools through the 10th grade and was presented with the Citizenship Award. He was a competitive player in soccer but basketball was his favorite sport, not to mention hunting.

In June 2007, in Tyler’s words, “he had a shocking experience — one that would drastically change his life. The electrical accident caused Tyler to lose the use of both arms. Through many surgeries and therapy sessions, he was able to get back home and begin his journey to recovery.

Later that fall after the accident, Tyler got back on a horse for the first time with the help of his dad and Charlie and Lee Chambers. His mom, Teresa, was kept in the dark about the whole deal until much later though. He continued to work hard on everything from driving to shooting his rifle.

Although there were many adjustments to his life, Tyler got back on track to complete his education as well. He was home schooled by Pastor Creth and Rhonda Hopkins through the 11th and 12th grades. Tyler is currently attending Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Okla., pursuing a degree in business.

Tyler competed at the Sedan Ranch Rodeo on the Chambers-Bowman Ranch team with Charlie and Lee Chambers and his dad, Ace. He has never quit working to improve his skills and always has that huge, infectious smile that brightens every face around him. Most of the time he’s talking your ear off about something and it reminds us of the time when Tyler was little and he had his buddy Frank Adcock drawing a horse on the back of his hand while they were driving in the feed truck. Distracted by Tyler’s contagious personality, Frank ran his brand new pickup off the road and stuck it in the ditch.

As Frank was being pulled out, he begged, “Don’t dare tell why we really got in that ditch!”

Tyler has a deep faith in God. He is an inspiration to everyone around him and continues to mentor others who are facing similar circumstances. Tyler sticks by his guns with strong conviction in one of his favorite passages from Philippians 4:13 which reads, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

This young man is truly an example of the pioneer spirit.