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Jana Kent-Isaac and Brenda Mays
both have previous experience at the Dodge Columbia
River Circuit Finals, and knowing what's in store, they're
both looking forward to another appearance there on
Nov. 20-22.
Kent-Isaac leads the circuit standings with $20,489,
and Mays is not far behind with $18,170. Both women
said they're just planning to go and take it one run
at a time to see what's in store.
"I've had a fabulous year," Kent-Isaac said.
"For the circuit finals I'm just trying to stay
fit and positive and just go in and be correct and smooth.
Smooth is fast."
Kent-Isaac chalked up some of her success this season
to a good support system around her, including her "fabulous"
coach friend Winette Dale, who she met about five years
ago.
"She's become a really good friend," she said.
"She tells me you don't have to win every barrel
race you go to, you just run with love in your heart."
Kent-Isaac and her horse, Dakota, have taken that advice
to heart and it seems to be working for them. She also
thanked her husband, Steve, who is her driver and support
system.
For Mays, who is also a multiple Wrangler National Finals
Rodeo contestant, the circuit finals are an added perk
to her season. Although she's busy traveling around
the country to many of the large rodeos, she still works
in her circuit rodeos.
"My winter was good, and so I came home and was
able to be home more in the spring," she said.
"I can kind of make it work because almost everybody
comes up here to the Northwest around the first of August
anyway, so I can work in (circuit rodeos)."
Mays said one of the best parts of the Dodge Columbia
River Circuit Finals Rodeo for her and horse Jethro
is its proximity to home, Terrebonne, Ore., which is
only about 20 minutes away from Redmond.
"Jethro gets to be in his pen that he's comfortable
with and I get to go home every night," she said.
"That's what's really nice, we're all comfortable.
"In the past, Jethro has really liked that arena,
and he gives me just about everything he has every time.
He's just awesome."
Kent-Isaac said she loved the circuit finals the first
time she competed and knew she wanted to go back, something
she's done every year.
"I've never been the shining star, but I've always
been competitive," she said.
Maybe this is the year for Kent-Isaac to advance to
the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo, or maybe Mays,
who has been there before, will make another go at a
national title.
Either way, the road to the DNCFR leads through the
circuit finals in Redmond, and Kent-Isaac, Mays and
the other competitors are ready.
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