behind the buck
It takes a team to bring the buck to Manhattan.
Behind Little Apple Xtreme Bulls is a dedicated group of rodeo professionals, event leaders, community volunteers, and local partners working together to make every detail count. From production and livestock to hospitality, sponsorships, communications, and everything in between, our team shares one goal: to deliver an unforgettable professional rodeo experience for our athletes, fans, and community.
Our Team
jesse pohlmann
A former professional bull rider and 2009 Prairie Circuit Bull Riding Champion, Director Jesse Pohlmann brings years of experience in professional rodeo, bull riding, and bucking-bull operations to the PRCA Xtreme Bulls. His background includes serving as Prairie Circuit Bull Riding Director and working directly with contestants, stock contractors, and the broader rodeo community. Jesse's experience both inside the arena and behind the scenes helps bring together the athletes, livestock, production, and people necessary to create a first-class rodeo experience.
As Production Managing Director, Jesse oversees the overall planning, coordination, and execution of the event, working closely with staff, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and the PRCA to bring the production together from start to finish.
Jesse is also a devoted husband to his wife, Hailey, and father to their four (almost five!) beautiful children.
Director
angel tran-roeser
Angel brings a strong background in community engagement, sponsorship development, hospitality and event coordination to the PRCA Xtreme Bulls team. She's a longtime member of the KVRA, and has been involved in planning, fundraising, and event operations within the Manhattan community since 2019.
A Kansas State University graduate and Manhattan community advocate, Angel has built her professional career around developing relationships and connecting businesses, organizations and people. She served in the Kansas House of Representatives, where she represented Manhattan and served on the House Agriculture Committee.
For the Little Apple Xtreme Bulls, Angel leads hospitality and membership efforts while helping coordinate sponsors, volunteers, guest services and front-of-house operations. She works to make sure sponsors, guests, staff and volunteers have what they need to feel welcomed and supported throughout the event.
Hospitality Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
tyler jackson
Tyler Jackson brings a strong background in community storytelling, local business engagement and media to the PRCA Xtreme Bulls team. As the publisher of Manhattan City Lifestyle, Tyler has spent years connecting Manhattan-area businesses, organizations and residents through local storytelling and community-focused media.
A member of the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association Board of Directors, Tyler also has a longstanding connection to the local professional rodeo community. His work has included covering and telling the story of Manhattan's rodeo tradition, giving him a unique perspective on both the sport and the community that supports it.
For the Little Apple Xtreme Bulls, Tyler leads communications and promotional efforts, helping connect the event with the Manhattan community, local businesses, media and fans.
Shelley hall
Secretary & PRCA Coordinator
Shelley Hall brings decades of experience in professional rodeo to the PRCA Xtreme Bulls team. A longtime member of the Hall family's Rafter H Rodeo Livestock operation, Shelley grew up immersed in the professional rodeo industry and has built an extensive background in rodeo administration.
Shelley has served as a PRCA secretary and timer for professional rodeos and Xtreme Bulls events across the country and continues to play an important role in the Manhattan rodeo community through her work with the Kaw Valley Rodeo.
For the Little Apple Xtreme Bulls, Shelley helps coordinate the behind-the-scenes details that keep the competition running smoothly, including contestant information, PRCA requirements, timing and event administration.
dustin holle
KVRA Board Representative
Dustin Holle is a longtime supporter of professional rodeo and an active member of the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association, where he currently serves on the Board of Directors. His dedication to the sport and the local rodeo community was recognized in 2018 when he was honored with the Kaw Valley Rodeo Association’s Brummett Award.
As the PRCA Board Representative for Little Apple Xtreme Bulls, Dustin serves as a liaison between the event and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He helps ensure the event meets PRCA standards and works alongside the production team, contestants, and officials to support the successful execution of the rodeo.
Chad Cometti is a respected figure in the professional rodeo and stock contractor industry and is closely associated with Rafter H Pro Rodeo. Based in Coalgate, Oklahoma, Chad has built a reputation for raising, developing, and managing elite bucking bulls and is deeply involved in the competitive stock industry.
Chad and Rafter H Pro Rodeo have also found success on the national bucking-bull stage. Their three-year-old derby bull, 23E Under the Influence, recently earned a 91-point score in an ABBI competition and secured a place at the ABBI World Finals.
As Stock Coordinator, Chad oversees the coordination and management of the stock used throughout the rodeo, working closely with stock contractors, officials, and the production team to ensure the livestock are properly managed and the event runs smoothly. His attention to detail and dedication to the sport help make the rodeo a safe and successful experience for everyone.
Stock Coordinatorchad comettii
Petey is a bottle-fed bull with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Unlike the bulls you’ll see in the arena, Petey is specially trained to be calm, gentle, and comfortable around people. He’s been trained to be ridden and pet by children, making him the perfect ambassador for Little Apple Xtreme Bulls.
Petey loves meeting kids, posing for pictures, and making appearances at schools, businesses, and community events. He’s proof that not every bull is here to buck!
petey the picture bull
bilbrey family event center
The Bilbrey Family Event Center is a premier new event venue at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, designed to host everything from rodeo and equestrian events to concerts, competitions, and community gatherings. With modern amenities, flexible event space, and a capacity to welcome thousands of guests, the Bilbrey Family Event Center provides an exciting new home for large-scale events in the Little Apple.
