NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) – Randy Corley and Mark Swingler are veterans of the rodeo industry. Both have been involved in the sport since they were young. Corley is a PRCA Hall of Fame announcer who has worked the Buffalo Bill Rodeo for more than 40 years. Swingler is a veteran rodeo clown who has worked the North Platte rodeo the last five years.

Corley and Swingler are tasked with entertaining the fans at the rodeo in between runs and events. The two are able to do so effortlessly, thanks to their considerable experience in the industry, but also their friendship away from the arena that creates a rapport in their show.

“We work so much together, it’s just almost natural, just like having a conversation,” said Swingler.

Since the two are so familiar with each other, they are able to work well together, and easily work through any issues they encounter, like one they had at a recent rodeo in Prescott, AZ.

“We had a technical problem ,my mic was fading in and out, so he starts carrying the act,” Swingler said of Corley. “I was in and out, and we really ad-libbed that one.”

One issue they recently encountered was this Thursday, when the Buffalo Bill Rodeo continued without fans in the stands. Corley and Swingler still performed, despite not having crowd energy, because the event was being live-streamed.

“I turned to him and I said with no crowd, and we have nothing to talk about, usually I filler stuff, I had nothing, I said Mark I need you to come in to me a lot ,we’ll just play, and I had a really fun night,” Corley said.

Corley joked that he messes up more of Swingler’s jokes than any other announcer he works with.

The two enjoy their jobs and enjoy working together at rodeos.

“When you do have one of those really great performances it’s an awesome feeling,” Corley said.

“At the end of the day, if [fans] can come in for two, two and a half hours and leave, just put their worries away for a while, just come and have some fun, that’s what makes it great,” Swingler said.

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