Fleener earned her Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) timer’s card in 2009 and has been a PRCA timer since 2010, having been selected for the PRCA Great Lakes Circuit Finals in Louisville, Kentucky, six different times in 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2024.

“The Great Lakes Circuit Finals is the best in the country, and having that opportunity has been an honor each time as well,” said Fleener.

To become a timer on the rodeo circuit, let alone at major events like the NFR and PRCA, is no easy feat. For the NFR, there is an application deadline in the spring and all applicants must be members in good standing, as well as have met eligibility for that year, which includes having timed a minimum of eight events in the competition year. A committee then reviews the applicants and presents three applicants to the board for a final selection that is voted on for the open position for that year. Once approved, the timer position at the NFR is valid for three years.

“To be selected for the NFR is literally one of my dreams coming true,” said Fleener. “It is such an honor to be regarded as competent and professional in your job by those who you respect. Being offered this opportunity is indescribable.”

Kris Fleener

At this week’s upcoming National Finals Rodeo, Fleener along with two other timers will be responsible for starting, stopping, and resetting the official time clock for each event, from roughstock bucking horses and bulls to the timed events like roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Fleener is the official timekeeper for each event in the rodeo and is also responsible to note all time penalties, no times, and all arena floor activities.

“We keep track of the times manually as well as relay them via headset communications to the rodeo secretary,” said Fleener. “The event is posted in real-time, so accuracy, teamwork, and effective communication are critical. When you hear the whistle or see a time on the scoreboard, that’s me.”

Fleener has participated in and been to hundreds of rodeos, but there isn’t any one specific event that is her favorite.

“I appreciate each of the events for the challenges that they bring for the contestants and the ability that is showcased by the athletes, both two- and four-legged,” said Fleener. “As far as working certain rodeos, each town, committee, and rodeo itself has things that I look forward to revisiting each year, whether it’s a home-cooked meal at a committee person’s house, camping and riding accommodations for my off-hours, or a special restaurant that we always visit. The rodeo of each community offers a lot.”

The NFR begins Thursday and runs through Dec. 14 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

-Submitted photo
Kris Fleener, of rural Duncombe, is one of three timers chosen nationally to lead the charge as timers at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

“I’m really looking forward to the overall experience. Being on the floor of that building is something that everyone tells me I will never forget,” said Fleener. “The energy of the Thomas & Mack each night and having the opportunity to work with, and for, the best in the industry is something that I still can’t believe is actually happening for me.”

In addition to serving as a timer at the NFR, Fleener is also the secretary and contract personnel director for the Great Lakes Circuit of the PRCA. She is also responsible for many aspects of the preparation and production of the North American Championship Great Lakes Circuit Finals, which are held each November in Louisville, Kentucky. Fleener serves as the official timer for the Triton Stampede Rodeo for Iowa Central Community College each fall.

Fleener has been involved in rodeo in a variety of capacities her entire life. When she was 12, she started carrying flags in rodeo openings for the Barnes Rodeo Company. Her father was a pick-up man for a number of years, and she has helped to chase out calves during regular performances and slack events, when extra competitors compete.

Fleener has held a Women’s Professional Rodeo Association permit for a time and was a barrel racing contestant. She has helped to sort and feed cattle and horses at events, even helping to move them from pen to pen or across fields and timber at rodeos.

When she met her husband, Luke, she would help prepare the Dayton Championship Rodeo grounds for the annual rodeo and was an officer in the Saddle Club, where she was responsible for taking entry fees, tracking times and scores and calculating the payout for the amateur events.

“This is the Super Bowl of rodeo, and there are only three people out of all eligible timers across the United States that have this opportunity each year,” said Fleener. “I feel so fortunate and honored.”