4-2-21 Digital PSN - Hi Res

PRCA ProRodeo photo by James Phifer Haven Meged competes in the final round of the 2019 RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., winning with a time of 7.4 seconds.

BY SCOTT KANIEWSKI T he last time the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo took place in Kissimmee, Fla., tie-down roper Haven Meged won more than $18,000. Later that season, Meged was holding a gold buckle aloft as the 2019 Tie-down Roping World Champion. The money earned at the RAM RAM NCFR counting toward world standings boon for cowboys Shot World at the

NCFR helped the then-rookie claim the world title. Meged finished the season with $246,013, edging Shane Hanchey by about $2,800. Last season, money earned at the RAMNCFR didn’t count toward the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. But the money is back, and knowing whatever he earns in Kissimmee will count again, Meged put priority on his Montana Circuit rodeos. Meged won the year-end title in the circuit, cashing in for $26,585. That guaranteed him a spot in the RAMNCFR this spring. “That was a huge leap into the world standings, it set me up great to win the world title,” said Meged, 23. “That’s a heck of a rodeo they put on, especially this year. It pays a lot of money. We don’t go to a lot of rodeos that pay like that.” KISSIMMEE COMING UP The RAMNCFR will be April 9-10, with a performance April 8 that’s closed to the public. Meged learned plenty that rookie season, but one thing that hasn’t changed is his emphasis on his circuit. “It was a big goal to make sure I won the circuit finals to make sure I got back out to Kissimmee,” Meged said. “I wanted to make sure I had a good year and to make it to the circuit finals and the RAM circuit finals and to have a chance at winning another title there.” Parker Kempfer is looking forward to his second RAMNCFR but first in his home state. The saddle bronc rider competed in Greeley, Colo., last

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ProRodeo Sports News 4/2/2021

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