PRORODEO Sports News - August 8, 2025

THE COWBOYS’ CHOICE SINCE 1952

SPORTS NEWS

AUG 2025

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THE DADDY OF 'EM ALL CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS: THE WORLD'S LARGEST OUTDOOR RODEO & WESTERN CELEBRATION

OGDEN PIONEER DAYS CELEBRATING 90 YEARS AND COUNTING UTAH DAYS OF ‘47 RODEO CELEBRATING UTAH’S HERITAGE SINCE 1847 CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS THE LARGEST RODEO IN CALIFORNIA

HOW THE WEST IS WORN

RYDER WRIGHT 2024 WORLD CHAMPION SADDLE BRONC RIDER

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 1

CONTRIBUTORS

Tracy has three decades of expe rience in sports journalism with the last decade-plus consumed by PRORODEO. He previously served three years as editor of PRORODEO Sports News. TRACY RENCK MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA

ZACH ALVIRA PSN EDITOR AND DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

ALEX DODD MEDIA REPORTER

Zach has over a decade of expe rience working in sports media and communications, serving as a communications editor and sports editor for many years in Phoenix, Arizona.

Alex has worked in sports media for over a decade and most re cently served as a sports editor in Rapid City, South Dakota. Alex is a proud Clemson University alum.

TAYLOR BROWN VIDEO PRODUCER

JARON LUNSFORD VIDEOGRAPHER

LISA CUSH MANAGER OF DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS

Lisa is responsible for the visual style, layout, and graphic design of the digital PSN. She leans into her Western roots to make sure the magazine’s content reflects the PRCA’s mission and values.

With over a decade of experience in sports videography, Taylor oversees the production of social media content and PRORODEO Films. He is a graduate of West Virginia University.

Jaron is a professional videog rapher specializing in rodeo and Western culture. He enjoys cap turing the heart of the sport with PRORODEO films. He is a New Mexico State University alum.

Darla oversees advertising for the PRORODEO Sports News, Contract Personnel Directory, PRORODEO Programs and other PRCA publications. DARLA LINDT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 719.528.4708

ANDREW ROSARIO GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND CONTENT CREATOR

ANNA MILLS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Inspired by his Texas upbringing, Andrew creates dynamic designs and curates content for all PRCA social media platforms. He is a proud University of Texas at San Antonio alum.

Anna has spent the last three years working in professional sports as a social media manager and digital content creator. She oversees all social media man agement for PRORODEO.

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS | (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 | DISCLAIMER: The PSN carries advertising as a service to PRCA members and PSN readers. However, publication of advertisements in the PSN does not in any way, whether expressed or implied, commit the PSN to guarantee or warrant any of the merchandise or livestock advertised. TO SUBSCRIBE: 800.763.3648 TO ADVERTISE: 719.528.4708 | © 2025, PRCA Properties Inc. , a marketing service and subsidiary of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from PRCA Properties Inc.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE

AUGUST 8, 2025

THE COWBOYS’ CHOICE SINCE 1952

SPORTS NEWS

AUG 2025

8

06 CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS The 129th annual "Daddy of 'em All" featured nine days of rodeo.

THE DADDY OF 'EM ALL CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS: THE WORLD'S LARGEST OUTDOOR RODEO & WESTERN CELEBRATION

OGDEN PIONEER DAYS CELEBRATING 90 YEARS AND COUNTING UTAH DAYS OF ‘47 RODEO CELEBRATING UTAH’S HERITAGE SINCE 1847 CALIFORNIA RODEO SALINAS THE LARGEST RODEO IN CALIFORNIA

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ON THE COVER PRCA photo by Click Thompson of Cheyenne Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls competitor introductions. The Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls Tour at Cheyenne Frontier Days featured fierce competition as cowboys took on rank bulls, with the best two-head average earning the champion title. The event also contributed to the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Stand ings, impacting who advances to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. See more of Click's rodeo photos at clickthompson.com.

MANAGER’S MESSAGE Every dollar counts in PRORODEO. Ten world championship races have been decided by $64 or less.

MULLINS MATCHES ALL 3 BULLS AT NFR OPEN 19-year-old Avery Mullins proved himself at the NFR Open.

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FILIPEK BRINGS FLARE Cooper Filipek's made a name for himself in a way separate from his talent on the back of a bucking horse.

SCHALLA WINS XTREME BULLS CHEYENNE Schalla earned the walk-off win in front of frenzied crowd at Frontier Park.

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LUCAS WINS FIESTA DAYS Canadian cowboy Kyle Lucas rose to the occasion at Spanish Fork.

TIME CAPSULE Bullfighter Wick Peth had a 37-year career as a bullfighter, ending in 1985.

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MANAGER'S MESSAGE

Jim Rodriguez Jr., youngest world

champion in PRORODEO history. PRCA photo by Ed Frayne

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MANAGER'S MESSAGE

BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS AND YEARS OF HARD WORK

C ompeting for a PRCA World Championship takes blood, sweat and tears, and years of hard work. It is not uncommon to hear cowboys say in interviews - after a rodeo win - that every dollar counts. That sounds cliché, but it is very true in PRORODEO. A quick PRCA history lesson is proof. From 1945-2024, there have been 10 world championship races decided by $64 or less. The list reads:

with the steer roping finals, in Clayton, N.M. Rodriguez, who was 18 years and 111 days old, is still the youngest world champion in PRORODEO history. He was inducted in the inaugural class of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1979 in Colorado Springs, Colo. He won four ca reer team roping world championships - 1959, 1960, 1962 and 1965. Rodriguez also won four National Finals Rodeo average titles in 1959, 1960, 1966 and 1973.

Rambo, meanwhile, who is considered one of the most versatile cowboys in the history of PRORODEO, was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 1989. Glenn, who won his last team roping world championship in 1967, was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2007. Winning PRORODEO World Championships by the closest of margins is definitely not a thing of the past. In 2020, when the NFR was held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in the state

Scott Snedecor over Guy Allen, SR 2005 Bobby Berger over Tom Miller, SB 1979 Eddy Akridge over Buck Rutherford, BB 1954 Ted Ashworth over Dale Smith, TR 1958 Herbert Theriot over Joe Beaver, TD 1994 Jim Shoulders over John Hawkins, BB 1957 Larry Finley over Bud Linderman, BB 1947 John W. Jones Jr. over Joel Edmonson, SW 1988 Jimmie Cooper over Roy Cooper, AA 1981 Jim Rodriguez Jr. over Joe Glenn, TR 1959

$1.67 $5 $7

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$13 $14 $18 $22 $31 $47 $64

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The race between the far lesser-known steer roper Scott Snedecor and the Legend Guy Allen was certainly full of drama. Rather than take a deep dive on how that unfold ed 20 years ago - the powers that be at the PRORODEO Sports News will have much more on that historic race in November just before the 2025 National Finals Steer Roping Nov. 14-15 in Mulvane, Kan. That brings us back to the 1959 race, won by Rodriguez Jr. over Joe Glenn and Gene Rambo was third, $97 back, for the closest three-way race in history. The crazy part of Rodriguez Jr.’s performance is he became the youngest world champion in the history of professional rodeo when the 18-year-old Californian took top honors in team roping with earnings of $6,184. Paired with his mentor, coach and future father-in-law, Rambo, Rodriguez Jr., the header, placed three times with Rambo. In 1959, the team roping finals were held, along

of Nevada, Shad “Money” Mayfield had a tough NFR but managed to win his first world title. He claimed the tie down roping crown by $231 over Marty Yates. Fast-forward to the 2024 NFR at the Thomas & Mack Cen ter in Las Vegas, and Mayfield captured his second world title and first all-around championship by a mere $675 over Coleman Proctor. With more money available than ever at the 2025 NFR - $13,501,505 to contestants - every dollar will certainly matter to see who walks out of the Thomas & Mack Center with gold buckles.

TRACY RENCK Manager of Communications and Media

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Kade Berry sets new arena record at Cheyenne Frontier Days. PRCA photo by Click Thompson

KADE BERRY SETS NEW ARENA RECORD EN ROUTE TO CHEYENNE BAREBACK CHAMPIONSHIP ade Berry's expectations for himself entering the short round at Cheyenne Frontier Days grew when he saw the bucking horse he was matched with. Brookman Rodeo's Lunatic Heaven was ridden twice at the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Garrett Shadbolt scored a 79. Keenan Hayes, while defending his world title, scored an 85.5 on the horse July 27 in Cheyenne, Lunatic Heaven gave Berry everything he had. The result was a 93.5-point ride for the 22-year-old Weatherford, Texas, cowboy to win the bareback championship and set a new arena record that stood for 51 years. "That horse was explosive. I know I felt like we were dancing heavy," Berry said. "I knew it was going pretty alright so I thought I would finish it off. When I got off and they announced the arena record, emotions were through the roof. I laid it all out on the table." K By Zach Alvira

Berry had an idea of what he needed to accomplish when he climbed onto the back of Lunatic Heaven in the bucking chutes.

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He watched as eight out of nine cowboys ahead of him scored north of 80 points. Cole Franks had an 88.5 aboard Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phe nom Genetics' Land of Fancy. Two riders later Sam Petersen set a new mark to beat with an 89-point trip aboard Brookman Rodeo's Lone some Smile. That didn't last long as Jess Pope set a new high mark to beat at 91 while matched up with Brookman Rodeo's Risky Business. In most circumstances, at any other rodeo the scores ahead of Berry would have likely clinched the title. That was the mindset he had, and it led to the arena record. "I try not to focus on what could happen" Berry said. "I focus on what I know I can control in the moment. They told me to take the fight to that horse, that's all I had on my mind. I'm just so thankful for my family being here. The support means more to me than the arena record. I'm very grateful for this moment." Berry's mark came ahead of heavy hitters Jayco Roper, Wacey Schalla and Rocker Steiner. But his score remained at the top. He knew he had at least reached the 90-point mark on his ride. He fig ured the crowd did, too, based on the roar from the large grandstands. But that was taken up a notch when his score was announced. The ride was emotional. It came in front of Berry's family, including his brother, fellow bareback rider and four-time NFR qualifier Leighton Berry, and his father, Kirby, who was also a bareback rider. Kirby looked on with a smile as his son was swarmed by family and media following his championship ride. "This has been years and years and years in the making," Kirby told the PRORODEO Sports News. "I rode here. He's watched his brother have success here and now he has. They were better than me and there's an other one that is going to be better than them. The Kirby name is going to be one to know for a long, long time." Other winners from Cheyenne Frontier Days include all around champ Jake Clay (steer roping and team roping); steer roper Scott Snedecor (12.7 seconds); tie-down roper Tyson Durfey (10.9 seconds); breakaway roper Danielle Lowman (4.3 seconds); saddle bronc rider Brody Cress (91 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics' THE Black Tie); team ropers Aaron Tsinigine/Jeremy Buhler (9.3 sec onds); steer wrestler Tyke Kipp (5.5 seconds); barrel racer Lisa Lockhart (17.03 seconds); bull rider Qynn Anderson (90 points on Smith Pro Rodeos' Hunter).

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Speacialty act Manu Lataste jumps over a bull at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls on July 21. PRCA photo by Click Thompson

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WACEY SCHALLA EARNS CHEYENNE XTREME BULLS WIN IN THRILLING FASHION By Alex Dodd

Schalla made history as the inaugural champion of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls. PRCA photo by Click Thompson

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y Hamilton, the 2023 PRCA World Champion, set the bar for the final day of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls on July 22. Eight-time champ Stetson Wright raised it on the penultimate trip. But Wacey Schalla, the No. 1 bull rider in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings, earned the walk-off win in front of a frenzied crowd at Frontier Park. The second-year PRORODEO cowboy climbed in the chute as the last out of the night and needed a 91-point ride to earn the average championship at the storied rodeo's first Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls event. Schalla paired with United Pro Rodeo's Debo for 91.5 points, to top Wright by a half point in the average at 182 points on two head and win the second go-round. "This is probably one of the best bull ridings we've had so far this year, if not ever," Schalla told the PRORODEO Sports News after the fireworks concluded. "I'm just excited to come out on top and continue staying healthy and riding to the best of my ability." Schalla outlasted the runner-up Wright's 181.5 points on two head, third-place finisher Ky Hamilton at 180 points and Clayton Sellars at 174.5 points to collect $28,607 in total earnings. Wright, Sellars and Schalla competed in the final section, and Hamilton upped the ante in the third section. The crowd responded appropriately as the stakes continued to raise. "Stetson and I were talking about (the atmosphere) in the locker room yesterday," Schalla said. "You don't get tired. I mean, you do get tired. But there was no possible way (to be tired) tonight or yes terday. There's no way." Schalla knew he had a chance to leave with the big payday when he saw Debo's name next to his on the daysheet. "That bull actually came from Oklahoma," the Okie said. "Sean Runyon raised him, so I did know that bull, but didn't expect him to be that hard to ride. Like I said, I was just excited to step off and 91.5 made it a little bit better."

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SCHALLA (CONTINUED)

Schalla finished second to Wright in the first round on Monday night with a 90.5 trip on Stace Smith's Tarzan. And Wright set the stage with a 92.5-point ride on Rafter G's Rank Frank. The midway point and finish to the event were fitting. Schalla and Wright have traded places atop the bull riding world standings throughout the season, and the 19-year-old from Arapaho, Okla., made sure he maintained his spot at the top as the summer wears on. "I love it and it adds a little more attention to the friendship, I guess," Schal la said with a smile. "But we're really close, and if I ever need any help, Stetson is one guy I can go to and ask for it." Schalla wasn't quite sure what he needed to score after Wright's ride, but he was aware of the stakes and size of the check on the line. "I was just going to go do my job," Schalla said. "But (ProRodeo Hall of Famer and 1992 PRCA World Champion) Cody Custer pulled my bull rope, so I knew I should probably stay on."

By Alex Dodd 'EVERYTHING YOU COULD WANT OUT OF A BULL RIDING': CHEYENNE XTREME BULLS DELIVERED T his winter, Cheyenne Frontier Days decided to add its first ever Rank45 Xtreme Bulls event in the evenings following rodeo performances on July 21-22. Adding a new element to the Daddy of 'Em All was a risk, but it paid off this past week. Fans showed up and so did the contestants. The Top 15 bull riders in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings and 35 other of the top cowboys in PRORO DEO delivered two nights of rank rides on top stock in search of a chunk of the $103,400 payout. "This was probably one of the best bull ridings we've had so far this year, if not

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"This family-friendly event will produce a fast-paced, live audience event that our fans expect from the Daddy of 'em All." Clayton Sellars, a four-time National Finals Rodeo quali fier, competed in a nighttime bull riding event at Frontier Park when he competed out side of the PRCA. He said the Xtreme Bulls stop lived up to the hype and credited the fans for creating an electric atmosphere. "It was good bull riding," Sel lars said. "It's a tight arena, a small arena on a good sum mer night with a big crowd. It was tight and everything was really close together and (the fans were) right on top of you. It was really cool and a high energy event." Early on the first night, Tris ten Hutchings got nervous as the crowd began filing into the arena. But as the sunk sank low on the plains, the spectators found their spots in the stands and kept the energy at a fever pitch. "At the very beginning I was like, I sure hope everybody shows up," Hutchings said. "We just switched this from a PBR to a PRCA event and all of us bull riders wanted to see it succeed and come back next year. Then everybody started filing in there and it made all of us happy. "It was good to see it fill up … I think it went very well. There were good rides and pretty good bulls." PRCA CEO Tom Glause expressed his excitement for the Xtreme Bulls debut in Cheyenne, in his home state of Wyoming, and attended both nights of action.

The inaugural Cheyenne Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls event went off without a hitch. PRCA photo by Click Thompson

Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig said the PRORODEO event was a good fit for the history of the legend ary rodeo, especially given the theme of the 129th edition "Year of the Bull Rider." "We're getting back to our rodeo roots by partnering with the PRCA to host the Xtreme Bulls," said Tom Hirsig, CEO of Cheyenne Frontier Days.

ever," Wacey Schalla said after he won the average title on July 22 at 181.5 points on two head. "This is one of the best bull ridings I've seen the PRCA and Xtreme Bulls put together. So I'm just excited to be part of the first one here in Cheyenne and I'm ready for many more to come." When Cheyenne Frontier Days announced the event on Feb. 20,

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PRCA photo by Steve Gray

CHEYENNE XTREME BULLS DELIVERED (CONT.) "Having Cheyenne be a part of the PRCA's Xtreme Bulls Tour is a great addi tion to our tour," Glause said when the event was announced. "Cheyenne has had a storied tradition with the PRCA, and now we can spotlight the PRCA's top bull riders at this Xtreme Bulls event." Cooper James said he was skeptical if the event would live up to the expecta tions. The 2024 Resistol Rookie of the Year in bull riding left the arena im pressed. "We drew a crowd every day and it was super loud every time somebody made a ride," James said. "If there was a wreck or anything exciting happened the crowd went wild. It was everything you could want out of a bull riding. This is probably one of the coolest bull ridings and I'm looking forward to it being an Xtreme Bulls for the rest of my career." Eight-time PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright attended bull riding events at Frontier Days in the past and watched from the stands. He hoped to one day get the opportunity to compete under the lights on the beaches of Cheyenne and took full advantage of his two rides at the event. "I was always like, 'Man, I hope one day I could ride at this,'" Wright said. "I'm just glad that it went to Xtreme Bulls and I felt like (the fans) brought the same energy in the same setup. The bulls were good, the guys showed up and we're firing." Wright claimed the top spot in the opening round with a 92.5-point ride on Rafter G's Rank Frank, the highest-scored trip of the event. He finished second in the average at 181.5 points on two head. Competitors routinely one-upped one another throughout the event as the energy continued to build until Schalla earned the victory on the final ride of the two-day bonanza. That energy translated directly from the crowd into the chutes. "Stetson and I were talking about (the atmosphere) in the locker room (Mon day)," Schalla said. "You don't get tired. I mean, you do get tired. But there was no possible way (to be tired) tonight or yesterday. There's no way." The inaugural Cheyenne Frontier Days Xtreme Bulls set the stage for years of top-notch PRORODEO bull riding under the lights of the Daddy of 'em All.

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By Kensie Darst-Todd, Special to PRORODEO Sports News KYLE LUCAS TAKES TIE-DOWN ROPING CROWN IN SPANISH FORK

I n a tie-down roping field stacked with world champions and sea soned gunslingers, it was Canadian cowboy Kyle Lucas who rose to the occasion at the Spanish Fork (Utah) Fiesta Days Rodeo. With two smooth runs, Lucas proved that sharp think ing and experience can outpace pres sure, and it paid off with a coveted average title. "I've got some things I know that work, and some things I know that don't," Lucas said. "You almost have to guard your mind out there, espe cially going into that second round. It's easy to overthink when you're trying to protect a good first run." Lucas posted a strong opening-round time with a 7.8-second run, then returned with precision and patience to lock in the average win. With big names like back-to-back PRCA World Champion Riley Webb and 15-time NFR qualifier Shane Hanchey backing into the box with the same goal, Lucas stayed focused on the job.

"I talked to Tuff Cooper before the second run, asking him if I could get by with a single wrap," Lucas said. "He just big-brothered me and said, 'No, you're putting two on no matter what.' That stuck with me. It remind ed me to rope smart and not cut corners." Lucas leaned on fellow tie-down roper Logan Bird's seasoned horse Peso in Spanish Fork, a mount he's come to rely on throughout the season. "Logan and I both rode Peso there," Lucas said. "He's solid and I felt confi dent going in." The victory adds to a growing list of major wins for Lucas in 2025, includ ing a standout performance at the La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz., where Lucas won both the event and the average championship titles earlier in February. The momentum comes at a critical time, with the summer run in full

swing and drawing near the end of the season. Lucas is currently ranked No. 10 in the Bill Fick | PRCA World Standings, and he's determined to qualify for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo — an achievement that's been years in the making. "I don't see myself as a kid out here anymore. I've made those rookie mistakes in the past," he said. "Now, it's about maturity. You can't control what the other guys do. If it's your turn, it's your turn. And if it's in God's plan, no one can stop it." Motivated by faith, family and a life long love of roping, Lucas continues to chase top finishes while balancing a full summer schedule between U.S. and Canadian rodeos. "Winning big rodeos like this, it just reminds me I'm doing what I'm meant to do," he said. "I don't win or lose - I win or learn. And I'm grateful either way."

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CHANCE HOWARD ROLLS TO DAYS OF ’47 STEER WRESTLING TITLE N o matter the steer, no matter the hazer, Chance Howard found a way to get the job at the Utah Days of '47 Rodeo. The Sallisaw, Okla., steer wrestler By Alex Riley, Special to PRORODEO Sports News

settled into a rhythm in Salt Lake City on his way to a much-needed summer victory. For the first two rounds, Howard relied on the hazing of travel partner Tristan Martin to put him in position for good times. Howard tied with Landon Beardsworth to win the first go and then placed third in round two. He won the average for his bracket with an aggregate of 8.6 seconds on two, claiming a spot in the short round on July 26. Martin was unavailable to line up beside him for the final round as he had his own run to make in the progressive round at Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Rodeo. So, Howard turned to Jay Williamson. "He has hazed for me quite a bit too, and it was a good combination," How ard said. The pair made it work, with Howard finishing two-tenths of a second better than Tyler Waguespack at 4.1 seconds to capture the top prize – a far cry from his showing last season at the rodeo. "Last year I got mauled. I just about got my clothes ripped off of me here last year. It was a big difference this year," Howard said with a laugh. It's the payday the veteran bulldogger was looking for as he aims to secure

during the event, the one thing that has remained constant is his equine partner. Train, an 11-year-old horse Howard helped start back in 2020, has been steadfast since the duo be gan working the PRORODEO circuit together. Howard is grateful to Travis and Sarah Burgett for letting Train be his primary mount as their part nership has put him in position for success. "(Travis) hazes for me at the house all the time. He's a good friend and allows me to haul horses everywhere. But that horse right there just makes my job 100 times easier," Howard said. With another big victory under his

his first trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this December. Days of '47 put over $19,000 in his ledger, a number that will help him climb in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings once the weekend results shake out. Howard was sitting 17th before the win. While his hazers may have changed

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HAYES WEIGHT SETS NEW ARENA RECORD IN BULL RIDING The Days of ’47 Rodeo proved to be action-packed with another arena record falling before the con clusion of the rodeo.

Hayes Weight, a two time NFR qualifier, set a new arena re cord with his 93-point ride aboard Sankey Pro

Rodeo & Phenom Genet ics’ Magic Tough. In 2024, he matched with the bull for a 91-point ride. “With a good bucking bull like that, I wasn’t 91 because he was easy,” Weight told The Cowboy Channel following his ride. “To draw him here and have that type of pressure again, I just gave it to God and gave it my best.” Other winners in Salt Lake City were bareback rider Wacey Schalla (90 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo's Nite Faded); team ropers Shay Dixon Carroll/Levi Lord (4.1 seconds); saddle bronc rider Sage Newman (88 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo's Lar ry Culpepper); tie-down roper Brushton Minton (7.9 seconds); barrel racer Carlee Otero (16.84 seconds).

belt, Howard has hopes to keep the momen

tum rolling. He's already eclipsed his ca reer-high in regu lar season earnings,

"It feels really good. I've rodeoed for quite a while now and I've been close a time or two," Howard said. "This year I hope to keep it going and get to the Finals. This big win definitely helps."

sitting just shy of $69,000. In 2021, he narrowly missed his first NFR berth, finishing 16th in the standings. He's cracked the top 35 two other times. This season, Howard is eager to break through. And if the results keep com ing, he's on track to do just that.

Chance Howard shined in Salt Lake City at the Days of ’47 Rodeo. PRCA photo by Ric Anderson

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SCOTT SNEDECOR CAPTURES HIS SECOND NATIONAL CIRCUIT FINALS STEER ROPING TITLE

By Tracy Renck

T hrough the first six rounds of the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping, veteran steer rop er Scott Snedecor wasn't at his best as he didn't collect a single check. However, the Fredricksburg, Texas, cowboy kept himself in the title hunt and then seized the moment when it mattered the most.

Snedecor clocked a 9.4-second time in the Final Four sudden-death round to claim his second NCFSR title in three years Thursday at the Goshen County Pavilion. "Once you see the opportunity you can't back off," Snedecor said. "Like I tell my daughter, you can't win being scared of losing. I just try to go at

them as best as I can and stay in my zone. If I tie them down as fast as I can and if they beat me, they beat me. I know this feels great to win this again." Snedecor, who won the NCFSR in 2023, now joins Rocky Patterson (2012, 2019) and Rocky's son, Cole Patterson (2021, 2022) as the only

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Scott Snedecor captured his second National Circuit Finals Steer Roping title in Torrington. PRCA photo by Kristen Schurr

body's game

and I knew I had a good steer and if I scored and did my part it is all I could do and I maxed that steer out. I tied them in 9.4 and if they beat me, they beat me. I got mine down and got the job done." Snedecor secured the title when Troy Tillard (10.9 seconds) and Patter son (10.4), the last two ropers, were unable to knock him out of the top spot. Cody Lee placed second with a 9.8-second time. A bonus for NCFSR competitors this year is that the cowboys who made it into the Final Four round in Tor rington qualify to compete at the lu crative Cinch Playoff Governor's Cup Sept. 27 in Sioux Falls, S.D. "This is outstanding," Snedecor said. "I love coming up here to Torrington and roping. I have great friends and fans up here and the committee is outstanding." Snedecor was quick to credit his award-winning horse Goose, 16. "He was spot on," Snedecor said. "This horse is such a blessing to me. You can't ask one to work any better." Bryce Davis' horse, Pete, 18, was cho sen the top horse of the 2025 NCFSR. Brodie Poppino won the six-head average with a 76.2-second time. He earned a $5,853 check. For the average title, Poppino also collected a $2,500 bonus from Douglas (Wyo.) Tire Center that will count toward the world standings. Poppino's day ended when he record ed no time in the semis. Snedecor, meanwhile, who is a four-time PRCA Steer Roping World Champion (2005, 2008, 2017-2018) left town after earning $6,567. "I just have to keep on going and try to win another world title," Snedecor said.

when you get to the eight." Snedecor moved into the Final Four by splitting second in the semis with Troy Tillard as each had 10.9-sec ond runs. Cole Patterson won the semis with a 10.1-sec ond effort and Cody Lee was the fourth qualifier with an 11.8. "In the semis, my strategy was to tie them as fast as I can," Snede cor said. "When you come to the eight

(semifinals) and you're the first guy, you have to put something on the board and give the other guys some thing to shoot at. "Don Ed Eddleman did such a great job of picking steers, trying to get the best end of them and that's a job nobody wants. I came back as the second guy to rope in the (Final Four)

cowboys to win the NCFSR twice. Snedecor advanced to the eight-man semifinals by finishing eighth in the six-head average with a 67.3-second time on five head. "I was glad to get another steer and get another chance," Snedecor said. "The way they have it now it is any

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RILEY WEBB WINS FIRST CAREER TITLE AT DAYS OF '76 IN DEADWOOD

Riley Webb secured the victory in Dead wood. PRCA photo by Kristen Schurr

By Kensie Darst-Todd Special to PRORODEO Sports News

O n a day dedicated to honoring the spirit of the American cowboy, Riley Webb embodied every bit of skill and tra dition. The Denton, Texas, cowboy capped off the National Day of the Cowboy with a powerful win at the Days of '76 Rodeo in Deadwood, S.D., marking his first career victory at the historic event. "It's a really cool rodeo," Webb said. "I didn't make the short round at Cheyenne (Frontier Days), so I came over here to finish the week out. I was able to win a little money and go over the $200,000 mark for the season here, so that's pretty cool." Established in 1923, the Days of '76 Rodeo was created to honor Deadwood's frontier history, and it has since become one of the most respected events on the PRORODEO calen dar. A 19-time PRCA Rodeo of the Year recipient, it consis tently draws top-tier talent. For Webb, earning his first win in Deadwood marked more than a paycheck, it added his name to a longstanding tradi tion in one of rodeo's most historic arenas. The 2022 Resistol Rookie of the Year and two-time PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champion (2023 and 2024) looked sharp through both rounds, locking in a commanding 8.4-second run during the first round and with a 10.4-second run in the final performance on Saturday night aboard his

trusted gelding Rudy, to secure the aggregate win. "Round one, I had a good calf, got a good start, and was able to win the first go-round," Webb said. "Tonight, the calf was stronger, and I knew what I had to do. I just tried to set ev erything up clean, and Rudy worked great." Capturing these titles secured his second-place spot in the Bill Fick Ford | PRCA World Standings with a little over $200,000 banked on the year, setting himself up for a strong finish as the regular season races toward its close. "I'm feeling good," he said. "It's the end of July, and I'm ex cited to start August and September off the last push of the season and I am pretty confident. My horse is doing great, and I feel like I'm roping well. I'm excited for the last two months to make the final push and finish the season off." Other winners in Deadwood were all-around cowboy Thayne Elshere ($6,218, saddle bronc riding and bull riding); bareback rider Roedy Farrell (89.5 points on Burch Rodeo's Bunk House Mouse); steer wrestler Bridg er Anderson (8.3 seconds on two head); team ropers Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira (11.1 seconds on two head); saddle bronc rider Thayne Elshere (89 points on Burch Rodeo's Moose); steer roper Kelton McMillen (34.3 seconds on three head); barrel racer Emily Beisel (17.29 seconds); and bull rider Gavin Mitchell (89 points on Sutton Rodeos' Schott in the Dark).

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proudly made in the usa

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Hay came just a point shy of matching the world record, set by his brother, at the Hardgrass Bronc Match. PRCA photo by Billie-Jean Duffw

DAWSON HAY NOTCHES 94.5-POINT RIDE TO WIN HARDGRASS BRONC MATCH By Zach Alvira

P ollockville, Alberta, has been kind to saddle bronc riders in recent years. It's been the site of some of the highest scores ever recorded in PRCA history, including the world record currently held by Logan Hay at 95.5 points. Logan reached that mark in 2022. Three years later, his brother, Daw son, came just one-point shy of matching it aboard Calgary Stam pede's Agent Lynx to win this year's title. "I kinda had a feeling and you see a lot of really big scores come out of the Hardgrass Bronc Match," Hay said. "You know you have to do something pretty special in the short round to win with all the animals that are there." The Hardgrass Bronc Match offers an opportunity saddle bronc riders will not see at most other rodeos and Rank 45 Xtreme Broncs events: The

ability to choose their matchup in the short round. Typically, cowboys draw their stock at random ahead of the performance. That remains the case for the long round in Pollockville, but the short round allows leaders to choose from the stock in order of top score. Hay's 90.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede's Annual News in the long round gave him the opportunity to choose first. He took the opportunity to match with Agent Lynx, a two-time National Finals bareback horse. He was one of many of the top bucking horses brought to Pollockville by Calgary Stampede. That alone draws interest from cowboys like Hay. "It's one of the only bronc matches that Calgary Stampede brings broncs to and they also bring out their abso lute best horses," Hay said. "I think the unique thing about it is most

of the really high scores are from bareback horses. It's the only event I've heard of where they'll switch over their world champion bareback hors es to saddle bronc." The win resulted in a big payday for the 27-year-old Wildwood, Alber ta, native. He currently sits inside the top five of the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings with nearly $200,000 in total earnings for the season. He also collected a small check from Cheyenne Frontier Days over the weekend and $20,000 from the Cal gary Stampede two weeks prior. Sitting comfortably in the world standings, Hay said he will take time off to heal nagging injuries. "I don't want to make things worse and avoid a longer recovery time," Hay said.

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Don’t just wear any brand. Wear the one made for you. Built for cowboys. Worn by the best.

PRORODEO Sports News 23

Fulton Rutland matched Stetson Wright to earn a share of the bull riding title in Ogden. PRCA photo by Amanda Dilworth

FULTON RUTLAND MATCHES STETSON WRIGHT FOR BULL RIDING TITLE IN OGDEN By Lexi Gieck Special to PRORODEO Sports News F ulton Rutland aimed to make the most of his first trip to the Ogden (Utah) Pioneer Days Rodeo. And on July 24, during the final per formance of the rodeo, he figured out quickly why it has become a favorite destination for cowboys. "There were a ton of people every where," Rutland said. "Everyone in hospitality was super friendly, and they were great towards my wife and son, which is awesome. I plan on coming back." Facing a roster stacked with world champions and former National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, Rutland rose to the occasion, scoring 88 points on Harper & Morgan Rodeo's High Noon

to match eight-time PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright's mark and earn a share of the title. "I watched a couple of videos where they rode him," Rutland said of High Noon. "In those, he went around to the left, so that's what I was expect

ing. But they opened the gate, and it was one big jump, and he came around to the right. I was like, 'Oh boy.' But it all worked out." A veteran PRORODEO athlete, the Ogden win was arguably the biggest in Rutland's seven-year career.

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"Knowing that they're up there cheer ing keeps me motivated," Rutland stated. "There's nothing like this sport and having them with me is just the best."

Not only will this win give a confi dence boost to the 30-year-old cow boy, but two familiar faces will help keep him grounded and motivated on the road: his wife, Shaydon, and their son, Rye.

"It was crazy," Rutland said. "That's a lot of money for eight seconds of work. For many of these guys who ride well, it's probably not a lot. But for me, it's just really cool. It'll help keep the season rolling and bump me up in the standings."

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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN LAS VEGAS

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DECEMBER 4 - 13, 2025

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Colton Byram had two electric rides to win the California Rodeo Salinas Xtreme Bulls title. PRCA photo by Ryan Jae

COLTON BYRAM ENERGIZES SALINAS CROWD WITH XTREME BULLS WIN

By Kensie Darst-Todd Special to PRORODEO Sports News

I

n an arena stacked with 90-point rides and high-marked bulls, it was grit that set 25-year old Colton Byram apart. The Mound City, Kan., cowboy deliv ered under pressure to claim both the event and aggregate titles at the Ro deo Salinas (Calif.) Xtreme Bulls, part of the Rank 45 XBulls Tour, posting a 172.5-point total on two-head and edging out Bryce Jensen by a half point margin (172). Byram's ride was far from easy. After scoring 81.5

"I'm just blessed to be here and blessed to be in front of this beautiful crowd who came out and watched," Byram told the Cowboy Channel. "First-round bull I popped my shoul der out, so I was getting it put in to get on for the short round. It worked out to be 91. Doesn't get any better than that." It was a decision that paid off in the long run. The 91-point short-round ride not only sealed the win but sparked one of the loudest reactions of the night

from the passionate Salinas crowd. "The electricity in this building right now is just crazy," he said. "If it weren't for ya'll, I couldn't have done it. I appreciate ya'll." With two standout rides, Byram not only secured the championship title but also made a statement head ing into the rest of the season. His performance served as a showcase of toughness and the kind of grit that defines champions. After securing both the aggregate and event wins for the night, Byram was in high spirits when it came to the shoulder pain he had endured earlier in the evening.

points on Four Star Rodeo's Redneck in the opening round, Byram dislocated his shoulder. Despite the injury, Byram walked away from the arena ready to conquer the next ride.

"It feels a hell of a lot better," Byram said with a grin on his face.

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JAYCO ROPER KEEPS

SUCCESS ROLLING WITH SALINAS BAREBACK TITLE

By Alex Riley Special to PRORODEO Sports News

J

ayco Roper was less than enthralled with his opening draw at the California Rodeo Salinas.

showdown resulted in another 87-point score. Roper's 174 points on two head were more than enough to take home the

When the first daysheet was unveiled, the Oktaha, Okla., bareback rider saw a matchup that he didn't really like. Prior to climbing into the chute, Rop er had seen just one video of Flying U Rodeo's Tee It Up in action - it left a lot to be desired. "I guess that was a bad video that I watched," Roper said with a laugh. That initial ride went for 87 points, net

"I was more excited to get on that last one," Roper joked. "I had seen that one. I just saw it once before and it was really good. All the boys were saying it was the one to have." The win continued a strong run for Roper as he inches closer to his second career trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and his first since 2023. Coming into the weekend, Roper was 13th in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford

Salinas aggregate title. Wacey Schalla was runner-up at 169.5.

ting Roper a round win. He carried that

28 PRORODEO Sports News momentum over into the short go as he faced a more favorable equine opponent in Bridwell Pro Rodeo's Buster. The

Jayco Roper extended his hot summer streak with a win in Salinas. PRCA photo by Ryan Jae

(Wyo.) Frontier Days on Friday, Roper won the round with an 88-point ride on

Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics bucking horse Sozo, giving him another payday of $2,722. While there's still more than two months of regular season remaining, Roper likes where things are headed, namely back towards Las Vegas this December. "I've been drawing really well and I've been riding well," Roper said. "I'm feeling pretty good about it."

World Standings with a little more than $86,000 in earnings for the season. Over the last few weeks, he's con tinued a steady ascent in the rank ings, picking up checks at six of the last seven rodeos he's competed at, including a win at Mandan (N.D.) Rodeo Days during the Fourth of July run. However, Salinas could be a sea son-changer as his two round wins

and aggregate title put a total of $15,872 in his ledger. "It's been the best (July) I've ever had for sure," Roper said. "Winning big rodeos like that helps a whole bunch, especially with how much the long round and the short round paid a really good chunk." And that momentum shows no signs of slowing. In the first performance at Cheyenne

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ZEKE THURSTON CAPTURES

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CALGARY STAMPEDE CHAMPIONSHIP

By Tracy Renck

A

dream match-up resulted in an other grand celebration for saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston. Thurston registered an electric 92-point ride on C5 Rodeo’s star horse Virgil to win the Calgary Stam pede for the fourth time in his career July 13 before 20,000-plus fans at GMC Stadium. “This is unbelievable. This is as good as they come as far as rodeo and I feel pretty lucky,” Thurston said. “That ride ranks right up there with my other great rides. That’s an amazing horse, Virgil, and you can’t ask for anything better. It is pretty special to get on that horse; a huge blessing and I was lucky enough to be the guy to pick him.” Thurston, a three-time PRCA World Champion - 2016, 2022 and 2023 - is now a four-time Calgary Stampede champion in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2025. The latter is truly special for Thurston who resides in nearby Big Valley, Alberta, which two hours northeast of Calgary. “Winning (the Calgary Stampede) never gets old,” said Thurston, 31. “It is hard to win. I have won it four times, but I have also been in the fi nals another four times, so it is not an easy thing to get accomplished. It is not an easy task but if you are the guy, it is definitely pretty cool. “Being from Canada, I take so much pride in winning the (Calgary Stam pede).” The Calgary Stampede, known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, was a $2.1 million dollar rodeo in 2025. Thurston collected the $50,000 check for his ride aboard Virgil as he eyes another PRCA world title. Other winners at Calgary included breakaway roper Shelby Boisjo li-Meged and barrel racer Anita Ellis.

Zeke Thurston registered an electric 92-point ride on C5 Rodeo’s star horse Virgil to win the Calgary Stampede for the fourth time in his career. All PRCA photos of Calgary Stampede by Covy Moore

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The 2025 Calgary Stampede champions celebrate with their winning checks on stage July 13 at GMC Stadium. The winners are left to right, Cooper Cooke, Anita Ellis, Shad Mayfield, Scott Guenthner, Zeke Thurston, Shelby Boisjoli-Meged and Wacey Schalla.

I n terms of career rodeo wins, Cooper Cooke has never had one bigger than this. Cooke had the packed house at GMC Stadium roaring when he won the bareback riding title at the Calgary Stampede with a superb 94-point ride aboard Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party. It was the highest-scored ride in Cooke’s career. “It was awesome,” said Cooke, 22, before he even arrived at GMC Stadium. “I woke up this morning and I knew exactly what was going to happen,” Cooke said. “I’m going to go out there and win the (nine-man) semifinals and pick Disco and I’m going to take home a $50,000 check.” COOPER COOKE STARS WITH 94-POINT WINNING RIDE

about his eight-sec ond trip. “That’s a big stout horse and all of Calgary’s are. It really tries you every jump and you just have to keep gassing it every time.” Cooke envisioned how his Champion ship Sunday - July 13 - was going to end

Bareback rider Cooper Cooke put together an electric 94-point ride aboard Calgary Stampede’s Disco Party to win the rodeo’s championship title.

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GUENTHNER WINS CALGARY STAMPEDE FOR SECOND TIME IN THREE YEARS

T wice is nice for steer wrestler Scott Guenthner. For the second time in three years, the Canadian Guenth ner walked away with the coveted Calgary Stampede championship at GMC Stadium. The latest victory became a reality when Guenthner clocked a 3.7-second run in the three-man finals. “It was a good steer,” said Guenthner, 33. “I knew I needed

“Winning the (Calgary Stampede) is pretty much like every kid’s dream,” Scott said. “Of course, I didn’t want to miss it, and I won it once and I didn’t think I would ever win it again, so to win it twice is a dream come true.”

to get a good start and be good on the ground and I got the start I wanted, and it worked out.” Guenthner of Provost, Alberta, is now a two time champ of the Stampede in 2023 and 2025. His father Ken Guenthner won the Stampede in 1982.

Steer wrestler Scott Guenthner was full of excitement after his 3.7-sec ond run vaulted him to another Calgary Stampede championship. MAYFIELD CAPTURES FIRST CALGARY STAMPEDE CROWN

S had “Money” Mayfield checked another box in his stel lar PRORODEO career. Mayfield, the reigning PRCA All-Around World Champi on, won his first career Calgary Stampede crown, joining his father Sylvester Mayfield, who was the 1985 tie-down roping champ. “I have had some big wins in my rodeo career, but I feel like this is one of the biggest be

being on that horse here. But he made it happen for me and I’m very thankful for all of it.” Tom Crouse followed Mayfield with a 7.3-second run and then John Douch recorded a no time to secure Mayfield’s victory.

cause it has been the hardest one to get,” said Mayfield, 24. “It is special to get this win at this rodeo like my dad did. I’m also very thankful to Logan Bird and the Bird family for letting me on their horse Peso. (July 13) was my first time rid ing him and it was a lot of pressure

Tie-down roper Shad “Money” Mayfield finishes his winning 6.8-second run in the finals of the Calgary Stampede at GMC Stadium on July 13.

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WACEY SCHALLA TAKES TOP HONORS IN CALGARY

Wacey Schalla had a clutch 86-point ride aboard Wayne Vold’s Haunted House in the three man finals to win the coveted Calgary Stampede.

W acey Schalla is focused on one mission - winning a PRCA World Championship. The 19-year-old Oklahoma cowboy took another step in accomplishing that goal by winning the coveted Calgary Stampede on July 13. Schalla took home the title with his 86-point ride on Wayne Vold’s Haunted House in the three man finals. Fellow finalists, Trey Benton III and Resistol Rookie Grady Young failed to make the eight-second whistle.

“I have not felt a feeling like that yet,” Schalla said. “This is one of the most legendary rodeos and to end up on top after getting on five-head of bulls, it is an honor. Being from Oklahoma, I don’t know very many of these Canadian bulls, but that bull (Haunted House) is one I have seen in Kennewick, Wash., and Puyallup, Wash., and when I saw they left him for me, I knew I had to pick him. I’m just glad it worked out.” Schalla acknowledged the packed house of 20,000-plus fans inside of GMC Stadium only added to his adrenaline rush. “That’s what makes it fun for us,” Schalla said. “At the end of the day if there was no one in the crowd it would feel so much different. There’s just something the crowd does that gets your blood hot and works you up. Like I said I’m just excited to be here and hopefully I can be back here in two events next year.”

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