PRORODEO Sports News - August 9, 2024

XTREME BULLS LOVINGTON, N.M.

Schalla continues NFR push with X Bulls victory Rising Rookie

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News T urning 18 has always been a watershed moment for young adults. It comes with rights, privileges and freedom. For some, it means embarking on a trip to college. For others, it means entering the workforce. But almost none of them rank among the best in the world at their pursued passion. Wacey Schalla is the exception. He is a cowboy straight out of an old Western. He is good at everything. While he ranks third in the all-around PRCA | RAM World Standings, Schalla is narrowing his focus on bull riding. He is pushing to earn Resistol Rookie of the Year honors after his latest victory. Schalla captured the Lea County PRCA Rodeo Xtreme Bulls in Lovington, N.M., on Aug. 6, with a two-head score of 175.5 points, continuing a season that is becoming easier to appreciate than explain. Schalla won the first round with an 89.5-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Richard Slam and then secured the win with his 88-point trip in the finals aboard Salt River Rodeo’s Crawfish. He earned $13,508 for his 16 seconds of work. It represented his sixth victory in bull riding this season and left him ninth in the world standings. Only a teenager, searching for his first berth in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is becoming realistic. “Getting to the NFR is something I have dreamed about doing my whole life. Getting this win gets me closer, but I have work to do. I have to keep doing my job,” Schalla said. But what job is that? Schalla is focusing on bull riding down the stretch. His resume, however, continues to turn heads with its striking versatility. In the all-around, he sits third behind leader Shad Mayfield and Coleman Proctor with his $116,930 in winnings. It traces back to his bull riding. He also is 28th in bareback riding. Was his plan to do both when the season started? “No. When I was in Denver (at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo), that’s when I figured I could do it (after winning money on a pair of rides),” Schalla said. In a season full of wins, the Lovington victory held special meaning. The last time Schalla competed in high school was in the Jake McClure Arena. The good vibes helped him net a memorable prize. “I didn’t know exactly what I needed. I knew that the two riders before me stayed on, so I had to stay on and put up a solid number,” Schalla said. “I don’t know what it is about the Xtreme events. I definitely wanted one of those X buckles for winning a Division 1 event. To stay on both rides and get that buckle means a lot.” Even with all the hardware Schalla has collected this season, his humility remains. When Schalla talks, he reveals maturity beyond his years. He is 18 going on 30. He grew up in a rodeo family as his father Luke was a decorated bronc rider. Now, it’s Wacey’s turn. And he is not about to stop this crew cab from rolling into Las Vegas. “As soon as I turned 18, I knew I was going pro. It didn’t matter if I was ready or not. I was doing it,” Schalla said. “I went through all the ranks. Riding sheep, calves, high school rodeo. Being out here competing with the best, I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

(Unofficial as of Aug. 8) 1. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah................... ...................$87,513 $87,513 2. Clayton Sellars, Wildwood, Fla.............. . ............53,884 3. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho....47,156 4. Tyler Bingham, Howell, Utah.................. ..................45,609 5. Luke Mast, Hutchinson, Kan.................. .................45,107 6. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla........... ..........38,742 7. Wacey Schalla, Arapaho, Okla................ ...............38,474 8. Tristan Mize, Bryan, Texas..................... .....................37,755 9. Creek Young, Rogersville, Mo................ ...............37,236 10. Maverick Smith, Mountain Grove, Mo..34,617 11. Jeter Lawrence, Council Hill, Okla........ .......33,192 12. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla............. ............30,606 13. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan............... ..............28,425 14. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La.................. .................27,898 15. T.J. Gray, Dairy, Ore............................ ...........................27,124 Complete results/Page 90 PRCA XTREME BULLS 2024 TOUR STANDINGS

Lea County PRCA Rodeo committeeman Jimmy Joe Campbell presents Schalla with his buckle after winning the Division 1 Xtreme Bulls event.

Peggy Gander photos

Wacey Schalla continued his hot streak by winning the Lea County PRCA Rodeo Xtreme Bulls with 175.5 points on two head.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/9/2024

ProRodeo Sports News 8/9/2024

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