PRORODEO Sports News | January 24, 2025

HARRISBURG, PA.

Clay Harp Jr. gets back to winner’s circle Redemption RAM FIRST FRONTIER CIRCUIT FINALS

BY ALEX RILEY Special to ProRodeo Sports News T he ones that got away are the ones that Clay Harp Jr., spent a lot of time thinking about. At last year’s RAM First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo, the Franklinville, N.J., steer wrestler came into the event with a lead in the year-end standings, with goals of claiming both the year-end and average title. After one round, that dream was dashed. Harp missed his first steer and had to settle for fifth in the average with only two head caught. The year before that, Harp missed catching two of the three he chased. Back in 2020, he only completed two runs. This year, he wasn’t going to be denied. “This is my first finals catching three-head. I’m pretty excited about that. That was my main goal, to come in here and catch three head,” Harp said with a laugh. Not only did Harp catch three, but he did it faster than anyone else. His aggregate total of 17.2 seconds was almost a full four seconds ahead of runner-up Coy Dyer as the two cowboys were the only steer wrestlers to complete all three runs at the season-culminating showcase. Over three days, Harp did his best to keep a steady and speedy pace, winning the opening round in 4.6 seconds, while settling for second place in Round 2 with an effort of 8.3 seconds. Heading into the finals, he needed a big showing to seal the outcome with Dyer also in position to claim the title. His third-round time of 4.3 seconds was the fastest of the rodeo, allowing him to best Dyer’s effort of 5.1 seconds, clinching the average and $10,681 in earnings. Harp credits two big factors for his success in Harrisburg, Pa., namely his hazer, veteran cowboy Joe Bell, and his horse, Bam. Harp and Bam have been working together for three years to get to this point, with the 2024 season being the first time Harp has taken the horse on the road as his primary mount. “That red horse I ride, he helped me out a bunch. If you can get a good start on him, he’ll put your feet up there really early and let you do your job,” Harp said. The success at the circuit finals now has Harp thinking about his next shot at redemption this July in Colorado Springs, Colo.. Last year, his finish in the First Frontier Circuit standings qualified him for the NFR Open, but he was only able to catch one of the two steers he ran against. Now, he’s earned a spot back at the event and it appears his quest to be redeemed is far from over. “Last year, I went out there and caught my first steer and missed my second one. So, I’m pretty glad to get another shot and go out there to catch two,” Harp said.

TOP SCORES

TOP MONEY EARNER Clay Harp Jr. ($10,681, steer wrestling) BAREBACK RIDING

Harp

1. Jason Wilson ............... 241 pts. on 3 2. Clovis Crane ............................... 225 3. Tim Kent ..................................... 223 STEER WRESTLING 1. Clay Harp Jr. ............... 17.2 sec. on 3 2. Coy Dyer .................................... 21.4 3. John Leinaweaver .............. 13.7 on 2 TEAM ROPING 1. E. Fabian/D. Carey ...... 20.8 sec. on 3 2. R. Erck/F. Brunelle ...................... 30.9 3. D. Ballantyne/J.R. Myers ... 12.9 on 2 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Jake Barnes ................. 234 pts. on 3 2. Ray Hostetler .............................. 230 3. Will Stites ................................... 202 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Tyler Zebrovious ......... 33.8 sec. on 3 2. J.R. Myers ................................. 39.3 3. Brady Brennan ........................... 39.9 BARREL RACING 1. Alyssa LoBello .......... 43.42 sec. on 3 2. Nicole Davidson ....................... 43.65 3. Montanna Lambrecht ............... 43.90 BULL RIDING 1. Michael Caruso ...................... 82 pts. 2. Zack Oberholzer ............................ 71 No other qualified rides

Complete results/Page 48

Phillip Kitts photo

Steer wrestler Clay Harp Jr. captured the win at the RAM First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo with 17.2 seconds on three head.

ProRodeo Sports News 1/24/2025

ProRodeo Sports News 1/24/2025

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