PRORODEO Sports News - July 11, 2025

ess Pope didn't need a big ride to secure the big prize, opting instead to be the model of consistency on his way to the bareback average championship at the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo. JESS POPE WINS AVERAGE TITLE IN RENO J calendar flipped to June, the veteran PRORODEO competitor has picked up checks at every event he's attend ed, with Reno putting $12,991 in his ledger. 84.5-point ride on Diamond G Ro deo's Pendleton's Reve to take sev enth. Round two resulted in the same score, but this time he was fourth thanks to the matchup with Big Bend Rodeo's Minnie. By Alex Riley Special to PRORODEO Sports News

It gave Pope another building block as he eyes a new bareback gold buckle for his trophy case. And given his recent run of success, there's certainly plenty of reasons to have that men tality. "My body feels better than it ever has. I've just been trying to have fun," Pope said. "I've been drawing well, and that's half of everything. And when you're riding good and drawing good, you're going to have confidence and that's what I've got going on right now for me." Other winners from Reno include all-around cowboy Stetson Wright ($22,654, saddle bronc riding and bull riding); steer wrestler Will Lum mus (13.5 seconds on three head); team ropers Aaron Tsinigine/Jeremy Buhler (16.2 seconds on three head); saddle bronc rider Damian Brennan (263.5 on three head); tie-down roper Riley Webb (26.5 seconds on three head); barrel racer Hailey Kinsel (50.97 seconds on three runs); bull rider Stetson Wright (182 points on two head).

In the short go, Pope got a rematch with Bridwell Pro Rodeos' Scarlett Cat. Last season, Pope saw the ani mal twice during a nine-day span in mid-August, resulting in crucial mon ey-earning rides at the Horse Heav en Roundup Rodeo in Kennewick, Wash., and the Canby (Ore.) Rodeo. The latest installment in their ongo ing rivalry turned out to be his best showing in Reno, as Pope went for 86.5-point trip on his way to third in the round. "I got on her twice last year late in the year and won a check both times. So I was excited to have her," Pope said. The end result was Pope's best show ing ever in Reno. Despite a career that includes a 2022 PRCA World Cham pionship and five consecutive appear ances at the National Finals Rodeo, Pope had previously only made the Reno short round once. It continues a string of big showings for Pope as he looks to secure his spot in Las Vegas this December. Since the

The Waverly, Kan., cowboy placed in all three rounds, never taking higher than third, en route to 255.5 points on three head. That total helped him finish one point ahead of runner-up Tanner Aus and two points better than the trio of Kade Sonnier, Jacek Frost and Garrett Shadbolt in the aggregate race. "(Reno) went really

well. I drew well. I didn't have a round

win in any of them, but I dang sure had a chance to place and it worked out," Pope said.

Pope's steady pace

started in the open ing go

with an

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