PRORODEO Sports News - July 26, 2024

NFR OPEN

Driggers/Nogueira stay hot Kristen Schurr photo Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira won the team roping title at the NFR Open with a 4.4-second run in the finals. Each cowboy earned $16,000.

Team roping header Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira nearly missed the championship round during the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. The duo missed the catch in the opening round of competition in Pool B. But only two teams from their group (Erich Rogers/Colter Todd and Tanner Pallesen/Max Kuttler) successfully roped two head. A blazing 4.6-second run in the second round gave Driggers/Nogueira the fastest time in the pool and sent them to the finals via the tiebreaker. “We’re just very blessed,” Driggers added. “It was kind of a freak accident that we got to come back. We were first out tonight, and we wanted to make the best run that we could.” Driggers and Nogueira took advantage of their opportunity with a 4.4-second run in the finals to win the event and take home another big check.

“This is awesome. I’ve been very blessed to be having a good career,” Nogueira said. “I want to give all of the glory to God because he’s been blessing me so much. We have to put in hard work and have faith. But without Him, we can’t do anything.” Driggers already has two world titles from 11 trips to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and Noguiera has three gold buckles from 10 NFR qualifications. But until Saturday, neither boasted a national championship at the circuit finals. “That’s awesome.” Nogueira said. “It’s unbelievable to get to compete for that much money at this amazing event that they put on. I’m excited and glad to get that win.” The duo hauled in $16,000 each, with $3,000 from the second-round win and $13,000 from the championship round.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/26/2024

ProRodeo.com

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