PRORODEO Sports News - June 1, 2026

Chet Herren adds another line to his impressive PRORODEO resume at the 2026 NCFSR in Torrington, Wyo. PRCA photo by Clay Guardipee

VETERAN CHET HERREN CAPTURES NATIONAL CIRCUIT FINALS STEER ROPING TITLE FOR FIRST TIME

BY TRACY RENCK

V eteran steer roper Chet Herren can add another line to his impressive PRORODEO resume. Herren, a 20-time qualifier for the National Finals Steer Roping and average winner, now is a national champion. That became a reality when the Pawhuska, Okla., cowboy clocked an 8.7-second run to win the Final Four sudden-death round April 26 at the National Circuit Finals Steer Rop ing at the Goshen County Pavilion in Torrington, Wyo. “I just knew I had to let my hair hangout a little bit,” said Herren, 46, who was the sec ond cowboy out in the finals. “That run (8.7 seconds) felt like they were going to have to get it on to get (past me). It definitely feels great to be a national champion.” In the finals, Tanner Stec was first out, and was 10.6 seconds, followed by Herren’s time which was the fastest of the weekend. Riley O’Rourke, the 2025 PRCA Reserve World Champion, missed, setting the stage for the final contestant Cody Lee to try and unseat Herren. Lee, a fellow 20-time qualifier for the NFSR, made a strong run at 9.8 seconds, but it wasn’t enough for the victory. This is the second year in a row Lee has finished second at the NCFSR. Herren earned $7,396 in Torrington. “When I made my run, I felt I did all I could do, and if they got me, they got me,” Herren said. “I haven’t always made it to Torrington, but when I have the committee here has treated us like royalty. Everybody here is glad to see you, and they want you to do well. They work their butts off to make this a great production.”

JUNE 1, 2026 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE 19