PRORODEO Sports News - June 1, 2026

In 2025, he was in the thick of an all-around race with 10-time PRCA World Champion Stetson Wright, which quickly became the story of the NFR. But Stetson did Superman things and went on a hot streak in Las Vegas, quickly building a big lead. Wacey doesn’t think too much about the all-around buckle. He harps more on his performance in bull riding. His first love in rodeo has been his worst event on the biggest stage. But it’s only motivated him more. “I’ve pictured me being on that stage and picking up my gold buckle for quite a while now,” Wacey said. “It’s gonna happen. It’s just a matter of when. Just leave it in God’s hands and see what happens.” SUPPORT MEANS EVERYTHING Nikki has a designated spot just outside the practice arena on the Schalla property. It’s there that an old blue folding chair is placed with just enough room to put her feet up and record every practice session. It’s also where she can critique Wacey, which he compares to a bad therapy session. The two can bicker at times, espe cially when Nikki is blunt with her son, asking him why he “fell off” a bull. Wacey doesn’t always take too kindly to it. “I’m their coach,” Nikki said, turn ing to Wacey and laughing. “I can tell him what he’s doing wrong, when he’s not trying … well he always tries but I can call him out. I tell him what no one else will. Sometimes he looks like he rolls off. So, I call him out.” Banter aside, Wacey and Nikki speak constantly on the phone. It keeps him company on the road. The support from her and Luke is what has gotten him to the point he is today as one of the hottest and most well-recognized names in PRORO DEO. He wouldn’t change any of it. “My sister and I have a great family backing and support,” Wacey said. “My parents are always helping me. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without my family, and I feel like that’s a lot of people’s stories, but literally, it’s hard to explain what has been done to help me and my sister progress and be good at rodeo and what we do.”

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT Performing at the NFR is one of Madison’s ultimate goals with trick riding. But beyond that, continuing to teach the youth about horsemanship is also close to her heart. Every stop she makes on the PRO RODEO road she aims to be a role model for the next generation

of trick riders. So far, she’s accomplished that mission. For Wacey, his goal is simple. Even more than the all-around or bareback riding, winning a gold buckle in bull riding is something that will always be on his mind. He admits to having a tough go with bulls as of late, and a much slower start to his 2026 season than anticipated. But as he’s matured, he doesn’t let it affect his mindset. Schalla is gaining confi dence day by day. “I’m getting that confidence as a bareback rider. I think I could win a gold buckle there,” Wacey said. “But I want to win a gold buckle on a bull, and that’s something I’ve always wanted to do. It’s where my passion is and I can see myself doing it in three years.” As for Luke and Nikki, words can’t begin to describe the pride they feel watching both of their kids perform in PRORODEO. As any parent would, they believe the sky is the limit for both Wacey and Madison. Given the talent level both possess, that may not be too farfetched. “(Madison) will do as much with it for as long as she wants,” Nikki said, smiling as she looked to her daughter. “Wacey is his own trailblazer. It’s cool to be compared to the legends and for people to see him like that. “But I’m just proud that he stays focused, stays driven and just makes it his own.”

42 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE JUNE 1, 2026