PRORODEO Sports News - March 21, 2025

Rodeo Recap Kelton McMillen clinched the average to win the M.M. Fisher Jr. Memorial Steer Roping title Sunday, March 9 in Andrews, Texas. ( PRCA photo by Dave Jennings ) needed, got by a tough one in the last one, and it just was my weekend.” McMillen was one of just 10

cowboys to catch all four steers he ran against and one of only two competitors to finish with an aggregate total under 50 seconds. His first go stopped the clock in 13.3 seconds, placing him 12th in the round. After that, he bounced back with a pair of money-earning runs in the second and third goes, finishing fourth in the second (11.1) and sixth in the third (10.4). In the final round, McMillen settled for 11th overall with a time of 12.3, but it was good enough to secure the average. Last year, McMillen’s horse, Big Country, took home AQHA Nutrena Horse of the Year honors after an impressive showing. The duo finished the 2024 campaign with almost $38,000 in earnings, placing them 20th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, both of which were career high marks for McMillen. A year later, that partnership appears on track for continued success. Just a few months into the 2025 season, McMillen and Big Country already have almost $9,500 in prize money, placing them 17th in the current World Standings. In total, the Fisher Memorial victory was worth $6,799. “He’s a gamer. He’s super talented,” McMillen said of his horse. “I drew a couple steers that were a little tricky and man, with that horse, I’m not saying it’s easy because steer roping usually isn’t easy, but he makes it a lot easier on me.” While McMillen still has a focus on cattle back at his family ranch, the recent success also has him thinking about a trip to Mulvane, Kan., in November for the National Finals Steer Roping. Last year was the closest he’s ever come to qualifying and early on he’s certainly put himself in good position. He might not run at every competition, but he certainly hopes to make each one count.

Steady pace lifts McMillen to M.M. Fisher Jr. Memorial Steer Roping title BY ALEX RILEY SPECIAL TO PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS

THE ANNUAL VISIT to Andrews, Texas, for the M.M. Fisher Jr. Memorial Steer Roping event is something Kelton McMillen looks forward to every winter. The standalone steer roping competition generally brings together some of the best talent in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. It has always been a fun, but challenging weekend to navigate. And now, it’s on McMillen’s résumé of career accomplishments. The Weatherford, Okla., cowboy was consistent over four rounds, placing in two, on his way to an aggregate time of 47.1 seconds to claim the average title. “It was a good roping. The Fishers try really hard to make it everything it’s supposed to be, and it just worked out in my favor,” McMillen said after finishing 2.6 seconds ahead of Reo Lohse in the average race. “I drew the right steers that I

“It was a good roping. The Fishers try really hard to make it everything it’s supposed to be, and it just worked out in my favor.” Kelton McMillen

36

prorodeo.com

PRORODEO Sports News April 2025