PRORODEO Sports News - November 22, 2024

Down to the Wire ROOKIE BULL RIDERS

Resistol Rookie all-around leader Wacey Schalla loads up in the chutes for the bull riding during the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup from Sept. 26-28 in Sioux Falls, S.D. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

James, Lawrence, Schalla up for rookie honors

BY KENSIE DARST-TODD, Special to ProRodeo Sports News F or rodeo athletes, the journey to becoming the Resistol Rookie of the Year is more than just a goal, it’s a defining moment. This coveted title is awarded to the highest-earning first-year members of the PRCA, marking a milestone in their careers. This year, three bull riders, Cooper James, Jeter Lawrence, and Wacey Schalla, are determined to make their mark. Cooper James, a 19-year-old from Erda, Utah, finished the season with $159,421 in earnings, ranking 10th in the RAM | PRCA World Standings. His turning point came after a successful week at the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo, where he realized he had what it takes to compete at the highest level. Jeter Lawrence, another 19-year-old, hails from Council Hill, Okla. He’s earned $206,134 and sits sixth in the standing. His most memorable moment was winning at the California Rodeo Salinas, because this victory symbolized his readiness to compete among the best. Wacey Schalla, the youngest at 18 from Arapaho, Okla., earned an impressive $259,672, placing him seventh in the standings with $194,096. His season was highlighted by victories at the Lovington (N.M.) Xtreme Bulls

and Alaska Xtreme Bulls events, and he found the most joy at the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Schalla’s also in the mix to win the all-around world championship as he is headed to Vegas fourth in the all-around standings with $167,953. As with any sport, rodeo is a test of both physical endurance and mental strength. These young athletes have faced their share of challenges but have leaned on their support systems to keep them grounded. “Everyone in my family, from the calls and just helping me through mentally and when I’m struggling with my riding, my family always knows what it is,” James began. “My traveling partners, Clayton Sellars and Mavericks Potter – they’ve been so good to travel with. Lefty Holman is one of my best friends also and being able to keep your head on straight and being able to talk to guys like that makes a world of difference.” “My parents – I couldn’t and wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am without them,” Schalla shared. “After every time I get off a bull or anything, I call (ProRodeo Hall of Fame bull rider) Cody Custer. He is a world champion (in 1992), and he gives me good tips on what I need to do. I’ve got a good group of people behind me.” As young and ambitious athletes wanting to measure the success of their

ProRodeo Sports News 11/22/2024

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