PRORODEO Sports News - November 22, 2024

PRORODEO NATIONAL FINALS STEER ROPING

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Ryan Jae

PRCA announces increases in NFSR purse, while unveiling Playoff Series for steer ropers Big Deal The crowd files in for a performance of the 2024 National Finals Steer Roping at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan.

The event of steer roping is stronger than it has ever been in the PRCA, and it will only get better in 2025. On Oct. 31, at the back number ceremony for the 2024 National Finals Steer Roping in Mulvane, Kan., PRCA CEO Tom Glause spoke about the financial growth of the event and its bright future. The total purse of the 2024 NFSR was $525,000 – an increase of $25,000 from 2023 – and the total purse of the 2025 NFSR will increase to $550,000. “We are thrilled to be back at the Kansas Star for the Nationals Finals Steer Roping and to be able to increase the prize money at the NFSR to $525,000 this year and $550,000 in 2025,” Glause said. “This is an opportunity for the Top 15 steer ropers in the PRCA to rope for the most money ever at the NFSR.” The PRCA will also contribute an additional $5,000 to each of the Circuits that hold a steer roping finals. Also in 2025, for the first time, steer ropers will have the opportunity to compete in a Playoff Series. The Playoff Series will feature the 15 highest paying steer roping events during the 2025 season. Those who qualify for the Playoff Series Finals will be the top four finishers from the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping in Torrington, Wyo., in April, as well as the Top 8 in the Playoff Series Standings. Those 12 cowboys will compete in the Playoff Series Finals, which will be in Sioux Falls, S.D., in September, the same week of the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup next year. “Steer roping is one of rodeo’s original events and the PRCA is proud to give steer ropers the chance to compete in a lucrative Playoff Series Finals in Sioux Falls and watch cowboys compete to secure a spot at the NFSR,” Glause said.

Getting to be part of the Playoff Series for the first time was welcome news to contestants at the 2024 NFSR. “I think this is going to be good for steer roping,” said Cole Patterson, who won back-to-back 2023 and 2024 PRCA Steer Roping World Championships. “We are headed in the right direction. I think it is going to be a good deal for all the other events and I’m sure it will not be anything but first class for us. Us being part of the Playoff Series is going to help out all year with entries because people are going to want to be part of this. It’s good thing all the way around for us.” Scott Snedecor, a four-time world champ, and the 2024 Steer Roping Reserve World Champion, is looking forward to the Playoff Series. “I’m excited about it,” he said. “I think it is great. Anytime steer roping can get added to something like this it is outstanding. It has been coming for a long time and it has been needing to happen for a long time so for them to step up and go ahead and do something for us is outstanding. “The Playoff Series in Sioux Falls can be a gamechanger. You look at all those other events and the way they do it and someone thinks they are in (the National Finals Steer Roping) and have their foot in the door and someone from way down the list comes and blows them out of the water. It is not over until it is over.” J. Tom Fisher, the 2022 PRCA Steer Roping World Champion, concurred with Snedecor. “Being part of the Playoff Series and having a chance to qualify for Sioux Falls is incredible,” Fisher said. “It really gives you something to strive for throughout the year. At the Playoff Series Rodeos you’re going to take them a lot more seriously. You’re going to make sure you are on your No. 1 horse and make sure you do everything you can to get to those rodeos. “Sioux Falls, I just can’t wait, and I sure hope I qualify for it.”

ProRodeo Sports News 11/22/2024

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