PRORODEO Sports News | Roy Cooper 1955-2025 | May 2, 2025

THE COWBOYS’ CHOICE SINCE 1952

SPORTS NEWS

MAY 2025 2

1955 - 2025

HOW THE WEST IS WORN

RYDER WRIGHT 2024 WORLD CHAMPION SADDLE BRONC RIDER

This year, World Champion Tie-Down Roper Stran Smith is being honored for his outstanding achievements in rodeo by being inducted into the PRORODEO Hall of Fame along with 11 others in the Class of 2025. PRCA photo by Dan Hubbell

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAY 2 2025

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS DIGITAL MAGAZINE

“You ride every horse for

what he is. Don't under ride him and don't over ride him, and everything

STOCK CONTRACTOR AND RODEO PRODUCER HARLEY TUCKER WITH HIS WIFE BONNIE Harley Tucker played a crucial role in the inception of the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo

will come out OK.” ~ Tom Miller, 2025 PRORODEO Hall of Fame Inductee

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TIME CAPSULE Not many cowboys are recognized for changing their sport - but trend setter Jake McClure is one of them. 19

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MANAGER’S MESSAGE The Texas Swing of Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Houston and San Angelo provided a big boost to cowboys.

BRADLEE MILLER WINS CINCH CHUTE-OUT Miller spurred Straight Stick for 92 points to win in San Angelo.

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STEINER WINS AT BATTLE BORN BRONCS Rocker is on a hot streak and shows no signs of cooling off as he captured yet another championship.

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PRCA MOURNS PASSING OF PRORODEO HALL OF FAMER ROY COOPER The rodeo world has lost a legend. Cooper passed away in a house fire in Decatur, Texas. He was 69.

MAYFIELD TAKES CHAM PIONSHIP IN SAN ANGELO The victory was a confidence boost after an up-and-down few weeks of competition.

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WORLD STANDINGS 36

NEW PRORODEO HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Star-studded PRORODEO Hall of Fame Class of 2025 announced. Meet the outstanding inductees.

HE SAID-SHE SAID Who knows Chase Brooks better? 44

COVER PHOTO PRORODEO Hall of Fame calf roper Roy Cooper being interviewed at the 1983 National Finals Rodeo. Photo by PRCA photographer James Fain.

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 1 PRORODEO Sports News

CONTRIBUTORS

Tracy has three decades of ex perience in sports journalism with the last decade consumed by PRORODEO. He previously served three years as editor of PRORODEO Sports News. TRACY RENCK MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA

ZACH ALVIRA PSN EDITOR AND DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

ALEX DODD MEDIA REPORTER

Zach has over a decade of expe rience working in sports media and communications, serving as a communications editor and sports editor for many years in Phoenix, Arizona.

Alex has worked in sports media for over a decade and most re cently served as a sports editor in Rapid City, South Dakota. Alex is a proud Clemson University alum.

LISA CUSH MANAGER OF DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS

MATTHEW CASTANEDA STATS AND RECORDS SPECIALIST

Darla oversees advertising for the PRORODEO Sports News, Contract Personnel Directory, PRORODEO Programs and other PRCA publications. DARLA LINDT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 719.528.4708

Lisa is responsible for the visual style, layout, and graphic design of the digital PSN. She leans into her Western roots to make sure the magazine’s content reflects the PRCA’s mission and values.

Matthew collects and maintains PRCA statistical data - ensuring the accuracy and accessibility of relevant records as well as day to-day operations in the Media Department.

TAYLOR BROWN VIDEO PRODUCER

JARON LUNSFORD VIDEOGRAPHER

ANNA MILLS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

With over a decade of experience in sports videography, Taylor oversees the production of social media content and PRORODEO Films. He is a graduate of West Virginia University.

Jaron is a professional videog rapher specializing in rodeo and Western culture. He enjoys cap turing the heart of the sport with PRORODEO films. He is a New Mexico State University alum.

Anna has spent the last three years working in professional sports as a social media manager and digital content creator. She oversees all social media man agement for PRORODEO.

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS | (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 | DISCLAIMER: The PSN carries advertising as a service to PRCA members and PSN readers. However, publication of advertisements in the PSN does not in any way, whether expressed or implied, commit the PSN to guarantee or warrant any of the merchandise or livestock advertised. TO SUBSCRIBE: 800.763.3648 TO ADVERTISE: 719.528.4708 | © 2025, PRCA Properties Inc. , a marketing service and subsidiary of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from PRCA Properties Inc.

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MANAGER'S MESSAGE

TEXAS SWING, ESPECIALLY RODEOHOUSTON, PROVIDES BIG BOOST TO COWBOYS

By Tracy Renck

Team ropers Colter Todd and Derrick Begay are two of many cowboys that take advantage of the big potential earnings in the Texas Swing in the winter. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

E verybody in PRORODEO circles knows about the finan cial impact the Cowboy Christmas run can have on a contestant’s season. Last year, Cowboy Christmas ran from July 1-8, consisting of 39 rodeos and saw cowboys earn more than $3.5 million. However, the PRORODEO winter run can’t be discounted - especially the Texas Swing of Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Houston and San Angelo.

COLTER TODD

DERRICK BEGAY

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MANAGER'S MESSAGE

From Feb. 8, when the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo concluded to April 19, when the curtain dropped on the San Angelo Cinch Chute-Out - there were plenty of movers and shakers in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. The cowboys who rocketed up the standings - from nowhere - to or near the top received a jolt by winning RodeoHouston on March 23. The champions at RodeoHouston received a $65,000 payday. With that kind of haul, the champs who

left NRG Stadium – bareback rider Rocker Steiner; steer wrestler Tuck er Allen; team ropers Derek Begay/ Colter Todd; reigning PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Ryder Wright; Reigning World Champion Tie-Down Roper Riley Webb; and bull rider Tristen Hutchings – put themselves in prime position to make reservations to compete at the 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo pre sented by Teton Ridge. All the 2024 RodeoHouston champs qualified for the NFR. Pause for a moment and digest how much money was available for contes tants from Feb. 8 until April 19. In that 10-week timespan the top event money earners were Steiner ($83,854); Allen ($83,856); Be gay/Todd ($82,761 each); Wright ($97,556); Webb ($85,036); and bull rider Wacey Schalla ($104,600). Those kinds of earnings are a testa ment to the committees and sponsors who spend countless hours finding ways to increase their prize money. Consider this, the earnings of Stein er; Allen; Begay; Todd; Wright and Schalla in that most recent 10-week Texas Swing would have qualified all of them for the 2019 Wrangler NFR - except Schalla. The No. 15 qualifiers to Vegas that year were bareback rider Taylor Broussard ($79,271); steer wrestler Tanner Brunner ($74,950); team roping header Jake Cooper ($73,191); team roping heeler Tyler Worley ($71,190); saddle bronc rider J.J. Elshere ($90,811); tie-down roper Cooper Martin ($86,260); and bull rider Trey Kimzey ($108,160). But the RodeoHouston champs can’t rest easy. There’s still five months

remaining before the regular season ends on Sept. 30. That is good news for cowboys who had less than fruitful winter runs. There are countless lucrative rodeos throughout the spring and summer for cowboys to make up lost ground. The fact of the matter is a cowboy just needs to do whatever it takes to get to the NFR because whoever qualifies for Vegas, whether it be as the No. 1 cowboy in the standings or the No. 15 cowboy - they all have a legitimate chance to take home that coveted gold buckle on Dec. 13. That’s because the prize money at the NFR will increase from $16.2 million in 2024 to $17. 5 million in 2025. Crunching numbers that will be $13,501,505 to contestants and $4,050,451 to stock contractors. In the meantime, watch the drama unfold and enjoy the ride.

TRACY RENCK Manager of Communications and Media

Two-time World Champion Riley Webb is now two-time RodeoHouston Champion. PRCA photo by Mallory Beinborn

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PRCA MOURNS PASSING OF PRORODEO HALL OF FAMER ROY COOPER By PRCA Staff T he rodeo world has lost a legend. PRORODEO Hall of Famer Roy Cooper passed away in a house fire April 29 in Decatur, Texas. He was 69. Over the course of three-plus decades, Cooper amassed a legendary rodeo resume. The PRORODEO Hall of Famer was Rookie of the Year in 1976 and won eight total world championships - six in tie-down roping, one in steer roping and one all around crown - while dominating the competition, particularly throughout the 1980s. Cooper's prowess with a rope landed him the nickname "Super Looper" and into the inaugural class of the PRORODEO Hall of Fame in 1979 in Colorado Springs, Colo. "In Oklahoma City at the Finals a guy from Sports Illustrated hung it on me," Cooper said on Ty Harris' Lets Freakin' Rodeo podcast on Feb. 4, 2025, about how he got his nickname. "I don't know if I'm Super Looper. I'm just Roy. I'm not one to brag on myself and there are so many good ropers today. You can't compare me to Toots Mansfield or Dean Oliver because we were in different eras. I had my time for 10 years there." Even with all that success, there is one moment that stands out - winning the PRCA All-Around World Championship in 1983, along with capturing the tie-down roping and steer roping championships. That made him one of 10 cowboys to ever secure rodeo's elusive Triple Crown - three world titles in the same year. Just two years ago, that All-Around buckle remained proudly on display. "It's the only one I wear. Since I won it, I've never taken it off," said Cooper in a March 31, 2023, story in the PRORODEO Sports News. There is a caveat though - Cooper would remove the buckle, but only to loan it to another legendary cowboy. "Actually, I would give it to George Strait if he would wear it. I would because he's one of my very best friends," he said. Cooper and Strait met just before Cooper's Triple Crown run in 1983. PRCA photo by Mike Copeman

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Aut ipsuntusdae ipid unie tem quae sequae comnimi nciam, si vendi consequo cullameted que laccuptatur. Pta erspidelit.

Roy Cooper

PRCA photo by James Fain

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"All I can say is I got lucky," Cooper said. "It was an accident winning the steer roping (in 1983). I ain't sup posed to beat Guy Allen. He's the greatest in the world. He and Trevor Brazile are the greatest steer ropers that ever walked. You ain't supposed to beat them." Cooper's trifecta of world champion ships put him in rare air. Only nine other cowboys have been able to win triple crown honors in PRORODEO history - Clay Carr, Leonard Ward, Everett Bowman, Louis Brooks, Bill Linderman, Casey Tibbs, Harry Tompkins, Jim Shoulders and Brazile. "That was very special and a hard act to follow," Cooper said. Cooper is only one of seven cowboys to qualify for the Finals in three events. He accomplished that feat in 1981 when he competed in tie-down roping, steer roping and team roping. "I couldn't tie a steer from the right side or left side and I couldn't find that bottom leg to string the bottom leg," Cooper said. "(PRORODEO Hall of Fame steer roper) Sonny Davis said, just string the top leg because you can't find the bottom one. I strung the top leg and nowadays everybody strings the top leg. I was the very first one to do that." Cooper had some incredible horse power during his illustrious career, including Topper, the PRCA | AQHA Horse of the Year in 2003 and 2005. "I bought Topper for $5,000 and it took me a year or two, but once he came around, baby he was unbeliev able," Cooper said. "I made a living off that horse. He fed my family. I won the NFR average on that horse when I was 40 and I won Calgary on that horse." After he was done competing in PRO RODEO, Cooper stayed close to the sport he loved. For the last 40-plus

years, Cooper hosted a junior world roping championship during the July 4 weekend. In 2022, the event drew in more than 500 competitors from 20 different states. Cooper was still hitting the road rou tinely, especially for trips to Calgary and Cheyenne, to see Tuf Cooper, his son, compete in tie-down roping events. And if he happens to run into some old rodeo buddies, or King George, that's an added bonus. "I've got the life man," Cooper said. Roy's sons - Tuf, Clint and Clif - are all NFR qualifiers in tie-down roping. They all qualified in the same year in 2010 and 2011. Tuf is a four-time PRCA World Champion (Tie-Down Roping, 2011-12, 2014; an All-Around, 2017). "One of my greatest memories is when Tuf, Clint and Clif all qualified for the

roping run in Oklahoma City, Coo per was greeted outside the arena by Strait's road manager. He asked Coo per if he'd like to meet Strait, which resulted in a resounding, 'Yes.' After being escorted through a mob of more than 100 people waiting near the tour bus, Cooper walked in to find Strait by himself. The rest, as they say, is history. "Me and him sat there and talked for two hours before he had to play. We just connected," Cooper said, noting the duo went all over the country together for events. "He's one of the best friends I could've ever had." Being buddies with a country music legend was one of many added perks in Cooper's gold-standard career,

NFR in the same year, that was the Triple Crown for me," Roy said. He also appreciat ed friend ships he developed along the way, espe cially the one with Strait. After finishing a tie-down

PRORODEO Hall of Famer Roy Cooper passed away April 29 in a fire at his home in Dacatur, Texas. PRCA photo by Jeffrey Blackman

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which was defined by continued success. He burst onto the scene in 1976 with a PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Championship in his first full year in PRORODEO, while also nabbing the Resistol Rookie of the Year honor. "I went with Ernie Taylor, he was the world champion (tie-down roper in 1973) and he took me under his wing and took me everywhere," Cooper said. Cooper was the first cowboy to win a Tie-Down Roping World Champion ship and Resistol Rookie of the Year award in the same year. He followed that up with five tie-down roping titles in a row from 1980-84. Cooper and Dean Oliver share the record for most consecutive Tie-Down Roping World Championships with five. Oliver initially set the record win ning his titles from 1960-64. "I had a good run," Cooper said. "I had good horses and good guys around me, and I worked hard at it. It was my life. It was fun and I didn't think they could have a rodeo without me." Included in that world championship binge was his magical 1983 season. Cooper had his sights on adding something bigger to his trophy case. Despite being close in previous years, the all-around honor had eluded him. "All-around - I wanted that baby one time," he said. Fortunately, this time he had a little luck on his side. Steer roping legend Guy Allen was at a similar place in his career, as both he and Cooper started competing in PRORODEO in 1976. Allen had secured steer roping world titles in 1977, 1980 and 1982, and would go on to win 15 more over the course of his career.

While Cooper took part in steer rop ing, he acknowledged it was his weak est event. But in his trademark fash ion, Cooper delivered in the clutch to claim the coveted gold buckle. Cooper continued to excel in the latter part of his career qualifying for his last NFR - in tie-down roping - in 2000 at age 45. "I have several good memories in the arena and the greatest part about rodeo is winning," Cooper said. Roy was born on Nov. 13, 1955, to Betty and Tuffy Dale Cooper in Hobbs, N.M. He, along with his brother, Clay Tom, and sister, Betty Gale, grew up on the family ranch. From an early age, Roy was coached by his father in the proper techniques of roping, leading him to win at youth rodeos across the Southwest. His winning ways continued through high school, where in 1973 he won the National High School Champion Calf Roping title, and in college at Cisco (Texas) Junior College, and South eastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, where in 1975 he won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Asso ciation Calf Roping title. "Rodeoing is fun and it is more fun when you're winning and it is more fun with your family," Cooper said.

ROY COOPER BY THE NUMBERS 8 PRCA World Championships – six in tie-down roping 1976, 1980-84; 1983 all-around and steer roping 8 Cooper won a PRORODEO record eight average crowns – four in tie-down roping (1976, 1979, 1983 and 1995) and four in steer roping (1984-85, 1993 and 1996) 20 The number of tie-down roping rounds Cooper won at the NFR 33 The number of times Cooper qualified for the NFR and National Finals Steer Roping in tie-down roping – 19 (1976-87, 1989, 1991 93, 1995-96); steer roping – 13 (1980-81, 1983-88; 1990; 1992-93; 1996-97) and team roping as a header for H.P. Evetts (1981) 40 Cooper's age when he won the tie down roping NFR average title in 1995 with a 101.8-second time on 10-head

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PRORODEO LEGENDS REACT TO SUDDEN DEATH OF HALL OF FAMER ROY COOPER By Zach Alvira

T he news of PRORODEO Hall of Fam er Roy Cooper’s sudden passing sent shockwaves through the rodeo community Wednesday. Cooper, an eight-time PRCA World Champi on in tie-down roping (1976, 1980-84), steer roping (1983) and all-around (1983), passed away in a house fire at his home in Decatur, Texas Tuesday night. He was 69 years old. Cooper’s passing garnered somber reaction from fellow PRORODEO legends, including Hall of Fame all-around cowboy Joe Beaver. Beaver joined the PRORODEO ranks in 1985, winning the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year award at just 20 years old. He went on to win three All-Around World Champi onships (1995-96, 2000), as well as five Tie Down Roping World Championships (1985, 1987-88, 1992-93). Despite his own success, Beaver said Cooper was a cowboy he looked up to. Cooper taught him and others how to be fierce competitors, never settling for being just good enough. “Win at all costs,” Beaver said. “If you were going to give $20,000 for this horse, he was going to give $30,000 to buy him out from under you. Fierce competitor.” Beaver said he lost a dear friend with Cooper’s passing, and PRORODEO lost a trailblazer in calf roping.

Roy Cooper with sons, left, Tuf and right, Clif at the NFR. PRCA file photo

“One of the Mount Rushmore heads of calf roping is gone,” Beaver said. “Roy changed the sport of tie-down rop ing more than anybody at one point in time that’s ever roped. He brought a sense of urgency to the tie-down roping world. If you want to compete and win, from now on times have changed. Roy Cooper changed it all.” Four-time Steer Roping World Champion Rocky Patterson echoed Beaver about Coo per’s competitive nature.

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“The thing about Roy, he was always going to win something,” Patter son said. “It didn’t mat ter what it was, he was going to win.” Patterson said Cooper had an influ ence on him early on in his career. A self-described “nobody” early on, Patterson said Cooper always took the time to greet him and speak with him at rodeos. That left a lasting impression. “I think he was just a good-hearted guy,” Pat terson said, adding that his passing was some thing he never would have expected. “You just don’t want to believe it. He’s a legend you think is going to live forever.” World Champion All-Around, Tie Down and Steer Roper Phil Lyne recalled telling Cooper he didn’t need to buy a horse. Cooper, being competitive and stubborn, bought it anyway.

Months later, he tapped Lyne on the shoulder and said, ‘You were right,’ be fore walking off. “I’ll never forget that,” Lyne said with a laugh. “He rode him one time and that was it.” Memories such as those are special for Lyne. He

Cooper with pal George Strait at the 1996 NFR PRCA photo by Susan Lambeth

and Cooper competed alongside one another through the 1970s and 1980s. Cooper once let Lyne ride his horse, Charlie, in competition in San Angelo, Texas. Lyne went on to win the tie-down and steer roping titles that weekend. “He had a big heart,” Lyne said. “You just hate to see a good friend go. Undoubtedly, he was one of the best calf ropers ever.” Sixteen-time National Finals Steer Roping qualifier Dan Fisher was brought to tears Wednesday after noon. He and Cooper had a close bond, one that formed as kids when their fathers were best friends. Fisher has countless memories of Cooper. But the one, or several, he remembers most are the times Coo per was simply there for him. "He was one of a kind," Fisher said. "He was always a kindhearted, uplifting guy. If he was on your team, he was always there for it. I'm going to miss him a whole lot."

Nine-time world champion Ty Mur ray compared Cooper to legends in other sports, including Michael Jor dan of the NBA. Murray said Cooper changed the sport for the better. “He progressed it like it hadn’t seen until he came along,” Murray said. “He was one of those guys … I really feel like he was like Mi chael Jordan. I feel like that term gets used too much but that’s really what he was like.” Murray has many memories of Coo per. From his time in competition to his practice runs to polish his craft, Murray says Cooper is on a pedestal of his own in PRORODEO. “The guys that have been badass in calf roping in the last 20 to 30 years, the legends of the game, they send Roy Cooper Christmas cards,” Murray said. “Roy Cooper is a legend that legends look up to.”

Cooper at the 1996 NFR. PRCA photo by Dan Hubbell

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PRORODEO HALL OF FAME

PRORODEO HALL OF FAME UNVEILS STAR-STUDDED

By PRCA Staff 2025 CLASS

Willy with steer wrestler Lee Graves. PRCA photo by Mike Copeman

A

trio of PRCA World Champions – tie-down roper Stran Smith, team roping header Steve Purcella (1996) and bareback rider Jeff Collins (2000) - headline a star-studded 2025 PRORODEO Hall of Fame class announced on Tuesday. The three are joined by multiple NFR qualifiers and fellow contestants, including notable saddle bronc rider Tom Miller, who is a three-time NFR average champion (1975, 1979, 1981) and six-time qualifier for the NFR (1975-77, and 1979-81) and took a unique approach to success in PRORODEO. “I think this whole rodeo deal is a mental game,” Miller said. “I had (someone) tell me this one time, ‘You ride every horse for what he is. Don’t under ride him and don’t over ride him, and everything will come out OK.’ It was good advice. Just go have fun.” Miller was a constant championship contender in the arena and in 1979 he lost a world championship by a mere $5.28 to Bobby Berger. That was the second closest world championship race in PRCA history behind only Scott Snedecor’s 2005 Steer Roping World Championship by $1.67 over Guy Allen.

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Miller came into the 1979 NFR trail ing season leader Monte Henson and second place Berger by $13,000 and $12,000, respectively. Miller clicked at the NFR, placing in seven of the 10 rounds and won the average by 19 points to claim $15,000 to make the world champi onship race a heartstopper. Miller, who also finished second in the 1975 world standings, was a PRCA judge for more than 20 years. Miller served on the PRCA Rules Committee four years and the PRCA Humane Committee for two years. He was an NFR judge five years, being selected by saddle bronc con testants three times. For more than 30 years, Miller in structed at saddle bronc schools and continues to mentor young bronc riders. Smith is a 10-time NFR qualifier (1995, 1997-2001, 2004-2005, 2007-2008, and 2010) and 2008 NFR average winner. “I was just trying to win enough to keep justifying going to rodeos,” Smith said. “Then you’re fortunate enough to make the Finals and eventually win a world champion ship. This is something that prob ably means more than anything because it really didn’t have a whole lot to do with me. This is something

that people on the outside and in side selected.” Smith’s road to the PRORODEO Hall of Fame has had many obsta cles. He made a comeback from a stroke in 2003, missed the gold buckle by $1,778 in 2004 to Monty Lewis and his prized horse Topper was killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2007. Smith seized the moment in Round 10 in 2008. He finished second in the round with a 7.2-second run on his aptly named mare, Destiny – his best run of the rodeo by six tenths of a second. That run allowed him to clinch the average and the coveted world championship.

the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo. Purcella had signature rodeo wins in Denver, Reno (Nev.) and Puyal lup, Wash.

Collins is a six-time NFR qualifier (1994-95, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2002), and he won the 2000 NFR average title with a then-record of 816 points on 10 head. “There are so many guys who are so deserving, who are amazing athletes and cowboys who have done so much for the sport that it’s just so humbling,” Collins said. “I’ve seen so many greats go in there and just to be mentioned with those people is amazing.” Collins accomplishments also in clude winning the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo (1993), Reno (Nev.) Rodeo (1999, 2000) and Cal ifornia Rodeo Salinas (1998, 2000). Purcella and Collins are joined in the class by innovative rodeo producer Mack Altizer, who was the owner of Bad Company Rodeo stock contracting firm. “From the very start, we saw that was a hit and it always pushed us to get bigger and better,” Altizer said. “Then when the rodeo was over, we were always looking at the following year … It’s a formula that works and Jeff Collins Doll Rodeo photo

Purcella qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 12 times – 1995-2005, and 2009 – and was invited twice in 1992 and 1994 – and he also won the NFR average in 1996. “It’s quite a surprise. I heard a cou ple of years ago that somebody had nominated me,” Purcella said. “But I didn’t ever think it would happen. I don’t know what to think about it yet. It’s pretty cool.” Purcella partnered with Steve Northcott in 1996 and Northcott won the PRCA Team Roping Heeler World Championship that year. Purcella and Northcutt also teamed up in 1998 to capture the title at Steve Purcella

Stran Smith

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Northwest each year. The Chief Joseph Days Rodeo takes place in Harley Tucker Memorial Arena. Tucker also was posthumously inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 1997, the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Pendleton Round-Up Hall of Fame in 1980.

Willy

keeps your career interesting and exciting. The music was always an asset.” Altizer was a pioneer in the rodeo world who revitalized bull riding almost single-handedly. He intro duced high-energy and modern marketing techniques into rodeo events beginning in the early 1980s. Today, no rodeo is without rock and-roll music excitement, lighting, and announcing during the bull riding go-rounds. To Altizer, rodeo was all about the fan experience, and he saw tradi tional rodeos back then as in need of more “show business.” Altizer was known for pushing for higher payouts for performing cowboy contestants. Altizer joins his father, the late Jim Bob Altizer in the PRORODEO Hall of Fame. Jim Bob, a PRCA Tie-Down Roping (1959) and Steer Roping World Champion (1967), was inducted in the inaugural PRO RODEO Hall of Fame class in 1979. The 2025 class also includes the late Harley Tucker, a past northwest rodeo producer and stock contrac tor from Joseph, Ore., who helped found Chief Joseph Days in 1946. At the time of his death in 1960 at the age of 52 of a heart attack, he was one of the nation’s largest stock contractors, providing stock and producing over 25 rodeos in the Mac Altizer

championships and was the 2008 PRCA | AQHA Horse of the Year. “He had the quick speed to move left or right in an instant, but he could still ride like the wind too,” Cassidy said. “He had a cool de meanor in the box and was all business.” Rounding out the inductees are the rodeo committee from Livermore, Calif., barrel racer Joyce (Burk) Loomis Kernek (1970 WPRA World Champion) and WPRA notable Pam Minick, the 1982 WPRA Breakaway Roping World Champion and rodeo and Western-lifestyle television personality. Colby Staysa, the secretary of Liver more Rodeo, was thrilled to receive the Hall of Fame call. “Over 100 years is pretty impres sive,” Staysa said. “We’re excited to share this with our local govern ment and with our parks district and to celebrate with them as well.”

Other inductees include Skipper Voss, the 1982 Wrangler World Champion Bullfighter who also worked the NFR in 1974 and 1978. Voss’ techniques and style in the arena have carried over into the bullfighters of today. Harley Tucker

Standout steer wrestling horse Wil ly, ridden by Curtis Cassidy, guided Rope Myers (2001), Lee Graves (2005), Jason Miller (2007) and Luke Branquinho (2008) to world Skipper Voss

Livermore Rodeo

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This is the highest honor bestowed by the PRORODEO Hall of Fame and one that every cowboy and cowgirl hopes to receive. PRCA photo by Steve Gray

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PRORODEO HALL OF FAME

Kernek made headlines through out the 1970 season, beginning the season ranked No. 1 and 12 months and countless miles and runs later, ending in that same spot. She did so aboard a horse named War Leo Dude.

“I am just thrilled and never ex pected this,” Kernek said. “Rodeo has offered me every opportunity that I have had in life. It was my great love. I loved the competition, the people, the whole thing. When I was a little girl growing up, in the mountains of New Mexico, I used to dream of going to rodeos especially after seeing the Price sisters (Florence and Sherry - previous inductees) in the Western Horseman that was a dream I had. This is truly an Joyce Kernek

Livermore proudly celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018. PRCA photo by John Pyle

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WPRA members were first inducted into the PRORODEO Hall of Fame in 2017.

PRCA photo by Steve Gray

amazing honor.”

upon learning of her induction. “I always think of myself as the person who cheers on the people that go into the Hall of Fame, not a Hall of Famer myself. “For me doing what I do and being recognized like this is the icing on the cake, because everything I do is because I love it.” Minick was a 16-time qualifier for the WPRA World Finals where she also competed in team roping. She was also the first woman to be granted a PRCA Announcer card. She is a natural with a microphone and has hosted more than 1,000 television shows on ESPN, TNN, NBC, CBS, The Outdoor Network, RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel. The 2025 Ken Stemler Pioneer Award, which recognizes those who have provided groundbreak ing, innovative ideas and forward thinking that help the development, advancement, and success of the PRCA and or the Hall of Fame and their missions is being awarded to Red Steagall, who has had a 45-plus year entertainment career that has spanned the globe from Cow Camps to the White House. He was also the 2023 Legend of PRORODEO.

“Rodeo was such an important part of my life for so many years,” Stea gall said. “It was our whole world. We were part of the family. And that was my goal. I wanted to be a part of rodeo.”

Prior to 1970, Kernek had already made

a name for herself, winning GRA/ WPRA world titles in 1968 and 1969 in the flag race and ribbon roping. Dude showed his versatility as well, serving as her then husband Barry’s (Burk) steer wrestling horse. Dude helped Kernek claim the All-Around champion title at the Duncan Girls Rodeo. She served on the WPRA Board of Directors from 1969-1972. Minick echoed Kernek. “I am just speechless, which doesn’t happen very often,” Minick said

Red Steagall The 2025 PRORODEO Hall of Fame class will be enshrined at 10 a.m. (MT) July 12 during ceremonies at the PRORODEO Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Courtesy of WPRA

Pam Minick

PRORODEO Sports News 17

18 PRORODEO Sports News

TIME CAPSULE

TREND SETTER MCCLURE CHANGED TIE-DOWN ROPING

By PRCA Staff

N ot many cowboys are recognized for changing their sport – but Jake McClure is one of them. The talented roper was the first to throw a small loop with fast action, and to throw it like a rock. He was inducted into the PRORODEO Hall of Fame in 2002, and his plaque says, in part: As the dominant tie-down roper of his era, he has been called the cowboy who revolutionized the event, bringing lasting changes to the sport. McClure’s only world championship came in tie-down roping in 1930, but for 10 years he was the man to beat. He won all the big rodeos, including the all-around title at the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up in 1930. He set the world record with a 12-second run in 1934 at the London, England Rodeo. Born in 1903, he grew up on a ranch and roped just about anything that moved, including dogs, cats, chickens, goats and other kids. His father want ed him to pursue an education but Jake had other ideas and hit the rodeo circuit at age 16. He worked on ranches until trying his hand at rodeo full time in 1928. He was stylish and always wore a tie, whether he was roping at a rodeo or working on the ranch he bought in New Mexico after marrying Katheryn in 1933. Modest and well-liked, he was quiet and unassuming, but friends with people from all walks of life, in cluding famous humorist Will Rogers. McClure mentored many young ropers before he died tragically in 1940 in a ranching accident.

JAKE MCCLURE PRCA file photo

PRORODEO Sports News 19

HOT STREAK

ROCKER STEINER CLAIMS BAREBACK TITLE AT BATTLE BORN BRONCS

By Lexi Gieck

R ocker Steiner has been on a hot streak the back-half of March and into April and shows no signs of cooling off as he captured yet another bareback championship in Fallon, Nev., on April 19. The 21-year-old Weatherford, Texas, cowboy became the first bareback rider to win a second buckle at Battle Born Broncs after delivering an 89-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics' Sozo, a 10-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bucking horse. Steiner's first cham pionship at the Fallon event came in 2022, when he completed an 88-point ride aboard Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phe nom Genetics' Mustard. "Sankey has some of the best horses in the world and Sozo is one of their best horses," Steiner said. "It's super fun to get on. It's a great pluck, espe cially when you see it by your name. Glad to be drawing good and riding good at Fallon." Steiner's style and pure talent, mixed with the familiarity between him and Sozo, helped him succeed. He last matched up with her in 2023 at the

Magic Valley Stampede in Filer, Ida ho. Steiner delivered an 88.5-point ride to win. The Fallon payout of $6,339 added to Steiner's season earnings, which have increased drastically recently with $71,000 in total earnings at Rodeo Houston, $4,804 at Rodeo Austin and another $100,000 at The American Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge, an unsanctioned rodeo in April. It also helped him continue to climb near the top of the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings, where he finished the 2024 regular season. "I started my year off pretty bad," Steiner said. "I didn't do any good at Fort Worth (Texas) or San Antonio. I had to heal up and show everybody that I'm still relevant." In saddle bronc, Sage Newman and Darcy Radel tied in the championship round with 88.5-point rides. Newman was aboard Burch Rodeo's Lunatic Nation, while Radel matched up against Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics' The Black Tie. Both cow boys earned $5,620.

“I started my year off pretty bad. I didn't do any good at Fort Worth or San Antonio. I had to heal up and show everybody that I'm still relevant.” Rocker Steiner

20 PRORODEO Sports News

“SANKEY HAS SOME OF

THE BEST HORSES IN THE WORLD AND SOZO IS ONE OF THEIR BEST HORSES.” ~ Rocker Steiner

Rocker Steiner continues his impressive run since the end of March, winning at Battle Born Broncs in Fallon, Nev. PRCA photo by Hailey Rae

PRORODEO Sports News 21

COLTEN FRITZLAN'S 85.5-POINT RIDE IN OAKDALE, CALIF. FOR THE WIN AT THE OAKDALE SADDLE CLUB RODEO.

PRCA photo by Ryan Jae

22 PRORODEO Sports News

PRORODEO Sports News 23

BRADLEE MILLER DELIVERS CAREER-HIGH PERFORMANCE AT CINCH CHUTE-OUT By Kensie Darst-Todd

Bradlee Miller building off breakout season in 2024 with latest win at Cinch Chute-Out. PRCA photo by Ric Andersen

24 PRORODEO Sports News

B radlee Miller continues to carve his name into the elite ranks of bareback riding, and his latest performance at the San Angelo Cinch Chute Out left little doubt about his rising trajectory in PRORODEO. The 21-year-old Huntsville, Texas, native delivered a career-high 92-point ride aboard J Bar J Rodeo's Straight Stick during the championship round of the 2025 San Angelo Cinch Chute-Out on April 19, sealing the win and a big payout. The score was not only the highest-marked ride of the event, it was also the best of Miller's young career. "That was my third time on that horse in the last four months," Miller said. "I got on at the NFR and then San Antonio to win San Antonio. Now I've won about 50,000 on it the last four months, so that's definitely one of my favorites, if not my favorite." The matchup between Miller and Straight Stick has proven to be one of the sport's most exciting pairings of the year. Their first meeting came during Round 5 of the 2024 Wrangler National Fi nals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge, where they scored an 89. They met again at the championship round at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February, tallying 89.5 points and earning Miller another major check. Everything clicked for Miller in San Angelo as he spurred the bronc for a near-flawless ride. "Today I didn't remember him pushing your rig ging so hard into you," Miller said. "Whenever she breaks and jumps in the air, she pushes it into you hard and then takes it away from you after that –

it's just normal business."

Coming off a breakout 2024 season that includ ed his first NFR qualification and more than $370,000 in earnings, Miller is showing no signs of slowing down. He placed in eight of the 10 NFR rounds, and notched go-round wins during rounds 2, 4, and 7, cementing his status as one of the top bareback riders on the circuit. Miller has his sights set on continuing his strong regular season, with the ultimate goal of entering Las Vegas No. 1 in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. "I've had a really good winter so far and this is just another boost to have a head start going into the summer," Miller said.

PRORODEO Sports News 25

SHAD MAYFIELD ANSWERS THE CALL EN ROUTE TO SAN ANGELO WIN

By Alex Riley

Shad Mayfield proved himself to fellow competitors as he won in San Angelo. PRCA photo by Ric Andersen

S had Mayfield was clinging to a lead in the average race for the San Angelo (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo tie-down roping title on April 18. That was something Marty Yates certainly noticed. Yates, who was two-tenths of a second behind Mayfield going into the final round, said he was coming for the defending All-Around World Champion. Mayfield took notice. "I knew where I needed to be right there and not many people realize it, but I like that pressure," May field said. "Marty poked the bear

last night when he said he was coming for me, so I've been fired up ever since. Somehow I knew I was going to get it done."

Mayfield's third-round effort of 7.7 seconds gave him an aggregate to tal of 23.9 seconds, good enough to finish one-tenth of a second ahead of Yates to take home the San An gelo championship on April 18. The victory was a big confidence boost for the Clovis, N.M., cowboy as he works to regain a little mo mentum after an up-and-down few

weeks of competition. Since winning the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in early February, Mayfield has picked up round mon ey in San Antonio, Houston and Austin, but has been unable to earn an overall championship. Entering San Angelo, Mayfield was second in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings with nearly $68,000 in

26 PRORODEO Sports News

earnings, putting him more than $40,000 behind Riley Webb for the top spot. In San Angelo, Mayfield took run ner-up in the opening go with an effort of 7.7 seconds, then missed out earning round money in the second with a time of 8.5 seconds. That created the narrow margin be tween Mayfield and Yates heading into the finals. With the victory hanging in the bal ance, Mayfield and his horse, Lol lipop, got the job done. Mayfield's time of 7.7 seconds was second in the short go, just behind Yates at 7.6. But his narrow buffer going into the final round proved to be enough, allowing him and Lollipop to secure the average title. "She's phenomenal," Mayfield said. "She's an amazing horse. She makes my job easy. She does every job every time." Despite two World Championships buckles already in his trophy case, San Angelo had proven to be a difficult event for Mayfield since his first runs at the event in 2019. He failed to loop his calf in the first go last year and missed both tries in 2023. In five previous appearances, Mayfield has only managed to catch both his first and second-go calves twice, resulting in just one trip to the short go in 2021 where he missed his last throw. After years of frustrating finishes, Mayfield finally has another rodeo average title to add to his resume. "It means a lot. I've always wanted to get a win here at San Angelo but never really had the best of luck here," Mayfield said. "So to come out here and pick things back up, they've been a little bit slower late ly, it means a lot."

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PRORODEO Sports News 29

BRODY WELLS GETS IDEAL MATCHUP IN LONG-AWAITED RIDE AT RED BLUFF

By Alex Riley

N ot many saddle bronc riders had been able to stay on Four Star Rodeo's Franks Fits in recent outings. That was a fact that sat very well with Brody Wells. When the Powell, Wyo., cowboy was notified that he had drawn the horse at the Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up on April 20, his eyes lit up. His travel partner, Damien Brennan, had faced the animal in 2023 at the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo, earning a no-score after being bucked off. "I've seen a lot of guys get slapped on that horse, good guys, your top guys," Wells said. "That thing comes with fire out of there. He's a little tricky horse. He's a real gentle horse. He's halfway halter broke, and you can pick his feet up in the pasture, but you

finally come back out there this year and have a bucker. When it all works out like that, it's pretty fun." The win was a big shot

get him in the chute, and he gets ready to buck and he just loses it." Wells, however, proved to be up for the challenge. Thanks to an 88-point effort during the final performance, Wells was able to fend off Lefty Holman (87) and sev eral other challengers to post the high score in Red Bluff and capture the championship. The moment was a long time coming for Wells as he has missed competing at the event for the last several years. Ever since a permit saddle bronc ride back in 2021, the up-and-coming sad dle bronc competitor has been forced to turn out at Red Bluff, largely due to unforeseen travel issues. The wait proved to be long, but definitely worth while.

in the arm for Wells as the spring schedule gets rolling ahead of the summer run. Since picking up some significant earnings in March, Wells has been dealt some tough rides, in cluding four rodeos in April where he failed to pick up a check. Aside from a win at the Osage Xtreme Bronc Days in Pawhuska, Okla., at the beginning of the month, the winnings have been slim, putting Wells at 12th in the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. Wells' win at Red Bluff put $7,840 in his ledger, giving him more than $45,500 earned so far this year. More than that, seeing his name in the win column was exactly what he needed. "This time of year, we're not going to a bunch, but I've had a few too many rodeos where I didn't win a check at and that adds up a little bit in your mind, whether you want to admit it or not," Wells said. "A guy likes to get used to checking results and seeing your name in there, so to get the win here on a good one-header like that, at a (playoff series) rodeo, that means a lot."

"That was my first time ever getting on in the actual rodeo. The last few times I've tried to get out there, I've had plane problems and missed the ro deo or whatever else," Wells said. "It was good to

Brody Wells overcame Four Star Rodeo’s Franks Fits to win at Red Bluff Roundup. PRCA photo by Click Thompson

30 PRORODEO Sports News

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32 PRORODEO Sports News

SHORT STAY IN CLOVIS RESULTS IN XTREME PAYDAY FOR JACOB CARIGE

By Alex Riley

I t was a somewhat disappointing morning for Jacob Carige when he arrived in Clovis, Calif. On April 23, the Queensland, Austra lia, native learned that he had been drawn out of the Clovis Rodeo and wouldn’t get a chance to ride over the weekend in a performance. While the main rodeo wasn’t in his future, there was still a mid-week Xtreme Bulls event to compete in. In just a few short hours, Carige man aged to transform a temporary let down into a potential season-chang ing moment. Thanks to a pair of strong rides during the Clovis Rodeo Xtreme Bulls event, Carige walked away with his most notable win of the season - and, from his perspective, the most im portant one of his young career. “This is the biggest one I’ve won in the PRCA,” Carige said. After finishing 10th in the Resistol Rookie Bull Riding Standings last year, the second-year pro came into 2025 hoping to keep building mo mentum. It has been an up-and-down endeavor thus far. Heading into Clovis, Carige hadn’t cashed a check in more than a month, going seven straight rides without recording a score. In one night, he managed to flip the

script despite minimal intel on his opposition. During the opening go, Carige drew Legacy Pro Rodeo LLC’s Big Chief, an animal he had never seen before either in-person or online. The matchup led to an 87.5-point ride, good enough to place first in the round and secure a spot in the short go. The finals pairing pitted Carige against Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Speed Dial. In 2024, the animal was only ridden once in 20 tries. As part of the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge pen, the bull bucked off both riders he faced. “I watched my buddy Wacey (Schalla) get on Speed Dial at the Finals, but that’s the only time I’d seen anything on that bull,” Carige said.

was exactly what he needed as Carige entered Clovis clinging to a spot in the top 50

of the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford World Standings. Prior to his win in Clovis, Carige was 40th in the rankings with a little less than $19,500 in earnings for the year. In total, the win added $14,932 to his ledger. Now, the 20-year-old has something positive to build on, even if it means he has to leave town to do it. Carige already has at least two rides lined up in Texas over the weekend. His hopes are to keep the momentum rolling, along with his climb up the leader board. “I was kind of dropping down a little bit in the standings and I needed a big win to get back up there again,” Carige said.

Carige made the situation

work, riding for 87.5 points once again, tying for first in the fina le. That allowed him to post 175 points on two rides, a half point ahead of Jordan Spears to claim the top spot. The outcome

Jacob Carige made the most of a disappointing situation by winning Clovis Xtreme Bulls. PRCA photo by Stu Hagen

PRORODEO Sports News 33