PSN_Dec3 2028

TEAM ROPING

KALEB DRIGGERS ENTERING NFR AS NO. 1 HEADER ONCE AGAIN By Zach Alvira K aleb Driggers takes pride in seeing his name atop the PRCA | Bill Fick Ford Team Roping Headers Standings. Governor’s Cup presented by Texas Precious Metals that Driggers and Nogueira were able to separate themselves. The duo came away with a Governor’s Cup champion ship, as well as nearly $50,000 each in total earnings after runs of 3.7 seconds in the semifinals and 3.8 in the finals to win the team roping title.

It’s a position he has become accustomed to throughout his career. It’s what has helped him win two PRCA World Championships (2021-22). Now, for the fourth time in his career, he will enter the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on top yet again as he chases his third gold buckle. “I feel like a lot of the greats have said winning the season is harder than winning the world championship,” Driggers said. “The all night drives and everything you put into it, we’re definitely blessed to go in No. 1 but we’ve still got a long 10 days in Vegas.” Driggers and his team roping partner Junior Nogueira were in a battle all season for the top spot. Headers Tanner Tomlinson, Derrick Begay, Clint Sum mers and Dustin Egusquiza – who are all chasing their first world championship – have held strong among the top five in the standings. It wasn’t until Sioux Falls, S.D., at the Cinch Playoffs

But all of their success in the regular season came with some adversity, and arguably almost didn’t happen. During a practice session, Nogueira broke his fibular in his right leg and injured his knee. He took some time off, but not enough for the injury to fully heal. He wanted to continue riding. Driggers encouraged him to take more time off but Nogueira declined. Despite the injury, the two still managed to prove yet again why they’re one of the best teams in the world and are now in position to win another world championship. “I told him to take another month and to come back at Reno,” Driggers said. “He said ‘No’ and that he was ready to go. As soon as he bounced back, we won two or three rodeos right off the bat. I knew he was ready.”

PRCA file photo by Kristen Schurr

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