ProRodeo Sports News | 2020 Year-End Edition | Dec.18, 2020

Wright Again Stetson crowned All-Around, Bull Riding champion

ProRodeo Sports News 12/18/2020

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CONTENTS

DECEMBER 18, 2020 VOLUME 68, NO. 24

Steer wrestler Jacob Edler, rear, gets a hug of congratulations after winning his first PRCA world championship and Wrangler NFR average. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

Tears of Joy World champions new and old celebrated after win- ning gold buckles for their 2020 ProRodeo world titles. 20

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INSIDE

6 Director’s Cut 12 Year in Covers 20 NFR Recap 22 State of the PRCA 26 NFR event Champions 58 NFR News & Notes 68 NFR Results 106 Approved Rodeos 108 Passages

RODEOS 20 Arlington, Texas Wrangler National Finals Rodeo RODEOS

8 2020 PRCA world 10 2021 PRCA world STANDINGS COVER

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Roseanna Sales Clockwise from left: Kaycee Feild, Colby Lovell, Jacob Edler, Shad Mayfield, Paul Eaves, Stetson Wright, Hailey Kinsel and Ryder Wright show off their world championship gold buckles while riding on a Polaris Ranger at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 12.

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PRCA CEO George Taylor MEDIA DIRECTOR

All-Around and Bull Riding World Champion Stetson Wright poses in a dugout at Globe Life Field, Dec. 12.

Scott Kaniewski PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carol Lawrence CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Photo illustration by Steve Gray

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DIRECTOR’S CUT SCOTT KANIEWSKI

Wrangler NFR in Texas offers a different feel I f you’re looking for an example of change being good, look no further than the 2020Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Sometimes different is good.

Now imagine that the arena could hold 20,000, 25,000, maybe 30,000 fans rather than what it was limited to because of COVID or because it’s only built to house 17,000. If Globe Life Field, which has a seating capacity of 40,000, didn’t have to limit tickets, it would have had significantly bigger crowds. The Finals in Vegas is one of the hardest events to get tickets to. That means demand is higher. It’d be fun to hear a crowd of 30,000 cheering on Tuf Cooper’s next run of 6.9 seconds. The event was also a reminder that things don’t have to be done the way they’ve always been done. That was evident during Round 7 when contestants walked into the arena. No one was certain, but it was believed to be the first time that the grand entry did not welcome the competitors in on horseback. And – surprise, surprise – the roof didn’t fall in. One complaint about it not being in Las Vegas – and being in the middle of a pandemic – was the lack of things to do before and after the rodeo. But that meant that contestants stuck around their families more or their friends who were inside their bubble. Like all of us, it was something they adapted to and dealt with. And then moved on. Don’t worry, assuming this whole pandemic thing gets cleared up by next fall, the Wrangler NFR will be back in Las Vegas. Amember of the media, Ted Harbin, offered this about the Finals: It was different. It wasn’t better, it wasn’t worse. It was just different. Agreed, it was different. But different in a good way. A very good way.

I anticipated throughout the 2020Wrangler NFR that there would be plenty of complaining or contradictory tones about having the Finals in Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. That wasn’t the case. It was quite the contrary. Every competitor I visited with or overheard in interviews was more than happy to be at the Finals – for a Finals even to be happening. Knowing they had a chance to perform and earn big money and to be onThe Cowboy Channel so friends and family could watch provided them a great opportunity. And they liked the setup. Many veterans of NFRs past pointed out that, no, it wasn’t theThomas &Mack Center in Las Vegas, but it was a Finals. The gigantic size of the arena gave it more of a feel like the AT&T Center across the street, home of RFD-TV’s The American. And that was just fine. Because of the size of Globe Life, the crowd wasn’t sitting on top of the contestants, and that took away some of the intensity of the rodeo. But the contestants didn’t mind that either. They were over the moon to have a crowd, to hear the fans inside scream and cheer for their favorite cowboys and cowgirls and applaud for some of the impressive rides and runs that happened over the 10 days. It was a good reminder that theThomas &Mack and its aging confines have a long ways to go to catch up with the technology newer stadiums are equipped with. It also reminded that extra space means extra activities.

Scott Kaniewski is the Media Director at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He previously served more than two years as the editor of ProRodeo Sports News. He has nearly two decades of experience in sports journalism, with the last few being consumed by ProRodeo.

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© 2019 COORS BREWING CO., GOLDEN, CO • BEER CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY ®

OUT HERE, LEGENDS ARE MADE.

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2020 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of Dec. 13, 2020. For the 2020 season (Oct. 15, 2019-Sept. 30, 2020), official rodeo limits were as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 85; team roping, 65; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 85; barrel racing, 100; and bull riding, no limit. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

ALL-AROUND 1. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah................... $392,302 2. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas................................. 179,412 3. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla............................ 166,045 4. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas.............................. 94,803 5. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La.................................... 44,170 6. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla............................ 40,401 7. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D........................................... 37,509 8. Maverick Harper, Iowa, La................................... 17,000 9. Laramie Allen, Llano, Texas................................. 16,057 10. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss........................ 15,666 11. Luke Gee, Stanford, Mont. .................................. 13,619 12. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah............................ 13,555 13. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss.................................... 13,433 14. Blake Deckard, Eufaula, Okla................................ 12,308 15. Caleb McMillan, Soap Lake, Wash....................... 10,600 16. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa..................................... 7,580 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah............................... $277,648 2. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa............................ 270,991 3. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan.................................... 220,029 4. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn......................... 174,533 5. Cole Reiner, Kaycee, Wyo.................................. 154,325 6. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba............................. 152,526 7. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif......................... 151,415 8. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont.......... 142,123 9. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas................... 132,065 10. Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah................ 124,771 11. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas.......................... 116,530 12. Jamie Howlett, Roma, Australia........................... 80,813 13. Chad Rutherford, Hillsboro, Texas....................... 77,874 14. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La.................................... 77,243 15. Jake Brown, Cleveland, Texas.............................. 59,547 16. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D....................................... 49,334 17. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La....................... 31,607 18. Wyatt Bloom, Belgrade, Mont.............................. 30,632 19. Logan Patterson, Kim, Colo................................. 30,165 20. Shane O’Connell, Rapid City, S.D......................... 28,843 STEER WRESTLING 1. Jacob Edler, State Center, Iowa........................ $200,510 2. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho................. 198,830 3. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La........................ 192,845 4. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas...................... 164,566 5. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss.............................. 155,837 6. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev................................. 148,649 7. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La.................................. 138,329 8. Blake Knowles, Heppner, Ore............................. 132,304 9. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D.................... 120,934 10. Jace Melvin, Fort Pierre, S.D............................. 111,014 11. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas....................... 93,302 12. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan............................. 93,270 13. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore............................... 88,559 14. Jule Hazen, Ashland, Kan..................................... 75,961 15. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta.......................... 68,932 16. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho................................. 37,935 17. Shayde Etherton, Borden, Ind.............................. 36,957 18. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla..................................... 33,552 19. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont................................... 29,786 20. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D........................................... 29,384 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas..................... $187,836 2. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C................................ 187,383 3. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz......................... 175,503 4. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala................................ 166,390 5. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla............................. 160,180 6. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla............................ 155,011 7. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla........................ 151,176 8. Jeff Flenniken, Caldwell, Idaho........................... 149,084 9. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont.................................. 140,540 10. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn.......................... 139,048 11. Charly Crawford, Stephenville, Texas................. 132,922 12. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif............................. 125,343 13. Levi Simpson, Ponoka, Alberta.......................... 101,648 14. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla......................................... 90,145 15. Kolton Schmidt, Barrhead, Alberta....................... 76,676 16. Matt Sherwood, Pima, Ariz.................................. 46,557 17. Clay Ullery, Valleyview, Alberta............................ 40,426 18. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas.................................... 39,713

11. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla............................... 46,942 12. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla............................ 46,570 13. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................. 46,406 14. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.................................. 39,491 15. Roger Branch, Wellston, Okla.............................. 28,149 16. Jim Locke, Miami, Texas...................................... 24,875 17. Shay Good, Abilene, Texas................................... 19,174 18. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas................... 17,844 19. Trent Johnson, Blue Mound, Kan......................... 17,777 20. Ora Taton, Rapid City, S.D.................................... 17,337 BULL RIDING 1. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah................... $267,941 2. Ty Wallace, Collbran, Colo................................. 256,599 3. Colten Fritzlan, Rifle, Colo.................................. 241,447 4. Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Australia.......................... 201,831 5. Sage Kimzey, Salado, Texas............................... 184,764 6. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho............... 177,609 7. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas................................... 168,387 8. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La................................... 124,778 9. Brady Portenier, Caldwell, Idaho........................ 114,413 10. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas................ 106,746 11. Parker McCown, Montgomery, Texas................... 98,138 12. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla....................... 83,279 13. Tyler Bingham, Howell, Utah................................ 82,058 14. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla.................................... 80,935 15. Denton Fugate, Niangua, Mo................................ 62,236 16. Levi Gray, Dairy, Ore............................................ 50,275 17. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.................................... 48,274 18. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah................................... 46,572 19. Dallee Mason, Weiser, Idaho................................ 46,398 20. Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas.......................... 45,457 BARREL RACING Barrel racing and breakaway roping standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings. 1. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas.............................$349,076 2. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas............201,225 3. Jill Wilson, Snyder, Texas...................................165,776 4. Emily Miller, Weatherford, Okla...........................159,427 5. Jimmie Smith, McDade, Texas............................153,291 6. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas......................137,273 7. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D...............................133,717 8. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D...............................119,866 9. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas..........................116,383 10. Tiany Schuster, Krum, Texas...............................109,483 11. Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas.............94,693 12. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla.........................90,569 13. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Texas................................77,454 14. Ryann Pedone, Sunset, Texas...............................75,850 15. Brittany Barnett, Stephenville, Texas.....................70,850 16. Jessica Telford, Caldwell, Idaho............................59,477 17. Ivy Hurst, Springer, Okla.......................................36,002 18. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas................27,947 19. Michelle Alley, Madisonville, Texas.......................29,511 20. Kathy Grimes, Medical Lake, Wash.......................25,618 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas..................$47,185 2. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas...................45,261 3. Jordan Fabrizio, Canyon, Texas.............................40,802 4. Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas.................................33,056 5. Cassie Bahe, Grantsville, Utah..............................33,039 6. Hope Thompson, Abilene, Texas...........................27,053 7. J.J. Hampton, Stephenville, Texas........................22,781 8. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas......................21,556 9. Anna Bahe, Grantsville, Utah.................................20,732 10. Macy Fuller, Wittmann, Ariz..................................20,230 11. Tanegai Zilverberg, Holabird, S.D..........................18,741 12. Amanda Coleman, Stephenville, Texas..................18,630 13. Kirby Eppert, Seneca, S.D.....................................17,818 14. Katie Mundorf, Mullen, Neb..................................16,072 15. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo...................................15,542 16. Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D..............................8,321 17. Kelsie Chace, Cherokee, Okla..................................7,465 18. Janey Reeves, Melba, Idaho...................................7,351 19. Amber Crawford, Springtown, Texas.......................7,117 20. Cadee Williams, Weatherford, Texas.......................6,892

19. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla............................... 39,197 20. Cory Kidd V, Statesville, N.C................................ 38,389 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo................................. $178,486 2. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas......................... 175,503 3. Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla......................... 168,017 4. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D...................................... 167,589 5. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan..................... 160,180 6. Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev..................................... 155,011 7. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark............................... 150,830 8. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan................................ 146,137 9. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla..................................... 143,514 10. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas.................. 139,048 11. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M................................. 132,313 12. Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil .... 114,199 13. Shay Dixon Carroll, La Junta, Colo.................... 107,517 14. Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont.................................. 90,145 15. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas................................. 76,676 16. Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif.................................... 44,233 17. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo...................................... 43,784 18. Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Texas......................... 39,197 19. Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla........................ 38,916 20. Jake Edwards, Fort Ann, N.Y................................ 38,147 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah.............................. $358,471 2. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas............................... 320,984 3. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo............................... 173,847 4. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah............................... 164,587 5. Allen Boore, Axtell, Utah.................................... 163,654 6. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif................................ 160,997 7. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah..................... 154,101 8. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont...................... 150,034 9. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta...................... 141,261 10. Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D......................... 118,621 11. Sterling Crawley, Huntsville, Texas....................... 90,378 12. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas............................. 81,063 13. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D........................................ 64,351 14. Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas.................... 60,930 15. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M.................................... 59,073 16. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La..................................... 40,976 17. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah............................. 40,467 18. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta.......................... 38,315 19. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta............. 37,559 20. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia...................... 34,255 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M.............................. $198,399 2. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas........................ 198,168 3. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La.............................. 195,991 4. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla.............................. 188,895 5. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas.................... 170,527 6. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas........................ 146,968 7. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont......................... 141,479 8. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas................................. 135,151 9. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas............................. 129,549 10. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla............................ 127,234 11. Tyson Durfey, Brock, Texas................................ 120,120 12. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas.............................. 116,505 13. Caddo Lewallen, Morrison, Okla........................ 108,333 14. Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla.......................... 106,034 15. Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas.............................. 83,898 16. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas................................ 64,595 17. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb...................................... 43,373 18. Justin Smith, Leesville, La................................... 41,847 19. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas.................................. 40,158 20. Ike Fontenot, Ville Platte, La................................ 39,096 STEER ROPING 1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas.......................... $117,459 2. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas.............. 110,779 3. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas........................... 105,514 4. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan.................................... 87,405 5. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D................................. 70,103 6. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas................................... 61,559 7. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.................... 57,408 8. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas.................................. 57,182 9. Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla.............................. 55,750 10. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas............................. 53,178

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2021 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Unofficial as of Dec. 13, 2020. For the 2021 season (Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 85; team roping, 65; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 85; barrel racing, 100; and bull riding, no limit. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

ALL-AROUND 1. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa................................... $8,018 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb......................... $7,603 2. Tim Kent, Chambersburg, Pa................................. 6,618 3. Jordan Pelton, Halliday, N.D.................................. 5,829 4. Cole Reiner, Kaycee, Wyo...................................... 5,257 5. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba................................. 4,918 6. James Carter, Monroe, Mo.................................... 4,596 7. Zack Brown, Red Bluff, Calif.................................. 4,341 8. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah..................................... 4,301 9. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev...................... 4,035 10. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn............................. 3,884 11. Shane O’Connell, Rapid City, S.D........................... 3,724 12. Logan Corbett, Marion, Ill...................................... 3,495 13. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa..................................... 3,493 14. Tre Hosley, Compton, Calif..................................... 3,426 15. Blaine Kaufman, Pretty Prairie, Kan....................... 3,276 16. Jamie Howlett, Roma, Australia............................. 2,914 17. Jake Brown, Cleveland, Texas................................ 2,908 18. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas.................................... 2,826 19. Zach Hibler, Wheeler, Texas................................... 2,808 20. Logan Patterson, Kim, Colo................................... 2,752 STEER WRESTLING 1. Jacob Edler, State Center, Iowa............................ $8,183 2. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan............................... 5,725 3. Jake Stocking, Salina, Utah................................... 5,041 4. John Leinaweaver, Aspers, Pa............................... 4,458 5. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D............................................. 4,400 6. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore............................. 4,035 7. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb................................... 3,561 Gage Hesse, Keenesburg, Colo.............................. 3,561 9. A.J. Williams, New Providence, Pa........................ 3,445 10. Kyle Eike, Glenarm, Ill............................................ 3,389 11. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev..................................... 3,259 12. Olin Hannum, Malad, Idaho................................... 3,208 13. Joe Nelson, Watford City, N.D................................ 3,168 14. Tucker Allen, Oak View, Calif.................................. 2,892 15. Blake Naglak, Lang Horne, Pa................................ 2,837 16. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La............................ 2,833 17. Jason Reiss, Manning, N.D.................................... 2,816 18. Ty Standley, Marshalltown, Iowa............................ 2,712 19. Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La.................................... 2,577 20. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La...................................... 2,386 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Cooper White, Hershey, Neb................................ $5,632 2. Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla........................................ 5,056 3. Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah.................................... 4,889 4. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas...................................... 4,644 5. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla............................ 4,576 6. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz............................. 4,155 7. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash............................... 4,035 8. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss.......................... 3,908 9. Chuck Smith, Townsend, Del................................. 3,647 10. Ryan Reed, Aguila, Ariz......................................... 3,259 11. Pat Boyle, Shandon, Calif....................................... 3,238 12. Cody Reed, Quitman, Ark....................................... 3,135 13. Jared Odens, Pierre, S.D........................................ 2,992 14. Curry Kirchner, Ames, Okla.................................... 2,949 Garrett Rogers, Baker City, Ore.............................. 2,949 16. Jake Cooper, Monument, N.M................................ 2,933 Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga................................. 2,933 18. Cooper Bruce, Springer, Okla................................. 2,796 19. Austin Crist, Fountain, Colo................................... 2,713 Kellan Johnson, Casper, Wyo................................. 2,713 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. J.C. Flake, Laramie, Wyo..................................... $6,038 2. Tucker White, Hershey, Neb................................... 5,632 3. Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla............................. 5,603 4. Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla.......................... 5,065 5. Brye Crites, Welch, Okla........................................ 5,056 6. Colby Siddoway, Honeyville, Utah.......................... 4,889 7. Scot Brown, Columbia, Pa..................................... 4,863 8. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas............................. 4,155 9. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash.............................. 4,035 10. Joseph Shawnego, Oakdale, Calif.......................... 3,719

BULL RIDING 1. Shane Proctor, Grand Coulee, Wash.................... $8,216 2. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah..................................... 7,509 3. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla......................... 7,445 4. Creek Young, Fort Scott, Kan................................. 7,073 5. Austin Beaty, Bedford, Va...................................... 7,024 6. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La....................................... 6,747 7. Nathan Hatchel, Hennessey, Okla........................... 6,500 8. Maverick Potter, Waxahachie, Texas...................... 6,327 9. Levi Gray, Dairy, Ore.............................................. 6,072 10. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah......................... 5,742 11. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla...................................... 5,571 12. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas....................................... 5,299 13. Trey Benton III, Richards, Texas............................ 5,088 14. Chris Bechthold, Booker, Texas.............................. 4,963 15. Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan............................. 4,588 16. Matt Palmer, Poplar Grove, Ill................................ 4,243 17. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho...................................... 4,114 18. Ardie Maier, Timber Lake, S.D............................... 3,696 19. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa................................... 3,600 20. Jess Davison, Miles City, Mont.............................. 3,589 BARREL RACING Barrel racing and breakaway roping standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings. 1. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas..............................$13,421 2. Victoria Williams, Kiln, Miss...................................8,609 3. Stephanie Fryar, Waco Texas..................................8,141 4. Christina Mulford, Franklinville, N.J. ......................7,695 5. Lori Todd, Willcox, Ariz...........................................7,619 6. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla.......................................7,243 7. Emily Miller, Weatherford, Okla...............................7,210 8. Amanda Welsh, Gillette, Wyo..................................6,449 9. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas................6,217 10. Ivy Saebens, Nowata, Okla. ....................................6,015 11. Kylee Scribner, Azle, Texas.....................................5,178 12. Meka Farr, Honeyville, Utah....................................4,756 13. Jodi Goodrich, Stanfield, Ore..................................4,656 14. Wendy Hoefer, Ft. Lupton, Colo..............................4,156 15. Wendy Chesnut, Poultney, Vt..................................4,061 16. Jordan Briggs, Chilton, Texas.................................3,994 17. Kellie Collier, Hereford, Texas..................................3,894 18. Jaime Fowler, Greensboro, Md...............................3,893 19. Lacinda Rose, Willard, Mo......................................3,830 20. Tiany Schuster, Krum Texas....................................3,729 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Samantha Fulton, Watford City, N.D......................$4,902 2. Rylie Smith, Whitsett, Texas...................................4,181 3. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo.....................................3,999 4. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas......................3,323 5. Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D. ............................2,763 6. Nicole Baggarley, Las Cruces, N.M.........................2,537 7. Kelsie Chace, Cherokee, Okla..................................2,254 8. Cora Borman, Backus, Min.....................................1,858 9. Jordan Fabrizio, Canyon, Texas...............................1,672 10. Hope Luttrell, Prineville, Ore...................................1,563 Willow Nicholas, Baggs, Wyo.................................1,563 12. Lacey Hewitt, Whitewood, S.D................................1,481 13. Kirby Eppert, Seneca, Neb......................................1,416 14. Randi Holliday, Chouteau, Okla...............................1,321 15. Megan Burbridge, Tremonton, Utah........................1,230 16. Katie Mundorf, Mullen, Neb....................................1,150 17. Taylor Munsell, Mullen, Neb...................................1,127 Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas........................1,127 19. Amber Crawford, Springtown, Texas.......................1,054 20. Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas...................................1,038

11. Kevin Brown, Keedysville, Md................................ 3,647 12. Jared Hixon, Bakersfield, Calif............................... 3,238 13. Jace McDaniel, Jonesboro, Ark.............................. 3,135 14. Matt Zancanella, Aurora, S.D................................. 2,992 15. Austin Rogers, Crescent, Okla............................... 2,949 Jake Minor, Ellensburg, Wash................................ 2,949 17. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas...................... 2,933 Lane Mitchell, Bolivar, Tenn................................... 2,933 19. T.J. Watts, Eads, Colo............................................ 2,713 Carson Johnson, Casper, Wyo............................... 2,713 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Chet Johnson, Douglas, Wyo............................... $5,936 2. Tegan Smith, Winterset, Iowa................................ 5,897 3. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La....................................... 5,748 4. Jacob Kammerer, Philip, S.D................................. 5,740 5. Colt Gordon, Comanche, Okla................................ 5,699 6. Will Stites, Jonestown, Pa..................................... 5,090 7. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia........................ 4,742 8. Tyrel Larsen, Weatherford, Okla............................. 4,620 9. Chuck Schmidt, Keldron, S.D................................. 4,576 10. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa..................................... 4,525 11. Wyatt Hageman, Jay Em, Wyo............................... 4,409 12. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah............................... 3,666 13. Mitch Pollock, Winnemucca, Nev........................... 3,500 14. Logan Cook, Alto, Texas........................................ 3,075 15. Garrett Uptain, Craig, Colo..................................... 3,052 16. Joe Harper, Paradise Valley, Nev............................ 3,021 17. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah................................... 2,906 18. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah.................................... 2,795 19. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah......................... 2,640 20. J.J. Elshere, Hereford, S.D..................................... 2,464 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan.................................. $10,043 2. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas.................................. 9,130 3. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M.................................... 7,874 4. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont............................. 7,580 5. Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas................................ 6,376 6. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla.................................. 6,240 7. Ike Fontenot, Ville Platte, La.................................. 6,073 8. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla................................ 5,596 9. J.R. Myers, Felton, Pa............................................ 5,471 10. Randall Carlisle, Athens, La................................... 4,982 11. Trey Young, Dupree, S.D........................................ 4,928 12. Jerry Adamson, Cody, Neb.................................... 4,530 13. Bo Pickett, Caldwell, Idaho.................................... 4,289 14. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif.................................. 4,237 15. Cody Darnell, Gordon, Neb.................................... 4,056 16. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas........................ 4,012 17. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas............................ 3,985 18. Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah....................... 3,972 19. Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla................................ 3,666 20. Michael Mousseau, Aylmer, Ontario....................... 3,647 STEER ROPING 1. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas................................ $12,436 2. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan.................................... 11,465 3. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo............................. 8,427 4. J.P. Wickett, Sallisaw, Okla.................................... 8,045 5. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas................................... 6,751 6. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D................................... 5,478 7. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas..................... 4,655 8. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................... 4,553 9. Jim Locke, Miami, Texas........................................ 4,319 10. John E. Bland, Turkey, Texas.................................. 4,042 11. Ora Taton, Rapid City, S.D...................................... 3,775 12. Corey Ross, Liberty Hill, Texas.............................. 3,509 13. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas............................... 3,488 14. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla................................. 3,440 15. Ike Sankey, Joliet, Mont......................................... 3,427 16. Ryan Rochlitz, Minatare, Neb................................. 3,397 17. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas............................... 3,241 18. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas.................. 2,585 19. Trent Johnson, Blue Mound, Kan........................... 2,451 20. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas................................... 2,426

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A Bloom in Winter Cowboys ride to gold in Treasure State rodeo

Denver Dedication No ordinary victory for Gray

Cool Flicks Best Images of 2019

INSIDE • Remembering Hall of Fame

Bullfighter Wick Peth

American winners net $1.9 million

Lecile Harris 1936-2020

Shad in the Loop

March for big Money

Mayfield cashes in at San Antonio

INSIDE • Cowboys hit paydirt as Fort Worth rodeo increases payout/Page 24

Second Chance at Life PSN YEAR IN COVERS At age 13, team roper spent 10 days in a coma

Work Feild AT IN THE

Bloom in Roofin’ Bareback rider proving to be jack-of-many trades

INSIDE •Eightelected toProRodeo HallofFame for2020

ProRodeo athletes stay productive during break

Rodeo Ready Pollock among those prepared for return of ProRodeo

Never Cave!

Super Series cowboys cash in at bracket finale

ProRodeo back with Cave Creek Rodeo Days

Worth It

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Grand Taton Ora captures first NCFSR crown

Thurst Quencher Cowboy Christmas brings in the cash

Fan-tastic fun in Woodward, Okla.

Caleb’s Clutch

Deep Pockets

Guymon Diamonds

Bull rider scores big in Baker

Smidt climbing after victory in Deadwood

Cooper claims all-around crown at Pioneer Days

Texas Bound! Wrangler NFR rides into Arlington

Solid Masonry Dallee Mason

claims RAM CRCFR title

Grand Finale Wright makes most of Rapid City trip

INSIDE

• RAM NCFR delivers the goods from Greeley, Colo.

Wright Again Stetson crowned All-Around, Bull Riding champion

Domination

GLOBAL

• Sage in search of No. 7 Trio battle for All-Around buckle

$7 Million Man Trevor Brazile could pass milestone at NFSR Another ProRodeo First

DEC. 3-12,2020

INSIDE

• Trevor

Brazile

captures eighth

NFSR

golden

buckle

•Globe

LifeField offers

new look

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Hail to the Champions! PRCA world champions hold up their gold buckles amid a fireworks display inside Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 12. – PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

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THE BEST IS YET TO COME. bootbarn.com

16 ProRodeo Sports News January 2021

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WARNING: The Polaris® RANGER® can be hazardous to operate and is not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate.Passengers must be at least 12 years old. Drivers and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, and seat belts. Always use cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All drivers should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. Polaris ® is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries Inc. ©2019 Polaris Industries Inc.

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Brothers in Arms World champions and brothers Ryder, left, and Stetson Wright celebrate during the awards ceremony at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 12. – Alaina Stangle photo

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WRANGLER NFR RECAP

History-Making NFR

BY PRCA STAFF T he year of 2020 is one that will never be forgotten because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rodeo, like all sports worldwide, was impacted by the pandemic, forcing the cancellation or postponement of numerous rodeos. PRCA leadership, through hours of hard work, managed to get the season going again by the third week of May. Then, in what many deemed impossible, the sanctioning body moved the 2020Wrangler National Finals Rodeo to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 3-12, and pulled off a Finals with fans in attendance. Just as importantly, the prize money remained at $10 million for the contestants, the same amount that has been awarded at the NFR since 2015. The Finals, which had been held at theThomas &Mack Center in Las Vegas since 1985, was moved for one year because the pandemic prevented Las Vegas from hosting fans. The star of the 2020Wrangler NFR was StetsonWright, who competed in saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Wright won the all-around world championship for the second year in a row and added his first bull riding world title. Wright and his brother Ryder, the 2020 Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion, became the first brothers in PRCA history to win gold buckles in the same year. 2020 Wrangler NFR was one for the ages

Stetson Wright looks up to see his score in Round 5 of the bull riding competition at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 7. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Steve Gray

Wright is the first cowboy to win back-to-back all-around world championships since Trevor Brazile in 2014 and 2015. At 21, Wright is the youngest cowboy to be crowned All-AroundWorld Champion in his first two seasons. He became the first cowboy to win the all- around and a roughstock world championship in the same year since Ty Murray in 1998. Murray won the all-around and bull riding titles that year.

“I was in the race for the all-around and to come out on top I was at a loss for words, I was star struck to beat guys I look up to,” said Stetson, who locked up the all-around crown after Round 9. “But winning the all-around world title meant so much to me, but to win it again feels better for the simple fact that people might say I was lucky my first time.”

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“That’s what I always wanted growing up, to be one of the best cowboys to ever live,” Wright said. In the bull riding, Wright edged Ty Wallace for the world title. Wright finished with $267,941, while Wallace had $256,599. StetsonWright wasn’t the only cowboy celebrating. Bareback rider Kaycee Feild added another memorable chapter to his outstanding career. Feild became the third bareback rider in ProRodeo history to win five world championships when he posted a 91-point ride on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Junior Bonner on a re-ride in Round 10. “I’m trying to block it all out before I start crying when I see my family,” Feild said. “This is pretty special.” Feild finished first in the world standings with $277,648, overcoming TimO’Connell by $6,657. While Feild has five gold buckles, Ryder Wright now has two. Ryder split the Round 10 win with a 91-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Big Texas to catapult to the world and average championships. “(This feels) twice as good,” saidWright, who also won in 2017. By splitting Round 10 with his Stetson, Ryder finished with five go- round wins – Rounds 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. He tied the PRCA record for most saddle bronc riding wins at the NFR for the second time in his career, doing it first in 2016. He shares the record with Billy Etbauer (1992, 1999 and 2005) and Dan Mortensen (1998). Ryder also established a saddle bronc riding record for most money won in a season including the NFR with $358,471 and set the average record at the Finals with 876.5 points on 10 head. Shad Mayfield’s tie-down roping world title was also full of drama, though not the kind of drama Mayfield wanted. The Clovis, N.M., cowboy had a forgetful Finals, placing in just two rounds and registering six no-times.

But Mayfield rode a huge regular-season performance to finish atop the world standings with $198,399, just $231 more than runner-up Marty Yates. Mayfield came into the NFR with an $89,479 lead over his nearest competitor, and he needed every dollar. “It means the world to me,” Mayfield said. “It’s something I wanted growing up, it’s been a dream of mine. I had a great year coming in, the best year I could ever imagine having.” There was a new face and a former champion getting gold buckles in team roping. With a world championship in reach, team ropers Colby Lovell and Paul Eaves won Round 10 with a 4.4-second run to capture gold. Lovell finished with $187,836 in the team roping heading world standings, defeating runner-up Luke Brown by $453. Eaves finished with $178,486, edging runner-up Paden Bray by $2,983 in heeling. Eaves also won a heeling world championship in 2018 while roping with Clay Smith. “It was crucial, we had to do it,” Eaves said. Lovell was thrilled to be a world champ. “Man, it’s everything,” he said. “There’s a fine line of people that have it, and you grow up roping your whole life wanting it.” Steer wrestler Jacob Edler was making his Wrangler NFR debut and had an experience he’ll never forget. The State Center, Iowa, cowboy clocked a 3.9-second time to place fourth in the final round and win the average and world championships. Edler finished with $200,510 in the world standings to hold off Stetson Jorgensen, who had $198,830. Edler won the average with a 43.4-second time on 10 head. Jorgenson was second at 43.7 seconds. Jorgensen had a 5.0-second run and failed to place in Round 10. “I’m still trying to make everything come to reality right now,” Edler said.

Jacob Edler takes down his steer in Round 3 at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 5. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Steve Gray

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PRCA OVERVIEW

State of the PRCA BY AMBER BAILLIE A fter an unprecedented and challenging year with canceled rodeos and coronavirus restrictions, agility and change were the ProRodeo gains momentum despite 2020 setbacks

the end of the year we will hit it.”

Through the PRCA’s robust partnership with Rural Media Group, ProRodeo content and coverage expanded significantly, growing ProRodeo viewership from 12 million to more than 50 million. “Early on in the pandemic we were in the No. 3 position as a sports network,” Taylor said. “We were behind only ESPN and Fox Sports 1 and were beating NBC and CBS Sports. More in 2021, we hope to have a number of shows that are on network television.” This year, 200 ProRodeo performances were livestreamed on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App , and NFR coverage ran from 2 p.m. through 12:30 a.m. daily onThe Cowboy Channel, the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App and RFD-TV . “I think this is record-setting by every standard and will help grow fans,” Taylor said. “That’s the focus – driving content – it’s the benefit of having a channel that is 100% committed to our sport and the PRCA.” Although 31 ProRodeo Tour rodeos were canceled in 2020, the PRCA was successful in hosting the Gold Buckle Beer ProRodeo Tour Finale in Rapid City, S.D. “We were able to offer a $320,000 payout, and that partnership with Rapid City was key to be able to make that happen,” Taylor said. Other championships that required new partnerships and locations were the PRCA Xtreme Bulls Finale held in Nephi, Utah, this year and the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo, moving from

requirements for the sport of ProRodeo to move forward in 2020, PRCA Chief Executive Officer George Taylor told rodeo committees during the State of the PRCA address at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas, Dec. 1. Through new partnerships, locations and support of season-ending events, the PRCA had financial success in 2020 and was able to offer its fans and members a full Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and payout. “I don’t think we could have made up what this year was going to be like,” Taylor said. “About 90 days ago, we weren’t sure we were going to have a rodeo (NFR) for a rodeo that gets planned for 12 months a year,” he said. “This year’s NFR wouldn’t have happened without a lot of people. The role that everyone took in moving things forward was absolutely critical.” The Wrangler NFR is typically held at theThomas &Mack Center in Las Vegas, but because of COVID-19 restrictions in Nevada this year, the venue wasn’t available for live entertainment with fans. As another option, the PRCA partnered with the state of Texas and cities of Arlington and Fort Worth to host a four-day PRCA Convention and its 62ndWrangler NFR at Globe Life

PRCA CEO George Taylor sees a promising 2021 on the horizon for rodeos across the country. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

Field, the home of the Texas Rangers. In partnership with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, the PRCA also hosted the inaugural Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping in conjunction with the Finals at Globe Life Field. “The PRCA gained momentum this year despite COVID-19,” Taylor said. “Even this year, we had the best cowboys, the best rodeos, and the impact that you all make in your communities whether you had your rodeo or not is still felt, rest assured.” This year, the PRCA provided financial assistance to 57 rodeos in the wake of the pandemic. “Historically we’ve never done that, providing money to help make their rodeos work,” Taylor said. “Our Kick Open the Chutes program was a 2020 success, being able to put on our first fan-less rodeo in Cave Creek, Ariz., after the shutdown.” Although sponsorship was down in 2020, media was up, Taylor said. “Our 2020 goal was to grow 20-30%, and we undershot that,” he said. “We had some sponsors that really struggled amid COVID. We think we’ll land at 25% year-to-year growth between sponsorship and media.” PRCA digital livestreams were up 17% in 2020, and social media impressions increased by 40%. PRCA Facebook followers grew by 26%, 85% on Instagram. “We had massive growth intentionally around social media this year,” Taylor said. “We have a target to reach 1 million followers, and I think before

Kissimmee, Fla., to Greeley, Colo. “Were able to have a $500,000 payout event for our circuit cowboys which we felt was really critical,” Taylor said. “It’s the backbone of who we are and important for our circuit system.” The PRCA hosted its first Jr. NFR in 2020 – with more than 600 contestants – in conjunction withThe American at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. “That was an exciting opportunity for us,” Taylor said. “I think Jr. Rodeo is an important bedrock of where we’re going, driving that pipeline of athlete development is critical. That is why we want to be involved with junior rodeo programs to the great degree that we can.” Other PRCA advancements in 2020 included launching an updated ProRodeo.com website and transitioning rodeo entries online. In 2020, 84% of rodeos were made available online and 75% of entries were completed online. “Contestants really like the 24/7 availability, and I think we will continue to see these numbers grow even more,” Taylor said. Taylor said the PRCA will continue to focus on growing the fan experience and bringing together rodeo communities to achieve far-reaching results. “COVID-19 has changed the world in many respects, and we believe the second half of 2021 will be better,” Taylor said. “We’ve got a lot of bright spots on the horizon, and together we make things happen.”

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