ProRodeo Sports News - 2021 Year End Edition

TIE-DOWN ROPING WORLD CHAMPION

A 7.1-second run won Caleb Smidt Round 3 of the Wrangler NFR. The win propelled him to this third PRCA World Championship. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Roseanna Sales

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Rod Connor

At Home in Vegas

“I think what makes me step up the most at the Finals is the $27,000 we rope for every night if I’m being honest with you,” said Smidt, 32. “It brings out the best in everybody and if it doesn’t you don’t need to be here because this is the place to be in December if you rodeo.” The Bellville, Texas, cowboy finished his season with $318,455, which was $22,293 ahead of the runner-up in the world standings Haven Meged. Not bothered by the pressure he clocked a 7.8-second time in Round 10 to secure his third world title and third NFR average title with 83.1 seconds on 10 head. “I had a great calf tonight (Dec.11),” Smidt said. “They placed on her twice, I think. She was awesome and my horse has been lights out all week, he has been great. “He gave me a chance all week from slow calves to fast calves, he gives me

a chance every time I back in there. “There was lots of praying this week and God came through in all 10 rounds and I’m just blessed to be here.” He said stretches like these wouldn’t have been possible without his family and the support around him every time he backs into the box. “I’ve just had a great support team with my family behind me,” Smidt said. “You know they’ve done so much for me from last year to this year. They push me and it makes me want to be better each and every year that I go out to rodeo. “So, I’m beyond blessed to be here and walk away with yet another world title. You can never take one of these titles for granted no matter how many you’ve won in your career.”

Caleb Smidt wins third gold buckle

BY TANNER BARTH L as Vegas has been more than kind to tie-down roper Caleb Smidt over the years and things were no different at the 2021Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge. For the second time in four years, Smidt not only secured the NFR average title, but walked out of theThomas &Mack Center with his third

PRCA world championship (2015, 2018, 2021). Heading into the Wrangler NFR, Smidt was fourth in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings, but just like in years past he took his game to the next level when it counted most.

He said the consistency comes from wanting to provide for his family and walk away with the most money possible at the end of the 10 days in Vegas.

ProRodeo Sports News 12/17/2021

ProRodeo Sports News 12/17/2021

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