ProRodeo Sports News - 2021 Year End Edition

TIE-DOWN ROPING AVERAGE WINNER

Caleb Smidt gets ready for action in Round 8. Click Thompson photo

Third Time’s the Charm

Caleb Smidt claims third NFR average title

BY TANNER BARTH I t was a disappointing end to the 2020 ProRodeo season for tie-down roper Caleb Smidt. Just days before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo kicked off in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 3, Smidt tested positive for Covid-19, forcing him to miss the Finals for the first time since 2014. In his return trip to Las Vegas for the 2021Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge he made his presence felt early and often. He took home the NFR average title with 83.1 seconds on 10 head, his third in the past seven years. He says this one was extra special after having his season cut short a year ago. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Smidt, 32. “Last year was tough even rodeoing and then making the Finals and not being able to compete. I just had to believe in God. You know with bad things, good things come. That’s what we prayed for and that is why we’re here.” Over his career competing at the Wrangler NFR Smidt has been a model of consistency. Coming into 2021 he had five round wins in Las Vegas, he added one

more to his resume this year, winning Round 3 with a 7.1-second run. He would place in seven other rounds including two second place finished to win his third PRCAWorld Championship in the tie-down roping. “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. Not bothered by the pressure he laid down a 7.8-second time in Round 10 to secure his third world title (2015, 2018, 2021) and third NFR average title. He was quick to credit his horse for the success he had not only in Vegas, but all year long. “My horse (Pockets) was lights out all week for me, he was really great in that setup,” said Smidt. “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.”

ProRodeo Sports News 12/17/2021

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