ProRodeo Sports News 2023 Year-End Edition

Dynamic Duo

Bull rider Ky Hamilton shines at NFR & Stetson Wright wins fifth all-around title

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Proud sponsor of NFR Playo Series, National Finals Rodeo, and Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale

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CONTENTS

DECEMBER 22, 2023 VOLUME 71, NO. 24

True Grit

Bull rider Ky Ham ilton was knocked un conscious in Round 5 and regrouped to win his first PRCA Bull Riding World Championship. 54

Ky Hamilton celebrates after his 88-point winning ride on Duane Kesler’s Alberta Prime

Devil’s Advocate in Round 7, Dec. 13 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Hailey Rae

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INSIDE

RODEOS 12 2023 PRCA World 14 2024 PRCA World STANDINGS COVER 30 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Las Vegas RODEOS 16 Year of Covers 22 NFR Recap 28 State of the PRCA 62 NFR News & Notes 80 NFR Results 116 Passages

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Roseanna Sales The 2023 PRCA World Champions show off their gold buckles following Round 10, Dec. 16, at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Dynamic Duo

NFR for the record books cords were set at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. 22

Bull rider Ky Hamilton shines at NFR & Stetson Wright wins fifth all-around title

The 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge was quite memorable with two performances held on Dec. 13. A total of 15 re

Bull rider Ky Hamilton, left, had an incredible Wrangler NFR, earning $341,249 in Vegas to propel him to a world title. Stetson Wright, Hamilton’s best friend, was sidelined by injury after Round 2 of the NFR, but still won his fifth all-around world championship in a row. PRCA ProRodeo photos by Clay Guardipee

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published semimonthly by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-4301. PERIODICALS postage paid at Colorado Springs, Colo. , and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to ProRodeo Sports News , P. O. Box 469025, Escondido, CA 92046. Subscription rate: $45 for one year, 12 issues. Disclaimer: The ProRodeo Sports News 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.

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Make room. The Wrangler NFR is back in Vegas.

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and working cowboys everywhere OFFICIAL HAT OF THE PRCA

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2023 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of Dec. 20, 2023. For the 2023 season (Oct. 1, 2022-Sept. 30, 2023), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 75; team roping, 75; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 75; 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 Wright, Beaver, Utah ......................... $479,621 2. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ........................... 298,461 3. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. ............................. 250,463 4. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ....................... 189,973 5. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. .......................... 167,193 6. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ..................... 150,770 7. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. .......... 150,612 8. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................... 143,600 9. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. .......................... 128,504 10. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla. ....... 118,342 11. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ....................... 110,018 12. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas ........................... 88,550 13. Chet Weitz, London, Texas .............................. 66,438 14. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. ...................................... 52,168 15. Clay Clayman, Highlandville, Mo. .................... 50,228 16. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif. .............. 50,088 17. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas ........................... 49,500 18. Logan Perrin Spady, Alliance, Alberta .............. 47,828 19. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas ................... 46,231 20. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn. ................ 44,865 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. ....................... $434,050 2. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan. ................................ 315,095 3. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La. ............................ 272,411 4. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif. ...................... 269,892 5. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas ................. 265,218 6. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas ................ 259,249 7. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo. .............................. 251,706 8. Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah .............. 224,653 9. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa .......................... 214,891 10. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. ................... 210,377 11. Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho .......................... 206,307 12. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla. ........................... 205,076 13. Dean Thompson, Altamont, Utah .................. 170,672 14. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba ........................ 163,675 15. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont. ..... 151,404 16. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah ............................ 110,010 17. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas ....................... 109,580 18. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La. ................ 103,982 19. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. .......................... 97,448 20. Kody Lamb, Sherwood Park, Alberta ............... 89,466 STEER WRESTLING 1. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La. .................. $303,576 2. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore. ...................... 283,993 3. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore. ......................... 276,444 4. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. ....................... 254,393 5. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn. .......................... 239,704 6. Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas ...................... 218,180 7. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D. ................ 206,450 8. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho ............................. 205,501 9. Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, B.C. ................. 197,726 10. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss. ......................... 196,003 11. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont. ............................ 194,120 12. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev. ............................ 175,162 13. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis. ................................... 167,895 14. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La. ............................. 164,282 15. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla. .............................. 144,839 16. Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La. ............................. 79,956 17. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D. .................. 76,790 18. Travis Munro, Townsville, Australia .................. 76,666 19. Olin Hannum, Malad, Idaho ............................. 72,426 20. Tucker Allen, Oak View, Calif. .......................... 71,124 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas .............................. $308,057 2. Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla. ......................... 283,040 3. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla. ......................... 269,878 4. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. ..................... 269,125 5. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C. ............................ 260,294 6. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. ............................ 251,412 7. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga. ......................... 214,471 8. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah ....................... 213,717 9. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. ..................... 190,445 10. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. .................... 188,590 11. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ........................ 187,071 12. Tanner Tomlinson, Angleton, Texas ................ 181,204 13. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. ....................... 180,180 14. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ................... 149,748

15. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................ 140,889 16. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla. .................................... 96,685 17. Coy Rahlmann, Ellsinore, Mo. ......................... 91,102 18. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif. .......................... 89,753 19. Dawson Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ............. 87,694 20. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz. ....................... 78,084 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas ............. $325,284 2. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan. ............................. 296,541 3. Colter Todd, Willcox, Ariz. ............................... 284,292 4. Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas ............. 269,878 5. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas ............................ 260,294 6. Junior Nogueira, Pres. Prudente, Brazil ........... 214,471 7. Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta ................ 213,717 8. Jonathan Torres, Ocala, Fla. ............................ 201,238 9. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. ................................... 190,445 10. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. .............................. 188,941 11. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. ............................ 187,071 12. Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas ........................... 181,204 13. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas .................... 175,581 14. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark. .......................... 143,604 15. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss. .............................. 133,712 16. Dillon Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ................ 87,694 17. Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas ................... 85,663 18. Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla. .................. 80,630 19. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo. ................................. 79,982 20. Justin Davis, Cottonwood, Calif. ...................... 79,322 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta ................. $456,356 2. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont. ...................... 397,836 3.Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho ............................... 322,178 4. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo. ............................ 312,949 5. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia .................. 296,495 6. Lefty Marvel Holman, Visalia, Calif. ................. 294,633 7. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah ............................. 286,447 8. Stetson Dell Wright, Beaver, Utah .................... 261,626 9. Tanner Butner, Daniel, Wyo. ............................ 236,830 10. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas .......................... 205,662 11. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta ................... 202,376 12. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont. ..................175,800 13. Ben Andersen, Eckville, Alberta ..................... 160,940 14. Ryder Sanford, Sulphur, La. .......................... 154,703 15. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta ................... 146,829 16. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas ....................... 123,362 17. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta ....... 116,754 18. Quinten Taylor, Nanton, Alberta ..................... 116,069 19. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah .......................... 113,433 20. Leon Fountain, Corona, N.M. ......................... 113,247 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Riley Mason Webb, Denton, Texas ................ $452,852 2. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont. ...................... 411,263 3. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. ............................. 309,383 4. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ............................ 296,165 5. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas ...................... 265,724 6. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas .................. 246,331 7. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La. .......................... 216,187 8. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas ............ 211,028 9. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla. ........................... 207,426 10. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas ....................... 199,344 11. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas .................... 196,964 12. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas ............................ 176,658 13. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas ......................... 170,235 14. Beau Cooper, Stettler, Alberta ........................ 145,742 15. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ......... 134,476 16. Lucas Potter, Maple City, Kan. ....................... 103,932 17. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La. ............................. 100,165 18. Michael Otero, Collinsville, Texas .................... 96,571 19. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash. .......................... 94,837 20. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil .......................... 93,676 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pawnee, Okla. ....................... $166,710 2. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas ............ 144,452 3. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas .............................. 132,011 4. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. ............................ 127,914 5. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas .......................... 116,655 6. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ............................ 101,329 7. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas ................................ 98,246

8. Reo Lohse, Kaycee, Wyo. .................................. 91,317 9. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ............................. 87,786 10. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ......................... 78,081 11. Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla. ........................ 76,291 12. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla. ......................... 62,327 13. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas ........................ 62,268 14. Tanner Stec, Bassett, Neb. .............................. 59,442 15. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. .......................... 58,216 16. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas ........................ 39,759 17. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas ............................. 37,646 18. Trenton Johnson, Blue Mound, Kan. ............... 33,696 19. John Clark, Pecos, Texas ................................. 27,897 20. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. .......................... 26,243 BULL RIDING 1. Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Australia ...................... $595,414 2. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah ............................... 400,766 3. Stetson Wright, Beaver, Utah ........................... 378,630 4. Sage Steele Kimzey, Salado, Texas .................. 369,223 5. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. ....................... 259,768 6. Creek Walker Young, Rogersville, Mo. ............. 253,205 7. Jared Parsonage, Maple Creek, Sask. .............. 249,265 8. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas ................................ 238,766 9. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho .............. 235,766 10. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah ......................... 220,660 11. Jordan Hansen, Amisk, Alberta ...................... 198,796 12. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan. .........................196,468 13. T Parker, Winnie, Texas ................................. 193,251 14. Cody Teel, Bryan, Texas ................................. 166,472 15. Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla. ........................... 138,245 16. Jestyn Woodward, Custer, S.D. ..................... 117,416 17. Trey Benton III, Richards, Texas ..................... 107,479 18. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa ........................... 106,096 19. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La. ............................. 105,896 20. JB Mauney, Stephenville, Texas ...................... 95,764 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas ..... $496,498 2. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. ......................... 343,688 3. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas ......................... 322,593 4. Jordon Briggs, Tolar, Texas ........................... 272,518 5. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. ................... 246,674 6. Sissy Winn, Chapman Ranch, Texas ............. 229,962 7. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. ...................... 228,697 8. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. ............................ 217,138 9. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. ........................ 194,843 10. Stevi Hillman, Granbury, Texas ................... 173,990 11. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas ........................ 154,406 12. Taycie Matthews, Wynne, Ark. ..................... 154,161 13. Ilyssa Riley, Hico, Texas .............................. 139,798 14. Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho ........................ 133,969 15. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. ............... 130,506 16. Sara Winkelman, Big Lake, Minn. ................. 91,276 17. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas ....... 87,815 18. Kelly Allen, Stephenville, Texas .................... 86,098 19. Carlee Otero, Launsboro, Ala. ...................... 79,056 20. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. ........................ 78,860 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephanville, Texas ............. $197,706 2. Hali Williams, Comanche, Texas .................... 159,541 3. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas ............149,887 4. Sarah Angelone, Lipan, Texas ........................ 144,241 5. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla. ............................ 135,621 6. Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas .......................... 127,600 7. Joey Williams, Volborg, Mont. ...................... 119,964 8. Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas ........................... 112,178 9. Cheyanne McCartney, Kingston, Okla. ........... 111,784 10. Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D. ....... 102,009 11. Kendal Pierson, Wardlow, Alberta ................ 93,961 12. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas ........... 89,484 13. Josie Conner, Iowa, La. ............................... 89,402 14. Rickie Fanning, Spearfish, S.D. .................... 82,996 15. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo. ......................... 76,213 16. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. ...................... 66,670 17. Madison Outhier, Fulshear, Texas .................. 59,609 18. Jordi Edens, Gatesville, Texas ....................... 54,606 19. Beau Peterson, Council Grove Kan. .............. 53,095 20. Nicole Baggarley, Las Cruces, N.M. .............. 51,516

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MATCH DAD COLLECTION

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2024 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Unofficial as of Dec. 20, 2023. For the 2024 season (Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 75; team roping, 75; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 75; barrel racing, 100; and bull riding, 125. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

ALL-AROUND 1. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas............................ $14,162 2. Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D................................ 12,377 3. Chet Weitz, London, Texas..................................... 8,278 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La..................... $19,648 2. Mason Stuller, Veneta, Ore................................... 14,344 3. Ben Kramer, Max, N.D......................................... 12,996 4. Bradlee Miller, Huntsville, Texas........................... 12,497 5. Cooper Cooke, Victor, Idaho................................ 12,250 6. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La................... 11,575 7. Nick Pelke, Mondovi, Wis...................................... 9,502 8. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo...................................... 9,270 9. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore................................. 9,146 10. Clay Jorgenson, Watford City, N.D......................... 9,000 11. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla..................................... 8,864 12. Evan Kesler Betony, Tonalea, Ariz.......................... 8,574 13. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo................................. 8,368 14. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas............................... 7,997 15. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn............................. 7,685 16. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La.................................... 7,268 17. Jaceklane Frost, Browns Valley, Calif..................... 6,686 18. Matthew Smith, Tylertown, Miss............................ 6,446 19. Briar Dittmer, Runnells, Iowa................................. 5,912 20. Ty Fast Taypotat, Nanton, Alberta........................... 5,873 STEER WRESTLING 1. Shane Frey, Duncan, Okla.................................. $11,309 2. Justin Shaffer, Hallsville, Texas............................ 10,093 3. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss.................................. 9,761 4. Gage Hesse, Keenesburg, Colo.............................. 8,787 5. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla..................................... 8,634 6. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D......................... 8,353 7. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho..................... 7,987 8. Juan Alcazar Jr., Okeechobee, Fla.......................... 7,806 9. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore............................. 7,532 10. Cade Staton, Bastrop, Texas.................................. 7,466 11. Chance Carlson, Alden, Minn................................. 7,376 12. Travis Munro, Townsville, Australia ....................... 7,137 13. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho................................... 7,029 14. Kamry Dymmek, Kissimmee, Fla........................... 6,922 15. Fenton Nelsen, Marshall, Mo................................. 6,454 16. Trisyn Kalawaia, Hilo, Hawaii................................. 6,051 17. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan............................... 5,640 18. Ryan Bothum, Heppner, Ore.................................. 5,560 19. Colton Mooney, Herriman, Utah............................. 5,420 20. Paul Melvin, Paradise, Texas.................................. 5,392 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Manny Egusquiza Jr., Hico, Texas...................... $10,231 2. Coy Brittain, Rockwall, Texas................................. 8,846 3. Cody Reed, Jonesboro, Ark................................... 8,606 4. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla..................................... 8,306 5. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss...................................... 7,973 6. Jon Peterson, Belle Fourche, S.D........................... 7,796 7. Tanner Pallesen, Manila, Utah................................ 7,679 8. Wyatt Bray, Stephenville, Texas............................. 7,618 9. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz............................. 6,620 10. Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D............................................. 6,404

11. Cyle Denison, Iowa, La.......................................... 6,065 12. Travis Dorman, Dade City, Fla................................ 6,036 13. Garrett Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas.......................... 6,019 14. Clint Kap, West Haven, Utah.................................. 5,990 15. Curry Kirchner, Ames, Okla.................................... 5,684 16. Cooper Bruce, Franklin, Mo................................... 5,532 17. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C.................................... 5,376 18. Whit Harper, Sparks, Ga........................................ 5,336 19. Lightning Aguilera, Athens, Texas.......................... 5,236 20. Ty Arnold, Midway, Texas...................................... 5,125 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Evan Arnold, Stephenville, Texas....................... $11,972 2. Clay Green, Pine Grove, La.................................. 11,115 3. Jace McDaniel, Jonesboro, Ark............................ 10,476 4. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas...................................... 9,769 5. Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Ala.................................... 9,004 6. McCoy Profili, Lola, Texas...................................... 8,921 7. Colton Brittain, Rockwall, Texas............................. 8,846 8. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark................................... 7,710 9. Lane Mitchell, Bolivar, Tenn................................... 7,056 10. Tyler McKnight, Pollok, Texas................................ 6,806 11. Adam Plyler, Pageland, S.C.................................... 6,684 12. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo....................................... 6,620 13. Matt Schieck, Casper, Wyo.................................... 6,126 14. Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas.................................... 6,065 15. Jared Fillmore, Payson, Utah................................. 5,990 16. J.W. Borrego, Weston, Colo................................... 5,944 17. Reed Lewis Boos, White Cloud, Kan...................... 5,840 18. Max Kuttler, American falls, Idaho......................... 5,705 19. Wyatt Kanan, Bois D’Arc, Mo................................. 5,532 20. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas................................... 5,376 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo............................... $20,422 2. Qwint Stroh, Glendive, Mont................................ 19,416 3. Logan Cook, Alto, Texas...................................... 19,347 4. Parker Kempfer, Deer Park, Fla............................ 18,450 5. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah.................................. 17,344 6. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah................................. 13,682 7. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas................................. 13,574 8. Parker Fleet, Axtell, Texas.................................... 11,682 9. Ben Andersen, Eckville, Alberta............................ 10,764 10. Logan Hay, Wildwood, Alberta............................. 10,760 11. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia........................ 9,575 12. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho..................................... 8,678 13. Cash Wilson, Wall, S.D.......................................... 8,632 14. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah............................... 8,612 15. Zachary Dallas, Las Cruces, N.M........................... 8,604 16. Ryder Sanford, Sulphur, La.................................... 8,344 17. Trey Watts, Palmyra, Mo........................................ 8,298 18. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb..................................... 7,808 19. Lucas Macza, High River, Alberta........................... 7,743 20. Joe Harper, Paradise Valley, Nev............................ 7,532 TIE-DOWN ROPING (HEELER) 1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M................................ $23,728 2. Chance Thiessen, Elk City, Okla........................... 14,391 3. Joel Harris, San Angelo, Texas............................. 11,942 4. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas................................ 11,760

5. Booker McCutchen, Harrison, Ark.......................... 9,365 6. Riley Mason Webb, Denton, Texas......................... 8,928 7. Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D.................................. 8,458 8. Chris McCuistion, Collinsville, Texas...................... 8,143 9. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La.................................. 8,122 10. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif.................. 8,041 11. Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb................................ 7,796 12. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas............................... 7,287 13. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La...................................... 7,223 14. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont............................. 7,081 15. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil................................ 6,917 16. Bryce M Derrer, Portales, N.M............................... 6,308 17. Dallen McIntire, Thayer, Iowa................................ 6,147 18. Robert Mathis, Mart, Texas.................................... 5,907 19. Jeremiah Peek, Pueblo, Colo................................. 5,897 20. Colton Farquer, Oakdale, Calif................................ 5,813 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pawnee, Okla............................ $21,765 2. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D................................. 15,043 3. Duck Benson, Colfax, Wash................................. 13,838 4. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas.............................. 13,622 5. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.................................. 12,894 6. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas.................................. 12,266 7. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas............................. 11,747 8. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas............................... 9,582 9. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................... 8,564 10. Scott Snedecor, Needville, Texas........................... 8,166 11. Roger Branch, Wellston, Okla................................ 8,140 12. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas............................... 7,987 13. John Clark, Pecos, Texas....................................... 7,584 14. Ty Tillard, Douglas, Wyo........................................ 7,237 15. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif.................................. 7,199 16. Wade Shoemaker, Greeley, Colo............................ 7,162 17. Trey Wallace, George West, Texas.......................... 6,537 18. John E. Bland, Okarche, Okla................................. 6,518 19. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla.................................. 6,352 20. Tuff Hardman, Atoka, Okla..................................... 6,066 BULL RIDING 1. Mason Moody, Letcher, S.D............................... $17,221 2. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla......................... 16,627 3. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La................................... 16,563 4. Maverick Thomas Smith, Mountain. Grove, Mo... 16,137 5. Clayton Sellars, Wildwood, Fla............................. 14,838 6. Alex Cardozo, Graham, Texas............................... 14,431 7. Stran Smith, Lantry, S.D...................................... 13,686 8. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore.............................. 12,698 9. T.J. Gray, Dairy, Ore............................................. 12,592 10. Laramie Mosley, Palestine, Texas......................... 12,503 11. Jarett Evans, Newtown, Mo................................. 11,500 12. Cody Teel, Bryan, Texas....................................... 10,964 13. Taylor Toves, Stephenville, Texas......................... 10,891 14. Jax Mills, Montgomery, Texas.............................. 10,511 15. Wyatt Rogers, Rose, Okla.................................... 10,461 16. Dustin Donovan Boquet, Bourg, La........................ 9,228 17. Brandon Ballard, New Hope, Ky............................. 9,189 18. Lija Gore, Moore Haven, Fla................................... 9,073 19. Lucas Mooningham, Coldwater, Miss.................... 8,890 20. Colton Kelly, Rhome, Texas.................................... 8,758

• For the latest PRCA Playoff Series and PRCA Circuit standings, go to https://bit.ly/39WQQSs

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©2023 COORS BREWING CO., GOLDEN, CO • BEER

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PSN YEAR IN COVERS

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O Canada Winners crowned at lucrative Calgary Stampede

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Wright Stuff Stetson Wright wins bulls, all-around titles in Cheyenne

Xplosive Wright Statler wins Hermiston on Xplosive Skies

Money Massey Dalton Massey sets regular seaso earnings mark in steer wrestling

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Playoff Passion Jayco Roper wins Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup

Mr. September Stetson Wright wins Pendleton Round-Up during torrid run

Playoff Fever Mayfield gets huge win at Cinch Playoffs

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Dynamic Duo

Sky’s the Limit Stetson Wright Eyes More Gold Buckles

Kansas Stars Cole Petterson Leads the Way to NFSR

Bull rider Ky Hamilton shines at NFR & Stetson Wright wins fifth all-around title

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2023 WORLD CHAMPS

Gold Buckle Winners Moments after capturing coveted gold buckles, 2023 PRCA World Championships acknowledge the sold-out Thomas & Mack Center crowd Dec. 16. The 65th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo saw a total of 15 records broken or tied. – PRCA ProRodeo photo by Hailey Rae

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THE OFFICIAL CASINO OF THE

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE NFR BULLFIGHTERS AND THE PRCA

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WRANGLER NFR RECAP

Record-setting event

BY PRCA STAFF I It was a fitting end to an amazing season for bareback rider Keenan Hayes Saturday night. The Hayden, Colo., native became the first cowboy to win a PRCA Bareback Riding World Championship in his Resistol rookie season. Hayes secured his spot in the PRCA record book with his electric 90-point ride on J Bar J’s Straight Ringer in Round 10 of the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge before 17,620 spectators at the Thomas & Mack Center. The ride allowed Hayes to finish with $434,050, which is a PRCA Bareback Riding single-season earnings record. The record was $425,843 by Clayton Biglow in 2019. “It was awesome,” Hayes said. Hayes placed in five rounds and finished first in the average with 850 points on 10 head. That garnered him a $78,747 check. Jess Pope, the 2022 PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion finished second in the world standings with $315,095 and second in the average with 845.5 points on 10 head. Keenan Hayes makes PRCA history with his world title Zeke Thurston sealed the deal Dec. 16 on his fourth PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding World Championship. Thurston split sixth place in Round 10 with an 86.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight to propel himself to the world championship and average title. The Big Valley, Alberta, cowboy now has world championships in 2016, 2019, 2022, and 2023. Thurston had yet another stellar NFR. He won four rounds – Round 1, Round 5, Round 8 and Round 9 and placed in eight of the 10 rounds. SADDLE BRONC RIDER ZEKE THURSTON WINS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NO. 4

Bareback rider Keenan Hayes, a Re sistol Rookie, won the world and aver age titles thanks to rides like his Round 7 82.5-point trip on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Mustard PRCA ProRodeo photo by Click Thompson

Complete results/Page 80

Webb clocked a 10.9-second time in Round 10 to clinch the coveted gold buckle – the first of his career. “It hasn’t even sunk in yet. I’m just blessed to be in this situation at 20-years-old. I’m so fortunate to have this support system from my family to the horses that have made this dream come true. I’m so grateful,” said Webb, 20. Although Webb didn’t place in Round 10, he finished second in the average – 82.9 seconds on 10 head – which earned him a $63,889 check. Webb finished atop the world standings with $452,852, a single-season tie down roping record, breaking the mark of $374,737 set by Caleb Smidt in 2022.

“I really wanted to go out there tonight and put an exclamation point on the week. That horse was a little bit all over the place and it sure wasn’t a perfect ride, but we weathered it and here we are,” Thurston said. Thurston shattered his previous single-season earnings mark of $399,916 by finishing atop the 2023 world standings with $456,356. TIE-DOWN ROPER RILEY WEBB CLAIMS HIS FIRST TITLE Tie-down roper Riley Webb’s memorable season added one last memorable chapter on Dec. 16.

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WAGUESPACK’S ROUND 10 MAGIC BRINGS TITLE NO. 5 For the second year in a row, Tyler Waguespack worked his Round 10 magic to win another PRCA Steer Wresting World Championship. Waguespack split the Round 10 win with a 3.8-second run, which helped him to reach third in the average and walk away with world title No. 5. “The run that I was able to pull off with the steer that I had was awesome, he was a hard running steer,” said Waguespack, who entered Round 10 in fourth place in the world standings. “I wasn’t very happy about him and having drawn him. I talked to my hazer and said if you can get up there and shut him down at all, we can get a good run. We ran him over halfway and the Lord was behind me right there. We turned sideways, but golly it worked out.” TEAM ROPERS WADE/THORP WIN HEADER, HEELER TITLES An all business, efficient run in Round 10 was all that separated team ropers – header Tyler Wade and heeler Wesley Thorp – from coveted world championships. Well, the duo clocked a 5.4-second time and that left them third in the average with a $50,517 check, catapulting them to capture gold buckles. Wade was making his sixth NFR appearance and finished a career-best eighth in the 2022 world standings. That’s not the case anymore. Wade finished with $308,057 in the world standings and Thorp earned $325,284. “I don’t know yet. It hasn’t sunk in. I told Thorp I don’t know if I’m a world champion or not. I know he is because he already has one. I just let him guide me,” Wade said. “ Thorp won his lone world championship in 2019. “This is unbelievable because all I can think about are the times you are down throughout the year, and you have to find something to pick you up,” Thorp said. HAMILTON NABS FIRST BULL RIDING CHAMPIONSHIP The emotional rollercoaster ride that was the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge for bull rider Ky Hamilton ended with

a gold buckle and average buckle.

Hamilton finished atop the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $595,414 and clinched his first career PRCA World Championship on Friday night at the Thomas & Mack Center. Hamilton, who is a native of Mackay, Australia, is the first Australian to capture a PRCA Bull Riding World Championship. Hamilton broke the single season bull riding mark, breaking Stetson Wright’s mark of $592,144 in 2022. Hamilton also captured the RAM Top Gun Award for the first time in his career by earning $239,060. The Top Gun Award was created in 2010 and is given to the contestant who wins the most money at the Wrangler NFR in one event. “It means everything. That’s what I came over here to do,” Hamilton said. WRIGHT CAPTURES FIFTH-STRAIGHT ALL-AROUND TITLE Superstar Stetson Wright has added another world championship to his resume. The Milford, Utah, cowboy clinched his fifth career PRCA All Around World Championship and eighth overall. Despite being sidelined after Round 2 of the 2023 Wrangler NFR in his two events – saddle bronc riding and bull riding – because of a right hamstring strain, Wright clinched the all around crown with $479,621. “This is awesome,” said Wright, 24, about winning the all-around title. “Through everything that happened here recently, the humbling experience that I have been a part of. To know that I blew everybody out of the water so much that I didn’t have to win a penny at the Finals in order to win this is pretty special. “This will be a world title I will not forget. I stopped thinking about world titles after I pulled myself out of the NFR. I just wanted to be healthy, and it is pretty special to win something like that when you’re not even able to finish the richest ten days of the year.” Wright’s world title collection consists of all-around titles in 2019-23, bull riding (2020, 2022) and saddle bronc riding (2021).

Steer wrestler Tyler Waguespack split the Round 7 win in 3.8 seconds on the way to winning his fifth PRCA World Championship in dramatic fashion.

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Hailey Rae

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PRCA OVERVIEW

From the CEO BY TRACY RENCK T om Glause, PRCA’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the numerous positive things that happened in the organization

Glause talks about 2023 as a ‘phenomenal year’

became the wildcard and the top four places in Puyallup were guaranteed a position in Sioux Falls and the format proved exceptionally lucrative, and it was well-received. It was designed to keep cowboys rodeoing. If you were between 25th through 30th with our old system, you really didn’t have a reason to keep going. You go to Puyallup, but there’s no way you were going to catch the top 12 in terms of points. “We came up with a concept that those who made the final four we would see them into Puyallup and then advanced the next eight in terms of points and it really helped keeping guys rodeoing. Not only did it help on the top end, but we also seeded the NFR Open Champion into the wildcard round in Puyallup, so it gave a boost to circuit rodeos and a boost to all membership.” Glause made mention of the second annual Resistol Rookie Roundup in Fort Worth, Texas, as a positive event in the PRCA. “We bring the rookies in and give them a chance to compete against themselves, and we provide media training and really focus on the rookies,” Glause said. “This is the future of our sport, so we started to highlight this with them.” Glause also noted how the Xtreme Broncs Finals in Rapid City, S.D., had the largest payout ever in terms of bronc riding at $106,000. “That record didn’t last long as it was broken at Newtown, so I would expect that will generate more competition and that we will see another record at the (Xtreme Broncs Finals) next year,” Glause said. “Another event where we focus on our new members, young members is our Permit Finals in Waco, Texas. The top five in that Permit Finals advanced into the Permit Challenge in Las Vegas during the NFR. The Xtreme Bull Riding Finals

in 2023 during his State of the PRCA address at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa Grand Ballroom, Dec. 5, in Las Vegas. “By all accounts, it has been a phenomenal year,” Glause said. “Our membership is up, our prize money is up, our viewership is up, sponsorship is up. In all categories, we are making marked improvement, but it has not come without challenges.” Glause pointed out the good news – like with “We are seeing our members come back,” Glause said. “During COVID (in 2020) we lost members like every sporting association did, but we slowly started to climb and build membership back in 2021 and in 2022 we were happy to have reached 6,000 members and this year we are at 6,600 members. “That’s the most members we have had in over a decade. I’m really proud of the growth we are seeing here, and we are projecting that trajectory with growth will continue and it is just not one event that we are seeing growth. Over the last three years we have seen growth in numbers of members in every single event. “Where we need members the most in bareback riding, we have seen a 70-member increase. We have really focused on the bareback riding, and we are seeing the labor of that payoff in new entries, and there just not new members, this rookie class (of 2022) in bareback riding is the most competitive class of rookie bareback riders that I think we have ever had in the association.” membership.

PRCA CEO Tom Glause talks to the crowd in attendance during his State of the PRCA address at South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa Grand Ballroom, Dec. 5, in Las Vegas. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

had a record payout of $120,00.” Financially, Glause said the PRCA is forecast to be over $43 million in revenue in 2023. “That growth is coming from sponsorship and media,” Glause said. “We are not growing revenue to pad our bank accounts we are putting this money right back into membership. We are focused on growing membership. What we have left over, we are putting back into capital improvements at the office, with the No. 1 goal being to migrate our IT systems to a modern platform. “We are really proud of who our sponsors are and how they align with our vision and our way of life. We think we bring real value. One of things I’m most proud of is our legacy and longevity with sponsors.” Glause said TV has been a boom for the PRCA. “We are seeing that same growth on TV with a huge increase from 2021 to 2022 in the number of events that we see televised,” Glause said. “That’s largely based on viewership. There’s an appetite and demand for rodeo on TV. We saw a five percent increase in the number of events (to 916 performances), ‘Thank you Patrick Gottsch’ (of the Cowboy Channel). The creation of Cowgirl Channel has also increased our viewership.” In closing, Glause added the following: “We continue to gain momentum and we are in a great place,” he said. “Our sport is thriving. By all accounts we are thriving.”

Glause said the membership pipeline begins getting filled at the permit level and in 2023 there was a record number of permit holders at 1,979. “Our number of (rodeo) events continues to grow but at a slower rate, and it is by design that we are trying to grow at a slower rate,” Glause said. “We want to make sure that as we add new events, we certainly have members and entries for these events. We reached 790 total events in 2023 that is up 19 from 2022.” Glause was especially happy to discuss the payout for 2023. “What’s most impressive is the payout we have seen. I would like to offer a ‘Thank You,’ to everyone in this room because largely we have seen over $4 million in new added money come into the association,” he said. “With new money comes more entries, more entry fees, and we have seen this growth occur. Historically, we had always been around a $50 million payout at the end of the season at the NFR. We had substantial growth last year at $65 million and after the NFR in 2023 our total payout for the season will be just shy of $75 million ($74,502,688). Glause mentioned one of the true successes in 2023 was the inaugural Cinch Playoff Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, S.D., which was held, Sept. 28 30. “In 2023, we went to a two-round system of playoffs, Puyallup (Wash.)

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ALL-AROUND COWBOY WORLD CHAMPION

Saddle bronc rider Stetson Wright tried to gut out his ride on Duane Kesler’s Double Red in Round 1 but failed to make the whistle. Wright missed Rounds 3 through 10 of the Wrangler NFR with a right hamstring strain. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Roseanna Sales

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Click Thompson

Five Straight

Stetson Wright adds eighth gold buckle by taking All-Around title

athlete in the world. It’s not a cocky thing, that’s just what I feel in my mind and what I tell myself. “That’s how it felt all year. I was confident and I was rolling. Then even when I tore my hamstring (at the Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo), I was still 89 points and won the round. “ I just couldn’t get my body to work the way I wanted it to out here in Las Vegas. But I can tell you, this world title means a lot because it was won off of my hard work all year.” Wright’s world title collection consists of all-around titles in 2019-23, bull riding (2020, 2022) and saddle bronc riding (2021). The Milford, Utah, cowboy joins a select group of ProRodeo Hall of Fame cowboys – Joe Beaver, Roy Cooper, Don Gay, Larry Mahan, Don McLaughlin, Rich Skelton, Harry Tompkins and Fred Whitfield – who have won eight PRCA World

Championships. There are only 18 cowboys in PRCA history to win at least eight world championships. Wright is chasing ProRodeo Hall of Famer Trevor Brazile, who has the PRCA record with 26 world championships, including a record 14 in the all around. “My goal is to break Trevor’s (all-around) record and the way I’m going to do that is being wise enough to know when to hold’em and when to fold’em. This was a week of folding them (at the NFR) and just trusting that everything my dad (Cody, ProRodeo Hall of Fame saddle bronc rider) is telling me is going to pan out for the best. If I’m going to get there, I have to be healthy for the next ten years. But eight-time world champion sounds a whole heck of a lot better than seven that’s for sure.”

BY TANNER BARTH R odeo superstar Stetson Wright began his career wanting to be a for him to realize that he might be just as good at bull riding. Wright has proved that every step of the way since his PRCA debut in 2018. Despite being sidelined after Round 2 of the 2023 Wrangler NFR in his championship level saddle bronc rider, the same craft his father Cody mastered during his ProRodeo Hall of Fame tenure. It didn’t take long

two events – saddle bronc riding and bull riding – because of a right hamstring strain, Wright clinched his fifth PRCA All-Around World Championship and eighth gold buckle overall with $479,621. “Nobody ever has a fully healthy season in this sport, that’s unheard of,” said Wright. “Every time you get on, you’re getting dinged up a little bit. But if I’m anywhere in the 90 percent range health wise I do feel like I’m the best

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BAREBACK RIDING WORLD CHAMPION

History Maker

BY TRACY RENCK I t was a fitting end to an amazing season for bareback rider Keenan Hayes. The Hayden, Colo., native became the first cowboy to win a PRCA Bareback Riding World Championship in his Resistol rookie season. Hayes clinched his spot in the PRCA record book with his electric 90-point ride on J Bar J’s Straight Ringer in Round 10 of the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge at the Thomas & Mack Center. Hayes won the round and earned $30,706 for the performance. He also added the NFR average title to season resume. The ride allowed Hayes to finish with $434,050, which is a PRCA Bareback Riding single-season earnings record. The record was $425,843 by Clayton Biglow in 2019. “It was awesome, me and Jess (Pope) were over there fighting with some buckskin horses that’s mostly what we were thinking about just getting out on those horses, so it was really fun,” said Hayes, 20. “I mean I knew it was all going on but like I said I was trying not to think about it much just go out do my job for something I’ve worked for my entire life, it’s pretty awesome,” Hayes said. A year ago, Hayes was a star on his PRCA permit, earning $81,128 in the PRCA | RAM Rodeo Permit Standings, which is the record for most money won on a PRCA permit for one year. That translated into 2023, as a Resistol Rookie, Hayes set the single-season earnings record in bareback riding – before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – with $265,896. The record was $233,504 set by Clint Cannon in 2009. Hayes entered the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas as his event’s season leader. He had a $103,158 lead over second place Clayton Biglow, the 2019 PRCA World Champion. Never fazed by the pressure of Vegas, Hayes beat 2022 PRCA World Champion Jess Pope by $118,955 for the coveted gold buckle. “No, I’m not surprised at all (how I did this season), like I said I’m sure blessed that God gave me this ability and that I get to show it to everyone, it’s just an amazing experience that I wanted to get done my whole life,” Hayes said. Bareback rider Keenan Hayes first cowboy in rookie year to win world

Keenan Hayes was a measure of consistency at his first NFR, including this 85-point ride on Championship Pro Rodeo’s Cajun Queen during Round 6. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Click Thompson

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Click Thompson

ProRodeo Sports News 12/22/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 12/22/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo.com

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