ProRodeo Sports News - April 1, 2022

Bounty Hunter Hunter Cure tracks down competition to win RodeoHouston

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CONTENTS

APRIL 1, 2022 VOLUME 70, NO. 7

Austin Powers Cowboys competed for nearly $500,000 at Rodeo Austin. The NFR Play- off Series presented by Pendleton Whisky stop concluded March 26 at the Travis County Expo Center before a sellout crowd. 32

Bareback rider Caleb Bennett acknowledges the Rodeo Austin crowd after winning the rodeo for the third time in his career. Peggy Gander photo

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INSIDE

6 Editor’s Letter 8 Hot Takes 10 Grille 12 Brain Teasers 16 Social Media 22 Short Round 52 Results 66 PRCA Notes

RODEOS 18 2022 PRCA World STANDINGS COVER 24 Houston, Texas 32 Austin, Texas 40 Montgomery, Ala. 42 Redmond, Ore. RODEOS

Kent Soule photo Saddle bronc rider Layton Green won the High Desert Stampede in Redmond, Ore., with an 87-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Beaver Bend. Green earned $4,258 for the victory. Redmond pay window stampede Minnesota bull rider Reid Oftedahl made his long trip to Redmond, Ore., pay off by winning the High Desert Stampede. He earned a rodeo-best $5,349 at the key stop on the NFR Playoff Series presented by Pendleton Whisky. 42

ProRodeo Sports News PRCA CEO Tom Glause PSN EDITOR Tracy Renck PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carol Lawrence

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.

TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PSN OR FOR SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS, CALL: 800.RODEO.4U (800.763.3648) _______________ To advertise in the PSN , call: 719.528.4704 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 101 ProRodeo Drive

Bounty Hunter Hunter Cure tracks down competition to win RodeoHouston

Hunter Cure, a two-time PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler, made another lasting memory by winning RodeoHouston for the first time in his career.

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2022, PRCA Properties Inc. , a

marketing service and subsidiary of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from PRCA Properties Inc.

STAFF WRITERS Tanner Barth Julia Plungy

RodeoHouston photo

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EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK

Brooks Benjamin photo Stetson Wright’s victory binge so far in 2022, included winning saddle bronc riding at the Cave Creek (Ariz.) Rodeo with an 86-point ride on The Cervi Brothers’ Sippin’ On Fire on March 27.

Stetson Wright is on a heater for the ages

I n the history of the PRCA, countless cowboys have gone on victory binges. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame has names upon names of the greatest cowboys who have had memorable seasons. Yet, it is hard to imagine any cowboy has gone on a heater like StetsonWright. No bull or saddle bronc horse appears capable of stopping the Milford, Utah, cowboy. In four rodeo stops all in Texas – Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin and the Swels – Division 1 Xtreme Bulls event in Fort Worth –Wright cashed in big time. Visits to the pay window began Jan. 19 at the Xtreme Bulls event and ended in Austin on March 26. He earned a combined $185,428 at those stops. The list is quite impressive. • Swels – Division 1 Xtreme Bulls ($19,654) • Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo ($25,880) • San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo ($36,750)

“My family and my traveling partners are a big thing for me,” Wright said. “Not many people see the buck offs and my family and traveling partners always help me get my head out of the dumps when I get bucked off. I have just been trying to stay even keel all year. My family and everybody have done a really good job of helping me with that.” Wright acknowledged his goal is to break legendary Trevor Brazile’s PRCA-record of 14 all-around world titles. “I went about a lot of things differently this year,” said Wright, 22. “It doesn’t matter where I’m at, if I get a re-ride, I will take it. It doesn’t matter if it’s three or four (rides) in one night. It does hurt and it wears me down, but I did it in Austin and I would not have made it back in the bronc riding if I wouldn’t of (taken a re-ride). I came back in the broncs and won third there and that momentum drove me into the bull riding, and I rode a bull (Andrews Rodeo’s Wild Onion) I have never ridden before.” Wright’s prowess in the arena has also been reflected in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. As of April 1, he led the all-around standings by more than $160,000 and the bull riding by nearly $40,000 and he was in second place in saddle bronc riding hot on the heels of Sage Newman. In the rodeo world, expecting the unexpected is expected. But when it comes to StetsonWright right now rodeo fans need to enjoy his greatness. He’s an all-around cowboy who is on a different level. It’s Stetson’s World and everybody else is just living in it. No one ever thought there would be someone to replace Brazile or even Ty Murray for that matter, but Wright is well on his way. Stop and smell the roses with him and enjoy the ride.

Tracy Renck is the editor of the ProRodeo

Sports News . He previously served more than seven years as a media coordinator at the PRCA. He has three decades of experience in sports journalism with the last several consumed by ProRodeo.

• RodeoHouston ($73,750) • Rodeo Austin ($29,394) Wright’s haul at RodeoHouston is a PRCA record for most money won at a regular-season rodeo – that counted toward the world standings. Wright is immensely talented. He has won three consecutive all-around world championships and one title each in saddle bronc riding (2021) and bull riding (2020). What is hard, he makes look easy. However, he knows he is one piece to his successful puzzle.

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Fast Start

“The start I’ve had definitely helps, I’m in a better position than I’ve ever gotten to be in. I think it does give a guy confidence when you’re riding good and you’re feeling good. You just have to keep building off the momentum that you get from all of that. I’m excited for it and I’m excited to keep rodeoing really hard.” NEXT ON TAP SAN ANGELO RODEO Where: San Angelo, Texas When : April 1-3, 7-9 & 13-15 Broadcast Schedule: The San Angelo Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App, April 1-15. CLARK COUNTY FAIR & RODEO Where: Logandale, Nev. When: April 6-10 Broadcast Schedule: The Clark County Fair & Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App, April 6-10. RED BLUFF ROUND-UP Where: Red Bluff, Calif. When: April 15-17 Broadcast Schedule: The Red Bluff Round-Up will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App, April 15-17. * Broadcasts are subject to change. For complete broadcast schedule visit https://bit.ly/35oBlRA

Jess Pope came into the new rodeo year on a heater and hasn’t slowed down one bit. Pope is the No. 1 bareback rider in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, with already $96,929 to his name this

season. In 24 outs this season, he has won money in 19 rounds. Pope has his sights set on his first gold buckle in 2022 .

HOT TAKES Alaina Stangle photo Chance Schott made the eight-second whistle at the PRCA Champion- ship in Fargo, N.D., to take home the title with an 85.5-point ride on Mosbrucker Rodeos’ Up Motion.

Gaining Ground Chance Schott has been looking for his footing in the 2022 ProRodeo season. He found it and then some, March 24-26. Schott picked up a first and second place finish in the bull riding at the PRCA Championship Rodeo in Fargo, N.D. and the High Desert Stampede in Redmond, Ore. The two wins earned him $5,891, bumping him up inside the top 40 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings. The Mclaughlin, S.D., cowboy, finished third in the 2021 Resistol Rookie of the Year standings.

189

NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2022 SEASON AS OF MARCH 30

$11,602,212

MONEY WON BY PRCA COWBOYS IN THE 2022 SEASON

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Bull rider Cole Hould started his rookie season in the PRCA with a bang. The Havre, Mont., cowboy, took home the title at the RAM Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo with 164.5 points on two head, Jan. 15. The early season win put $9,027 in his pocket, bumping him up to fourth in the latest Resistol Rookie of the Year race. The 19-year-old was the Montana High School Bull Riding State Champion in 2020.

How did you get your start in rodeo? Cole: I just kind of grew up around rodeo. Everybody around me rodeoed and my family rodeoed. It was something that I always wanted to do and now I’m getting that chance. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Cole: I think it’s something that I’ve always had in my head that I was going to do. I don’t think there was really a certain point in time, it’s just always been a career I wanted to chase. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event?

COLE HOULD

Cole: I didn’t start riding bulls until I was probably in middle school. I’ve always really liked it, but I was too dang scared of them for a while. Then once I got to a certain age, I started getting on them and decided that’s what I wanted to do. Have you tried any other rodeo events? Cole: I roped a lot when I was younger. I always thought I was going to be a team roper growing up, that’s all I did. I still rope here and there, but bull riding has taken over as my main event. Is there someone in the sport that you look up to? Cole: I look up to Stetson Wright and what he’s done in the sport. He rides really good, sets a good example, and is an easy guy to be around. What’s this season been like for you? Cole: It started off pretty good but hasn’t gone as well lately. Recently, I’ve been going to a ton of rodeos. So, hopefully it’ll start picking up even more and I can start catching up to some of the other guys. What’s one rodeo you want to win during your career? Cole: It would probably be the Pendleton Round-Up. It’s a really fun rodeo and I’m a big fan of the outdoor rodeos during the summer. What have you learned during your rookie season? Cole: I think what I’ve learned the most is that there are a lot of ups and downs in this sport. You just have to find a way to stay positive out there. What do you like most about the sport of rodeo? Cole: It probably starts with all the great people you get to meet out on the road. It’s also a ton of fun, so that makes it a little better when things aren’t going your way. What’s your favorite TV show? Cole: Friends is definitely my favorite TV show. I have a little bit of a crush on Jennifer Aniston. What’s your favorite candy? Cole: My favorite candy would have to be Skittles. What’s your go-to meal when you’re out on the road? Cole: If we are out on the road we are probably stopping at Subway. I go with the BLT sandwich. What’s your favorite restaurant? Cole: Buffalo Wild Wings is probably my favorite. The buffalo chicken wrap there is pretty good. What was the first vehicle you drove? Cole: The first vehicle I drove was a 1999 Chevrolet Astro van. I took it to a couple rodeos, but it didn’t last long. What do you like to do when you’re not rodeoing? Cole: I like getting home when I can. I like riding horses and ranching. That’s pretty much all I do. What’s your favorite holiday? Cole: Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. I love being able to see all my family and hanging out with everyone. What was your favorite cartoon growing up? Cole: It’s not really a cartoon, but I was a huge fan of Surf’s Up.

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UP CLOSE RODEO ACTION

VIDEO AustinWinners

• Highlights to enjoy from Rodeo Austin, a stop on the NFR Series presented by Pendleton Whisky.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 68

Word Search

California Gold Rush

Find the winners from the 2021 Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo and the Lakeside (Calif.) Rodeo. Cowboys or cowgirls who won more than one event at both rodeos appear once for each win. Names may be forward, backward, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.

P Z S V M D U O I T M X X C U J R G O B E B A K N O A F M R W M J D W S E H P O H M R E P O O H N E D L I T I C E O O U O Z E J S Y I D M C O N Y N M J M K W D N E J I Y L R A N E M I L I A N O G A R C I A Z T G R M N H E T E K A T H Y P E T S K A N R A E V I P N S K L A N E K A R N E Y Y Z K B A N A N S O N P N X U U E L P H D I C B J B R T J O G S A D A X N L R B G U Q S J G X L N X M I R W H C H F A N N U S T N Q K R C U H Q P P J A T E T T R I H A R E L U K G O C I Q A M N D T R E E D N E E L Y V O N F Z Z X P E A S N A D K B Y X Y L L G S W N A X B U W E H Y I Y R Z T W Y A Y R G O O L E G R P Z J C E A W F S N A R O K Y R E L T E H K X X K N A V J E H T E P C Y B L T L B M E J A C D A I X W U E K R C L K O Y E E K D X O L K A G K D H S C O Q U C T O N C I B C F L O V P E C T C U W H S A B A E J B A V Y O X Y J M M X O T D V R Z N G F O N G K X E D B P Z E C I H S

1. Find the winners from Clovis, Calif. BB: Tilden Hooper SW: Scott Guenthner TR: Tyler Wade/Trey Yates SB: Dawson Hay TD: Jake Pratt GB: Megan Champion BR: Boudreaux Campbell

2. Find the winners from Lakeside, Calif. BB: Zack Brown SW: Tucker Allen/Stan Branco TR: Lane Karney/Wyatt Hansen SB: Leon Fountain/Ethan Lemmons/Reed Neely TD: Westyn Hughes GB: Kathy Petska BR: Emiliano Garcia

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ON THE TRAIL RODEO IMAGES

Click Thompson photo

WAXAHACHIE, TEXAS: Benny Mosley makes a run at the Ellis County Livestock Show & Rodeo, March 26.

Darlene Roberts photo OZARK, MO.: After a wild start, Mark Kreder managed to ride Big Rafter Rodeo’s 508 for 76.5 points at the Ozark Empire Pro Rodeo in Springfield, Mo., March 26.

Brooks Benjamin photo CAVE CREEK, ARIZ.: Bull rider Marco Juarez shares a moment to himself at the 2022 Cave Creek (Ariz.) Rodeo Days, March 27.

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SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

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There’s $1 million in payouts on the line, so the action at the 81 ST Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo-NFR Open is going to be incredible as the best athletes in the sport compete in: The Best in ProRodeo are coming to Colorado Springs, July 13-16, 2022. You won’t want to miss a minute of this one!

H Bareback Riding H Steer Wrestling H Team Roping

H Saddle Bronc Riding H Breakaway Roping H Tie-down Roping H Barrel Racing H Bull Riding Plus we’ll have fan favorite mutton bustin’! Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evening (Rodeo starts at 6:45 p.m.; Grounds open at 4:00 p.m.) Saturday Matinee

(Rodeo starts at 12:15 p.m.; Grounds open at 10:00 a.m.) Arrive early and enjoy all the Fan Zone fun! And stay after the Rodeo and head over to the Coors Roadhouse Saloon for live music, dancing and cold Coors!

The 81 ST Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo/NFR Open takes place at the scenic Norris Penrose Event Center located at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Copyright © Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. All rights reserved. © Photography by Brian Gauck

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2022 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of March 30, 2022. For the 2022 season (Oct. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022), 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. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah................... $185,588 2. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss.................................... 24,607 3. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La.................................... 22,173 4. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla.............. 20,973 5. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif................................ 18,062 6. Connor Murnion, Jordan, Mont.. ......................... 16,426 7. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M................................ 13,888 8. Riley Wakefield, O’Neill, Neb................................ 12,183 9. Jase Staudt, Nathrop, Colo.................................... 8,245 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan.................................... $96,929 2. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif.. ......................... 53,644 3. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah................................... 51,110 4. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas............................. 48,730 5. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb......................... 41,837 6. Chad Rutherford, Hillsboro, Texas....................... 40,727 7. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo.................................... 36,298 8. Rocker Shane Steiner, Weatherford, Texas. ......... 33,441 9. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba............................... 32,435 10. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa. ............................. 31,948 11. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn.. ......................... 30,194 12. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas..................... 28,757 13. Caleb Bennett, Corvallis, Mont............................. 28,218 14. Lane McGehee, Victoria, Texas. ........................... 27,811 15. Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah. ................. 27,054 16. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont.. .......... 26,726 17. R.C. Landingham, Hat Creek, Calif....................... 25,175 18. Wyatt Denny, Minden, Nev................................... 24,472 19. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D....................................... 22,707 20. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev.................... 20,769 STEER WRESTLING 1. Hunter Cure, Holliday, Texas.............................. $63,662 2. Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La.. ................................ 46,418 3. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn................................. 41,262 4. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.......................... 40,772 5. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan.. ........................... 31,052 6. Timmy Sparing, Helena, Mont.. ........................... 29,428 7. Taz Olson, Prairie City, S.D.. ................................ 29,178 8. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss.. .............................. 26,255 9. Talon Roseland, Marshalltown, Iowa.................... 25,656 10. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore............................... 24,341 11. Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La.................................. 24,124 12. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont.. ................................. 23,636 13. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore.. ......................... 23,354 14. Payden McIntyre, Douglas, Wyo.......................... 22,700 15. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala................................. 22,145 16. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D...................... 21,465 17. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis.......................................... 21,270 18. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La.................................... 20,134 19. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho................................. 19,738 20. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev................................... 19,560 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont.................................. $68,922 2. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga............................... 60,029 3. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla.............................. 33,220 4. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn............................ 29,859 5. Lightning Aguilera, Athens, Texas........................ 28,365 6. Jake Orman, Prairie, Miss.................................... 27,543 7. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla............................... 25,689 8. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla.......................... 23,151 9. Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D.. ......................................... 22,856 10. Garrett Rogers, Baker City, Ore............................ 22,789 11. Reno Cash Stoebner, Stephenville, Texas............. 22,477 12. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas......................... 22,080 13. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah............................ 21,645 14. Curry Kirchner, Ames, Okla.................................. 21,626 15. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla............................... 21,340 16. Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah.................................. 20,761 17. Joshua Torres, Ocala, Fla..................................... 19,499 18. Tyler Waters, Stephenville, Texas......................... 19,454 19. Braxton Culpepper, Poulan, Ga.. .......................... 19,376 20. Tanner Tomlinson, Angleton, Texas...................... 18,960

TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan................................ $68,922 2. Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil ...... 60,029 3. Jonathan Torres, Ocala, Fla.................................. 40,999 4. Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta..................... 33,645 5. Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev....................................... 33,220 6. Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla........................... 29,585 7. Brye Crites, Welch, Okla.. .................................... 27,016 8. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M................................... 25,689 9. Tyler McKnight, Pollok, Texas.............................. 25,252 10. Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz.................................... 24,061 11. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla....................................... 23,151 12. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D.. ...................................... 22,574 13. Austin Rogers, Crescent, Okla.. ........................... 21,626 14. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan....................... 21,340 15. Caleb Hendrix, Fallon, Nev.. ................................. 20,761 16. Adam Plyler, Pageland, S.C.................................. 19,888 17. Jake Minor, Ellensburg, Wash.............................. 19,628 18. Brad Culpepper, Sylvester, Ga.............................. 19,376 19. Lane Mitchell, Bolivar, Tenn................................. 19,157 20. Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas.................................. 18,960 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont......................... $89,614 2. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah....................... 86,157 3. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas................................. 55,643 4. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah.................................. 50,299 5. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo................................. 48,182 6. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta......................... 46,035 7. Leon Fountain, Socorro, N.M............................... 43,358 8. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas................... 42,447 9. Kole Ashbacher, Arrowwood, Alberta................... 38,826 10. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta............. 36,781 11. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta........................ 31,793 12. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta.......................... 29,198 13. Lefty Marvel Holman, Visalia, Calif.. .................... 29,075 14. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont.. ...................... 28,794 15. Tegan Smith, Winterset, Iowa.............................. 28,372 16. Mitch Pollock, Winnemucca, Nev......................... 25,936 17. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah................................. 25,495 18. Logan James Hay, Wildwood, Alberta.................. 24,583 19. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho................................... 24,551 20. Lucas Macza, High River, Alberta......................... 24,545 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas........................... $82,063 2. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M.................................. 61,440 3. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas.......................... 48,397 4. Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla.. .......................... 45,691 5. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont.. ......................... 38,590 6. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La.. .............................. 38,508 7. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas. ............... 36,453 8. Quade Hiatt, Canyon, Texas. ................................ 34,146 9. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb...................................... 32,292 10. Michael Otero, Millsap, Texas. ............................. 31,482 11. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas. .............................. 31,304 12. Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla............................. 29,690 13. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas. ..................... 29,378 14. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.......................... 27,040 15. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla.............................. 26,181 16. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas.................................. 21,227 17. Lucas Potter, Maple City, Kan.. ............................ 20,873 18. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan.................................... 20,715 19. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas. ............................... 20,526 20. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas......................... 20,062 STEER ROPING 1. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas. ............. $21,150 2. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.................................. 19,976 3. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas............................. 19,887 4. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.................... 16,302 5. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas............................. 14,831 6. Ora Taton, Rapid City, S.D.................................... 12,526 7. Cash Myers, Kaufman, Texas............................... 11,990 8. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas. ............................. 11,853 9. John E. Bland, Turkey, Texas................................ 10,350 10. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan...................................... 9,896 11. Ryan Willberg, Lott, Texas..................................... 9,798 12. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D................................... 9,280 13. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas................................... 9,097 14. Brian Garr, Belle Fourche, S.D................................ 8,705

15. Corey Ross, Liberty Hill, Texas. ............................. 8,611 16. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas............................... 8,512 17. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................... 7,963 18. Bryce Davis, Ovalo, Texas...................................... 7,754 19. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla.............................. 7,058 20. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas................................... 6,951 BULL RIDING 1. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah................... $123,035 2. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah. .................................. 86,129 3. Sage Steele Kimzey, Salado, Texas. ..................... 85,867 4. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho................. 56,210 5. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.. ........................... 45,072 6. Bubba Greig, Estherville, Iowa............................. 43,608 7. Scottie Knapp, Albuquerque, N.M........................ 43,428 8. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas..................................... 42,659 9. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla......................... 42,140 10. Ernie Courson Jr., Okeechobee, Fla...................... 36,873 11. J.R. Stratford, Byers, Kan.................................... 34,368 12. Jordan Hansen, Amisk, Alberta............................ 33,609 13. Cole Fischer, Jefferson City, Mo........................... 30,819 14. Grayson Cole, Fredonia, Pa.................................. 30,130 15. Clayton Savage, Banner, Wyo.. ............................ 28,954 16. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La................................... 28,265 17. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.................................... 27,065 18. Blaine Beaty, Deer creek, Minn............................. 25,694 19. Tyler Taylor, Stephenville, Texas........................... 25,642 20. Garrett Smith, Rexburg, Idaho............................. 25,182 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. Jordan Briggs, Tolar, Texas................................. $90,511 2. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas. ................................ 63,101 3. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla......................... 39,520 4. Sissy Winn, Chapman Ranch, Texas..................... 38,791 5. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla.................................. 35,866 6. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas. ............................... 34,350 7. Emma Charleston, Reeds, Mo............................... 32,452 8. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas. ............. 28,516 9. Shannon McReynolds, La Luz, N.M...................... 26,654 10. Cassidy Chaplin, Pilot Point, Texas....................... 25,084 11. Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas............. 24,565 12. Jimmie Smith, McDade, Texas.............................. 23,530 13. Ilyssa Riley, Hico, Texas........................................ 23,067 14. BryAnna Haluptzok, Tenstrike, Minn.. ................... 21,885 15. Sarah Rose Waguespack, Gonzales, La.. .............. 19,560 16. Nellie Miller, Cotttonwood, Calif............................ 18,588 17. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla............................ 18,283 18. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. ............................... 17,459 19. Kricket Gintner, Eau Claire, Wis.. .......................... 16,343 20. Brittney Barnett, Stephenville, Texas..................... 14,979 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo................................. $49,899 2. Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas.................................. 35,443 3. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas................... 27,675 4. J.J. Hampton, Stephenville, Texas. ....................... 23,933 5. Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas................................. 20,097 6. Taylor Engesser, Spearfish, S.D. .......................... 17,218 7. Cadee Williams, Weatherford, Texas..................... 17,198 8. Laramie Johnson, Shreveport, La. ....................... 17,169 9. Hope Thompson, Abilene, Texas........................... 17,033 10. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas...................... 16,571 11. Cheyanne Guillory, Gainsville, Texas..................... 12,851 12. Amanda Coleman, Stephenville, Texas.................. 12,659 13. Amber Crawford, Springtown, Texas..................... 10,688 14. Jordi Edens, Gatesville, Texas............................... 10,446 15. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D.. .............................. 10,173 16. Taylor Hanchey, Carmine, Texas.............................. 9,935 17. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla....................................... 9,924 18. Bailey Gubert, Hungerford, Texas. .......................... 8,873 19. Tibba Smith, Hobbs, N.M........................................ 8,725 20. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas. ..................... 8,642 .

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SNAPSHOT

Hanging On Bareback rider Bradlee Miller had a

78.5-point ride on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Pillow Talk at the Walker County Fair and Pro Rodeo in Huntsville, Texas, March 26. – Joe Duty photo

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SHORT ROUND

Rocker Steiner out two to three months with left knee injury On the Mend

B Bareback rider Rocker Steiner’s standout PRCA rookie season has been put on hold. Steiner, 18, is expected to miss two to three months after injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee following his 88-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Dirty Jacket in the Championship Shootout of RodeoHouston March 19. “After the whistle I got pulled down and land right on my knee,” Steiner said. “It didn’t really hurt until I got back to the locker room, and I saw my knee was swollen.” After seeing Dr. Tandy Freeman on March 21, Steiner said no surgery is required rather just two to three months of rest. “I’m in a brace with a straight leg for

three weeks and I will start rehab around six weeks, and I should be back before Reno (Nev.),” Steiner said. The Reno Rodeo is June 16-25. Steiner is eighth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $33,441. He finished second at RodeoHouston and left two after earning $27,850. Jess Pope won RodeoHouston with an 89-point ride on The Cervi Brothers Bay Nation. “This isn’t the best timing in the world, and I could have done

Mallory Beinborn photo Rocker Steiner stands during the national anthem at RodeoHouston. The rookie stand- out was injured during the Championship Shootout on March 19 in Houston.

without this, but it could have been worse,” Steiner said. “I have never had problems with my knees before. I just have to roll with the punches. I will just have to stay here (in Weatherford) and rehab and be ready by Reno. The main goal is just get healthy and then qualify for the NFR.”

Barrelman Hodges puts out music single

Robbie Hodges, a barrelman at the 2010 National Finals Rodeo, has expanded his talent outside the rodeo arena into the music industry. Hodges’ latest endeavor has him singing vocals on the song “Rodeo in the Rain,” with the band the Durangos. Hodges, a PRCA barrelman since 2005, teamed up with guitarist Bruce Smith of the Georgia Satellites and Jimmy Ginn of the Ginn Music Group for the release of the single. The single is now available on Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, and others.

“This is my second single and I have been piddling with the guitar for 10 to 15 years,” Hodges said. “I met Bruce on a Lynyrd Skynyrd Tour on a cruise we went on. We have been best friends ever since. Bruce does every piece of this (new song) except for the drums and the vocals. I very much enjoy doing this. I’m 54 years old and I have been working the barrel almost every day of my life. I’m not wanting to retire. I just wanted something fun to do. “I’m really proud of this (song, Rodeo in the Rain). It is a toe tapper.”

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ONLINE: For more ProRodeo events and full results, go to www.prorodeo.com

BY THE NUMBERS $455K The career amount of money ($455,552) earned by Sage Kimzey in the Xtreme Bulls Tour, which is a PRCA record. Kimzey has won five out of the last seven Xtreme Bulls Tour titles, including last year. The next stop on the Division 1 Xtreme Bulls schedule is April 10 in San Angelo, Texas. $458K The combined amount of money ($458,500) earned by the 2022 RodeoHouston winners bareback rider Jess Pope ($60,500); steer wrestler Hunter Cure ($57,000); team ropers Clay Tryan/Jake Long ($54,500); saddle bronc ($57,250); barrel racer Jordon Briggs ($60,000) and bull rider Stetson Wright ($57,250). $1.8M The payout of 2022 RodeoHouston – $1,800,500, making it a key stop on the NFR Playoff Series presented by Pendleton Whisky. rider Sage Newman ($57,500); tie-down roper John Douch

PRCA Executive Council announced The following PRCA Executive Council members were elected or re-elected and will serve two-year terms beginning April 1. The newly elected members are David Petty • James Miller (Rodeo Committee Representative $50k and above), • Jesse Knudsen (Contract Personnel Announcer) Saddle bronc rider Ross Griffin had an 87-point ride on New Star Pro Rodeo’s May Day to split the win at the Osage Xtreme Bronc Days in Pawhuska, Okla., March 25. He earned $3,761. Winning Ride Kay Miller photo

(Rodeo Committee Representative At Large) and Bradley Harter (Saddle Bronc Representative). The re-elected members are as follows:

• Robert “Blue” Jeanes (Contract Personnel

Clowns/Bullfighter)

• Matt Reeves (Steer Wrestling Representative) • J.P. Wickett (Steer Roping Representative)

• Steve Gander (Rodeo Committee

• Wade Sankey (Stock Contractor) • T.J. Korkow (Stock Contractor).

Representative $10k and under)

Los Fresnos (Texas) Rodeo utilizing grant

The Los Fresnos (Texas) Rodeo will put a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant to work building a permanent rodeo performance stage, paving the midway from rodeo grounds to the Cameron County Fair and Livestock Show and making other improvements to the rodeo and fairgrounds complex. The Los Fresnos Rodeo Committee announced the grant March 24 during an impromptu ceremony, celebrating the grant as a big boost to the Los

Fresnos economy, the Los Fresnos PRCA Rodeo and the county fair and livestock show. “The Hometown Grant from T-Mobile is truly a blessing for the Los Fresnos Rodeo. The grant will allow us to make improvements to the grounds that will help us reduce expenses and allow us to have more events during the year that bring families together in our area,” Larry Cantu, Los Fresnos Rodeo chairman said in an article by My RGV News.

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H-Town Party

After being canceled because of COVID-19 last year, RodeoHouston returned in grand fashion in 2022 as contestants competed for a $1.8 million purse.

HOUSTON

Bullfighters Nathan Jestes and Chuck Swisher jump into action to protect bull rider Cole Wagner at RodeoHouston. Mallory Beinborn photo

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HOUSTON, TEXAS

RODEO HOUSTON

Striking Paydirt

Cure wins his first RodeoHouston title BY TANNER BARTH H unter Cure has won his fair share of rodeos over his 18-year ProRodeo career, which includes two PRCA Steer Wrestling World Championships (2013,2015). But it’s a stop in Texas that has always slipped by the veteran, that all changed on March 19 at NRG Stadium. Cure was able to wrap up his first RodeoHouston title with a 4.0-second run in the Championship Shootout, edging out Tanner Brunner (4.6 seconds). He said it’s a rodeo he’s had success at before but could never finish the job until 2022. “I feel like Houston has always been the one rodeo that’s always eluded me for whatever reason,” said Cure, 38. “When COVID hit a couple years ago I had already competed in my opening sets and had won my Super Series. I had all the pieces in place to give it a great attempt that year, it felt as good as ever then I felt like COVID kind of pulled the rug out from underneath me. “So, being able to return there and win it this year was a great feeling. I didn’t feel like I was even going to make a run towards the NFR this year. I was just going to rodeo enough to sell horses and step away. This has really changed the outlook on my year.” Cure was able to walk out of Houston with $57,000. The payday bumped him from outside the top 100 to No.1 spot in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings, but he’s still unsure if he’ll continue rodeoing in 2022. “Honestly, I don’t know yet,” he said. “I only planned on rodeoing through this month and was hoping to sell horses. I really didn’t have intentions to rodeo this summer. “So, I feel like that’s something that has to be decided as a family and not so much as an individual. I’ve spent a good portion of my life and my kids’ entire lives chasing this down the highway.” The Holliday, Texas, cowboy, has been rodeoing in the PRCA since 2005. He said if this is indeed the end of the line for his rodeo career it is a journey he’s enjoyed. “There’s certainly a wealth of friends and great memories made along the way,” Cure said. “There’s also been my fair share of disappointments. Stepping away is inevitable, but perhaps this delays it a bit, we will see.”

TOP MONEY WINNER Stetson Wright TOP SCORES

($73,750, saddle bronc riding and bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING

Wright

1. Jess Pope ............................. 89 pts. 2. Rocker Steiner ............................. 88 3. R.C. Landingham ......................... 87 STEER WRESTLING 1. Hunter Cure ........................ 4.0 sec. 2. Tanner Brunner ........................... 4.6 3. Timmy Sparing . ........................ 14.1 TEAM ROPING 1. Clay Tryan/Jake Long .......... 6.4 sec. 2. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill ............... 9.3 3. Two tied ...................................... NT SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Sage Newman ....................... 93 pts. 2. Wyatt Casper . .............................. 90 3. Stetson Wright ............................. 88 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. John Douch . ....................... 7.7 sec. 2. Tyler Milligan .............................. 8.2 3. Tuf Cooper .................................. 8.3 BARREL RACING 1. Jordon Briggs ................. 14.33 sec. 2. Kassie Mowry ......................... 14.55 3. Hailey Kinsel ........................... 14.80 BULL RIDING 1. Stetson Wright ...................... 93 pts. 2. Three tied .................................... NS

Photo courtesy RodeoHouston

Complete results/Page 52

Hunter Cure was a model of consistency at RodeoHouston, clocking a 4.0-second run in the championship round to take home $50,000.

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RODEO HOUSTON

Sage Newman gets biggest career win Photos courtesy RodeoHouston Saddle bronc rider Sage Newman starred in the spotlight at RodeoHouston, winning the Championship Shootout with a 93-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Billie.

Making the 2021Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge was a lifelong dream for saddle bronc rider Sage Newman. The Melstone, Mont., cowboy checked another box on March 19 when he won the coveted RodeoHouston crown. Newman accomplished that feat with a 93-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Billie in the Championship Shootout at NGR Stadium. “That was unbelievable,” said Newman, 24. “That was the most memorable win of my career so far. It’s a legendary rodeo and to be able to win that is amazing. My traveling partner Kolby Wanchuk got on that horse (Billie) in San Antonio (Feb. 26) and was 90 on him, so I knew what he was all about and when I drew that horse, I was pretty excited.” The ride lived up to its hype for Newman. “It was unbelievable,” Newman said. “He went out there and stayed in

one spot pretty much and was cracking over his head. I guess I did my job, and it was a great day for the horse and a good day for me. When I made the whistle, I knew it felt good because he was really bucking. When I saw the scoreboard, I couldn’t even believe it. All my buddies were back there cheering me on and then they were giving me high fives. That was probably the best part was having my buddies there firing me up. It was a blast.” Newman departed Houston after earning $57,500. He rocketed to the top of the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings, but he has no plans of taking his foot off the gas. “I was talking with some of my traveling partners, and I told them last year I was fighting to get $80,000 at the end of the year and I have that won already,” Newman said. “It feels good, but I’m not going to slow down any. I’m still going to go to all the rodeos and try and win as much as I can.”

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BY TANNER BARTH & TRACY RENCK Stetson Wright stays on roll with bull riding win HOUSTON, TEXAS

The torrid pace Stetson Wright has been on during the 2022 PRCA season picked up speed at RodeoHouston in the bull riding. Wright won the event with a 93-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Yellowstone. Wright left Houston after earning a combined $73,750 in saddle bronc riding ($16,500) and bull riding ($57,250). “I’m the luckiest man alive,” Wright said. “I had Rusty (Wright, his brother) on the back of the chutes and he coached me all the way through, and he had me pumped up. “I’m definitely living the dream, to be in an arena with a crowd like this is just insane,” Wright said. “I’ve always wanted to get on that bull, he’s a handful. He wants to jerk the rope out of your hand and he moves forward and I kept my chin down and was moving my feet. It looked a lot better than it felt than it felt. That was hard.” Wright was the only cowboy to make the whistle in the four- man Shootout. Wright, with his electrifying performance at RodeoHouston, took a commanding lead in the world standings in the all-around with $152,875. He also took the bull riding world standings lead with $103,668. Wright has won three consecutive all-around world titles – the first to do since the legendary Trevor Brazile in 2013-15 – and he was the bull riding world champ in 2020 and saddle bronc riding world champ in 2021. Brazile has won a PRCA- record 14 all-around world championships, a number Wright wants to break. “I’m after Trevor Brazile’s all- around record,” saidWright, 22. “I’m far from it now, but with each gold buckle it adds up. I’m just going to keep chipping away.”

Stetson Wright kept rolling through the regular season with a RodeoHouston win with a 93-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Yellowstone.

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HOUSTON, TEXAS

RODEO HOUSTON

BY TANNER BARTH & TRACY RENCK

Tryan & Long claim glory Clay Tryan and Jake Long have no shortage of performing on rodeo’s biggest stages. Tryan is a three-time PRCA Team Roping Heading World Champion, and Long is an 11-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Tryan and Long, who are in their third year roping together captured their biggest win together by claiming the title at RodeoHouston. As the last team out in the Championship Shootout, Tryan and Long knew exactly what they needed to be the champs. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill were standing in their way with a 9.3-second time. “The other three teams (in the Championship Shootout) were all great teams, but they kind of had trouble,” Long said. “Ultimately, we just had to make a clean run and we had a really good steer. Really if we executed a clean run it was going to be a win for us, and we made a run that we had been making in the practice pen a lot. “For me, it was a little more nerve-wracking because I like to rope aggressive, but it was obviously nice to have that much time.” Tryan and Long left Houston with $56,000. “(A win like this) is a huge thing and it can alter the course of your year getting such a big win that early in the season,” Long said. “It is just going to make our year a lot easier. Roping with Clay has been fun. We get along in and out of the arena really well. Clay has won everything and been in a lot of situations and nothing really bothers him. I have learned a lot from him. It has been good. “In a roping you usually don’t get 9 seconds to win very often. He actually made a comment to me right before we rode in the box to make sure we were on the same page right before we roped. Being the last team out is such a huge advantage because we knew exactly what we had to do.”

Jess Pope is setting the rodeo world on fire in 2022. Coming off his secondWrangler National Finals Rodeo average title, Pope hasn’t slowed down in the new year. He added to his already impressive season with one of the biggest wins of his young career at RodeoHouston inside NRG Stadium. Pope’s 89-point ride in the Championship Shootout onThe Cervi Brothers’ Bay Nation came with a rodeo title and a $50,000 payday. “You know that’s one of the most prestigious rodeos in world and to be able to put my name on top of that it is really awesome,” said Pope, a two-time Wrangler NFR qualifier. “That was my first time getting to compete all the way through Houston. “My first year at Houston was when they cancelled it halfway through (because of COVID-19). So, to be able to experience the full thing it was pretty amazing. It kind of leaves a guy speechless really when he goes to talking about how it all really is.” The win moves Pope into the No.1 spot in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with more than $90,000 already earned this season. In 2021, he finished second in the world with $340,499. He said while the victory does take a little pressure off him, he’s not worrying about the standings, just going out and doing his job every night. “It definitely helps I think, I’m in a better position than I’ve ever gotten to be in,” he said. “I’m excited for it and I’m excited to keep rodeoing really hard. “I think it does give a guy confidence when you’re riding good and you’re feeling good. You just have to keep building off the momentum that you get from all of that.” Jess Pope fuels fire with Houston win

Photos courtesy RodeoHouston

Clay Tryan and Jake Long shined in the spotlight at RodeoHouston, winning with a 6.4-second run.

John Douch is no stranger to big time wins in front of sellout crowds, but he may have picked up his most impressive victory of all March 19. The Huntsville, Texas, cowboy traveled an hour and a half down the road to RodeoHouston and walked out of NRG Stadium with more than $50,000 in his pocket. He secured the illustrious tie-down roping title with a 7.7-second run in the final round, while sporting the No.77 back number. “This is a type of win that changes a guy’s life,” said Douch, 24. “It gives me a great jumpstart on the 2022 season and hopefully gets me closer to qualifying for the Finals again.” Douch’s first trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge came last season. He’s roped on the sport’s biggest stage but acknowledged after the win there were nerves as he was the last cowboy to go in the round of four. “There was a little bit of nerves with those guys going in front of me in the final round. They put down an 8.3 and an 8.2-second run,” he said. “So, I couldn’t be messing around, I had to go out there and make a good run. Thankfully it all worked out for me.” Since he was in the eighth grade, Douch he has had a roping icon in his corner. His mentor is eight-time PRCAWorld Champion Joe Beaver. The ProRodeo Hall of Famer said this is an accomplishment he could see coming for Douch a mile away. “That is well deserved! He’s worked very hard at it for the last 10 years or so,” said Beaver. “We put a lot of time and effort into it. I kept telling him if you work hard, your good at what you do, and you’re a good person things are going to come your way. I think this win was just a result of that for John.” Douch gets big win

John Douch picked up the biggest payday of his ProRodeo career by winning Rodeo- Houston, taking home over $50,000. He secured the title with a 7.7-second run in the finals.

Jess Pope stayed red hot at RodeoHouston. The 23-year-old cowboy won the coveted title with an 87-point ride on The Cervi Brothers’ Bay Nation in the four-man final round.

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