ProRodeo Sports News - April 1, 2022

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Mayfield gets spark with victory Shad Mayfield is no stranger to lightning fast runs in key situations. He delivered another one of his patented performances in Austin, Texas, March 26. The 2020 PRCAWorld Champion Tie-Down Roper was the last one out in the finals and delivered a run rodeo fans won’t forget. He stopped the clock in 7.4-seconds to capture his first Rodeo Austin title, nudging out second place John Douch by four tenths of a second. “It seems like I haven’t won a big rodeo in forever. So, I really wanted to get the win here in Austin,” said Mayfield, 21. “You know my horse (Rampage) worked great and the calves were good.” The title in Austin is Mayfield’s first rodeo win since Nov. 21 in Tatum, Texas. He said things are headed back in the right direction and his star- studded horse Rampage is a big reason why he was able to pick up the key NFR Playoff Series presented by PendletonWhisky win. “I’d say he’s responsible for 75 percent of my success and I trust him so much,” he said. “To me he’s the best horse out there and he works the best every time. I never have to do anything special because I knows he’s going to do his job and I just have to do mine.” He walked out of Austin with an additional $17,879 to his name, bumping him up to third in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. He said he’s right on track, with one goal in mind for the 2022 ProRodeo season. “I’m definitely after gold buckle No. 2 and I’m hungry for it this year,” he said. “There’s no doubt about that.”

Peggy Gander photo Shad Mayfield was back to his winning ways in Austin. He stopped the clock in 7.4 seconds to win the rodeo and earn a $9,400 payday.

Fountain gets biggest win of career

Cowboy Leon Fountain has had success in the PRCA, mainly at the Turquoise Circuit level. Fountain continues to chase a Wrangler National Rodeo qualification and received a huge boost toward that goal by winning Rodeo Austin with a 92-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Nutrena’s Killer Bee. Killer Bee was voted the top saddle bronc horse of the NFR in 2013-14 and was the PRCA Bareback Horse of the Year in 2019 and the top bareback horse of the 2018 and 2020 NFR. “I’m already sore from it,” said Fountain, 26. “It was a lot of work. I have never been on one so strong. When I heard about it (drawing Killer Bee) I was nervous from last night until tonight, but shoot it worked out. This is definitely the biggest win of my career. This was an awesome and electric atmosphere, and I was fired up.” Fountain left Austin after earning $11,977. “This (win) will help me a bunch and help me get in bigger rodeos,” Fountain said. “It will help jump me up in the world standings. I think (to get to the NFR) I just need to place everywhere and win when you get a chance and stay solid.”

Peggy Gander photo Saddle bronc rider Leon Fountain had a career-best 92-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Killer Bee to win Rodeo Austin.

ProRodeo Sports News 4/1/2022

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