ProRodeo Sports News - April 1, 2022

REDMOND, ORE.

Reid Oftedahl stays hot with victory Winning Ways BY CAROLINE ARENDT Special to ProRodeo Sports News T he nearly 1,700-mile trip from Raymond, Minn., to Redmond, Ore., paid off and paid out for 2022 High Desert Stampede Bull Riding champion Reid Oftedahl, adding not only to his earnings but momentum to his current winning streak. HIGH DESERT STAMPEDE

TOP MONEY WINNER TOP SCORES

Reid Oftedahl ($5,349, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING

Oftedahl claimed the win in Redmond with and 80-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Snow Cougar. Oftedahl earned $5,349 for his eight seconds of work at the NFR Playoff Series rodeo presented by Pendleton Whisky. “I started at Valley City (N.D.), then won Lake Havasu, (Ariz.), and then I’m headed to the (Red Bluff, (Calif.) Round-Up April 15-17),” said Oftedahl, 28. “It’s been a good few weekends, and I’m excited for the summer (season).” While currently on a roll, Oftedahl is no stranger to the highs and lows of the sport. Truly a family affair, Oftedahl was raised in rodeo. His mother, aunts and uncle all competed in rodeo events – his uncle was even a professional bulldogger. Rodeo is also how Oftedahl met his wife, Courtney, while competing in high school. Today, Oftedahl competes professionally alongside his cousin PRCA tie-down roper Chance Oftedahl. Reid’s bull riding career started early with riding sheep then progressed to riding calves. Oftedahl’s formal profession started in junior high, and it continued through high school riding bulls. Oftedahl’s rodeo résumé includes victories from an early age and by the time he was a senior in high school he was Minnesota’s all-around state champ. “I knew I was going to ride bulls professionally ever since I was younger coming through high school,” Oftedahl said. After buying his PRCA card and claiming his first event victory in 2012, he’s been grinding it out battling a slew of injuries the last six years, including a broken thumb in 2021. In 2022, he’s been healthy, he’s trying to keep it that way. “Coming into this year I was feeling good, and I just tried entering all the rodeos I could get into, and the ones I did get into I knew I had to take advantage of,” Oftedahl said. “The main goal for anyone that’s really trying for it is to make it to the NFR.” Oftedahl’s key to success to hopefully capture a coveted bid to the 2022Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge is a strong support system. “That even pushes me more,” said Oftedahl about his family in Minnesota. Back home his wife takes care of their livestock, and their 2-year-old daughter, Tinsley. The couple also plans to welcome a son in early July. “I’m getting older, so it would be nice to make a run for it,” he said. “I owe myself that shot.”

Oftedahl

1. Jess Pope............................. 87.5 pts. 2. Austin Foss.................................. 85.5 3. Garrett Shadbolt. ............................ 82 STEER WRESTLING 1. Josh Garner............................ 4.9 sec. 2. Kaden Greenfield. .......................... 5.0 3. Two tied at .................................... 5.5 TEAM ROPING 1. J. Flenniken/J. Minor . ........... 5.0 sec. 2. M. Battaglia/J. Johe ..................... 5.6 (Tie) G. Rogers/J. Davis ................... 5.6 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Layton Green........................... 87 pts. 2. Wyatt Casper............................... 83.5 3. Kole Ashbacher .............................. 83 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Cody Jones............................. 8.4 sec. (Tie) Roger Nonella............................ 8.4 2. Trevor Hale. ................................... 8.8 BARREL RACING 1. Kacey Gartner..................... 16.25 sec. 2. Cheyenne Hattesen.................... 16.32 3. Two tied at ................................ 16.33 BULL RIDING 1. Reid Oftedahl........................... 80 pts. 2. Chance Schott. ............................... 78 3. Cullen Telfer.................................... 74

Complete results/Page 60

Roseanna Sales photo

Minnesota bull rider Reid Oftedahl made his long trek to Redmond, Ore., worthwhile by winning the High Desert Stampede with an 80-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Snow Cougar. He earned $5,349.

ProRodeo Sports News 4/1/2022

ProRodeo Sports News 4/1/2022

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo.com

42

43