ProRodeo Sports News - April 20, 2018

Faster & Faster Olson/Kasner pick up speed for team-roping buckle

BY SCOTT KANIEWSKI T hrough the first two rounds of the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., team ropers Logan Olson and Matt Kasner weren’t dazzling, but solid. They tied for fifth in the first round with a 6.2-second time. Their second run landed a time, yet yielded no money. But the combination of the first two rounds was strong enough to help them take second in the average and get into the semifinals as one of the final eight pairs. From there, they never looked back. Olson and Kasner won the semifinals in 5.4 seconds, then came right back with another 5.4-second run to tie for first in the finals of the RAM NCFR with Clay Smith and Paul Eaves. Olson and Kasner were awarded the buckle because their semifinals run was faster. All told, the team ropers cashed in for $20,090 apiece over the April 5-8 rodeo. More importantly, they took home their first RAMNCFR titles. “Man, this means a lot,” said team roping heeler Kasner, 43. “It’s such a big rodeo. For guys like us that don’t rodeo full time anymore, this is kind of our NFR, our big deal. The money is phenomenal.” Making sure they caught their steers in the first two rounds was all the

two were concerned about before worrying about the semifinals. “This deal, the first two rounds, man, do your job,” said Olson, 38. “You don’t have to be too gutsy. If you just get your first two down, then build from there. Get the momentum rolling. If you have your momentum rolling coming into today (Sunday), then you’re comfortable, you’re confident. It builds from there.” TO GO OR NOT TO GO,THAT ISTHE QUESTION Olson and Kasner prefer sticking around and roping in the Badlands Circuit. The year-end champions of that circuit didn’t discuss before the RAM NCFR what would happen if they were to leave Kissimmee with shiny, new buckles around their waists. The conversation during the drive back from Florida was probably an interesting one. Winning more than $20,000 moved Olson into third place among team roping headers in the 2018 PRCAWorld Standings with $35,322. Kasner, a heeler, jumped even farther ahead, moving up to second in the PRCAWorld Standings with $36,252. Olson entered the RAMNCFR in 18th place and Kasner 15th in their respective events. With such a significant amount of money won through the

TOPS AT KISSIMMEE — April 5-8

ALL-AROUND COWBOY Ryle Smith $9,476 Steer wrestling and tie-down roping

BAREBACK RIDING 1. (tie) Mason Clements*...............86 pts. Tim O’Connell....................................86 3. J.R. Vezain......................................85.5 4. Clayton Biglow...................................84 *Clements wins with higher semifinals score

STEER WRESTLING 1. Chason Floyd............................ 4.2 sec. 2. Bridger Chambers............................4.3 3. Blake Mindemann.............................5.2 4. Beau Clark........................................ NT

TEAM ROPING 1. (tie) L. Olson/M. Kasner*.................5.4 A. Ward/R. Ward..............................5.4 3. C. Smith/P. Eaves............................14.2 4. T. Ward/O. Pulham........................... NT * Olson/Kasner win with faster semifinals time

ProRodeo Sports News 4/20/18

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