ProRodeo Sports News - April 5, 2019

RECAP

Mexico Circuit posts its best RAM NCFR performance Progess Made

Heeler Miguel Valenzuela, left, prepares to rope after his heading partner Fernando Gan Ruiz made his catch during the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla. Gan Ruiz and Valenzuela earned $3,475 at the RAM NCFR, which also helped Valenzuela win the all-around cowboy honor. PRCA ProRodeo photo by James Phifer

BY TRACY RENCK I t didn’t take long for the Mexico contestants to make history at the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo. In its third season since joining the RAMNCFR, the Mexican contingent had its best national circuit finals performance in Kissimmee, Fla., March 21-24. The top highlight for the Mexican team was Miguel Valenzuela becoming the first cowboy from the Mexico Circuit to win the all-around title. Valenzuela competed in team roping and tie-down roping at the Silver Spurs Arena. In addition to that feat, bull rider Ricardo Gonzalez earned $3,791 while reaching the semifinals. Valenzuela, a team roping heeler, paired with header Fernando Gan Ruiz to earn $3,475 and snare the all-around crown. “This is a great feeling,” Valenzuela said. “It’s unbelievable. We put out the effort on this, and it finally paid out. It is just a great feeling.”

Valenzuela, who lives in Chihuahua, Mexico, was competing in his third RAM NCFR. “This is a totally different experience and something we are not used to back home,” Valenzuela said. “Just to be here and represent our country is awesome. This (the RAM

NCFR) is huge, and things are growing for us. It is going to grow a lot more. I would like to thank the PRCA and the Mexican Federation for everything it has done for the sport.” The PRCA and the Mexican Rodeo Federation signed a contract to co- sanction events in 2016, and things have progressed from then. TEAM ROPERS MAKE STATEMENT Gan Ruiz and Valenzuela earned their money in the team roping long

ProRodeo Sports News 4/5/2019

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