ProRodeo Sports News - August 18, 2023

First page Table of contents 1 Next page Last page

An official publication of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

Xplosive Wright Statler wins Hermiston on Xplosive Skies

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

CONTENTS

AUGUST 18, 2023 VOLUME 71, NO. 17

Northwest Stop Cowboys kept up their late-season push to make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston, Ore. It also was a key stop on the Playoff Series. 42

Bareback rider Hunter Greenup shakes the hand of a Mutton Bustin contestant at the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston. Gini Roberge photo

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

INSIDE

RODEOS 32 Castle Rock, Colo. 34 Sentinel Butte, N.D. 36 Dodge City, Kan. 38 Lovington, N.M. 40 Lovington, N.M. Xtreme Bulls 42 Hermiston, Ore. 44 Sikeston, Mo. 46 Logan, Utah 48 Woodstown, N.J. Xtreme Bulls 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Hot Takes 10 Grille 14 He Said-She Said 16 Social Media 20 Short Round RODEOS

Brian Gauck photo Bareback rider Cooper Cooke split the win at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo with a 90-point ride on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Red Feathers in Castle Rock, Colo. The Playoff Series Rodeo ran from Aug. 4-6. Castle Rock & Roll Contestants came to the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo in Castle Rock, Colo., to try and cash checks as they make a frantic push to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Tie-down roper Shane Hanchey continued his torrid sum mer run, getting the win with an 8.1-second run in Castle Rock. 32

COVER

ProRodeo Sports News PRCA CEO Tom Glause DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA Becky Hillier PSN EDITOR Tracy Renck PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver STAFF WRITER Tanner Barth PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carley Betzer SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jessica Butterly

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

Xplosive Wright Statler wins Hermiston on Xplosive Skies

Saddle bronc rider Statler Wright won the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston, Ore., with a stout 90-point ride on award-winning horse, Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies. Gini Roberge photo

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.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK

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.

Peggy Gander photo Saddle bronc rider Logan Hay was rewarded for his crazy journey to get to the Lea County PRCA Rodeo in Lovington, N.M., by earning $4,605.

Hay goes to all lengths chasing return trip to NFR Chasing the dream, while living the dream. If there ever was a motto for PRCA cowboys to live by this would be a good choice – because it is the truth. Cowboys will go to all lengths chasing qualifications for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and a coveted gold buckle. Look no further than saddle bronc rider Logan Hay. Hay, who had Tommy John surgery on May 19 on his right elbow, is frantically trying to make up for lost time and cash checks at rodeos to earn his second-consecutive bid to the NFR. make great time. “I got (to Lovington) a couple hours before the rodeo and I took a little nap and headed on over to the rodeo,” Hay said. “I was riding solo because all my partners went to Logan, Utah. We all do a lot of traveling to get to places, but this was one was a little bit excessive.” Hay was rewarded for his – ‘excessive’ road trip – as he took second at the Playoff Series rodeo with an 88.5-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Little Bit, earning $4,605.

A year ago, Hay made a memorable NFR debut, finishing third in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $339,401. He earned $199,960 at the NFR alone. Hay’s mindset to return to the NFR was in full force on Aug. 9. After competing at the United States Open Xtreme Bronc Match in Faith, S.D., he was in travel-plan mode to figure out a way to get to the Lea County PRCA Rodeo in Lovington, N.M., where he was scheduled to ride on Aug. 10. “I drove straight from Faith to get on a flight at 3:30 a.m. (Aug. 10) in Rapid City (S.D.) (which is two hours from Faith),” Hay said. “I took a flight from Rapid to Albuquerque and I rented a nice little Nissan Versa and I had to drive like six hours to Lovington.” Hay wasn’t breaking any land speed records in his Versa, but he did

“The ride felt really good for me. I never let his power get to me,” Hay said. “He definitely is powerful for a little horse. I was pretty pumped to see that big score. I haven’t had a lot of luck lately. Good to get a score like that at a rodeo like that.” As crazy as Hay’s travel itinerary was to get to Lovington, he might have some crazier trips to talk about by the end of September as he tries to forge his way into the Top 15 of the world standings. The Canadian cowboy had 60 of his 100-rodeo limit to use up by Sept. 30 when the PRCA regular season ends. Hay will not be alone with a hectic schedule as numerous contestants in all events will be chasing the dream and living the dream – just to hopefully get the opportunity to compete in the bright lights of the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas in December.

A NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS OF OUR PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS : EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, REFUNDS OF SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL NO LONGER BE ISSUED.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

Recovery

“It was a battle last season. I had to figure out how to deal with it. I was more worried about landing on my head than staying on the bull. This year it would mean a whole lot more than any other year if I made it to the NFR because it means I would have come out of nowhere to do it. If God is willing, maybe it will happen.” NEXT ON TAP HORSE HEAVEN ROUNDUP Where: Kennewick, Wash. When: Aug. 22-26 Broadcast Schedule: The Horse Heaven Roundup will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Aug. 22-26. KITSAP STAMPEDE Where: Bremerton, Wash. When: Aug. 23-25 Broadcast Schedule: The Kitsap Stampede will stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Aug. 23-25.

The ProRodeo road is not for the faint of heart, it comes with bumps and bruises. Just ask bull rider Laramie Mosley. He broke his neck in 2021, creating physical and mental obstacles that kept him out of the sport for six months. But the adversity has made him stronger. He showed that by winning the Cowtown Rodeo Xtreme Bulls, Aug. 15. His goal remains the Wrangler NFR.

HOT TAKES Andre Silva photo JB Mauney finished in the top 3 at the Eagle (Colo.) County Fair & Rodeo with an 82-point ride on Harper & Morgan Rodeo Co.’s Sippin’ Firewater.

Fight to the Finish JB Mauney qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2021, but then the injury bug struck. A groin injury forced him to miss most of last season, he competed in just nine rodeos. The bull riding superstar has his goal of returning to Las Vegas back on track in 2023. He currently sits just outside the Top 15 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings after winning $45,969 the last two months.

GOLDEN SPIKE RODEO Where: Tremonton, Utah When: Aug. 24-26

Broadcast Schedule: The Golden Spike Rodeo will stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Aug. 24-26. * Broadcasts are subject to change. For complete broadcast schedule visit https://bit.ly/3LsEcbR

665 $41,125,691 MONEY WON BY COWBOYS IN THE 2023 SEASON NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2023 SEASON AS OF AUG. 17

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Karson: I grew up on a cattle ranch, so I started cowboying from a pretty young age. I actually started team roping and figured out it was something more than what we did in the branding pen. Then I really fell in love with saddle bronc riding, while watching it at the NFR every year on the TV. That’s kind of how it sparked that fire for me in the sport of rodeo. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Karson: There really wasn’t ever a win that made me think I could make it. I think it was more that the competitions along the way helped me build my confidence to where I am today. Obviously, the guys that I travel with we have always had the dream to do it for a living, but to kind of see it start to turn into reality is really special. Why did you decide to compete in saddle bronc riding? Karson: I love the beauty inside the chaos of it. It’s the classic event in our sport and the prettiest event in my opinion. I really fell in love with how great it looked when guys did it right. What’s this season been like for you so far? Karson: I’ve learned a lot this season. I didn’t realize how much my permit last year would influence the beginning of my rookie season. I didn’t get into a lot of rodeos this winter, so my year had a slow start. But then from the Fourth of July on things have really started going my way. I’m just hoping to keep it rocking and rolling the rest of the year. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card this year? Karson Mebane, 22, put his ProRodeo career in motion in 2023, purchasing his PRCA card. The Bakersfield, Calif., saddle bronc rider is coming off one of the biggest wins of his career at the Owyhee County Rodeo in Homedale, Idaho, on Aug. 12. His 86-point ride on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Call Me Kindra earned him $2,019. As of Aug. 15, Mebane sits top 10 in the race for Resistol Rookie of the Year honor.

KARSON MEBANE

Karson: I did a lot of rodeoing on my permit and we traveled a lot last year. I really fell in love with it. I’ve been in school for the last four years at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I thought about going back for my masters, but then I also thought about how great life would be if I just took the jump and went for it. This year has been tough, but I’ve grown so much as a person. I think either decision would’ve been great. Is there someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Karson: If I had to choose my true rodeo idol, it would probably have to be Zeke Thurston. He is a great dude outside the arena, and I think he’s just the classiest bronc rider there is. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Karson: I think California Rodeo Salinas would be at the top of the list for me, I really do. Being from California, it’s been my dream to win it since we rodeoed at the fairgrounds in high school.

What’s your go-to restaurant when you’re out on the road? Karson: I would have to say Subway or a place that serves chicken teriyaki rice bowls. Those are definitely my go-to places when we are on the road. What’s your favorite movie or TV show? Karson: I would say one of my favorite movies is probably Hot Tub Time Machine . That’s probably my favorite comedy movie ever. What was the make and model of your first vehicle? Karson: I started out my career rodeoing in my single cab 2006 Chevy Silverado. It wasn’t in the best of shape, but it got the job done for me. When you’re not rodeoing, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Karson: I like to golf when I get the

chance. When we are out on the road, we also love to go cliff jumping or just find a body of water to hang out at during the summer.

What would be your favorite vacation? Karson: I’d love to win enough this year to take my girlfriend to Hawaii. We’ve both never been and that’s definitely on the bucket list for us. What type of music do you like listening to? Karson: I like to listen to a fair amount of country music, but while we’re rodeoing there’s quite a bit of 80’s rock ‘n’ roll on in the rig. It keeps the level of energy up for us.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

WORD SEARCH TRY YOUR LUCK

ANSWERS ON PAGE 56

Find the winners from the 2022 Canby (Ore.) Rodeo and the Gooding (Idaho) Pro 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. Late-season push 1. Find the winners from Canby, Ore.: BB: Keenan Hayes SW: Hunter Cure/Taz Olson/Cash Robb TR: Clay Smith/Jake Long

ZRYDERWRIGHTDOJXLF J SS CUHYBLGOPATR ICKSMI THT EJXUHEFXLEIKBSKWURHAM SQCCNFVNNYMLXENDWTGDR HTRRYTJNCBSGEUEQEXIMU ARALWJ EKCNYNWTHAZWRAS NIMNBBORHSACOUGANTWYA NLLGBHOSCNLDWNJMXANFT OOJ ELR JWHUCR IABDZNOIC NELAHIAACFRLKRBOGNSEM MATWOCYNQOREOB I SNETLQ CS IKIEIRCALOIHBJVREDQ RQVNSOAMDONOS LOZATTWI EVZFANHENLWTDTAJ JOSNO YXADWZLGDI TQJQWWZMMXV NHJXJLNUMAVI JOLBILYRO ORHYEFTZMQKAGXTHP I SMY LFMHNWESCLHPGIMQUNFEM DLCHLGJRUCIEOICOPSZSR S IQQNHUYAZVXZTHGROTXA MLPZVCRBATLLHXBPANFPV

SB: Ryder Wright TD: Shad Mayfield GB: Shannon McReynolds BR: Josh Frost

2. Find the winners from Gooding, Idaho: BB: Caleb Bennett SW: Stan Branco TR: Tanner Tomlinson/Patrick Smith

SB: Stetson Wright TD: Matt Shiozawa GB: Michelle Darling BR: Gavin Michel

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 1/17/2014

ProRodeo.com

10 QUESTIONS

He Said – She Said ProRodeo announcer Will Rasmussen hails from Choteau, Mont., but currently resides with his wife Kathi in Salmon, Idaho. He’s been a PRCA member for 29 years and is a beloved staple at rodeos across the West, following in his dad Stan’s footsteps into the rodeo announcing business. He and fellow announcer Wayne Brooks sometimes share the stage, so we wondered who knows Will best – his wife Kathi or his ProRodeo pal Wayne.

WILL

KATHI

WAYNE

WILL

KATHI

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Hadley Barrett

His dad

Hadley Barrett

WHAT NON-NFR RODEO IS HIS FAVORITE TO ANNOUNCE?

Tucson

Salmon, ID

Tucson

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Kathi

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE FOOD ON THE ROAD?

Black Bear Diner

Mexican

WHO PLAYS HIM IN A MOVIE?

Jeff Bridges

Sam Elliott

WHAT IS HIS MOST MEMORABLE RODEO MOMENT?

1st time finalist announcer of the year

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK?

Coke or Pepsi

Coffee

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE SPORT BESIDES RODEO?

Football

Basketball

FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN NOT ANNOUNCING?

Sit on his deck

Sit on my deck drinking Coors

Be home

WHAT WOULD HE DO IF NOT A RODEO ANNOUNCER?

Musician

Radio DJ

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

8-18-23 DIGITAL Pages 1-31.indd 19

8/18/2023 9:29:24 AM

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

STRENGTH OF MIND & COURAGE

TY ERICKSON, PROFESSIONAL STEER WRESTLER Photo by Sam-Sin Photography DUSTY TUCKNESS, PROFESSIONAL BULLFIGHTER Photo by Sam-Sin Photography AMBERLEY SNYDER, PROFESSIONAL BARREL RACER Photo by Sam-Sin Photography CHASE BROOKS, PROFESSIONAL BRONC RIDER Photo by McFarland Productions

TROPHY BUCKLES & AWARDS www.montanasilversmiths.com 888-677-9487 | Follow us

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

SHORT ROUND

Tickets available for 2nd Annual Vegas NFR Icons Tribute Luncheon Now On Sale

L as Vegas Events announced on Aug. 18 that tickets for the 2nd Annual Vegas NFR Icons Tribute Luncheon honoring Billy Etbauer and Cody Ohl are on sale. The luncheon, hosted by Butch Knowles and Jeff Medders, is set for Friday, Dec. 8 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, starting at 12:30 p.m. PT. One of the most popular cowboys of his generation, Etbauer won five saddle bronc world titles (1992, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2004) and garners respect for both his go-for-broke style and his humility during his career that covered parts of four decades. A native of Huron, South Dakota, he was the middle brother of three world-class bronc riders. Etbauer qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® in his second year as a professional in 1989. He went on to make the field a record 21 consecutive years, win 51 NFR rounds and surpass $3 million in career earnings. He still shares the NFR record with his 93-point ride on Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Cool Alley in 2003. He tied the record a year later on a 10th-round ride that clinched the last of his five gold buckles. Ohl put his stamp on ProRodeo in 1994 by winning Rookie of the Year and earning his first trip to the NFR. It would take Ohl a few years to win his first gold buckle. He edged out Fred Whitfield to capture the 1997 tie-down world title and roared through the 1998 season, capturing his second title. He had another record setting year in 2001 as he added steer roping and team roping in order to compete for the All-Around title. In the ninth round of the NFR, Ohl missed his calf on the first loop. A second loop caught the calf by the hind legs. As Ohl dismounted, he twisted his knee, tearing two major ligaments. He had to be carried out of the arena by the Justin Sportsmedicine Team. However, he had amassed enough money earlier in the week to secure both the tie-down title and the All-Around title. He accepted both buckles from crutches on the 10th night. He went on to capture his fifth and sixth tie down roping titles in 2003 and 2006. He still owns the record for the most NFR rounds won with 52. Following the luncheon, there will be additional activities to honor their celebrated careers. During the Dec. 8 and 9 performances of the Wrangler NFR, each of the rodeo champions will be honored on the hallowed dirt of the Thomas & Mack Center.

The presentation will include each receiving a 14” commemorative bronze statue and a ceremony to unfurl a banner in the rafters at the Thomas & Mack Center. The in-arena schedule for the icons is as follows: Friday, Dec. 8 – Billy Etbauer Saturday, Dec. 9 – Cody Ohl In addition, LVE will develop a promotional campaign to promote the two legends and build a daily activation calendar to build anticipation for the ceremony inside the Thomas & Mack Center that evening, including visits to The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR. For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR coverage, please visit prorodeo.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

Attention all PRCA members. Nominate now for the PRCA Donita Barnes Contract Personnel Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was created to recognize PRCA members who have dedicated their lives to the rodeo industry for their commitment, work and contributions. Nomination letters of 500 words or less can be mailed to sgibson@prorodeo.com between now and Aug. 20. Donita Barnes Contract Personnel Award nominations sought

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

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

Seventh annual Sowing Good Deeds Contest

BY THE NUMBERS 2 The number of times Dan Fisher and his sons, Vin Fisher Jr., and J. Tom Fisher qualified together to compete in the National Finals Steer Roping. The years all three Fishers were in the NFSR field were 2010 and 2013. J. Tom won the family’s first PRCA Steer Roping World Championship in 2022 in Mulvane, Kan. 6 The PRCA record for most consecutive bull riding world championships shared by Jim Shoulders (1954-59) and Sage Kimzey (2014-19). $11K The amount of money ($11,867) earned by Paden Bray in tie-down roping and team roping at the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston, Ore., on Aug. 12. He also won all-around cowboy honors at the Playoff Series Rodeo. $14K The amount of money ($14,980) earned by saddle bronc rider Kolby Wanchuk by winning the Home On The Range Champions Ride in Sentinel Butte, N.D., on Aug. 5. He posted 181.5 points on two head.

In recognition of the support that PRCA-sanctioned rodeos contribute to local, regional, and national charities, Hesston by Massey Ferguson presents the Sowing Good Deeds contest. The contest is a chance to share the stories of rodeo teams

certain criteria

• Participating rodeos will receive a Hesston by Massey Ferguson Sowing Good Deeds banner to hang in their arena • Entries are due Sept. 30 and the top five finalists will be named on or round Oct. 13. Visit this link to enter: https://

across the country who are doing good in their communities. One rodeo committee will win a Massey Ferguson® tractor for the great work they do. Contest Details • Open to all PRCA-sanctioned rodeo committees, regardless of size. • Participating rodeo committees must apply for the Sowing Good Deeds program and meet

www.masseyferguson.com/en_us/discover-mf/ mf-community/community/sowinggooddeeds. html Past winners are the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo (2022), Burke (S.D.) Stampede (2021), Caldwell (Idaho) Nights Rodeo (2020), Santa Maria (Calif.) Elks Rodeo (2019), and Sikeston (Mo.) Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo (2018), Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo (2017).

Cowboy Channel sponsored NASCAR entry in Indianapolis

The Cowboy Channel, the official network of ProRodeo and the first 24-hour television network dedicated to Western sports and the Western lifestyle, partnered with Richard Childress Racing for the Verizon 200 at the Brickyard NASCAR Cup Series race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. Austin Dillon drove the No. 3, The Cowboy Channel Carolina Cowboys Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 on Aug. 13, live on NBC. Dillon finished 16th. Headquartered in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, The Cowboy Channel features content focused on ProRodeo, PRCA Xtreme bull riding, barrel racing, roping, reining, and other Western sports genres, along with Western fashion and music. The programming lineup also features a wide variety of “live” coverage from over 650+ major western events and rodeos across the country showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented PRCA cowboys and cowgirls, including the National Finals Rodeo live from Las Vegas every December.

“I am so thankful to Patrick Gottsch and everyone on his team for highlighting The Cowboy Channel, The Cowboy Channel Plus App, and of course, the Carolina Cowboys on the No. 3 car (the weekend of Aug. 11-13).” Dillon, the 2018 Daytona 500 Champion, is the grandson of Richard Childress, a 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. Dillon is a four-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series and has made the NASCAR Playoffs five times (2016-18, 2020 and 2022). RCR has celebrated more than 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the late legendary Dale Earnhardt. “We want to thank Richard Childress for the opportunity to promote The Cowboy Channel and our PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus app on such a prestigious, national stage – Indianapolis Motor Speedway with NASCAR’s Verizon 200 at the Brickyard on network television,” said Patrick Gottsch, founder of The Cowboy Channel.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/4/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/4/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/4/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

NEWS

ATHLETES STANDINGS RESULTS

SCHEDULE

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING

VISIT PRORODEO.COM FOR UP-T0-DATE COVERAGE The only place to get real-time scoring, average, stock draw and RAM Top Gun standings during the Wrangler NFR

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

IT’S ALL HERE!

in partnership with

DECEMBER 7-16, 2023 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER SOUTH HALL - LEVELS 1 & 2 and CENTRAL HALL 9AM - 4PM DAILY NFRexperience.com

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR & RODEO

CASTLE ROCK, COLO.

Ready to Run After back-to-back wins, James/Cox set for August marathon TOP SCORES TOP MONEY EARNER Ernie Courson Jr. ($5,878, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING Courson

BY ALEX RILEY, Special to ProRodeo Sports News F or Tanner James/Wyatt Cox, the team roping victory at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo in Castle Rock, Colo., actually started less than 24 hours earlier. Sitting behind the barrier at the Mountain Valley Stampede in Heber CIty, Utah, James knew he and his partner had drawn a good steer to chase. It was going to come out of the gate at a manageable pace, giving the California-based tandem the setup they needed. After being hit with a recent breaking the barrier violation during a run, James took a breath and slowed down the moment. “I told myself I was going to make sure I see the start completely before I left,” James said. “When I saw what I wanted to see, the momentum just kind of kicked off from right there and rolled on into Colorado and I just tried to keep it going.” In Utah, the duo went for 4.9 seconds, good enough to secure first-place. And, even after 10 hours of driving across the Western plains, nothing could slow down their mojo. The pair followed up their win in Utah with an even better Aug. 6 showing in Colorado, posting a time of 4.2 seconds at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo to win that title as well. All told, James and Cox picked up $7,704 in prize money between the two events. More than that, they picked up a lot of momentum. Currently sitting just outside the top 20 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, both James/Cox came into this part of the season with a focus on the finish. They intentionally set up the entire month of August as a marathon endeavor. Over the course of the next four weeks or so, Cox estimates the pair will try to make more than 20 rodeos. “Here in August is where you can get a lot of momentum built up. We planned it that way from the beginning. We actually kept a pretty low profile in July just because we knew there’s so many good rodeos in August, you don’t want to miss any sitting on the sidelines,” Cox said. “There’s a lot of people that went home in August and they got to relax and take a week off. We’ve been trying to hit the road in August. It’s paying off. We took our time off early on and we’re feeling sharp and trying to get some momentum before the Northwest.” After closing out July with almost $2,300 in earnings from a third-place finish at That Famous Preston (Idaho) Night Rodeo, the pace hasn’t slowed since turning the calendar. And neither has the success. The back-to-back wins to start the month are something James and Cox believe they can parlay into a steady stream of good runs over the next few weeks, which could lift them into position for a spot among the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo competitors.

1. Cooper Cooke ......................... 90 pts. (Tie) Tim O’Connell ....................... 90 3. Richmond Champion .................. 87.5 (Tie) Dean Thompson ................. 87.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Sam Goings .......................... 3.7 sec. (Tie) Kodie Jang ........................... 3.7 (Tie) Travis Munro ........................ 3.7 (Tie) Dirk Tavenner ....................... 3.7 (Tie) Tyler Waguespack ................ 3.7 (Tie) Landris White ....................... 3.7 TEAM ROPING 1. T. James/W. Cox ................... 4.2 sec. 2. L. Aguilera/J. Fillmore .................. 4.3 3. Two tied with ................................ 4.5 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Cole Elshere ........................... 88 pts. 2. Q Taylor ...................................... 87.5 3. Damian Brennan ............................ 87 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shane Hanchey ..................... 8.1 sec. 2. Ty Harris ....................................... 8.5 3. Zack Jongbloed ............................ 8.8 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi ....... 17.12 sec. 2. Wenda Johnson ....................... 17.14 3. Ilyssa Riley ............................... 17.18 BULL RIDING 1. Ernie Courson Jr. ................. 86.5 pts. 2. Clayton Sellars .............................. 85 3. Josh Frost ..................................... 76

Brian Gauck photo

Tanner James and Wyatt Cox claimed the win in Castle Rock, Colo., with a 4.2-second run. The win earned them $4,668 each.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

Mr. Clutch Wanchuk nabs key win in Sentinel Butte HOME ON THE RANGE CHAMPIONS RIDE

SENTINEL BUTTE, N.D.

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News K olby Wanchuk does not hide from expectations. It’s just part of being Canadian. This season has not unfurled as scripted, but the saddle bronc rider remains hopeful of securing his third Wrangler National Finals Rodeo berth. There’s pride in that accomplishment and where he’s from. “Shoot, bronc riding in Canada is big. There are a whole bunch of programs available. It’s quite the system. There are so many good former riders who live up there and help,” said Wanchuk, who hails from Sherwood Park, Alberta. “There are practice pens a guy can go to everyday and so many great amateur rodeos. The programs are a huge help to the young guys to get you to ProRodeos, to get you around the top guys and around rank young horses.” At 27, Wanchuk has lived this dream, finishing eighth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings in 2022. He’s pushing to return to the sport’s biggest stage with a furious finish. Ranked outside the top 20, he needs to stay hot, and he kept percolating at the Home on the Range Champions Ride in Sentinel Butte, N.D., on Aug. 5. He posted impressive scores, walking away with a saddle, rifle, and spurs for his 181.5 points on two-head. “This win comes at the right time for us. This place, Home On The Range, it is such a cool event. There is so much history here, so many great bronc riders,” Wanchuk said. “It is special.” The victory came with a $14,980 payday, providing rocket fuel to Wanchuk’s race over the final six weeks. Wanchuk started the rodeo off right on Muddy Creek Rodeo’s Bugsy. Wanchuk posted a 90.5-point ride. “He’s a big stud. I got to get on him at the NFR last year. He came out and got stronger and stronger with every jump. It’s all a guy can ask for,” Wanchuk said. “He had me working for sure. But it worked out.” To clinch the victory, Wanchuk needed another stellar ride, given the competition from Damian Brennan (178.5), Brody Cress (178) and Sage Newman (177.5). He embraced the pressure, showing the type of poise that has defined the past three years of his career. He netted a 91-point trip on J Bar J’s Straight Moonshine, a favorite horse of so many bronc riders. “I got on him in Xtreme Broncs Finals in Rapid City (S.D.) last year. I had some good luck there. I had a 90.5 there. I am a big fan of the horse. I had a little bit of a wild start. It took me some time to get caught up. He was strong and kept coming back for more,” Wanchuk said. “He’s awesome. He has a big, long mane on him, and he tries as hard as he can every time.” This season has been a grind. A slow start has left Wanchuk chasing his goals deep into the summer and fall. The sense of urgency is real, but his background has prepared him for this push. “Getting there is what it is all about. The NFR is a learning experience. It’s 10 days of the best in the world and going up against the best in the world,” Wanchuk said. “The lesson I learned is that you must treat it like any other rodeo. It can go really good or really bad fast on you. You just have to do what you can do.”

Alaina Stangle photo A rematch with J Bar J’s Straight Moonshine led Kolby Wanchuk to the pay window with a 90.5-point ride at the Home On The Range Champions Ride in Sentinel Butte, N.D.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

DODGE CITY ROUNDUP

DODGE CITY, KAN.

History Repeats Cole Franks dances with Gun Fire for win TOP SCORES TOP MONEY

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News C ole Franks boasts the type of resume that widens eyes. Only 22, he has advanced to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in consecutive seasons. He won a staggering $263,378 a year ago, finishing fourth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. Why bring this up? It explains how the bareback rider views his current place outside the Top 15 with the summer calendar quickly disappearing. “It’s been a pretty rough season so far. But it’s definitely picking up,” Franks said. Franks is headed in the right direction after his impressive win at the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup. Franks took the lead in the long round on Frontier Rodeo’s Big League with an 86.5-point ride and finished the win on Gun Fire, also Frontier Rodeo stock. This was not his first time on the horse, but that did not make it any easier to produce the winning score of 174.5 points on two head. “Every time I get on that horse, it gets harder. You wouldn’t think it would be that way, but it is. I don’t know what it was about this time. She fired really hard, bucked really hard and got me out of shape halfway through,” said Franks, who hails from Clarendon, Texas. “I had to keep fighting and grind it out. I got the rodeo win, but she got the overall win.” Given how Franks has found himself chasing money, it’s impossible to overstate what a victory like this can do. Especially on a horse like Gun Fire, who is hard to stay on anywhere, including the NFR. “Oh yeah, it definitely does boost my confidence. When you get on those top-notch animals like Gun Fire and win, I wouldn’t say it makes the horses easier, but it does give you a boost,” Franks said. “You know you have been on one of the best in the world and made it through, so when you get on a mediocre horse that should only help. Now, I don’t feel good about where I am right now, but I am confident I have enough time (to reach the NFR).” It is the reality of sports. While everybody wants to win, and make it look effortless, that is often not the case. This season has proved a learning experience for Franks, something he believes will only help him when he conquers the adversity. “I would say you kind of put yourself through a test all year doing this. You get into some mental fights, those fights in your head when you go through a little slump,” Franks said. “But part of the reward is coming out of it. You can look back and know what you were dealing with and realize you were overthinking it. And it gives you a great sense of accomplishment when you get through the back and forth.” The competition is what motivates Franks. Sure, he loves the travel, and the friendships with fellow cowboys. But it’s the scoreboard that keeps him pushing for a return to Las Vegas.

EARNER Olin Hannum ($10,370, steer wrestling) BAREBACK RIDING Hannum

1. Cole Franks ................ 174.5 pts. on 2 2. Jayco Roper ................................ 173 3. Chad Rutherford .......................... 172 (Tie) Myles Carlson ..................... 172 STEER WRESTLING 1. Olin Hannum ............... 12.8 sec. on 3 2. Don Payne .................................. 13.2 3. Cameron Morman ...................... 13.4 TEAM ROPING 1. Kirchner/ Saebens ....... 18.6 sec. on 3 (Tie) P. Egurrola/JC Flake ........... 18.6 3. G. Tonozzi/J. Davis ..................... 19.1 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Brody Cress ............... 175.5 pts. on 2 2. Shea Fournier ........................... 173.5 3. Ryder Wright ............................ 172.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Paul David Tierney ...... 26.8 sec. on 3 2. Lucas Potter ............................... 27.4 3. John Douch ................................ 28.7 STEER ROPING 1. Cody Lee ..................... 35.6 sec. on 3 2. Slade Wood ................................ 36.1 3. Roger Branch ............................. 38.8 BULL RIDING 1. Deklan Garland .......... 173.5 pts. on 2 2. Colton Byram .............................. 167 3. JB Mauney ................................. 88.5

David Seymore photo Bareback rider Cole Franks had an 88-point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s award-winning horse Gun Fire to secure the average title at the Dodge City (Kan.) Roundup Rodeo, a stop on the Playoff Series.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

Patience LEA COUNTY PRCA RODEO

LOVINGTON, N.M.

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News E verything about tie-down roping screams urgency. Start fast. Throw the looped rope in a blur. Dismount in a dash. In a timed sport, every blink matters. And yet, there is nuance that cannot be ignored that brings back the words of legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” This lesson in life and sports resonated with Cory Solomon as he shook a recent slump by winning the Lea County PRCA Rodeo in Lovington, N.M. Solomon, who turned 33 this month, clocked 18.1 seconds on two head to walk away with the title and keep his 10th qualifying bid for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo firmly in sight. “It was about drawing some pretty decent calves. The last few weeks had been pretty slow. I was drawing bad and even when I did draw well, I was overdoing things and pushing too hard and I kind of wasted a couple of good opportunities,” Solomon said. “When I got to Lovington, my goal was to stay behind the barrier. When roping fresh cattle, it takes a lot of patience. You have to show it. So, I was kind of at the point where I went back to the drawing board and focused on scoring first and that rodeo with the fresh cattle kind of set up perfectly for me.” Solomon’s resume remains thicker than a 1980s phone book. He is a regular on the sport’s biggest stage in Las Vegas – he has three straight NFR berths and counting -- and is coming off his best season. In 2022, he finished a career-best third in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, earning $265,303. The hardest part in sports sometimes is to follow up a great year. This season has not gone as smoothly, but it is a testament to Solomon’s talent and poise that he remains squarely among the top ropers. Humility is a driving force. “With (about) six weeks to go, I have been in better places and worse places,” Solomon said. “I am at the point now whatever calf I get, I need to focus on scoring. At least go get that average check and if somewhere along the way there is a big one, that will work. Where I am from, there are a lot of calf ropers. God gave me this talent to be out here to do this. And people around the world can see what I am doing, and think if I can do it, they can.” By his own admission, the season was cruising along with near perfection in the winter and spring. But he hit a rut, in part, because he was without his 17-year-old horse Play. Play dealt with an injury after RodeoHouston, but the pair is back together. “He does a lot of things naturally that I like,” said Solomon of the horse he bought from Brazil. “When he came back after Houston, we won Prescott (Ariz.). But I wasn’t really sure if he was good. But now I know he is. Now, we are locked and loaded and ready for this final stretch.” Cory Solomon slows down to speed up to Lovington victory

TOP SCORES TOP MONEY

EARNER Trey Kimzey ($6,687, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING Kimzey

1. Richmond Champion ........... 88.5 pts. 2. Jess Pope ...................................... 87 3. Tim O’Connell ................................ 85 STEER WRESTLING 1. Laramie Warren ............ 8.0 sec. on 2 2. Remey Parrott .............................. 8.7 3. Joshua Hefner .............................. 9.0 TEAM ROPING 1. C. Masters/T. Yates ....... 9.8 sec. on 2 2. C. Summers/J. Long .................. 10.0 3. T. Baldwin/T. Luttrell ................... 10.9 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Damian Brennan .................. 89.5 pts. 2. Logan Hay .................................. 88.5 3. Two tied at .................................. 87.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Cory Solomon ............. 18.1 sec. on 2 2. Trevor Hale ................................. 18.2 3. Dylan Hancock ............................ 18.3 STEER ROPING 1. Tanner Stec ................. 39.9 sec. on 3 2. Slade Wood ................................ 41.6 3. Taylor Santos ............................. 43.0 BULL RIDING 1. Trey Kimzey ............................ 89 pts. 2. Trevor Reiste .............................. 88.5 3. Deklan Garland ........................... 87.5

Peggy Gander photo

Veteran tie-down roper Cory Solomon received a late-season boost by winning the Lea County PRCA Rodeo in Lovington.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

XTREME BULLS LOVINGTON, N.M.

Memorable

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News T o some degree we are all a product of where we come from. For the Pollmeier family of Fort Scott, Kan., that is definitely no bull. Rider Coy Pollmeier, younger brother Tate and father Mark are all connected by the stock. “We bond over it, and it’s pretty darn strong. My dad raises bucking bulls. We have an arena behind the house where we can ride them. I really enjoy being around them,” Coy said. “And Tate has his foot in the door now. He’s 19. And he’s looking to buy his rookie card next season, and we could travel together.” Only 23, Pollmeier has plenty of experiences and stories to tell. First, riding professionally is not for the meek. Competing against the best requires talent, poise, and resilience. He is continuing to gain traction in his career, progress that became more evident after his biggest win to date. Pollmeier claimed the top prize at the Lea County PRCA Rodeo Xtreme Bulls in Lovington, N.M., Aug. 8, delivering a score of 177 points on two head at Jake McClure Arena. It left him shaking his head. “I still don’t really know how to take it all in,” Pollmeier said. “To get one of these Division 1 Xtreme Bull buckles, it’s something I have been eyeing since I was 18 years old. It’s a lot to take in. I had won a Division 2 Xtreme Bulls in Rapid City, (S.D.), but nothing like this. My plans for the buckle? To keep it on my belt.” Pollmeier won the 150th Silver Spurs Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., earlier this year as he has climbed into the sport’s top 50. But nothing like what transpired in New Mexico. Pollmeier celebrated his birthday with a memorable performance. Going against a stacked field, Pollmeier posted a 91-point trip on Stockyards Pro Rodeo’s Ground Assault, netting $4,035 for the ride and $5,605 for the average. “I didn’t personally know much about him. One of my buddies had been on him earlier in the year and he told me to stay aggressive and keep hustling. He left pretty hard and had me stuck in my hand. It was a little bit of a give and take,” Pollmeier said. “There were points it felt like a dance and a fight.” Pollmeier won last year around his birthday as well, claiming the top prize at the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene, Kan., with his mom and dad in attendance. “I don’t know about the connection to my birthday,” he said with a laugh. “I would like to be winning more year-round.” This season remains part of Pollmeier’s climb to reach his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He’s unlikely to crack the Top 15 this year given how little remains on the schedule, but he is proving to himself he belongs. This is a sport he dreamed about competing in since he was a boy. He began riding calves at 8, then graduated to bulls where he became a high school state champion. Now, he’s inching toward the sport’s biggest stage in Las Vegas, which no longer seems as far away from the family arena near his house. “I always watched the PBR growing up. I turned my eyes to the PRCA and those yellow bucking chutes,” he said. “This is a big qualification for me. I might not be able to get into the Top 15 this year, it’s a little late. But I dang sure want to keep getting these qualifications for those winter events.” Pollmeier wins his first Division 1 Xtreme Bulls event in Lovington

Peggy Gander photos Coy Pollmeier had a 91-point ride on Stockyards Pro Rodeo’s Ground Assault to clinch the victory at the Lea County PRCA Rodeo Xtreme Bulls in Lovington, N.M.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

HERMISTON FARM-CITY PRO RODEO

HERMISTON, ORE.

Dynamite Draw Wright capitalizes on Hermiston win TOP SCORES TOP MONEY EARNER

JOLEE JORDAN, Special to ProRodeo Sports News T he unicorn is a mythical creature, existing only in stories and legends. Or is it? Many of ProRodeo’s bucking horse riders might say the unicorn is alive and well and carries the brand X-9 from the Calgary Stampede string. Xplosive Skies already has a Pendleton Whisky Let ‘er Buck Bareback Horse of the Year title, earned back in 2021 and she carried Logan Hay to the world record, a 95.5-point ride at the Hardgrass Bronc Match in Pollockville, Alberta in 2022. The 13-year-old, black mare has carried her riders to countless wins on ProRodeo’s biggest stages, including the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Xplosive Skies has also been magical in Hermiston at the Farm-City Pro Rodeo, taking Clayton Biglow to the bareback riding arena record with 92 points in 2021. She nearly duplicated the feat, this time in the broncs with Statler Wright in 2023. Meeting up with the champion bucking horse for the first time as the final out of the rodeo on Aug. 12, the youngest of the Wright clan spurred his way to 90 points, just a half point away from the arena record, to take the win. “I squealed like a little girl,” Wright, 19, joked. Like every other bucking horse rider in the PRCA, Wright has been an admirer of Xplosive Skies for some time and has watched his older brothers get their chance to win aboard the Calgary horse. But it was his turn in Hermiston, and he had older brother Ryder, and uncles Stu and Spencer right there to help him out. In fact, Ryder was first out in the perf, taking the lead at the time. “I was trying to keep from getting too nervous,” Wright admitted. “Ryder went first, which was good because then he was standing there, talking to me, giving me a little pep talk.” “Spencer, Stu, and Ryder were all helping me. In fact, Ryder and Stu pulled my saddle for me, I just stood there,” he said. “It was no stress, I didn’t have to worry about anything.” With the Wright cheering section behind him from the back of the chutes, Wright called for the gate. “It felt outstanding,” he said. “I thought she would be really strong. And she was, but she wasn’t. It was a weird feeling, but it felt great, like she was really bucking.” Noting he could hear his family hollering throughout the ride, Wright hit the ground with exuberance. “I threw my hat,” he said. “I thought I had probably won it. But then I thought, every other time I’ve thrown my hat, I’ve been like 82, 83 points so I thought, please don’t let that happen here. For how good it felt, it didn’t really matter what the score was.” The score was great enough for the win that came with a $7,219 paycheck, money sorely needed as Wright chases his first Wrangler NFR qualification. The money put him 16th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $88,540 won so far.

Paden Bray ($9,141, tie down roping) BAREBACK RIDING Bray

1. Dean Thompson ..................... 87 pts. 2. Richmond Champion ..................... 85 3. Taylor Broussard ........................ 83.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Cody Cabral .................. 7.8 sec. on 2 2. Dakota Eldridge ........................... 8.0 (Tie) Stephen Culling ................... 8.0 (Tie) Ty Bauerle ............................ 8.0 TEAM ROPING 1. Driggers/Nogueira ....... 10.0 sec. on 2 2. H. Smith/J. Duby ........................ 10.4 3. C. Campbell/J. Ketscher ............. 11.4 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Statler Wright ......................... 90 pts. 2. Ryder Wright .............................. 87.5 3. Chase Brooks ................................ 86 (Tie) Jake Watson ......................... 86 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Paden Bray ................. 15.9 sec. on 2 2. Tanner Green .............................. 16.8 3. Cash Hooper .............................. 17.5 BARREL RACING 1. Hayle Gibson ..................... 16.96 sec. 2. Steely Steiner ........................... 17.03 3. Taycie Matthews ....................... 17.11 BULL RIDING 1. Luke Mast ............................... 86 pts. (Tie) Jordan Spears ....................... 86 3. Jeff Askey ...................................... 80

Gini Roberge photo

Statler Wright went for 90 points on Calgary Stampede’s standout horse Xplosive Skies to capture the win in Hermiston, Ore.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32-33 Page 34-35 Page 36-37 Page 38-39 Page 40-41 Page 42-43 Page 44-45 Page 46-47 Page 48-49 Page 50-51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59

Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software