ProRodeo Sports News - August 4, 2023

An official publication of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

Wright Stuff Stetson Wright wins bulls, all-around titles in Cheyenne

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CONTENTS

AUGUST 4, 2023 VOLUME 71, NO. 16

Gold Seekers and gold medals at the Utah Days of ‘47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. The Playoff Series Rodeo ran July 19-22 & 24. 42 Contestants competed for big money

Saddle bronc rider Riggin Smith is hyped up after winning the first performance of the Days of ‘47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. Smith won the performance with an 88-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s Gypsy Rose.

Ric Andersen photo

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INSIDE

RODEOS 34 Cheyenne, Wyo. 42 Salt Lake City, Utah 50 Nampa, Idaho 52 Spanish Fork, Utah 54 Spanish Fork, Utah Xtreme Bulls 56 Ogden, Utah 58 Salinas, Calif. 60 Deadwood, S.D. 62 Pollockville, Alberta Xtreme Broncs 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Hot Takes 10 Grille 14 He Said-She Said 20 2023 World Standings 22 Short Round RODEOS

Kristen Schurr photo A horse surveys the surroundings at the Deadwood (S.D.) Days of ‘76 Rodeo. The history-rich rodeo added more chapters July 26-29. Days of ’76 Rodeo crowns champs The ProRodeo Hall of Fame rodeo added to its history with a new list of champions in 2023, including reigning PRCA Bareback Riding World Cham

pion Jess Pope. 60

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

Wright Stuff Stetson Wright wins bulls, all-around titles in Cheyenne

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Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2023, PRCA Properties Inc. , a

Bull rider Stetson Wright had a 91.5-point ride on

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.

Dakota Rodeo’s Trump Train on July 30 to win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Jason Suntych photo

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EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK

Bareback riders, left to right, Clayton Biglow, Cole Reiner, and Kade Sonnier shared the ti tle at the 2023 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and then shared memories while running through the arena for a victory lap on July 30. Jason Suntych photo

Cheyenne Frontier Days final day was quite memorable Sometimes when you pull into a city it just has a rodeo vibe about it. That is definitely the case for Cheyenne, Wyo. “They might have to bury me with my buckle on, I’m

probably never going to take it off,” Blankenship said. Steer roper Troy Tillard, who is now a two-time CFD champ in 2004 and 2023, shared his affection for CFD. Tillard is from Douglas, Wyo., and comes from a family of cowboys who have competed at CFD. “As a little kid growing up, we worked all summer and we got to come here (to Cheyenne),” Tillard said. “Cheyenne is on a pedestal for everybody, but for me and my family it means ten times more.” Then there was Stetson Wright. The Milford, Utah, cowboy is the face of the PRCA and how did he celebrate his 24th birthday – of course by winning the bull riding and all-around championships in Cheyenne. Wright has won seven PRCA World Championships since 2019 and now he has six titles from Cheyenne on his resume. “Oh, I love them (Cheyenne) saddles,” Wright said. “This rodeo means everything to me. “This is one of the most legendary rodeos ever. The history behind this rodeo is insane. All rodeos mean something to me, but this one has a special place in my heart.” Who could blame Wright for feeling this way. The past winners’ lists at Cheyenne are littered with Hall of Famers – too many to count. As a veteran of the PRCA media department for nearly 10 years, I’ve seen my share of amazing regular season rodeos – but in my opinion there’s nothing like championship Sunday in Cheyenne.

The city oozes the Western way of life, and no event demonstrates that more than the legendary Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. On July 30, the grounds at Frontier Park were electric. The spectators were coming in droves and the die-hard Cheyenne fans were tailgating in the parking lot getting ready for the main event – the finals at Cheyenne Frontier Days. This is their Super Bowl, World Series and Stanley Cup wrapped into one day. And the 16,000-fans in attendance weren’t disappointed. It was a memorable, record-breaking performance. Saddle bronc rider Ryder Sanford went from having an injury-plagued year on his PRCA permit in 2022 to stepping into the spotlight to become a CFD champion – in record-setting fashion no less – in 2023. Sanford had a 92.5-point trip on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Black Tie. The poetic dance drew a roar of approval from the crowd. “It is like nothing else,” Sanford said about the reaction of the fans. “It was amazing.” The other record-breaker in Cheyenne was barrel racer Sue Smith, who clocked a 16.89-second run. There’s no question what this rodeo, which was in its 127th year, meant to the winners like team roping winner, heeler Kirby Blankenship. He and header Billy Bob Brown clocked an 8.0-second run in the finals to claim the team roping title.

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.

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

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Tie-down roper Shane Hanchey didn’t have the Wrangler NFR he had hoped for in 2022. The Sulphur, La., cowboy placed in just one round and out of the top 10 in the average. He had ridden his new horse, Bugsy, and even Practice, Practice

“I was in such a bad spot last December mentally. I had just got my new horse and I just wasn’t feeling it. But I listened to my wife, and she said, ‘just go rope, you have to get the timing down on him’. I couldn’t be

though they didn’t click at the NFR, the duo has really begun to hit their stride this summer, winning at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo.

more thankful because this summer has been awesome.”

NEXT ON TAP FARM-CITY PRO RODEO Where: Hermiston, Ore. When: Aug. 9-12

Broadcast Schedule: The Farm-City Pro Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Aug. 9-12. CALDWELL NIGHT RODEO Where: Caldwell, Idaho When: Aug. 15-19 Broadcast Schedule: The Caldwell Night Rodeo powered by RAM will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Aug. 15-19. PRCA XTREME BRONCS FINALE Where: Rapid City, S.D. When: Aug. 20 Broadcast Schedule: The PRCA Xtreme Broncs Finale will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Aug. 20. * Broadcasts are subject to change. For complete broadcast schedule visit https://bit.ly/3LsEcbR

HOT TAKES Phil Doyle photo Dirk Tavenner set the ProRodeo world on fire during July, going from outside the top 50 to inside the Top 15 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

Comeback Dirk Tavenner was faced with adversity after the NFR. He underwent surgery that forced him to sit out the first half of the 2023 season. He returned to the arena in May and knew he had some ground to make up if he wanted to return to Las Vegas. He did that and then some. Between the NFR Open powered by RAM and the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo, he earned $25,345 to bump him inside the top 10 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

513 $36,261,004 MONEY WON BY COWBOYS IN THE 2023 SEASON AS OF JULY 18 NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2023 SEASON AS OF JULY 18

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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

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Dylan Hancock, 19, has set his ProRodeo career in motion with a promising Resistol Rookie season. The San Angelo, Texas, cowboy started his year with a bang, finishing second in the tie-down roping at the Fort Bend County Fair & Rodeo in Rosenberg, Texas, and earning $3,236. He currently sits No. 1 in the race for the Resistol Rookie of the Year in the all-around with $45,996 won in four events.

DYLAN HANCOCK

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Dylan: My dad steer wrestled, roped calves and steers when he was younger. So, I was around it most of my life growing up and I took a liking to it early on. It’s something that I knew I always wanted to do. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Dylan: A few years ago, I got the taste of winning and liked that quite a bit. So, I figured it was something I was going to do. I’ve been working toward becoming a pro ever since then. Why did you decide tie-down roping would be your event? Dylan: Tie-down roping is something I’ve always done, and I really liked it early on in my life. I do a few other events, but the tie-down roping has always been my main event I guess you could say. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Dylan: If there’s one person, I really look up to it’s Trevor Brazile. It’s not only the stuff he does inside the arena, but outside of it too. He’s an all-around class act in the sport of rodeo. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Dylan: I would really like to win that (California Rodeo) Salinas buckle one day, it’s really cool. I saw that buckle the other day and thought man that sure would be nice to have. What have you learned during your rookie season? Dylan: I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned is you’re going to win some, but you’re also going to lose some. Whether you do good or bad, you just have to keep your head down and keep going at them. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Dylan: I felt like I had two pretty good horses in my opinion. I made the (RAM Texas) Circuit Finals last year and got a head start on my season. I thought why not go out there and do it after that. What’s your favorite restaurant? Dylan: My favorite restaurant would probably have to be Chili’s. I can tear into some chips and hot sauce over there. I’m also a big fan of their buffalo chicken as well. Do you have a favorite sports team? Dylan: I don’t follow a ton of sports outside of rodeo, but I guess you could say I’m a Cowboys fan. Do you have a favorite candy? Dylan: I like those Nerds gummy clusters quite a bit. What was the make and model of the first vehicle you drove? Dylan: I think it was a 2018 Ford F-350 Dually. What’s your favorite TV show or series? Dylan: I think I’d have to go with The Cowboy Channel. That’s pretty much what we watch 24-7 in our rig. We usually have the iPad on the dash for everyone to see. What’s your favorite holiday? Dylan: I’d probably have to go with Christmas because it’s Jesus’ birthday. All of our family gets to come together, and we get to hang out with everybody. What type of music do you like listening to? Dylan: We listen to a pretty good variety of everything. There’s no telling what’s about to pop up on the radio when we are going down the road. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from rodeo? Dylan: You know that I like to play golf and fish when we get a little bit of downtime. I like to hunt as well when I can. Whatever we can get into, we usually do it.

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WORD SEARCH TRY YOUR LUCK

ANSWERS ON PAGE 70

Find the winners from the 2022 Lawton (Okla.) Rangers Rodeo and the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston, Ore. 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. Winding Down 1. Find the winners from Lawton, Okla.: BB: Ty Breuer SW: Stockton Graves

XZ J FBAHSHADMAYF I ELDME CGEDRSEVARGNOTKCOTSZO LHSMAI LL IWDAHCZGIDCTQ QMSFDCTRAVI SGRAVESDTL PAIGE JONES J PGNSLOPURL RFCCNKQDPL IOHYNYWSVI C VCAKRDE JDVPUWHNUAWPST GHRJ IEZJKTNIMUS I LWNTA TZOKCJTF JTLKOXHTPOFAL UTURHSKREECETHOMPSONS UOTBARERVKIDJ JRCBTDMG FKIVRGOAMCPHAMTSLHIAQ OBEZDYTUJ IKTKDYGEGWRA XNRLSWEPOPSSEJGRDIQTN P JAOOATCWGWPOPAGKRP IG AKGONFVZRNVLRXRDSWBNA QAOGESTGCI J JMKRHNRRQU PNBAAUIANKTKAFEZTETYN MEQAZIUQSUGENITSUDZBC NIXFNQQRWOOASQTI BYHPY KJOKF J LZOQTYBREUERXZR

TR: Jake Orman/Brye Crites and Kreece Thompson/Chad Williams

SB: Shorty Garrett TD: Shad Mayfield GB: Jessica Routier BR: Logan Hunter

2. Find the winners from Hermiston, Ore.: BB: Jess Pope SW: Tristan Martin TR: Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves

SB: Ryder Wright TD: King Pickett GB: Paige Jones BR: Braden Richardson

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10 QUESTIONS

He Said – She Said Tie-down roper Justin Smith made his Wrangler National Finals Rodeo debut in 2021 and finished 14th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings that season. The Leesville, La., cowboy is in his eighth year as a PRCA cardholder. Justin shares the rodeo life with his wife Hannah. After two months of marital bliss, we wanted to know who knows Justin best – his new bride or his traveling partner, Westyn Hughes.

JUSTIN

HANNAH

WESTYN

WESTYN

JUSTIN

HANNAH

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Roy Cooper

Fred Whitfield

Roy Cooper

WHAT NON-NFR RODEO IS HIS FAVORITE?

Calgary

Reno

Calgary

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Hannah

Me

I do

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE FOOD ON THE ROAD?

Buffalo Wild Wings

Applebee’s

Applebee’s

WHO PLAYS HIM IN A MOVIE?

Jim Carrey

Jim Carrey

McLovin (Superbad)

WHAT IS HIS MOST MEMORABLE RODEO MOMENT?

Winning San Angelo

San Angelo win

Making the NFR

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK?

Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE SPORT BESIDES RODEO?

Golf

Golf

UFC

WHAT NON-NFR RODEO DOES HE WANT TO WIN?

Calgary

Calgary

Calgary

WHAT WOULD HE DO IF NOT A RODEO ATHLETE?

UFC fighter

Professional Golfer

Pro Golfer

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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2023 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of July 17, 2023. For the 2023 season (Oct. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 75; team roping, 75; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 75; barrel racing, 100; and bull riding, no limit. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

ALL-AROUND 1. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah .................... $280,444 2. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ........ 118,223 3. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. ...........................112,453 4. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ........................ 64,614 5. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................. 63,381 6. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 63,308 7. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas .......................... 58,538 8. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ................... 57,656 9.Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ........................... 53,584 10. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla. ...... 52,823 11. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ........................ 51,990 12. Clay Clayman, Highlandville, Mo. ................. 41,383 13. Chet Weitz, London, Texas ........................... 38,976 14. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ...................... 38,939 15. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas ....................... 35,671 16. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas ............... 34,221 17. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. .................................. 34,205 18. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif. .......... 33,661 19. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn. ............ 29,351 20. Cody Stewart, Janesville, Calif. .................... 27,207 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. ......................$189,024 2. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas .............. 140,451 3. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La. ......................... 107,958 4. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo. ............................ 98,710 5. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa ....................... 97,270 6. Rocker Shane Steiner, Weatherford, Texas .... 96,674 7. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. .................... 96,520 8. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah ............................ 90,438 9. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla. ............................ 86,232 10. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif. .................. 82,925 11. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba ...................... 70,945 12. Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho ........................ 66,114 13. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan. ............................. 62,267 14. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La. .............. 62,195 15. Jacek Lane Frost, Browns Valley, Calif. ........ 61,085 16. Kody Lamb, Sherwood Park, Alberta ........... 60,485 17. Dean Thompson, Altamont, Utah ................. 59,767 18. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. ...................... 57,861 19. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev. ........... 53,011 20. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont. .... 52,564 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore. ................. $149,869 2. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore. ........................ 99,596 3. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La. .................. 89,593 4. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont. ............................ 87,087 5. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss. .......................... 84,654 6. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn. .......................... 79,362 7. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla. .............................. 74,053 8. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. ....................... 69,500 9. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La. .............................. 66,763 10. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D. ............. 60,619 11. Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, B.C. ............. 59,627 12. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho ......................... 58,709 13. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev. .......................... 52,900 14. Tucker Allen, Oak View, Calif. ....................... 52,562 15. Cash Robb, Altamont, Utah .......................... 50,122 16. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla. ........................ 49,346 17. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis. ................................. 47,722 18. Scott Guenthner, Consort, Alberta ............... 46,870 19. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala. ....................... 44,776 20. Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas ................... 44,387 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah ...................$108,638 2. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. .......................... 108,175 3. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. ................. 102,514 4. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga. ....................... 91,171 5. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla. ....................... 80,766 6. Tanner Tomlinson, Angleton, Texas ............... 77,628 7. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif. ........................ 65,206 8. Dawson Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ........... 57,984 9. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. ................... 57,408 10. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. .................... 54,434 11. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ................. 54,032 12. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. ................. 53,798 13. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla. ............................... 53,479

14. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ..................... 53,416 15. J.C. Yeahquo, Mandaree, N.D. ..................... 53,343 16. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C. ......................... 51,532 17. Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D. .................................. 51,102 18. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ............... 50,789 19. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. ................... 50,499 20. Keven W Daniel, Franklin, Tenn. .................. 49,654 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. J. Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta .................... $108,638 2. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. ................................ 102,514 3. Junior Nogueira, Pres. Prudente, Brazil ......... 91,171 4. Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas ........... 80,766 5. Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas ........................... 77,628 6. Colter Todd, Willcox, Ariz. ............................. 68,965 7. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark. ......................... 60,160 8. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas ............. 59,801 9. Dillon Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ............... 57,984 10. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. ............................ 57,759 11. Justin Davis, Cottonwood, Calif. .................. 57,201 12. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan. ......................... 56,296 13. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla. .............................. 55,950 14. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas .................. 55,350 15. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. ......................... 53,416 16. L.J. Yeahquo, Mandaree, N.D. ..................... 53,343 17. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas ........................ 51,532 18. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss. ............................ 50,789 19. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. .................. 50,499 20. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas ............................ 50,100 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont. ................. $180,297 2. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah ...................... 156,292 3. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta ................ 154,579 4. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho ........................... 146,911 5. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta ................... 116,098 6. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta .................. 112,488 7. Ben T. Andersen, Eckville, Alberta ................. 109,524 8. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont. ................. 94,207 9. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas ........................... 80,456 10. Tanner Butner, Daniel, Wyo. ......................... 80,108 11. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo. ........................ 80,076 12. Lefty Marvel Holman, Visalia, Calif. .............. 74,305 13. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah ......................... 72,983 14. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah .......................... 72,695 15. Leon Fountain, Corona, N.M. ....................... 63,911 16. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia ............... 61,904 17. Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D. .................. 60,869 18. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta ..... 60,687 19. Quinten Taylor, Casper, Wyo. ....................... 60,144 20. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas ..................... 59,677 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Riley Mason Webb, Denton, Texas ............. $182,256 2. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. ......................... 108,746 3. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont. ................... 103,201 4. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas ......................... 95,911 5. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ......... 94,119 6. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La. ......................... 83,601 7. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla. ......................... 81,860 8. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas ................... 79,971 9. Beau Cooper, Stettler, Alberta ........................ 79,074 10. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas ......................... 77,426 11. Michael Otero, Lowndesboro, Ala. ............... 71,738 12. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas .............. 63,606 13. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb. ............................. 61,772 14. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas ..................... 58,628 15. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho ................ 56,767 16. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas ................. 56,012 17. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas ........................ 55,284 18. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ........................ 54,931 19. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil ..................... 54,636 20. Kyle Lucas, Carstairs, Alberta ...................... 53,243 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ......................... $82,295 2. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas .......... 69,536 3. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas ............................ 64,244 4. Reo Lohse, Kaycee, Wyo. ............................. 56,485 5. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. .......................... 51,077

6. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ........................ 45,421 7. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. ......................... 37,435 8. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas ............................ 32,538 9. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ...................... 31,831 10. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ........................ 31,330 11. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ....................... 29,630 12. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas ......................... 27,988 13. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas ........................ 27,838 14. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla. ..................... 27,558 15. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas .................... 26,959 16. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas .................... 26,676 17. Tanner Stec, Bassett, Neb. ........................... 26,162 18. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas ........... 24,538 19. Ora Taton, Rapid City, S.D. .......................... 22,834 20. Don Ed Eddleman, Santa Anna, Texas .......... 22,657 BULL RIDING 1. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah ..................... $179,812 2. Ky John Hamilton, Mackay, Australia ............ 169,322 3. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah ............................ 161,695 4. Sage Steele Kimzey, Salado, Texas ............... 125,739 5. Jestyn Jax Woodward, Custer, S.D. .............. 115,979 6. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan. ...................... 115,710 7. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas ............................. 109,848 8. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho ........... 101,350 9. T. Parker, Winnie, Texas ................................. 91,054 10. Creek Walker Young, Rogersville, Mo. ......... 90,856 11. Jordan Hansen, Amisk, Alberta ................... 89,622 12. Jared Parsonage, Maple Creek, Sask. .......... 85,131 13. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. .................... 85,089 14. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas ........................... 81,448 15. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah ....................... 78,738 16. Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla. ........................ 76,618 17. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa ......................... 72,660 18. Ernie Courson Jr., Okeechobee, Fla. ............. 66,595 19. JC Mortensen, Paulden, Ariz. ....................... 65,568 20. Trey Benton III, Richards, Texas ................... 54,681 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas ... $145,788 2. Jordon Briggs, Tolar, Texas ......................... 108,703 3. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. ....................... 106,583 4. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas ........................ 87,722 5. Hailey Kinsel, Cutulla, Texas ......................... 83,409 6. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. .................. 82,015 7. Taycie Matthews, Wynne, Ark. ..................... 79,182 8. Ilyssa Riley, Hico, Texas ............................... 78,062 9. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. ........................... 72,129 10. Sara Winkelman, Big Lake, Minn. ............... 69,843 11. Sissy Winn, Chapman, Texas ...................... 68,294 12. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. ...................... 67,465 13. Jackie Ganter, Abilene, Texas ...................... 66,018 14. Kelly Allen, Stephenville, Texas ................... 64,471 15. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. ...................... 63,903 16. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. .............. 57,044 17. Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho ....................... 55,651 18. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas ................. 55,379 19. Molly Otto, Grand Forks, N.D. ..................... 53,600 20. Stevi Hillman, Granbury, Texas ................... 50,689 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Hali Williams, Comanche, Texas ................ $105,921 2. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas .............. 84,599 3. Sarah Angelone, Lipan, Texas ....................... 72,232 4. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas ........... 69,155 5. Cheyanne Guillory, Kingston, Okla. ............... 66,135 6. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla ............................. 65,251 7. Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas .......................... 56,465 8. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas ............ 51,936 9. Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Ariz. ..................... 48,575 10. Joey Williams, Volborg, Mont. .................... 47,212 11. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. ..................... 47,127 12. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo. ........................ 45,005 13. Josie Conner, Iowa, La. .............................. 44,448 14. Tiffany Schieck, Floresville, Texas ............... 43,781 15. Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas ......................... 41,809 16. Madison Outhier, Fulshear, Texas ................ 41,296 17. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. ............ 41,204 18. Nicole Baggarley, Las Cruces, N.M. ........... 40,592 19. Kendal Pierson, Wardlow, Alberta ................39,802 20. Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D. 39,567

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SHORT ROUND Association addresses network outage at its headquarters PRCA Statement

COURTESY WPRA With heavy hearts, the WPRA announced the passing of Sherry (Combs) Johnson. Johnson of Addington, Okla., passed away Aug. 2 at the Duncan (Okla.) Regional Hospital after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Johnson recently completed the family trifecta on July 15, when she joined the ProRodeo Hall of Fame alongside her world champion horse Star Plaudit “Red,” who earned induction in 2017 and her sister Florence Youree, who was inducted as part of the Class of 2019 in the notable category for the WPRA. During Johnson’s WPRA career she qualified for 12 National Finals Rodeos, the first coming in 1959 at the first GRA (predecessor to the WPRA) Finals in Clayton, N.M., and the last in 1991 under the bright lights of Las Vegas, a span of four decades (1959-68, 1970, 1991). She won her first WPRA world title in 1961 in the all-around category, but the highlight of her career would come in 1962 when she won the barrel racing world title aboard Star Plaudit “Red.” Star Plaudit holds a very unique record in the world of Johnson O n the morning of July 20, the PRCA was hit with a ransomware attack that encrypted our data and shut down all our servers. The attack was launched by a well-organized criminal enterprise that is believed to be outside of the U.S. The PRCA did not comply with their ransom request and quickly put together a plan to restore systems, processes, and lost files. We have seen no evidence that any data was exported. Because of the attack, the PRCA was unable to post daysheets, update standings, stock stats and some results on our website. Despite the complications this presented, by Monday morning July 24, PROCOM was taking calls and manually entering contestants. Rodeo secretaries also manually submitted rodeo results, executed trades and stock draws and as a result payouts for rodeos began on Tuesday, July 25. Daily communication through Constant Contact was sent to members and those updates were also posted on prorodeo.com.

professional rodeo, one that is not likely to ever be duplicated. The sorrel gelding won two world championships in the sport in a single year and contributed to a third, at the age of 12. Red carried his owner Johnson to the GRA World title in the barrel racing and close family friend Tom Nesmith to the RCA world title in the steer wrestling and helped the Oklahoman also claim the RCA All-Around championship, all in 1962. While Red is considered Johnson’s once-in a-lifetime horse, she also trained six other horses that carried her to the NFR and an additional three that carried other competitors to the “super bowl” of rodeo. Johnson gave back to the WPRA serving on the Board of Directors from 1963-1971, including a stint as the vice president. She was named Coca-Cola Woman of the Year in 1997 and was inducted into the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in 2005. Johnson would have turned 85 on Aug. 16. Funeral arrangements are currently being planned and will be released as soon as that information is made available. There was also a voice message changed daily on the PROCOM entry line on what was opening and closing that day. Within 11 days, PRCA staff along with consultants, were able to rebuild the servers and we’re 95 percent restored. Results and standings are being populated in the servers and the importance of getting these items back on track is understood. Many of those items are being manually entered into the secretary system to repopulate those results. That process is ongoing. By Monday, Aug. 7, PROCOM is expected to be back on track and caught up on entries. “We would like to thank local rodeo secretaries, rodeo committees, and our rodeo IT, rodeo administration and our staff that persevered through very trying times,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. “We would like to thank the members for their patience and bearing with us as we resorted to manually taking entries and processing rodeos,” Glause said.

Hall of Famer Johnson passes at 84

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

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World champion Sage Kimzey out with injury

BY THE NUMBERS 92.5

Seven-time PRCA World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzey has been bit by the injury bug each of the last two seasons in ProRodeo. The latest injury occurred during his semifinal ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Devil’s Revenge at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, July 28. He was bucked off the bull before the

As of Aug. 2, Kimzey sits fourth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. He said while he’s unsure what the rest of the ProRodeo season has in store, it’s unlikely he will qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo due to his rodeo count. “We will just have to see what the rest of the season

The score in points saddle bronc rider Ryder Sanford registered on his eight second trip aboard Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Black Tie on July 30. That was a new rodeo record for the storied Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. 1980 The year Paul Tierney won the PRCA All-Around World Championship, ending Tom Ferguson’s six-year streak of all-around world championships. Tierney also won the 1979 PRCA Tie Down Roping World Championship and he was a nine-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in tie-down roping and qualified in steer wrestling five times. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2008. 2000 The year ProRodeo Hall of Famer “Super Looper” Roy Cooper made the last of his 19 National Finals Rodeo tie-down roping appearances aboard the legendary horse, Topper. At 45, he showed he was still a force to be reckoned with by placing in five of 10 rounds and finishing eighth in the average. 116K The number of fans (116,960) who attended the 2023 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo from July 22-30. That was an increase from the 108,662 spectators who attended the nine performances in 2022.

Kimzey

eight-second whistle and landed on his left shoulder. Kimzey told ProRodeo.com that he was diagnosed with a broken clavicle and will undergo surgery on Aug. 2. “I just landed weird on it,” said Kimzey, 28. “It’s probably going to be six weeks. My plan is to get it all healed up.”

looks like,” Kimzey said. “I’ll actually probably not be able to make the NFR due to my rodeo count. I have to go to 40 rodeos for my Xtreme Bulls money to count. I’m at 25 right now.” This season Kimzey has earned $65,854 at PRCA Xtreme Bulls events. • Monday, Dec. 11 – Annie Bosko • Tuesday, Dec. 12 – *Contest winner will perform (TBD) • Wednesday, Dec. 13 – Jenna Paulette • Thursday, Dec. 14 – Old Hickory; Lynnae Meyers (Canadian Anthem) • Friday, Dec. 15 – *Contest winner will perform (TBD) • Saturday, Dec. 16 – Kameron Marlowe Two additional performers will be added to the list above, awarded to the winners of the NFR National Anthem Contest. For more information on the Wrangler NFR and the national anthem contest, please visit NFRexperience.com or through social media at @LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR.

NFR National Anthem singers named

Las Vegas Events, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, announced on Aug. 2 the list of eight outstanding performers scheduled to sing the national anthem at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

The Wrangler NFR will kick off on Thursday, Dec. 7 and run through Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The eight confirmed national anthem performers are: • Thursday, Dec. 7 – Terry Fator (also performing at New York-New York Hotel & Casino) • Friday, Dec. 8 – Zach Top • Saturday, Dec. 9 – Mae Estes • Sunday, Dec. 10 – Casey Kearney

Attention all 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 award nominations sought

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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

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Holding On Specialty act performer

SNAPSHOT

Madison Schalla entertains the fans at Nebraska’s Big Rodeo in Burwell in July. The rodeo was inducted in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2022. – Alaina Stangle photo

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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

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CHEYENNE

Bullfighter Dusty Tuckness put his award-winning skills on display during the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Rodeo. At far right is Cody Webster. Laura Storey photo

Instant Classic

The Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo concluded on July 30 with record-breaking performances and a packed crowd at Frontier Park. The legendary rodeo was a key stop on the Playoff Series. PAGES 36-41

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CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS CHEYENNE, WYO.

Wright On Birthday boy Stetson Wright adds two CFD titles to his collection TOP SCORES TOP MONEY

EARNER Luke Potter ($15,737, tie down roping) BAREBACK RIDING Potter

BY TRACY RENCK I t’s only fitting Stetson Wright would celebrate his 24th birthday in this fashion. The seven-time PRCA World Champion won the all around and bull riding titles at the prestigious Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Rodeo on July 30. Wright won the bull riding with his 91.5-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Trump Train. He then added the all-around CFD saddle for collecting money in the saddle bronc riding event. “That was a really good one there of Chad Berger’s Trump Train,” Wright said. “He’s normally right there around to the right, and he just does whatever it takes to buck. He hipped himself, stepped forward and came around in my hand and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I felt like there wasn’t anything else here that could beat it. It was kind of wild, but I just kept my hand shut and kept trying.” Wright was plenty familiar with Trump Train. On July 28, he won his semifinal round with a 90-point trip on the bull. Wright ran his Cheyenne Frontier Days victory total to seven – three in all-around (2019, 2021 and 2023) and two each in saddle bronc riding (2021 and 2022) and bull riding (2019 and 2023). “Oh, I love them (Cheyenne) saddles,” Wright said. “This rodeo means everything to me. This is one of the most legendary rodeos ever. The history behind this rodeo is insane. All rodeos mean something to me, but this one has a special place in my heart.” Wright, who has won PRCA All-Around World Championships in 2019-22 and Bull Riding (2020 and 2022) and Saddle Bronc Riding World Championships in 2021, makes things look easy – that definitely are not. Why that is, he tried to explain. “I wouldn’t even know,” Wright said. “I guess I’m a lucky guy. My parents gave me an awesome build. I always thank them for giving me such an amazing build where I can bounce back from injuries. I tell my mom and dad that I thank you guys and God every single day because I put my body through H*ll, and it always performs for me. I’m about the luckiest guy you will ever see.” As for post Cheyenne, Wright has a list of things he wants to check off. “I want to break the all-around, saddle bronc and bull riding single-season earnings records,” Wright said. “I don’t think about it too much, and every rodeo I show up to I try to be my best self and ride better than I ever have and I feel like if I keep doing that, those records will come.” Wright set the all-around ($758,829), and bull riding ($592,144) single-season earnings mark in 2022.

1. Kade Sonnier ....................... 87.5 pts. (Tie) Clayton Biglow ................... 87.5 (Tie) Cole Reiner ........................ 87.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Eli Lord ................................. 5.9 sec. 2. Tristan Martin ............................... 6.6 3. Walt Arnold .................................. 6.7 TEAM ROPING 1. B. Brown/K. Blankenship ....... 8.0 sec. 2. K. Driggers/J. Nogueira ................ 8.2 3. B. Buckaloo/JR Gonzales .............. 9.0 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ryder Sanford ..................... 92.5 pts. 2. (Tie) Quinten Taylor .................... 89.5 (Tie) Sage Newman ........................ 89.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Luke Potter ......................... 10.6 sec. 2. (Tie) John Douch ....................... 10.9 3. (Tie) Britt Bedke ......................... 10.9 STEER ROPING 1. Troy Tillard .......................... 14.6 sec. 2. Duck Benson .............................. 15.5 3. Paul David Tierney ...................... 16.4 BULL RIDING 1. Stetson Wright .................... 91.5 pts. 2. Josh Frost .................................. 89.5 3. Tristen Hutchings .......................... 89

Jackie Jensen photo Stetson Wright wowed the crowd at Frontier Park, winning Cheyenne Frontier Days with this 91.5-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Trump Train. He then added the all-around CFD title for collecting money in the saddle bronc riding event.

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CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS CHEYENNE, WYO.

Laura Storey photo Saddle bronc rider Ryder Sanford won Cheyenne Frontier Days with a rodeo-record ride of 92.5 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Black Tie. Ryder Sanford sets rodeo record

There was a look of disbelief on Ryder Sanford’s face. The Sulphur, La., cowboy was trying to digest the fact he won the storied Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo moments earlier. Not only did Sanford win, he also set a new rodeo record with his 92.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Black Tie at Frontier Park on July 30. The CFD saddle bronc riding record was a 91-point ride by fellow Louisiana cowboy Cody DeMoss on Harry Vold Rodeo’s Painted Valley in 2010. “This is awesome,” said Sanford, 24. “I Iook up to Cody as a bronc rider and to carry this on is just amazing.” Sanford couldn’t have asked for a better draw. Black Tie was the 2022 Pendleton Whisky’s Let ‘er Buck Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year. “That horse absolutely was as good as advertised,” Sanford said. “It’s the one that everyone was wishing to have by their name, and I was blessed to have him by mine and he was just awesome.” Although there was a packed crowd and a CFD buckle on the line,

Sanford, a rookie, didn’t let his nerves get the best of him. “I was pretty calm actually,” he said. “I knew I was going to do everything I could to ride the best and it worked out. I knew it was going to be (a big score). An electric horse like that comes together like that it is going to be big points.” When his score was posted, Sanford soaked in the moment as the crowd roared its approval at the rodeo known as the “Daddy of ‘em All.” “It is like nothing else,” Sanford said. “It was amazing.” Last season, Sanford was competing on his PRCA permit, but he had his season cut short by a shoulder injury. Sanford has rebounded nicely in 2023, and has been hovering around the top 20 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings and he’s optimistic Cheyenne will be a springboard for him to get in the Top 15 in the standings. “This is absolutely my biggest rodeo win ever and it is going to give me good momentum for the rest of the summer and hopefully into (the NFR),” Sanford said. “(Qualifying for the NFR) would mean everything to me.”

ProRodeo Sports News 8/4/2023

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By Tanner Barth & Tracy Renck

Lord collects 2nd Cheyenne buckle Eli Lord knows what it takes to be successful at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. The Sturgis, S.D., steer wrestler captured the coveted title for the first time in 2019. Fast forward four years and it was déjà vu at Frontier Park for the 29-year-old. He added his second buckle with a 5.9-second run in the finals, edging out Tristan Martin by seven-tenths of a second. Lord said winning the Daddy of ‘em All has always been a goal and his second title feels just as good as the first. “It really is surreal to win Cheyenne,” said Lord. “I’ve been coming to this rodeo since before I could remember. There are pictures of me here when I couldn’t even walk yet. It’s been my favorite rodeo forever. I remember sitting here growing up and watching, thinking man I sure hope I can do this someday. It feels just as good the second time as it did the first time.” Lord was the second cowboy to go in an eight-man field of contestants in the finals. He admits even though the nerves can be there, going early in the performance doesn’t bother him much. “Honestly, in a tournament style rodeo, where it’s a one header and the fastest time wins, I would rather go at the beginning,” he said. “You can get it out of the way, set the pace, and let everybody else try to come get you. It is a little bit nerve-racking sitting over there while everyone else goes though, I will admit that.” He was quick to credit the horse underneath him and the hazer by his side for the win. “So much of it here is the horse you ride and the person you have hazing for you,” Lord said. “Allen Good hazed for me and I rode his son Carson Good’s horse (Mario). I was lucky enough that he sent him down here with his dad just for me to ride. He worked great all weekend here for me.”

Jason Suntych photo Steer wrestler Eli Lord found glory again at the Cheyenne Frontier Days with his 5.9-second winning run July 30 at Frontier Park.

Luke Potter accomplishes Cheyenne dream

Luke Potter is in his fifth season of ProRodeo. Each year he has finished inside the top 30 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings but fell just short of his goal of qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He hopes his performance at the 2023 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo points him in the right direction. In front of a big crowd, the Maple City, Kan., tie-down roper clocked a 10.6-second run to walk away with the coveted rodeo win. “I don’t think it’s really set in all the way yet,” said Potter, 23. “I’ve dreamed of something like this ever since I was a little kid when my dad roped here. To get this opportunity and for it to go well is pretty special.” The roping setup in Cheyenne is unique in the sport. The score is much longer than most setups, with the calf getting a 20-foot head start. Potter said it’s key to be patient when it comes to roping at the Daddy of ‘em All. “You know it can be tricky. My goal was to try and get a pretty good start, but not break the barrier,” he said. “I knew my calf was going to be really good and I just wanted to make sure I got around her and stayed out of her way, so I could win something.” He accomplished all of this on a horse that he bought just days before the finals. “My horses name is Katniss, I just bought her a few days before the rodeo actually,” Potter said. “I rode one of my good friends’ horses in the slack earlier this week. Then I bought her Wednesday, rode her in the perf on Thursday and here in the finals. “The way she worked wasn’t totally surprising. I got to ride her last week, and everything went pretty well. So, the confidence was there coming into this. Now, I got to pay for her, so I have a little extra motivation to win on her I guess.”

Click Thompson photo Tie-down roper Luke Potter acknowledges the crowd after win ning the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo for the first time.

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