ProRodeo Sports News - August 7, 2020

Opportunity Knocks RAM NCFR PREVIEW

Circuit Finals awaiting veteran Stewart, up-and-comer Hageman

BY TRACY RENCK J ason Stewart andWyatt Hageman are two cowboys on opposite ends of the spectrum. Stewart, 44, of the Columbia River Circuit, is a two-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and a winner of the 1999 National Circuit Finals Rodeo as a team roping header. Hageman, 24, is a second-year saddle bronc rider trying to find his way in the sport. Experience aside, they will both be competing at the 2020 RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in Greeley, Colo., Sept. 10-13. The RAMNCFR is one of the biggest rodeos of the ProRodeo season and one that will have a total distribution of $500,000. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the national circuit finals, originally scheduled for Kissimmee, Fla., in April, was moved to Greeley. “The RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo is one of the most significant ProRodeos of the year,” PRCA CEOGeorge Taylor said. “It was imperative we have this event, and the committee in Greeley is going to help that by stepping up to host it.” Stewart is thrilled to have another opportunity at the RAMNCFR. He will be roping with heeler and permit holder Calgary Smith, 21. “I don’t know how many more times I will get to do something like this, so I’m just glad they are having it,” said Stewart, who made the NFR in 1998 and 2000. “My career has been pretty much over for a while, and Calgary’s is just getting started so it is a cool mix.” Hageman, of Jay Em, Wyo., which is three hours fromGreeley, is thrilled the 2020 RAMNCFR is back on the schedule. Hageman won the Mountain States year-end title and the average at the RAMMountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo to qualify for a trip to Greeley. “I’m really excited, I didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity,” Hageman said. “I’m glad they are putting it on, and I would have gone anywhere for it, but having it this close to home just makes it that much easier. The money and the competition will just make me that much better. The opportunity to make that type of money is amazing. The stock will be really good, and I’m looking forward to that.” Stewart won the National Circuit Finals Rodeo in 1999 roping with Bucky Campbell.

Ty Stockton photo Saddle bronc rider Wyatt Hageman competes during the 2019 RAM Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo. Hageman will make his RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo debut Sept. 10-13 in Greeley, Colo., three hours from his home in Jay Em, Wyo.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/7/2020

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