ProRodeo Sports News - Dec. 20, 2019

PRCA ProRodeo photos by James Phifer

Snow, Thorp’s partner, finished second in the heading standings with $256,938 – about $11,000 behind Smith. “I’m so proud of how he (Snow) has done this week,” Thorp said. “I truly thought he had more control with his roping and his horse than anyone in this arena, and that goes a long way. He made my job easier and ropes phenomenally all year long, and he is one of my best friends.” This was Thorp’s first world title thanks to placing in six rounds and winning Round 7. Smith’s second consecutive title came after placing in six rounds, including a win in Round 2. He entered the Finals in first after setting a single-season record for most money won before the Wrangler NFR with $150,512. “It means a lot to me – it comes in order of faith for me, then my family and this is No. 3, and it’s all I think about,” he said. “We were raised in rodeo, and to win the world is an accomplishment, a big one for me, and

I’m very thankful.”

Winning the world had a different meaning for Thorp. “It means that these are the guys I looked up to the most growing up and I put on a pedestal still as heroes,” Thorp said. “It’s like they were on a different playing field and even today they are guys I look up to, and to be one of them is amazing and a dream come true. You hope it could come true, but you never grasp what it feels like. I’m at a loss for words on it, but it feels unbelievable and I’m happy with everything. We came with a game plan and stuck with it. I had tremendous support the whole time.” Both world champions are already looking ahead for the 2020 season. “You start at ground zero going into the new season and everyone wants to win,” Smith said. “It doesn’t mean anything other than that you were the best that year. It’s like you are on a wheel, like a hamster on a wheel that keeps turning.”

ProRodeo Sports News 12/20/2019

ProRodeo.com

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