ProRodeo Sports News - Dec. 20, 2019

WRANGER NFR NEWS & NOTES

Schuelke wins Permit Challenge Saddle bronc rider Lane Schuelke won the 10th annual PRCA Permit Members of the Year Challenge in Las Vegas, Dec. 5. “It’s definitely a good experience,” Schuelke said. “It’s an eye-opener to see everything and experience the lights and the rodeo, which is cool, and it’s a pretty fun deal.” The Newell, S.D., cowboy placed second in Round 1 and won Round 2 to claim the average with 159.5 points on two head. Similar to a driver’s permit before earning a full license, PRCA contestants hold a permit before they earn their cards. For the 10th year in a row, up-and-coming ProRodeo stars competed in Las Vegas for the coveted title of top permit member. The permit challenge brought together the Top 5 permit holders who entered in each event to the South Point Equestrian Center and was held along with the World-Famous Benny Binion’s Bucking Horse and Bull Sale. While Schuelke’s win was worth $1,034, the Permit Challenge’s value also shines through in other ways. It’s common for contestants in the Permit Challenge to return to Las Vegas to compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Clayton Biglow won the 2015 Permit Challenge bareback riding title and went on to win the bareback riding world title this season. Schuelke, 21, ranked sixth in the 2019 PRCA | RAMRodeo Permit Standings for saddle bronc riding with $19,145 thanks in part to winning three rodeos during the regular season. Schuelke won the BHSU Rally Rodeo & Bullfights in Spearfish, S.D., Aug. 6; the Catfish Stampede in Onida, S.D., Aug. 10; and the Rusk County Rodeo in Ladysmith, Wis., Aug. 10. “I’ve been to some of those (Cinch) World’s Toughest deals, and those are pretty big, but the Permit Challenge is definitely something different for sure,” Schuelke said. “You’re not competing for money, you’re competing for another buckle and to get your name out there.” Schuelke has started his rookie year for the 2020 season. He plans to head south for some winter rodeos with his brother, Taygen. “It was just to get my name out there and experience Las Vegas and see everyone,” Schuelke said. “I think everything is feeling good now. I got my card this year, and I’m ready to hit it hard.”

Lane Schuelke, of Newell, S.D., took top honors at the 10th annual PRCA Permit Members of the Year Challenge. He pocketed $1,034 for the win. Mary Peters photo

ProRodeo Sports News 12/20/2019

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