ProRodeo Sports News - December 16, 2022

STEER WRESTLING AVERAGE WINNER

Steer wrestler Kyle Irwin, making his sixth appearance at the Wrangler NFR, won his first average title. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Click Thompson

Memorable Effort

Veteran steer wrestler Kyle Irwin wins his first average crown

BY DAGIN RENCK Special to ProRodeo Sports News T he NFR’s bright lights and big stage aren’t for everyone. The crowded, tiny arena provokes a unique energy that gives even the best cowboys

the champion. It’s going to taste terrible to say but he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Irwin. “…All of the guys here, Will Lummus and Stetson Jorgensen, they push you to be that good. You can’t stub your toe.” Despite failing to claimmoney during

nerves. For Kyle Irwin, it proved to be no match. The six-time NFR competitor delivered an impressive showing in pursuit of his first NFR average title. Irwin’s remarkable stretch was a reflection of his hard work. “Oh man, everybody got to witness my dreams unfold before me these last 10 days. I’m super blessed to have a great week,” said Irwin, winner of the $74,150 aggregate prize. “I drew great steers and the horse I was riding, Tyson, with Curtis (Cassidy) hazing. He’s a three-time horse of the year for a reason and I was confident in that. We had a plan when we came in here and, man, feels like all of the practice is finally paying off.” Irwin won the average with a 46.1-second time on 10 head. The Alabama native entered the week ninth in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. A fast start would soon change his standing. Irwin collected paychecks in each of the first three rounds, finishing third in Rounds 2 and 3. While he slowed down in the middle rounds that was due to a strong field of competitors, Irwin noted. “It’s tough against this group and especially with (Tyler) Waguespack as

the week, Irwin continued to show resilience. He found his way back into the pay window in Round 8, notching a 4.2-second run. The steer wrestler finished off a week of consistency with his best run in Round 10, a 4.0-second run, and a fourth-place finish. Irwin credits determination and focus on the goal. “This is how we feed our families, and this is how we get through the year. We just had to put our head down and stick to the plan,” Irwin said. “Work the plan and hope the plan works.” In all, the cowboy collected $151,537 across the 10 nights. The strong NFR appearance shot him up to third in the RAM | World Standings with $249,892 in season earnings, his highest finish since 2014. The unforgettable moments have sparked a new fire in Irwin, one he hopes brings him a world title. “The day after Christmas we start getting ready for that. Yeah, this is just going to light my fire. My kids, my wife got to be here,” said Irwin. “It’s hard on them especially when I’m gone all summer but, man, they love it and support me doing it. Next year I’m going to be another contender and try to speak it into existence.”

ProRodeo Sports News 12/16/2022

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