ProRodeo Sports News - December 16, 2022

TEAM ROPING AVERAGE WINNERS

Heeler Patrick Smith and header Tanner Tomlinson compete at the 2022 Wrangler NFR. Smith and Tomlinson each earned $199,727 at the NFR. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Phil Doyle

No Ordinary Ropers

Tomlinson & Smith set NFR record in winning average

BY BRADY RENCK Special to ProRodeo Sports News P atrick Smith, a former world champion, wasn’t sure he would

Smith credited Tomlinson’s willingness to roll up his sleeves for the results. “Tanner worked hard, as talented as he is, to stay humble,” Smith said. “Work ethic and talent equals what Tanner was

able to do this week.” Winning the average is the result of consistency, which netted $74,150 prize money. Steady defined Smith and Tomlinson. They were the only ropers to score in all 10 rounds. They won Round 3 in 3.6 seconds, split Round 10 at 3.7 seconds, and reached the pay window on seven nights, including five straight. “I would have never thought it would be such a blessing to win my first go-round buckle and go 3.6,” Tomlinson said. “I am just blessed.” Added Smith with a smile, “He’s just a show boater, that’s what I have already learned. He sets the record in his first NFR. He was born for this.” Tomlinson explained that reaching the NFR was a two-year process that microwaved with two months of practice leading into Las Vegas. It allowed them to develop a game plan to stick with, “and it all worked out.” For Smith, this career renaissance has allowed for reflection and appreciation. “I couldn’t say grateful more than I have this week. As time goes by, my kids are older now, they are enjoying it. Everybody asks me where my fourth kid is when Tanner is not with us,” Smith said. “It’s been very special being part of his first year. My family is road warriors. We have been doing this a long time – 19 years in rodeo is like 19 dog years. But I am super grateful.”

return to the NFR after a career hiatus in 2015. Tanner Tomlinson

wondered if he would ever make it to the sport’s top stage. Their pairing as team ropers illuminated their futures.

What were once squinting-required dreams became reality in Las Vegas as the duo won the average, setting an NFR record with a time of 53.0 seconds on 10 head. “It feels great when you end it like this. I’ve made this same walk in this hallway very lonely with my head down before, so I’ve definitely been on both sides of this coin. I feel for the guys that didn’t have a good week, but hard work pays off,” said Smith, a two-time world champion heeler. “We worked hard to be here.” Smith is 42. His previous average titles came in 2003 and 2008. Tomlinson, a header, was a toddler when Smith rode to fame. At 22, he has found traction, leaving him to experience a pinch-me moment at Thomas & Mack Center. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Tomlinson said. “It’s like a dream come true, something I’ve dreamed about my whole life. I never thought being here my first time I’d accomplish all this.” Las Vegas centers on luck. But there was little this duo left to chance.

ProRodeo Sports News 12/16/2022

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