ProRodeo Sports News - Feb. 18, 2022

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

James Phifer photo Coming off his first trip to the Wrangler NFR this past season, Tristan Martin continued his success in Fort Worth. Martin’s 3.9-second run in the finals secured his first FWSSR title.

Fort Worth win moves Tristan Martin to No. 1

The 2021 ProRodeo season saw steer wrestler Tristan Martin finish higher than he ever has in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. The Sulphur, La. cowboy, wrapped up the season fifth in the world with $172,872 and hopes to make it back-to-backWrangler NFR appearances this year. He got a jumpstart on accomplishing that goal on Feb. 5 by winning the steer wrestling title in Fort Worth with a 3.9-second run in the championship round. “I just ride a great set of horses and it makes my job a lot easier to be honest with you,” said Martin, 26. “If I can blow the barrier out every time and catch up as fast as I want to it’s all up to me from there on.” Headed into the FWSSR, Martin was sitting third in the world after a second-place finish at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. Now, with a $24,260 payday at Dickies Arena he has bumped himself up to the No.1 spot. “I won second in Denver and first here, so, I just hope I can keep it rolling throughout the rest of the winter,” he said. From here on out he’ll also have another set of eyes watching him every step of the way. Tristan and his wife Josee welcomed their first child Boudreaux just one day after the NFR in December. “There’s no better feeling than being a dad,” Martin said. “I just love that little guy and my wife so much. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I can’t wait for Boudreaux to be walking around following me at these rodeos someday.” He hopes his win in Fort Worth is only the beginning of what’s to come this season, but he knows it won’t come without hard work. “I’ve worked hard to get to where I’m at and the work doesn’t stop now,” he said. “You know I have to stay in the gym and keep hard at it. Then I’ll see where things end up at the end of the season. That’s about all you can do.”

Driggers/Nogueira win Fort Worth for first time James Phifer photo Reigning PRCA World Champion team ropers Kaleb Drigger/Junior Nogueira won the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo for the first time in their careers with a 4.2-second run in the finals at Dickies Arena.

Dickies Arena in February is beneficial. “I think one of the biggest things about Dickies Arena is getting a good start,” Driggers said. “There’s not a lot of left here and that’s similar to the NFR. We had some pretty good steers. I messed up on the first one and we were able to battle back and get the win. It’s a dream come true to win this rodeo. We have never won it before and to finally get it pulled off is awesome.” Driggers and Nogueira earned $20,000 each for winning the finals and left Fort Worth with $24,760 in their pockets. “The way the rodeo treated all the families was the best and this arena is amazing,” Nogueira said. “It is close to home, and you bring your family and friends and a lot of people you know can come and watch. (That $20,000 check) helps a bunch. I just had another baby and I need to buy a bunch of diapers.” Driggers echoed his partner. “This is a huge rodeo, paying $20,000 bucks,” Driggers said. “This is where you have to bring your ‘A’ game and luckily it worked out for us. We just going to keep our heads down and rope every steer we get and try and be successful at the end.”

In December, team ropers Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira finally reached the top of the PRCAmountain. After years of knocking on the gold buckle door the pair walked through it on Dec. 11 at theThomas &Mack Center in Las Vegas to claim the coveted header and heeler championships, respectively. Less than two months later – Feb. 5 to be exact – the duo was celebrating again as they won the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo for the first time in their careers.

Driggers and Nogueira stopped the clocked in 4.2 seconds to win the finals at Dickies Arena. “We just do the same thing we do every time, and we were really excited to get to win the gold buckles,” Nogueira said. “But we were looking forward to this winter with great rodeos. My partner and I are working to get some really good horses and that’s what we love to do and that’s our job. To win this rodeo, is a blessing and a dream come true.” Driggers said competing at Thomas &Mack Center in December and

ProRodeo Sports News 2/18/2022

ProRodeo Sports News 2/18/2022

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