ProRodeo Sports News - Feb. 21, 2020

Lecile Harris 1936-2020

INSIDE • Cowboys hit paydirt as Fort Worth rodeo increases payout/Page 26

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FOURCHAMPIONS.

Congratulations on your impressiveWrangler NFR victories.

WESLEY THORP

SAGE KIMZEY

CLAYTON BIGLOW

STETSON WRIGHT

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 21, 2020 VOLUME 68, NO. 4

Shot at a Million The Fort ing $20,000 to win- ners in each event. 26 Worth Stock Show & Rodeo upped its payout to nearly $1 million, including pay-

Bareback rider Til- den Hooper posts an 83.5-point ride on United Pro Rodeo’s Smoke Jumper in Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 2. Hooper went on to win the rodeo Feb. 8. James Phifer photo

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INSIDE

26 Fort Worth, Texas 34 San Angelo, Texas 40 Rapid City, S.D. 42 Jackson, Miss. STANDINGS 6 in their words 8 hot takes 10 cowboy grille 12 brain teasers 14 he said-she said 16 social media 20 short round 56 results 68 prca notes 18 2020 prca world 64 2020 circuits RODEOS

Hearty Texas Bounty Steer wrestler Matt Reeves enjoyed his Valentine’s Day, cashing in for nearly $10,000 at the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo. 34 March of Riches biggest-paying rodeos of the season happen in March, and they can spring cowboys to Las Vegas. 48 Three of the

The Cowboy from Kimberly Bareback rider Anthony Thomas’ wild ride from the Kimberly, Australia, to North America isn’t your average tale of travel. 50 Robby Freeman photo Bareback rider Anthony Thomas prepares to ride during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Feb. 16.

COVER

ProRodeo Sports News

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published semimonthly by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-4301. PERIODICALS postage paid at Colorado Springs, Colo. , and ad- ditional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to ProRodeo Sports News , P. O. Box 469025, Escondido, CA 92046. Subscription rate: $45 for one year, 12 issues. Disclaimer: The ProRodeo Sports News carries advertising as a service to PRCA members and PSN readers. However, publication of advertisements in the PSN does not in any way, whether expressed or implied, commit the PSN to guarantee or warrant any of the merchandise or livestock advertised.

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Lecile Harris 1936-2020

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INSIDE •CowboyshitpaydirtasFortWorth rodeo increasespayout/Page24

Scott Kaniewski PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carol Lawrence CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

ProRodeo Hall of Famer Lecile Harris passed away Feb. 13. PRCA file photo

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Jackson check has team roping header thinking big IN THEIR WORDS KASTON PEAVY T hat (performance in Jackson) felt pretty good. My partner did most of the work. We drew good and got a good start, and most of it was finished by him.

We went to preschool together and high school together and lived in the same town. Our parents were friends and we’ve been friends ever since. We’re the same age. He always heeled and I always headed. It worked out perfect like that. We’ve always done amateur rodeos together and always roped together, but he

Kaston Peavy mostly sticks to the Southeastern Circuit. But after cashing a check for $5,444 from the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Miss., the team roping header from Bay Minette, Ala., is looking to venture out a little more. Peavy, 33, and Zak Dobbins, his team roping heeler and childhood friend, stopped the clock in 4.0 seconds to tie for second in Jackson. That one check is more than Peavy earned in four of the previous five seasons and has him in 18th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $7,488, as of Feb. 18. He is also headed to his first RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., in April. Dobbins, a 33-year-old rookie, is leading the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings. Taking a run at making the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas isn’t out of the question for Peavy and Dobbins.

I knew we were some kind of 4 (second run), but I didn’t know that we were 4-flat. Man, I knew that we had a pretty good chance of winning a lot of

money. I know there were a lot of teams behind us that were pretty good. We went at the beginning (of the rodeo), but I had pretty high hopes of winning some money. We were checking online or every night somebody there was telling us if anybody beat us or what was going on. Sometimes in the winter we’ll go to some other rodeos, but most of the time we stick around the circuit. This year, we went to Odessa (Texas), Fort Worth and San Angelo, then we’ll go to Austin. The new arena (Dickies Arena in Fort Worth) is sweet. It’s a nice facility for sure. They sure did well with it, and it makes it easy on a cowboy, it’s a treat to be there. We’re going to try and see where the rest of the winter goes and try to rodeo a little more than we have been. Zak and I have known each other all our lives.

never went to any of the ProRodeos, but we got him talked into it. It makes it easier going because we’re back together every day. We know what the other one is doing and what our problems are. When I’m not rodeoing, I’m building fences for my family’s company, Peavy LLC. My family had aunts and uncles on both sides who rodeoed and cousins on both sides who rodeoed, and I kind of fell into it. I like to rope. My dad (Al) made it easy for us to rope, and he liked it more than baseball and soccer, and I liked whatever he wanted to do. He didn’t enjoy going to the soccer games. When we were practicing roping, he was there every day. This year, as far as Jackson, it gives us a little different outlook as far as trying to make the Finals (Wrangler NFR). We’ve talked about going to California and going over the Fourth of July. So we’re just entering the ones we can get to now and whenever that time comes we’ll make a decision on it.

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Bull rider J.W. Harris, a four-time PRCA world champion, is hoping to make it to the Wrangler National Finals Comeback

“As of right now, it’ll be my last year, so we’ll try to go out on a good note. My body is getting tired of it. I still have the want to ride and I still love it just as much as when I first started. But it’s hard to get the motor running to get on, and I have two kids at home busy with sports and every dadgum thing you can think of. It’s hard to leave home.” – J.W. HARRIS

Rodeo this season before calling it a career.

NEXT ON TAP THE AMERICAN When: March 7-8 Where: Arlington, Texas Coverage: The Cowboy Channel March 7, 7:30 p.m. (ET); March 8, 3 p.m. (ET)

* Broadcasts are subject to change. Check out TheCowboyChannel.com for the latest schedules.

RODEO HOUSTON When: March 3-22 Where: Houston, Texas Coverage: The Cowboy

RODEO AUSTIN When: March 14 - March 28 Where: Austin, Texas Coverage: The Cowboy Channel, 8 p.m. (ET); March 15 and March 22, 4 p.m. (ET)

Channel, March 3-18, 7:45 p.m. (ET); semifinals, wild card and Super Series Championship on FSSW beginning March 19.

HOT TAKES

Ric Andersen photo

Team roping pairs post top times of 2020 Team ropers Jaxson Tucker, right, and Jake Clay stop the clock in 3.5 seconds at the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo, Feb. 9.

Team ropers Jaxson Tucker and Jake Clay posted the fastest run of the 2020 season with a time of 3.5 seconds Feb. 9 at the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo.

Two days later, Dustin Bird and Levi Tyan matched it while running their steer at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Bird and Tyan’s run broke the San Antonio record.

101 NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2020 SEASON AS OF FEB. 18

$7,767,941

MONEY WON BY PRCA COWBOYS IN THE 2020 SEASON

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TRACY RENCK

How did you get your start in rodeo? Justin: My family always had horses around and that’s how I began rodeoing. I’m the only one in my family to compete at the PRCA level. My dad and my grandpa roped around the house a little bit, but never rodeoed at a high level. What horse are your riding? Justin: Doc. He’s 15. That’s the horse that I’ve ridden the whole time I’ve been in the PRCA. I can’t say enough good things about Doc. Probably the biggest thing about him is his consistency. You can rely on him to do the same trip every time. I would label him a winner. He wants you to win and doesn’t do anything to cost you. In 2018, he was hurt, that’s why I didn’t go as much. How much did narrowly missing the Wrangler NFR fuel you for 2020? Justin: Before last year you always tell yourself that you can do it, and to come that close and know that you really can do it and you can compete at that level, it gave me a lot of confidence coming back into this year. I know more about some rodeos that I like to go to that fit me and my horse. I have a lot of confidence finishing that close and knowing I can do it. I feel more knowledgeable and more prepared, and I have a better chance than I did last year. What are some of your favorite rodeos you’ve competed at? Justin: The San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo and San Antonio. I like the fast set-ups in the winter buildings. I think it would be really cool to win California Rodeo Salinas. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Justin: No. I’m an only child. Do you have any skills outside of rodeo? Justin: I played sports like basketball and baseball through high school. But it has been my goal ever since I was 12 or 13 years old to make the National Finals Rodeo, and that’s what I put all my time into. I do shoe my own horses, and I can do it how I want to do it. What’s your favorite restaurant? Justin: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. I usually get a Cajun seafood pasta with a sweet tea. What’s your favorite dessert? Justin: Cheesecake. Nowhere specific, just any kind of cheesecake. I’m always down for cheesecake. What’s your favorite go-to movie? Justin: The Wolf of Wall Street . I love that movie because it is about a bad dude. Who are your rodeo idols? Justin: It’s hard to pick one. I would have to say Joe Beaver, Roy Cooper and Fred Whitfield. I don’t try and emulate one person. I want to rope like Justin Smith. But the thing is I can look at those guys and take a little bit from each one of them and develop my own style that works for me. Who are your favorite non-rodeo athletes to watch? Justin: My favorite basketball team is the Houston Rockets, and I like watching Justin Smith, 22, a native of Leesville, La., earned $46,168 in 2017 and finished second in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie of the Year standings in tie-down roping. He roped on a limited basis in 2018 after his horse was injured but bounced back in 2019. He just missed qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for the first time, finishing 17th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $78,560. He was 16th in the Feb. 18 world standings and is eager to make it to Las Vegas in 2020.

JUSTIN SMITH

James Harden and Russell Westbrook. I watch a basketball game just about every night. I have been to several Rockets games and I’ve been to a bunch of Oklahoma City Thunder games.

What do you like to do when you’re not rodeoing? Justin: I like playing a little basketball and golf. Around anybody who was good at golf, I wouldn’t call myself good. To my buddies who don’t play golf, I tell them I’m pretty good. Guys who are good, I wouldn’t want to tell them I’m good because then they will want to go and play.

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Word Search BRAIN TEASERS TAKE YOUR SHOT Y M B L P Y H D N I V N H H M K K T O U S B R Z O X I M A V S X C Q L O O E K I U Z P G T C J N S R K N L T N M M V Z N S P T E J J E V C W T M E K D W L B Y D Q M A F L A K E A M F H G Y L N W V Z D R F P Y L P P A J N S C I V D R L E R L A J X I I W A C E Y M U N S E L L A K E O A K X N T Y B L A S I N G A M E D Y O K E W N G W Y E B R I L O Q G E W L X W A M R K M I C H A E L O T E R O U D C D A H R V I F D K S O S T R L E B B V U U N R U S L I I L Z T I B F O D N A B L U X O O C Q K D H G S L N L A S F J S T E T S O N W R I G H T D H J E H C T R E M N N I U Q Q C W D K A E O E T Q R C I G J E K N I M V G I X K C S A G E K I M Z E Y Z S E E Z N A X R T S B E J C S D T J C M Y M C N T B T M R D F R T Z G T J U T F Y G J U P M T I F Q Q A L L G V O W N T P O N R H Z R Z T N N D I D L I E F E E C Y A K Z S E A O V R N E L L I E W I L L I A M S M I L L E R X Z O March Mayhem

ANSWERS ON PAGE 69

Find the winners from RodeoHouston in 2019 and the winners from the 2019 edition of Rodeo Austin (Texas). Cowboys who won more than one event at both rodeos appear once for each win. Names may be forward, backward, horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

1. Find the Houston winners. BB: Kaycee Feild SW: Josh Garner TR: Ty Blasingame/Kyle Lockett SB: Jesse Wright TD: Michael Otero GB: Nellie Williams-Miller BR: Trevor Kastner 2. Find the Austin winners. BB: Caleb Bennett SW: Scott Guenthner TR: Laramie Allen/Jace Davis SB: Stetson Wright

TD: Monty Lewis GB: Emily Miller BR: Sage Kimzey

BONUS QUESTIONS 1. Who was the clown/barrelman at RodeoHouston last season?

2. Who was the clown/barrelman at Rodeo Austin last season?

2020 RAMONA RODEO

• $5000 Added Per Event • Tres Rios Trophy Buckles • Cowboy Hospitality

Celebrating 40 Years of Tradition

Friday May 29th Rodeo Performance Slack to follow Saturday May 30th Rodeo Performance Sunday May 31st Rodeo Performance

STOCK CONTRACTOR: Honeycutt Rodeo

www.RamonaRodeo.com

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© 2019 COORS BREWING CO., GOLDEN, CO • BEER CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY ®

OUT HERE, LEGENDS ARE MADE.

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10 QUESTIONS He Said – She Said

Who knows steer roper Trenton Johnson better, his wife, Ayla, or his traveling partner, Brodie Poppino?

Trenton

Ayla

Brodie

BRODIE

TRENTON

AYLA

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE THING TO HUNT?

Coyotes

Deer

Coyotes

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?

Coffee

Diet Coke

Diet Pepsi

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Trenton

Me

Trenton

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Trevor Brazile

Trevor Brazile

Trevor Brazile

WHO IS HIS FAVORITE NON-RODEO ATHLETE?

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes

Chuck Liddell

WHAT’S THE NAME OF HIS FAVORITE HORSE?

Freckles

Freckles

Freckles

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE MOVIE?

Law Abiding Citizen

Law Abiding Citizen

Law Abiding Citizen

HOW MANY BOOTS DOES HE OWN?

Five

Five

Five

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE MEAL AYLA MAKES?

Enchiladas

Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken

14 WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA DOES HE USE?

Facebook

Facebook

– Courtesy of Ted Harbin Facebook

ProRodeo Sports News 11/7/2014

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SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

TRANSLATION FROM PORTUGUESE: The traditional San Antonio, Texas, rodeo began. In the first class that ended on Saturday, JW Harris four-time champion for

PRCA won the second round and secured a place in the semifinal with $4,500.

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2020 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Unofficial as of Feb. 18, 2020. For the 2020 season (Oct. 1, 2019-Sept. 30, 2020), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 85; team roping, 65; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 85; barrel racing, 100; and bull riding, no limit. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

ALL-AROUND 1. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................... $34,296 2. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla........................ 32,319 3. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss................................. 8,813 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa....................... $25,596 2. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas...................... 24,859 3. Wyatt Bloom, Belgrade, Mont........................ 23,566 4. Jamie Howlett, Rapid City, S.D....................... 20,080 5. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas............... 18,112 6. Kody Lamb, Sherwood Park, Alberta.............. 17,383 7. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La............................... 16,923 8. Cole Reiner, Kaycee, Wyo............................... 15,166 9. Anthony Thomas, Houston, Texas.................. 13,348 10. Mason Clements, Draper, Utah....................... 12,559 11. Jake Brown, Cleveland, Texas........................ 12,557 12. Paden Hurst, Huntsville, Texas....................... 12,510 13. Craig Wisehart, Kersey, Colo.......................... 11,109 14. Chad Rutherford, Lake Charles, La................. 10,700 15. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn...................... 10,182 16. Jesse Pope, Marshall, Mo.............................. 10,041 17. Mike Fred, Wamego, Kan................................. 9,332 18. Logan Patterson, Kim, Colo............................. 9,223 19. Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, Texas... 9,104 20. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La.................... 8,780 STEER WRESTLING 1. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La............................. $32,008 2. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont.............................. 25,519 3. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas................... 23,580 4. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho............................ 15,830 5. Jacob Edler, State Center, Iowa...................... 15,535 6. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho.............. 12,877 7. Cade Staton, Jonesboro, Texas...................... 12,378 8. Hunter Cure, Holliday, Texas.......................... 10,079 9. Cade Goodman, Waelder, Texas....................... 9,816 10. Jace Melvin, Fort Pierre, S.D............................ 9,549 11. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore........................... 9,494 12. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala............................. 8,559 13. Mike McGinn, Haines, Ore................................ 8,296 14. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan.......................... 8,218 15. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss............................. 8,174 16. Cody Harmon, Dublin, Texas............................ 7,990 17. Shayde Etherton, Borden, Ind.......................... 7,698 18. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D....................................... 7,353 19. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D................... 6,837 20. Justice Johnson, Bismarck, N.D....................... 6,815 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla...................... $27,176 2. Clay Ullery, Valleyview, Alberta....................... 23,297 3. Kal Fuller, Bozeman, Mont.............................. 15,873 4. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont............................... 13,010 5. Lane Ivy, Dublin, Texas................................... 12,802 6. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla.................... 12,463 7. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif.......................... 11,731 8. Kolton Schmidt, Barrhead, Alberta................. 11,656 9. Charly Crawford, Stephenville, Texas............. 11,605 10. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga........................... 9,796 11. Colton Campbell, Klamath falls, Ore................. 9,695 12. Laramie Allen, Llano, Texas.............................. 9,643 13. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla........................... 9,109 14. Levi Simpson, Ponoka, Alberta........................ 8,828 15. Garrett Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas.................... 8,702 16. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla..................................... 8,699 17. Spencer Mitchell, Orange Cove, Calif............... 7,947 18. Kaston Peavy, Bay Minette, Ala........................ 7,488 19. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz........................ 7,472 20. Garett Chick, Salado, Texas.............................. 7,396

TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev............................... $27,176 2. Jake Edwards, Ocala, Fla................................ 26,578 3. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan............................ 20,039 4. Reagan Ward, Edmond, Okla.......................... 12,760 5. Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz........................ 11,832 6. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas........................... 11,656 7. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M............................... 9,850 8. Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil .. 9,796 9. Evan Arnold, Stephenville, Texas...................... 9,175 10. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan................... 9,109 11. Shay Dixon Carroll, La Junta, Colo................... 8,828 12. Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas.............................. 8,702 13. Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont............................... 8,699 14. Colton Brittain, Rockwall, Texas....................... 8,482 15. Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla................................... 8,280 16. Britt Bockius, Shady Grove, Fla........................ 8,019 17. Dillon Wingereid, Stephenville, Texas............... 7,589 18. Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif................................ 7,472 19. Walt Woodard, Stephenville, Texas.................. 7,396 20. Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla....................... 7,360 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Wyatt Casper, Pampa, Texas........................ $45,647 2. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta.................... 23,080 3. Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D..................... 22,587 4. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo........................... 21,555 5. Allen Boore, Axtell, Utah................................ 19,126 6. Sterling Crawley, Huntsville, Texas................. 16,477 7. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta.................. 15,225 8. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D.................................. 15,088 9. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah........................... 14,727 10. Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah........................... 14,660 11. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah....................... 14,639 12. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia................ 14,433 13. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif............................. 13,517 14. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas....................... 13,182 15. Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas...................... 12,260 16. Taygen Schuelke, Newell, S.D........................ 11,843 17. Cort Scheer, Homedale, Idaho........................ 10,372 18. Lane Schuelke, Newell, S.D.............................. 9,986 19. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont..................... 9,793 20. Riggin Smith, Winterset, Iowa......................... 9,561 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M.......................... $40,871 2. Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla....................... 32,206 3. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................. 27,035 4. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas................. 23,547 5. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas.......................... 22,289 6. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas............................ 18,326 7. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb................................ 16,663 8. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas........................... 15,902 9. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas........................... 15,511 10. Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla....................... 14,280 11. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La........................... 13,647 12. Tyson Durfey, Brock, Texas............................ 12,560 13. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan.............................. 12,436 14. Ike Fontenot, Ville Platte, La........................... 11,705 15. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.................... 11,647 16. Justin Smith, Leesville, La............................. 10,954 17. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont...................... 10,813 18. Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas....................... 10,752 19. Catfish Brown, Collinsville, Texas..................... 9,807 20. Andrew Burks, Kiln, Miss................................. 9,632

STEER ROPING 1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas....................... $21,180 2. Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla........................ 12,338 3. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D........................... 11,075 4. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.............. 10,493 5. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan.............................. 10,261 6. Shay Good, Abilene, Texas............................... 9,456 7. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas................ 8,805 8. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla........................... 7,852 9. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas............................. 7,718 10. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................... 7,667 11. Jason Evans, Glen Rose, Texas........................ 7,572 12. Corey Ross, Liberty Hill, Texas......................... 7,490 13. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla........................ 7,398 14. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas............. 6,423 15. Trey Sheets, Pine Bluffs, Wyo.......................... 6,137 16. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas.............................. 5,750 17. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.............................. 5,714 18. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla............................ 5,578 19. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas.......................... 5,481 20. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla.......................... 5,143 BULL RIDING 1. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La............................. $33,066 2. Brady Portenier, Caldwell, Idaho.................... 31,589 3. Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Australia...................... 31,286 4. J.T. Moore, Alvin, Texas................................. 26,935 5. Parker McCown, Montgomery, Texas............. 25,410 6. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla...................... 23,338 7. Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas.................... 20,873 8. Laramie Mosley, Satanta, Kan........................ 20,317 9. Hawk Whitt, Thermopolis, Wyo...................... 19,340 10. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla........................ 18,256 11. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.............................. 16,856 12. Ty Wallace, Collbran, Colo.............................. 15,374 13. Braden Richardson, Jasper, Texas.................. 14,993 14. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah........................ 14,510 15. Tim Bingham, Honeyville, Utah...................... 13,802 16. Shane Proctor, Grand Coulee, Wash............... 13,187 17. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla.............................. 13,036 18. Colten Fritzlan, Rifle, Colo.............................. 12,768 19. Maverick Potter, Waxahachie, Texas............... 12,173 20. Foster McCraw, Navasota, Texas.................... 12,047 *2020 BARREL RACING (Through Feb. 18, 2020) Barrel racing standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings. 1. Jimmie Smith, McDade, Texas......................$38,242 2. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Victoria, Texas.............36,388 3. Hailey Lockwood, Cotulla, Texas.....................33,691 4. Ivy Hurst, Springer, Okla.................................26,811 5. Tillar Murray, Fort Worth, Texas......................18,751 6. Tiany Schuster, Krum, Texas...........................16,124 7. Taylor Langdon, Aubrey, Texas........................15,480 8. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas......................14,997 9. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Texas..........................12,939 10. Carly Taylor, Anderson, Tenn...........................12,924 11. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla....................12,903 12. Ivy Saebens, Nowata, Okla..............................11,909 13. Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas.......11,835 14. Emily Efurd, Clements, Md. ............................11,531 15. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas..........11,254 16. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas...........................10,624 17. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D............................10,607 18. Ryann Pedone, Sunset, Texas.........................10,019 19. Alex Lang, Harper, Texas...................................8,717 20. Sissy Winn, Chapman Ranch, Texas..................8,558

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World champion Kimzey undergoes ankle surgery

S age Kimzey, the reigning six-time PRCA bull riding world champion, is recovering from undergoing left ankle surgery Feb. 14 in San Antonio. Kimzey was injured during a ride at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Feb. 11, on Powder River Rodeo’s Hot Pursuit. “I had seen that bull, and he’s usually a nice bull and he just didn’t have his day,” Kimzey said. “I made the whistle (and had a score of 67), and then he flopped on me right after the whistle. (Bullfighter) Cody Webster came in and pulled my bull rope and got me out of there and got the bull out of the arena. I was standing over by the fence, and I hobbled out of the arena and got over to the chutes and the pain kind of hit. I thought this was going to be more than a bruise. I got some X-rays that night, and the X-rays came back negative, so I went and got an MRI in the morning (Feb. 12).” Kimzey said he’s only expected to miss two to three weeks. According to Kimzey, he had the same surgery that University of Alabama former star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had on his ankles in 2018 and 2019. The innovative procedure, called “tightrope,” has been used to accelerate recovery from ankle sprains. The tightrope procedure involves tying things together rather than bolting things with screws.

Kimzey

“My fibula rotated quite a bit, and whenever that happens there’s not really a choice but to accept to have surgery,” said Kimzey, 25. “I like to think I have a pretty high pain tolerance, and this is painful. The joint’s unstable because of the injury. I want to go in and get it fixed, and recovery time is going to be shorter and should come back just as good as ever. “I hope to be back around the first of March, but we will play it by ear, and I will listen to my body.” Kimzey was sixth in the Feb. 18 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $23,338.

General manager being sought for Wrangler NFR

Las Vegas Events is seeking a general manager for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the annual event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The 2020 Wrangler NFR is scheduled for Dec. 3-12. Known as the richest and most prestigious

The general manager will work closely with LVE, the NFR Committee and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association on all aspects of rodeo production. For full details of the position and all duties

and responsibilities, visit https://bit.ly/31uOMsR. All letters of interest and resumes may be sent to the following: Wrangler NFR Production Manager c/o Las Vegas Events 770 E. Warm Springs Road, Suite 140 Las Vegas, NV 89119 Résumés can also be sent directly to NFRGeneralManager@ LasVegasEvents.com. All resumes must be received by Wednesday, March 4, by 11:59 p.m. (PT).

rodeo in the world, the Wrangler NFR welcomes the Top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding to compete for a share of the $10 million purse and the coveted gold buckle. In 2019, the event had a total attendance of 168,289 over the 10 days of competition and has sold out 330 consecutive performances.

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ONLINE: For more ProRodeo events and full results, go online at www.prorodeo.com O LINE: For more Pr R d o events and full re ults, go to ww .prorode .c m

BY THE NUMBERS $230M As one of the largest scholarship providers in the U.S., the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has presented more than 19,000 scholarships valued at $230 million since 1957. Each year, more than 800 scholarships are awarded to Texas students by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. RodeoHouston runs March 3-22. RodeoHouston was chosen as the PRCA 2019 Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year. $210M Established in 1949, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, with community, donor and volunteer support, has donated more than $210 million to the youth of Texas through scholarships, grants, endowments, auctions, a calf scramble program and show premiums. The 2020 Stock Show & Rodeo, which began Feb. 6 and concludes Feb. 23 at the AT&T Center, will air on The Cowboy Channel, Feb. 18-22. $1.1M The combined payout – $1,140,831 – for the SWELS – Division 1 Xtreme Bulls in Fort Worth, Texas ($61,335), Jan. 21-22, and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo ($1,079,496), which began Jan. 24 and ended Feb. 8. That was a $412,741 increase from the total combined payout of the Fort Worth Xtreme Bulls and the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in 2019.

Team ropers Bird/Tyan set record at San Antonio Team roping heeler Levi Tyan didn’t know he’d spend the last day of his 20s setting a record at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Then, the Nebraska cowboy celebrated his 30th birthday (Feb. 12) as a San Antonio record-holder. He and team roping header Dustin Bird made a 3.5-second run during Round 2 of Bracket 3 on Feb. 11 to break the San Antonio record. “It’s dang sure exciting and it’s exciting to do it at this rodeo,” Tyan said. “I’ve never been 3 (seconds) before and this was a good place to do it.” Before their run, San Antonio’s record was 3.7 seconds, set by Coleman Proctor and Billie Jack Saebens in 2018. The record before that – 3.8 seconds set by Kaleb Driggers and Jade Corkill in 2012 – had stood for six years. The duo’s time also tied for the fastest of the 2020 season. Bird, 39, is a five-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (2012-14 and 2016-17) with $1.03 million in career earnings since his rookie year in 2001. The Cut Bank, Mont., cowboy finished 30th in the 2019 PRCA | RAM World Standings for team roping heading with $47,341. Since joining as a rookie in 2012, Tyan has earned $101,097. Scott Foley photo Team ropers Dustin Bird, right, and Levi Tyan post a 3.5-second run at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Feb. 12, to break the San Antonio record.

ProRodeo Sports News errantly listed Daylon Swearingen under 2019 Denver winners in the Word Search on page 10 of the February 2020 print edition. Swearingen was not one of the answers in the Word Search puzzle.

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December 3 - 12

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SNAPSHOT

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Rodeo Anniversary D.J. Parker competes at the 75th Annual Yuma (Ariz.) Jaycees Silver Spur Rodeo, Feb. 9. – Reed Settle photo

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Former bareback riders Matt Crumpler, right, and Bob Logue help a camp participant practice on a spur board at the Fort Worth Jr. Rodeo Kids Camp at the Will Rogers Coliseum, Jan. 26. James Phifer photo

Worthy Time

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FORT WORTH

VIDEO

The Fort Worth Jr. Rodeo Kids Camp gave young participants the opportunity to emulate the pros and gain some rodeo education in the process.

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FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

Ullery, Edwards pair up for first time to win Fort Worth Unlikely Champs BY TRACY RENCK T hings usually don’t happen this way in rodeo. However, team ropers Clay Ullery and Jake Edwards were thrilled they did. Ullery and Edwards had never roped together before the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. All they did was walk away as champions with a 4.9-second time in the final round at Dickies Arena, Feb. 8. Ullery’s partner was drawn out of the rodeo. So Ullery was left looking for a heeler. He put in a call to PROCOM. was going to show up. I just went out there to head the steer and I heard he (Edwards) heels pretty good. I figured I’d just head them and let him heel.” That’s what they did – and they left Fort Worth after earning $23,200 each. They won money in every round at Fort Worth. Ullery is from Valleyview, Alberta, and Edwards grew up in Fort Ann, N.Y., but now lives in Ocala, Fla. “I had a feeling this was maybe meant to be,” said Edwards, who was raised in a rodeo family. “I never met (Clay), but sometimes I do better like that when I rope with somebody different and I don’t expect anything. I just back in there and try and do my job which is heel the steer as fast as I can. I tried to do that all four nights (in Fort Worth). There’s no telling where (Clay) and I are going to end up (this season).” Ullery was thrilled to have such a big payday. “They gave me Jake,” Ullery said. “Neither one of us had ever heard of each other so we both looked each other up on the Internet and we had one phone call. Then he texted me right before we roped here to make sure I

ALL-AROUND COWBOY Caleb McMillan, $2,988, bull riding and tie-down roping

BAREBACK RIDING 1. Tilden Hooper ........ 91.5 pts 2. Wyatt Bloom ................ 87.5 3. Jamie Howlett ................. 87

STEER WRESTLING 1. Jacob Talley ........... 4.0 sec. 2. Ty Erickson ................... 4.3 3. Two tied at .................... 4.8

TEAM ROPING 1. Ullery/Edwards ....... 4.9 sec. 2. C. Smith/J. Corkill .......... 5.1 3. Two tied at ..................... 5.6

TOP

SCORES

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS

James Phifer photo

Team roping header Clay Ullery, right, and heeler Jake Edwards post a 6.3-second run in the semifinals in Fort Worth, Texas, Feb. 6.

IN BRIEF $168,727

“You need a couple big wins to make the NFR, and we just got our first one,” Ullery said. “It looks like we are best friends now. I’ve never roped with somebody I’ve backed in there with (and won money every time). I might have to (keep roping with Edwards). Hopefully, we’re both in Vegas (for the NFR).” Winning the finals was even more impressive for Ullery and Edwards since the eight-team field included two-time reigning world champion header Clay Smith and his partner Jade Corkill, a three-time world champ. Edwards also was making his Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo debut. Ullery and Edwards were never fazed, roping first in the finals and setting the pace. Smith and Corkill were second with a 5.1-second run. “You don’t really want to go first, especially with these types of (talented) guys,” Edwards said. “Sometimes I don’t mind it because you start the trend and either they come back and get you or they don’t beat you.” Ullery tried his best to take the mindset that he was at just another rodeo making another run in the finals. “I just really love roping whether I’m at home or roping for big money,” he said. “I just came across there and thought I should have it on him already. I threw a big, ol’ loop on him and said a little prayer that Jake would get him. When we won, I let out a, ‘Whoa!’ This is rodeo, you grow up wishing you could win.”

The combined amount of money earned by cowboy winners at the 2020 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. Those winners were bareback rider Tilden Hooper ($24,580), steer wrestler Jacob Talley ($26,640), saddle bronc rider Daw- son Hay ($23,080), tie-down roper Tyler Mil- ligan ($23,200), team roping header Clay Ullery ($23,200) and heeler Jake Edwards ($23,200), and bull rider Brady Portenier ($24,827). 9,300 The sellout number of spectators who attended the finals of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo at Dickies Arena, Feb. 8.

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Dawson Hay ............ 91 pts. 2. Wyatt Casper ............... 87.5 3. Allen Boore ..................... 87

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Tyler Milligan ......... 8.4 sec. 2. Tuf Cooper .................... 9.0 3. Tyson Durfey ................. 9.1

BARREL RACING 1. H. Lockwood ...... 16.30 sec. 2. Jimmie Smith ............ 16.31 3. Ivy Hurst ................... 16.40

BULL RIDING 1. Brady Portenier ....... 90 pts. 2. Rugar Piva ..................... 85 No other qualified rides

Complete results/Page 56

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FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO

James Phifer photo

Steer wrestler Jacob Talley clocks a 4.0-second run to win the finals and earn $20,000 at Dickies Arena, Feb. 8.

Talley gives season boost with Fort Worth victory

BY TRACY RENCK S teer wrestler Jacob Talley was more than ready to put his 2019 PRCA season in the rear-view mirror. The Keatchie, La., cowboy who qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2016 and 2018, tore his right pectoral muscle on his second steer at the Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up, April 18. Talley had surgery April 23 in Red Bluff. He was out for 11 weeks and

it sabotaged his chance of making the Wrangler NFR, as he finished 50th in the 2019 PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with $32,515. “They told me it was going to be a six- to eight-month injury, and I went through an extremely rough training program,” said Talley, 29. “I changed the way I ate, and I did everything I could to speed up the healing. I missed quite a bit in those 11 weeks, and it was a struggle, I’m not going to lie.” This season, Talley is healthy, and it showed as he won the Fort Worth

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS

James Phifer photo

Brady Portenier won nearly $25,000 at Fort Worth.

Bull rider Brady Portenier has been close to the Wrangler NFR but hasn’t achieved that goal of riding under the bright lights of Las Vegas. In each of the last three seasons he’s finished inside the top 20. He has yet to crack into the Top 15 during his seven years of ProRodeo. In 2017, he finished on the bubble. Last year, he was 19th. In between, he was 20th. After winning the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Portenier jumped to second in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with $31,589. He earned $24,827 in Fort Worth, $20,000 of that from the win. “It can be very important (to win one of these rodeos),” said Portenier, who turned 25 Feb. 22. “It doesn’t necessarily make your season or break your season, but it dang sure gives a guy a boost.” Portenier posted a 90-point ride on J Bar J Pro Rodeo’s Little Hoot in the finals. “That felt really good, what a bull,” Portenier said. “Basics is what it came down to. He did his job, and I did mine.” Being so close to the Finals in Las Vegas has been frustrating, but the Caldwell, Idaho, cowboy is looking at the positives. “Last year was a great year, I finished 19th,” he said. “There’s definitely some room for improvement, but I get to go to all the great rodeos aside from the NFR. I’m happy to get to do what I do.” The big boost in the standings (he was 25th before Fort Worth’s conclusion) has him on track for his goals. “My goals are to stay as healthy as I can, go to as many rodeos as I can and make as much money as I can and be a world champion at the end of the day,” he said. – Scott Kaniewski Portenier second in world after Fort Worth win

Stock Show & Rodeo with a 4.0-second time in the finals Feb. 8 before a sellout crowd of 9,300 at the new Dickies Arena. Talley earned $20,000 for his finals run and left Fort Worth with $26,640. “That run was awesome,” Talley said. “Hunter Cure drew that steer in the first set of the semifinals and then the guy who hazed for me (Justin Shaffer in the finals) had run that steer during his set in the rodeo, so I was pretty familiar with him. I knew if we took a chance at the barrier, we would have a chance to win, especially riding what we were riding.” Talley was riding Baby Doll, a horse owned by SamDixon. Fellow steer wrestler Will Lummus won Round 8 at the 2019Wrangler NFR in 3.6 seconds on Baby Doll. “This win is amazing,” Talley said. “It gives you a big jump (in the 2020 PRCA | RAMWorld Standings). When you have to sit at home after being out a little bit (with an injury) you miss the NFR and your funds are running low, it can get to be a little stressful, so this takes a little bit off you.” Talley moved to first in the Feb. 18 world standings with $32,008.

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FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW & RODEO Hay ties Fort Worth record

Saddle bronc rider Dawson Hay seized a grand opportunity at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Feb. 8. The Canadian cowboy who replaced Jesse Wright in the finals won with a rodeo record- tying, 91-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Xena Warrior. “This is an amazing rodeo and I was really bummed at first when I didn’t quite get into the short go,” said Hay, 21. “Then when I got in, the amount of great horses that were here you could win on any of them. When I saw the draw and saw my name up against that horse again I was excited because I knew I had a chance to win it.” Hay matched the Fort Worth saddle bronc riding record of 91 points set by Cody Wright in 2011. The last time Hay rode Xena Warrior was at RodeoHouston last year when he had an 89-point ride to finish third in the finals March 16. “That horse (Xena Warrior) is so droppy and so strong, and about two seconds into the ride I about stubbed my toe there and had my feet in my saddle, but I was able to get sat back down and make the whistle,” Hay said. “That’s one of my favorite rides ever now.” Hay departed Fort Worth after earning $23,080, which left him smiling. “It’s incredible,” Hay said. “It’s awesome to see how many of these rodeos are upping their money and making it so you can make an honest living riding broncs nowadays doing what we love.” This was the first time Calgary Stampede brought stock to the historic Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. In December, Hay made his Wrangler NFR debut. He earned $97,436 in Las Vegas, highlighted Rodeo’s Sue City Sue. He finished seventh in the 2019 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $197,747. Hay is the son of standout saddle bronc rider Rod Hay, a 20-time Wrangler NFR qualifier – 1989-90, 1992-2008, 2010. by his Round 6 win with an 88.5-point ride on Mo Betta

James Phifer photo Saddle bronc rider Dawson Hay had a rodeo record-tying 91-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Xena Warrior in the finals to collect $20,000.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/21/2020

ProRodeo.com

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FORT WORTH, TEXAS

BY TRACY RENCK & SCOTT KANIEWSKI

James Phifer photo

Tyler Milligan clocked an 8.4-second run to win the finals at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Feb. 8.

Tyler Milligan wins Fort Worth in Big Time fashion

At 22, Tyler Milligan is aiming for his second consecutive appearance at the Wrangler NFR. Earning more than $20,000 at one rodeo can really help toward a goal like that. The tie-down roper fromOklahoma beat out a cast of Wrangler NFR qualifiers to win the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and took home $23,200. “Any time you can win a check, especially if it’s a big check like that, it’s a huge relief, and I’m thankful for it,” he said. Milligan stopped the clock in 8.4 seconds, holding off three-time world champion tie-down roper Tuf Cooper by six-tenths of a second. The eight finalists in the tie-down roping in Fort Worth had a combined 52 appearances at the Wrangler NFR. Milligan’s first came last year. Roping

against that much talent had him focused. “You just know that you have to do your job,” he said. “You really can’t make a huge mistake because everybody else isn’t going to make a mistake. You have to be more on your game.” It helped that Milligan was on his horse Big Time, the two-time PRCA tie-down roping horse of the year. “He’s phenomenal,” Milligan said. “I’m blessed to have him. He’s just real good. He scores good, he’s real consistent and lets you do your deal. He made it so easy (Feb. 8), that all you have to do is do your job. If you don’t win riding him, it’s more than likely your fault.” Milligan moved to second in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings.

ProRodeo Sports News 2/21/2020

ProRodeo.com

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