ProRodeo Sports News - Feb. 7, 2020

PRORODEO SEASON OUTLOOK

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee Although he took the lead early in the 2019 season, bareback rider Orin Larsen continued to compete out of love for the sport. He went on to qualify for his fifth consecutive Wrangler NFR and finish second in the world with $296,404.

Early hot streaks can lead to Wrangler NFR Winter Heat

BY MATT NABER A lthough bareback rider Orin

His work ethic and enthusiasm for ProRodeo

carried him to his fifth consecutive Wrangler NFR, where he finished second in the world with $296,404. “My biggest thing through the year was not wanting to be the guy who made the Finals by going to two rodeos,” Larsen said. “I wanted to earn my spot.” GOOD MONTH IN A WEEKEND While Larsen was used to being at the top, team roping heeler Kyle Lockett hadn’t been to the Finals in nearly 15 years. But the semi-retired cowboy found himself on track for his eighth Wrangler NFR thanks to a successful winter run. “You could make the NFR on one rodeo pretty much betweenThe American and Houston,” said Lockett, 42. “They pay so much. But $50,000 isn’t going to make the Finals, but a little more and you’re in. It’s a huge deal and great benefit, and the other winter rodeos pay good and are back-to- back, so you don’t have to be there for long.”

Larsen wonThe American and had $80,000 next to his name in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings before the

summer run was even close to beginning, he didn’t want to be known as the guy to make it to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo based off a couple of big wins. Winning the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in February 2019 launched the Canadian cowboy 89 spots in that year’s world standings – from 93rd to fourth. About a month later, he snagged another major win at The American in Arlington, Texas, to essentially guarantee his spot at the 2019Wrangler NFR despite seven months remaining in the regular season. But Larsen kept on the rodeo trail just as hard as ever. “I didn’t want to go home for four months and come back for Vegas,” said Larsen, 28. “I love the sport way too much and what I do too much to throw a hiatus into it.”

ProRodeo Sports News 2/7/2020

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