ProRodeo Sports News - February 2, 2024

DENVER, COLO.

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW & RODEO

The 2023 Wrangler NFR didn’t go as planned for team ropers Dustin Egusquiza/ Levi Lord. The duo arrived in Las Vegas fourth in the header and heeler world standings but had a tough NFR, each finishing ninth in their respective standings. Egusquiza and Lord are doing their best to put the 2023 NFR in the past and they did a good job of that at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. Egusquiza/Lord stopped the clock in 4.0 seconds in the finals to claim top honors in Denver. “The winter rodeos kind of fit our deal,” Lord said. “(Dustin) is really fast and everybody has seen what he can do and I’m lucky to get to follow him around at these rodeos. “Fast runs are what we are good at, and we like to come to buildings like this (the Denver Coliseum).” Egusquiza echoed his partner. “I like the winter rodeos inside these buildings, coliseums and stuff,” Egusquiza said. “I’ve always liked these more and the barriers are a little bit shorter. “The NFR didn’t go great, and we don’t have that in our minds anymore and we are ready to win all the winter rodeos and go into the (NFR) with a huge lead and hopefully we can rope better there and win it.” Lord is optimistic this performance will be a springboard for the immediate future. “We want to keep doing what we have been doing,” Lord said. “We have a bunch of rodeos close to the house coming up, some of our favorites, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Houston. “More of the same setups and things seem to be working for us, so we are just going to do what we do and see how it works out.” Egusquiza and Lord each pocketed $7,489 in Denver. “Our horses have been amazing in every setup,” Egusquiza said. “They are always solid, and it is really great to have horses you can count on.” Egusquiza and Lord capture roping crowns

Heeler Levi Lord, left, and his partner/ header Dustin Egusquiza captured the title in Denver with a 4.0-sec ond run in the finals. The duo bounced back after they didn’t have the wanted at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in Decem ber. Greg West fall photo perfor mance they

Veteran saddle bronc rider Brody Cress is no stranger to the big stage. The Wyoming native has been to seven consecutive Wrangler NFRs, and he’s a three-time NFR average champion – 2017, 2019, and 2021. Cress was once again in top form at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, winning the title with a 91-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s R. Watson’s Ed Bishop. That score equaled Cress’ arena record at the Denver Coliseum. Cress initially set the record with a 91-point trip when he was the co-champion in Denver in 2020. Cress shares the Denver arena record with Ben Andersen and Rusty Wright, who recorded their rides in 2020. “I about fell off the couch when I saw I had (Cervi Championship Rodeo’s R. Watson’s Ed Bishop),” said Cress, 28. “I absolutely love that horse. The last time we matched up in Fort Madison (Iowa, last season), we had a 90 for the win. “We have pretty good history so far. He jumps out and just gives you a chance every single time no matter what the arena setup is. I just knew coming in (to the finals) that I needed to focus and have fun and just realize that I put the work in and let it happen.” Cress was coming off a solid 2023 season, finishing fourth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $312,949. He finished second in the average at the NFR and earned $180,206 in Las Vegas. Cress earned $11,148 in Denver. “I didn’t go to any of the New Year’s Eve rodeos or anything just to get to stay home with my family, but I got right back in the gym and kept at it,” Cress said. “The level of bronc riders we have nowadays, you can’t just sit and become complacent. You have to continue to try and get better or you’re going be left behind. That’s awesome. That’s what grows our sport, and you have exciting bronc ridings and to get to be part of that is truly a blessing.” Saddle bronc rider Cress ties his own arena record

Saddle bronc rider Brody Cress won in Denver

with a rodeo record tying 91-point ride on Cervi Champi onship Rodeo’s R. Wat son’s Ed Bishop. Greg Westfall photo

ProRodeo Sports News 2/2/2024

ProRodeo Sports News 2/2/2024

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo.com

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