ProRodeo Sports News - February 8, 2019

Denver Dynamo Spencer Wright Wins Title at National Western Stock Show

INSIDE • Hall of Famer Deb Copenhaver Passes/Page 24

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 8, 2019 – VOLUME 67, NO. 3

Fly-By Pattern Denver lights up winter rodeo run with big money

26

Bareback rider Clint Laye won the average

at the National Western Stock

Show and Rodeo in Denver, Jan. 27. He took home $8,601 in winnings. Greg Westfall photo

PURSE STRINGS A number of rodeos increased their purses and payouts during the 2018 season. 38

Tristan Hansen heading to RAM NCFR as a rookie. 36

CIRCUIT SUCCESS Bareback rider

MORE IN THIS ISSUE

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INSIDE

Bareback rider Wyatt Denny set the Rodeo Rapid City (S.D.) record with a 90.5-point ride on Fettig Pro Rodeo’s Classic Rock, Jan. 25. Clay Guardipee photo 34

6 in his own words 8 cowboy grille 10 he said-she said 12 brain teasers 16 time capsule 18 short round 41 results 52 prca notes 53 prca business

RODEOS

26 Denver, Colo. 34 Rapid City, S.D.

STANDINGS

14 prca world 15 prorodeo tour 48 circuits

Sports News ProRodeo

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published semi-monthly by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919- 4301. PERIODICALS postage paid at Colorado Springs, Colo., and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to ProRodeo Sports News , P.O. Box 469025, Escondido, CA 92046. 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 merchan- dise or livestock advertised.

THE COVER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER George Taylor PSN EDITOR Scott Kaniewski ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Renck Matt Naber Cassie Emerson Amber Baillie ADVERTISING MANAGER Nathan Vodehnal

Denver Dynamo SpencerWrightWins Title at National Western Stock Show

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 101 ProRodeo Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2019, PRCA Properties Inc., a marketing service and subsidiary of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from PRCA Properties Inc.

_____________________________ PHONE: 719.593.8840 FAX: 719.548.4889 TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PSN, CALL: 800.RODEO.4U (800.763.3648) SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS PRCA members: 719.528.4747 Nonmembers: 800.763.3648 ____________________________ To advertise in the PSN , call: 214.883.1466

INSIDE •Hall of FamerDebCopenhaver Passes/Page 24

Saddle bronc rider Spencer Wright

competes Jan. 27 in Denver, where he won the average. Greg Westfall photo

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IN HIS OWNWORDS: JORDAN KETSCHER BIG MARCH COULD PAY OFF FOR ROPER March 2019 will be one of the biggest months in ProRodeo

summer didn’t go as planned. I had a pretty good winter and the spring was awesome. I started the summer good, but it didn’t finish well. It was something to learn from and learn what I needed to improve on. My tie-down roping horse, Mouse, got hurt, and I bounced around the Fourth of July riding different horses. It threw it off just a tick because you’ve been riding that same horse through the winter and spring. I’ll get back on him this spring. I’m team roping with Colton Campbell and I’m riding his calf-roping horse, and Seth Hopper sent me with a horse, so I’ve got two good ones to ride. I’m ready to get after it. I qualified to compete at Kissimmee in team roping in 2016 and made it in tie-down roping the last two years. I traveled to Kissimmee frommy house in California one year, and it dang sure is a trek. But it’s neat. That’s how we cowboys are so fortunate, we get to see every part of the country and we get to enjoy that aspect of it while we get to make money. My dad rode through college and roped too. I never got on bareback horses. I rode calves and steers growing up, but that’s where it ended. You figure out it’s not for you and I wanted to take roping more seriously. It works out to when I’m home, stuff needs to be done. Of course, stuff needs to be done on the ranch all the time, and my brother, Blaine, and mom, LeeAnn, take care of that. It kind of allows me to be able to be gone for the rodeos. On Jan. 1, I got engaged to my fiancée Mary Glenn. She was surprised. She was happy. It was a pretty special moment.

I t seems like the end of February and (all of ) March is huge for rodeo because so much counts, especially with it counting for the world standings this year. A guy has to be out here among everybody who’s rodeoing and try to get into those rodeos and take advantage of those big opportunities that you get to go to. It’s dang-sure exciting. You can’t ask to rope for that much money and be disappointed about it. And to be able to count it’s a season-changer. If it goes your way, it could make dreams come true. Being the first year that Houston counts andThe American, everybody is wondering – hoping to have that winter – to see what somebody could have won after the winter. It’s going to be interesting because so much can happen and there are so many variables in our sport. Last year started off awesome, but I had some stuff happen during the summer to where it dang-sure slowed me down. Not that it’s an excuse, but history, and Jordan Ketscher has a chance to cash in. The tie-down roper and team roping heeler from Squaw Valley, Calif., is scheduled to compete at The American, RodeoHouston, the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and Rodeo Austin (Texas), all in the month of March. Ketscher, 29, who was 17th in tie-down roping in the Feb. 8 PRCA | RAM World Standings, is looking for his first qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and the next month and a half could play a key role in that.

Not licensed to use PRCA marks

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GRILLE COWBOY

TREY KIMZEY, 20, of Strong City, Okla., is the younger brother of reigning five-time Bull Riding World Champion Sage Kimzey. Trey has shown star ability of his own. He spent the past two years on his PRCA permit, and in 2018 he earned a PRCA permit member record for one-year earnings in one event with $51,270, breaking Sage’s record of $47,726 set in 2013. Trey has higher expectations for the 2019 season, starting with qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

WITH TRACY RENCK PSN

How young were you when you started getting into bull riding? Trey: I won my first saddle when I was 6 in the mutton bustin’ and probably when I was 14 years old and I rode a good one at a youth bull riding event, from that day on I wanted to be a bull rider. I’ve done other stuff. I was a (tie-down roper) and was a trick rider and a trick roper with my sister (Dusta), but from that point on I was set on bull riding. I’m still a pretty good trick roper though. When you were coming up through the ranks what was it like to see your brother Sage succeeding?

Trey: I saw how much success a guy coming from the same place as I was having great success, and it helped let me know what I could do. Sage has helped me out a bunch as well. I’m proud of Sage and what he has accomplished, and he is one of the best bull riders in the world. I just set my goals and he set his goals, and we both try and help each other achieve them. What was it like having a record-breaking permit season in 2018? Trey: I wanted to break Sage’s record, but last year I wasn’t doing good until the Fourth of July run. That’s when everything turned around for me, and I ended up having a great season. What are your expectations for 2019?

Trey: I for sure want to go to the NFR, and if you ride all 10 bulls at the NFR more than likely you will win the world. That’s my plan. I’ve been there for 10 days just sitting in the seats and I got pumped up, so I don’t know what it would be like to compete at the NFR, but I know it would be cool if I could get there. What does 8 seconds feel like to you? Trey: It’s about adrenaline and a battle. It’s straight man vs. beast. There’s nothing else like it.

When you climb aboard a bull in the chute what’s going through your mind? Trey: Hours before I ride, I visualize what I’m going to do. Then, when I get in the chute, I just let my training and everything I have done up to that moment take care of things. It is all muscle memory. If I know a little bit about a bull I might move my rope an inch one way or another, but it doesn’t matter to me if I know a lot about a bull before I ride. Is there one bull you want to ride that’s at the top of your bucket list? Trey: Probably everybody’s favorite is SweetPro’s Bruiser, and I would like to put my name on there too. He’s one of the rankest bulls in the world and he’s just so honest about it. Some bulls are dirty, and he’s so honest and he still throws people off, and that’s a tip of the hat to him.

What would be your walk-up song to the chute? Trey: My favorite right now would be “Natural” by Imagine Dragons. The song is slow in the beginning and then it picks up, so you have to get it in the right spot. What’s your favorite type of food to eat? Trey: Mexican food. I usually get street tacos. My favorite dessert to eat is a skillet chocolate chip cookie from Chili’s. What TV show do you binge watch? Trey: The Blacklist. Raymond “Red” Reddington is a bad man. Is there a non-rodeo athlete you look up to?

Trey: Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints quarterback). He got turned down by one team and then went to the Saints and won a Super Bowl. His story is pretty cool. What do you do to pass the time when you’re not rodeoing? Trey: Go golfing and hanging out with my buddies. I’m not that good at golf, but during the end of summer I get half decent and then at the first

of the year I’m no good again. It’s frustrating. What was your favorite cartoon as a kid? Trey: Tom and Jerry for sure.

Did you play any other sports growing up? Trey: I played basketball in high school, but I never claim it.

TREY KIMZEY

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10QUESTIONS

HE SAID – SHE SAID

Who knows steer wrestler, Cole Edge, better, his wife, Torrie, or his traveling partner, Tanner Brunner

COLE

WIFE TORRIE

PARTNER TANNER

TORRIE

TANNER

COLE

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK?

Water

Tea

Tea

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Clay O’Brien Cooper

Sean Mulligan

Clay O’Brien Cooper

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE KIND OF PIZZA?

Pepperoni

Meat Lovers

Pepperoni

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE RODEO?

Houston

Houston

Houston

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Torrie

Torrie

Me

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

Cowboys

Cowboys

Cowboys

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Buffalo Wild Wings

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse

IS HE AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL?

Night owl

Night owl

Night owl

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE COLOR?

Black

Red

Red

10 WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE HORSE?

Miss Kitty

Miss Kitty

Miss Kitty

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OUT HERE WE DON’T MEASURE SPACE IN SQUARE FEET, WE MEASURE IN ACRES

8888 OUT HERE WHISKY OUT HERE WHISKY

The Official Whisky of the PRCA

Each batch of oak barrel-aged whisky delivers an uncommonly smooth taste and rich, complex flavor.

Pendleton ® Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 proof). ©2019 Proximo, Jersey City, NJ. Please drink responsibly. LET’ER BUCK and the bucking horse logo are registered trademarks of The Pendleton Round-Up Association. PENDLETON is a registered trademark of Pendleton Woolen Mills.

BRAIN TEASERS

ANSWERS ON PAGE 87

THEN & NOW

Can you match these adorable future rodeo stars’ photos with the current PRCA contestants? Some don’t look quite the same.

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1

3

2

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E

B

C

D

A

WORD SEARCH

Hot Times in Winter 1. Find the winners from the 2018 San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo, which runs Feb. 1-15.

B L S P T T O C B K B Y O D T I H K F A P X R N I A Z E V R J E A U O R S X K Y M D R E I S V H U B N L U S F E E A B G E B Z O Z E T Q H G M L S T V D M Y A P B N E G T T O O T W T A T I G A I B B C S H L R L C N P N K A T I N K W B L Y E D U F R L D O P B T G B N B M R H A E C N I K O J E Y R C C I O F O Y E S N P S Q T A P C O I K P M B C O U N L P E Y Z O I O Z B S P G A E B A S Q Y Y A C O F A R V N O M E P H H N J S U W T C O V R Z R L O U G K V Y M C A G E A P T X I S I U Z R C C Y K A K O W H T Z I W N I Z L T L S I B C Q Y E O O Q S W A D E S U N D E L L T T F A E L K R F D O H S N A D P S D D Z U Y O V M U H E K T R E Y Y A T E S I U B V S W N U A J S J F K D O E B U X Q M E J X Z Y R O P X N O W C S Y A T L X F P C L D C Y D I Z F I Q H L S D Z C W T B H G Y S T U T O G Z N D S E W N R T T E B R O C N A G O L C H I D Q M B I G E N P T D I M S B E L A C U T S

BB: Logan Corbett SW: Jacob Talley TR: Clay Smith/Paul Eaves SB: Wade Sundell TD: Blane Cox GB: Amberleigh Moore BR: Trey Benton

2. Find the winners from the 2018 Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Miss., which runs Feb. 7-13. BB: Austin Foss SW: Cody Sullivan TR: Tyler Wade/Trey Yates SB: (tie) Isaac Diaz, Rusty Wright TD: Caleb Smidt GB: Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi BR: Dustin Boquet BONUS QUESTIONS 1. Which average winner from the 2018 Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth, Texas, was on the 2018 cover of the March print edition of ProRodeo Sports News ?

2. Who won the All-Around in Jackson, Miss., last year?

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ProRodeo Sports News February 2019

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2019 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Unofficial as of Feb. 8, 2019. For the 2019 season (Oct. 1, 2018-Sept. 30, 2019), official rodeo limits were 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. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D................................... $13,351 2. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss............................... 12,569 3. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb............................... 10,785 4. Hank Hollenbeck, Molt, Mont........................... 9,181 5. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................... 9,173 6. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn.................. 8,874 7. Delon Parker, Worden, Mont............................ 8,586 8. Darren Morgan, Fort Ann, N.Y.......................... 8,002 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan..................... $19,431 2. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La.................. 16,599 3. Jamie Howlett, Rapid City, S.D....................... 14,978 4. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas............................ 14,592 5. Blake Smith, Zap, N.D.................................... 14,065 6. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev............... 13,235 7. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif...................... 13,173 8. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La............................... 13,142 9. Tristan Hansen, Dillon, Mont.......................... 13,120 10. Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, Texas. 12,852 11. Wyatt Denny, Minden, Nev............................. 12,146 12. Jesse Pope, Marshall, Mo.............................. 11,808 13. Pascal Isabelle, Okotoks, Alberta.................... 11,642 14. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D................................. 11,279 15. Mark Kreder, Collinsville, Okla........................ 11,131 16. R.C. Landingham, Hat Creek, Calif................. 11,116 17. Matthew Smith, Saraland, Ala........................ 11,032 18. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn...................... 10,786 19. Logan Patterson, Kim, Colo............................. 9,682 20. Tanner Phipps, Dalton, Ga................................ 9,069 STEERWRESTLING 1. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont............................ $19,811 2. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla........................... 18,824 3. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.................... 13,027 4. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D................. 12,918 5. Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alberta.................. 12,279 6. Blake Mindemann, Blanchard, Okla................ 12,026 7. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La............................... 11,036 8. Blake Knowles, Heppner, Ore......................... 10,815 9. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho.............. 10,517 10. Jacob Edler, State Center, Iowa........................ 9,994 11. Chason Floyd, Buffalo, S.D............................... 9,006 12. Bridger Chambers, Stevensville, Mont............. 8,894 13. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas..................... 8,472 14. Gary Gilbert, Springtown, Texas....................... 7,952 15. Cody Metsker, Taylorville, Ill............................. 7,875 16. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala............................. 7,814 17. Blaine Jones, Templeton, Calif.......................... 7,729 18. John Leinaweaver, Orrtanna, Pa....................... 7,502 19. Will Lummus, West Point, Miss....................... 6,864 20. Tanner Milan, Cochrane, Alberta...................... 6,599 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla...................... $14,714 2. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif.......................... 13,346 3. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn...................... 12,025 4. Dustin Egusquiza, Mariana, Fla...................... 11,774 5. Pace Freed, Chubbuck, Idaho......................... 11,232 6. Billy Bob Brown, Carbon, Texas..................... 10,879 7. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas............................... 10,130 8. Tate Kirchenschlager, Yuma, Colo.................... 9,697 9. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont................................. 9,621 10. Eric Fabian, Gansevoort, N.Y............................ 9,425 11. Jacob Dagenhart, Statesville, N.C..................... 8,654 12. Clayton Van Aken, Descanso, Calif................... 8,648 13. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga........................... 8,005 14. Lightning Aguilera, Athens, Texas.................... 7,818 15. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss................................. 7,817 16. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D....................................... 7,511

STEER ROPING 1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas....................... $20,718 2. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas........................ 18,624 3. Roger Branch, Wellston, Okla.......................... 9,266 4. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas.............................. 9,221 5. Shay Good, Abilene, Texas............................... 9,026 6. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................... 9,011 7. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo........................ 8,360 8. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas............. 8,303 9. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D............................. 5,776 10. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................ 5,551 11. Ora Taton, Rapid City, S.D................................ 5,347 12. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla........................... 5,215 13. Travis Mills, Gillette, Wyo................................. 5,062 14. Will McBride, Ogallala, Neb.............................. 4,909 15. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas......................... 4,807 16. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas............................. 4,802 17. Brodie Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla....................... 4,737 18. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.............................. 4,576 19. Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla.......................... 4,477 20. Bill Benson, Laurel, Mont................................. 4,372 BULL RIDING 1. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont........................ $34,230 2. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla................. 27,562 3. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas............................... 21,090 4. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa............................ 20,291 5. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla.............................. 17,813 6. Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas.................... 16,596 7. Jesse Petri, Athens, Texas.............................. 16,084 8. Dallee Mason, Weiser, Idaho.......................... 15,958 9. Lon Danley, Tularosa, N.M............................. 14,359 10. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla........................ 13,699 11. Cole Melancon, Liberty, Texas........................ 13,173 12. Elijah Mora, Wiggins, Colo............................. 11,359 13. Tyler Bingham, Honeyville, Utah..................... 11,127 14. Nic Lica, Garden City, Mich............................ 10,502 15. Jeff Bertus, Avon, S.D.................................... 10,023 16. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La................................. 9,940 17. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla........................ 9,110 18. Tristan Mize, Bryan, Texas................................ 9,065 19. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore........................... 8,730 20. Brett Custer, Elk City, Okla................................ 8,612 *2019 BARREL RACING (Through Feb. 8, 2019) 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. Jennifer Sharp, Richards, Texas....................$22,299 2. Ivy Conrado, Nowata, Okla..............................19,983 3. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D............................16,397 4. Lacinda Rose, Willard, Mo. ............................15,681 5. Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas.......14,725 6. Taylor Langdon, Aubrey, Fla............................14,207 7. Ericka Nelson, Century, Fla..............................13,939 8. Sabra O’Quinn, Ocala, Fla................................13,938 9. Leia Pluemer, Las Lunas, N.M.........................12,498 10. Jackie Ganter, Abilene, Texas..........................12,323 11. Kristen Spratt, Lysite, Wyo..............................12,049 12. Michelle Alley, Madisonville, Texas..................11,537 13. Kylie Weast, Comanche, Okla..........................11,521 14. Emily Miller, Weatherford, Okla.......................10,984 15. Kelly Bruner, Millsap, Texas.............................10,480 16. Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo.....................................9,918 17. Dona Rule, Minco, Texas...................................9,750 18. Jessica Routier, Minco, Okla.............................9,741 19. Kathy Grimes, Medical Lake, Wash...................9,480 20. Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi, Victoria, Texas..............9,395

17. Brady Tryan, Huntley, Mont.............................. 7,464 18. Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo............................ 7,172 19. Will Clark, Erin, Tenn........................................ 7,120 20. Tyrell Moody, Letcher, S.D............................... 6,989 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan.......................... $14,714 2. Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Texas.................... 13,857 3. Hunter Koch, Walters, Okla............................ 13,566 4. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas.............. 13,346 5. Joseph Harrison, Overbrook, Okla.................. 13,113 6. Ty Arnold, Midway, Texas............................... 12,681 7. Kory Koontz, Stephenville, Texas.................... 11,774 8. Jade Anderson, Genola, Utah......................... 11,232 9. Jake Edwards, Fort Ann, N.Y.......................... 11,076 10. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D................................... 10,303 11. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla................................... 9,621 12. Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Ala............................... 8,654 13. Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil .. 8,005 14. Wesley Brunson, Terry, Miss............................ 7,963 15. Rory Brown, Edgemont, S.D............................ 6,989 16. Chase Boekhaus, Rolla, Kan............................. 6,745 17. Brad Culpepper, Sylvester, Ga.......................... 6,395 18. Monty Joe Petska, Turlock, Calif...................... 6,066 19. Cade Passig, Las Vegas, N.M........................... 6,059 20. Ike Folsom, Dillon, Mont.................................. 5,948 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas.................... $26,323 2. Bradley Harter, Loranger, La........................... 24,919 3. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont................... 23,462 4. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas....................... 22,466 5. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah....................... 21,467 6. Joey Sonnier III, New Iberia, La..................... 14,493 7. J.J. Elshere, Hereford, S.D............................. 12,985 8. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta....... 12,676 9. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas............. 12,402 10. Jade Blackwell, Rapid City, S.D...................... 11,743 11. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia................ 11,615 12. Wyatt Casper, Pampa, Texas.......................... 11,012 13. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta.................. 10,754 14. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D.................................. 10,457 15. Jesse Kruse, Great Falls, Mont......................... 9,181 16. Dean Wadsworth, Buffalo Gap, Texas............... 8,605 17. Clovis Crane, Lebanon, Pa............................... 8,410 18. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah............................. 8,210 19. Allen Boore, Axtell, Utah.................................. 8,001 20. Hardy Braden, Welch, Okla............................... 7,403 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Tyson Durfey, Brock, Texas.......................... $34,524 2. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas.................... 19,437 3. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan.............................. 16,748 4. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.................... 15,615 5. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas........................... 13,705 6. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................. 11,362 7. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La........................... 10,232 8. Justin Thigpen, Waycross, Ga.......................... 9,804 9. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb.................................. 9,471 10. Clint Kindred, Oral, S.D.................................... 9,399 11. Caddo Lewallen, Morrison, Okla....................... 9,132 12. Ike Fontenot, Ville Platte, La............................. 9,002 13. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas..................... 8,589 14. Tim Naylor, Hancock, Md................................. 8,502 15. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas............................ 8,488 16. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont........................ 8,351 17. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif................ 7,939 18. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif................................ 7,812 19. Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla......................... 7,780 20. Cole Bailey, Okmulgee, Okla............................. 7,580

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2019 ProRodeo Tour Standings Unofficial as of Jan.28, 2019. The Tour Standings will be a points-based system for contestants at each qualifying Tour Rodeo. Points will be distributed for placings 1-40 based on total dollars won at the conclusion of the rodeo.

BAREBACK 1. .Clint Laye...................................................650.00 2. .Richmond Champion.................................455.00 3. Dantan Bertsch..........................................325.00 4. Steven Dent................................................260.00 5. Tanner Aus.................................................211.19 6. Casey Colletti.............................................193.34 7. Clayton Biglow...........................................175.48 8. Cole Reiner.................................................163.60 9. Garrett Shadbolt.........................................151.72 10. .Blaine Kaufman........................................140.29 11. Shane O’Connell.......................................131.36 12. Kash Wilson.............................................122.89 13. Austin Foss..............................................114.83 14. Kody Lamb...............................................105.32 . Spur Lacasse...........................................105.32 . Tristan Hansen.........................................105.32 17. Taylor Broussard........................................97.14 . Jamie Howlett............................................97.14 19. Luke Creasy...............................................92.86 20. Wyatt Denny..............................................90.16 21. Caleb Bennett.............................................82.15 . Seth Hardwick............................................82.15 . Jesse Pope.................................................82.15 24. Craig Wisehart...........................................74.13 25. R.C. Landingham.......................................71.12 STEERWRESTLING 1. Ty Erickson.................................................650.00 2. Riley Duvall................................................455.00 3. Blake Knowles............................................325.00 4. Hunter Cure................................................260.00 5. Harley Cole.................................................211.19 6. Kyle Irwin...................................................193.34 7. Will Lummus..............................................175.48 8. Grady Payne...............................................163.60 9. Tanner Brunner..........................................151.72 10. .Tyler Pearson...........................................140.29 11. Dru Melvin...............................................127.12 . Cole McNamee.........................................127.12 13. Tyler Waguespack....................................111.94 . Bubba Boots............................................111.94 15. Cole Edge.................................................105.03 16. Dakota Eldridge........................................101.87 17. Jake Fulton.................................................98.72 18. Shayde Etherton.........................................95.56 19. Matt Reeves...............................................92.86 20. Cody Metsker.............................................90.16 21. Cameron Morman......................................86.15 22. J.D. Struxness............................................82.15 23. Baylor Roche..............................................76.13 . Derek Stewart............................................76.13 25. Dirk Tavenner.............................................71.12 TEAM ROPING (HEADING) 1. .Clay Tryan..................................................650.00 2. Clay Smith..................................................455.00 3. Pace Freed.................................................325.00 4. Luke Brown................................................260.00 5. Casey Tew..................................................211.19 6. Logan Olson...............................................193.34 7. Tate Kirchenschlager..................................175.48 8. Coleman Proctor........................................163.60 9. Brenten Hall...............................................151.72 10. .Riley Minor..............................................140.29

22. Chanse Darling...........................................82.15 23. Isaac Diaz...................................................76.13 . Tate Owens.................................................76.13 25. Taos Muncy................................................71.12 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Cooper Martin............................................650.00 2. Caddo Lewallen..........................................455.00 3. Tuf Cooper.................................................325.00 4. Marty Yates................................................260.00 5. Brody Stallard............................................211.19 6. Tanner Green..............................................193.34 7. Treg Schaack..............................................175.48 8. Ike Fontenot...............................................163.60 9. Quade Hiatt................................................151.72 10. .Adam Gray...............................................135.83 . Rhen Richard...........................................135.83 12. Cole Bailey...............................................122.89 13. Joey Dickens............................................114.83 14. Cody Craig...............................................109.05 15. Cimarron Boardman................................105.03 16. Cade Swor................................................101.87 17. A.J. Jordan.................................................98.72 18. Lane Livingston.........................................95.56 19. Brandon Neugebauer.................................91.51 . Shane Hanchey..........................................91.51 21. Kyle Dickens..............................................86.15 22. Ty Harris.....................................................82.15 23. Bryson Sechrist.........................................78.14 24. Cooper Mathews........................................74.13 25. Sterling Smith............................................71.12 BULL RIDING 1. Brody Yeary................................................650.00 2. Trey Kimzey................................................455.00 3. Ty Wallace..................................................325.00 4. Cody Rostockyj..........................................235.60 . Dillon Tyner................................................235.60 6. Chris Bechthold..........................................184.41 . Daylon Swearingen....................................184.41 8. Nathan Hatchel...........................................163.60 9. Nevada Newman........................................146.00 . Trevor Reiste..............................................146.00 11. .Aaron Williams.........................................131.36 12. Colten Fritzlan..........................................122.89 13. Levi Gray..................................................114.83 14. Bart Miller................................................107.04 . Stetson Wright.........................................107.04 16. Nic Lica....................................................101.87 17. Parker Breding...........................................97.14 . Jordan Hansen...........................................97.14 19. Jeff Bertus..................................................92.86 20. Jeff Askey...................................................90.16 21. Jeston Mead..............................................86.15 22. Tyler Hessman...........................................82.15 23. Clayton Appelhans.....................................78.14 24. Payton Fitzpatrick.......................................74.13 25. Tim Bingham..............................................69.62

11. Bubba Buckaloo.......................................127.12 . Cody Snow...............................................127.12 13. Jeff Johnston...........................................114.83 14. Cory Kidd V..............................................109.05 15. Charly Crawford.......................................105.03 16. .Dustin Bird...............................................100.30 . Lightning Aguilera....................................100.30 18. Jake Orman................................................95.56 19. Steven Duby...............................................92.86 20. Aaron Tsinigine..........................................86.15 . Brady Tryan................................................86.15 . Clayton Van Aken.......................................86.15 23. Rhen Richard.............................................78.14 24. .Jesse Stipes...............................................74.13 25. J.B. James Jr.............................................71.12 TEAM ROPING (HEELING) 1. Travis Graves.............................................650.00 2. Jake Long...................................................455.00 3. Jade Anderson...........................................325.00 4. Paul Eaves..................................................260.00 5. Jerren Johnson..........................................211.19 6. Blaine Vick.................................................193.34 7. B.J. Dugger................................................175.48 8. Ryan Motes................................................163.60 9. Chase Tryan...............................................151.72 10. .Brady Minor.............................................140.29 11. Wesley Thorp...........................................127.12 . Hunter Koch.............................................127.12 13. Dustin Harris............................................114.83 14. Logan Medlin...........................................109.05 15. Patrick Smith...........................................105.03 16. Russell Cardoza.......................................100.30 . James Arnold...........................................100.30 18. Walt Woodard............................................95.56 19. Jason Duby................................................92.86 20. .Cullen Teller................................................86.15 . Trey Yates...................................................86.15 . Levi Lord....................................................86.15 23. Quinn Kesler..............................................78.14 24. Jake Smith.................................................74.13 25. Brock Hanson............................................71.12 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Spencer Wright..........................................650.00 2. Rusty Wright..............................................455.00 3. Kolby Wanchuk..........................................325.00 4. Wyatt Casper..............................................260.00 5. Zeke Thurston............................................211.19 6. Jade Blackwell............................................184.41 . Shade Etbauer............................................184.41 8. Jake Watson...............................................163.60 9. Allen Boore.................................................151.72 10. .Sterling Crawley.......................................140.29 11. Jake Finlay...............................................123.03 . Ryder Wright............................................123.03 . Hawkins Boyce.........................................123.03 14. Alex Wright..............................................109.05 15. Colton Miller............................................105.03 16. Cole Elshere.............................................101.87 17. Jesse Wright..............................................98.72 18. Troy Crowser..............................................94.21 . Wyatt Hageman.........................................94.21 20. Layton Green..............................................88.16 . Brody Cress...............................................88.16

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TIME CAPSULE SanAntonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Photo courtesy San Antonio Rodeo

FAST FACTS • The first San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo was held Feb. 17, 1950 , at the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum, where it remained until 2003. • The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has been held in the AT&T Center since 2003 . The facility is less than three miles away from the Alamo and the famed Riverwalk. • The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo won the Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year award for the first time in 2005 and has won it every year since. • As of last year, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s educational commitment exceeded $198 million , with $12 million this year committed to scholarships, grants, endowments, junior livestock auctions, youth Western art auction, calf scramble and show premiums. • It takes more than 6,000 volunteers working with more than 40 committees to make the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo possible. • The AT&T Center hosts three other anchor tenants – the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), San Antonio Rampage (AHL) and San Antonio Stars (WNBA). Many episodes of WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown have been filmed at the center, as were the 2007 Royal Rumble, TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs in 2009, Vengeance in 2011 and Hell in a Cell last year. The center also hosts the San Antonio Sports Car Association autocross competitions in the parking lot. • Capacity at the AT&T Center ranges from 16,151 for hockey games up to 19,000 for concerts.

Ferrell Butler photo

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© 2017 Coors Brewing Co., Golden, CO

R OUND THE SHORT Historic Saddle Bronc Ride Elshere’s 93.5-point ride one for books Saddle bronc rider

BY THE NUMBERS

The time recorded by team ropers Clay Smith and Jake Long at the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo, Feb. 3, equaling the rodeo record set by Blaine Linaweaver/ Jory Levy in 2001.

The San Angelo Rodeo concludes Feb. 15 at Foster Communications Coliseum.

J.J. Elshere made PRCA history when he scored 93.5 points on Burch Rodeo’s Lunatic From Hell at the PRCA Xtreme Broncs Match in Rapid City, S.D., Jan. 30. His score was the third highest in ProRodeo history. The only higher-scored rides at a PRCA event were 95-point marks by Doug Vold on Franklin’s

Bareback rider Wyatt Denny’s score on Fettig Pro Rodeo’s Classic Rock to break the Rodeo Rapid City (S.D.) record Jan. 31. The previous record of 89 points set by Tom McFarland had stood since 2003. The amount of money contestants have a chance to take home during the 18 days of rodeo action at the 2019 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The rodeo began Feb. 7 and concludes Feb. 23 at the AT&T Center.

Transport in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, and Glen O’Neill on Franklin’s Airwolf in Innisfail, Alberta, in 1996, and 94-point rides by Jeremy Harden on Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Cool Alley in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, in 2003, and Spencer Wright on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Rebel Soul in Austin, Texas, in 2015. Elshere wasn’t sure how the 93.5-point ride happened. “I’m not real sure, but it was the right horse, I guess,” Elshere said. “Some days are chicken and some days are feathers, and you just hope for the best.” Now, Elshere’s name goes into the PRCA record book. “I guess that’s pretty neat,” Elshere said. “It (the ride) felt good, I was just happy I didn’t fall off. I was a little surprised (with the score), I guess, you just never know what they (the judges) are going to see or think, so you hope for the best and I guess it worked out.” Elshere, 39, brought 19 years of ProRodeo competition experience to Rapid City. The South Dakota cowboy qualified for the Wrangler NFR four times (2006, 2008-10) and ended the 2018 season on the bubble, ranked 16th J.J. Elshere made one of the highest-scored saddle bronc rides in PRCA history when he scored 93.5 points on Burch Rodeo’s Lunatic From Hell in Rapid City, S.D., Jan. 30. Jackie Jensen photo

with $75,774, a mere $367 shy of making his fifth Finals qualification. “Everything happens for a reason, so you go with the flow,” he said.

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NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS INTHE 2019 SEASON SO FAR

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PRCA Xtreme Broncs Finals set for Rapid City The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

recently announced that Rapid City, S.D., was selected as the host site for the “PRCA Xtreme Broncs Finals” in August. “South Dakota has produced great saddle bronc riders for years, starting with Casey Tibbs,” PRCA CEO George Taylor said. “It seems fitting for South Dakota to host the finals of this great event.”

The Xtreme Broncs Tour is a series of events that features only saddle bronc riding competition. These stand-alone events were first approved by the PRCA in 2016. It is estimated there will be up to 20 stops on the tour this year. The Rapid City event will be the conclusion of the tour and will be nationally tele- vised. The format will be the top 12 saddle bronc riders in the PRCA earnings standings and the top 12 competitors who have competed in the Xtreme Bronc Tour events competing in a long go and a short go for the Xtreme Broncs title and a portion of the $50,000 added money. All money earned on the tour and in the tour finale will count toward Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifying. The event will bring the best saddle bronc riding com- petitors in the world to compete in Rapid City. The Central States Fair and Range Days Rodeo will host the event Thursday, Aug. 22. “This is a huge win for South Dakota and Rapid City to be able to host this world class event,” said John Kerstiens, President of the Central States Fair Board of Directors. “This event will bring the national spotlight to Rapid City.” “There are lots of details to cover in producing an event like this,” said Ron Jeffries, General Manager for the Central States Fair. “Rapid City has never seen a rodeo event of this magnitude. We have a lot of ground to cover and a lot of sponsorship opportunities and exposure that this level of national event offers.”

David Seymore photo

Bareback rider Kohlton Anderson is bucked off Mosbrucker Rodeos’ Snappy Tune at the PRCA Championship Rodeo in Park City, Kan., Jan. 26. Head over Heels

Waguespack receives community honor Tyler Waguespack won his second PRCA steer wrestling world championship Dec. 15 at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. A prestigious honor that didn’t go unnoticed by his community. Waguespack graduated from East Ascension (La.)

$4,869,369 “That bull came and hit me in the left hip and tossed me about 10 feet when he hit me,” Jestes said. “When I landed, I landed with my right leg completely straight, and that bull kept charging and ran through me and pushed over the top of that straight leg. I was wearing knee braces, so the only thing that could give was my hamstring.” Jestes joined the PRCA in 2010. Bullfighter Jestes recovering from surgery Bullfighter Nathan Jestes is on the road to recovery after suffering a severe right hamstring injury during Round 1 of the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Dec. 6. Dr. Thomas Youm performed the two-hour surgery on Jestes in New York City, Jan. 31. Jestes has worked the Wrangler NFR the last three years. “I had two tears in my hamstring,” said Jestes, 31. “One of the tears was very uncommon, that’s why I went to a specialist in Dr. Youm because he had performed this type of surgery before on similar tears of the hamstring. It was a reconstructive surgery where they used an Achilles tendon pretty much to reconstruct my hamstring.” Jestes is home in Douglas, Wyo., and on the road to recovery. Jestes’ injury happened when he was hit by Rafter H Rodeo Livestock’s Left Lane after he bucked off Dustin Boquet in the Thomas & Mack Center.

High School. Ascension Parish president Kenny Matassa proclaimed Jan. 28, 2019, as “Tyler Waguespack Day” in Ascension Parish and named Waguespack an Ascension Parish Ambassador. “It was cool,” Waguespack said. “I wasn’t really expect-

ing it and I didn’t know at all they were going to have ‘Tyler Waguespack Day.’” According to the proclamation, Waguespack is a native of Ascension Parish. He was born Dec. 19, 1990, in Gonzales, La., to Michael and Vicki Waguespack, who taught him rodeo and steer wrestling. “Back where I live in Louisiana, rodeo isn’t very big like it is as you get further out West,” Waguespack said. “I thought it was great to get the word out about rodeo in my area because other than me and my wife (Sarah, a barrel racer) there’s really no one else who rodeos on the professional level.” Waguespack won his 2018 world championship by earning $260,013, pock- eting $180,429 of that at the Wrangler NFR, the most of any steer wrestler. Waguespack won the average and the world championship, as he did in 2016.

MONEYWON BY PRCA COWBOYS INTHE 2019 SEASON

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SNAPSHOT

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