ProRodeo Sports News - Jan. 7, 2022

An official publication of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

Hot Shots Best Images of 2021

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HATS OFF

TO STETSON.

Congratulations to Stetson Wright for winning the All-Around and Saddle Bronc World Titles.

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CONTENTS

JAN. 7, 2022 VOLUME 70, NO. 1

Texas Cheer

Contestants rang in 2022 by vying for their share of more than $200,000 at the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo in Waco, which ended Jan. 1. 36

Bareback rider Chad Rutherford celebrates after competing during the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo in Waco. Rutherford tied for the average title with Cole Reiner. James Phifer photo

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INSIDE

RODEOS 36 Waco, Texas Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo 38 Red Bluff, California California Circuit Finals Rodeo RODEOS 16 2022 PRCA world 48 2021 Circuits STANDINGS COVER 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Grille 10 Brain Teasers 12 He Said-She Said 14 Social Media 18 Short Round 46 Results 54 PRCA Notes

Crystal Amen photo Pickup man Bronc Boehnlein works with Rosser Rodeo’s Lil Josey after bareback rider Mitchell Parham’s 77-point trip on the horse at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo in Red Bluff, Dec. 31. Striking gold in California Contestants at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo, Dec. 30 through Jan. 1 in Red Bluff cashed in – led by bareback rider Clayton Biglow who

earned $7,406. 38

ProRodeo Sports News PRCA CEO Tom Glause PSN EDITOR Tracy Renck PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carol Lawrence CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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 additional 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.

TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PSN OR FOR SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS, CALL: 800.RODEO.4U (800.763.3648) _______________ To advertise in the PSN , call: 719.528.4704 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 101 ProRodeo Drive

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11-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo tie-down roper Matt Shiozawa coming out of the box at the 2021

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2022, 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.

Tanner Barth Julia Plungy

Rooftop Rodeo in Estes Park, Colo.

Steve Gray photo

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EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK Looking back at 2021 NFR, moving forward to 2022

T he 2021Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge is in the rear-view mirror. The 10 days of competition were action-packed before a full house each night at theThomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. It was a triumphant return to Vegas after the 2020 Wrangler NFR took place at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The NFR had been staged at theThomas &. Mack Center at UNLV since 1985, but the venue was not available in 2020 for live entertainment with fans due to the coronavirus restrictions in Nevada. The 2021 NFR smashed numerous records and left many lasting memories. One thing is for sure – StetsonWright is the current King of Cowboys. Wright, 22, won his third consecutive all- around world title and added his inaugural saddle bronc world crown in 2021. The Milford, Utah, cowboy has five career world titles – he was the bull riding champ in 2020 – and shows no signs of slowing down. Hopefully cowboys and ProRodeo fans were able to recharge during the holiday season and recover from injuries as best they could because the 2022 PRCA season is well underway. It began on Oct. 1. Know this about the PRCA season – it is not a sprint, but a marathon. It’s all about getting one of the coveted Top 15 spots in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. World titles are won in at the NFR because of the money

in a row. To reach the PRCA summit like Feild, contestants must be part of the journey. The chase for 2022 gold buckles has resumed as the winter rodeos are heating up the schedule. The Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo in Odessa, Texas, began Jan. 6 and concludes Jan. 15. The Odessa rodeo sets the stage for the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver. The Mile High City has played host to the storied rodeo since 1946 and it returns in 2022 after the rodeo was canceled in 2021 because of COVID-19. Contestants will be competing for their share of the strong purse as they try and give their 2022 seasons a jolt. Sandwiched during the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is the first Division 1 Xtreme Bulls event of the season in Fort Worth, Texas, at Dickies Arena, Jan. 18-19, with a $45,000 added purse. The event was canceled a year ago because of COVID-19. Reigning and seven-time world champion bull rider Sage Kimzey is the defending Xtreme Bulls Tour champ and is aiming to win his sixth Xtreme Bulls Tour crown in eight years. The Division 1 Xtreme Bulls event leads into the return of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Jan. 21 through Feb. 5. It was canceled in 2021 – yes because of COVID-19. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is coming back in a big way as it will pay out more than $1 million to contestants.

Tracy Renck is the editor of the ProRodeo

Sports News . He previously served more than seven years as a media coordinator at the PRCA. He has three decades of experience in sports journalism with the last several consumed by ProRodeo.

up for grabs. Last month in Vegas – not counting ground money – reigning bareback riding world champ Kaycee Feild earned a rodeo-best $231,564. Feild has won a PRCA record six bareback riding world titles and two

Fans, like cowboys, need to sit back and enjoy the ride that will culminate at the 2022Wrangler NFR presented by Teton Ridge at the Thomas &Mack Center in Vegas, Dec. 1-10.

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Kody: I didn’t grow up rodeoing or anything. I actually traded a saddle with a guy and that got me a chance to get on a bull for the first time. From that point on I fell in love with the sport of rodeo. I didn’t start riding broncs until I was 20 years old. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Kody: I finished college and I think that’s really when I decided to try and take rodeo seriously. I went to Cody, Wyo., the summer after school and started getting on horses consistently. That’s when I decided I wanted to try to make a living doing it. Why did you decide saddle bronc riding would be your event? Kody: I didn’t pick saddle bronc riding. I think it picked me. I tried bull riding, then I tried bareback riding, and then I tried bronc riding. I was doing all three at one time, but I was so much better at the bronc riding. So, I ended up giving up the other two and focused on the bronc riding. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Kody: I don’t know if there’s one guy in particular who I look up to, there’s a ton of guys I could mention. There are the greats in the sport like Dan Mortensen and Billy Etbauer that you watch and want to try to mimic as a saddle bronc rider. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Kody: Well, I’d like to win the NFR for sure, I think that’s pretty much the goal for everyone. I’d also like to win the Dixie National Rodeo down here in Jackson, Miss., because it’s close to home for me. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Kody: To be honest with you I wasn’t ever good enough to get it until now. In this sport you have to take it one level at a time and with me starting later it kind of put me behind some other guys. Everyone has their own goals and timeframe of doing it and I finally felt like I was ready to go compete. What’s your favorite restaurant? Kody: I’d have to say when it comes to a chain restaurant, it’s probably Cracker Barrel. I’m a big fan of their breakfast, their pancakes are so good. Do you have a favorite candy? Kody: I’m not a real big candy eater, but if I do it’s probably going to be something chocolate. What’s your go to movie? Kody: I don’t necessarily have a favorite movie, but I do like comedies the best. I watch just about anything with Jim Carrey or Adam Sandler in it. Do you have a favorite sports team? Kody: I follow the Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Cardinals, and all the Mississippi State (University) sports. I’m a huge sports fan to be honest with you. What was the make of your first car? Kody Rinehart got a late start to his ProRodeo career, but the Rienzi, Miss., saddle bronc rider is showing it’s better late than never. At 29, he currently leads the Resistol rookie saddle bronc standings with $8,234. His bump in the standings comes after he won a round and finished second in the average at the Southeastern Circuit Finals in Davie, Fla., Nov. 13.

KODY RINEHART

Kody: My first vehicle was a 1992 Chrysler. It was as old as I am. It was white with a burgundy interior, it wasn’t the prettiest car in the world. What’s your favorite TV show or series? Kody: “The Chosen” is definitely my favorite TV show. It’s a show that goes through the life of Jesus Christ, it’s an amazing series. What’s your favorite holiday?

Kody: Christmas would have to be my favorite holiday. You get to see all your family and all their kids. That’s about the only time I actually get to go home to see everybody. What type of music do you like listening to? Kody: 90 percent of the time I’m listening to Christian worship music. After that it’s red dirt country and rock and roll.

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BRAIN TEASERS TAKE YOUR SHOT

ANSWERS ON PAGE 54

Then & Now Can you match these future rodeo stars’ faces with the current PRCA contestants? Some don’t look quite the same.

1

2

3

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A

B

D

E

C

Word Search

Stock Show Season

Find the winners from the 2020 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver and the Fort Worth (Texas) Stock Show & Rodeo. Cowboys or cowgirls 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 winners from Denver, Colo. BB: Mason Clements SW: Stetson Jorgensen TR: Clay Tryan/Jake Long, Cody Snow/Paul Eaves SB: Rusty Wright, Brody Cress

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

TD: Adam Gray GB: Carly Taylor BR: Brody Yeary

2. Find the winners from Fort Worth, Texas BB: Tilden Hooper SW: Jacob Talley TR: Clay Ullery/Jake Edwards

SB: Dawson Hay TD: Tyler Milligan

GB: Hailey Lockwood BR: Brady Portenier

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10 QUESTIONS He Said – She Said Who knows Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bull rider Josh Frost better, his wife Erika, or his traveling partner Sage Kimzey?

Josh

Erika

Sage

SAGE

JOSH

ERIKA

WHO’S HIS RODEO IDOL?

Robert Etbauer

Robert Etbauer

Robert Etbauer

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?

Water

Water

Water

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Josh

Me

Josh

WHO IS HIS FAVORITE NON-RODEO ATHLETE?

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan

WHO IS HIS FAVORITE BULL TO RIDE?

Chiseled

Chiseled

Chiseled

IF NOT RODEO, WHAT WOULD HE BE DOING

Teacher

Teacher

Teacher

WHAT RODEO IS ON HIS BUCKET LIST TO WIN?

Cheyenne

Calgary Stampede

Calgary

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE MOVIE?

Thor

Hidalgo

The Notebook

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Applebee’s

Applebee’s

Applebee’s

12 WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE?

Matthew McConaughey

Mark Wahlberg

Matthew McConaughey

– Courtesy of Ted Harbin

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MATCH DAD COLLECTION

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SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

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DRIVEN TO DO MORE

PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL OFF-ROAD VEHICLE OF PRCA

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2022 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of Jan. 5, 2022. For the 2022 season (Oct. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022), 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. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla............ $13,843 2. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss.................................... 13,779 3. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M.................................. 9,884 4. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif.................................. 8,409 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo.................................. $16,046 2. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D....................................... 15,342 3. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif.. ......................... 13,855 4. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn.. ......................... 12,059 5. Chad Rutherford, Hillsboro, Texas....................... 11,582 6. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba............................... 10,778 7. Wyatt Denny, Minden, Nev................................... 10,317 8. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa. ............................. 10,082 9. Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah. ................... 9,327 10. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb........................... 9,205 11. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev...................... 9,042 12. Zach Hibler, Wheeler, Texas. .................................. 8,746 13. Evan Betony, Tonalea, Ariz..................................... 8,390 14. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas.................................... 8,193 15. Matthew Smith, Saraland, Ala................................ 8,049 16. Zachariah Phillips, Rozet, Wyo.. ............................ 7,849 17. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan........................................ 7,778 18. R.C. Landingham, Hat Creek, Calif......................... 7,776 19. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas............................... 7,645 20. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La.. .................................... 7,408 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho................................. $9,567 2. Cody Harmon, Dublin, Texas.................................. 8,609 3. Gavin Soileau, Bunkie, La.. .................................... 8,117 4. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La............................ 8,062 5. Sterling Lambert, Fallon, Nev................................. 7,407 6. Slick Pickerill, Raymond, Ill................................... 6,914 7. Riley Reiss, Manning, N.D..................................... 6,875 8. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla.................................. 6,652 9. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D......................... 6,243 10. Wyatt Jurney, Las Cruces, N.M.............................. 6,144 11. Riley Wakefield, ONeill, Neb................................... 5,856 12. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore................................. 5,829 13. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla....................................... 5,752 14. Tucker Allen, Oak View, Calif.................................. 5,716 15. Kalane Anders, Bayard, Neb................................... 5,477 16. Walt Arnold, Coleman, Texas. ................................ 5,439 17. Cade Staton, Bastrop, Texas. ................................. 5,401 18. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La...................................... 5,397 19. Cody Moore, Hart, Texas........................................ 5,389 20. Chance Carlson, Alden, Minn................................. 5,382 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clint Wallace, Little Rock, Ark.............................. $9,768 2. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss.......................... 9,053 3. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla................ 9,003 4. Justin Pruitt, Batesville, Ark................................... 8,897 5. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla............................ 8,114 6. Tyler Waters, Stephenville, Texas........................... 7,857 7. Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn.................................. 7,838 8. Justin Yost, Citra, Fla............................................. 7,804 9. Lane Stock, Taylor, Ariz.......................................... 7,495 10. Casey Tew, Weatherford, Texas.............................. 7,210 11. Cameron Irwin, Buffalo, Wyo................................. 6,875 12. Blake Hirdes, Turlock, Calif.................................... 6,736 13. Jeff Flenniken, Caldwell, Idaho............................... 6,507 14. Braxton Culpepper, Poulan, Ga.. ............................ 6,246 15. Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah.................................... 6,131 16. Manny Egusquiza Jr., Stephenville, Texas.............. 5,808 17. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn.............................. 5,798 18. Braden Pirrung, Hartford, S.D................................ 5,519 19. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla..................................... 5,116 20. Brodi Jones, Erda, Utah......................................... 4,854 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Tyler McKnight, Pollok, Texas............................ $13,655 2. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss........................................ 9,053 3. Tanner Braden, Dewey, Okla.. ................................ 9,003 4. Adam Plyler, Pageland, S.C.................................... 7,838 5. Reno Gonzales, Scott, La....................................... 7,804 6. Justin Simon, Florence, Ariz.................................. 7,495 7. Ryan Von Ahn, Palmyra, Mo.................................. 7,490 8. Cash Hetzel, Lemmon, S.D.. .................................. 6,875

BULL RIDING 1. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla....................... $25,093 2. Bubba Greig, Estherville, Iowa............................. 19,946 3. Toby Collins, Stephenville, Texas. ........................ 17,287 4. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La................................... 16,700 5. Ernie Courson Jr., Okeechobee, Fla...................... 16,466 6. Coleman Entze, Golden Valley, N.D...................... 14,266 7. Scottie Knapp, Albuquerque, N.M........................ 14,094 8. Jack Gilmore, Ironton, Mo................................... 12,834 9. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.................................... 12,529 10. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah. .................................. 12,302 11. Aaron Williams, Pismo Beach, Calif..................... 11,190 12. Jimy Marten, Donahue, Iowa............................... 10,767 13. Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas.......................... 10,763 14. Blaine Beaty, Deer Creek, Minn............................ 10,128 15. Brady Portenier, Caldwell, Idaho............................ 9,479 16. Parker McCown, Montgomery, Texas..................... 9,393 17. Cole Fischer, Jefferson City, Mo............................. 9,335 18. Tyler Taylor, Stephenville, Texas............................. 9,304 19. Braden Richardson, Jasper, Texas. ........................ 8,881 20. Fulton Rutland, Stilwell, Okla................................. 8,634 BARREL RACING Barrel racing and breakaway roping 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. Sissy Winn, Chapman Ranch, Texas................... $15,696 2. Bryanna Haluptzok, Tenstrike, Minn...................... 12,948 3. Emma Charleston, Reeds, Mo............................... 10,594 4. Cassidy Chaplin, Pilot Point, Texas......................... 9,617 5. Cheyenne Hattesen, Kerman, Calif.......................... 9,472 6. Amanda Welsh, Sundance, Wyo............................. 9,166 7. Sarah Rose Waguespack, Gonzales, La.. ................ 8,664 8. Kelley Carrington-French, Boston, Ga. ................... 8,247 9. Macee McAllister, St. George, Utah......................... 8,175 10. Jordan Briggs, Tolar, Texas..................................... 8,097 11. Shannon McReynolds, La Luz, N.M........................ 8,006 12. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla.................................... 7,516 13. Abby Phillips, Marshall, Texas. ............................... 7,390 14. Megan Champion, Ukiah, Calif................................ 7,366 15. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas. ............... 7,324 16. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas.............................. 6,853 17. Lynette Clyde, Heber, Utah...................................... 6,641 18. Lacinda Rose, Willard, Mo...................................... 6,337 19. Kylee Scribner, Azle, Texas. .................................... 6,323 20. Randi Holliday, Chouteau, Okla............................... 6,179 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas............................... $13,530 2. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas................... 11,873 3. J.J. Hampton, Stephenville, Texas. ......................... 9,026 4. Cheyanne Guillory, Gainsville, Texas....................... 7,333 5. Hope Thompson, Abilene, Texas............................. 7,306 6. Jordi Edens, Gatesville, Texas................................. 5,786 7. Brighton Bauman, Burleson, Texas......................... 5,580 8. Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas.................................... 5,143 9. Amber Crawford, Springtown, Texas....................... 4,293 10. Tibba Smith, Hobbs, Texas. .................................... 3,950 11. Bryana Lehrmann, Lexington, Texas....................... 3,694 12. Laramie Johnson, Shreveport, La. ......................... 3,624 13. TiAda Gray, Portales, N.M. ..................................... 3,522 14. Cadee Williams, Weatherford, Texas....................... 3,459 15. Leigh Ann Scribner, Edgewood, N.M. ..................... 3,162 16. Sawyer Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D. . ................................ 3,155 17. Jordan Fabrizio, Canyon, Texas............................... 3,126 18. Oaklie Sanders, Taylor, Utah. .................................. 2,998 19. Amanda Hodges, Brazoria, Texas............................ 2,912 20. Brady Gilbert, Paradise, Texas. ............................... 2,899

9. Dalton Pearce, San Luis Obispo, Calif.................... 6,736 10. Jake Minor, Ellensburg, Wash................................ 6,507 11. Brad Culpepper, Sylvester, Ga................................ 6,246 12. Caleb Hendrix, Fallon, Nev.. ................................... 6,131 13. Coley Nicholls, Kinnear, Wyo................................. 5,519 14. Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Ala.................................... 5,116 15. Rance Doyal, Hartshorne, Okla.. ............................ 5,109 16. Boogie Ray, Mabank, Texas. .................................. 5,008 17. Jake Freeland, Palmyra, Utah................................. 4,854 18. Jason Johe, San Luis Obispo, Calif........................ 4,576 19. Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas......................... 4,391 20. Cole Wilson, Lake Shore, Utah............................... 4,277 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo............................... $20,576 2. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah.................................. 18,727 3. Sterling Crawley, Huntsville, Texas....................... 15,001 4. Leon Fountain, Socorro, N.M............................... 13,917 5. Logan Cook, Alto, Texas. ..................................... 13,416 6. Parker Kempfer, Deer Park, Fla............................ 13,105 7. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas............................. 12,845 8. Logan Hay, Wildwood, Alberta............................. 12,803 9. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho................................... 12,018 10. Kole Ashbacher, Arrowwood, Alberta................... 10,974 11. Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta.................. 10,259 12. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia......................... 9,320 13. Ty Manke, Rapid City, S.D...................................... 8,842 14. Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas...................... 8,827 15. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D.......................................... 8,311 16. Treyson Antonick, Overton, Texas.......................... 8,303 17. Kody Rinehart, Rienzi, Miss................................... 8,234 18. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas................................... 8,189 19. Taygen Schuelke, Newell, S.D................................ 8,070 20. Mitch Pollock, Winnemucca, Nev........................... 8,048 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M................................ $13,277 2. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil.............................. 10,804 3. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas. ..................... 10,561 4. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss.................................... 10,181 5. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas............................ 9,670 6. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La.. ................................ 9,659 7. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif.................. 9,563 8. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif.................................. 8,576 9. Ryan Thibodeaux, Stephenville, Texas. .................. 8,502 10. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb........................................ 8,445 11. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas............................ 8,405 12. Trey Young, Dupree, S.D........................................ 8,402 13. Kalai Nobriga, Kealakekua, Hawaii. ........................ 8,330 14. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................ 7,317 15. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas. ................................. 6,822 16. Trampus Quarnberg, Annabella, Utah. ................... 6,753 17. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas. ................. 6,600 18. Blake Ash, Aurora, Mo........................................... 6,597 19. Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La.................................. 6,333 20. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M.................................. 6,302 STEER ROPING 1. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas........................... $15,234 2. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.................................. 13,463 3. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas. ............... 13,241 4. Cash Myers, Kaufman, Texas............................... 11,990 5. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas............................. 10,703 6. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas. ............................. 10,546 7. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.................... 10,460 8. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan...................................... 9,896 9. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................... 7,963 10. Brian Garr, Belle Fourche, S.D................................ 7,580 11. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla.............................. 7,058 12. Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla................................ 6,448 13. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas................................... 6,364 14. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas..................... 6,195 15. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo.. ........................... 5,720 16. Ryan Willberg, Lott, Texas..................................... 5,608 17. Dane Noyce, Cheyenne, Wyo................................. 5,398 18. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla................................. 5,147 19. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D................................... 5,089 20. Hudson Wallace, George West, Texas.................... 4,981

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SHORT ROUND Performing acts announced for upcoming rodeo series Houston Music

T he Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced the 2022 RodeoHouston star entertainment lineup Jan. 5. The 2022 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will run from Feb. 28 through March 20. The lineup includes a wide range of performances, from EDM and R&B artists to Latin pop and Norteño (music from north Mexico inspired by European polka). The first performer is country star Cody Johnson on Feb. 28. Johnson also performed at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The entire RodeoHouston lineup is as follows:

• March 3: For King and Country • March 4: Ricky Martin • March 5: Jon Pardi • March 6: Los Tucanes De Tijuana - Go Tejano Day • March 7: Luke Bryan - First Responders Day • March 11: Bun B’s H-Town Takeover ft. Slim Thug, Lil KeKe, Lil Flip and Zero • March 12: Parker McCollum • March 13: Dierks Bentley • March 14: Sam Hunt • March 15: Gwen Stefani • March 16: Khalid • March 17: Chris Stapleton • March 8: Maren Morris • March 9: Kane Brown • March 10: Journey • March 20: George Strait with special guest Ashley McBryde Individual RodeoHouston tickets go on sale to the public Jan. 13 at rodeohouston.com. Ticket prices start at $20, plus a $4 convenience fee. • March 18: Marshmello • March 19: Brad Paisley

• Feb 28: Cody Johnson • March 1: Keith Urban • March 2: Tim McGraw - Armed Forces Appreciation Day

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Steve Gray

Johnson performs at the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Rick Smith named PRCA’s Supervisor of Pro Officials

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association recently named Rick Smith its Supervisor of Pro Officials. “This is an exciting opportunity,” said Smith, 66, a PRCA Gold Card member. “My heart is always with ProRodeo and the PRCA. It has given me everything I have got in life and now I have a chance to help out. I believe strongly in (PRCA’s CEO Tom Glause) and I’m going to do the best I can with the knowledge I have.” Smith began his new position Jan. 3. “Rick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this job and I’m excited for him to assume this position,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. For the last nine years, Smith has been the head rodeo coach at Cochise College in Douglas, Ariz. Prior to that he spent 17 years

as the rodeo coach at Central Wyoming College in Riverton. Smith worked his way up the rodeo ranks before joining the PRCA in 1974 competing in saddle bronc riding. He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1980-82 and in 1984 and 1986. Smith finished a career-best ninth in the world standings in 1981 and 1982.

Smith

Smith won prestigious rodeos like RodeoHouston, San Antonio and Fort Worth, Texas. Smith retired from competing in 1989. Smith also was a ProRodeo judge in the early to mid 1990s. Smith and his wife, Lynn have two children, daughter, Jennifer, 30, and son, Will James, 17.

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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 11 The number of PRCA word championships won by the Wright family. The list consists of Stetson (5 – 3 in all-around, 1 bull riding, 1 saddle bronc riding); Ryder (2 saddle bronc riding); Cody Wright (2 saddle bronc); Jesse Wright (1 saddle bronc) and Spencer (1 saddle bronc). Stetson is the reigning, three-time all-around champ and won his inaugural saddle bronc $689K The total amount of money ($689,605) earned by Stetson Wright during the 2021 season, which is a single-season PRCA record. 169K The total attendance (169,539) for the 2021 Wrangler National Final Rodeo at the Thomas & Mack Center, in Las Vegas, Dec. 2-11. That was up from 168,289 in 2019. The attendance for Round 10 on Dec. 11 was 17,373, which was the highest single-day attendance figure since 2014, which was prior to the renovation of the arena riding world title in 2021.

Alaina Stangle photo

Hitching a Ride

Brent Sutton lends Logan Hay a helping hand after his 84.5-point ride on Burch Rodeo’s Profes- sional Lunatic at the New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball in Gillette, Wyo. Greeley Stampede accepting applications for 2022 HOF class The Greeley (Colo.) Stampede’s Hall of Fame has recognized some of the most the success of the Stampede,” said Justin Watada, General Manager and Hall of Fame Chairman. “The

influential individuals that have made long-lasting contributions and had a significant impact on the success of the event over the past 100 years. Special contributors have stood out by going above and beyond and are recognized by their peers as the cream of the crop. The Greeley Stampede is accepting applications for the 2022 Hall of Fame class. Inductees into the Hall of Fame may include, but not be limited to, volunteers, affiliated organizations, contract personnel, and others who have made a significant contribution to the success and prestige of the Greeley Stampede. “We are thankful to everyone that contributes to

Hall of Fame members have left a long-lasting impression on the event that does not fade.” Past Hall of Fame inductees include: 2018 Art Parker, the Farr Family, Hadley Barrett and Tom Mawson 2019 Bennie Beutler, Bill May and Bill Webster 2021 Earl Anderson, Nyla Bristow, Harold Evans and Dick Lookhart Nominations will be open until Jan.15, 2022. Inductees to the 2022 Hall of Fame will be selected by a review committee and inducted on April 8. Nomination forms can be found at greeleystampede.org/p/halloffame.

that limited total seating capacity.

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NEWS

ATHLETES STANDINGS RESULTS

SCHEDULE

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING

VISIT PRORODEO.COM FOR UP-T0-DATE COVERAGE The only place to get real-time scoring, average, stock draw and RAM Top Gun standings during the Wrangler NFR

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THE BEST IS YET TO COME. bootbarn.com

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IMAGES OF 2021

Photo Play

Bareback rider Austin Foss had an 82-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics Many Enemies at the Riggin Rally Xtreme Broncs in Darby, Mont., June 5. Roseanna Sales photo

Top Clicks PRCA photographers offered their best shots snapped throughout 2021. Over the next several pages, enjoy their favorite photos from rodeos around the country.

Steer wrestler Dru Melvin takes a tumble at the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days in July.

Robert Rosales photo

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IMAGES OF 2021

Haley Proctor performs her specialty act during the Yellowstone River Round-Up in August in Billings, Mont. Hailey Rae photo

Rodeo clown/ barrelman J.J. Harrison, left, and saddle bronc rider Dougie Hall ham it up during the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo last summer. Julie Smith photo

Dusty Tuckness, 10- time PRCA Bullfighter of the Year, performs during the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up in September. Tanya Hamner photo

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IMAGES OF 2021

Bullfighter Tyson Twitchell put his talent on display at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Xtreme Bulls in Castle Rock, Colo., Aug. 5.

Jessica Potter photo

Bullfighter T.J. Seargeant gets chased by Honeycutt Rodeo’s Stop The Steal during the Stagecoach Days in Banning, Calif., Sept. 12. Andrea Kaus photo

Bareback rider Spur Lacasse falls to the ground during his ride on C5 Rodeo’s Hitch Hiker at the Benalto (Alberta) Stampede, Sept. 5.

Bareback rider Caleb Bennett acknowledges the Thomas & Mack Center crowd during his victory lap after Round 9 of the 2021 Wrangler NFR presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas. Kay Miller photo

Billie-Jean Duff photo

Taylor Beutler holds the American flag as the Sander Longhorn steers occupy the arena prior to the start of the Elk City (Okla.) Rodeo Of Champions, Sept. 4.

Terri Abrahamsen photo

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IMAGES OF 2021

Bull rider Dustin Boquet goes over the top after his 86-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Saturday Night Fever at the Nacogdoches (Texas) Pro Rodeo & Steer Show, March 25. Robby Freeman photo

Pickup man James Hajek pulls a flank at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo in Abilene. Dale Hirschman photo

Jacob Talley clocked a 4.9-second run at the John W. Jones Memorial Steer Wrestling in Clovis, Calif., April 19. Stu Hagen photo

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IMAGES OF 2021

Riggin Vadnais put together an 83-point ride on

Bullfighter Cody Webster steps in for a save on Stetson Wright at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Jackie Jensen photo

Frontier Rodeo’s No Justice at the Lehi (Utah) Roundup. Jim Fain photo

Josh Frost lays out his gear before the 2021 Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo in Heber City, Utah. Amanda Dilworth photo

Aaron Hargo fights a bull during the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo Xtreme Bulls, June 17. Alyn Brereton photo

Pascal Isabelle rides for 75 points at the Riggin Rally Xtreme Broncs event in Weatherford, Texas, April 2. Lisa Duty photo

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IMAGES OF 2021

Hawk Whitt battles Bailey Pro Rodeo’s Pendleton Spilled Whiskey at the Newtown (N.D.) Rodeo Days, June 19. Alaina Stangle photo

Bullfighter Kaleb Barrett with a key save at the Fallon County Fair & Rodeo in Baker, Mont. Clay Guardipee photo

Stetson Wright goes head-to-head with The Cervi Brothers’ Senior Citizen at the Rooftop Rodeo in Estes Park, Colo., July 7. Phillip Kitts photo

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IMAGES OF 2021

Trick rider Madison

MacDonald showcases her skills at the Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo in San Bernardino, Calif. Gene Hyder photo

Sawyer Gilbert celebrates after winning her first Wrangler National Finals Breakaway Roping World Championship in Las Vegas. Joe Duty photo

Caleb Meeks aboard J Bar J’s Painted Commotion at the Central Montana RAM Pro Rodeo in Lewiston, Mont., July 29. Mary Peters photo

J.J. Hampton secured the breakaway roping win at the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo with a 2.0-second run in the finals on June 26. Jake Link photo

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WACO, TEXAS

RAM TEXAS CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO

Permit holder Ryan Nettle wins Texas steer wrestling crown Turning Heads BY JOLEE JORDAN, Special to ProRodeo Sports News O n paper, it appeared that the 2021 RAMTexas Circuit Finals Rodeo was Ryan Nettle’s first appearance at the season ending championship event annually held over New Year’s weekend at the Extraco Events Center in Waco, Texas. In truth, while it was the first time the PRCA permit holder had appeared as a contestant, it wasn’t his first time in the building nor even his first time to back in behind the barrier during the event. TOP MONEY WINNER Brody Cress ($9,488, saddle bronc riding) BAREBACK RIDING TOP SCORES Cress

1. Chad Rutherford ....... 255.5 pts. on 3 (tie) Cole Reiner ...................... 255.5 3. Cole Franks ................................ 246 STEER WRESTLING 1. Ryan Nettle ................ 14.2 sec. on 3 2. Cody Harmon ............................ 22.2 3. Walt Arnold ............................... 23.2 TEAM ROPING 1. Masters/McKnight ...... 13.5 sec. on 3 2. M. Egusquiza Jr./B. Ray ............. 13.9 3. C. Snow/W. Thorp ..................... 15.7 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Brody Cress ................. 266 pts. on 3 2. Sterling Crawley ......................... 255 3. Isaac Diaz ................................ 246.5 TIE DOWN ROPING 1. Tuf Cooper ................. 23.0 sec. on 3 2. Shane Hanchey ......................... 23.5 3. Marcos Costa ............................ 25.0 STEER ROPING 1. Slade Wood ................ 32.4 sec. on 3 2. Landon McClaugherty ............... 32.6 3. Ryan Willberg ............................ 35.7 BULL RIDING 1. Jeff Askey .................... 164 pts. on 2 2. Parker McCown ....................... 161.5 3. Trey Benton III ...................... 88 on 1 ALL AROUND COWBOY Toby Collins ($1,045, saddle bronc riding and bull riding)

The Goldthwaite, Texas, steer wrestler had already earned a pair of titles at the event, winning championships at the Texas Circuit Finals Youth Rodeo event, which is held in conjunction with the RAMTCFR each year. Nettle had also come to help employer, and fellow steer wrestler, Cade Staton at past events. With a comfortability belying his age and rodeo status, Nettle swept through his first official entry at the RAMTCFR on Jan. 1, claiming the three-head average title in 14.2 seconds, earning $5,271. “Waco and I have always seemed to get along good,” said Nettle, 21. “I’m pretty excited. I wasn’t expecting it, but I was definitely hoping for it.” Nettle took up steer wrestling prior to his freshman year in high school. Already a tie-down roper, he wasn’t interested in trying a new event, but family talked him into it. “Once I jumped my first steer, I was hooked,” he laughed. “I kept at it from there and never (tie-down) roped again.” Nettle went to the National High School Finals Rodeo that same year and added two more trips before graduating high school. College rodeo followed and he made the College National Finals Rodeo in June of 2021, winning a go round. Along the way, he bought his PRCA permit and qualified for the RAMTexas Circuit Finals Rodeo. InWaco, Nettle set up his championship run with a win in the opening go round after posting the fastest time of the rodeo at 4.0 seconds. With the first-round win under his belt, he opted to change strategy in round two, looking to be smart and business-like. His run of 5.0 was out of the money but left Nettle in first place with one round remaining. During the finals, Nettle rode FedEx, a horse with whom he has great history. “He’s owned by Amye Craig and Cade; I work for them, and we got FedEx in 2019 and trained him,” he said. “I actually jumped some of the first steers on him.” Nettle rode FedEx at several amateur rodeos early in the horse’s career and then took him to the championship at the 2020 Junior American Rodeo in the horse’s first handful of rodeo runs. “He’s a great horse,” Nettle said. Not only did he carry Nettle to the average title, but he also helped Staton secure the Texas year-end title during the RAMTCFR. During the final round inWaco, Nettle watched as his closest competitors failed to stop the clock. “It was pretty wide open, I think I only had to be 10 seconds to win it, so I tried to just be sure I got out of the barrier and got him down,” he said. Of course, sometimes playing it safe can be more difficult than needing a round win and Nettle agreed. “I was looking to play it smart, but I actually blew the barrier out on that last one. “That’s not what I was trying to do!” he laughed. His time of 5.2 just nearly missed another round check but allowed Nettle to clinch the average by eight seconds over Cody Harmon. The big win left Nettle with a bit of a dilemma. He had planned to stay on his permit, allowing him time to finish out his ag business degree at Texas A&MCommerce and finish up his college rodeo career before setting off on his ProRodeo rookie year. But with the advice of Staton and two-time PRCAWorld Champion Steer Wrestler Hunter Cure, who’s hazing horse Staton and Nettle borrowed during the circuit finals, Nettle realized his winnings had him in line to compete in San Antonio. That opportunity tipped the scales. “I actually just bought my card,” he said, noting he’ll haul in 2022 with Staton, Cure and Martin. “The chance to compete in San Antonio was like a sign if there was one, to go for it.”

James Phifer photo Steer wrestler Ryan Nettle competes during the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo. The permit holder won the average and earned $5,271.

RECORDS SET IN WACO According to the Texas Circuit, several arena re- cords were set during the 2021 edition of the Texas CFR. Tie-down roper Tuf Cooper’s 6.6-second run to win the second round set a new mark as did Jordan Briggs’ 15.49-second run the same round in barrel racing. Though just in its second year, the break - away roping saw its arena record change several times during a hotly contested third go with Chey- anne Guillory’s 1.6 second taking top honors.

WOOD KEEPS ROLLING At just 19, Slade Wood is already building an impres - sive resume. Fresh off his first National Finals Steer Roping and earning both the 2021 Resistol All- Around and Steer Roping Rookie of the Year titles, Wood beat a field chocked full of NFSR qualifiers and world champions to win the average at the 2021 RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo. His three-head total of 32.4 seconds edged Landon McClaugherty by two tenths.

Complete results/Page 47

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RED BLUFF, CALIF.

Back on Top CALIFORNIA CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO

Aaron Williams claims another California Circuit Finals title BY TANNER BARTH A aronWilliams has battled injury after injury throughout his ProRodeo career, but one thing that’s always remained consistent is his drive to be the best that he can be. That was on display for the Pismo Beach, Calif., bull rider at this year’s RAMCalifornia Circuit Finals Rodeo on New Year’s Day. Williams claimed his fifth circuit title wrapping up the three-day rodeo with 168 points on two head. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a few rodeos to go to. So, it felt good to be back in the office and felt good to back to work again honestly,” saidWilliams, 25. On the final day of the event Williams faced yet another daunting task head on. Due to a re-ride from the night before he rode two bulls in the span of 20 minutes. The first bull of the night bucked him off, leaving him with a no score in Round 2. He knew it was going to take a clean ride on his final out of the night for him to claim the title and he did just that. He covered the eight seconds on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Big Salty for 84.5 points to walk away with yet another championship. He said not having much time to think about it helped him in the long run. “It’s only a big of deal if you make it one,” Williams said. “If you want to let that play on your mind then it’s going to play on your mind. But in all reality the job doesn’t change it stays the same. “I got on that first one and my second one was already loaded. I hung my rope on him. There were about three bulls in front of me, so it was just enough time to get my glove ready, put my helmet on, and clock into work again.” It was more than just a win for Williams. It was a way to honor his late grandmother, Mary Lou Williams, who passed away at the age of 93 just a week before the circuit finals. “She was my biggest fan honestly and my biggest supporter,” Williams said. “She was there for my first ProRodeo win, and it was actually on her 88th birthday. “Before I even came up to these finals, I had said that to my wife and to my dad, ‘you know I’m going to go up there to these finals and I’m going to win the circuit finals and I’m going to win the circuit for my grandma.’ I know she had the best seat in the house for the win this season.”

TOP SCORES

TOP MONEY WINNER Clayton Biglow ($7,406, bareback riding) BAREBACK RIDING

Biglow

1. Clayton Biglow .......... 250.5 pts. on 3 2. R.C. Landingham ...................... 240.5 3. Lucas Samaniego ..................... 228.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Sterling Lambert ......... 15.1 sec. on 3 2. Tucker Allen ................................ 15.6 3. Dakota Eldridge .......................... 17.1 TEAM ROPING 1. B. Hirdes/D. Pearce ..... 19.2 sec. on 3 2. Lane Lowry/Jake Bourdet ........... 26.7 3. D.J. Parker/Jason Johe .............. 29.5 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Reed Neely ................... 228 pts. on 3 2. Cameron Messier ..................... 227.5 3. Joaquin Real .................... 154.5 on 2 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Brushton Minton ......... 31.1 sec. on 3 2. Westyn Hughes .......................... 32.4 3. Taylor Santos ............................. 33.4 BARRELL RACING 1. Megan Champion ...... 39.70 sec. on 3 2. Cheyenne Hattesen ................... 39.97 3. Charleen Ornellas ..................... 40.05 BULL RIDING 1. Aaron Williams ............. 168 pts. on 2 2. Dalton McMurtrie ........................ 167 3. Jesse Flores ................................ 162

Complete results/Page 46

Crystal Amen photo Sterling Lambert found himself on top of the steer wrestling in Red Bluff, Calif. He won the average title with 15.1 seconds on three head.

Crystal Amen photo Aaron Williams won Round 1 of the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo with a 83.5-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Bailey’s Rozet Swag.

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