ProRodeo Sports News - January 20, 2023

XTREME BULLS FORT WORTH, TEXAS

Comeback

Koby Radley captures first Xtreme Bulls victory of 2023 DAGIN RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News I n ProRodeo, seasons change in a matter of seconds. Injuries derail seasons, forcing cowboys into grueling recoveries for a chance at redemption. But the setbacks make for bigger comebacks. Bull rider Koby Radley is familiar with the bumpy road, sidelined by a pair of injuries since his last NFR appearance in 2019. He underwent knee surgery in 2020 and suffered a broken shoulder in 2021. For Radley, it’s about proving he can ride the way he once did. “Getting that fire back is the key. When you deal with numerous injuries it’s hard to come back from that,” said the 24-year-old. “I’ve felt that over the past two years I haven’t been performing the way I’m capable of. I’m ready to roll with it this year.” Radley was certainly rolling in Fort Worth, Texas, capturing a win at the SWELS – Xtreme Bulls Division 1 event, Jan. 18, with 175 points on two head. His night began with a re-ride, meeting his first matchup in the dirt. The Louisiana native escaped unfazed, earning a trip to the short round with an 86.5-point ride on Stockyards ProRodeo’s Armageddon. He put his faith in the stock contractor. “I didn’t know which bull I would get but I knew it was going to be a good one with it being one of Stockyards’ (ProRodeo),” the bull rider said. “It was a good run.” In the finals, Radley confronted a tall task. He drew Rafter G Rodeo’s Johnny Thunder, a bull with an education in elevation. The cowboy knew a qualified ride would land him a win. “I saw I had JohnnyThunder, and I knew he was going to be a handful. But if I could stay on him, I’d win it,” said Radley. “I had a game plan and it worked out.” Radley followed the blueprint, securing the victory with an 88.5-point ride.

The trip earned him the $9,271 winning check, collecting $14,555 in all. He hopes the win marks the start of a successful winter season, something he’s never had. “I’ve rodeoed plenty and really never had a great winter season as far as the big winter rodeos. I’m always playing catch-up in the summer and this year I don’t want to do that,” the two-time NFR qualifier explained. “I’m going to try to go at them pretty hard this winter, win the most I can, and keep it rolling.” Last August, he and his wife, Shellie, welcomed a baby girl, Kolly, to the family. The cowboy cut his season short to be at home, spending his first weeks as a father alongside the newborn. Radley’s hoping she’s the reason he makes another trip to Las Vegas. “Yeah, maybe Kolly’s my good luck charm,” he chuckled.

PRCA XTREME BULLS 2023 TOUR STANDINGS (Unofficial as of Jan. 19) 1. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas. ..................$18,235 2. Colton Byram, Mound City, Kan.............16,074 3. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho. ....14,563 4. Koby Radley, Montpelier, La.. ................14,555 5. Cole Fischer, Jefferson City, Mo.............12,359 6. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan.................12,250 7. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla...............10,461 8. Jack Gilmore, Ironton, Mo...................... 8,822 9. T. Parker, Winnie, Texas. ........................ 8,285 10. Jestyn Jax Woodward, Custer, S.D........ 8,216 11. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas. .................... 8,103 12. Sage Kimzey, Salado, Texas.................. 7,725 13. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa.................. 6,689 14. Kase Hitt, Ardmore, Okla...................... 6,349 15. JC Mortensen, Paulden, Ariz................. 6,148

James Phifer photo

Complete results/Page 44

Koby Radley secured the SWELS - Xtreme Bulls Division 1 event title with an 88.5-point ride on Rafter G Rodeo’s Johnny Thunder.

ProRodeo Sports News 1/20/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 1/20/2023

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