ProRodeo Sports News - January 5, 2024

1 Images of ’23 PRCA Photographers Share Top Shots

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AND THE LEGEND CONTINUES. 8X WORLD CHAMPION.

Congratulations, Stetson Wright, on adding another chapter to an amazing story.

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CONTENTS

JANUARY 5, 2024 VOLUME 72, NO. 1

Bareback rider Clayton Biglow, who finished fourth in the 2023 PRCA | RAM World Standings, kept things rolling at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo with this 85.5-point Round 1 winning ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Warrior Wagon. Crystal Amen photo

California Dreaming The California purse at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo, which took place from Dec. 29-31 in Red Bluff. 28 Circuit’s top contestants competed for their share of the nearly $200,000

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INSIDE

6 Editor’s Letter 8 Grille 16 Social Media 20 World Standings 22 Short Round 28 Red Bluff, Calif. California Circuit Finals 30 Gillette, Wyo. 32 Billings, Mont. RODEOS

Kristen Schurr photo Hayes Weight won the New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball with an 89-point ride on Burch Rodeo’s Two Words in the four man shootout in Gillette, Wyo., Dec. 31. Celebration on New Year’s Eve A handful of roughstock riders started off the New Year in style by cash ing winning checks at the New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball in Gillette, Wyo., Dec. 31. Bull rider Hayes Weight led the charge with a $9,201 payday. 30

COVER

ProRodeo Sports News

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.

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RODEOS

Images of ’23 PRCA Photographers Share Top Shots

PRCA CEO Tom Glause PSN EDITOR Tracy Renck PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver STAFF WRITER Tanner Barth SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jessica Butterly

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Bareback rider Zack Brown got all he could handle and then some as he failed to make a qualified ride aboard Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ State Line at the Clark County Fair & Rodeo in April in Logandale, Nev. Hailey Rae photo

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EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK

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.

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Hailey Rae Bull rider Ky Hamilton celebrates after his 89-point ride aboard Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Fred to win Round 4 at the 2023 Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas. It was part of a legendary performance by the Australian native.

Hamilton’s title one for the ages – especially Down Under W hen Ky Hamilton won his inaugural PRCA Bull Riding World Championship on Dec. 16 in Las Vegas – it was one for the ages. Hamilton left the Thomas & Mack Center with two gold buckles for the PRCA World Championship and NFR average title. observation. Straight from the hospital to the arena – Hamilton defied the odds Dec. 13. By night’s end, Hamilton claimed the Round 7 victory with an 88-point ride on Duane Kesler’s Alberta Prime Devil’s Advocate. He also was the lone rider in the round – earning him a $99,053 payday. It was the stuff of legends – especially for Australia – and it didn’t go unnoticed by Appleton. “What Ky did was phenomenal,” Appleton said.

Hamilton finished atop the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $595,414 and clinched his first career PRCA World Championship on Dec. 15 after Round 9. Hamilton, who is a native of Mackay, Australia, is the first Australian to capture a PRCA Bull Riding World Championship. Hamilton broke the single season bull riding mark, eclipsing Stetson Wright’s mark of $592,144 in 2022. Hamilton joins ProRodeo Hall of Famers Dave Appleton (all-around, 1988) and Glen O’Neill (saddle bronc riding, 2002) as the only native Australians to win PRCA World Championships. Hamilton wasn’t supposed to compete in Round 6 of the NFR on Dec. 13 – until he did. Just 16 hours after losing consciousness and suffering a concussion when he was bucked off in Round 5, Hamilton was back in the yellow bucking chutes, Wednesday morning for Round 6, and winning money. Hamilton split third with his 85.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Love The Grind’s Bouchon. Hamilton was knocked out during his ride aboard Honeycutt Rodeo’s Bales Hay’s MAGA during Round 5. Hamilton was sent to University Medical Center Trauma Center in Las Vegas for evaluation and

“I have been cheering him on and I met Ky and his parents before the (NFR in 2022). You become who you travel with and associate with. He travels with Stetson (Wright), and he’s mentored by JB Mauney. “When Stetson got hurt at the NFR and couldn’t go on, there comes Ky and I swear that Stetson gave him his Superman cape. When you throw in that JB Mauney grit and that Aussie grit, the whole world wanted Ky to put on that (world championship) buckle because he earned it. I hope he’s an inspiration for many other young Australians when they see what he’s done on this stage to be inspired to come (rodeo in the PRCA).” In Round 4 and Round 7, Hamilton made more history as he and saddle bronc rider Damian Brennan became the first Australians to win NFR rounds on the same night. “I had more people who are Australian who don’t follow rodeo reach out to me to talk about this NFR,” Appleton said. “It was such a neat story with Ky and to have Damian also excel was great. People in Australia couldn’t believe it.”

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Colt: My dad, Andy Eck, is a pickup man. So, I just kind of grew up in rodeo. I feel like I went everywhere with him when he was picking up rodeos in Kansas and Oklahoma. It’s definitely something that’s in my blood with both my mom and dad rodeoing as well. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Colt: I’ve always known it was something I wanted to do as a career. But in the past two years, I guess you could say I have really surrounded myself with the people that are doing exactly what I want to do. That has really helped me. Why did you decide bareback riding would be your event? Colt Eck, 22, is in his final semester of college at Missouri Valley College in Marshall. The Redfield, Kan., native purchased his PRCA card in October at the beginning of the 2024 ProRodeo season. In 2023, while competing on his permit, Eck claimed the bareback riding title at the Heart Of The North Rodeo in Spooner, Wis., with an 88.5-point ride on Universal Pro Rodeos’ Trooper. He earned $3,082 for the rodeo win.

COLT ECK

Colt: My dad rode bareback horses as well, so that definitely played a part in it. I got on a couple saddle bronc horses and figured out that it wasn’t really my thing. I just really love the rush that the bareback riding gives me. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Colt: I would say I look up to Jess Pope right now and Jeff Collins are probably the two I most look up to. I also give a lot of credit to Coach Mason (at Missouri Valley College) as well for getting me to this point. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Colt: It would definitely have to be the Cheyenne Frontier Days. There is so much history there and it’s the Daddy of ‘em All. What are you hoping to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Colt: You could say just continuing to learn how to rodeo full time. I rodeoed most of the summer this past season, but not really during the winter. So, I’m looking forward to going full time in 2024. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Colt: I decided to buy my card this season because I wanted to be toward the end of my schooling but also still young and healthy. My ultimate goal is making the Finals and hopefully this helps me do that. What was your most memorable moment on your permit? Colt: It probably came in Spooner, Wis., last year when I was 88.5 points to win the rodeo. That was a moment I won’t forget. What’s your favorite restaurant? Colt: I would have to say Texas Roadhouse is my favorite. My go-to there is the ribeye steak and some sweet potato fries. Do you have a favorite sports team? Colt: I’m a big wrestler. So, I like the Oklahoma State wrestling team quite a bit. Do you have a favorite candy? Colt: I would have to go with a Milky Way. I like anything chocolate really if we are being honest. What was the make and model of the first vehicle you drove? Colt: It was a 1996 Toyota Tacoma. It went through all three of us brothers after I had it, so it had a ton of miles on it. What’s your favorite movie? Colt: My favorite movie would have to be Lonesome Dove . I’ve seen that movie countless times at this point. What’s your favorite holiday? Colt: Thanksgiving would be my favorite holiday. I get to be with all of my family, eat good food, and hang out a little bit. What type of music do you like listening to? Colt: I like country music, most of the older stuff is what I really like. Casey Donahew would probably be my favorite artist. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from rodeo? Colt: I really like breaking colts in my downtime. If I’m not rodeoing, I’m home riding colts for people. I put 30 days of riding on them and then take them to work.

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WORD SEARCH TRY YOUR LUCK

ANSWERS ON PAGE 54

Find the winners from the 2023 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver and the Fort Worth 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. Winter Winnings 1. Find the winners from Denver, Colo.: BB: Garrett Shadbolt SW: Jace Melvin TR: Clay Smith/Jake Long SB: Stetson Wright TD: Riley Webb GB: Jimmie Smith-Tew BR: Bryce Burnell 2. Find the winners from Fort Worth, Texas: BB: Rocker Steiner SW: Will Lummus TR: Andrew Ward/Buddy Hawkins II SB: Stetson Wright/Dawson Hay TD: Westyn Hughes GB: Jackie Ganter BR: Josh Frost

YP IOCNBSTETSONWRIGHTR WESTYNHUGHESNFGCAP IWQ J J EEXGMLDHBKEHQRKGDEV ZYSVHGTVEDP I EHRBVDVID MHQPHGNQDBYRCEBURNELL BYFCLAYSMITHTYUAPPZKZ JNBHJKPHNKCTASWKEUJHW RUGLVYOGYLSHFWOI XWTWU QNNLXEYJ JHNLEUKRNKJCP NUEYJ IDWAORRJMQI FOJXJ QYZUADODSCDXSPVYNHAMM I JACKIBWINKYLLRALSSDC GXMNEOABADQI EGGCIOION PUGNLDQHBDDME I DGVDO I J XQYTOTGHYEEZLGUFWPHT I UCATNPHJNCWAKRATXRODE LROTGIUUAGQYE JUNSQQEA IXL JWTAJ IMMI ESMITHTEW RURLQBSUMMULLL IWEELSY GXNQVROCKERSTE INERRRA SNNHQLRSTETSONWRIGHTE

Dynamic Duo

Bull rider Ky Hamilton shines at NFR & Stetson Wright wins fifth all-around title

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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2024 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of Jan. 5, 2024. For the 2024 season (Oct. 1, 2023-Sept. 30, 2024), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 75; team roping, 75; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 75; 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. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ......................... $14,162 2. Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D. ............................. 12,377 3. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ........................ 10,025 4. Stetson Wright, Beaver, Utah .............................. 9,984 5. Chet Weitz, London, Texas .................................. 8,278 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Cooper Cooke, Victor, Idaho ........................... $20,637 2. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La. ................... 19,648 3. Bradlee Miller, Huntsville, Texas ........................ 17,707 4. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. ........................... 16,818 5. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas ........................... 14,946 6. Mason Stuller, Veneta, Ore. ............................... 14,344 7. Ben Kramer, Max, N.D. ...................................... 12,996 8. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo. ................................. 12,933 9. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas .................. 12,174 10. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. ............. 11,575 11. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb. ................... 10,072 12. Nick Pelke, Mondovi, Wis. ................................ 9,502 13. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore. ........................... 9,146 14. Clay Jorgenson, Watford City, N.D. ................... 9,000 15. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. ............................ 8,894 16. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla. ............................... 8,864 17. Evan Betony, Tonalea, Ariz. ............................... 8,574 18. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif. ....................... 8,215 19. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. ....................... 7,685 20. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La. .............................. 7,268 STEER WRESTLING 1. Shane Frey, Duncan, Okla. .............................. $11,309 2. Justin Shaffer, Hallsville, Texas ......................... 10,093 3. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss. .............................. 9,761 4. Gage Hesse, Keenesburg, Colo. .......................... 8,787 5. Grant Peterson, Livermore, Calif. ........................ 8,766 6. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla. .................................. 8,634 7. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D. ..................... 8,353 8. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho ................... 7,987 9. Juan Alcazar Jr., Okeechobee, Fla. ...................... 7,806 10. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore. ....................... 7,532 11. Cade Staton, Bastrop, Texas ............................. 7,466 12. Chance Carlson, Alden, Minn. ........................... 7,376 13. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. ......................... 7,347 14. Travis Munro, Townsville, Australia .................. 7,137 15. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho .............................. 7,029 16. Kamry Dymmek, Kissimmee, Fla. ..................... 6,922 17. Fenton Nelsen, Marshall, Mo. ........................... 6,454 18. Trisyn Kalawaia, Hilo, Hawaii ............................. 6,051 19. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan. ......................... 5,640 20. Ryan Bothum, Heppner, Ore. ............................. 5,560 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Manny Egusquiza Jr., Hico, Texas .................... $10,231 2. Coy Brittain, Rockwall, Texas .............................. 9,632 3. Cody Reed, Jonesboro, Ark. ............................... 8,606 4. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla. ................................. 8,306 5. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss. .................................. 7,973 6. Jon Peterson, Belle Fourche, S.D. ....................... 7,796 7. Tanner Pallesen, Manila, Utah ............................. 7,679 8. Wyatt Bray, Stephenville, Texas .......................... 7,618 9. Blake Hirdes, Turlock, Calif. ................................ 7,176 10. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. ....................... 6,620 11. Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D. ....................................... 6,404 12. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. ......................... 6,187 13. Cyle Denison, Iowa, La. .................................... 6,065 14. Travis Dorman, Dade City, Fla. .......................... 6,036 15. Garrett Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas ..................... 6,019 16. Clint Kap, West Haven, Utah ............................. 5,990 17. Jeff Flenniken, Caldwell, Idaho .......................... 5,918 18. Brye Crites, Welch, Okla. .................................. 5,824 19. Cutter Machado, Santa Maria, Calif. .................. 5,774 20. Curry Kirchner, Ames, Okla. .............................. 5,684 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Evan Arnold, Stephenville, Texas ..................... $11,972 2. Clay Green, Pine Grove, La. ............................... 11,115 3. Jace McDaniel, Jonesboro, Ark. ........................ 10,476 4. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas ................................... 9,769 5. Colton Brittain, Rockwall, Texas .......................... 9,632

6. Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Ala. ................................ 9,004 7. McCoy Profili, Lola, Texas ................................... 8,921 8. Trae Smith, Georgetown, Idaho .......................... 7,796 9. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark. ............................... 7,710 10. J.W. Borrego, Weston, Colo. ............................. 7,495 11. Tyler McKnight, Pollok, Texas ........................... 7,179 12. Mike George, La grange, Calif. .......................... 7,176 13. Lane Mitchell, Bolivar, Tenn. ............................. 7,056 14. Adam Plyler, Pageland, S.C. .............................. 6,684 15. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. ................................. 6,620 16. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. ........................ 6,187 17. Matt Schieck, Casper, Wyo. .............................. 6,126 18. Rance Doyal, Kenefic, Okla. .............................. 6,095 19. Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas ............................... 6,065 20. Jared Fillmore, Payson, Utah ............................. 5,990 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho .............................. $25,722 2. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas .............................. 22,716 3. Qwint Stroh, Glendive, Mont. ............................ 20,644 4. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo. ............................. 20,422 5. Logan Cook, Alto, Texas .................................... 19,347 6. Parker Kempfer, Deer Park, Fla. ......................... 18,450 7. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah ............................... 17,344 8. Lucas Macza, High River, Alberta ...................... 16,832 9. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah .............................. 13,682 10. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas ............... 12,103 11. Parker Fleet, Axtell, Texas ................................ 11,682 12. Ben Andersen, Eckville, Alberta ....................... 10,764 13. Logan Hay, Wildwood, Alberta ........................ 10,760 14. Ross Griffin, Tularosa, N.M. .............................. 9,945 15. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia ................... 9,575 16. Dawson Dahm, Tomahawk, Alberta ................... 9,192 17. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif. ............................... 8,900 18. Cash Wilson, Wall, S.D. .................................... 8,632 19. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah ........................... 8,612 20. Zachary Dallas, Las Cruces, N.M. ...................... 8,604 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. ............................ $23,728 2. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas .......................... 16,689 3. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ............. 16,156 4. Chance Thiessen, Elk City, Okla. ........................ 14,391 5. Joel Harris, San Angelo, Texas .......................... 11,942 6. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas .............................. 11,760 7. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil ........................... 11,341 8. Booker Boyd McCutchen, Harrison, Ark. ............. 9,365 9. Riley Webb, Denton, Texas ................................. 8,928 10. Bryce Derrer, Portales, N.M. ............................. 8,599 11. Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D. ............................. 8,458 12. Chris McCuistion, Collinsville, Texas ................ 8,143 13. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La. ............................. 8,122 14. Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk, Neb. ........................... 7,796 15. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La. ................................ 7,223 16. Colton Farquer, Oakdale, Calif. .......................... 7,122 17. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont. ....................... 7,081 18. Dallen McIntire, Thayer, Iowa ........................... 6,147 19. Robert Mathis, Mart, Texas ............................... 5,907 20. Jeremiah Peek, Pueblo, Colo. ........................... 5,897 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pawnee, Okla. ........................ $21,665 2. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ............................ 13,577 3. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas ............................... 12,743 4. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas ............................... 12,132 5. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ........................... 11,731 6. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. ............................. 10,471 7. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas ............................ 9,482 8. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ............................... 8,464 9. Roger Branch, Wellston, Okla. ............................ 8,140 10. Scott Snedecor, Needville, Texas ....................... 8,127 11. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas .......................... 7,987 12. John Clark, Pecos, Texas .................................. 7,584 13. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ............................ 7,199 14. Duck Benson, Colfax, Wash. ............................. 6,642 15. Trey Wallace, George West, Texas ..................... 6,537 16. John Bland, Okarche, Okla. ............................... 6,518 17. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. ............................ 6,345 18. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas .............................. 6,017

19. Tuff Hardman, Atoka, Okla. ............................... 5,987 20. Ryan Willberg, Lott, Texas ................................. 5,486 BULL RIDING 1. Mason Moody, Letcher, S.D. ............................ $24,458 2. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah ............................. 19,828 3. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La. ............................... 17,592 4. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La. ................................. 16,995 5. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla. ...................... 16,627 6. Maverick Smith, Mountain. Grove, Mo. ............. 16,137 7. Stran Smith, Lantry, S.D. .................................. 15,200 8. TJ Gray, Dairy, Ore. ........................................... 15,166 9. Clayton Sellars, Wildwood, Fla. ......................... 14,838 10. Alex Cardozo, Graham, Texas .......................... 14,431 11. Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas ..................... 13,303 12. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. ......................... 12,698 13. Laramie Mosley, Palestine, Texas .................... 12,503 14. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho ............. 12,178 15. Jarett Evans, Newtown, Mo. ............................ 11,500 16. Cody Teel, Bryan, Texas ................................... 10,964 17. Taylor Toves, Stephenville, Texas .................... 10,891 18. Jax Mills, Montgomery, Texas ......................... 10,511 19. Wyatt Rogers, Rose, Okla. .............................. 10,461 20. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont. .......................... 10,087 BARREL RACING 1. Abby Phillips, Marshall, Texas ........................$18,355 2. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas ........... 16,508 3. Chloe Gray, Yatesville, Ga. .................................14,443 4. Skyla Peters, Liberal, Kan. ................................ 12,417 5. Taylor Carver, Broxton, Ga. ............................... 11,958 6. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas .......... 10,471 7. Kelly Yates, Pueblo, Colo. ................................... 8,787 8. Kelly Allen, Stephenville, Texas ........................... 8,472 9. Preslie Reid, San Angelo, Texas .......................... 8,526 10. Sadie Wolaver-Troyer, Weatherford, Okla. ........ 8,510 11. Fonda Melby, Backus, Minn. ............................. 8,289 12. Kathy Petska, Turlock, Calif. ............................. 8,140 13. Ann McGilchrist, Marysville, Calif. ................... 7,725 14. Lacinda Rose, Willard, Mo. ............................... 7,684 15. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. .................... 7,520 16. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. ............................ 7,518 17. Tracy Nowlin, Nowata, Okla. ............................. 7,252 18. Keyla Costa, Tolar, Texas .................................. 7,114 19. Jillian Zaun, Minneapolis, Minn. ....................... 7,069 20. Cheryl Kennedy, Bennett, Colo. ........................ 8,713 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas .............. $11,658 2. Sawyer Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D. ............................ 11,187 3. Willow Wilson, Baggs, Wyo............................... 10,898 4. Christi Braudrick, Caddo, Okla. ........................... 8,770 5. Tacy Webb, Midway, Texas ................................. 8,645 6. Taylor Hanchey, Carmine, Texas ......................... 8,293 7. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla. ................................. 7,895 8. Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M. ...................... 7,655 9. Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas ................................. 7,443 10. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas ............... 7,341 11. Rylee A. George, Oakdale, Calif. ........................ 7,210 12. Cassidy Boggs, Stephenville, Texas .................. 7,193 13. Devan McAdow, Littleton, Colo. ........................ 6,978 14. Suzanne Williams, Standish, Calif. ................... 6,956 15. Danielle Wray, Ord. Neb. ................................... 6,404 16. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, Springtown, Texas ........ 5,965 17. Maddy Deerman, Hope, N.M. ........................... 5,856 18. Cheyanne McCartney, Kingston, Okla. .............. 5,797 19. Hali Williams, Comanche, Texas ....................... 5,596 20. Danni Clover, Clifton Hill, Mo. ........................... 5,289

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SHORT ROUND

NFR contestant and judge George Williams was 91 Rodeo Passings

G eorge Williams, who qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in saddle bronc riding in 1961, 1963 and 1964, passed away on Nov. 27, 2023, at age 91, in Phoenix, Ariz. Williams finished 10th in the world standings in 1961 and 1964 and 11th in 1963. He placed in four NFR rounds in his career, including taking second in Round 4 and Round 5 in 1964. Born in Amarillo, Texas, May 7, 1932, Williams was raised in Tulsa, Okla., where he got his start

on the RCA board and later served on the NFR Commission. While on the PRCA Board of Directors as the Saddle Bronc Riding Director, Williams introduced and it became a rule to announce scores at the rodeo and it also came into law to use the 1-25 marking system. Williams also was the editor of the Rodeo Sports News (1965-1966) and subsequently served as associate editor of Persimmon Hill magazine and publisher of The Wild Bunch at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma

Williams

rodeoing at competitions held by the Tulsa Mounted Troops. An avid reader of Will James’ books, he badly wanted to be a bronc rider and was already at work breaking horses for pay – earning $10 per head for putting 30 days riding on each mount. Williams joined the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1949 and was a PRCA Gold Card member. Back when rodeo judges were elected by contestants, he was selected to judge Denver, Cheyenne and the NFR. He was elected to two terms as saddle bronc riding director

City, Okla. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound Williams was noted for his world brainstorming during his competitive days. He was among the first American cowboys to compete in Australia, winning in Queensland in 1958. He also won saddle bronc riding events in Mexico City (1957), and Havana, Cuba, (1958). He was the all-around champion in Fukuoka, Japan in 1962 and competed in the Wild West Show at the Brussels (Belgium) World’s Fair in 1958. He made treks to Europe and Japan with the legendary Casey Tibbs.

Longtime announcer Mike Mathis passes at 75

M ike Mathis, a rodeo announcer for nearly 50 years and the 2015 Justin Committeeman of the Year, passed away on Dec. 13. He was 75. Mathis was born Aug. 13, 1948, in Lufkin, Texas, to the late K.P. “Red” and Hazel (Weems) Mathis. He passed away surrounded by his family at Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican Hospital Las Vegas, Nev. Mathis was in Las Vegas working at the Wrangler NFR at the time of his passing. Mathis was born and raised in Lufkin and

the PRCA Executive Council, a member of the NFR Committee, a member of the PRCA Board of Directors, a PRCA Contract Personnel Representative and a member of the PRCA Texas Circuit Board of Directors. Mathis was the announcer at the National Finals Steer Roping in 2002-2003 and 2006. He was also behind the microphone for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in 1998 and 2010; and the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo from 1991-2014. He was inducted into the Texas Rodeo

Mathis

earned a business administration degree in finance at Stephen F. Austin State University. He later received a master’s degree in finance from Southern Methodist University. Mathis began his professional career as a banker. In 1976, he was named Coordinator of the Angelina Benefit Rodeo where he soon became known as “Mr. Rodeo.” He began announcing rodeos professionally in the late 1970s obtaining his PRCA card in 1983. In 1989, he traded in his business suit for a cowboy hat and a full-time rodeo career. Since then, he has announced rodeos across the United States, served as a member of

Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2013. Survivors include his wife, Shan Harvell Mathis; sons and daughters-in-law, Kirk and Donna Mathis and Todd and Stefani Mathis. Mathis was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Susan (Rutherford) Mathis and brother, Peyton Mathis. Memorial services for Mathis took place Dec. 22. Contributions may be made to the Mike Mathis Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Commercial Bank of Texas, 600 S. 1st Street, Lufkin, Texas, 75901; Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorado Springs, Colo., 80919 or the Angelina Benefit Rodeo, P.O. Box 161, Lufkin, Texas, 75902.

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ONLINE: For more ProRodeo events and full results, go to www.prorodeo.com

BY THE NUMBERS 5.5M Over the past 37 years, Cowboy Christmas, the official gift show of the Wrangler NFR, has attracted more than 5.5 million attendees. Total attendance at the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center – Channel Cowboy Christmas and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo – was 369,653, up from 279,465 in 2022. 6.5M Since the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo arrival in Las Vegas in 1985, total attendance for the 38 years at the Thomas & Mack Center has surpassed 6.5 million. $75M After the NFR in 2023, the PRCA total payout for the season was just shy of $75 million ($74,502,688) to be exact. That’s up from $65 million in 2022. which incorporates both The Cowboy

Alaina Stangle photo

Ringing in the New Year

Saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper, from left, bareback rider Keenan Hayes, and bull rider Hayes Weight were the winners of the New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball in Gillette, Wyo., Dec. 31.

Graham, Bolin tabbed with 2023 Resistol Man of the Year honors

During the 2023 luncheon celebration for the Resistol Rookies of the Year on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas, Resistol awarded the “Resistol Man of the Year.” This is awarded to someone within the Western industry that goes above and beyond to further the lifestyle, the sport, and the industry as a whole. The individual ultimately exemplifies the meaning behind the Resistol brand. Previous recipients include Cody Johnson, Billy Pipes, Tandy Freeman, J Pat Evans, George Strait, Red Steagall, Michael Gaughan, Denis Carroll, Karl Stressman, Cody Johnson, Cotton Rosser, Neal Gay, Bob Tallman, and Ryan Growney. This year, to join the names of those who have impacted the industry, CEO of ProEquine Group, Dustin Noblitt, named Dr. Charles Graham and Ricky Bolin each with the 2023 Resistol Man of the Year. This is the second time the award will be co-reigned by two beyond-deserving individuals. Dr. Graham is distinguished as one of the world’s best equine veterinarians, owning and operating the largest veterinarian clinic in Texas at one time. The Texas A&M University alum is known as one of the most influential individuals in the

horse racing industry in Texas and a front runner for the Texas Racing Act from his various leadership roles within the Texas Quarter Horse Association, Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. He has been inducted in the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame and the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Bolin’s accolades come from a life in and out of the arena. He is a four-time NFR qualifier and one of the first rodeo athletes to obtain a national sponsorship. After hanging up his bull rope, he started at RHE HatCo, the makers of Resistol, Stetson, and Charlie 1 Horse. Throughout his career, he was named the Salesman of the Year four-times, named the Cavender’s Salesman of the Year, and awarded the Western Image Award. He recently announced his retirement from his position as the General Manager after 34 years. He has been inducted in the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. He is actively involved in the Dallas Area Boy Scouts, Cowboys Who Care, and other charitable organizations.

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PRCA HISTORY

Brazile/Graves won at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in 2014 TRACY RENCK W ith the calendar turning to 2024, what a better time to click the rewind button to take a trip down memory lane. With the National Western Stock Show Brazile, who had a PRCA-record 19 world championships at the time, split up with Patrick Smith following the 2013 season. Brazile and Smith had been team roping partners for seven years, and they won the 2010 header and heeler PRCA World Championships. Brazile also captured the Denver all around cowboy title, earning $7,558 in tie down roping and team roping. “It feels great to come in here and get a big Mile High City Rewind Greg Westfall photo Heeler Travis Graves, left, and header Trevor Brazile compete in the finals at the 2014 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. They won the average with 16.3 seconds on three head.

and Rodeo in Denver taking place Jan. 11-21, let’s click the rewind button to 2014 in the Mile High City. This visit takes place at the 2014 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. There was some big news coming out of the rodeo – especially in team roping. Changing team roping partners is common in the PRCA, but new partners having immediate success is hardly a given. It didn’t take long, however, for Trevor Brazile

win like this,” Graves said of the Denver victory. “I’m really excited about our year. I’m looking forward to it, because it’s going to be awesome.” In 2013, Graves teamed with Kaleb

Greg Westfall photo

Tie-down roper Cody Ohl celebrates after winning the 2014 National Western Stock Show & Rodeo.

Driggers, who was fourth in the header world standings while Graves was third in the heeler world standings. Smith moved on to team up with Driggers. Other winners in Denver in 2014 were bareback riders Richmond Champion and Austin Foss (249 points each on three head); steer wrestler Dean Gorush (12.9 seconds on three head); saddle bronc rider Cort Scheer (254 points on three head); tie-down roper Cody Ohl (25.7 seconds on three head); barrel racer Mary Walker (46.34 seconds on three runs); and bull rider Bobby Welsh (242 points on three head). Of those winners, Brazile, Gorush and Ohl are all members of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo.

and Travis Graves to taste victory. In just their second rodeo as team roping partners, they won a championship at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo at the Denver Coliseum. Brazile and Graves had a time of 16.3 seconds on three head to win the team roping average. “New partnerships come with the unknowns and doubts,” said Brazile to the ProRodeo Sports News . “You know you both rope good, but can you rope good together? Can you produce in those situations? We did. It makes for a lot shorter ride home to Texas knowing that this is a promising partnership. This will help our confidence all the way through the winter.”

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NEWS

ATHLETES STANDINGS RESULTS

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RED BLUFF, CALIF.

Hayden Webb really shines on PRCA Permit Marquee BY TANNER BARTH T he state of California is home to steer wrestler Hayden Webb. For years he has competed in the state’s high school, college, and ProRodeo ranks. He left his latest mark at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo in Red Bluff on New Year’s Eve. The Wheatland, Calif., native captured the biggest win of his young career at the circuit’s championship event. He clocked 14.8 seconds on three head to TOP MONEY EARNER Lefty Holman ($9,472, saddle bronc riding) BAREBACK RIDING 1. Jacek Frost .................. 251 pts. on 3 2. Clayton Biglow ......................... 248.5 3. Wyatt Denny ............................ 240.5 STEER WRESTLING TOP SCORES Holman RAM CALIFORNIA CIRCUIT FINALS

1. Hayden Webb ............ 14.8 sec. on 3 2. Stan Branco ............................... 15.1 3. Levi Rudd .................................. 16.1 (Tie) Grant Peterson .................. 16.1 TEAM ROPING 1. B. Hirdes/M. George .. 18.0 sec. on 3 2. C. Machado/D. Pearce ............... 21.2 3. P. Burgess/T. Hampton .............. 23.7 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Lefty Holman ............ 251.5 pts. on 3 2. Q McWhorter .............................. 244 3. Cameron Messier ........................ 236 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Brushton Minton ........ 27.7 sec. on 3 2. Jordan Ketscher ......................... 32.6 3. Tyler Forsberg ............................ 36.5 BARREL RACING 1. Kathy Petska ............ 40.72 sec. on 3 (Tie) Payton Schoeppach ......... 40.72 3. Kaillee Hamre ........................... 41.64 BULL RIDING 1. JC Mortensen .............. 171 pts. on 2 2. Colby Demo ................................ 170 3. Justin Rickard ............................. 145

walk out as the average champion, which included winning Round 2 with the fastest run of the rodeo at 4.3 seconds. He credited a majority of his success to the people he surrounds himself with while on the rodeo trail. “A lot of support from my fellow competitors made the difference for me out there (in Red Bluff),” said Webb, 20. “I got a lot of help from my traveling partner Owen Redfeairn and Stan Branco, who has been helping me for the last three or four years. It really helps a lot having a guy like that in your corner. I practice with Stan, and he gives me a ton of advice.” Having the right horse to the back into the corner with also doesn’t hurt. “I bought that horse (Coco) I was riding in Red Bluff from Jace Melvin,” Webb said. “That’s the horse he was riding when he made the Finals back in 2020. Jace is another guy that has helped me out a ton. I talk with him a lot on the phone about different things. It’s really important to me knowing I have those guys that I can get advice from and get support from.” Webb competed on his PRCA Permit last year leading up to his circuit finals performance. He plans to follow the same path in 2024 as he continues his education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. “This was my first year with my PRCA Permit. I plan on getting it again in 2024 and staying on it as long as I can while I’m in college,” Webb said. “I go to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I’m studying Ag Systems Management. My plan is to keep rodeoing for the college and try to go to as many circuit rodeos around here as possible. That’s the plan I’m trying to keep for now while I’m in college.”

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Crystal Amen photo

Hayden Webb was a man on a mission at the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo. He captured the average title in Red Bluff with 14.8 seconds on three head.

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GILLETTE, WYO.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BUCK & BALL

Celebration

Saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper starts new year strong BY TRACY RENCK A fter a solid showing at the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper wasn’t seeking rest and relaxation. On the contrary, following the completion of the NFR on Dec. 16 – where he finished 10th in the world standings with $205,662 and earned $63,241 in Las Vegas – the Miami, Texas, cowboy was ready to hit the road. That road led him to the New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball in Gillette, Wyo., Dec. 31 – and the trip paid dividends. Casper won the event with his 88.5-point ride on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cat Walk in the four-man shootout. “I had never been on that horse before and Kade Bruno won a round on him out there at the Finals,” said Casper, 27. “That horse had like four big jumps and felt bucky. I was just gassing it and trying to set my feet on him and then he lined out and got a lot better.” Bruno won Round 7 of the 2023 NFR on Cat Walk also with an 88.5-point ride. Casper left town after earning $9,142. His victory performance also included winning the long round with an 85-point trip on Burch Rodeo’s Moose. “That was a good horse,” Casper said of Moose. “I had seen my buddies get on him before and he was good around there to the right, everything you would want one to be. He was the one I wanted, and it is nice when it lines up like that.” Casper, a four-time NFR qualifier – 2020-23 – was honest about his recent NFR outing. “I had a good NFR, I rode nine out of 10 horses, and won some good money,” said Casper, who placed in four rounds. “I stabbed myself in the foot getting bucked off (Calgary Stampede’s) Xplosive Skies in the 10th round, but I’m still pretty happy with how I did.” Although the NFR was only two weeks old, Casper was anxious to get back riding again, so he ventured to Gillette. “I knew some of the top guys were probably going to hide out a little bit after the NFR, and with how tough it is to make the NFR every year, I like getting out and getting a jumpstart,” he said. “I don’t really need any time off after the NFR. It is time off before that matters to me. I try and stay busy and keep plucking at them.” Back in 2020, Casper’s rodeo dreams became a reality when he made his NFR debut and finished second in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $320,984. “There’s some truth to time flies when you’re having fun,” said Casper, who got his PRCA card in 2015. “I have learned a lot and I feel like I’m getting toward being one of the veterans out there and I feel like I’m learning the ins and outs of the industry and pretty lucky with the career I have had.” Casper and his wife, Lesley have two children, boy, Cooper, 5 and girl, Cheyenne, 4. “Our kids are busy all day every day, and they keep us busy,” Wyatt said. Other winners at the New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball were 2023 PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion Keenan Hayes (88.5 points on Powder River Rodeo’s Two Buck Chuck) and bull rider Hayes Weight (89 points on Burch Rodeo’s Two Words).

Kristin Schurr photo Saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper won the New Year’s Eve Buck & Ball in Gillette, Wyo., Dec. 31, with his 88.5-point ride on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cat Walk in the four-man shootout.

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CHASE HAWKS ROUGH STOCK RODEO Veteran bull rider Parker Breding claims $10,000 win Big Boost BY TRACY RENCK A fter a decent 2023 season – and some reflection – veteran bull rider Parker Breding is ready to make another run at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Breding, a four-time NFR qualifier in 2013, 2015, 2018, career-best fourth in the world standings in 2018 and 2021. “This last year I went to a lot of rodeos and I was just kind of riding because it was my job and I still ended up in the top 30 and that proved to me that a more dedicated version of myself could still have the ability to make the (NFR) and that’s the plan. The past three years, I got a little burned out with all the traveling and it caused me to not go rodeo quite as hard. Now, that I’m this age, seeing my dad (Scott) who is 60 years old, and he still wishes he was riding bulls. I really do need to go as long as can while my body will put up with it because I know I’m going to regret it sometime soon down the road if I don’t.” Scott Breding qualified for the NFR from 1994-97 and 1999. He finished a career-best seventh in 1997. Parker said when he’s not riding bulls, he does odd jobs like gathering cows and he loves to team rope as a heeler. “I haven’t roped a lot this fall, but normally I would have been to and 2021, took a very small step in his quest for a fifth trip to Las Vegas by winning the Chase Hawks Roughstock Rodeo in Billings, Mont., Dec. 23. Breding, who lives in Fromberg, Mont., less than 45 minutes from Billings, claimed the crown with his 86.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Gone Elvis, earning a $10,087 payday. “I watched them win the Missoula (Mont.) Xteme Bulls on that bull (last August, Clayton Sellars had an 88-point ride) and my traveling partner Hawk Whitt got on him at the Missoula Stampede (in August),” said Breding, 31. “That bull was definitely one I wanted to get on. The (ride) was fast. I had not been on a bull since Pendleton (Ore., in September). It felt like he was making a lot of rounds with me. He spun right out of the gate to the left into my hand and he was just a nice even bull with a lot of speed. That was the perfect bull to have after (a three-month) break.” Breding was thrilled to visit the pay window during the holiday season. “That was a nice Christmas bonus (check),” Breding said. “I have been waiting the older I get for that riding a bike feeling when I’m riding to not be there and it is still there. I thought I would be a little rusty and it wouldn’t feel good, but the moment that bull turned back everything clicked again.” Breding, who finished 28th in the 2023 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $68,155, is focused on returning to the NFR. He finished a about four or five team ropings around the house,” Breding said. “It really is a rush. Backing into the box of a big jackpot roping I actually sometimes get more nervous than when I’m riding bulls because I know I can’t screw up at all. On a bull, you can get out of shape and recover and still win a lot of money and it doesn’t work like that in team roping.” Other winners at the Chase Hawks Roughstock Rodeo were bareback riders with 87-point rides – Leighton Berry on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Prairie Rose; Cooper Cooke (Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Mustard), and Garrett Shadbolt (Powder River Rodeo’s Twisted Tea, 87 points). Saddle bronc rider Ross Griffin took top honors with his 88-point trip on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ The Black Tie.

Kristen Schurr photo Chase Hawks Roughstock Rodeo champions were left to right, bull rider Parker Breding, bareback riders Garrett Shadbolt, Cooper Cooke and Leighton Berry and saddle bronc rider Ross Griffin.

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