ProRodeo Sports News - July 28, 2023

O Canada Winners crowned at lucrative Calgary Stampede

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CONTENTS

JULY 28, 2023 VOLUME 71, NO. 15

Mother Natures Rules

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The NFR Open powered by

RAM took place July 11 15 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Mother Nature paid a visit to the Norris Penrose Event Center on July 14-15, dumping heavy rainfall, making things more challenging for the contestants.

PRCA photographer Tanya Hamner smiles during the rainfall at the Norris Penrose Event Center during a break in the action at the NFR Open powered by RAM.

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Natalie McFarland

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INSIDE 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Hot Takes 10 Grille 14 He Said - She Said 16 Social Media Spotlight 20 PRCA World Standings 22 Short Round 32 Calgary, Alberta 40 Colorado Springs, Colo. NFR Open 48 Vernal, Utah 50 Casper, Wyo. 52 Sheridan, Wyo. 54 Elko, Nev. 56 RODEOS

Playoff Series push in Sheridan Contestants continued their hectic schedules, and many made a stop to compete at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo. One of the champs was Kaycee, Wyo., bareback rider Cole Reiner. The three-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier had an 88.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Land of Fancy. Kristen Schurr photo A young ProRodeo fan takes in the action at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo. The rodeo was a key stop in the Playoff Series and crowned champions, including 2013 PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champion Shane Hanchey.

Salinas, Calif. Xtreme Bulls COVER

O Canada Winners crowned at lucrative Calgary Stampede

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Bareback rider Kade Sonnier had the biggest win of his career when he took home the coveted Calgary Stampede title. – Photo by Covy Moore/Calgary Stampede

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EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK

Award winning performer Rider Kiesner wows the crowd during the NFR Open powered by RAM at the Nor ris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Tanya Hamner photo

Contestants enjoy lucrative run through NFR Open, Calgary From June 29 through July 5 was Cowboy Christmas in the PRCA. In that time, contestants competed in 35 rodeos in 17 states and two provinces in Canada. The big winner this year was top earner tie-down roper Ty Harris, who earned a Cowboy Christmas record $40,561. As hectic as the 35-rodeo run was – contestants didn’t take their foot off the gas pedal. Following the Cowboy Christmas run, the PRCA Holston ($30,734); and team ropers Nelson Wyatt/ Tyler Worley ($24,725) who earned at least $20,000 and Holston, who walked away with $30,000-plus at the Norris Penrose Event Center. Watching these contestants bask in the thrill of victory was exciting to say the least. Especially at the Norris Penrose Event Center – the

home of the NFR Open – since contestants on Friday and Saturday were battling the elements, specifically a mud covered arena with standing water thanks to a visit from Mother Nature on July 14-15. These are season-changing earnings that will hopefully help guide these contestants to coveted bids to the Wrangler NFR, Dec. 7-16 in Las Vegas. The crazy thing to think about is the season is far from over with plenty of big paydays left. The PRCA has a calendar full of rodeos until Sept. 30. The Cinch Playoffs will play a bigger role than ever before in deciding who makes it to the Wrangler NFR with a payout of $1.1 million on the final weekend of the 2023 season. The PRCA, the State of South Dakota, Experience Sioux Falls and Cinch announced the Cinch Playoffs will have athletes competing for the Governor’s Cup and vying for the more than $1 million purse Sept. 28-30 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. It will be the richest rodeo in South Dakota history. So, attend rodeos if you can or enjoy them on The Cowboy Channel or Cowboy Channel Plus App as the drama unfolds and the Top 15 grid in each event gets set for the NFR.

ATM was still open for contestants as they competed at the Calgary Stampede (July 7-16) and the NFR Open powered by RAM (July 11-15) in Colorado Springs, Colo. The following Calgary Stampede winners – bareback rider Kade Sonnier; steer wrestler Scott Guenthner; saddle bronc rider Dawson Hay; tie-down roper Beau Cooper and bull rider Jared Parsonage earned $50,000 each for winning their respective Showdown rounds – half of which counted toward the PRCA | RAM World Standings. Team ropers Logan Medlin/Coleman Proctor won the Rocky Mountain Cup competition in Calgary – and each walked away with $12,500 all of which counts toward the world standings. Parsonage ($68,233), Guenthner ($66,000) and Hay ($64,000) were the top three overall money earners at the Stampede but not all of those winnings counted toward the world standings. At the NFR Open there were seven contestants – bareback rider Trenten Montero ($20,862); steer wrestler Stan Branco ($20,947); saddle bronc riders Kade Bruno ($21,634) and Statler Wright ($20,261); bull rider Trey

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.

A NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS OF OUR PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS : EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, REFUNDS OF SUBSCRIPTIONS WILL NO LONGER BE ISSUED.

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Four for Four Bull rider Trey Holston had an

“Just as easy as you can ride four in a row, you can buck off four. So, you really can’t get too high or too low at any point in the season. I’m thankful for the (Polaris) Ranger and the (RAM) truck. You hear about the guys that come here and win almost $30,000. It’s not that you don’t think you can do it, but you have to put together a really special weekend like I did.”

unforgettable NFR Open powered by RAM in Colorado Springs, Colo. Holston was the only cowboy to ride all four bulls ran underneath him at rodeo, highlighted by an 89-point ride on JC Kitaif Pro Rodeo’s Rico Suave in the

final-four showdown round. The weekend ended with Hol- ston taking home $30,735 and the RAM Top Gun Award.

NEXT ON TAP CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS Where: Cheyenne, Wyo. When: July 28-30 Broadcast Schedule: The Cheyenne Frontier Days will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, July 28-30. DODGE CITY ROUNDUP Where : Dodge City, Kan. When: Aug. 2-6 Broadcast Schedule: The Dodge City Roundup will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Aug. 2-6. FARM-CITY PRORODEO Where: Hermiston, Ore. When: Aug. 9-12 Broadcast Schedule: The Farm City ProRodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Aug. 9-12. * For complete broadcast schedule visit https://bit.ly/3LsEcbR

Roseanna Sales photo Cole Reiner captured the bareback riding title at the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo with an 88-point ride on San-key Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Mustard. The win earned him $12,486. Title Hunt Bareback rider Cole Reiner kept himself in the hunt for a PRCA World Championship in the month of July. As of July 19, Reiner has earned $45,274 in the month alone, highlighted by a big payday at the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo. He currently sits top five in the PRCA | RAM World Standings as he chases his first gold buckle.

NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2023 SEASON AS OF JULY 18 514 $36,261,004 MONEY WON BY PRCA CONTESTANTS IN 2023 SEASON AS OF JULY 19

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Cannon Cravens, 23, has set the ProRodeo world on fire in his first season of competition. The Porum, Okla., bull rider sits 41st in the PRCA | RAM World Standings and sixth in the running for the Resis tol Rookie of the Year with $35,813 earned in 2023. His biggest win this season came at the Cody (Wyo.) Stampede Xtreme Bulls on June 30, with an 88-point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s Jester. The eight second ride earned him $11,633.

CANNON CRAVENS

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Cannon: My dad would get on a few bulls back in his younger days and my grandpa rode horses, but for me I started getting on sheep when I was like three years old. My dad just kept taking me and taking me. Finally, I got to where I could stay on them pretty good. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo?

Cannon: When I was 15 or 16, I won about $50,000 riding that summer around the house. That was probably about when I thought I could do it professionally. I couldn’t wait to be 18, so I could win some real money. It kind of kicked off from there. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Cannon: I just really fell in love with the thrill from it. It’s a feeling you really can’t describe unless you do it and find out for yourself. There’s really no feeling like conquering a beast like that. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Cannon: I’ve rode a lot of bareback horses in my life. Half of the buckles I have at home are probably from bareback riding. Then I finally got to a point where I was scared of those big horses, but not bulls for some reason. What’s this season been like for you? Cannon: It’s been great so far. I kind of got a late start to the season because I was sitting here around the house not doing much. I couldn’t get myself bought in to going full time. Once I was dedicated to go, I’ve been tearing them up. I’ve had the most fun I’ve had in my career going to these rodeos. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card this season? Cannon: I had a couple of buddies riding bulls in the PRCA, and I got tired of watching them get on all the good bulls. I finally just decided to buy my card, take off, and see what I could get done out here. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Cannon: I would really like to win Pendleton (Ore.) this year. That rodeo looks like a ton of fun and more cowboy than a lot of the other ones we get to go to. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Cannon: I look up to guys like JB Mauney because of the all the records he’s broken throughout his career and how he handles himself. He gives it his all every single time and has no quit. What’s your favorite candy? Cannon: I’m a pretty big fan of Sour Patch Kids. What’s your go-to restaurant when you’re out on the road? Cannon: Any Mexican food restaurant that I see, we usually have to stop and try it out. Beef enchiladas are usually my go to. What’s your go-to movie? Cannon: 8 Seconds would probably have to be my favorite movie. I wish I even knew how many times I’ve watched that movie in my life.

What was the make and model of the first vehicle you drove? Cannon: I had a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro that I drove to a lot of rodeos around the house.

When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing for fun? Cannon: My buddies and I like to play golf quite a bit when we get some down time on the road. We will try to play a round just about anywhere to kill some time. What’s your favorite holiday? Cannon: I would have to go with Christmas because all our family gets to come together to celebrate. What type of music do you like listening to? Cannon: I’m a big fan of old classic rock music, just about any of it.

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 73

Find the winners from the 2022 Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days and the California Rodeo Salinas. 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. Days of Summer 1. Find the winners from Cheyenne, Wyo.: BB: Tim O’Connell SW: Trell Etbauer/Justin Shaffer TR: Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill SB: Stetson Wright TD: Ryan Thibodeaux/Cory Solomon GB: Andrea Busby SR: Ora Taton BR: Brady Portenier 2. Find the winners from Salinas, Calif.: BB: R.C. Landingham SW: Bridger Anderson TR: Rhen Richard/Jeremy Buhler

SB: Tanner Butner TD: Hunter Herrin

GB: Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi BR: Lucas Mooningham

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10 QUESTIONS

He Said – She Said Stu Wright comes from a fabled rodeo family. He’s a brother to two-time PRCA World Champion and Hall of Famer Cody Wright, and uncle to Rusty, Ryder, Stetson and Statler. Though his last name commands respect, Stu is getting recognized on his own merit during his rookie season. In this He Said | She Said, we find out who knows the 26-year-old better, his brother and traveling partner Spencer, or Stu’s wife Kasidee.

STU

KASIDEE

SPENCER

SPENCER

STU

KASIDEE

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Cody Wright

Cody Wright

Cody Wright

WHAT NON-NFR RODEO IS HIS FAVORITE?

St. Paul

Calgary

St. Paul

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Kasidee

Kasidee

Me

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE FOOD ON THE ROAD?

Costa Vida

Panda Express

Panda Express

WHO PLAYS HIM IN A MOVIE?

Jim Carrey

Tom Holland

Tom Cruise

WHAT IS HIS MOST MEMORABLE RODEO MOMENT?

Riding Black Tie 91.5

Riding Black Tie

Winning Cloverdale

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK?

Coke

Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE SPORT BESIDES RODEO?

Basketball

Basketball

Basketball

WHAT NON-NFR RODEO DOES HIS WANT TO WIN?

Calgary

Cheyenne

Reno

WHAT WOULD HE DO IF NOT A RODEO ATHLETE?

Handyman

House Framer

Landscaper

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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July 19, 2023

ALL-AROUND 1. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah .................... $280,444 2. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ........ 118,223 3. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. ...........................112,453 4. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ........................ 64,614 5. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................. 63,381 6. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 63,308 7. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas .......................... 58,538 8. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ................... 57,656 9.Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ........................... 53,584 10. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla. ...... 52,823 11. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ........................ 51,990 12. Clay Clayman, Highlandville, Mo. ................. 41,383 13. Chet Weitz, London, Texas ........................... 38,976 14. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ...................... 38,939 15. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas ....................... 35,671 16. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas ............... 34,221 17. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. .................................. 34,205 18. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif. .......... 33,661 19. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn. ............ 29,351 20. Cody Stewart, Janesville, Calif. .................... 27,207 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. ......................$189,024 2. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas .............. 140,451 3. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La. ......................... 107,958 4. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo. ............................ 98,710 5. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa ....................... 97,270 6. Rocker Shane Steiner, Weatherford, Texas .... 96,674 7. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. .................... 96,520 8. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah ............................ 90,438 9. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla. ............................ 86,232 10. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif. .................. 82,925 11. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba ...................... 70,945 12. Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho ........................ 66,114 13. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan. ............................. 62,267 14. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La. .............. 62,195 15. Jacek Lane Frost, Browns Valley, Calif. ........ 61,085 16. Kody Lamb, Sherwood Park, Alberta ........... 60,485 17. Dean Thompson, Altamont, Utah ................. 59,767 18. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. ...................... 57,861 19. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev. ........... 53,011 20. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont. .... 52,564 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore. ................. $149,869 2. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore. ........................ 99,596 3. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La. .................. 89,593 4. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont. ............................ 87,087 5. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss. .......................... 84,654 6. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn. .......................... 79,362 7. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla. .............................. 74,053 8. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. ....................... 69,500 9. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La. .............................. 66,763 10. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D. ............. 60,619 11. Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, B.C. ............. 59,627 12. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho ......................... 58,709 13. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev. .......................... 52,900 14. Tucker Allen, Oak View, Calif. ....................... 52,562 15. Cash Robb, Altamont, Utah .......................... 50,122 16. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla. ........................ 49,346 17. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis. ................................. 47,722 18. Scott Guenthner, Consort, Alberta ............... 46,870 19. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala. ....................... 44,776 20. Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas ................... 44,387 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah ...................$108,638 2. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. .......................... 108,175 3. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. ................. 102,514 4. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga. ....................... 91,171 5. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla. ....................... 80,766 6. Tanner Tomlinson, Angleton, Texas ............... 77,628 7. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif. ........................ 65,206 8. Dawson Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ........... 57,984 9. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. ................... 57,408 10. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. .................... 54,434 11. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ................. 54,032 12. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. ................. 53,798 13. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla. ............................... 53,479 14. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ..................... 53,416

15. J.C. Yeahquo, Mandaree, N.D. ..................... 53,343 16. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C. ......................... 51,532 17. Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D. .................................. 51,102 18. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ............... 50,789 19. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. ................... 50,499 20. Keven W Daniel, Franklin, Tenn. .................. 49,654 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. J. Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta .................... $108,638 2. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. ................................ 102,514 3. Junior Nogueira, Pres. Prudente, Brazil ......... 91,171 4. Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas ........... 80,766 5. Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas ........................... 77,628 6. Colter Todd, Willcox, Ariz. ............................. 68,965 7. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark. ......................... 60,160 8. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas ............. 59,801 9. Dillon Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ............... 57,984 10. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. ............................ 57,759 11. Justin Davis, Cottonwood, Calif. .................. 57,201 12. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan. ......................... 56,296 13. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla. .............................. 55,950 14. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas .................. 55,350 15. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. ......................... 53,416 16. L.J. Yeahquo, Mandaree, N.D. ..................... 53,343 17. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas ........................ 51,532 18. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss. ............................ 50,789 19. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash. .................. 50,499 20. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas ............................ 50,100 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont. ................. $180,297 2. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah ...................... 156,292 3. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta ................ 154,579 4. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho ........................... 146,911 5. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta ................... 116,098 6. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta .................. 112,488 7. Ben T. Andersen, Eckville, Alberta ................. 109,524 8. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont. ................. 94,207 9. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas ........................... 80,456 10. Tanner Butner, Daniel, Wyo. ......................... 80,108 11. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo. ........................ 80,076 12. Lefty Marvel Holman, Visalia, Calif. .............. 74,305 13. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah ......................... 72,983 14. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah .......................... 72,695 15. Leon Fountain, Corona, N.M. ....................... 63,911 16. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia ............... 61,904 17. Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D. .................. 60,869 18. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta ..... 60,687 19. Quinten Taylor, Casper, Wyo. ....................... 60,144 20. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas ..................... 59,677 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Riley Mason Webb, Denton, Texas ............. $182,256 2. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. ......................... 108,746 3. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont. ................... 103,201 4. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas ......................... 95,911 5. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ......... 94,119 6. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La. ......................... 83,601 7. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla. ......................... 81,860 8. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas ................... 79,971 9. Beau Cooper, Stettler, Alberta ........................ 79,074 10. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas ......................... 77,426 11. Michael Otero, Lowndesboro, Ala. ............... 71,738 12. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas .............. 63,606 13. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb. ............................. 61,772 14. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas ..................... 58,628 15. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho ................ 56,767 16. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas ................. 56,012 17. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas ........................ 55,284 18. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ........................ 54,931 19. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil ..................... 54,636 20. Kyle Lucas, Carstairs, Alberta ...................... 53,243 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ......................... $82,295 2. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas .......... 69,536 3. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas ............................ 64,244 4. Reo Lohse, Kaycee, Wyo. ............................. 56,485 5. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. .......................... 51,077 6. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ........................ 45,421 7. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. ......................... 37,435

8. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas ............................ 32,538 9. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ...................... 31,831 10. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ........................ 31,330 11. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ....................... 29,630 12. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas ......................... 27,988 13. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas ........................ 27,838 14. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla. ..................... 27,558 15. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas .................... 26,959 16. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas .................... 26,676 17. Tanner Stec, Bassett, Neb. ........................... 26,162 18. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas ........... 24,538 19. Ora Taton, Rapid City, S.D. .......................... 22,834 20. Don Ed Eddleman, Santa Anna, Texas .......... 22,657 BULL RIDING 1. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah ..................... $179,812 2. Ky John Hamilton, Mackay, Australia ............ 169,322 3. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah ............................ 161,695 4. Sage Steele Kimzey, Salado, Texas ............... 125,739 5. Jestyn Jax Woodward, Custer, S.D. .............. 115,979 6. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan. ...................... 115,710 7. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas ............................. 109,848 8. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho ........... 101,350 9. T. Parker, Winnie, Texas ................................. 91,054 10. Creek Walker Young, Rogersville, Mo. ......... 90,856 11. Jordan Hansen, Amisk, Alberta ................... 89,622 12. Jared Parsonage, Maple Creek, Sask. .......... 85,131 13. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. .................... 85,089 14. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas ........................... 81,448 15. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah ....................... 78,738 16. Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla. ........................ 76,618 17. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa ......................... 72,660 18. Ernie Courson Jr., Okeechobee, Fla. ............. 66,595 19. JC Mortensen, Paulden, Ariz. ....................... 65,568 20. Trey Benton III, Richards, Texas ................... 54,681 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas ... $145,788 2. Jordon Briggs, Tolar, Texas ......................... 108,703 3. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. ....................... 106,583 4. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas ........................ 87,722 5. Hailey Kinsel, Cutulla, Texas ......................... 83,409 6. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. .................. 82,015 7. Taycie Matthews, Wynne, Ark. ..................... 79,182 8. Ilyssa Riley, Hico, Texas ............................... 78,062 9. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. ........................... 72,129 10. Sara Winkelman, Big Lake, Minn. ............... 69,843 11. Sissy Winn, Chapman, Texas ...................... 68,294 12. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. ...................... 67,465 13. Jackie Ganter, Abilene, Texas ...................... 66,018 14. Kelly Allen, Stephenville, Texas ................... 64,471 15. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. ...................... 63,903 16. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. .............. 57,044 17. Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho ....................... 55,651 18. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas ................. 55,379 19. Molly Otto, Grand Forks, N.D. ..................... 53,600 20. Stevi Hillman, Granbury, Texas ................... 50,689 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Hali Williams, Comanche, Texas ................ $105,921 2. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas .............. 84,599 3. Sarah Angelone, Lipan, Texas ....................... 72,232 4. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas ........... 69,155 5. Cheyanne Guillory, Kingston, Okla. ............... 66,135 6. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla ............................. 65,251 7. Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas .......................... 56,465 8. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas ............ 51,936 9. Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Ariz. ..................... 48,575 10. Joey Williams, Volborg, Mont. .................... 47,212 11. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. ..................... 47,127 12. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo. ........................ 45,005 13. Josie Conner, Iowa, La. .............................. 44,448 14. Tiffany Schieck, Floresville, Texas ............... 43,781 15. Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas ......................... 41,809 16. Madison Outhier, Fulshear, Texas ................ 41,296 17. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. ............ 41,204 18. Nicole Baggarley, Las Cruces, N.M. ........... 40,592 19. Kendal Pierson, Wardlow, Alberta ................39,802 20. Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D. 39,567

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THE RICHEST RODEO RODEO IN SOUTH DAKOTA HISTORY

Tickets: cinchplayoffs.com or ticketmaster.com

September 28 th - 30 th 2023 Denny Sanford Premier Center Sioux Falls, SD • •

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Staying Put San Antonio addresses its future intentions T he San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is proud and excited to be a part of the Freeman Coliseum and AT&T Center grounds, County venues, and work with County volunteers, our media partners, and sponsors. “We have a commitment to Bexar County, and we remain committed to continue to help educate Texas youth with the support

& City officials to kick off the 75th celebration, Executive Director & CEO Cody Davenport said. On July 27 in a press release, he addressed some issues that have been circulating about the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. “We have received some questions

of our patrons and guests, who we look forward to seeing this February.” Over the past

75 years the event has helped educate

regarding our future intentions for the county facilities we utilize, and we want to clarify our plans with the San Antonio community,” Davenport said. “Our home is the AT&T Center and the Freeman grounds, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, our over 6,000

countless Texas youth by committing $255 million in the form of scholarships, grants, endowments, and Jr. Livestock competitions. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will be held Feb. 8-25, 2024, at the AT&T Center & Freeman Fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.sarodeo.com.

Sowing Good Deeds Contest is open

In recognition of the support that PRCA-sanctioned rodeos contribute to local, regional, and national charities, Hesston by Massey Ferguson presents the Sowing Good Deeds contest. The contest is a chance to share the stories of rodeo teams across the country who are doing good in their communities. One rodeo committee will win a Massey Ferguson tractor for the great work they do.

CONTEST DETAILS

Open to all PRCA-sanctioned rodeo

committees, regardless of size.

Participating rodeo committees must apply for the Sowing Good Deeds program and meet certain criteria.

https://www.masseyferguson.com/en_us/discover-mf/ mf-community/community/sowinggooddeeds.html Past winners of the Sowing Good Deeds initiative are the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo (2022), Burke (S.D.) Stampede (2021), Caldwell (Idaho) Nights Rodeo (2020), Santa Maria (Calif.) Elks Rodeo (2019), and Sikeston (Mo.) Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo (2018), Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo (2017).

Participating rodeos will receive a Hesston by Massey Ferguson Sowing Good Deeds banner to hang in their arena. Entries are due Sept. 30, 2023, and the top five finalists will be announced on or round Oct. 13, 2023 Visit this link to enter:

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BY THE NUMBERS 1952 The year ProRodeo Hall of Famer Harry Tompkins claimed a triple crown of world champion ships – all-around, bareback riding and bull riding. 1976 The year ProRodeo Hall of Fame bull rider Don Gay had a 95-point ride on Kelsey’s Red One at the National Fi nals Rodeo in Okla homa City, Okla. Gay’s ride was the NFR record until Cody Hancock had a 96-point trip on Diamond G Ro deo’s Mister USA in 2001. $30K The amount of money ($30,734) earned by bull rider Trey Holston in capturing the vic tory at the 2023 NFR Open powered by RAM. Holston was the top money winner at the event and also was the Top Gun Award recipient and re ceived a voucher for a RAM Truck.

PRCA ProRodeo photo

Parade time

Members of the PRCA staff wave to the crowd while taking part in the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo parade, July 8 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The parade was held in conjunction with the NFR Open pow ered by RAM at the Norris Penrose Event Center, July 11-15.

RodeoHouston changes start times

Big news from Houston Livestock and Rodeo is that the 2024 weekend rodeos will start an hour earlier, at 2:45 p.m. (CT) instead of 3:45 p.m. giving everyone added time to hit the carnival and other attractions on those days. Ticket sales start Aug. 1 for the 2024 rodeo that will run Feb. 27 through March 17 and are available at rodeohouston.com. The online waiting room opens at 9:30 a.m. that day. Customers who enter the waiting room from 9:30 a.m. to 9:59 a.m. will be randomly selected to enter the store to purchase season tickets at 10 a.m. So to be clear, this is not a first come, first served experience. And a place in the

waiting room does not guarantee season tickets. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date once the 2024 star entertainer lineup is announced. Season Ticket options start at $500, plus a processing fee. Upper Level: $500; $740

Loge Level: $900 Field Level: $1,200 Club Level: $1,300 Endzone; $1,400

Sideline

Shared Entertainment Suite Seats:

$6,000

Chute seats presented by Hess: $8,000 The hours for the night performances during the week of the rodeo will not change.

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NEWS

ATHLETES STANDINGS RESULTS

SCHEDULE

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING

ProRodeo Sports News 7/28/2023 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

ProRodeo.com

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IT’S ALL HERE!

in partnership with

DECEMBER 7-16, 2023 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER SOUTH HALL - LEVELS 1 & 2 and CENTRAL HALL 9AM - 4PM DAILY NFRexperience.com

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SNAPSHOT

Stars & Stripes The American flag is brought into the Dinosaur Roundup in Vernal, Utah. The Playoff Series rodeo took place July 6-8. Bull rider Braden Richardson thrilled the crowd with a 93.5-point ride on Powder River Rodeo’s Heater. That was the highest score on a bull this year in ProRodeo.

– Lexi Christopher photo

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CALGARY

Royalty Champions were crowned at the lucrative Calgary Stampede. All the Stampede champions earned $50,000 for winning their respective Showdown rounds, half of which counted toward the PRCA | RAM World Standings. PAGES 34-39

Steer wrestler Scott Guenthner displays his $50,000 check for winning the Calgary Stampede on July 16. Beside him is his son, Quade, 3. Guenthner joined his father Ken, who won the streer wrestling title at the 1982 Calgary Stampede. Covy Moore/Calgary Stampede photo

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CALGARY STAMPEDE

CALGARY, ALBERTA

Legacy Continues Dawson Hay adds to his family’s winning tradition TOP SCORES TOP MONEY

EARNER Jared Parson age (bull riding $68,233) BAREBACK RIDING

BY DIANNE FINSTAD Special to ProRodeo Sports News I t’s all in the family when it comes to the Hay clan and Calgary Stampede saddle bronc riding hampionships. On July 16, Dawson Hay became the fifth member of the family to win the title, just a year after his older brother Logan. That makes eight saddle bronc bronzes for the crew (including uncles Denny Hay and Glenn O’Neill). It was a 91-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Come Along in the semifinals, one more than the 90-point trip from Damian Brennan, that gave Hay first pick for the Showdown Round. He went right for Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies. “Yeah, it’s an unbelievable horse. I’ve got to see so many of my buddies get on it in these huge short rounds. My older brother, Logan, holds the world record on that horse (95.5 points). My best friend, Zeke, he won Wildwood — 93-and a-half — so the choice was easy,” said Hay, 25. Hay’s cousin, Ben Andersen, laid down a 90-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Tokyo Bubbles in the Showdown, but the three-time NFR qualifier managed to better that, with a 92-point trip, to notch the $50,000 victory. “You’ve just got to grit your teeth. It’s kind of all a blur. She leaves out of there so fast. I kind of thought she had me for a second, and then, I got my chin down and my rein out and it worked out,” Hay said. Hay’s ankle with the torn ligaments hadn’t had a chance to heal. So, he had to do some ‘surgery’ to his boot to get it to fit his swollen foot. “Actually, I have a new pair of boots already, but I might keep these on though. They’re lucky,” grinned Hay. Continuing the Hay family winning tradition in Calgary wasn’t lost on Dawson. “It’s huge for us,” Hay said. “It’s kind of a staple of our family. Some of the biggest moments in my family’s career have been here at Calgary. Some of the biggest rides. “It set up my brother last year for his first NFR. He came to Calgary and just cleaned house and took that fire from here and kept it rollin’ all year. It’s my wife and my daughter’s first Calgary Stampede. So that’ll be a memory forever.”

Parsonage

1. Kade Sonnier ........................86.5 pts. 2. Tim O’Connell ................................ 86 3. Tanner Aus ................................. 85.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Scott Guenthner .................... 3.2 sec. 2. Jesse Brown ................................. 3.6 3. Will Lummus ................................ 3.9 TEAM ROPING 1. C. Proctor/L. Medlin .............. 6.6 sec. 2. C. Thomas/C. Green ................... 10.3 3. T. Wade/W. Thorp ......................... NT SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Dawson Hay ........................... 92 pts. 2. Ben Andersen ................................ 90 3. Damian Brennan ......................... 87.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Beau Cooper ......................... 7.0 sec. 2. Kyle Lucas .................................... 8.4 3. Blane Cox ..................................... 9.2 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi ....... 17.13 sec. 2. Lisa Lockhart .......................... 17.385 3. Emily Beisel ............................ 17.406 BULL RIDING 1. Jared Parsonage ..................... 89 pts. 2. Three tied with .............................. NS

Covy Moore/Calgary Stanpede photo Saddle bronc rider Dawson Hay was in top form in winning the Calgary Stampede with a 92-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies. Hay became the fifth member of his family to win the Calgary Stampede.

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CALGARY STAMPEDE CALGARY, ALBERTA

Covy Moore/Calgary Stampede photo Heeler Logan Medlin, second from left, and his partner Coleman Proctor, fourth from left, celebrate after winning the Rocky Mountain Cup team roping crown July 12 in Calgary. Proctor/Medlin win team roping

It took four consistent runs and catching when the chips were down for Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin to dash out of Calgary with a Stampede bronze. They were the winners of the second edition of the rich Rocky Mountain Cup, paying each $12,500 for winning the final four on June 12. “It’s huge,” said Medlin, the heeler. “We were at a point in the summer where we needed a big win, and this is going to help us get to where we want to be. But the job’s not done.” The two were literally running to their trucks to start their journey to Sheridan (Wyo.) and their next roping appointment. “Thank you to the Calgary committee for having team roping and giving us a place to come rope for this much money,” Medlin said. “I never thought I’d get to come here. But now little boys and girls growing up will get to dream about coming here someday, and hopefully they get to experience this feeling.” The event featured the top 30 headers and heelers in the world, with two go-rounds. The top eight then roped and the four best advanced to the final showdown. Proctor and Medlin roped their first two steers in 5.6 and then 5.2. In the round of eight, they had the best time at 4.2 seconds, which gave them the advantage of going last in the final four.

It was a round that was a little softer than expected with a slipped heel and a pair of misses. “In that situation, we just had to be clean, and that’s sometimes the hardest thing to do,” said Proctor. “I tried to use my head and get a smart start. After going 4.2 my horse did a great job. But I went ahead and stood him up and made sure I could complete my catch and set up my partner to finish his job. “A lot of being a professional team roper is being able to make the shot when the pressure is on you, and you’ve got the ball in your hands, and you’re the last one to shoot. I was excited to get the job done and be clutch for us. Being the last team to rope, after we had a great run in the third round, it really fell into our favor of knowing what we had to do exactly.” Their final time of 6.6 seconds was all that was needed to secure the check and the bronze. The Rocky Mountain Cup featured breakaway roping for the first time as well. While Jordi Edens won everything up to the final four, a broken barrier kept her from the big check at the end, which went to Taylor Munsell, who roped her final calf in a rapid 1.7 seconds for the $12,500. Jackie Crawford was only a tenth of a second behind her at 1.8 seconds.

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By Dianne Finstad

Cooper has breakout win in tie-down

Covy Moore/Calgary Stampede photo Tie-down roper Beau Cooper acknowledges the crowd after his huge breakthrough win after clocking a 7.0-second time in the Showdown Round to claim the coveted Calgary Stampede victory.

Call it a breakout moment in what many claim will become a superstar career. Beau Cooper was able to stand on the podium at the Calgary Stampede, with a $50,000 check above his head, and a championship bronze nearby. The grandstand was full of cheering fans to see a Canadian cowboy win the tie-down roping title, which hadn’t happened since 2014. Cooper, just 21, backed into the box in the Showdown Round and stuck a smooth 7.0-second run on his calf to take the big win. “This is the greatest feeling in the world,” Cooper said. “There’s a reason you have bad days, so when you feel things like this, it lives with you forever. I’ll never forget this moment, and everything that’s went into it. I can’t thank God enough for everything he’s done. Crazy day.” Cooper’s laser sharp and calm focus were evident in that pressure-filled moment. “In the Final Four, you’ve got to let your hair down and go at it, and that’s what I felt like I did. It just went my way,” he said. Cooper relied on his little mare Catalina all week, a horse he originally got from his cousin Zeke Thurston. “She’s been outstanding all week. This is the first big rodeo I’ve rode her at,” Cooper said. “Other than that, she’s just been a little practice horse for me. To win it on her, using an old poly, it’s pretty crazy, but I’ll take it.” Cooper’s been taking lots of ribbing for using an old poly rope, since

most pros choose a grass rope. “For whatever reason, I’m just confident on using that on her, so that’s what I tied on my horn, and we went with that,” he said. Thurston, a three-time Calgary saddle bronc champion, also provided some inspiration to his roping cousin. “To be right there with him is pretty crazy,” Cooper said. “Sitting on the couch (watching him win) seven years ago, I wouldn’t have ever thought I’d be here as a Calgary Stampede champion my second time here. It’s just so emotional. I can’t believe it. “Calf roping is mainly dominated by the U.S. (cowboys). There’s just so much more opportunity down there. And so, to come out with a victory is pretty darn special. I have so many friends who’ve helped me from the U.S. and taught me how to become a better roper, and I’m super appreciative of that.” That included his mentor Shane Hanchey, who Cooper bumped out of the final four, as well as Ty Harris. It was a full circle moment as well for Cooper, after disappointment this spring in Houston. “It’s funny – we were sitting in Sheridan, Wyo., the other night and I was having a talk with (team roper) Jeremy Buhler,” Cooper said. “He said ‘things have a funny way of coming around. Don’t be shocked when you win the fifty (thousand) on Sunday.’ He knew what was in store. He’s been a huge blessing for me too.”

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CALGARY STAMPEDE CALGARY, ALBERTA

Covy Moore/Calgary Stampede photo

Bareback rider Kade Sonnier snared the Calgary Stampede title with a 92-point ride on C5 Rodeo’s Virgil on July 16.

Kade Sonnier has memorable debut

Kade Sonnier’s first Calgary Stampede had a storybook ending, complete with a bronze and a check for $50,000, and a little drama along the way. On Championship Sunday, in a semifinals where an 86 in bareback riding wouldn’t give you a sniff at the final four making the Showdown round, Sonnier’s first horse fell down. But he made the most of a re-ride, to be the high man, with an 88.5-point trip on Calgary Stampede’s Born Fearless. New this year to Calgary was the opportunity for the final four to select their Showdown horse, and with his first pick, Sonnier didn’t hesitate in choosing the big grey C5 Rodeo’s Virgil. “When that horse is in the list, it’s kind of hard to pass up,” Sonnier said. “He’s a multiple-time world champion — one of the greatest of all time. You can’t pass that opportunity up, and let it slip through the cracks.” It was the same horse he’d danced with just a few weeks before at the Ponoka Stampede.

“I was 89 and a quarter there, and I knew I needed to be more today,” Sonnier said. “And being on him, you know, you kind of know what he’s going to throw at you. But today was a different trip than he had in Ponoka. With great horses like that, they’re always going to do something a little bit different and always be on their ‘A’ game and try to have a little bit of an edge on you. And I just kept my chin down, set my feet hard, lifted on my rigging, and did the basics — and it worked out.” “He was a little bit stronger today. I think he likes Calgary.” Sonnier racked up 92 points, to better the 90-point mark from Tim O’Connell on Calgary Stampede’s Yippee Kibitz. As a second-generation pro cowboy, the win was big for the whole family. “My dad wasn’t ever able to come here because of his history. And he had some injuries the year he did qualify. I wish he was here with me. It’s for sure humbling to be able to have the opportunity to be here, much less win it. “I have no words. I have tears in my eyes, and joy in my heart, and that’s about it.”

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Parsonage claims bull riding honors Jared Parsonage has been knocking on the door of the Calgary Stampede bull riding championship for some time. But this year, it finally opened. “Third time’s a charm,” grinned Parsonage, who’s 30. The Saskatchewan bull rider had been third, then second, and finally came first, as he was the only bull rider to make the whistle in the July 16 Showdown Round. His pick of the pen was Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Wild Time, for good reason, and a great score – 89 points. “I rode him (at a non-sanctioned PRCA event this spring). He was better today, which I figured he would be at Calgary. When he was in there to pick, I knew that was the one I wanted,” Parsonage said. “I’m glad I got a chance at him, and I’m glad it worked out. “If you keep putting yourself in these positions, and keep riding your bulls, it will eventually work out.” As the only man to have ridden all his bulls at Calgary, Parsonage’s confidence had been building. “As you get older, sometimes you get a feeling things are going your way. Some days you can’t buy a break, and other days you can’t get a break,” he said. “It felt good during the week. I rode a couple bulls that had never really been ridden up here that nobody liked. I felt like if I could do my job, who knows what might happen?” Surrounded by family cheering him on, Parsonage became the fourth Canadian to mount the podium for the $50,000 check. “That’s pretty cool – a good day for Canadians. There’s a lot of really talented rodeo athletes up here, and we dang sure showed them today,” Parsonage said. “As a Canadian growing up in rodeo, there’s two things you want to win – that’s a Canadian title and the Calgary Stampede. I don’t think I’d have felt like my career was complete if I’d never won a Calgary Stampede title, so I’m pretty excited to get that one checked off the list.”

Covy Moore/Calgary Stampede photo Jared Parsonage had an 89-point ride on Wayne Vold Rodeo’s Wild Time to win the Calgary Stampede Showdown Round.

Guenthner snares coveted Stampede title

Putting family first has proven to be a winning rodeo strategy for steer wrestler Scott Guenthner. He capped off his Calgary Stampede with the fastest run of the week, turning over his steer in 3.2 seconds in the Showdown Round to make a childhood wish come true. Guenthner, from Provost, Alberta, was under four seconds on all his Calgary runs but one, emerging out of his Pool with $16,000 before he picked up the $50,000 check. “I knew I had a good steer, and I knew I needed to use him,” Guenthner said. “I was watching Beau Cooper rope, and Beau and I are good friends. To watch him win, I actually started crying. I’m like ‘Scott, you have to compete in ten minutes – you need to focus!’ “When they yelled, I was out (clean from the barrier), I knew I was out, but I didn’t even really know my time. I just stood up, and the crowd was going ballistic, so I assumed something was going good,” he grinned. Once again, Guenthner credits the three-time and reigning PRCA | AQHA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, Tyson. “He was dead on. It’s a dream come true to get to ride him,” he said. Steer wrestling is in his blood, as Guenthner’s father Ken, won the event in Calgary in 1982, the first year they went to the $50,000 bonus. “I was going through a (memories) box the other day and I was in Grade 3 or something and I wrote that my goals were to win Canada and the Calgary Stampede,” Guenthner said. “I’ve won Canada three times, so now it was like, ‘OK, Calgary, I have to do it sometime.’ So now to get to go in the books with my dad is kind of cool.”

Covy Moore/Calgary Stampede photo Steer wrestler Scott Guenthner stopped the clock in 3.2 sec onds to win the prestigious Calgary Stampede. His father Ken won the steer wrestling title in 1982.

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