ProRodeo Sports News - June 15, 2018

and McConnel rode I told them I better stick it on this one,” Carter said. This one was Yo Momma – a completely unknown bull to Carter. “I had never seen that bull and everybody I asked didn’t know anything about him,” Carter said. “I went in there blind, and honestly, withme that was better. I see bulls do a lot of the same thing every time and I go out there and try and set a trap and they never do what they are supposed to do when I get on them.” Sitting on Yo Momma in the chutes, Carter kept things simple. “I cleared my mind, and I nodded my head and then I reacted,” Carter said. “It was an awesome ride. That bull was really kicking up in the air. He was a big, wide bull and he felt good. I have a lot better luck with those bigger bulls. I couldn’t stub my toe on him or I wasn’t going to make it. After I made my ride, I was sweating it out.” With his 88-point ride on Yo Momma, Carter clinched the victory. “I had four guys hit me on the back and congratulate me when the final scores were posted, and it was a good feeling to win,” said Carter, who will compete at the Reno Rodeo, June 16. “I’m just going to celebrate by hanging out with my friends and have fun and let this sink in.” Carter joins the list of other 2018 Xtreme Bulls Division 1 event winners, which consists of Lane Nobles (Fort Worth, Texas), Josh Frost (San Antonio), Kimzey (Fort Mohave, Ariz.) and J.W. Harris (Del Rio, Texas). “All week long I was telling myself I was going to come here (to Reno) and win,” Carter said. “I’ve never won one of these (Division 1) Xtreme Bulls buckles and I was wanting one for a long time. Now, I have one.” Carter, who joined the PRCA in 2010, is still chasing his first bid to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He finished 29th in the world standings last year with $51,757. In 2016, Carter placed a career-best 19th with $58,261. “The biggest problem I’ve had is the mind games,” he said. “I try and overthink everything. This win will really light my fire big time. I’m going to go all out to make the NFR. I have to just remain positive in everything I’m doing and keep trying and never give up. There have been times in my PRCA career that I wanted to quit and get a job, but I kept telling myself I have to stick it out and prove myself.”

PRCA XTREME BULLS 2018 TOUR STANDINGS (Unofficial as of June 15)

1. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. ................... $41,413 2. Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas ............... 34,750 3. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah ............................ 32,388 4. Riker Carter, Stone, Idaho ............................. 29,733 5. Joseph McConnel, Bloomfield, N.M. .............. 23,263 7. Lane Nobles, Gatesville, Texas ...................... 21,236 8. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont. ........................ 20,263 9. Koby Radley, Montpelier, La. ......................... 17,744 10. Lon Danley, Tularosa, N.M. ......................... 15,640 11. J.W. Harris, Goldthwaite, Texas ................... 15,020 12. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah ............................ 13,728 13. Eli Vastbinder, Athens, Texas ....................... 13,659 14. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla. ............. 13,075 15. Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif. .................... 10,752 16. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas ............................ 10,663 17. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas .......... 10,530 18. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho ........... 9,926 19. Brett Custer, Elk City, Okla. ........................... 9,338 20. Jordan Hansen, Ponoka, Alberta ................... 9,245 COMPLETE RESULTS ON PAGE 72

Joseph McConnel tied for second at the Reno Rodeo Xtreme Bulls, June 14. He rode Flying U Rodeo’s Johnny Sack for 88 points. McConnel and Sage Kimzey each finished with 173.5 points on two head. Kirt Steinke photo

ProRodeo Sports News 6/15/2018

ProRodeo.com

45