ProRodeo Sports News - March 1, 2024

SHORT ROUND

Three-time NFR qualifier Quinn Kesler lost at 30 Cowboy Passes

Q uinn Kesler, a three-time Wrangler Matt Sherwood in 2016 – splitting the Round 3 win (4.5 seconds) and capturing Round 7 outright with a 4.1-second run. Kesler finished eighth in the world standings with $145,907. Kesler returned to the NFR in 2018 with National Finals Rodeo qualifier – twice as a heeler in 2016 and 2018 and once as a header in 2021 – passed away Feb. 26. He was 30. The Holden, Utah, cowboy roped with header

header Rhen Richard. Kesler was 15th in the world standings with $109,637. After a two-year absence, Kesler qualified for the NFR again in 2021 as a header with partner Joseph Harrison. Kesler placed 13th in the world standings with $125,526. Qualifying for the NFR both as a header and heeler is quite an accomplishment, joining ProRodeo Hall of Famers – Trevor Brazile and Speed Williams. Kelser’s primary partner in 2021 was Caleb Hendrix and he helped Hendrix win PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year as a Team Roping Heeler. Kesler also was the 2015 PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year as a Team Roping Heeler, finishing 16th in the world standings. Kesler, who bought his PRCA card in 2015, earned $615,325 in his career. Prior to joining the PRCA, Kesler was a three-time

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Click Thompson Team roper Quinn Kesler, shown competing at the 2022 NFR Open powered by RAM in Colorado Springs, Colo., qualified for the National Finals Rodeo as a header and heeler.

Utah high school state champion in team roping in 2009-11. He also was a four-time qualifier for the National High School Finals Rodeo. Kesler is survived by his wife, Jessie and their daughter, Quincy, 2.

Spring Planting passes away Flying 5 Rodeo’s Spring Planting, the 2009 and 2013 PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year, passed away Feb. 23. She was 22. “She had a big heart, and she knew when it was time to play,” said Chad Hutsell, of Flying 5 Rodeo Company and Big Bend Rodeo Company. “Those kinds of horses know their special and she knew she was special, and the other ones knew she was special.” Spring Planting, who was buried at Hutsell’s ranch outside of Ritzville, Wash., competed at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo from 2007-2019. Cody Wright (2009, 86.5 points, split second, Round 5), Shaun Stroh (2009, 84.5 points, split third, Round 10), Jesse Wright (2010, 82.5 points, sixth, Round 10), Cody Wright (2011, 87.5 points, second, Round 5); Taos Muncy (2011, 86.5 points, sixth, Round 10); Bradley Harter (2014, 80 points, sixth, Round 5); Wade Sundell (2015, 87.5 points, third, Round 5); and Jake Wright (2017, 86.5 points, split second, Round 10) all placed on the horse at the NFR. Spring Planting suffered a life-threatening injury on June 29, 2022, on a layover before the Fourth of July run that year. Thanks to a great team of veterinarians, she recovered and was living the spoiled retired life on the family’s ranch.

PRCA ProRodeo file photo Saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell had an 87.5-point ride on Flying 5 Rodeo’s Spring Planting during Round 5 of the 2015 NFR.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/1/2024

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