ProRodeo Sports News - March 29, 2024

Tanner Aus captures glory in Austin Aus Marks the Spot

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WORN & RAISED TO WIN.

RYDER WRIGHT 2X WORLD CHAMPION

WRANGLER.COM

CONTENTS

MARCH 29, 2024 VOLUME 72, NO. 7

Payday ner earned a $50,000 first-place check, which counts toward the PRCA | RAM World Standings. 32 Contestants converged on NRG Stadium for Rodeo Houston, Feb. 27-March 17. Each event win

Tie-down roper Ty Harris clinched the RodeoHouston title after winning

a tiebreaker against his brother Joel in the

Championship Shootout with a 9.6-second run. RodeoHouston photo/ Mallory Beinborn

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INSIDE

6 Manager’s Message 8 Grille 14 Social Media 18 World Standings 20 Short Round 32 Houston, Texas 40 Austin, Texas 42 Mercedes, Texas RODEOS

COVER

James Phifer photo Bull rider Trey Kimzey is all smiles during his victory lap at Rodeo Austin. His 89-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Greeley Hat Works Bonfire in the finals earned him $25,850. Right on cue in Austin Trey Kimzey picked up a major boost to his 2024 ProRodeo season at Rodeo Austin, March 9-23. The Texas payday moved him just outside the Top 15 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings. 40

Tanner Aus captures glory in Austin Aus Marks the Spot

Bareback rider Tanner Aus poses with a Rodeo Austin branding iron after winning the key PRCA Playoff Series Rodeo with a 90.5-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s Empty Promises in the short round. James Phifer photo

ProRodeo Sports News PRCA CEO Tom Glause MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA

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.

TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PSN OR FOR SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS, CALL: 800.RODEO.4U (800.763.3648) _______________ To advertise in the PSN , call: 719.528.4704 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 101 ProRodeo Drive

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

Tracy Renck PSN EDITOR & DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Tanner Barth PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jessica Butterly

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2024, PRCA Properties Inc. , a

marketing service and subsidiary of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information retrieval system, without permission in writing from PRCA Properties Inc.

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MANAGER’S MESSAGE TRACY RENCK

Specialty act performer Shelby Pier son carries in the Ameri can flag prior to a performance at 2024 RodeoHous ton at NRG

Stadium. The lucra tive rodeo concluded March 17.

RodeoHouston photo/Mallory Beinborn

RodeoHouston is amazing in person G etting to cover RodeoHouston for the first time was worth the wait. My colleague Tanner Barth and I ventured to RodeoHouston, March 15-17, and the trip to H-Town was nearly derailed by Mother Nature. A massive snowstorm in Colorado Springs, Colo., Additionally, there was the pure excitement on Championship Sunday, March 17.

The round of 10 qualified competitors in each event competed against one another, aiming to qualify in the top four for the Championship Shootout to take aim at the $50,000 top prize. When the final champions were crowned the joy in their voices was obvious and the smiles on their faces couldn’t be erased. Who could blame them. These contestants found glory while competing before 70,000-plus fans. That is crazy. The bump in the PRCA | RAM World Standings is more like a massive jolt. A year ago, all the RodeoHouston champions qualified for the coveted Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The jury is still out on the 2024 RodeoHouston champs, but all of them definitely have greater chances now to be competing at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. There were plenty of great storylines on March 17 – like tie-down roper Ty Harris winning a rope off with his brother Joel. Steer wrestler Dakota Eldridge winning RodeoHouston for the second time in his career and bareback rider Leighton Berry winning the prestigious rodeo for the second year in a row. “When I nodded my head today in the four-man I only had three grand coming in,” Berry said. “To put $50,000 on top of that is obviously a game changer. I can’t thank the people who put on this rodeo enough for giving us opportunities like this.” Speaking for myself, 2024 RodeoHouston is one rodeo I cherished the opportunity to cover – and one I will not soon forget.

Tracy Renck is the Manager of Communications and Media. He previously served three years as the editor of the ProRodeo Sports News, and before that he spent seven years as a media coordinator at the PRCA. He has three decades of experience in sports journalism with the last decade consumed by ProRodeo.

March 14-15, left in doubt whether our plane would get off the runway at the Colorado Springs Airport at 5 a.m., March 15, but after some nervous moments the Southwest flight was up and away. Arriving at the rodeo the evening of March 15 was quite the adventure as well, considering we drove through a downpour of rain and some hail to get to NRG Stadium. The Stadium is amazing. It dwarfs the Houston Astrodome, which was known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” when it opened on April 9, 1965. The Astrodome sits next door to NRG Stadium but no longer has any tenants. Yes, NGR Stadium was built for the NFL’s Houston Texans – but it’s also a perfect place to house RodeoHouston. The hospitality we received from RodeoHouston’s media personnel was wonderful. The view from the press box was incredible. The contestants were easily accessible and there were plenty memorable moments to document. There was the unveiling of the inaugural RodeoHouston Hall of Fame class of stock contractor Mike Cervi, barrel racer Charmayne James and announcer Bob Tallman. Then, the news of legendary ProRodeo Hall of Famer Leon Coffee transitioning roles at RodeoHouston after 31 years.

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Jeter Lawrence, 18, is quickly making his name known in the ProRodeo ranks during his Resistol Rookie campaign. As of March 25, the Council Hill, Okla., bull rider ranks 13th in the 2024 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $38,869. His biggest payday this season came at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show & Rodeo Xtreme Bulls in Mercedes, Texas, where he pocketed $5,584 for his 91-point ride on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Spilled Communion. Lawrence currently sits No. 1 in the race for the Resistol Rookie of the Year in the bull riding.

JETER LAWRENCE

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Jeter: I just grew up in it pretty much my whole life. My dad always rode bulls, and we had bulls around the house when I was growing up. It was something I liked from a young age and thought why not do it. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo?

Jeter: I decided this was something that I really wanted to do when I was 13 or 14 years old. At that point, I really started taking it seriously and putting everything I had into it. It all took off from there for me. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Jeter: I had always ridden sheep, calves, and steers growing up. I never really decided I would be a bull rider, it was always just there for me. Now, I love it and I wouldn’t want to do anything else. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Jeter: I did a little bit of everything growing up. I roped a little at the junior rodeos around the house, but riding bulls was always going to be what I did. Why did you decide to get your PRCA card this season? Jeter: I had always thought it would be pretty cool to make the NFR at a young age. It was always something that I dreamed of doing since a young age. So, I figured I might as well do it while I can. What do you hope to learn during your Resistol Rookie season? Jeter: I’m just hoping to learn how to be better every single day when I’m out on the road. There are a lot of things that go into it. So, just trying to always improve. Who’s someone you look up to in the rodeo business right now? Jeter: I look up to my dad (Kenny Don Lawrence) quite a bit because he rode bulls for a long time. Him and my uncle are probably the two people who I look up to the most when it comes to rodeo. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Jeter: There’s a bunch that I would love to get a buckle at, but I’d really like to win Cheyenne (Wyo.) someday. That would be a cool one to have under your belt. What’s your favorite movie?

Jeter: Let’s go with 21 Jump Street , that’s a pretty funny movie. What’s your go-to restaurant before or after a rodeo? Jeter: It’s not the best for us, but we stop at McDonalds quite a bit. It seems like that’s where we always eat. What’s the first vehicle you drove? Jeter: It was a 2011 Cadillac, it broke down on me pretty quick, so it didn’t last long. Do you have a favorite sports team? Jeter: I haven’t watched any sports outside of rodeo in a while, but when I used to watch football, I was a fan of the New England Patriots.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not rodeoing? Jeter: When we are home, we spend most of our time bucking bulls that we have. That’s pretty much all I do in my downtime from rodeo. What’s your favorite holiday? Jeter: I’d probably have to go with Christmas because it’s Jesus’ birthday and we get to see a lot of family. What type of music do you like listening to? Jeter: I like to listen to country music and sometimes I will listen to a little bit of rap music as well. It just depends on that day, I guess.

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WORD SEARCH TRY YOUR LUCK

ANSWERS ON PAGE 72

Find the winners from the High Desert Stampede in Redmond, Ore., and the San Angelo (Texas) Stock Show and Rodeo in 2023. 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. Summer in Sight 1. Find the winners from Redmond, Ore.: BB: Taylor Broussard SW: Bridger Anderson TR: Jr. Dees/Ross Ashford

HSPVNRQBCHBGYTSXDWRDD CIHDORAAXIHQYPDLAJ SRD I SVOBXAGOSUMROJ R JWRAB RYHI BTNYTFHARYDKZCESF EUZXEHICYCNUEKYPUUGSP GEZWWEPVALQABRLKVOGUM NNNGYHGS J JHUNNORHOIOX IQSDERHKJQPYOXKSMSRRD GXXNLWWBUAVXTPDF I FEBZ YTJAI PXOCVYWHLLUMPLRB DPULRXYIMZWWGMRMPVLOS NOSREDNAREGDI RBOOWELX AOTAKACZHUI CELHWUAHYB NI IGJ SFFQNMSLELEQYCAH NLNNFYGFVPOMSGUIHJATL DESAEGBPFZCSUADMASRZH EVMLOMRHYFE JWVKLEMUDE YF IKOPTYAJQPSAAEYMSS J UKTETUKTNIDCBGDQCOSOB XRHDROFHSAS SORNZ JKDDN XQWYMCFLF JHDJORRCYAVL

SB: Cash Wilson TD: Riley Webb GB: Rachelle Riggers BR: Jesse Hopper

2. Find the winners from San Angelo, Texas: BB: Leighton Berry/Andy Gingerich SW: Jay Williamson TR: J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo

SB: Dawson Hay TD: Justin Smith GB: Kassie Mowry BR: Deklan Garland

Dynamic Duo

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

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Proud sponsor of NFR Playo Series, National Finals Rodeo, and Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale

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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 March 28, 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, 80; team roping, 80; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 80; barrel racing, 100; breakaway roping,100; and bull riding, 125. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

ALL-AROUND 1. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................$40,550 2. Wacey Justin Schalla, Arapaho, Okla. ............ 20,348 3. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 19,608 4. Bodie Mattson, Sturgis, S.D. ......................... 17,221 5. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss. ............................. 16,880 6. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas .......................... 16,740 7. Luke Gee, Stanford, Mont. ............................. 15,863 8. Zane Kilgus, Pyror, Okla. ................................ 14,833 9. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ........................ 14,162 10. Chet Weitz, London, Texas ........................... 11,298 11. Seth Peterson, Wellington, Colo. .................. 10,347 12. Scot Brown, Mount Joy, Pa. ......................... 10,155 13. Stetson Wright, Beaver, Utah .......................... 9,984 14. Abdiel Zamora, Okeechobee, Fla. .................... 9,915 15. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla. ........ 9,215 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas .............. $77,139 2. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas ............... 60,196 3. Cooper Cooke, Victor, Idaho ........................... 58,862 4. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb. .................. 57,005 5. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. ......................... 55,156 6. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. ..................... 54,420 7. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La. ................ 49,944 8. Dean Thompson, Altamont, Utah ................... 48,932 9. Bradlee Miller, Huntsville, Texas ..................... 42,506 10. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas ..................... 36,305 11. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo. ........................... 33,104 12. Weston Timberman, Columbus, Mont. ......... 30,783 13. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. ...................... 30,656 14. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif. .................. 28,886 15. Nick Pelke, Mondovi, Wis. ........................... 28,586 16. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La. ......................... 28,531 17. Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alberta ........................ 28,163 18. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. ........... 26,467 19. Mason Stuller, Veneta, Ore. ......................... 25,868 20. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont. .... 25,283 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev. ........................... $60,474 2. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore. .................... 50,256 3. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss. .......................... 45,766 4. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho .............. 44,987 5. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La. ............................. 40,844 6. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn. .......................... 40,033 7. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan. ....................... 38,460 8. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla. ............................ 37,747 9. Walt Arnold, Coleman, Texas ......................... 34,502 10. Tucker Allen, Ventura, Calif. ......................... 33,156 11. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont. ........................... 31,262 12. Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, B.C. ............. 30,170 13. Travis Munro, Townsville, Australia .............. 26,518 14. Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas ................... 25,658 15. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala. ....................... 25,377 16. Justin Shaffer, Hallsville, Texas .................... 24,623 17. Cash Robb, Altamont, Utah ......................... 21,513 18. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla. ....................... 20,172 19. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La. ................. 20,158 20. Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La. .......................... 19,010 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. J.C. Yeahquo, Mandaree, N.D. ...................... $65,674 2. Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla. ........................ 60,572 3. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. ................... 50,885 4. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga. ........................ 43,870 5. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla. ........................ 42,677 6. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. .................... 36,271 7. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. ....................... 35,318 8. Jake Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. ...................... 35,057 9. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................. 34,416 10. Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ............................. 32,968 11. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif. ...................... 32,384 12. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas ............................. 29,349 13. Lightning Aguilera, Athens, Texas ................ 27,025 14. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla. ................................ 25,235 15. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ...................... 25,029 16. Bradley Massey, Perry, Fla. .......................... 22,762 17. Brady Tryan, Huntley, Mont. ......................... 22,403 18. Cory Kidd V, Statesville, N.C. ........................ 22,312

19. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz. ................... 20,292 20. Cash Duty, Weimar, Texas ............................ 19,269 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas .......... $70,240 2. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan. ........................... 64,009 3. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. .................................. 50,885 4. Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas ................. 45,318 5. Junior Nogueira, Pres. Prudente, Brazil ......... 37,004 6. Colter Todd, Willcox, Ariz. .............................. 36,271 7. Douglas Rich, Herrick, Ill. .............................. 35,057 8. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss. ............................... 34,416 9. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas ........................... 34,395 10. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo. ............................. 32,968 11. Kaden Profili, Jacksonville, Texas ................. 29,897 12. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas ........... 29,349 13. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas ............................ 25,896 14. Tanner Braden, Dewey, Okla. ........................ 25,686 15. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. .......................... 25,029 16. Sid Sporer, Cody, Wyo. ................................ 25,026 17. Zack Mabry, Piedmont, Ala. ......................... 23,459 18. Jonathan Torres, Ocala, Fla. ......................... 21,789 19. Clay Futrell, Union Grove, N.C. ..................... 21,312 20. Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Texas .................. 21,017 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia .............. $116,120 2. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah .......................... 67,393 3. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif. ........................... 65,360 4. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas ........................... 59,130 5. Logan Hay, Wildwood, Alberta ....................... 49,493 6. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D. ................................. 47,925 7. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo. .......................... 45,025 8. Logan Cook, Alto, Texas ................................ 43,331 9. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah ............................ 43,129 10. Parker Fleet, Axtell, Texas ............................ 40,042 11. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont. .................. 39,719 12. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta ................ 37,250 13. Ryder Sanford, Sulphur, La. ......................... 36,376 14. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho ........................... 35,183 15. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta ..... 32,230 16. Ben T. Andersen, Eckville, Alberta ................ 30,632 17. Lucas Macza, High River, Alberta ................. 29,426 18. Brody Wells, Powell, Wyo. ........................... 25,588 19. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas ........... 25,201 20. Parker Kempfer, Deer Park, Fla. ................... 24,417 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. ........................ $107,379 2. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas .......................... 77,116 3. Riley Mason Webb, Denton, Texas ................. 51,046 4. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas ....................... 48,697 5. Joel Braden Harris, San Angelo, Texas ........... 45,192 6. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas .................... 41,040 7. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas .................... 34,182 8. Chance Thiessen, Elk City, Okla. ..................... 33,389 9. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont. ..................... 31,710 10. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas .................. 30,421 11. Brushton Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ....... 29,935 12. Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La. ....................... 28,018 13. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas ......... 26,413 14. Blane Cox, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 22,688 15. Quade Hiatt, Canyon, Texas ......................... 22,666 16. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas ........................ 22,320 17. Bryce Derrer, Portales, N.M. ........................ 21,871 18. Tom Crouse, Gallatin, Mo. ............................ 21,529 19. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas .............. 19,289 20. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ......................... 18,760 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pawnee, Okla. ...................... $30,749 2. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas .......... 21,793 3. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ......................... 19,800 4. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ....................... 19,406 5. John E. Bland, Okarche, Okla. ........................ 18,983 6. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. .......................... 18,419 7. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas ....................... 18,248 8. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas ............................ 16,226 9. Kyle Cauthorn, Poetry, Texas .......................... 16,063 10. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 14,545

11. Duck Benson, Colfax, Wash. ........................ 14,535 12. Brodie Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla. ................. 13,634 13. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ........................ 12,445 14. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas .......................... 12,132 15. Cooper Mills, Saint John, Wash. .................. 11,768 16. Ryan Willberg, Lott, Texas ........................... 10,488 17. Chad Mathis, Morristown, Ariz. .................... 10,359 18. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas ............................ 9,760 19. John Clark, Pecos, Texas ................................ 8,772 20. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas ............... 8,095 BULL RIDING 1. Creek Young, Rogersville, Mo. .................... $101,649 2. Clayton Sellars, Wildwood, Fla. ...................... 75,683 3. Cody Teel, Bryan, Texas ................................. 48,336 4. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La. ............................ 47,741 5. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho ........... 47,118 6. Luke Mast, Hutchinson, Kan. ......................... 46,619 7. T.J. Gray, Dairy, Ore. ...................................... 45,793 8. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho ............. 43,409 9. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah .......................... 43,249 10. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore. ...................... 42,585 11. Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas .................. 42,103 12. Dustin Donovan Boquet, Bourg, La. ............. 41,324 13. Jeter Don Lawrence, Council Hill, Okla. ........ 38,869 14. Maverick Smith, Mountain. Grove, Mo. ........ 37,780 15. Taylor Toves, Stephenville, Texas ................. 36,992 16. Mason Moody, Letcher, S.D. ........................ 35,846 17. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. ..................... 34,648 18. T Parker, Winnie, Texas ................................ 34,550 19. Jax Mills, Montgomery, Texas ...................... 33,331 20. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla. ................ 32,970 BARREL RACING 1. Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla. ................... $68,074 2. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas ......................... 55,660 3. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. ......................... 51,617 4. Sara Winkelman, Big Lake, Minn. .................. 41,159 5. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas ........ 39,380 6. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas .......................... 39,242 7. Abby Phillips, Marshall, Texas ....................... 28,856 8. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. ................ 35,892 9. Sissy Winn, Chapman, Texas ......................... 24,275 10. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Texas ................. 31,379 11. Taylor Carver, Broxton, Ga. .......................... 31,114 12. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. ...................... 29,086 13. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas .................. 27,976 14. Preslie Reid, San Angelo, Texas .................. 27,756 15. Jodee Miller, Bellville, Texas ........................ 25,500 16. Stevi Hillman, Granbury, Texas ................... 25,305 17. Katie Jo Halbert, Port Lavaca, Texas ........... 24,848 18. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas ..... 23,955 19. Sadie Wolaver-Troyer, Ruidoso Downs, N.M.22,793 20. Jymmy Kay Cox, Ruidosa Downs, N.M. ...... 21,492 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas ........... $76,408 2. Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Ariz. ...................... 59,513 3. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla. ............................. 42,986 4. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, Miles City, Mont. ....... 41,790 5. Rickie Fanning, Spearfish, S.D. ..................... 31,849 6. Maddy Deerman, Hope, N.M. ......................... 31,456 7. Macy Young, Wittmann, Ariz. ........................ 30,562 8. Willow Wilson, Baggs, Wyo. .......................... 26,706 9. TiAda Gray, Portales, N.M. ............................ 24,950 10. Tacy Webb, Midway, Texas .......................... 23,808 11. Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, Springtown, Texas ... 23,590 12. Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas .......................... 23,576 13. Sarah Angelone, Lipan, Texas ..................... 21,695 14. Cassidy Boggs, Stephenville, Texas ............. 19,729 15. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas .......... 19,496 16. Hali Williams, Comanche, Texas .................. 18,127 17. Rylee A. George, Oakdale, Calif. ................... 17,479 18. Addie Weil, Commerce, Texas ...................... 17,299 19. Hope Thompson, Abilene, Texas .................. 16,707 20. Kendal Pierson, Wardlow, Alberta ................ 16,379

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SHORT ROUND

The 2023 Resistol Rookie of the Year T Parker injured Sidelined

T Parker’s 2024 ProRodeo season has come to an end. The 2023 Resistol Rookie of the Year in bull riding and 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier, will be sidelined indefinitely with a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum in his right riding arm. “Last year right after Ellensburg (Wash.), I went to Puyallup (in September) and I got on three bulls and went 3-for-3, and that fourth bull slammed me down and I landed funny on my right shoulder. That also was about the time I broke three ribs. I went home to (Winnie, Texas) for two months and then went to the NFR. “I realized at the Finals that I needed to get it looked at because I couldn’t perform to the best of my ability,

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Hailey Rae Bull rider T Parker, seen at the NFR last December, will miss a majority of the 2024 ProRodeo season after suffering a shoulder injury that will require surgery.

which upset me because I worked so hard to get there. I got on a couple at the beginning of this year and won Denver and took second in Fort Worth and about two weeks later (in March), I went to my last bit of rodeos, and I couldn’t hold myself up on my bull rope and I decided to get it checked it out.” Parker told the ProRodeo Sports News that Dr. Tandy Freeman is scheduled to perform surgery on him April 10 in Dallas. “After surgery, I will sit out for six months and hopefully come back at the end of 2024 and get a couple of rodeos under my belt and then come back in 2025 stronger than ever and go back to the Finals.” he said. Parker is presently 18th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $34,550. A year ago, he finished 13th in the PRCA | RAM World

Standings with $193,251. Parker earned a ninth-place finish in the NFR average with 239.5 points on three head. Parker was sidelined at the NFR with a right shoulder injury and right elbow sprain. Parker initially showed up on the Justin Sportsmedicine injury report after getting bucked off in Round 5, Dec. 12. Parker was bucked off Big Stone Rodeo’s Dirty Dave in Round 6 Wednesday morning, Dec. 13. That prompted Parker to doctor release out of Round 7 Wednesday night, Dec. 13 and as such he had to miss Round 8, Dec. 14. He returned for Rounds 9 and 10, placing fifth in Round 9 with a 75-point trip on Diamond G Rodeo’s Flight Child.

RodeoHouston unveils inaugural HOF class The inaugural class of the RodeoHouston Hall of Fame was inducted on March 17. Stock contractor Mike

largest stock contracting firms in the world. Cervi recalled the early days of RodeoHouston, including a performance by Elvis, during his acceptance speech. James went down in RodeoHouston history for dominating the barrel racing category. Winning more than 10 championships, James is the winningest contestant of all time at RodeoHouston. Tallman, the voice of RodeoHouston, was inducted as well. Tallman has announced the rodeo for more than 40 years. Starting off the rodeo on an electric note, Tallman’s famous, “Hello, Houston!” has been heard all over the world.

Cervi, barrel racer Charmayne James, and announcer Bob Tallman were recognized. Plaques of each inductee were revealed on the second floor of NRG Center near the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo main office. Cervi, James and Tallman are all members of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. Cervi has been involved in the rodeo industry for more than 50 years. Cervi purchased the original Cervi Championship Rodeo string in 1967; it has since expanded into one of the

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

Leon Coffee transitioning from barrelman at RodeoHouston

BY THE NUMBERS 1975 The Rodeo Cowboys Association changes its name to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, with 3,651 members competing for $6,432,580 in prize money that year. 1982 That year, for the first time, Bruce Ford becomes the first cowboy to earn $100,000 in a single event for a season. He earned $113,644 on the way to the PRCA Bareback Riding World Championship. Ford was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado, Springs, Colo., in 1993. money ($500,300) earned by the 2024 RodeoHouston champions, bareback rider Leighton Berry ($53,750), steer wrestler Dakota Eldridge ($54,250); team ropers J.C. Yeahquo/Buddy Hawkins II ($54,375 each); saddle bronc rider Damian Brennan ($56,750); tie-down roper Ty Harris ($58,000); breakaway roper Jackie Crawford ($55,250); barrel racer Leslie Smalygo ($58,000); and bull rider Creek Young ($55,550). $2.1M The projected payout ($2.178,000) for 2024 RodeoHouston. The 20-day tournament style competition began Feb. 27 and concluded March 17. Each event champion is awarded $50,000 which counts toward the PRCA | RAM World Standings. $500K The combined amount of

ProRodeo Hall of Fame bullfighter Leon Coffee has been a barrelman at RodeoHouston for 31 years. The beloved rodeo clown

“I have never had an opportunity in my life, in any facet of my life where I got to choose my successor,” Coffee said. “RodeoHouston is giving me that opportunity to go up and

wants the world to know he is not done yet. “I ain’t going anywhere,” Coffee said. “Everybody thought I was quitting…I’m just changing positions,” Coffee said in a RodeoHouston press release. “I’m retiring from bullfighting, but I’m not retiring from clowning.” Being out of the barrel will allow Coffee to impact more lives than he has already, interacting more with the crowd and creating more entertainment for all. With the barrelman chapter ending, Coffee has a new responsibility: finding someone to fill his shoes…or barrel…and take over his position. Coffee Powder River Rodeo’s decorated, award-winning saddle bronc horse Miss Congeniality passed away March 17. She was 26. Miss C, as she called, was the PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year in 2005, 2007 and was the reserve PRCA Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year in 2008. At the National Finals Rodeo, she finished third in the voting for the top saddle bronc horse in her NFR debut in 2002 and was voted in the top three at the 2007 NFR. “Those horses just don’t come along,” said Lori Franzen of Powder River Rodeo. “Hank (Lori’s husband) and I have been in the business for 40 years and when she was born, she was gorgeous and huge, and she was special from the day she was born.” Born and raised at the Franzen’s Riverton, Wyo., ranch, Miss C quickly made her mark in ProRodeo. Her Dam, a Red Roan

say, ‘Who do you want to see after you, who do you want to succeed you?’ Wow.” Coffee’s last moments in the barrel the last week of RodeoHouston were quite humbling. “I got a standing ovation out there,” Coffee said, “It was the most humbling thing that ever happened to me. “There were 70,000 people who stood up and clapped for me. That tells me the good Lord let me do what he wanted me to do.” Coffee’s successor will be announced in the spring of 2024. Mare by the name of Red Bird, came from Johnny Morris and her Sire was the great Cut The Cards who came from Harry Vold. Miss Congeniality appeared at the NFR from 2002-12 – highlighted by Rod Hay winning on her twice – 2002 Round 10 and 2008 Round 10. In her NFR debut, she bucked legendary ProRodeo Hall of Famer Billy Etbauer off in Round 3 and sidelined him for the remainder of the NFR. “Miss Congeniality was one of the greatest,” Etbauer said. “She was awesome. Good in that chute and just really bucked. They don’t make them any better than her.” “She could have kept going after 2012, but after starting at 4 years old and winning every award she needed, she didn’t owe us anything,” Lori said. “In 2012, we just said we are going to let her live out the rest of her life having babies and enjoying it.”

Standout saddle bronc horse Miss Congeniality passes

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SNAPSHOT

Unbelieveable Bull rider Ernie Courson Jr. hits a back flip for the fans at Rodeo Austin after his 78-point ride on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Six Shooter. The PRCA Playoff Series rodeo ran March 9-23.

– James Phifer photo

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CHUTE BOSSES WITH LEFTY HOLMAN

VIDEO

Holman talks 2023 NFR

Three-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Lefty Holman takes center stage on episode six of season two of The Chute Bosses as the featured guest. Holman goes into detail about his trip to Las Vegas in 2023 and what it’ll take to bring home a gold buckle this season. In the short round, Tanner and Tracy talk about Ranch Fuel’s new partnership with the PRCA Division 1 Xtreme Bulls Tour and the contract personnel selected for the NFR Open and NCFSR. We will also have “Eight Questions With…” four-time NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider Wyatt Casper. KEEP UP WITH THE HERD!

To subscribe to the ProRodeo Sports News call 800.763.3648 or go to ProRodeo.com

Dynamic Duo

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

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NEWS

ATHLETES STANDINGS RESULTS

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The Best ProRodeo Cowboys and Cowgirls from the U.S. and Canadian Circuits, plus National Champs from Mexico are coming to Colorado Springs, Colorado July 9-13, 2024. With over $1 million in payouts, they’ll be riding to win. This is where champions and careers are made. The speed, the excitement... there’s no better place to be than the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.

H Bareback Riding H Breakaway Roping H Steer Wrestling H Team Roping

H Saddle Bronc Riding H Tie-down Roping H Barrel Racing H Bull Riding

Evening performances Tuesday through Saturday, matinee performances Friday and Saturday! Fan Zone fun before the Rodeo and the Coors Roadhouse Saloon afterward, with live music and dancing!

The 83rd Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo | NFR Open takes place at the Norris Penrose Event Center at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.

Copyright © Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo All rights reserved. © Photography by Brian Gauck

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Fired Up!

ProRodeo contestants competed for their share of the $2.1 million purse at RodeoHouston, Feb.27-March 17. Each event winner earned a $50,000 payday. PAGES 34-39

HOUSTON

Bull rider Creek Young jumped to No. 1 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings after winning RodeoHouston with an 87-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Preacher in the Championship Shootout. RodeoHouston photo/Mallory Beinborn

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HOUSTON

RODEOHOUSTON

Ty Harris edges out sibling Joel for title Brotherly Love BY TANNER BARTH B rothers Ty and Joel Harris aren’t strangers to competing against each other, they’ve been doing it their entire lives being just four years apart in age. But no stage has equaled what the San Angelo, Texas, tie-down ropers faced at RodeoHouston on March 17. Both Ty and Joel qualified for the four-man TOP MONEY EARNER Ty Harris TOP SCORES

($58,000, tie down roping) BAREBACK RIDING

Championship Shootout. Once all four cowboys made their runs it was the two brothers sitting tied atop the leaderboard with a pair of 8.2-second runs. The only way for the title to be decided was to run two more calves in and do it all over again. It was older Ty coming out on top with a 9.6-second effort, to outlast Joel’s time of 19.2 seconds. “I can’t put into words right now how much this means. I’ve never had too much success here at RodeoHouston,” said Harris, a five-time Wrangler NFR qualifier. “It’s obviously a great paying rodeo and a great one to compete at. I just haven’t performed the way I should before this. “But to be in the position I can’t even put it into words, especially with the way it happened. Him and I winning first and second is such a blessing. The rope off was wild. It felt like the practice pen back at home, but with just a few more people in the stands. Our whole life we’ve roped together and against each other and wanted each other to do good. It was a really awesome deal that’s for sure.” The brothers walked out of NRG Stadium with $85,250 combined. Ty was the top money earner at the PRCA Playoff Series rodeo with a remarkable $58,000. The big payday bumped him to second in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $76,184. He says while the win will allow him to breathe a sigh of relief it won’t slow down his schedule. “This is a huge bump for my season. It makes me feel better and more confident about it,” Harris said. “It might take a little pressure off, but I’m still going to go to all the best rodeos and win as much money as I can.” Harris’ best seasons came in 2019 and 2020, when he wrapped up the season ninth in the world title race. He hopes to one up himself in 2024. That’ll require more clutch runs in key situations. Houston got the ball rolling, now Harris says it’s time to find that success throughout the entire season. “I hope to just build and keep going,” Harris said. “Then find a way to continue to win big rodeos. I’ve had some success in the past but not near as much as I want to. So, I hope I can build off this and see where it goes.”

Harris

1. Leighton Berry .................... 91.5 pts. 2. Garrett Shadbolt ........................ 87.5 3. Cooper Cooke ............................ 86.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dakota Eldridge .................... 8.1 sec. 2. Tucker Allen ................................. 9.9 3. Stetson Jorgensen ..................... 15.2 TEAM ROPING 1. J.Yeahquo/B. Hawkins II ....... 4.8 sec. 2. J. Smith/D. Rich .......................... 5.2 3. A. Ward/T. Braden ........................ 5.4 (Tie) C. Summers/J. Long ............ 5.4 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Damian Brennan .................... 91 pts. 2. Lefty Holman ................................ 89 3. Cole Elshere ............................... 88.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Ty Harris ............................. 8.2 sec.* 2. Joel Harris ................................... 8.2 3. Marty Yates .................................. 8.7 BARREL RACING 1. Leslie Smalygo ................. 14.35 sec. 2. Lisa Lockhart ........................... 14.54 3. Paige Jones ............................. 14.71 BULL RIDING 1. Creek Young .......................... 87 pts. 2. Roscoe Jarboe .............................. 82 3. T.J. Gray ...................................... NS (Tie) Tristan Hutchings NS * Ty Harris won tiebreaker after a one-run rope off

RodeoHouston photo/Mallory Beinborn

Complete results/Page 56

Ty Harris captured the RodeoHouston title by winning the tiebreaker against his brother Joel. Ty posted a 9.6-second time during the winner- take-all run.

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RODEOHOUSTON

Brennan keeps rolling with Houston victory RodeoHouston photo/Mallory Beinborn Coming off a win at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Damian Brennan kept the train rolling in Houston, winning the title with a 91-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Ed Bishop.

Fresh off his 2023 Wrangler Nationals Finals Rodeo debut – where Damian Brennan earned $166,751 – which pushed him to a fifth-place finish in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, he has kept his foot on the gas pedal. The Queensland, Australia, cowboy was celebrating on March 17 after capturing the title at RodeoHouston at NRG Stadium for the first time in his career. Brennan collected top honors with his 91-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Ed Bishop in the four-man Championship Shootout. “This is a massive dream come true and it hasn’t really soaked in yet,” said Brennan, 24, moments after his victory. “Like I have said before, this is what dreams are made of and this is why we ride bucking horses to be able to compete in front of all those fans and for $50,000. “It’s a great horse (Ed Bishop) and comes out in the air and gives you

plenty of time to set your feet and it is a bronc rider’s dream that horse. It makes things a lot easier.” Brennan earned $56,750 at RodeoHouston, $50,000 of which he won for his final ride. It has been an incredible season thus far for Brennan, as he rocketed to the top of the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $106,810. “I think a lot of confidence,” Brennan said about his key to success. “Coming off the NFR, I had a really good Finals, and it gave me a heap of confidence to come out to do my best this year.” Brennan placed in seven rounds at the NFR, highlighted by winning Round 4 outright with an 89-point ride on TNT Pro Rodeo’s Cancun Moon and splitting the Round 7 win with an 87-point trip on Powder River Rodeo’s Bet the Ranch. “I’m not going to change anything,” Brennan said. “What I’m doing now is working. I’m going to keep doing what I have been doing and hopefully we can keep the ball rolling.”

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HOUSTON

BY TANNER BARTH & TRACY RENCK Creek Young continues strong start with win

Creek Young has never been afraid of the moment in his five-year ProRodeo career, and he proved that once again at NRG Stadium on March 17. A year ago, Young found himself in the exact same position, the Championship Shootout at RodeoHouston with $50,000 up for grabs. Ultimately, he fell short of the win and finished third. He was bound and determined to not let that happen again in 2024. “I’m definitely thankful, super thankful. I was in this exact same situation last year and rode my bull for 7.5 seconds,” said Young, 23. “We all four bucked off and had to run four more in there. That day it didn’t end up going how I wanted it to. It all kind of came full circle today. I got to come back here, and we got it done the right way this year.” A matchup with Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Preacher proved to be the difference. This time around it resulted in an 87-point ride and the coveted Houston buckle. He felt confident headed into the four-man finals. “I had actually been on three of the four bulls that were in the four man within the last month,” Young said. “Two of them here at Houston and one of them in San Antonio. So, I was pretty confident on all of them. It ended up being a rematch from my semifinal set with the bull I had drawn. I think I rode him a little bit better the second time.” Now, with over $55,000 added to his season total, Young sits No. 1 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. His sights are squarely set on adding a gold buckle to his name in December. “It comes down to just trying to trust myself. I know how to ride bulls,” Young said. “If I get myself into these big situations and moments, I just need to capitalize on them. Then, remembering I got the good Lord above watching over me. If I put my faith in him everything will shake out the way it should.”

RodeoHouston photo/Mallory Beinborn Creek Young covered Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Preacher for 87 points to win RodeoHouston on March 17. The ride earned him the $50,000 first-place check.

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