ProRodeo Sports News - March 31, 2023

RODEO AUSTIN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Flenniken/Worley claim crown Jeff Flenniken/Tyler

Worley qualified together for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2020. The team roping duo then decided it would be best to try their hands with different partners the past two seasons. Looking for familiarity, they joined forces once again in 2023 and it looks to be paying off. A trip to Rodeo Austin on March 25 proved that. Flenniken/Worley held off Luke Brown/ Hunter Koch with a 5.2-second run to claim the team roping title. Even with a trip to the NFR under his belt, Flenniken admits this may have been the biggest win of his career. “Honestly, this is

James Phifer photo Heeler Tyler Worley gets ready to take his shot after header Jeff Flenniken made his catch. The duo won Rodeo Austin with a 5.2-second run.

probably my biggest win,” said Flenniken, 26. “I feel super blessed and so excited to pick up a win like this. It’s really a dream come true.” Worley said his comfort level with Flenniken has allowed them to hit the ground running this season. “It’s awesome getting to rope with Jeff again, I know exactly what he’s going to do since we’ve roped a bunch together,” said Worley, a two-time Wrangler NFR qualifier. “I’m super comfortable roping with him and I’m

glad we decided to do it again. We are really enjoying it.” Flenniken concurred with his partner. “We used to rope together back in the day and made the Finals together,” he said. “I took a couple years and we decided we wanted to rope with each other again and it’s pretty cool to win with him again.” The duo earned $12,067 while in Austin, to reach the Top 15 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings. Jace Trosclair gets jolt with bull riding win A year ago, bull rider Jace Trosclair showed glimpses of greatness, finishing 26th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $74,256. Now, the Chauvin, La., cowboy is ready to take the next step and qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Trosclair helped that cause by winning Rodeo Austin with an 87.5-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s Wild Onion in the finals. He departed Austin with $11,252. “It feels great,” Trosclair said. “I’m glad to get it done here and get the ball rolling. “I had never been on (Wild Onion) before, but I knew all about him. I also knew if I kept my hand shut and kept moving, I could get it done.” Wild Onion, a rank bull, competed at the 2022 Wrangler NFR presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas, bucking off Jeff Askey in Round 10. “I was the first guy out and knew if I got the job done then the rest of the guys had to come out and try to get past me,” Trosclair said. “This is the biggest win of my career. I grew up bull riding and I love it. It would mean a lot if I could get to the NFR, everything I have worked for is to get there.”

James Phifer photo

Bull rider Jace Trosclair claimed the title at Rodeo Austin with an 87.5-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s Wild Onion.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/31/2023

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