ProRodeo Sports News | March 4, 2022

To The Top Sage Kimzey wins fourth San Antonio crown

INSIDE • Brody Cress

wins at Tucson

©2021 COORS BREWING CO., GOLDEN, CO • BEER CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY ®

GLORY, GRIT & BANQUET

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BULL, MEET G.O.A.T.

SAGE KIMZEY 7X WORLD CHAMPION BULL RIDER

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CONTENTS

MARCH 4, 2022 VOLUME 70, NO. 5

Tucson Shines

36

La Fiesta de los Va- queros in

Tucson, Ariz., which was canceled in 2021 because of the CO- VID-19 pandemic, returned in a big way in 2022 with record crowds and a nearly $350,000 payout.

Oklahoma bull rider Chris Bechthold was unable to make the whistle on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Ring Master in Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 27.

Kent Soule photo

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INSIDE

RODEOS 18 2022 PRCA world STANDINGS COVER 26 San Antonio, Texas 34 Tucson, Ariz. 36 San Antonio, Texas Xtreme Bulls 38 Jackson, Miss. RODEOS 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Hot Takes 10 Grille 12 Brain Teasers 14 He Said-She Said 16 Social Media 22 Short Round 44 Results 54 PRCA Notes

Michael Roberts photo Bareback rider Eli Hershberger gets a helping hand following his ride on Harper & Morgan Rodeo Company’s Payden’s Pet in Jackson, Miss. Dixie National Delight Contestants competed for nearly $250,000 at the Dixie National Rodeo in Jackson, Miss., which concluded Feb. 19. Tie-down roper Ty Harris, a three- time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier, earned a rodeo-best $6,897. 40

To The Top

ProRodeo Sports News PRCA CEO Tom Glause PSN EDITOR Tracy Renck PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carol Lawrence CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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

Sage Kimzey wins fourth San Antonio crown

INSIDE • Brody Cress

wins at Tucson

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2022, PRCA Properties Inc. , a

Bull rider Sage Kimzey points to the sellout crowd at the AT&T Center in San Antonio after his finals-winning 92-point ride on And- rews Rodeo’s Ol’ Son. Hailey Rae photo

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.

Tanner Barth Julia Plungy

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EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK San Antonio, Tucson have memorable performances

W hen the COVID-19 pandemic essentially shut down the world in March of 2020, rodeo found a way to survive. By the third week of May 2020 the Cave Creek (Ariz.) Rodeo Days started things back up. The COVID-19 pandemic no doubt played havoc with the PRCA schedule in 2020 and 2021 with rodeos having to hustle to make things work due to crowd restrictions in place. Well, the pandemic seemed like a distant memory on the final night of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, Feb. 26 at the AT&T Center. The sellout crowd of 16,000 cheered on the contestants as they vied for their share of the $1 million-plus purse at the NFR Playoff Series presented by PendletonWhisky rodeo. And some of PRCA’s biggest superstars shined. ProRodeo’s Kaycee Feild, PRCA’s record holder with six bareback riding world titles, won San Antonio for the fourth time. He also won in 2011, 2013, 2015. StetsonWright, a five-time world champ, was the saddle bronc winner for the first time to go with his 2021 bull riding crown. Four-time world champion tie-down roper Tuf Cooper was a first-time San Antonio winner. Bull rider Sage Kimzey, the seven-time world champion, added his fourth San Antonio title to go with his 2014-16 victories. Not long after his saddle bronc riding victory lap, Wright gave the crowd a bonus in the bull riding finals. Wright had an 88-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s Wild Onion but was awarded a re-ride when the bull stumbled after a couple of bucks.

The 88-point ride would have givenWright a third-place finish and a $6,000 check, but he was having none of it. Wright elected to take a re-ride and this time he had an 88.5-point trip on Andrews Rodeo’s Alley-Oop, but the bull stumbled late, and the re-ride option was given again. That’s whenWright showed his true championship colors. He told officials “Bring him in,” for another re-ride – and the crowd went wild. Unfortunately, Wright didn’t make the whistle on his third bull in a 15-minute span, but he did show cowboy grit. Opting out was not an option – winning was. His competitive spirit is endearing and that’s why he has legions of fans. Wright wasn’t left empty-handed as he earned a rodeo-best $36,750. A day after San Antonio finished, Feb. 27, the celebration continued at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz., a stop on the NFR Playoff Series presented by PendletonWhisky. The 97th Tucson Rodeo, which was canceled in 2021 because of the pandemic, was highlighted by three new rodeo records – two by saddle bronc rider Brody Cress for his 92-point ride in the finals on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Nutrena’s Killer Bee and his two-head average score of 178 points and one by bareback rider Jess Pope for his 179.5 points in the average. What was great to see was more people than ever watched the action in Tucson. The rodeo set an all-time attendance record with more than 55,000 spectators over six days. Bull rider Trey Kimzey, Sage’s younger brother, earned a rodeo-best $9,104 in Tucson. Electrifying performances, record crowds are hopefully trends that will continue as the PRCA season shifts into the spring.

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.

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Midseason Push

“I just wanted to hit the barrier and make a good run. It all worked out in my favor. It’s a great feeling because this rodeo (San Antonio) has been on my bucket list for a long time. It’s one of the bigger rodeos and it gives you a

J.D. Struxness came into February with just $1,485 to his name. That quickly changed with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz. Struxness earned

$29,534 with two rodeo wins to bump him inside the top five of the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

great start to the year. So, to finally get the championship here is awesome.”

NEXT ON TAP RODEOHOUSTON Where: Houston, Texas When: Feb. 28- March 19

Broadcast Schedule: RodeoHouston will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App Feb. 28- March 19. 94TH ANNUAL ARCADIA ALL-FLORIDA CHAMPIONSHIP Where: Arcadia, Fla. When: March 10-13 Broadcast Schedule: The 94th Annual Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App March 10-13.

HOT TAKES Fernando Sam-Sin photo Trey Kimzey took home the bull riding title at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros with an 84-point ride on Rocky Mountain Rodeo’s Wolf Of Wallstreet.

Back on Track It’s been three years since Trey Kimzey qualified for the Wrangler NFR presented by Teton Ridge, but he looks back on track to return to the sport’s biggest event in 2022. The Strong City, Okla., bull rider jumped up to the eighth in the latest PRCA | RAM World Standings thanks to a $8,269 payday at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson. The 23-year-old also finished third at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

RODEO AUSTIN Where: Austin, Texas When: March 12-26

Broadcast Schedule: Rodeo Austin will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App March 12-26. * Broadcasts are subject to change. For complete broadcast schedule visit https://bit.ly/35iVDvH

137

NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2022 SEASON AS OF MARCH 2

$8,096,564

MONEY WON BY PRCA COWBOYS IN THE 2022 SEASON

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Waylon: My dad and all his brothers rode bareback horses. So, it was something that was always there for me growing up. I just had to wait until I was ready to take on some of the better horses. I love it and it’s something I want to continue doing for as long as I can. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Waylon: In 2020, I got my permit and spent the summer trying to learn. I think after I won in Sidney, Iowa, that was when it clicked for me. I said to myself, ‘I think I belong here’ and if I want to do it, I think I need to go out and do it. Why did you decide bareback riding would be your event? Waylon: I grew up seeing family members do it and I just love it really. That’s the event that I like, and it’s pretty much always been that way. Ever since the first time I got on it’s become my passion. What’s this season been like for you? Waylon: I had a really good fall, especially in the month of October. I’ve had a good year so far, but it’s a long year, a marathon not a sprint. I think it’s going to be a really good year and I can’t wait to see what else is in store. Why did you decide to get your card this year? Waylon: This is something that I planned for quite a while. It was finally time and I think I’m riding to the best of my ability right now. I’ve been working hard at it, and it seems like it’s paying off. I was ready to buy it, so I bought it. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Waylon: I rode calves and steers for a while when I was younger, but never really thought about taking it to the next step as a bull rider. I’m happy with being a bareback rider. Is there someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Waylon: There’s a ton of guys out there in the industry who I look up to. But I really look up to my dad, he’s my true hero. He provides for my family and gives us what we need on a day-to-day basis. That’s the true meaning of a man to me. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Waylon: I’m really into summer rodeos and getting to ride outside under the sun. So, I really want to win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Waylon Bourgeois spent two years on his permit before making the jump to being a PRCA cardholder. Now, in his rookie season he’s making his name known across the bareback riding world. Bourgeois kicked off his 2022 ProRodeo season by winning the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo. The Church Point, La., native currently leads the Resistol Rookie of the Year standings with $6,811 earned so far.

WAYLON BOURGEOIS

What’s your go-to restaurant or meal when you’re out on the road? Waylon: It has to be a good steak. I feel like that refuels my body and helps me out in the long run. I try to eat as healthy as I can when we’re out on the road.

Do you have a favorite candy? Waylon: I don’t really eat that much candy, but if I would have to say one it would probably be Rolo.

What was the make of your first car? Waylon : It was a 2013, Dodge RAM 1500. Do you have a favorite sports team? Waylon: I really like LSU when it comes to college football. I’m a college baseball fan as well and like the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing for fun? Waylon: I really love to play golf. I play at least once every time I’m home. What’s your favorite holiday? Waylon: I would have to say Christmas. My family has a big get together and I love being with my family. What type of music do you like listening to? Waylon: I enjoy listening to Robbie Hodges and I also really like Casey Donahew.

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UP CLOSE RODEO WORDS & ACTION

VIDEO

VIDEO

• Down with Sterling Crawley

• Highlights of the 2022 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

Word Search

Spring Heat

ANSWERS ON PAGE 54

Find the winners from the 2021 Parada Del Sol in Scottsdale, Ariz. and the Matagorda County Fair & Livestock Exposition in Bay City, Texas. 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. 1. Find the winners from Scottsdale, Ariz. BB: Evan Betony SW: Stephen Culling TR: Garrett Rogers/Jake Minor SB: Talon Elshere TD: Logan Bird 2. Find the winners from Bay City, Texas. BB: Cole Reiner/Kody Lamb SW: Jacob Talley/Tyler Waguespack/Tanner Brunner TR: Coy Rahlmann/Douglas Rich SB: Logan Cook TD: Tanner Green GB: Shelley Morgan BR: J.B. Mauney GB: Jaime Hinton BR: Roscoe Jarboe

C D Y J X E J S Z Z C R V W A Y G Y F Q K T O E Y H I A G N I L L U C N E H P E T S Y U L N Z N I D O N E M A W T T D V V A J L G L E J B M A U N E Y B A L B A V C L J E L A E R V E A L A R M H M Y N F S L O N R A T R Z E H I A M A Y F U B P T M P N N W S B G R X I N N L Z M N E H Q D H E E T A R O R O E N N Y H C S T H E R R Y A L S G I C E U U T D E A Q O N R I O Z R V S W U C A N Z A O T X R N X S B G S J H Q H F E H J N Q K N C R Y S J N D D C X O W E I S K H A B K W Q L O G A N C O O K C F R M P O X T R D M Z R C G K R B K E X Z M E G A V I C V U M T W O V E T X T J G Y A F N C X X R Q M M W L F T M R I O A U O Z H L K B K F W T H O U E Q I O S C R R O X L L W R E N N U R B R E N N A T A B Z S I Y H J W T A W J I R U W Y O A Q D O C H D F U N K U W L U N E N A G R O M Y E L L E H S T U W F S A Y A Z V M N S H A C B X T O B O M Y Z M W T N J P E K C X B M K G X Z B

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DRIVEN TO DO MORE

PROUD TO BE THE OFFICIAL OFF-ROAD VEHICLE OF PRCA

Out here the days start before sunrise, and they don’t end until the job is done. Polaris ® RANGER ® is born from a determination to never compromise; the passion and purpose which drives you, also drives us. Powerful, capable, comfortable — for 20-years strong, RANGER ® is the most trusted utility side-by-side in the world.

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10 QUESTIONS He Said – She Said Who knows two-time PRCA Bullfighter of the Year Cody Webster better, his wife, Ashley or his traveling partner Nathan Harp?

Cody

Ashley

Nathan

NATHAN

CODY

ASHLEY

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Frank Newsom

Frank Newsom

Frank Newsom

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

New England Patriots

Oklahoma Sooners

Kansas City Chiefs

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Ashley

Ashley

Me

WHO IS HIS FAVORITE NON-RODEO ATHLETE?

Tom Brady

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor

IS HE AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL?

Night Owl

Night Owl

Night Owl

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE FAST FOOD RESTAURANT?

Panda Express

Panda Express

Braum’s

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE MOVIE?

Anchorman

Rush Hour

Rush Hour

WHAT’S THE BEST CONCERT HE ATTENDED?

Nickelback

Nickelback

George Strait

WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE?

Pee-wee Herman

Mark Wahlberg

Vin Diesel

14 WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE HOLIDAY?

Christmas

Christmas

– Courtesy of Ted Harbin Christmas

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together, we are family

Paul Tierney PRCA All-Around Champion 1980

Robin (Bail) Tierney Miss Rodeo South Dakota 1985

Jordan Tierney Miss Rodeo America 2020-2021

Ty Erickson 2019 PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler

Cierra Erickson WPRA All-Around Cowgirl

w w w . m o n t a n a s i l v e r s m i t h s . c o m 888 - 677 - 9487 | Fo l l ow us

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SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

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THE BEST IS YET TO COME. bootbarn.com

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2022 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of March 2, 2022. For the 2022 season (Oct. 1, 2021-Sept. 30, 2022), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 85; team roping, 65; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 85; barrel racing, 100; and bull riding, no limit. Bull riders can count Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

ALL-AROUND 1. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah..................... $76,526 2. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss.................................... 21,240 3. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla.............. 16,050 4. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M................................ 13,888 5. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif................................ 13,809 6. Riley Wakefield, ONeill, Neb................................. 11,373 7. Jase Staudt, Nathrop, Colo.................................... 8,245 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah................................. $47,360 2. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif.. ......................... 37,768 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas............................. 36,306 4. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb......................... 34,430 5. Chad Rutherford, Hillsboro, Texas....................... 31,602 6. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa. ............................. 27,863 7. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo.................................... 22,749 8. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn.. ......................... 22,519 9. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas..................... 21,757 10. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont.. .......... 20,976 11. Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah. ................. 19,867 12. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D....................................... 18,322 13. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan...................................... 18,140 14. Wyatt Denny, Minden, Nev................................... 17,421 15. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev.................... 15,467 16. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba............................... 15,425 17. Lane McGehee, Victoria, Texas. ........................... 14,348 18. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La.. .................................. 14,102 19. Seth Hardwick, Ranchester, Wyo......................... 14,006 20. Tim Kent, Chambersburg, Pa............................... 13,762 STEER WRESTLING 1. Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La.. .............................. $43,268 2. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.......................... 37,272 3. Payden McIntyre, Douglas, Wyo.......................... 22,700 4. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn................................. 22,229 5. Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La.................................. 21,481 6. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore............................... 20,963 7. Taz Olson, Prairie City, S.D.. ................................ 19,664 8. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss.. .............................. 18,755 9. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D...................... 18,327 10. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala................................. 16,122 11. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont.. ................................. 15,820 12. Sterling Lambert, Fallon, Nev............................... 14,977 13. Mike McGinn, Haines, Ore.. ................................. 13,325 14. Justin Shaffer, Hallsville, Texas............................ 13,205 15. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho................................. 12,988 16. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev................................... 12,810 17. Wyatt Jurney, Las Cruces, N.M............................ 12,619 18. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis.......................................... 11,924 19. Shane Frey, Duncan, Okla.................................... 11,755 20. Juan Alcazar Jr., Okeechobee, Fla........................ 11,125 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga............................. $33,456 2. Lightning Aguilera, Athens, Texas........................ 28,365 3. Jake Orman, Prairie, Miss.................................... 27,543 4. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn............................ 21,498 5. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah............................ 19,645 6. Reno Stoebner, Stephenville, Texas. .................... 19,028 7. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla............................... 18,760 8. Joshua Torres, Ocala, Fla..................................... 18,320 9. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla.......................... 15,699 10. Garrett Rogers, Baker City, Ore............................ 15,456 11. Rhett Anderson, Annabella, Utah......................... 15,103 12. Jeff Flenniken, Caldwell, Idaho............................. 14,646 13. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif............................... 14,425 14. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla.......................... 14,362 15. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla............................... 14,340 16. Justin Yost, Citra, Fla........................................... 13,830 17. Braxton Culpepper, Poulan, Ga.. .......................... 12,576 18. Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah.................................. 12,511 19. Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn................................ 12,450 20. Cory Kidd V, Statesville, N.C................................ 12,411

TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Jonathan Torres, Ocala, Fla................................ $39,820 2. Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil ...... 33,456 3. Brye Crites, Welch, Okla.. .................................... 27,016 4. Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla........................... 24,835 5. Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta..................... 19,645 6. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M................................... 18,760 7. Tyler McKnight, Pollok, Texas.............................. 17,508 8. Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz.................................... 15,700 9. Max Kuttler, American Falls, Idaho....................... 15,103 10. Jake Minor, Ellensburg, Wash.............................. 14,646 11. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas.................... 14,425 12. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla....................................... 14,362 13. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan....................... 14,340 14. Adam Plyler, Pageland, S.C.................................. 13,700 15. Lane Mitchell, Bolivar, Tenn................................. 13,212 16. Reno Gonzales, Scott, La..................................... 12,691 17. Brad Culpepper, Sylvester, Ga.............................. 12,576 18. Caleb Hendrix, Fallon, Nev.. ................................. 12,511 19. Jake Edwards, Fort Ann, N.Y................................ 12,192 20. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss...................................... 11,991 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah..................... $53,717 2. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas................... 41,690 3. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta......................... 33,027 4. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo................................. 32,770 5. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta............. 31,868 6. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont........................... 30,486 7. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah.................................. 28,187 8. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont.. ...................... 26,851 9. Kole Ashbacher, Arrowwood, Alberta................... 25,164 10. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho................................... 23,841 11. Logan James Hay, Wildwood, Alberta.................. 22,583 12. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas................................. 22,478 13. Lucas Macza, High River, Alberta......................... 21,648 14. Leon Fountain, Socorro, N.M............................... 20,219 15. Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas.................... 19,868 16. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta........................ 18,752 17. Parker Kempfer, Deer Park, Fla............................ 18,511 18. Tegan Smith, Winterset, Iowa.............................. 17,482 19. Logan Cook, Alto, Texas. ..................................... 17,241 20. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D........................................ 16,310 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont.. ....................... $37,840 2. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M.................................. 35,311 3. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas.......................... 30,897 4. Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla............................. 29,690 5. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas. ............... 28,135 6. Quade Hiatt, Canyon, Texas. ................................ 23,752 7. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.......................... 23,165 8. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La.. .............................. 22,702 9. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb...................................... 21,552 10. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas. .............................. 20,989 11. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas. ..................... 20,845 12. Michael Otero, Millsap, Texas. ............................. 20,299 13. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla.............................. 18,931 14. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan.................................... 18,715 15. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas. ............................... 17,533 16. Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La................................ 15,519 17. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas............................. 14,376 18. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif................................ 13,977 19. Bart Brunson, Terry, Miss.................................... 13,650 20. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil.............................. 13,564 STEER ROPING 1. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas................................ $16,826 2. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas............................. 15,477 3. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.................... 13,968 4. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas............................. 13,244 5. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas. ............... 13,241 6. Cash Myers, Kaufman, Texas............................... 11,990 7. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas. ............................. 10,546 8. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan...................................... 9,896 9. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D................................... 9,280 10. Ryan Willberg, Lott, Texas..................................... 8,629 11. Brian Garr, Belle Fourche, S.D................................ 8,518 12. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................... 7,963 13. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla.............................. 7,058 14. Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla................................ 6,886

15. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas..................... 6,765 16. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas................................... 6,364 17. Roger Branch, Wellston, Okla................................ 6,198 18. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas............................... 6,047 19. Corey Ross, Liberty Hill, Texas. ............................. 5,827 20. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo.. ........................... 5,720 BULL RIDING 1. Sage Steele Kimzey, Salado, Texas. ................... $61,495 2. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah. .................................. 58,577 3. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah....................... 45,133 4. Scottie Knapp, Albuquerque, N.M........................ 43,165 5. Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla......................... 35,158 6. Bubba Greig, Estherville, Iowa............................. 35,029 7. Ernie Courson Jr., Okeechobee, Fla...................... 31,421 8. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.. ........................... 29,679 9. J.R. Stratford, Byers, Kan.................................... 29,662 10. Grayson Cole, Fredonia, Pa.................................. 27,347 11. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas..................................... 27,181 12. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho................. 25,466 13. Cole Fischer, Jefferson City, Mo........................... 25,014 14. Jordan Hansen, Amisk, Alberta............................ 24,507 15. Tyler Taylor, Stephenville, Texas........................... 21,091 16. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.................................... 20,617 17. Aaron Williams, Pismo Beach, Calif..................... 20,512 18. Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La................................... 19,834 19. Toby Collins, Stephenville, Texas. ........................ 19,653 20. Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas.......................... 19,272 BARREL RACING Barrel racing and breakaway roping standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings. 1. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas. .............................. $45,101 2. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla......................... 34,520 3. Jordan Briggs, Tolar, Texas................................... 30,511 4. Sissy Winn, Chapman Ranch, Texas..................... 30,286 5. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas. ............. 28,516 6. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla.................................. 27,616 7. Shannon McReynolds, La Luz, N.M...................... 24,184 8. Cassidy Chaplin, Pilot Point, Texas....................... 24,144 9. Emma Charleston, Reeds, Mo............................... 23,202 10. Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas............. 21,065 11. Ilyssa Riley, Hico, Texas........................................ 20,833 12. BryAnna Haluptzok, Tenstrike, Minn.. ................... 20,351 13. Sarah Rose Waguespack, Gonzales, La.. .............. 18,189 14. Kricket Gintner, Eau Claire, Wis.. .......................... 15,045 15. Brittney Barnett, Stephenville, Texas..................... 14,979 16. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla............................ 14,632 17. Jimmie Smith, McDade, Texas.............................. 13,061 18. Lacinda Rose, Willard, Mo.................................... 12,777 19. Abby Phillips, Marshall, Texas. ............................. 12,662 20. Amanda Welsh, Sundance, Wyo........................... 12,430 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas................................ $35,443 2. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas................... 23,123 3. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo................................... 21,149 4. Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas................................. 19,579 5. Taylor Engesser, Spearfish, S.D. .......................... 17,218 6. Cadee Williams, Weatherford, Texas..................... 17,198 7. Hope Thompson, Abilene, Texas........................... 14,308 8. J.J. Hampton, Stephenville, Texas. ....................... 14,147 9. Cheyanne Guillory, Gainsville, Texas..................... 12,333 10. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas...................... 11,809 11. Jordi Edens, Gatesville, Texas................................. 9,696 12. Amber Crawford, Springtown, Texas....................... 9,320 13. Bailey Gubert, Hungerford, Texas. .......................... 8,873 14. Tibba Smith, Hobbs, N.M........................................ 8,725 15. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D.. ................................ 8,562 16. Tacy Webb, Midway, Texas. .................................... 7,260 17. Brighton Bauman, Burleson, Texas......................... 6,830 18. Taylor Hanchey, Carmine, Texas.............................. 6,710 19. Elsie Rose Campbell, Riverton, Wyo....................... 6,500 20. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas. ..................... 6,071

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New Structure PRORODEO JUDGING PRCA has expanded its Pro Officials to 12

BY TRACY RENCK T he Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Officials,” said Rick Smith, PRCA’s Supervisor of Pro Officials. “This year we have expanded it to 12 Pro Officials.” Smith said five of the 12 Pro Officials have been Pro Officials and are returning. That group consists of Cliff Overstreet, George Gibbs, Joe Bob Locke, Harry Rose Jr., and Mike Todd. implemented changes to its Pro Officials Program, beginning on March 1. “Traditionally there has been eight Pro

score line, and judging roughstock rides. Their job is to make critical calls instantly. “We have set this up a little different now (with the Pro Officials),” Smith said. “They are contract employees now. The length of these contracts is varied from one year to three years. One of the things we wanted to try to accomplish was give these reserve officials an opportunity to move up through the system. In the past, the judges (Pro) Officials didn’t change much from year-to-year. Now there will be four contracts up every year. That doesn’t mean you will replace four people but there’s the

Smith

option to replace four people. “With 12 guys, they will judge fewer performances. When there were eight Pro Officials, guys would judge around 100 perfs and now we are going to keep them within 65 to 75 perfs. That’s our target.” Smith, who began his job as PRCA Supervisor of Pro Officials in January, said the Pro Officials contracts run fromMarch 1 to Feb. 28. “I think (this change with the Pro Officials) was a good decision,” Smith said. “I like the fact we a have a few more guys involved as Pro Officials. I really like the fact reserve officials who put in the time and put in the work, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that they can move up. I’m also glad five of the veterans came back because they have so much knowledge of the sport and the rules and provide continuity to the program.”

These veteran Pro Officials are joined by newcomers Paul Cleveland, Terry Carlon, Rocky Steagall, Skip Emmett, Carl Burkholder, Chuck Hoss, and Scot Quick. “All 12 of these guys are assigned as needed and of course they will be involved in our bigger rodeos,” Smith said. The Wrangler Pro Officials Program was designed in 1981 by Ken Stemler and had eight full-time Pro Officials. The idea was to build a base of qualified judges. Before the program, every PRCA contestant was required to judge one rodeo a year, if called upon, but the competency level was impossible to control. The original eight full-time Wrangler Pro Officials responsibilities included overseeing the draw, flagging the timed events, watching the

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SHORT ROUND

Wrangler NFR payoff climbs again, now at a record $14.1M Purse Increase

T he Professional Rodeo Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® will see an increase in the payout at the world’s largest rodeo in December for the second consecutive year. The Wrangler NFR, which is Cowboys Association® and Las Vegas Events announced Feb. 23 that the 2022

money.

Between 2015 and 2020, the NFR paid out a total of $10 million – $8.8 million in competition prize money and $1.2 million in guaranteed prize money to qualifiers. The total purse increased to $10,257,048 in 2021. Based on the updated purse in 2022, the increase will see round winners take home $28,914 per round and average winners earn $74,150.

scheduled this year at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas Dec. 1-10, will have a record-setting competition payout of more than $10.9 million. This amount includes guaranteed prize money of $1.2 million for all NFR qualifiers and $9,700,098 in competition prize

Each go-round will pay a total of $93,270, while the average total will pay $279,811 per event. The stock contractor pay – which is 30% of the contestant payout – increased to $3,270,030.

Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall unveils 2022 class

The Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame recently announced the 2022 class of inductees with the induction ceremony slated for April 9, in the Fort Worth (Texas) Stockyards National Historic District. This year’s inductees include: Johnny Boren Award Inductee • Renee Harvey Lowe Directors’ Choice Award Inductee • Coors Cowboy Club Western Heritage Ward Inducte e • Robert Anderson Contestant Inductees • Trevor Brazile, PRCA record holder with 26 world championships and more than $7 million in career earnings. • Justin Maass, eight-time tie-down roping qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. • J.W. Harris, four-time PRCA World Champion Bull Rider • Scott Snedecor, four-time PRCA Steer Roping World Champion • Scott Kormos, eight-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in tie-down roping. • Janet Stover, 2001 world champion barrel racer and seven-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. • Jana Bean, three-time barrel racing qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. • Kelly Kaminski, 2004 and 2005 world champion barrel

racer.

Rodeo Personnel Inductees • Hub Baker, rodeo producer and stock contractor. • Frank McIlvain Sr., PRCA barrelman. Gold Card Inductees • James Allen, seven-time qualifier to the National Finals Steer Roping. • Bob Wilfong, Competed in all three roughstock events for 30 years and rodeo stock contractor. Empty Saddles • Sammy Catalena, PRCA stock contractor. • Dwayne Newton, steer wrestling qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Rodeo Animals - Timed Event Inductee • Firewater Flit, barrel racing sire of futurity and derby champions totaling more than $5 million. Events and Organizations • 1968 Sam Houston State University men’s and women’s Rodeo Teams – 1968 National Intercollegiate Champions The inductions will take place April 9, at the River Ranch Event Center in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Doors open at 10 a.m. (CT), lunch is served at 11 a.m. and inductions start at 12:15 p.m. There is also a golf tournament scheduled for April 7, at Canyon West Golf Course in Weatherford. A welcome reception is planned for 2 p.m., April 8 at the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame which is in Cowtown Coliseum.

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BY THE NUMBERS 0 The number of times team ropers – header Lightning Aguilera and heeler Jonathan Torres – had roped together in their careers before being paired up at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. The duo won San Antonio and earned $21,500 each. 3 The number of cowboys who won 2021 PRCA World Championships and went on to win the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in the 2022 PRCA regular season. The list consists of bareback rider Kaycee Field, saddle bronc rider Stetson Wright and bull rider Sage Kimzey. $36K The amount of money ($36,750) earned by Stetson Wright at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, which concluded Feb. 26. Wright earned $25,750 in saddle bronc riding and $11,000 in bull riding.

Dan Lesovsky photo

A cowboy competed in the 2021 Red Bluff (Calif.) Wild Ride dressed as Kim Kardashian. The 2022 Red Bluff Wild Ride is scheduled for April 17. Red Bluff doubles its payout to the contestant with the ‘Wildest’ Ride On a Sunday afternoon the third weekend in April, cowboys in all types of costumes launching out of the bucking shoots in Red Bluff, Calif. It’s a fan-favorite event. This is the Red Bluff Wild Ride. Cowboys are judged on their outlandish “get- ups” on top of how the horses buck. This year there’s almost $12,000 in payouts. Red Bluff’s Sunday performance – which will be April 17 this year – has become one of the most action-packed in ProRodeo. The costumes in the Wild Ride are much more sophisticated now and with the times. This year’s top performer will take home $3,000 and a hand-tooled Cactus Saddle, valued at more than $4,000. Second place pays ($2,250), third place ($1,500) and fourth place ($750). Sign-ups will be available through the rodeo secretary once the rodeo starts. The 2022 Red Bluff Round-Up runs from April 15-17.

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

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SNAPSHOT

Bringing the Heat Bull rider Marcos Juarez covers the eight seconds on Honeycutt Rodeo’s Cajun Heat for 89 points to win the 76th Annual Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo in Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 13. – Reed Settle photo

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There’s $1 million in payouts on the line, so the action at the 81 ST Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo-NFR Open is going to be incredible as the best athletes in the sport compete in: The Best in ProRodeo are coming to Colorado Springs, July 13-16, 2022. You won’t want to miss a minute of this one!

H Bareback Riding H Steer Wrestling H Team Roping

H Saddle Bronc Riding H Breakaway Roping H Tie-down Roping H Barrel Racing H Bull Riding Plus we’ll have fan favorite mutton bustin’! Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday Evening (Rodeo starts at 6:45 p.m.; Grounds open at 4:00 p.m.) Saturday Matinee

(Rodeo starts at 12:15 p.m.; Grounds open at 10:00 a.m.) Arrive early and enjoy all the Fan Zone fun! And stay after the Rodeo and head over to the Coors Roadhouse Saloon for live music, dancing and cold Coors!

The 81 ST Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo/NFR Open takes place at the scenic Norris Penrose Event Center located 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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Texas Two Step

SAN ANTONIO

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo returned to the AT&T Center in 2022 after being at the Freeman Coliseum last year. The rodeo was back in its home and welcomed

large crowds and electrifying action.

Reigning two-time PRCA Bullfighter of the Year Cody Webster displayed his skills during the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.

Kay Miller photo

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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO

Sage Kimzey adds another San Antonio title to his resume Four-Timer BY TANNER BARTH I t hasn’t been the busy winter rodeo season that seven-time PRCAWorld Champion Sage Kimzey is used to, but it hasn’t slowed down his productivity one bit in 2022. Kimzey has entered just four rodeos since the TOP MONEY WINNER Stetson Wright ($36,750, saddle bronc riding, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING TOP SCORES Wright

1. Kaycee Feild..........................$21,000 2. Tim O’Connell.........................18,000 3. Jess Pope...............................15,000 STEER WRESTLING 1. J.D. Struxness. .....................$20,750 2. Tyler Waguespack...................16,250 3. Jesse Brown...........................11,250 TEAM ROPING 1. L. Aguilera/J. Torres..............$21,500 2. R. Stoebner/J. Harrison. .........17,250 3. C. Proctor/L. Medlin................16,000 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Stetson Wright......................$25,750 2. Kolby Wanchuk.......................15,500 3. Layton Green. .........................12,750 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Tuf Cooper............................$19,500 2. Cooper Martin.........................17,000 3. Haven Meged..........................14,000 BARREL RACING 1. Hailey Kinsel.........................$24,000 2. Dona Kay Rule........................18,000 3. Cheyenne Wimberly................12,500 BULL RIDING 1. Sage Kimzey.........................$28,500 2. J.R. Stratford..........................22,250 3. Trevor Kastner. .......................14,167

conclusion of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge in December in Las Vegas. He has made them all count and then some. Just in the month of February, between the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Kimzey earned $58,327. He credits the longer break and in part more downtime to his early season success. “I’ve slowed down a lot this winter with the birth of my son,” said Kimzey, 27. “I haven’t been going to near as many rodeos, but I’ve been showing up fresher and more mentality locked in. So, the break and the slower pace has been good for me this winter. I’ve really just been capitalizing on all my opportunities, so it’s been good.” One of those opportunities he capitalized on was during the finals in San Antonio. The Texas bull rider matched up with Andrews Rodeo’s Ol’ Son. His eight-second cover was good enough for 92 points and ultimately the win in the Alamo City. “He’s a really nice bull, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “When the list came out for the draft, he was one that was definitely at the top of my list. I felt like a guy could be a lot of points on him. He was really electric coming out to the right of the gate. That bull was all he was built up to be and more.” His victory lap Feb. 26 was his fourth at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. He said it’s a place he loves competing at and it never gets old walking out of the AT&T Center with a buckle. “This rodeo is amazing, and the fans are truly amazing. The stock we get to get on is fantastic and the payout they give us makes it even better.” Kimzey said. “So, winning at a place like this never really gets old.” This past December, Kimzey won his seventh PRCA Bull Riding World Championship, he now only trails Don Gay, who has eight for the most in the sports history. He said while that’s in the back of his head he knows there’s still a lot of rodeoing left to be done. “The goal is obviously to win as many world titles as I can,” he said. “We have a lot of season left and a big Wrangler NFR ahead, but this is just one more step in that direction for sure.”

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Kay Miller photo

Sage Kimzey rides Andrews Rodeo’s Ol’ Son to a rodeo-best 92 points during the finals at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo.

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SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW & RODEO

Stetson Wright claims saddle bronc crown Hailey Rae photo Stetson Wright kept his winter run victory binge rolling by winning the saddle bronc riding in San Antonio for the first time in his career.

Although StetsonWright has collected five PRCAWorld Championships – three all-around and one saddle bronc riding and one bull riding – he’s never had a great winter run. That’s not the case anymore. He earned $36,750 at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo – $25,750 in saddle bronc riding and $11,000 in bull riding. That came on the heels of him winning the saddle bronc riding crown at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and earning $25,880. “Coming into this year after last year I was thinking ‘How do I top a season like that?’’’ Wright said. “To be honest I’m riding better right now than I did last year at the start of the year. My season has started off better than it has ever has. I’m super happy with the way everything has gone. I have been traveling with my brothers and I have got to be around them a lot more. The positive energy they keep in the truck just fuels me and makes me ride better.”

Wright won the saddle bronc riding with a 90.5-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Larry Culpepper in the finals. He added this to his 2021 San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo bull riding crown. “The feeling is outstanding,” saidWright, 22. “I got to get on a horse that I was already 90.5 points on once before. He’s a big strong sucker from Pete Carr’s and he came fromHi Lo (Pro Rodeo). He’s just a horse everybody wants. I was honestly surprised when I was like fifth or sixth in the draft that I was left with her because she’s so big and droppy. I just kept trying to stay back and lift.” Prior to the San Antonio finals, Wright told Keith Marrington of the Calgary Stampede that either he or his brother Ryder, who picked Calgary Stampede Tokyo Bubbles, were going to win. Ryder had an 89.5-point ride. “I was glad I was right, but I wish Ryder and I would have tied, that would have been way more fun,” Stetson said.

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