ProRodeo Sports News | March 4, 2022

LA FIESTA DE LOS VAQUEROS TUCSON, ARIZ.

Arizona Heat

Brody Cress warms up winter run with victory at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros BY DAGIN RENCK, Special to the ProRodeo Sports News W here there’s consistency, there’s Brody Cress. His 2022 winter season has followed suit. The Wyoming native’s most recent victory came in Tucson (Ariz.) on Feb. 27, winning the average title at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros. He secured the win with a rodeo-record 178 points on two head, earning a total of $5,968 in his two rides at the NFR Playoff Series presented by PendletonWhisky. Cress clinched the victory with a rodeo-record 92-point ride in the finals on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Nutrena’s Killer Bee. The cowboy was excited at an opportunity for redemption with his matchup. “That’s a horse I’ve been looking forward to being able to get on again,” Cress said. “I got on her awhile back in Austin (Rodeo Austin, 2016) and it didn’t work out very well, so I was excited to have her (in Tucson). I mean she always has a really good trip and gives guys a chance. As long as you go out there and do your job, you’re going to have a chance to win. She had a great trip with me, and it worked out.” Cress’ visit to Tucson was his second time in his career. With many stops throughout the year, he remembers the roaring crowds most. “It’s an awesome rodeo, said Cress. “…It’s always fun to be able to get on in front of good crowds. So, you remember those rodeos where the crowd really gets into it, and they do a good job with hospitality.” The victory is an exclamation point on Cress’ winter season. As the ProRodeo season heads into March, he hopes to keep it rolling. “It’s going good. It’s been awesome to be able to go to these big rodeos and get a chance to get on good bucking horses that allow you to win,” Cress said. “I’m just going to try and continue to focus on taking it one horse at a time and hopefully keep drawing good ones and having success the rest of the winter.” Cress boasts an impressive resume. In five straight trips to the NFR (2017-21), he has finished in the top three of the RAM | World Standings four times. The saddle bronc rider credits his success to those around him. “What’s helped me out a lot is just everyone who helps chase my dream every year,” Cress said. “Whether it’s my sponsors or my girlfriend that does so much for me at home or my parents, that allows me to stay focused on (saddle) bronc riding, working out, and be gone to attend all of the rodeos. By doing that, it’s allowed me to keep progressing forward and have success.” The final piece to Cress’ puzzle remains a gold buckle. After falling just short last December, he remains focused on making each run count. “I think just going out there every chance and giving it all you can,” Cress said. “Continue to stay focused and stay positive no matter what happens because there can be a lot of ups and downs throughout the year. There’s such a good field of (saddle) bronc riders right now, it’s fun. So, just to go out there, compete with those guys, have fun, and stay focused. It’s going to be a good year though.”

TOP MONEY WINNER TOP SCORES

Trey Kimzey ($9,104, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING

Kimzey

1. Jess Pope...................179.5 pts. on 2 2. Orin Larsen..................................176 3. Tanner Aus...................................171 STEER WRESTLING 1. J.D. Struxness .............. .9.5 sec. on 2 2. Cameron Morman........................10.0 3. Two tied at ................................. 10.3 TEAM ROPING 1. Siggins/Zambrano ...... 20.1 sec. on 3 2. Jos.Torres/Jon. Torres ............. 20.3 3. M. Battaglia/J. Johe ................... 20.5 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Brody Cress...................178 pts. on 2 2. Wyatt Casper................................174 3. Two tied at .................................. 170 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Ty Harris ..................15.5 sec. on two 2. Haven Meged...............................15.6 3. Tim Pharr.....................................15.8 BARREL RACING 1. Steely Steiner............ 34.61 sec. on 2 2. Tarryn Lee................................ 34.93 (Tie) Nellie Miller ..................... 34.93 BULL RIDING 1. Trey Kimzey............... 167.5 pts. on 2 2. Ky Hamilton................................... 90 3. Cullen Telfer................................... 86

Complete results/Page 49

Kent Soule photo

Wyoming native Brody Cress won the saddle bronc riding at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros in Tucson, Ariz., with a rodeo-record ride of 92-points in the finals on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Nutrena’s Killer Bee.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/4/2022

ProRodeo Sports News 3/4/2022

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