ProRodeo Sports News -March 5, 2021

Financially it’s great for everybody.” The American in 2021 will be even more critical to Reeves’ season because the eight-time NFR qualifier will undergo right hip surgery in Nashville, March 9. “I need to have this done if I’m going to continue to steer wrestle and for my benefit of life later,” Reeves said. “They will clean it up and make it better, and it will keep me from hopefully ever having a (hip) replacement surgery or anything. After my surgery, they said I could be out of action for around 16 weeks, soThe American this

SETTING THE SCENE

“That was a dream come true to win that much money at The American . . . That for sure was huge in my success last year, so I’m really looking forward to it this year.” – SHAD MAYFIELD

Casper was a qualifier at The American, and when he won, he split a $1 million bonus with Mayfield. Casper went on to earn another $175,846 at his inaugural appearance at the NFR at Globe Life Field in Arlington next door to AT&T Stadium. He finished second in the world standings. “That win at The American really helped

me get things set up to go to the NFR,” Casper said. “That $53,000 that went toward the world standings sure helped. It was great. If somebody wins that $50,000 at The American this year, they are going to be plum tickled that it will count toward the standings. “I’m thankful they are having

year is more important than ever for me.”

The American this year, and if we win again that would be awesome, and if we don’t, I’ll be glad to have competed. It’s a prestigious event and they make you feel like you’re a superstar when you get there.”

TITLE TARGET

Mayfield propelled his $603,000 paycheck at The

American in 2020 – $53,000 that counted toward the world standings – to his first gold buckle. He beat Marty Yates by $231 to capture the world title. “That was a dream come true to win that much money at The American,” said Mayfield, 20. “Having $53,000 of it counting toward the world standings was a huge plus. That for sure was huge in my success last year, so I’m really looking forward to it this year.” Mayfield clocked a time of 7.75 seconds in the Shoot-Out to secure his payday. “You just have to relax and treat it like any other rodeo,” Mayfield said. “I just acted like it was another run at home. I can’t wait to go back and defend my title.” Competing at The American also has been a treat for Reeves’ bank account. Reeves wonThe American in 2020 with a 4.05-second run in the four-man Shoot-Out and earned $100,000 – $50,000 toward the world standings. He also wonThe American in 2018 before it was sanctioned by the PRCA, taking home $433,000. “It’s huge to me,” said Reeves, 42. “It can help me rodeo less, rodeo smarter and do what I want to do and have a shot to go to the Finals again and have a shot to win.

Jackie Jensen photo Steer wrestler Matt Reeves won The American in 2020, which was his second career victory there. He also won in 2018.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/5/2021

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