ProRodeo Sports News - Nov. 1, 2019

BY TRACY RENCK T ie-down ropers Michael as first-time qualifiers for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. What’s the link between those two? At 37, Otero is the oldest first-time qualifier in the field, joining the PRCA in 2003. Mayfield, who turns 19 in November, is a rookie and the youngest competitor to qualify for the Finals. The 2019 Wrangler NFR will be at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Dec. 5-14. ProRodeo Sports News talked with both tie-down ropers to see what they are expecting from their first trip to ProRodeo’s biggest event. Oldest and youngest first-time Wrangler NFR qualifiers ready Q&A WRANGLER NFR Otero and Shad Mayfield will experience the ultimate thrill in ProRodeo come December Michael: For me, it is going to be having the chance to help my family monetarily, and another cool part is I always thought I could do it, and now I finally reached this goal. Shad: The cool part is being able to make it my rookie year. I set a goal to make it to the NFR my rookie year, and it’s cool that I accomplished that goal. How exciting is your Wrangler NFR bid for your family and support system? Michael: My family is way more excited than I am. To me, it was more of a goal. A lot of What’s the coolest part about making the Wrangler NFR?

Matt Cohen photo Tie-down roper Michael Otero, shown competing at the St. Paul (Ore.) Rodeo in July, is making his Wrangler National Finals Rodeo debut in December in Las Vegas at age 37.

great, and everybody is excited to see me rope there.

my family and people I know are planning to fly out there to watch. My wife (barrel racer Carlee Pierce-Otero) has been to the NFR three times. We have a boy, Hudson, who will be 2 in November, and we are expecting another boy who is due in November. Shad: My dad, (Sylvester, who qualified for the NFR in 1985 and 1987) has been to the NFR, and he pretty much put his whole life aside to help me get there. My mom (JoEllen) also is excited to see me there, but she has always been a fan and watched the NFR. The rest of my family has been

What’s the main thing you can’t wait to experience at the Wrangler NFR?

Michael: I don’t know if there’s one thing. I’m just excited to rope there for big money and the challenge of competing against the best for that current year and be in the spotlight. Shad: Riding up in there when I’m one roper away. That’s what I’m waiting for, and I’ve always wanted to win one of those go-round buckles.

ProRodeo Sports News 11/1/2019

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