ProRodeo Sports News - Nov.20, 2020

ROUGHSTOCK

In 2020, Stetson Wright will be the first cowboy to compete in two roughstock events at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo since 2003. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Clay Guardipee

Double Duty Stetson Wright first to qualify in multiple roughstock events at NFR since 2003

BY TRACY RENCK C ompeting at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in two roughstock events is not uncommon. But it’s also not something you see every year. In fact, it hasn’t happened in nearly 20 years. Jesse Bail was the last cowboy to qualify for multiple Wrangler NFR roughstock events when he competed in saddle bronc riding and bull riding in 2003 to finish fourth in the all-around race. This year, star StetsonWright enters the Finals in saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Wright, the defending all-around world champion, will compete at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 3-12. “It is great to see a guy like Stetson going in two events for sure,” Bail said. “If you are riding good it seems easy (to compete in two roughstock events at the NFR) because you do it all year. It is not as fun if you get banged up right off the bat. It was awesome getting to compete in two events at the NFR because I was busy all the time and it helped me out. It was a great challenge.”

Bail also qualified for the NFR in saddle bronc riding and bull riding in 2001 and 2002. Wright is keeping his latest accomplishment in perspective. “I have competed in two events since I was a little kid, so this isn’t new to me,” saidWright, 21. “I’m just going to treat it like another rodeo, because every time I’ve treated something bigger than what it is I always seem to not do as well. I know I’m pumped up for this.” GOING FOR GOLD ProRodeo Hall of Famer Ty Murray set the gold standard for competing in multiple roughstock events at the NFR 31 years ago. Murray qualified for the Wrangler NFR seven times in two or more roughstock events (1989-94 and 1998). From 1990-94, Murray qualified in all three roughstock events – bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. “Really it (competing in multiple roughstock events) becomes what you do, so the NFR is just your favorite place to go do it,” said Murray, 51. “I think

ProRodeo Sports News 11/20/2020

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

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