ProRodeo Sports News - November 16, 2018

Larry Mahan

Jim Shoulders

Tom Ferguson

Ty Murray

Trevor Brazile

60 Celebrating Six Decades of the NFR

INSIDE NFSR crowns

Snedecor Page 102

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 16, 2018 – VOLUME 66, NO. 23

Tie-down roper Justin Thigpen won the RAM Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo with a time of 28.6 seconds on three head, Nov. 8-10.

Davie Doings RAM SCFR pays off in Florida

David Rosenfield photo

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MORE IN THIS ISSUE

FINALS FINALLY The Wrangler NFR kicks off Dec. 6, with plenty of storylines to track. 47 ONLINE ENTRIES Soon, PRCA cowboys will be able to enter rodeos with the click of a button. 26

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INSIDE

12 in his own words 14 cowboy grille 24 he said, she said 28 short round 118 results 130 notes 137 prca business

RODEOS

102 Mulvane, Kan. National Finals Steer Roping 104 Davie, Fla. Southeastern Circuit Finals 106 Louisville, Ky.

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Bull rider Tyler Bingham rides Bar T Rodeo’s Willy Hou for 83.5 points in the second round of the RAM Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo, Nov. 1.

Great Lakes Circuit Finals 108 Heber City, Utah Wilderness Circuit Finals 114 Red Deer, Alberta Canadian Finals Rodeo

James Fain photo

Sports News ProRodeo

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published semi-monthly 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. 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 merchan- dise or livestock advertised.

THE COVER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER George Taylor PSN EDITOR Scott Kaniewski ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tracy Renck Matt Naber Cassie Emerson Amber Baillie ADVERTISING MANAGER Nathan Vodehnal

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PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 101 ProRodeo Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2018, PRCA Properties Inc., a 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.

60 Celebrating Six Decades of the NFR

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INSIDE NFSR crowns Snedecor Page 102

Bull rider Jim Sharp competes at the 1986 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Sue Rosoff photo

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IN HIS OWNWORDS: ROGER MOONEY ANNOUNCER CHERISHING RETURN TRIP

I t’s 14 years since I’ve been on the stage out there. Pressure is a privilege. I truly believe that this rodeo is the greatest rodeo on the planet, and there’s a reason for that. It’s the best cowboys, it’s in the city of entertainment, it’s the greatest fans in the world, and the most beautiful people in rodeo come to Las Vegs. It means a whole lot to me. At 52, I know I’ve got more yesterdays than I do tomorrows. I started a family late in life. My wife, Ashley, and I have a 7-year-old son, Cash, and a 6-year-old daughter, Morgan. When I told them I’d gotten a job in Las Vegas, I asked if they wanted to go. The little girl said, ‘You mean the Las Vegas we see on TV?’ And the little boy said, ‘Daddy, you’ve got a rodeo every week. But if we get to go to Las Vegas, it’s special.’ With Boyd Polhamus stepping down from announcing at the Finals to take over for Shawn Davis, that opened a third spot for announcers. They had to come up with somebody with Boyd taking Shawn’s job. In my opinion, nobody can take Boyd’s place. Boyd is the tip of the sword. He’s the best in this business – voice, talent, mind, his cognitive skills are second to none. Roger Mooney will be announcing for the third time at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this year. In Mooney’s prior travels to the Finals, it was as an alternate when the arrangement for announcers at the Finals worked differently. In 2000, the alternate announcer worked one perf with each of the other two announcers. By 2004, it had been changed to working two perfs with each announcer. Now, all three announcers rotate over the 10 nights. Being from Georgia, it’s no surprise he’s a huge Georgia Bulldogs fan. How he became an announcer from Georgia is a bit more surprising.

If you asked me how much preparation time goes into the NFR for me I’d say hundreds of hours. It’s just amazing. Last time I was in Las Vegas, I think I was going 20-21 hours a day. You get a little nap and then you’re back out. And if things don’t go well, it could be 24 hours a day. It’s quite different from the first rodeo I ever announced. I was in college at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga., in 1984. ABAC had a college rodeo team. The announcer had a heart attack en route to the rodeo. The college coach said, ‘Who’s the biggest ham we’ve got?’ Well, nobody said a word, they just turned around and looked at me. The coolest thing happened. While I announced that first rodeo, a guy comes upstairs and asks me what I was doing next week? I said, if you’ll come back when this rodeo is over, I’ll check my book and I’ll let you know. Heck, I didn’t have a book. He came back up and told me he had a rodeo next week in Alabama. He paid me $150 for the perf, paid for my meals and drinks, and put me up in the Holiday Inn. The next year I did 40 gigs. I was off and flying. So, my career as a rodeo announcer started by accident. On April 14, I buried my father, N.R. Mooney Jr. He was a business partner, my dad and my best friend. This was a tough year, maybe the toughest year of my life. I didn’t have a lot of good news. So, the NFR phone call was good news. Being from the eastside of the Mississippi River, not traditionally cowboy country, and being fromGeorgia, I had a lot of hills to climb. I was geographically challenged. People still can’t believe where I’m from and tell me I’ll never be a rodeo announcer. I answer the question with, well, 35 years later, you might be right, but I haven’t stopped trying.

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GRILLE COWBOY

Bareback rider LEIGHTON BERRY has battled through injuries the last couple of years. The Weatherford, Texas, cowboy has had success on his permit, earning nearly $10,000. He bought his PRCA card Oct. 5, and now he’s ready to turn some heads while competing in the PRCA full time in the 2019 season.

WITH TRACY RENCK PSN

How have you had to alter your rodeo plans the last couple of years? Leighton: I’m 19 now. Originally my plan was to rodeo on my permit for a full year when I turned 18 and buy my (PRCA) card when I turned 19, except I got hurt and had to have shoulder surgery in July of last year. That knocked me out for six months. I had a horse flip over on me and I tore my right labrum. So, I decided to be smart and rodeo on my permit again before I bought my card. After being sidelined with your injury, what was it like to get to ride again? Leighton: It felt awesome. Things got rolling and I’m absolutely stoked for the (2019 season). My traveling partner for this year is Justin McDaniel (2008 PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion). I feel confident and I’ve been working out every day. I’m in the best shape of my life. The hardest part of being a professional cowboy is just staying healthy. Are you going to college right now? Leighton: Yes. I’m in my second year at Weatherford (Texas) College. I will be finishing my associate degree in kinesiology in the spring. This is my second year on the school’s rodeo team and I plan to qualify for the College National Finals Rodeo. I also do tie-down roping and I’m a team roping heeler in college, but my main event is bareback riding. It’s what I enjoy the most. My goal this year (in the PRCA) is to stick with the bareback riding and focus on winning rookie of the year and making the National Finals Rodeo. Eventually, I would like to win the Linderman Award, but I’d like to really solidify my spot in the bareback riding before doing anything else. Who did you travel with this past summer to PRCA rodeos? Leighton: I traveled with Kaycee Feild, Mason Clements and Tilden Hooper. It was awesome. I learned so much traveling with those guys. It was an honor and a blessing. It helped me step my game up to the next level. How did you get involved with rodeo? Leighton: My dad, Kirby, rodeoed professionally for 15 years, and he was one of the better bareback riders during his time. I fell right into it and started roping when I was young, and I started getting on bareback horses when I was in high school. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Leighton: I have a little sister, Maci, who is 17, and a little brother, Kade, who is 15. When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing? Leighton: I love working out, more the cross-fit type workouts. I’m a gym rat. I also enjoy going hunting. My favorite type of hunting is elk hunting. What is your favorite movie? Leighton: Lonesome Dove for sure. All I’ve known is being a cowboy, and when I watch that movie I think how cool it is to be a cowboy. What TV show is No. 1 on your list? Leighton: That ’70s Show . That show makes me laugh. What is your favorite restaurant? Leighton: Texas de Brazil. When I’m there, my favorite thing to eat is the prime rib. When you were younger what cartoon did you enjoy watching? Leighton: I would say Popeye . He’s the big, bad, strong man who eats his vegetables and always comes out on top. Who is your favorite musical artist or group?

Leighton: The Red Hot Chili Peppers. My favorite song by them is “Scar Tissue.” I have seen them in concert. I saw them last year in Dallas. It was awesome and the coolest concert I’ve ever been to, hands down. If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you need to survive? Leighton: I have to go with a long sleeve Wrangler shirt, an axe and a canteen of water. Who is your favorite sports team?

Leighton: The Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler used to be my favorite quarterback and I don’t know why. Ever since I was a kid I have always liked the Bears, and now they are doing well. Would you prefer to bungee jump or ride a roller-coaster? Leighton: I have never bungee jumped, but I would rather do that. I’m not the biggest fan of heights, but I feel like I would be in a better environment to bungee jump than a roller-coaster park.

LEIGHTON BERRY

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2018 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of Nov. 15, 2018. For the 2018 season (Oct. 1, 2017-Sept. 30, 2018), official rodeo limits were as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 100; team roping, 75; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 100; 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. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas......................... $239,857 2. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas....................... 234,154 3. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah.................... 137,179 4. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif............................ 110,274 5. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb............................. 109,006 6. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta.................... 93,237 7. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla........ 82,868 8. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif.............. 71,659 9. Marcus Theriot, Poplarville, Miss................... 64,759 10. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev............................. 60,005 11. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas.................. 59,712 12. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M.......................... 58,754 13. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas.......................... 52,394 14. Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore.................. 51,351 15. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn................ 49,216 16. Cody Doescher, Oklahoma City, Okla.............. 47,556 17. Chant DeForest, Wheatland, Calif................... 39,837 18. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D..................................... 37,945 19. Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla.......................... 37,554 20. Adam Rose, Willard, Mo................................ 37,259 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa..................... $187,250 2. Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah................... 172,428 3. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif.................... 135,166 4. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba....................... 130,655 5. Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas.......................... 119,835 6. R. Champion, The Woodlands, Texas........... 119,819 7. Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah................. 111,022 8. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb............................. 109,420 9. Jake Brown, Cleveland, Texas...................... 101,403 10. Mason Clements, Springville, Utah................ 99,536 11. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas...................... 95,192 12. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D................................. 91,558 13. Shane O’Connell, Rapid City, S.D................... 80,163 14. J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo............................... 78,376 15. Wyatt Denny, Minden, Nev............................. 77,497 16. Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas............................... 70,017 17. Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alberta.......................... 68,638 18. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn...................... 67,793 19. Seth Hardwick, Ranchester, Wyo................... 66,712 20. Ty Taypotat, Regina, Saskatchewan................ 59,636 STEERWRESTLING 1. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta................ $106,009 2. Tyler Pearson, Louisville, Miss....................... 97,625 3. Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alberta.................. 92,325 4. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont.............................. 89,662 5. Will Lummus, West Point, Miss..................... 86,958 6. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan........................ 84,527 7. Hunter Cure, Holliday, Texas.......................... 83,711 8. Bridger Chambers, Stevensville, Mont........... 81,178 9. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La............................... 80,717 10. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.................... 79,584 11. Blake Mindemann, Blanchard, Okla................ 78,092 12. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla........................... 77,643 13. Blake Knowles, Heppner, Ore......................... 75,458 14. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala........................... 75,333 15. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis.................................... 74,706 16. Tanner Milan, Cochrane, Alberta.................... 72,957 17. Cole Edge, Durant, Okla................................. 70,876 18. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D................. 69,629 19. Billy Bugenig, Ferndale, Calif.......................... 60,663 20. Chason Floyd, Buffalo, S.D............................. 59,828 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla.................... $115,345 2. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga....................... 114,952 3. Dustin Egusquiza, Mariana, Fla.................... 106,396 4. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont............................... 96,990 5. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif.......................... 91,863 6. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla.................... 88,868 7. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn...................... 85,342 8. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz..................... 84,837

9. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz...................... 84,044 10. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C............................ 83,102 11. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash....................... 81,554 12. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas............................... 73,145 13. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz..................... 68,354 14. Lane Ivy, Dublin, Texas................................... 67,458 15. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah...................... 65,232 16. Spencer Mitchell, Orange Cove, Calif............. 62,906 17. Jeff Flenniken, Caldwell, Idaho....................... 61,826 18. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla......................... 61,008 19. Kolton Schmidt, Barrhead, Alberta................. 59,347 20. Logan Olson, Flandreau, S.D.......................... 58,299 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. J. Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil ... $115,936 2. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo............................. 115,345 3. Kory Koontz, Stephenville, Texas.................. 106,396 4. Joseph Harrison, Overbrook, Okla................ 104,515 5. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo................................. 98,439 6. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla................................. 93,133 7. Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz.............................. 91,294 8. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas.............. 88,173 9. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan............................ 83,102 10. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash...................... 80,361 11. Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla......................... 79,467 12. Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont............................. 68,284 13. Cole Davison, Stephenville, Texas.................. 66,252 14. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan................. 64,451 15. Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah............................ 61,349 16. Tyler McKnight, Wells, Texas.......................... 60,834 17. Jake Minor, Ellensburg, Wash........................ 59,847 18. Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Texas.................... 57,260 19. Jonathan Torres, Ocala, Fla............................ 57,107 20. Reagan Ward, Edmond, Okla.......................... 57,050 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas.................. $168,101 2. Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah......................... 165,078 3. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas..................... 124,740 4. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah......................... 123,607 5. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta................ 112,637 6. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo......................... 111,588 7. Clay Elliott, Nanton, Alberta.......................... 104,176 8. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa...................... 103,309 9. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb............................ 101,843 10. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas............. 98,748 11. CoBurn Bradshaw, Beaver, Utah..................... 89,325 12. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah............................. 81,903 13. Joey Sonnier III, New Iberia, La..................... 79,114 14. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M.............................. 78,790 15. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont................... 76,141 16. J.J. Elshere, Hereford, S.D............................. 75,774 17. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah....................... 73,767 18. Allen Boore, Axtell, Utah................................ 73,573 19. Bradley Harter, Loranger, La........................... 65,457 20. Wyatt Casper, Pampa, Texas.......................... 52,912 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La....................... $136,577 2. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................... 134,768 3. Tyson Durfey, Weatherford, Texas................ 126,518 4. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash.......................... 94,294 5. Ryle Smith, Oakdale, Calif.............................. 93,768 6. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 92,772 7. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan.............................. 91,938 8. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas........................... 89,971 9. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas................. 86,675 10. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.................... 86,483 11. Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas........................ 85,428 12. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho................... 84,153 13. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah...................... 83,373 14. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas................ 79,083 15. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla........................ 77,552 16. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas............................ 77,059 17. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas........................... 76,969

18. Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla....................... 67,040 19. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas......................... 66,963 20. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas.......................... 62,752 STEER ROPING 1. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas....... $122,931 2. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................... 113,157 3. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas....................... 105,118 4. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan........................... 97,559 5. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo...................... 88,846 6. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas............................ 83,976 7. Bryce Davis, Ovalo, Texas.............................. 80,788 8. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas........................ 78,698 9. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla......................... 77,145 10. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas....................... 75,353 11. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas............................ 66,133 12. Brodie Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla..................... 64,197 13. Jarrett Blessing, Paradise, Texas.................... 63,345 14. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas........................... 59,292 15. Will Gasperson, Decatur, Texas...................... 48,056 16. Roger Branch, Wellston, Okla........................ 40,225 17. Jim Locke, Miami, Texas................................ 37,042 18. Corey Ross, Liberty Hill, Texas....................... 33,631 19. Shay Good, Midland, Texas............................ 28,457 20. Jason Evans, Glen Rose, Texas...................... 26,134 BULL RIDING 1. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.................. $297,026 2. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont........................ 185,476 3. Dustin Boquet, Bourg, La............................. 114,588 4. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho.......... 109,737 5. Chase Dougherty, Canby, Ore....................... 109,349 6. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas............................. 107,387 7. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas.......... 106,431 8. Garrett Tribble, Bristow, Okla....................... 102,226 9. Tyler Bingham, Honeyville, Utah................... 101,583 10. Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas.............. 100,932 11. Cole Melancon, Liberty, Texas........................ 99,973 12. Koby Radley, Montpelier, La........................... 97,258 13. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah................................ 96,163 14. Eli Vastbinder, Union Grove, N.C.................... 95,114 15. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla.............................. 94,396 16. J.W. Harris, Goldthwaite, Texas...................... 93,769 17. Elliot Jacoby, Fredericksburg, Texas............... 92,183 18. Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif........................ 91,009 19. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla................. 90,863 20. Brady Portenier, Caldwell, Idaho.................... 86,419 *2018 BARREL RACING (Through Nov. 15, 2018) Barrel racing 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..........................$192,834 2. Nellie Miller, Cottonwood, Calif.......................146,826 3. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Victoria, Texas.............137,267 4. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D............................123,516 5. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas..................110,232 6. Taci Bettis, Round Top, Texas.........................103,692 7. Kylie Weast, Comanche, Okla..........................101,715 8. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D.............................98,704 9. Ivy Conrado, Hudson, Colo...............................98,385 10. Tammy Fischer, Ledbetter, Texas.....................91,277 11. Kelly Bruner, Millsap, Texas............................90,515 12. Tracy Nowlin, Nowata, Okla.............................90,496 13. Amberleigh Moore, Salem, Ore.......................89,127 14. Jessica Telford, Caldwell, Idaho......................88,342 15. Carman Pozzobon, Aldergrove, B.C. ..............86,947 16. Carley Richardson, Pampa, Texas...................83,011 17. Teri Bangart, Olympia, Wash...........................82,060 18. Jessi Fish, Franklin, Tenn................................78,993 19. Kellie Collier, Hereford, Texas..........................78,264 20. Tiany Schuster, Krum, Texas...........................68,197

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BANQUET OFFICIAL BEER OF THENFR

©2018 COORS BREWING CO., GOLDEN, CO • BEER CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY ®

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NO TICKETS? NO PROBLEM!

OFFICIAL NFR VIEWING PARTY LOCATIONS:

Casino & Furnace Bar

Montecristo Cigar Bar

Bond Bar

Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Sports Book

Burger Brasserie

The Red Zone

The Grand Event Center

Goose Island Pub

Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill

Rhythm & Riffs

David Copperfield Theater

Brightside Breakfast & Burgers

Race & Sports Book

Tom’s Urban

*The Showroom Honky Tonk Saloon

Extra Lounge

*Hawthorne Roxy’s Honky Tonk

*Veil Pavilion

Grand Ballroom

Gilley’s Saloon

Cohiba Ballroom

Ibar

* FAMILY VIEWING

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Binion’s **CasaBlanca Encore

**Eureka Four Queens Palace Station Renaissance Las Vegas NFR EXPERIENCE . COM

SLS **Virgin River Wynn

**Mesquite, NV locations

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The TRAINER

The brand-new TRAINER will be replacing all older versions of the Ground-Driven models. It features a completely new hop sequence that has been studied and perfected for the past few years. The new hop is the EXACT replica of a live cattle in tow and has even been matched correctly to live cattle movements by a mechanical engineer professor from Baylor University. This is THE machine to own if you want PERFECT PRACTICE!

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10QUESTIONS

HE SAID – SHE SAID

Who knows pickup man, Chase Cervi, better, his wife, Carley, or his brother, Binion?

CHASE

WIFE CARLEY

PARTNER BINION

CARLEY

BINION

CHASE

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOL DRINK?

Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE ON-THE-ROAD SNACK?

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds

Lime peanuts

WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE?

Russell Crowe

John Wayne

John Wayne

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Dad

Dad

Dad

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE KIND OF PIZZA?

Meat lovers

Pepperoni

Pepperoni

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE CANDY BAR?

Snickers

Snickers

Snickers

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Pepper Pods

Pepper Pods

Pepper Pods

IS HE AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL?

Night owl

Night owl

Night owl

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE HORSE?

Bobby

Bobby

Bobby

24 WHAT WAS HIS FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECT?

P.E.

P.E.

P.E.

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Entertainment lineup subject to change

Entering Online PRCA cowboys will soon be able to enter rodeos via Internet TECH

BY SCOTT KANIEWSKI J acobs Crawley, the 2015 PRCAWorld Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, has dealt with it like any other cowboy, calling to secure a spot in a rodeo but dealing with a busy signal or waiting for the clock to tick until that time that the PROCOMphone lines are open. Crawley and every other PRCA cowboy won’t have to worry about those parameters much longer. The PRCAwill soon be opening online entries, allowing cowboys with Internet connections access to entering rodeos fromwherever and whenever they are and eliminating the need to call in to enter rodeos. “I’m excited for the online entry,” said Crawley, who is also a PRCA Board Contestant Director. “It’ll be a big help for the cowboys. Hopefully it’ll take some of the stress off everybody involved: the guys calling in, the operators during the hectic time of the season. That’s the goal.” The online entries will be

circuit, tour, state and dates, among other options. They will also have the option of choosing a preference for the perf they want. They will be able to official or unofficial rodeos, and will be able to enter their traveling partners. Possibly the biggest advantage will be that competitors can see where they are entered and where they want to enter. As it has been, they’ve had to call in to enter and call back to check on the status of rodeos and entries. Now, they’ll confirm their status simply by logging in. “Now, they’re restricted to the hours we’re open, getting through phone lines, which through the summer, are more than a bit busy,” said Daniel Martinez, PRCA Vice President of Technology. “With this, it’s going to be accessible 24 hours a day. It’s a mobile design, so it will work on their cell phones, computers, laptops. It’s going to be a game changer for them.” Seeing the options and choices could make it easier for younger cowboys to enter.

And it will give more options and more access for cowboys like Crawley. “The handiest part about it, sometimes – and it’s happened forever in the history of calling in for rodeos – you get that busy tone,” Crawley said. “The option to not have to deal with that is pure convenience for the cowboy. Whether it’s 10:30 at night or 6 or 7 in the morning, they can enter the rodeos they need to enter. They don’t have to set reminders. I’m just excited that with Internet access you can take care of your business.”

on a website that cowboys can access via smartphone, computer or tablet. “The goal is to move to a purely online system, which will improve the entry process,” PRCA COOAaron Enget said. “Not only is the objective to help the cowboys, but by going to online entries, it will be more efficient, which also benefits membership.” Among the features will be map links to the sites of the rodeos, ground rules listed and alert settings. Competitors will be able to filter rodeos by

CALL NATHANVODEHNAL AT 214-883-1466 TO ADVERTISE IN THE PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS YOUR AD HERE!

Holy Smidt! Former World Champ Owns Christmas Run

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INSIDE • Cowboy Christmas coverage begins on page 29 INSIDE

MARCH 16-30, 2019 RODEOAUSTIN.COM Join us

Lending a Hand Carr, PRCA create donation option for Vezain R OUND THE SHORT

BY THE NUMBERS

The number of times ProRodeo Hall of Famer Ty Murray qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in three events. He qualified in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding from 1990-94. Since 2011, it has taken a minimum of $146,941 to win the RAM Top Gun Award. Winners since the RAM Top Gun Award was established in 2010: team roper/tie-down roper Trevor Brazile (2010, $211,509); bareback rider Kaycee Feild (2011, $179,327); barrel racers Mary Walker (2012, $146,941) and Sherry Cervi (2013, $155,899); bull rider Sage Kimzey (2014, $175,466); bareback rider Steven Peebles (2015, $234,054); steer wrestler Tyler Waguespack (2016, $213,218); tie-down roper Marcos Costa (2017, $195,519). The 2010 NFR, the inaugural year of the RAM Top Gun Award, was the only year that money earned in multiple events counted in Top Gun standings. The last year someone other than Trevor Brazile won back- to-back all-around world championships. ProRodeo Hall of Famer Joe Beaver won consecutive all-around world titles in 1995-1996. Tuf Cooper is the reigning all- around world champion and leads the all-around stand- ings heading to Las Vegas.

In the last month, the rodeo community has united for J.R. Vezain and his wife, Shelby. Vezain was injured in late September when a horse reared and fell backwards on top of him at a rodeo in southeast Texas. He suffered spinal fractures and has suffered from a lack of mobility from the waist down. He underwent therapy at the TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital in Houston and has seen progress since his surgery. He has since transferred to a rehab hospital in Salt Lake City and hopes to walk again.

Pete Carr Pro Rodeo and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association are calling on rodeo committees across the country to give to the Vezains. The PRCA has created a link to giving so committees and individuals can support the six-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo bareback riding qualifier. “If every PRCA committee, most in which J.R. has competed over the years, could look into their hearts and give a couple hundred bucks, that would be a wonderful start toward his hospital bills and a new path for the Vezains,” said Pete Carr, owner of Pete Carr Pro Rodeo. Several benefits to help offset medical costs have popped up for Vezain, and there is a call for more to happen. Carr and the PRCA have developed another fundraising opportunity for PRCA committees. “Because rodeo is a big family, we wanted to reach out to all of our family members, including the 700-plus committees that produce rodeos every year,” Carr said. “We wanted to provide an outlet for those committees to donate as much as they can or as much as they wish to benefit J.R. and his family.” Carr and his team will produce a benefit rodeo for the Vezains at the Stampede at the Ike rodeo, scheduled for Jan. 11-12 at West Monroe, La. “As a stock contractor, committeeman and contestant, I understand what can happen in the rodeo arena,” Carr said. “This hit me pretty hard, so I want to do as much as we possibly can to help J.R. He’s got a long road ahead of him, and he’s going to need all the help he can get.” PRCA CEO George Taylor echoed those sentiments. “The rodeo community is a tight-knit group that takes care of its own,” Taylor said. “The PRCA appreciates the initiative of Pete Carr Pro Rodeo to reach out to the committees and the community within rodeo in hopes of doing what we know they are capable of to help care for J.R.” Anyone interested in donating to help Vezain and his family as he moves forward in his rehabilitation can do so by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/support-for-the-vezain-family. Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on tap The Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala is scheduled for Dec. 3 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas honoring the 2018 Legend of ProRodeo Keith Martin. RSVP no later than Nov. 26. Reserve your tickets by calling 719.528.4732 or buy online at https://squareup.com/store/prorodeo-hall-of-fame. 6 p.m. doors open – silent auction; 7 p.m. welcome, invocation, dinner; 7:45 p.m. silent auction closes; 8 p.m. live auction; 8:20 p.m. Legend of ProRodeo Award. All times are Pacific. Tickets are on sale for $100 a person or $900 for a table of 10. Tickets must be purchased by Nov. 26. For more information or to be added to the Gala mailing list email stadken@prorodeo.com or call 719.528.4732. All proceeds benefit the ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy.

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PRCA awards banquet set for Dec. 5 The annual PRCA Awards Banquet in Las Vegas is set for Dec. 5 at the South Point Hotel & Casino, the night before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo kicks off. Reserve your tickets online at https://prorodeo. org/Portal/Home/PRCA_ BanquetTicketOrderFORM. pdf. Questions can be directed to Crystal Vodehnal at CVodehnal@ prorodeo.com. All res- ervations must be made by Nov. 26. 6 p.m. PRCA Awards Banquet Cocktails; 6:30 p.m. PRCA Awards Banquet. All times are Pacific.

Clay Guardipee photo

Protection Biz

Bullfighter Nathan Harp, second from left, protects a cowboy at the First Chance Bonanza, which ran Nov. 2-3 in Brookings, S.D.

Contract personnel for RAM NCFR, NCFSR Contract personnel for the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping has been selected. The RAM NCFR, set for March 21-24 in Kissimmee, Fla., will have the following contract personnel: Announcers – Bob Tallman and Roger Mooney Secretary – Mikey Jo Duggan

SHSU Office of University Advancement, Box 2537, Huntsville, TX 77341-2537. Questions may be directed to 936.294.3625 Byler, a steer wrestler, was on his PRCA permit. Bailee Ackerman was one of the top three flag girls from the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo flag competi- tion last year and was set to join the flag team this year at the Wrangler NFR. Both were members of the NIRA Southern Region College Rodeo and competed for Sam Houston State University. Byler was in second place in the steer wrestling. Sam Houston State University honored Will and Bailee at its home rodeo in Conroe, Texas, Nov. 9-10. The helicopter struck a rural hillside, shattering the aircraft and killing the couple and the pilot, Uvalde County Justice of the Peace Steve Kennedy told ABC 13 News in Houston. Lawrence had been a pilot for the family for years and had flown heli- copters in Vietnam during his combat service, Kennedy said. An autopsy was ordered on the pilot to determine if a physical condition might have been a factor in the crash, he said. Craig Hatch, an air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, told CBS News that Lawrence was “very experienced (and) highly qualified.” Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo increases educational commitments The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has increased its educational commitments this year and is partnering with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for the first time since 2011. In 2019, RODEOHOUSTON will be an official PRCA NFR money event. The 2019 rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 25 through March 17. The educational commitments for the 2019 season total more than $27.17 million, according to a Nov. 1 press release. That’s up slightly from nearly $26.71 million for the 2018 season and $26.07 million for the 2017 season. The largest chunk of the 2019 money is nearly $14.29 million allocated for more than 800 scholarships administered through 12 programs. The remainder of the money consists of more than $8.3 million for Junior Show exhibitors, nearly $3.97 million for educational program grants and $613,640 for graduate assistantships.

Asst. Secretary – Amanda Corely-Sanders Timers – Kate Rumford & Molly Twitchell Pickup Men – Will O’Connell & Shawn Calhoun Bullfighters – Luke Kraut & JD Harrell

Barrelman – JJ Harrison Music – Benje Bendele The NCFSR, which is scheduled for April 27-28 in Torrington, Wyo., has the following contract personnel: Announcer – Bob Edmonds Secretary – Penny Walton Timers – DeeDee Dickinson & Doris Mayhan Music – Brandy Edmonds Newlywed rodeo couple dies in copter crash A newlywed couple leaving their wedding ceremony in a helicopter died early Nov. 4 when the helicopter crashed. Will Byler, his wife, Bailee Ackerman Byler, and their pilot died in the crash, according to The Houstonian , the student newspaper for Sam Houston State University. Both were seniors at Sam Houston State. Will was an Agriculture Engineering major, and Bailee was an Animal Science and Mass Communications major. Both were 23 years old. The pilot was Gerald Lawrence. He was 76. Funeral services were set for Bailee, of Orangefield, Texas, and Will, of Bellville, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Will and Bailee Ackerman Byler Scholarship Endowment at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Donations can be made online at www.shsu.edu/giving or mailed to

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SNAPSHOT

A unique view of the action at the RAM Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo which paid out more than $200,000 in Davie, Fla., Nov. 8-10.

Matt Cohen photo

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Pro Rodeo League of Women

31st Annual

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The Pro Rodeo League of Women Style Show has raised more than $1.7 million for injured rodeo athletes and their families.

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The Rodeo and San Antonio Don't miss the February Ride

Enjoy World-Class Rodeo and Legendary Attractions in San Antonio Make plans now to attend the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, February 7-24, 2019! See unrivaled professional rodeo competition, top notch entertainment, fun family attractions, championship livestock and great shopping. Historic and unforgettable experiences

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DECEMBER 6-15 LAS VEGAS

2018 WRANGLER NFR

Cowboys will head to the Thomas & Mack Center for the 2018 edition of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 6-15. PRCA ProRodeo file photo

Latest Wrangler NFR has plenty of storylines 60Years and Counting

WRANGLER NFR COVERAGE

48 60 years of NFR 50 The tighest races 52 Overcoming injuries 58 Event previews

80 LVE’s Pat Christenson 81 Justin Award 82 RAMTop Gun Race 82 Contestants

88 ProRodeo Zone 90 Event schedule 96 Stock roster

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WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

60Years in the Making

NFR HISTORY

Bareback rider Jack Buschbom competes at the first National Finals Rodeo in Dallas in 1959.

DeVere Helfrich photo

NFR has changed, evolved over six decades

BY MATT NABER S ports change over time. Professional baseball didn’t have designated hitters until 1973, and the NFL didn’t adopt 2-point conversions until 1994. In the 60 years of the National Finals Rodeo, the Super Bowl of professional rodeo has undergone its share of changes. The inaugural NFR was held in Dallas in 1959. It stayed deep in the heart of Texas until 1962, when it moved to Los Angeles. From there, it traveled East to Oklahoma City, where it stayed from 1965 to 1984. Then came one of the most significant changes for the sport – the 1985 NFR found a home in Las Vegas and hasn’t moved since. While the early years saw the home of

instead of a year’s worth of rodeo. “The Sudden Death format was a joke, in my opinion, and I can say that because I won it both ways,” said ProRodeo Hall of Famer Don Gay. “I thought it was very ill-conceived and wasn’t thought out very well. They thought it would boost the TV ratings, and it had no effect whatsoever.” Gay’s record of eight bull riding world titles (1974-77, 1979-81 and ’84) took place before, during and after the NFR’s experimental phase in the 1970s. Even more change came in 1977, as a new twist was added to the Sudden Death format in roughstock events. All prize money in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding was divided into go-round payoffs and the aggregate race was eliminated. The change almost immediately proved

R.C. Bales and Bill Watts read about the first NFR while in Burwell, Neb. DeVere Helfrich photo

the NFR bounce from Texas to California to Oklahoma, the following are just some of the NFR’s other growing pains and milestones since that first NFR in 1959, as this iconic event continues to evolve. SUDDEN DEATH INTHE ’70s During the 1970s, rodeo decided to experiment with the Finals. In 1976 a Sudden Death format was initiated, meaning the world champions were determined based only on the 10 rounds of competition

problematic. In 1977, Gay and Randy Magers tied for the bull riding title after 10 go-rounds. The judges decided there would be a one- head ride-off for the first time. Gay was victorious in winning his fourth consecutive world title. “Nobody knew what to do, that’s why I say it was ill-conceived,” Gay said. “They didn’t realize there was a possibility for a tie. I kid you not, I told them we’re not going to flip for it, we will ride until one of us bucks off.”

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