ProRodeo Sports News - November 16, 2018

CIRCUIT FINALS GREAT LAKES

Steer wrestler Cody Metsker’s two 3.9-second runs set him up for a relaxed final round to win the average at the RAM Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo with 12.8 seconds on three head. Marty Welter photo

TOPS AT LOUISVILLE — November 8-10 ALL-AROUND COWBOY Chance Oftedahl $8,438 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Tim O’Connell ........ 257.5 pts. on three (tie) Jesse Pope .......................... 257.5 3. Tanner Aus ................................. 247.5 4. Tyler Berghuis ............................... 237 2019 is to try to do the best I can on each steer and have fun doing it,” Metsker said. “It’s just being a steer wrestler, it’s the camaraderie and relationships with other bulldoggers. It’s a brotherhood where you want everyone to do good. I don’t think it’s like that with any other event. Bulldoggers have a special bond between them.” Metsker is originally from Taylorsville, Ill., but now lives, works and practices inWisconsin alongside Jacob Burks and Jon Ragatz, a 2017 qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. “He decided to stick aroundWisconsin, and we’re happy to have him tie-down roping and team roping BY MATT NABER S teer wrestler Cody Metsker’s not in rodeo for the fame or the money. The 27-year-old cowboy is just having fun and making friends. Yet, his hobby landed him in the winner’s circle at the RAM Great Lakes Circuit Finals Rodeo, Nov. 10. “I just try to make the circuit finals every year, and my main goal for Metsker wins Great Lakes Circuit Just for Fun

go with us,” Ragatz said. “I have two little boys, and he’s great around them and the boys love him. He’s very positive and helpful and a good guy to have around. He’s a good role model for them. He’s part of our family now and the Burks family, too.” Metsker has been competing on Burks’ horse, Shooter, for the last few years while they travel with Ragatz. Ragatz hazed for Metsker at the RAM GLCFR when the three bulldoggers competed in Louisville, Ky. “He (Shooter) got me, Jacob and Jon to the circuit finals, and we got a good pile of money on him,” Metsker said. “He’s pretty easy to ride and gives a good go.” GREAT SUCCESS INTHE GREAT LAKES Metsker knew what he was getting into at the RAMGLCFR since he’d seen his steers before. “I just try to get a good start and a good head catch,” Metsker said. “And I had Jon and Jacob around to walk me through the particulars.” Metsker made 3.9-second runs in the first two rounds, winning Round 1 and placing second in Round 2. The solid start gave him a nice safety net for

STEER WRESTLING 1. Cody Metsker ......... 12.8 sec. on three 2. Noah Lassa ................................... 15.3 3. Brian Conrad ................................ 15.9 4. Jake Johnson ............................... 17.3

TEAM ROPING 1. Saunders/Hill .......... 18.7 sec. on three 2. C. Graham/J. Stroup ..................... 18.9 3. K. Hanna/C. Barnett ...................... 21.6 4. P. Emmett/J.W. Nelson ................. 27.4

ProRodeo Sports News 11/16/2018

ProRodeo.com

106