ProRodeo Sports News - November 16, 2018

WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

Clay Smith accomplishing goals Gold-Oriented

BY CASSIE EMERSON Q ualifying for the Wrangler NFR is always a goal, but the goal every cowboy dreams of and works toward is winning the coveted gold buckle. Team roping header Clay Smith is no different from any other cowboy, and he knows it takes a lot to accomplish those goals. “We have had a very blessed season,” Smith said. “Most people don’t realize what it takes to be out on the road. It takes a village and a ton of support. We have been healthy, and our horses have been healthy. It makes you feel good to have a decent season. Being the season leader is certainly one of my goals.” This is the first time Smith has entered the Wrangler NFR in the top position in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. His team roping partner Paul Eaves is second coming into the Wrangler NFR, but their sights are set on the gold buckles. Smith enters the Wrangler NFR with a $392 lead over Kaleb Driggers. Eaves enters the Wrangler NFR in second by $591 to Junior Nogueira, Driggers’ partner. Driggers has entered the last twoWrangler NFR’s in the top position but has yet to capture the team roping heeler gold buckle. “It is tough competition at the NFR,” Smith said. “We have had a great season, and we have to keep it going. It is a long 10 days where anything can happen. We have to be consistent and win money in the round when we can.” Smith did not have the Wrangler NFR he wanted in 2017. He entered the Finals that season third in standings, and he finished the year fifth. He placed in five rounds, but three no times kept him from placing in the average. Smith is heading to his fourth Wrangler NFR and is hoping to

average pays so much and is a huge factor in the gold buckle.” Even though Smith has never entered the Wrangler NFR in the No. 1 position, it is not changing Smith’s outlook. “It doesn’t matter what position you are coming into the NFR,” Smith said. “It is anyone’s ballgame out there. We have to stay consistent and keep roping good. There is so much money to be won out there now, it can change so much.” Smith knows consistency is important, but horse power plays a huge factor. Smith will be riding his gray horse, Marty, but he is taking his sorrel horse, Ransom, as back-up. “I am confident in my horses,” Smith said. “I feel comfortable and confident on both of them, but I am planning on staying on my gray.” Being the season leader is not at the top of the list of accomplishments for Smith for 2018. He pointed to the birth of his son, Jade O’Brien Smith, as the highlight of his year. “My son and family are what it is all about,” Smith said. “I am blessed with a great wife, who takes care of things while I am gone and is a great mom to our son. I couldn’t do it without them.” The regular season can be long, so getting a win at the beginning can help relieve stress on competitors. One of the most memorable wins of the season for Smith came at the All American ProRodeo Finals in 2017 and pocketing more than $14,000 early in the season. “Starting the season off with a win at the All American Finals was really nice,” Smith said. “It is nice going into the winter rodeos without so much pressure to get some money won.” Smith went on to win the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo, RAMTexas Circuit Finals Rodeo, the Old Fort Days Rodeo (Fort Smith, Ark.), the Mineral Wells (Texas) Rodeo and the XIT Rodeo & Reunion (Dalhart, Texas). He earned more than $115,000 for the season. Being the season leader is a huge feat, but the ultimate goal is that gold buckle. “I have to stay focused and consistent,” Smith said. “At the end of the day the gold buckle is always the goal.

TEAM ROPING HEADER

use his experience to have a more successful Wrangler NFR. “Every year is different, but experience is

certainly helpful,” Smith said. “We have had some luck out there in the past, and I know we have

“I couldn’t chase my goals without the constant support of my family, team roping partner, friends and sponsors.

It costs a lot and takes a lot of sacrifice to go up and down the road. I am blessed.”

to be more consistent this year. The

ProRodeo Sports News 11/16/2018

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