ProRodeo Sports News - November 17, 2023

STEER WRESTLING Newcomer Dalton Massey heads to his inaugural NFR after record-breaking season

BY TRACY RENCK T his has been quite the memorable season for steer wrestler Dalton Massey. After competing in the PRCA for a decade, he’s not only headed to his inaugural Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – but he did it in record-breaking fashion. The Hermiston, Ore., cowboy enters the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo atop the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $193,430. That total surpasses steer wrestler Ty Erickson’s record of $163,152 for the most money won in a single regular season before the NFR in the event. Erickson set the mark in 2017. “I've had a little bit of time to look back on my season,” said Massey, 30. “It was pretty great to have a season like this and pretty gratifying for sure. It’s pretty hard to boast about (my regular season) because there’s so much money out there (to be had at the NFR). It is just awesome and I’m just really looking forward to going out to Vegas and getting to compete out there. “I guess, it was a goal to break the (single-season earnings record), but the main goal was to make the NFR this year.” Massey is right about the big payouts out the NFR. Round winners take home $30,706 and the average winners earn a $78,747 payday. Massey, who never finished higher than 17th in the world standings before 2023, received a jolt this season, when he earned a $50,000 check at RodeoHouston. A key part in Massey’s breakout season was riding Eddie. The horse owned by Tanner Milan was crowned the 2023 Nutrena Horse of the Year presented by AQHA in steer wrestling. “Pretty much all my major wins came on Eddie, including Houston,” Massey said. “It is huge getting to ride Eddie. When you get to those big rodeos and have a horse like Eddie to ride it takes the pressure off because it feels like he’s going to make up ground and catch up no matter what. He also gives you such a good go.” Now with the NFR up next, Massey is trying to keep things in perspective. “I don’t want to treat it any different than any other rodeo,” Massey said. “There’s going to be so much energy out there and obviously every run is going to feel bigger than probably any steer I have ever run before. I’m just working as hard as I can to prepare myself mentally and physically and I will be ready for the NFR and I’m just excited to go out there and compete.”

2023 STEER WRESTLING STANDINGS 1. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore.............. $193,430 2. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore................... 161,613 3. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.............. 146,647 4. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss..................... 143,988 5. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont........................ 124,275 6. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn..................... 122,397 7. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev....................... 116,048 8. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho...................... 107,839 9. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla......................... 104,132 10. Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, B.C......... 104,026 11. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La....................... 101,453 12. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif.................. 98,290 13. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis............................... 96,317 14. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D........... 85,511 15. Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas................. 84,612

FROM THE CHAMP

“You know growing up my dad has always taught me to treat every rodeo like the practice pen. My worst year was my first year in 2015. A kid going into Thomas & Mack (Center) you get a little mind boggled. As the years went on, I used what my

Waguespack

dad taught me. I slowed down, realized it’s just a sport. Take it easy and do what you know how to do. Staying extremely relaxed has really helped. It’s a marathon, so you can’t afford to get out of your comfort zone. Man, it’s awesome (to return as the champion). It’s a lot of hard work. I feel like strategy-wise how the Finals go throughout the week is pretty cool.” – Tyler Waguespack

Dalton Massey’s record breaking 2023 ProRodeo season was fueled by the $54,250 he won at RodeoHouston in March. Mallory Beinborn photo photo

QUOTABLE “I've had a little bit of time to look back on my season. It was pretty great to have a season like this and pretty gratifying for sure. It’s pretty hard to boast about (my regular season) because there’s so much money out there (at the NFR)." – Dalton Massey

ProRodeo Sports News 11/17/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 11/17/2023

ProRodeo.com

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