ProRodeo Sports News - November 19, 2021

2021 WRANGLER NFR PREVIEW ISSUE

Back to Vegas! Trio make NFR history in tie-down roping

Shad Mayfield

Cory Solomon

John Douch

INSIDE • Patterson’s record year ends with NFSR title/76

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WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS, IS BACK IN VEGAS.

SAGE KIMZEY 6X WORLD CHAMPION BULL RIDER

DEC. 2-11, 2021

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GLORY, GRIT & BANQUET

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THE BEST IS YET TO COME. bootbarn.com

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FAST & FREE SERVICE TO THE WRANGLER NFR ®

ROUTE 1 – ONE-WAY EXPRESS SHUTTLE Cowboy Christmas – Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls (East entrance) ROUTE 2 MGM Grand – West wing entrance ROUTE 3 Sam’s Town – Rear entrance (behind the food court) ROUTE 4 Mandalay Bay – Shark Reef entrance Tropicana – North entrance ROUTE 5 Resorts World – Rideshare Lot at south entrance Westgate – North Tower entrance ROUTE 6 New York-New York – Main entrance The Orleans – Valet entrance ROUTE 7 Gold Coast – Valet entrance Rio – Rotunda entrance ROUTE 8 The D – Main entrance Golden Nugget – Carson Tower entrance

ROUTE 9 Downtown Grand – Entrance at 3rd St. and Ogden Ave. The Plaza – The Plaza Welcome Sign (Main St. and Carson Ave.) ROUTE 10 Caesars Palace – Tour bus area (Under Planet Hollywood sign) The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – Main entrance (North wall) ROUTE 11 The Mirage – North valet entrance Treasure Island (TI) – Bus loading zone (near the South Side Valet) ROUTE 12

Flamingo – Tour bus area Harrah’s – Bus tour lobby ROUTE 13

Planet Hollywood – Tour bus depot Virgin Las Vegas – Main entrance ROUTE 14 Silverton – Main entrance South Point – Main entrance

Pre-Event: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Post-Event: 8:15 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Visit NFRexperience.com for the most up-to-date list of routes and times. *All Wrangler NFR performances start at 5:45 p.m.

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DEC. 2-11, 2021

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CONTENTS

NOV. 19, 2021 VOLUME 69, NO. 23

In the Wild Cowboys competed for more than $180,000 at the RAM Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo in Heber City, Utah, Nov. 5-6. 78

Saddle bronc rider Mitch Pollock prepares to compete at the RAM Wilderness Circuit Finals Rodeo in Heber City. Pollock split the average win with 258 points on three head. Amanda Dilworth photo

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WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

INSIDE

12 Editor’s Letter 14 Grille 16 He Said-She Said 18 Social Media 24 Short Round 88 Results 102 PRCA Notes

Wrangler NFR previews After a year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions in

35

story about three African Ameri- cans making history by qualify- ing in tie-down roping or about the first-time qualifiers led by bull rider J.B. Mauney, the ProRo- deo Sports News has plenty of

Las Vegas, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge returns to the Thomas & Mack Center and there are numerous storylines. Whether the cover

exciting previews and news.

Circuit cowboys shine Circuit Finals Ro- deo paid dividends for cowboys search- ing for a spot in the NFR Open powered by RAM scheduled for next July in Colorado Springs, Colo. The RAM TCFR also paid out plenty of cold, hard cash for winning cowboys. 80 The RAM Turquoise

RODEOS 76 Mulvane, Kan. National Finals Steer Roping 78 Heber City, Utah RAMWilderness CFR 80 Camp Verde, Ariz. RAM Turquoise CFR 82 Davie, Fla. RAMSoutheastern CFR 84 Louisville, Ky. RAM Great Lakes CFR RODEOS

20 2021 PRCA world 96 2020 Circuits STANDINGS COVER Tie-down ropers Shad Mayfield, Cory Solomon, and John Douch are history makers. This is the first time three African Americans have qualified for the Wrangler NFR in tie- down roping.

William Kierce photo Bull rider Cauy Hale is all smiles during his victory lap after winning the average at the RAM Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo in Camp Verde, Ariz. Hale earned $2,685 for the average victory.

ProRodeo Sports News PRCA CEO Tom Glause PSN EDITOR Tracy Renck PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carol Lawrence CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS (ISSN 0161-5815; USPS 469-620) is published semimonthly 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. Subscription rate: $45 for one year, 12 issues. 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 merchandise or livestock advertised.

TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PSN OR FOR SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS, CALL: 800.RODEO.4U (800.763.3648) _______________ To advertise in the PSN , call: 719.528.4704 PRORODEO SPORTS NEWS 101 ProRodeo Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2021, 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.

Tanner Barth Amber Baillie Julia Plungy Ally Gallagher

PRCA ProRodeo photos

DEC. 2-11, 2021

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EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK Santos, Stetson Wright eye paydays & history in Vegas

T he Finals season has started for the PRCA. Mulvane, Kan., Nov. 12-13. name is Cole Patterson. The Pratt, Kan., cowboy had a record-setting regular season and didn’t miss a beat at the NFSR. Patterson earned an NFSR-record $85,726 and finished the season with a steer roping record earnings mark of $190,242 and his first career gold buckle. The 26-year-old had a steer roping season for the ages. He stopped cashing checks in Mulvane when the 2021 season came to an end. One cowboy who is still making money is Taylor Santos. The Creston, Calif., native made his steer roping debut and had a strong effort. Santos earned $18,916 at the Kansas Star highlighted by him winning Round 10 with a 9.8-second run to earn $9,155. He was 11th in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with $55,811. Next up for Santos is a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge at theThomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Dec. 2-11. Santos is making his second appearance at the NFR, his first coming in 2019, when he finished 10th in the world standings in tie-down roping with $182,484. Santos enters the NFR 14th in the world standings with $89,048. He made the ultimate late season push to qualify for NFR’s Super Bowl by traveling all over America the last week of the season to cash enough checks to earn a bid to Vegas. Santos’ crazy travel schedule paid dividends – literally – since The National Finals Steer Roping took place in It was a weekend full of fun, especially if your

contestants who qualify for the Wrangler NFR receive a $10,000 stipend. Santos’ talent and determination should be applauded. It’s tough enough to qualify for one Finals and he made two in 2021. Santos is not the only cowboy who can double his earnings chances at the upcoming NFR. Rodeo superstar StetsonWright is doubled-up at the NFR for the second year in a row. Wright, 22, will be competing in saddle bronc riding and bull riding at the NFR in Vegas. He’s aiming to win three world titles. The Milford, Utah, cowboy is the reigning two-time all- around champion and the reigning bull riding champ. Wright will step into theThomas &Mack Center with a commanding $185,339 lead in the all-around standings and is first in the saddle bronc standings – by $11,202 over his brother Ryder and second in the bull riding standings $60,639 behind Sage Kimzey. Stetson is aiming to become the first three-time world champion in one year since 2010 when Trevor Brazile was the champ in the all-around, team roping as a header, and tie- down roping. Brazile, the King of Cowboys, also won three world crowns in 2007 in the all-around, tie-down roping and steer roping. If Stetson wins his third consecutive all-around gold buckle – and barring unforeseen circumstances that will happen – he will become the first three-time all-around world champ since Brazile in 2013-15.

Tracy Renck is the editor of the ProRodeo

Sports News . He previously served more than seven years as a media coordinator at the PRCA. He has three decades of experience in sports journalism with the last several consumed by ProRodeo.

History awaits cowboys like Santos and StetsonWright at the Wrangler NFR, and it will be exciting to see what transpires in10 days of action that no one wants to miss.

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WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO

MATCH DAD COLLECTION

DEC. 2-11, 2021

COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How did you get your start in rodeo? Lukasey: My dad rode bulls for several years professionally. I was just automatically born around the rodeo lifestyle. My family has had cattle for a lot of years, and it was just always something I was raised around my whole life. I guess you could say it’s in my blood. When did you know you could make a career out of rodeo? Lukasey: I’ve always felt like this was something I really wanted to do for a living. I would rather rodeo than have to go out and find a job at least right now that’s how I feel. I think there was a couple times last season when it hit me that I have a legitimate shot at doing this rodeo thing for a living. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Lukasey: I started out riding sheep when I was probably four years old. It seemed like bull riding just came natural to me, I guess. You can’t beat the feeling of riding a bull, there’s nothing in the world that feels better than making the whistle on a rank bull. Have you tried any other rodeo events? Lukasey: I tried saddle bronc, I tried bareback riding, and I can team rope a little bit. I think I tried just about all of them at one time or another, but it was always bull riding that stuck with me. Is there someone in the sport that you look up to? Bull rider Lukasey Morris rode on his permit last season and had a year to remember earning $25,046. The Union City, Okla., cowboy, has nearly matched that number already during his 2022 rookie season. He has rodeo wins in Kissimmee, Fla., and Jackson, Miss., under his belt. His father Jimmy is a former bull rider in the PRCA.

LUKASEY MORRIS

Lukasey: Cody Custer is someone that I really look up to. I’ve known him since I was a little kid. He’s one of those people who always helped me growing up in my bull riding. There’d be times I’d stay at his house for a few days and all we would do is get on bulls. He really helped me figure some things out. What’s this season been like for you? Lukasey: It’s obviously still really early in the new season but honestly, I can’t believe how good it’s going for me so far. I’ve had a ton of success and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the season goes for me. What’s one rodeo you want to win during your career? Lukasey: My dad (Jimmy) actually won the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in 1993. So, that’s definitely one I want to win, and I’d like to win Pendleton (Ore.) and Calgary as well at some point in my career. What’s your favorite TV show? Lukasey: It would probably have to be The Office . I don’t really watch much TV, but when I do, I’m probably watching The Office . What’s your favorite candy? Lukasey: If I had to choose a favorite candy it would have to be Sour Patch Kids. What’s your go-to meal when you’re out on the road? Lukasey: That’s a close one, it’s between either Panda Express or Subway. Those are definitely the top two. What’s your favorite restaurant? Lukasey: I’d say the Santa Fe Steakhouse or any steakhouse for that matter. You can’t go wrong with a good steak. What was the first vehicle you drove? Lukasey: The first vehicle I drove was a 2002 Dodge 3500. Now, I actually drive a 2001 Dodge 3500, they look exactly the same just a year apart. What do you like to do when you’re not rodeoing? Lukasey: I really like to golf when I can. During the summer I golf a lot, but when it starts getting colder, we head to Top Golf. What’s your favorite holiday? Lukasey: I would have to say Christmas is my favorite holiday. I just like being around all my family and it seems like everyone is in a good mood around Christmas. What was your favorite cartoon growing up? Lukasey: Growing up my favorite cartoon was probably Tom & Jerry.

ProRodeo Sports News 11/19/2021 14

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ProRodeo Sports News 8/7/2020

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10 QUESTIONS He Said – She Said

Who knows tie-down roper Bo Pickett better, Taighler his wife, or his traveling partner Matt Shiozawa?

Bo

Taighler

Matt

MATT

BO

TAIGHLER

WHO’S HIS RODEO IDOL?

Dee Pickett

Dee Pickett

Dee Pickett

WHO’S HIS FAVORITE HORSE?

Hollywood

Hollywood

Hollywood

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?

Coffee

Iced Tea

Coffee

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Taighler

Me

Bo

WHO IS HIS FAVORITE NON-RODEO ATHLETE?

Tiger Woods

Tom Brady

Tom Brady

DOES HE PREFER TO TEXT OR CALL?

Phone Call

Phone Call

Text

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

In-N-Out

Costa Vida

Mazatlan

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE HOBBY OUTSIDE OF RODEO?

Tennis

Tennis

Tennis

WHO IS HIS FAVORITE MUSICIAN?

Reba McEntire

George Strait

George Strait

16 WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE TV SHOW?

Tosh.O

Ozark

– Courtesy of Ted Harbin Friends

ProRodeo Sports News 11/7/2014

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Embrace rodeo’s heritage and join AQHA today | aqha.com/join

17 ProRodeo Sports News 11/19/2021 2014 AQHA/PRCA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year W nders Cowboy Dan ridden by Kaley Bass

PHOTO CREDIT: DAN HUBBELL

DEC. 2-11, 2021

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

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OFFICIAL NFR ® VIEWING PARTY LOCATIONS:

Stadia Bar & Montecristo Cigar Bar

The Red Zone

The Grand Ballroom

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Freedom Beat

Downtown Las Vegas Events Center

Rhythm & Riffs

Race & Sports Book

Brooklyn Bridge

*The Showroom & Honky Tonk Saloon

The Central next to Level Up

Extra Lounge

Wrangler Dawg House & Redtail

iBar Ultra Lounge

*Veil Pavilion

The Showroom

Roxy’s Honky Tonk

Grand Ballroom

Gilley’s Saloon

Trogo Lounge & Robert Irvine’s Public House

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Ibar

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Other SATELLITE FEED LOCATIONS:

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**Mesquite, NV locations

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DEC. 2-11, 2021 ProRodeo.com

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2021 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of Nov. 17, 2021. For the 2021 season (Oct. 1, 2020-Sept. 30, 2021), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 85; team roping, 65; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 85; 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. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah................... $320,482 2. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas......................... 135,143 3. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla............................ 126,360 4. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas. ............................. 122,311 5. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................ 121,560 6. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif.............................. 113,643 7. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah............................ 92,913 8. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah. .................................. 80,729 9. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.......................... 77,744 10. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.................... 68,842 11. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La.................................... 65,863 12. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss........................ 48,776 13. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas................................ 45,836 14. Laramie Allen, Llano, Texas. ................................ 44,154 15. Caden Camp, Belgrade, Mont.. ............................ 41,742 16. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn.. ................... 38,798 17. Wyatt Muggli, Lane, Okla..................................... 36,090 18. Jason Stewart, Pendleton, Ore............................. 31,033 19. Jase Staudt, Nathrop, Colo.................................. 28,423 20. Connor Murnion, Jordan, . .................................. 26,897 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas........................ $161,952 2. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa. ........................... 156,056 3. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif.. ....................... 142,004 4. Caleb Bennett, Corvallis, Mont........................... 140,213 5. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah................................. 125,856 6. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan.................................... 110,024 7. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont.. .......... 98,945 8. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo.................................... 98,216 9. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba............................... 97,844 10. Garrett Shadbolt, Merriman, Neb......................... 96,013 11. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn.. ......................... 85,675 12. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas............................. 77,393 13. R.C. Landingham, Hat Creek, Calif....................... 72,129 14. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La....................... 70,204 15. Zach Hibler, Wheeler, Texas. ................................ 65,381 16. Wyatt Denny, Minden, Nev................................... 64,698 17. Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah. ................. 60,426 18. Will Lowe, Amarillo, Texas................................... 56,663 19. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D....................................... 54,934 20. Jamie Howlett, Wasta, S.D................................... 48,583 STEER WRESTLING 1. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La................................ $117,256 2. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore............................... 92,358 3. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev................................... 81,784 4. Tyler Pearson, Atoka, Okla................................... 81,609 5. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss.. .............................. 79,017 6. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.......................... 76,443 7. Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alberta........................ 74,953 8. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho. .................. 71,668 9. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla................................. 71,223 10. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho................................. 69,049 11. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla..................................... 67,715 12. Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La.................................. 67,254 13. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla................................ 66,721 14. Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La.. ................................ 65,071 15. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta.......................... 64,548 16. Chance Howard, Sadler, Texas............................. 64,364 17. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont.. ................................. 63,171 18. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis.......................................... 57,077 19. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore.. ......................... 55,422 20. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D........................................... 51,899 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla...................... $147,516 2. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz......................... 122,017 3. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga............................. 119,330 4. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla............................ 110,570 5. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont.................................... 94,250 6. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas. ................................... 89,038 7. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif............................... 79,677 8. Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla.. ............................ 74,483 9. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla......................................... 73,506 10. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah............................ 71,545 11. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz.. ........................ 70,893 12. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla............................... 68,842 13. Coy Rahlmann, Ellsinore, Mo............................... 63,926 14. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla............................... 62,755

15. Quinn Kesler, Holden, Utah.................................. 62,403 16. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash............................. 61,878 17. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C.................................. 61,368 18. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas......................... 60,456 19. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn............................ 59,127 20. Hayes Smith, Central Point, Ore........................... 57,845 TEAM ROPING 1. Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil .. $133,716 2. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla..................................... 126,869 3. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas......................... 116,937 4. Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev..................................... 110,570 5. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas.................. 102,037 6. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan.................................. 95,226 7. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo...................................... 84,182 8. Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont.................................. 74,776 9. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas.................................... 71,822 10. Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta..................... 70,512 11. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M................................... 69,335 12. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan....................... 68,842 13. Douglas Rich, Herrick, Ill..................................... 63,849 14. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash............................ 61,878 15. Joseph Harrison, Marietta, Okla........................... 61,688 16. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo..................................... 60,456 17. Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz.................................... 58,448 18. Caleb Hendrix, Fallon, Nev.. ................................. 58,355 19. Cole Davison, Stephenville, Texas........................ 52,852 20. Carson Johnson, Casper, Wyo............................. 52,332 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah................... $193,096 2. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah................................ 181,894 3. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo............................... 142,225 4. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta........................ 120,349 5. Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta................ 102,246 6. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta........................ 99,802 7. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont.. ...................... 97,388 8. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta............. 86,859 9. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas................................. 84,948 10. Tegan Smith, Winterset, Iowa.............................. 82,814 11. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont........................... 82,718 12. Ben Andersen, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta... 82,234 13. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa............................. 79,160 14. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La.. ................................... 74,799 15. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah............................. 74,061 16. K’s Thomson, Lundbreck, Alberta........................ 73,972 17. Logan Hay, Wildwood, Alberta............................. 72,682 18. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif.................................. 60,969 19. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas............................. 60,329 20. Shorty Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D........................... 56,369 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La.. .......................... $175,079 2. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas........................ 133,337 3. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M................................ 131,916 4. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas. ............................. 126,879 5. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................ 120,474 6. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil............................ 113,742 7. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas. ............................ 110,356 8. Justin Smith, Leesville, La................................. 105,984 9. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas........................ 100,751 10. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas. ..................... 99,152 11. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont.. ......................... 98,925 12. Ryan Jarrett, Comanche, Okla.............................. 91,933 13. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla.. .............................. 89,779 14. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif................................ 89,038 15. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas............................. 88,874 16. Andrew Burks, Kiln, Miss..................................... 88,216 17. Kyle Lucas, Carstairs, Alberta.............................. 76,514 18. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas. ............... 76,278 19. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash............................... 75,948 20. Cody Craig, Wendell, Idaho.................................. 70,255 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................ $190,242 2. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas. ............... 95,951 3. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D................................. 89,646 4. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas............................. 88,402 5. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla............................... 84,372 6. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas. ............................. 82,307 7. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas............................. 73,600 8. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.................... 71,757

9. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla............................ 67,399 10. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................. 63,029 11. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif................................ 55,811 12. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas.................................. 55,731 13. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.................................. 51,572 14. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas.................................. 51,505 15. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla................................ 44,471 16. John E. Bland, Turkey, Texas................................ 32,843 17. Laramie Allen, Llano, Texas. ................................ 31,436 18. Bryce Davis, Ovalo, Texas.................................... 28,848 19. Corey Ross, Liberty Hill, Texas. ........................... 28,298 20. Shay Good, Abilene, Texas................................... 28,250 BULL RIDING 1. Sage Kimzey, Salado, Texas............................. $264,739 2. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah..................... 204,100 3. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla..................... 147,021 4. Creek Young, Rogersville, Mo............................ 143,512 5. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah. ................................ 130,192 6. J.B. Mauney, Cotulla, Texas. .............................. 112,300 7. Dustin Donovan Boquet, Bourg, La.................... 112,011 8. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont.............................. 102,714 9. Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Australia.......................... 101,747 10. Trey Benton III, Richards, Texas. ......................... 98,792 11. Braden Richardson, Jasper, Texas. ...................... 98,540 12. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.................................... 98,268 13. Shane Proctor, Grand Coulee, Wash.................... 97,927 14. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas.................. 96,910 15. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho................. 95,778 16. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas..................................... 92,579 17. Jordan Wacey Spears, Redding, Calif.. ................ 84,972 18. Laramie Mosley, Palestine, Texas......................... 83,457 19. Brady Portenier, Caldwell, Idaho.......................... 76,558 20. Matt Palmer, Claremore, Okla.. ............................ 75,121 BARREL RACING Barrel racing and breakaway roping 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. ............................ $113,529 2. Jordan Briggs, Chilton, Mo................................. 102,618 3. Shelley Morgan, Eustace, Texas............................ 94,226 4. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla.................................. 84,990 5. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. ............................... 78,847 6. Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas............. 77,132 7. Amanda Welsh, Gillette, Wyo................................ 76,919 8. Nellie Miller, Cottonwood, Calif............................. 75,919 9. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas. ............. 73,756 10. Emily Miller-Beisel, Weatherford, Okla.................. 73,472 11. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas........................ 71,178 12. Ivy Saebens, Nowata, Okla. .................................. 70,806 13. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. ....................... 67,385 14. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. . .............................. 65,044 15. Molly Otto, Grand Forks, N.D................................ 64,173 16. Stephanie Fryar, Waco Texas. ............................... 59,411 17. Jimmie Smith, McDade, Texas.............................. 52,742 18. Katie Pascoe, Morro Bay, Calif.............................. 50,304 19. Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo.. ...................................... 49,731 20. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas................ 48,183 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephenville, Texas.................... $52,486 2. Sawyer Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D.. ............................... 51,122 3. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo................................... 38,324 4. J.J. Hampton, Stephenville, Texas. ....................... 37,214 5. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla..................................... 36,475 6. Lari Dee Guy, Abilene, Texas................................. 36,428 7. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas. ................... 36,174 8. Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Ariz.............................. 34,844 9. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas................... 32,360 10. Kelsie Chace, Dublin, Texas. ................................. 31,189 11. Cheyanne Guillory, Gainsville, Texas..................... 31,155 12. Sarah Morrisey, Thedford, Neb. ........................... 30,561 13. Nicole Baggarley, Las Cruces, N.M.. ..................... 29,086 14. Joey Williams, Volborg, Mont............................... 25,113 15. Taylor Hanchey, Carmine, Texas............................ 24,567 16. Hope Thompson, Abilene, Texas........................... 24,429 17. Amber Crawford, Springtown, Texas..................... 22,904 18. Jordan Fabrizio, Canyon, Texas............................. 22,730 19. Amanda Coleman, Stephenville, Texas.................. 22,497 20. Tibba Smith, Hobbs, N.M. .................................... 20,331

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DEC. 2-11, 2021

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TIME CAPSULE THEN & NOW

PRCA ProRodeo file photo These are the streets of Las Vegas in 1985, the same year the NFR moved to the Thomas & Mack Center in Vegas from Oklahoma City.

City of Lights

NFR first came to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas in 1985

BY TRACY RENCK M oving PRCA’s National Finals Rodeo fromOklahoma City to Las Vegas in 1985 wasn’t welcomed with open arms by the rodeo community. The bold move, however, has paid massive dividends and produced unbelievable memories at theThomas &Mack Center. In 1985, the National Finals Rodeo moved to Las Vegas and the Thomas &Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, where the prize money has grown from $1.79 million in 1985 to $6.25 million in 2013 to $10 million in 2015 and 10.2 million in

2021. The event has virtually sold out every year. There were 169,171 fans who attended the 2018Wrangler NFR. A year ago, the Wrangler NFR was moved to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, because of COVID-19 restrictions in Las Vegas. The 2021Wrangler NFR, presented by Teton Ridge, is back at the Thomas &Mack in Vegas and what better time to enjoy some of the top photos from the NFR’s first year in Vegas in 1985. TheThomas &Mack Center was officially opened Dec. 16, 1984, with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Diana Ross. The $30 millionThomas &Mack was able to seat 16,500 fans for the 27th annual NFR, Dec. 7-15, 1985.

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Bareback rider Lewis Feild com- petes during the 1985 Na- tional Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. That year he won the bareback riding and all-around gold buckle. PRCA ProRodeo file photo

FIRST VEGAS CHAMPS PRCA world champions in 1985 at the Thomas & Mack Center were: All-around cowboy Lewis Feild Bareback riding Lewis Feild Steer wrestling Ote Berry Team ropers Jake Barnes & Clay O’Brien Cooper Saddle bronc riding Brad Gjermundson Tie-down roping

Joe Beaver Bull riding Ted Nuce

Of those winners, Feild, Berry, Barnes, Cooper, Gjermundson and Beaver are all in the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo.

In the mid-1980s, the National Finals Rodeo shared the Thomas & Mack Center with world-renowned acts like the Rat Pack. At right, a 1985 PRCA world championship buckle and that year’s program.

DEC. 2-11, 2021

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SHORT ROUND

South Dakota Governor Noem to speak at PRCA Convention Keynote Speaker

S outh Dakota Governor Kristi Noem will be the keynote speaker at the 2021 PRCA Convention in Las Vegas. The governor will address convention attendees at the Grand Ballroom at the South Point Hotel and Casino, Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 9 a.m. (PT). The gathering of PRCA members precedes the biggest event on ProRodeo’s annual calendar, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge at the Thomas & Mack Center in Vegas. “We are honored Governor Noem will keynote our convention,” said Tom Glause, chief executive officer of the PRCA. “She appreciates the work ethic of our cowboys and what they represent. We couldn’t have a better keynote speaker.” Convention attendees will discuss what enabled ProRodeo to overcome the unexpected challenges of the 2021 season and the changes facing professional sports in the years ahead. As in prior years, the convention will feature the State of the PRCA address from Glause as well as the PRCA Member Tradeshow. The PRCA National Convention is the annual meeting of the organization’s members. It is the gathering to review the achievements of the prior year and lay out new strategic areas of focus for the year ahead. The evenings are highlighted with fan favorites: the 14th annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on Nov. 29 honoring Spearfish, S.D., native and ProRodeo Hall of Fame saddle bronc rider Clint Johnson, the 2021 Legend of ProRodeo; the PRCA Welcome Reception and the PRCA Annual Awards Banquet to recognize the extraordinary achievements of PRCA members. The 2021 PRCA National Convention will take place at the South Point. Registration is open for PRCA members and their guests at www. prcaconvention.com

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Steve Gray

Benjamin Espy named 2021 PRCA Vet of the Year

Dr. Benjamin Espy, of San Antonio, Texas, was named the 2021 PRCA Veterinarian of the Year thanks to 25 years as a veterinarian at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. The veterinarian of the year award was created in 2010 to spotlight and honor veterinarians who have dedicated time, talent and effort to the health and welfare of rodeo livestock. “This award is such a big deal to me because it’s nice for someone to recognize veterinarians for their behind-the-scenes work,” said Espy. “Because once they’re in the arena all of our work is done and from that point on it’s all up to the cowboy and the horse. “So, it’s nice to be recognized, it’s almost like confirmation that you did a good job and for this award it’s not that you did a good job

on one horse, it’s you did a good job on a thousand horses over the year.” Over the years Espy has been tasked with maintaining and continually improving the operating procedures regarding livestock movement, transportation, and conveyance

Espy

at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition. More than 60,000 animals move on and off the grounds during the 18-day run and under Espy’s watchful eye. Espy also works as an adviser to the students who receive the Veterinary School Scholarships through San Antonio Livestock Exposition. He is a member of the PRCA Livestock Welfare Committee and received his DVM from Texas A&M.

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ONLINE: For more ProRodeo events and full results, go online at www.prorodeo.com O LINE: For more Pr R d o events and full re ults, go to ww .prorode .c m

Knowles named to top PRCA rodeo position

BY THE NUMBERS 3 The number of father-son combinations who have won steer roping world

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has named Steve Knowles its Director of Rodeo Administration. “I’m very excited about this opportunity,” said Knowles, 54. “I have been with the PRCA for 21 years as a Pro Official. I’m looking forward to this and I’m excited to take the next step. I have been involved with rodeo

Knowles junior rodeoed and high school rodeoed growing up and then was a bull rider in college at Pratt (Kan.) Community College and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., and joined the PRCA in 1989. “At the circuit finals, years and years ago, they had a judging seminar and just out of curiosity I attended the seminar,” Knowles said.

championships. Rocky Patterson (2009-10, 2012 and 2016) and Cole Patterson (2021); John McEntire (1934) and Clark McEntire (1956-57, 1961) and Charles Good (1975) and Gary Good (1979). 5 The number of father-son combinations to win the average at the National Finals Steer Roping. The list consists of Jim Snively (1959) and Joe Snively (1961, 1972); James Allen (1971) and Guy Allen (1989, 1991, 1997, 2000, 2004); Charles Good (1976) and Gary Good (1979); Jim Davis (1988) and Bryce Davis (2009); and Rocky Patterson (1999, 2001) and Cole Patterson (2021). 8 The number of cowboys who have won world championships their rookie years in the PRCA. The list consists of steer wrestler Harry Charters (1959); bull rider Bill Kornell (1963); tie-down roper Roy Cooper (1976); team roper Tee Woolman (1980); tie- down roper Joe Beaver (1985); bull rider Sage Kimzey (2014);

Knowles

committees, stock contractors, judging and a contestant over my career. This has been kind of whirlwind; things are happening fast.” Knowles is slated to begin his new position Jan. 3 at PRCA headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo. “Steve brings a wealth of experience to this job and will be a good fit for this position,” PRCA CEO Tom Glause said. Knowles has one rodeo left to judge and that’s the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Dec. 2-11. Knowles lives in St. Cloud, Fla., and will be relocating to Colorado Springs.

said. “He was a big, stout athletic animal with a personality to match. It is crazy how cool he is to be around. He’s one of those bulls who makes what we do fun. He had intensity that other bulls didn’t have.” Brusier’s talent isn’t lost on the PRCA’s best bull riders – like world champions Sage Kimzey and J.W. Harris. Kimzey, a six-time world champ – 2014- 19 – made the most memorable ride of his career aboard Bruiser. In Round 8, of the 2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Kimzey had a 94-point ride on Powder River Rodeo’s SweetPro’s Bruiser. SweetPro’s Bruiser was voted bull of the night for Round 8, and it is a ride Kimzey will never forget. “I started judging part time when I was still rodeoing and then I became a Pro Official on Jan. 1, 2001, with the PRCA. Knowles has three adult children, daughters, Fallon, 25 and Rylie, 23, and son, Carson, 20. “What I have enjoyed about rodeo is being able to stay in touch with rodeo committees and the contestants and I love traveling and meeting new people,” Knowles said. “As a judge, I would see the same people from rodeo-to-rodeo year to year and I made a lot of friends throughout the United States. I’m looking forward to taking my rodeo experience to my new job.”

SweetPro’s bull Bruiser retires Standout bull, Powder River Rodeo’s SweetPro’s Bruiser, 11, is calling it a career. SweetPro’s Bruiser was the 2017 PRCA

Bull of the Year and was second in 2018. Bruiser also was top bull of the NFR in 2015 and 2017, and 2019. “Bruiser is retired,” said H.D. Page, who owns Bruiser at D&H Cattle Company in Dickson, Okla. “I was hoping he would come back, but it not going to happen. He hurt a tendon in his leg. He’s going to be able to breed cows and he’s going have a good retirement, but his competitive career is going to be over with.” Page gushed when talking about Bruiser, who weighs 1,950 pounds. “He was a once-in-a-lifetime bull,” Page

all-around Stetson Wright (2019); and tie-down roper Haven Meged (2019).

DEC. 2-11, 2021

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DEC. 2-11, 2021

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Incoming Bull rider Lukasey Morris heads to the dirt before the 8-second whistle aboard Flying U Rodeo’s Gun Train at the Brawley (Calif.) Cattle Call Rodeo Nov. 14. Bull rider Bubba Greig had an 85.5-point ride on Rosser Rodeo’s Logun’s Legacy to win the rodeo and earn $3,017. – Dan Lesovsky photo

SNAPSHOT

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DEC. 2-11, 2021

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Rodeo fans from across the nation will ascend on the Thomas & Mack Center for the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The event brings in more than 150,000 people each year. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Tom Donoghue

Wrangler NFR returns after year away Viva Las Vegas!

WRANGLER NFR COVERAGE 48 First-time qualifiers

36 Tie-down history 38 Canadian cowboys 40 Late-push entrants 44 Back in Las Vegas

69 Contestant roster 70 ProRodeo Zone map 72 Event schedule 74 Stock roster

50 Area attractions 52 Event previews 68 Top committeeman 69 Top Gun race

DEC. 2-11, 2021

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History Makers Mayfield, Solomon, Douch set mark in tie-down roping DIVERSITY

BY JOLEE JORDAN, Special to ProRodeo Sports News W hen Shad Mayfield captured the 2021 PRCA Tie Down Roping World Championship last season, he went into the record books as just the third African American cowboy to earn a ProRodeo world championship, joining bull rider Charles Sampson (1982) and eight-time world champion FredWhitfield (1991, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005 in tie-down roping and all- around in 1999). He also sealed a family legacy. Thirty-five years prior to Mayfield’s crowning achievement, his father Sylvester, also a tie-down roper, made history as the first African American to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in a timed-event. Sylvester qualified for the NFR in tie-down roping in 1985 and 1987. This year, there will be three African American cowboys competing in Las Vegas in tie-down roping, Mayfield, Cory Solomon, and John Douch, a first for ProRodeo. “I think this is going to bring new fans to the sport at the biggest level,” said Solomon, 31. “That’s the cool thing about it. I know rappers who have bought ranches not too far fromme. With guys like us making it, it is going to bring more attention to ProRodeo, which is good.” Mayfield appreciates the camaraderie the three cowboys have shared over the years and now the chance to rope on rodeo’s biggest stage together. “It’s great,” Mayfield, 20, said. “John and Cory and I are the best of friends. We grew up roping together.” All three will point out that they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to other talented ropers out there who are African American cowboys, particularly in South Texas where both Douch and Solomon live. “There is so much talent here around the house,” said

Reigning PRCA World Champion Tie-Down Roper Shad Mayfield is in the running again in 2021. He heads into the NFR third in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. Robert Rosales photo

Douch, 24, who will be making his Wrangler NFR debut this year. “But there aren’t many who get to do what we do and have those opportunities.” “There are a ton of guys, especially down there where John lives in south Texas, who rope good. We are the only three who go hard at the rodeos and try for the NFR,” Mayfield said. Roping for a living and leaving home to be a ProRodeo cowboy are dreams that are only starting to seem possible for many of these ropers, a change that can be attributed in part to the example set by Solomon, Mayfield and Douch. “I’m from South Texas and ProRodeo was unheard of when I first

started,” said Solomon, who made his NFR debut in 2011. “I didn’t have the money or the horsepower. All I had was talent and God put something in me that gave me the drive.” “This isn’t about me,” Solomon continued. “People seeing me make it, I hope to give other people the drive to make it.” Despite their youth, Mayfield and Douch already grasp their own place in the evolution of the sport, picking up the torch from Solomon and those who came before him.

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