ProRodeo Sports News - October 1, 2021

Punching His Ticket Sellars headed to Wrangler NFR after winning ProRodeo Tour Finale

ProRodeo Sports News 10/1/2021

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER 1, 2021 VOLUME 69, NO. 20

Stetson Wright gets a hug from bullfighter Dusty Tuckness after Wright’s 89-point ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Royal Playboy to win the finals of the Pendleton Round- Up Sept. 18. Fernando Sam-Sin photo

Round-Up of Cash (Ore.) Round-Up, a stop on the ProRodeo Tour presented by Pendleton Whisky, as they made late-season pushes for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. 36 Cowboys earned big paydays at the storied Pendleton

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INSIDE

18 2021 PRCA World 68 2021 Circuits STANDINGS COVER 28 Salinas, Calif. Tour Finale 36 Pendleton, Ore. 44 Albuquerque, N.M. RODEOS 6 Director’s Cut 8 Grille 10 Hot Takes 12 Brain Teasers 14 He Said-She Said 16 Social Media Spotlight 22 Short Round 56 Results

Regular season comes to an end Cowboys made one last frantic push to get into the Top 15 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings by competing in rodeos in Stephenville, Texas, Pasadena, Texas, and Omaha, Neb. 46 William Kierce photo Steer wrestler Ryan Lewis finished the PRCA regular season by splitting the win at the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo in Stephenville, Texas. Lewis earned $1,920.

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

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.

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Punching His Ticket Sellars headed to Wrangler NFR after winning ProRodeo Tour Finale

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Bull rider Clayton Sellars was pure gold as he won the ProRodeo

Tour Finale in Salinas, Calif., Sept. 26.

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Click Thompson photo

Tanner Barth Amber Baillie Julia Plungy Ally Gallagher

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DIRECTOR’S CUT SCOTT KANIEWSKI September push feels like rodeo playoff at its best T egan Smith went through his routine. He unloaded his gear. Got his bronc reign on his halter. Changed his pants, taped up. Stretched a little. Nothing different. Even if it was the final round 16th through 20th would have to do some winning to pass me.” Steer wrestler Riley Duvall is another cowboy thankful for a big payout at the end of the season.

He entered the ProRodeo Tour Finale and the final weekend on the outside looking in with a gap of $9,357 between his spot and No. 15 in the world standings. After competing in the finale in Salinas, however, Duvall should be making his fourth trip to the NFR after earning $16,249 at the Tour Finale. “I had to win first to have a shot (at the NFR),” Duvall said. “It was first or last right there. ... This is just so crazy.” The final two weekends were filled with craziness. And with crazy money that benefited those lucky enough to cash in. “I wanted to do the best I could in the finals and whatever happened, happened,” Duvall said. “Having this kind of money at the ProRodeo Tour Finale saved my season. I didn’t have a shot until this.” That’s why the final month of the regular season is so engaging. When money like that is passed out to winners, it makes a difference. It makes September feel like a playoff. Knowing that (even if he wasn’t thinking about it), Smith, the 23-year-old bronc rider fromWinterset, Iowa, made sure to keep everything the exact same way he does things at any rodeo. He wasn’t about to let the Pendleton Round-Up unnerve him. Nor was he about to let the prospective money that was being dangled in front of himmake him do anything differently. “When I get to the rodeo, I get to the chutes and do my same routine I do every time,” Smith said. “By the time you’re getting in you just say smile, because that’s the way it’s got to be.”

of the Pendleton Round-Up and Smith was sitting 16th in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings, a little more than $1,400 away from cracking the Top 15 and earning a first trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He tried not to think about the boatload of money a win would land him. Instead, he stuck to his routine. With four contestants before him, he started pulling. Then when it was one to go, he kept moving, didn’t think about anything. Climbed on and went. Andrew Burks was in a similar situation. He was in, he was out, he was in, he was out. The 24-year-old tie-down roper fromKiln, Miss., is one of a group of young ropers battling for a first-time ticket to Las Vegas. On Sept. 18, he dropped a blistering time of 7.9 seconds in the finals, just two-tenths of a second off the Pendleton record. World standings leader Shane Hanchey won the average, but Burks won the round and finished second in the average. Burks netted $10,928 at the Round-Up. As of Sept. 28, he was 16th in the world. While he might come up short (possibly by less than $1,000), Pendleton and the ProRodeo Tour Finale in Salinas, Calif., gave him a chance. “I didn’t have the Tour Finale made, so I was really banking on that one (Pendleton) because I knew it paid good,” Burks said. “I knew if I did well there (at Pendleton) I might have a good shot to make the Top 15. I needed enough gap there so that the guys in

Scott Kaniewski is the Media Director at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He previously served more than two years as the editor of ProRodeo Sports News. He has nearly two decades of experience in sports journalism, with the last few being consumed by ProRodeo.

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©2021 COORS BREWING CO., GOLDEN, CO • BEER CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY ®

GRAB THE REINS IT’S BANQUET SEASON

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Cooper: I’ve been around rodeo most of my life, but when I was growing up, I always seemed to be swinging a rope. I was never really into the bareback riding until maybe my sophomore year of high school, and then it kind of took off for me. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Cooper: I watched my brother Caleb and I think he proved it to our family, you can make a living out of rodeoing, and he’s helped me along the way. My second year out of high school is when everything started to come together, and I realized I could do this for a living down the road. Why did you decide bareback riding would be your event? Cooper: I think bareback riding gives you that feeling of a rush and excitement for everything you get on. It really gets my blood pumping, and the adrenaline is never not there when you’re doing it. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, if I’m being honest with you. What’s this season been like for you? Cooper: It’s been a pretty great season for me, and I feel like I’ve learned a ton this year. I got my (PRCA) card a little later than I should have, I think. But ever since I’ve gotten into the ProRodeos I can’t really complain. I can’t wait to see what next year has in store for me. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Cooper: The person that I’ve really looked up to is my oldest brother, Caleb. Since I’ve started riding bucking horses, I’ve done nothing but constantly ask him questions. I watch him to see what he’s doing. He’s accomplished so much in this sport and does anything and everything to be the best that he can. He’s always been the No.1 person that I look up to. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Cooper: The obvious answer would be the NFR, but other than that I think I’d want to win Pendleton (Ore.) or The American Rodeo in Arlington, Texas. What’s your favorite restaurant? Cooper Bennett, 21, has had quite the start to his ProRodeo career. As of Sept. 28, the bareback rider was sitting second in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings and 30th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $30,777. His first win as a PRCA card holder came at the Strawberry Days Rodeo in Pleasant Grove, Utah, June 19. Cooper is the younger brother to eight-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier Caleb Bennett.

COOPER BENNETT

Cooper: I would have to say it’s probably The Pizza Factory in Spanish Fork (Utah). I don’t even get the pizza though, I go with the cajun shrimp pasta. Do you have a favorite candy? Cooper: My favorite has to be peanut butter M&M’s. What’s your go-to movie? Cooper: “Central Intelligence” is probably my favorite movie. The Rock and Kevin Hart are what make that movie great. Do you have a favorite sports team? Cooper: I don’t really follow them closely, but I do enjoy watching the University of Utah Utes. I’ve always liked them. What was the make of your first car? Cooper: The first one I had was a 2000 half-ton two-wheel drive Chevrolet pickup. When you’re not rodeoing what do you enjoy doing for fun? Cooper: When I’m not rodeoing, I like to either go golfing or in the winter I like to go skiing or ice fishing. We get to do more golfing on the road then you would probably think. What’s your favorite TV show or series?

Cooper: I was watching “Longmire” on Netflix and then I finished that. Now, we are onto the “Yellowstone” series. What’s your favorite holiday? Cooper: I’d say Christmas is my favorite holiday. All of your family gets to come together, and it’s nice to hang out with people you haven’t seen in a while. What type of music do you like listening to? Cooper: I listen to just about anything, I don’t know if I have a favorite type of music.

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Stretch run

“Anytime you can . . . get an early lead it just helps coast you throughout the week. There are still four or five more horses for us bareback riders to get on before it’s all said and done. It’s going to take some Aleve, Tylenol and ice from the Justin Sportsmedicine team as well as a lot of prayers to see it through the week.”

Bareback rider Caleb Bennett won the first round at the ProRodeo Tour Finale in Salinas, Calif. He knew it was going to be a battle the rest of the weekend in trying to qualify for the Wrangler NFR.

NEXT ON TAP

RAM BADLANDS CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO Where: Minot, N.D. When: Oct. 8-10 Broadcast schedule: The RAM BCFR will stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App at 8 p.m., Oct. 8-9, and at 3 p.m., Oct. 10.

HOT TAKES

RAM PRAIRIE CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO Where: Duncan, Okla. When: Oct. 14-16 Broadcast schedule: The RAM PCFR will stream live on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App at 8:30 p.m., Oct. 14-16. * All times Eastern. For complete broadcast schedule visit http://bit.ly/PRCATV .

William Kierce photo

Bryson Sechrist won in Stephenville, Texas, with a 7.5-second run Sept. 24.

Sechrist out ... in 7.5 Tie-down roper Bryson Sechrist won the Cowboy Capital of the World PRCA Rodeo in Stephenville, Texas, with a time of 7.5 seconds Sept. 24. The 29-year-old from Apache, Okla., not only posted the top time in Stephenville, he also posted the fastest run of the week of Sept. 20-26. Sechrist earned $2,772 for the win.

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BRAIN TEASERS TAKE YOUR SHOT

ANSWERS ON PAGE 74

Match Up

Can you match these PRCA rodeo stars’ faces with their favorite movies?

2

3

4

5

1

A

B

D

E

C

Word Search

Next Season Now

Find the 2020 winners from the Heart O’ Texas Rodeo in Waco and the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in Duncan, Okla. Cowboys who won more than one event at both rodeos appear once for each win. Names may be forward, backward, horizontal, vertical or diagonal. 1. Find the winners fromWaco, Texas. BB: Jake Brown SW: Tyler Waguespack, Jacob Talley TR: Tyler Wade/Billie Jack Saebens SB: Cody DeMoss TD: Shad Mayfield, Ike Fontenot GB: Ivy Saebens, Victoria Williams SR: Garrett Hale BR: Tristan Mize, Maverick Potter, Dustin Martinez 2. Find the winners from Duncan, Okla. BB: Garrett Shadbolt SW: Jacob Edler TR: Jake Clay/Brye Crites SB: Jake Finlay TD: Hunter Herrin

X F J J I H T L O B D A H S T T E R R A G V S L L A V J W T S S H M B Y H D Z Q R P V V A G B K C X G M J T Y L E R W A D E V G J T L D I E H N J A K E B R O W N T N I C G O G O T L C Y Z T R L R D D L O F T C B H J D O X A L L R W N L I K L N R G S T B J S U G T H B I A J S A D P E G M Z A O R F M S S X T S G E Y Z T K T I X Q H K R Y A A T D J T U N H J C B N P F J P Y R I E W V I J A E O M W A A O K I Y R W V O A C Q E N N S R K N R K F C D V A D W F V W R U R M P F R U W R E D A K Y M B G R E I I D I A I Z A C D K F L J A S D H J G R L T Z C R J L G R I O I B D L A A E R E T L E K K T V R Y H D E N G I E E H E M W Q I S Y P I R E Y M W D L K G P B S S B O L A P M O N K U Z R I K A W T Q E O U D E S M U B T E H Z W A K L Y D T V N L C I E N S T D T Z A Q D T M O L K K Z S M D A W M S C H E T H E R R E N C E Q G K B D N J D Z N I R R E H R E T N U H R E W D H J L X V

GB: Emily Miller SR: Chet Herren BR: Trevor Kastner

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brewed for the cowboy in all of us. GOLDBUCKLEBEER . COM

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10 QUESTIONS He Said – She Said

Who knows team roping header Pedro Egurrola better, his wife, Tatum, or his traveling partner, J.C. Flake?

Pedro

Tatum

J.C.

J.C.

PEDRO

TATUM

WHO’S HIS RODEO IDOL?

Erich Rogers

Erich Rogers

Erich Rogers

WHO’S HIS FAVORITE HORSE TO RIDE?

Copper T

Copper T

Copper T

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?

Gatorade

Gatorade

Coke

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Pedro

Me

Me

WHAT NON-NFR RODEO DOES HE WANT TO WIN?

Cheyenne

Reno

Reno

DOES HE PREFER TO CALL OR TEXT?

Phone call

Phone call

Phone call

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Whataburger

Waffle House

Waffle House

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE SPORT OUTSIDE OF RODEO?

Baseball

Baseball

Baseball

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE HOLIDAY?

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

Christmas

14 WHO’S HIS FAVORITE MUSICIAN?

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne

– Courtesy of Ted Harbin Lil Wayne

ProRodeo Sports News 11/7/2014

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AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS RASMUSSEN FLINT OUTSIDE THE BARREL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY FURNITURE WITH MISS RODEO AMERICA JUSTIN BOOT PARADE YETI JUNIOR WORLD FINALS MISS RODEO AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AUCTION NFR TAILGATE PARTY

MORE THAN 350 EXHIBITORS

CUSTOM-MADE JEWELRY

ORIGINAL ART

SPURS & TACK

SANTA CLAUS

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

HOME GOODS

HATS & APPAREL ACOUSTIC SETS

COWBOY REVIVAL SHANE MINOR LIVE RADIO REMOTES WITH

RMEF CALCUTTA

DECEMBER 1 - 11, 2021 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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ProRodeo Sports News 7/9/2021

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2021 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Unofficial as of Sept. 28, 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 Wright, Milford, Utah.......................... $320,482 2. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas......................... 130,989 3. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla............................ 126,360 4. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas. ............................. 122,311 5. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas................................. 121,560 6. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif................................ 94,727 7. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah............................ 92,913 8. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah. .................................. 80,729 9. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.......................... 77,744 10. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La.................................... 65,863 11. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss........................ 48,776 12. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas................................ 45,836 13. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.................... 42,823 14. Caden Camp, Belgrde, Mont................................ 41,742 15. Laramie Allen, Llano, Texas. ................................ 41,413 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, Mont.. ......................... 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, Kaycee, 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. ................................ 63,494 16. Wyatt Denny, Minden, Nev................................... 62,548 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, Louisville, Miss.. .......................... 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. Rowdy Parrott, Mamou, La.................................. 67,254 12. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla..................................... 66,875 13. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla................................ 65,802 14. Tristan Martin, Sulphur, La.. ................................ 65,071 15. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta.......................... 64,548 16. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont.. ................................. 63,171 17. Chance Howard, Sadler, Texas............................. 62,391 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. ................................... 85,194 7. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif............................... 79,395 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 (HEELER) 1. Junior Nogueira, Pres. Prudente, Brazil .......... $133,716 2. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla..................................... 126,869 3. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas......................... 112,782 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...................................... 84,982 8. Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont.................................. 74,776 9. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas.................................... 71,540 10. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M................................... 69,335 11. Buddy Hawkins II, Columbus, Kan....................... 68,842 12. Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta..................... 68,815 13. Douglas Rich, Herrick, Ill..................................... 63,116 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. Brye Crites, Welch, Okla.. .................................... 52,484 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Stetson Dell Wright, Milford, Utah................... $193,096 2. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah................................ 181,894 3. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo............................... 141,382 4. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta........................ 118,928 5. Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta.................. 98,701 6. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta........................ 97,975 7. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont.. ...................... 97,388 8. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta............. 86,859 9. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas................................. 84,948 10. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont........................... 82,718 11. Ben Andersen, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta... 82,234 12. Tegan Smith, Winterset, Iowa.............................. 81,582 13. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa............................. 77,268 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............................. 67,601 18. Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif.................................. 60,969 19. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas............................. 59,096 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. ............................. 122,188 5. Tuf 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. Andrew Burks, Kiln, Miss..................................... 89,616 15. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas............................. 88,874 16. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif................................ 87,940 17. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas. ............... 76,278 18. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash............................... 75,948 19. Kyle Lucas, Carstairs, Alberta.............................. 74,471 20. Cody Craig, Wendell, Idaho.................................. 70,255 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................ $104,516 2. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas............................. 65,101 3. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas. ............... 54,657 4. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas. ............................. 54,236 5. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas............................. 47,917 6. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D................................. 45,867 7. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.................... 45,737 8. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan................................. 44,134 9. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas.................................. 43,006

10. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla............................... 39,667 11. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif................................ 36,895 12. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla............................ 34,591 13. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla................................ 34,395 14. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas.................................. 33,918 15. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas.................................. 33,657 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 Wright, Milford, Utah............................ 201,338 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. Braden Richardson, Jasper, Texas. ...................... 98,540 11. Shane Proctor, Grand Coulee, Wash.................... 97,927 12. Trey Benton III, Richards, Texas. ......................... 97,500 13. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas.................. 96,910 14. Roscoe Jarboe, New Plymouth, Idaho................. 93,862 15. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas..................................... 88,409 16. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.................................... 87,982 17. Laramie Mosley, Palestine, Texas......................... 83,456 18. Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif.............................. 80,004 19. Brady Portenier, Caldwell, Idaho.......................... 76,558 20. Matt Palmer, Claremore, Okla.. ............................ 75,120 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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SHORT ROUND

Contract personnel announced for Wrangler NFR, NFSR Ready to Go

F or the eighth time in nine same. The contract personnel for the Wrangler NFR and the National Finals Steer Roping were announced by the PRCA Sept. 22. And for the eighth time in nine years Randy Corley and Wayne Brooks years, two of the announcers for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will remain the

Timers are Shawna Ray, making her second NFR trip in a row, Michelle Corley, making her first appearance as a timer, and Molly Twitchell, also making her NFR debut as a timer. Benje Bendele is the music director. The specialty acts will be Tomas Garcilazo, Madison MacDonald and

will be on the microphone at the Finals, this year in Las Vegas Dec. 2-11. They will be joined by announcer Roger Mooney. Corley, who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2017, will be making his 20th NFR appearance, while it will be the 10th of Brooks’ career. Mooney will make his third appearance at the NFR and second in a row. Livestock superintendent John Barnes makes his 15th consecutive Wrangler NFR appearance. The chute bosses are Tony Amaral (timed events) and Tom Neuens (roughstock). Sunni Deb Backstrom, who was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2021, is the NFR secretary, marking the 16th year in a row she has been selected. Jennie Murray is the assistant secretary.

Jessica Blair. At the NFSR at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., Nov. 12-13, Doug Mathis and Jody Carper will handle the announcing duties. This is Mathis’ second appearance at the NFSR and Carper’s seventh. Chute boss John Gwatney is back for his 12th consecutive trip, and the arena usher is Dalton Ward, who is making his first appearance. The NFSR secretary is Mikey Jo Duggan, who is making her third trip. The timers are Sandy Gwatney and Tammy Braden. Sandy Gwatney, John’s wife, is timing for the fourth time at the NFSR. Braden is timing for the third time. Jesse Knudsen was chosen as the music director for the NFSR.

San Antonio announces more entertainers The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo announced two more entertainers for its 2022 season. The Texas-based group Midland will perform on Feb. 11, and the Grammy- award-winning group Lady A will perform on Valentine’s Day. The rodeo previously announced 11 other entertainers who would perform following the nightly PRCA rodeo Here is the entertainment lineup so far: · Toby Keith: 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10 · Midland: 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 11 · Riley Green: 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12 · Little Texas: 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12 · Tanya Tucker: 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13 · Lady A: 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 14 · Brad Paisley: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 15 · Night Ranger: 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18

· Tim McGraw: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19 · Ramon Ayala y sus Bravos del Norte: 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 20 (following Noche Del Vaquero) · 3 Doors Down: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 22 (following Xtreme Bulls) · Styx: 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25 · Ryan Bingham: 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26

competitions. The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo will be held Feb. 10-27 at the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum fairgrounds. Tickets are on sale now at sarodeo.com or at ticketmaster.com. There are still several open spots for post- rodeo entertainers, and rodeo officials said more performers will be announced in the near future.

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ONLINE: For more ProRodeo events and full results, go online at www.prorodeo.com

Donita Barnes Lifetime Achievement Award nominees

BY THE NUMBERS 30

The 2021 nomineees have been announced for the PRCA Donita Barnes Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors contract personnel such as announcers, bullfighters, clowns, specialty acts, secretaries and timers who have been PRCA members for at least 15 years and have committed their lives to the rodeo industry. • Andrea Moon, a secretary and timer from Iron River, Mich., who has been with the PRCA since 1978. She served as the National Finals Rodeo’s secretary in 1990 and was a timer at the 1983 NFR. • Irene Singer, a secretary and timer from Calhan, Colo., who has been with the PRCA since 1970. She served as the NFR secretary in 2004 and was a timer at the 1996 NFR. • The Harris Family. Grant Harris’ grandfather

Police say 20-year-old Jate Frost, of Utah, was driving the Jetta and going east when the car rear- ended a commercial vehicle hauling potatoes. Frost was seriously injured in the crash and flown to a hospital in Washington. A third passenger, 21-year-old Jesse Hopper, who was also from Oklahoma, suffered serious injuries and was taken to OHSU in Portland. All three were bull riders. He also shot behind the scenes in 2017. Connor will be making his first appearance at the NFR. He photographed the NFSR in 2020. Guardipee and Sales were both photographers at the Wrangler NFR in 2020 held in Arlington, Texas. This will be the third consecutive NFR that Guardipee has photographed. Sales also will be making her third appearance as a Wrangler NFR photographer, having shot in 2017 (behind the scenes) and 2020 (in the arena). started producing rodeos in 1930, and in 1955 Grant’s father, Howard, started a weekly rodeo in New Jersey that continues to this day. Grant and Betsy Harris bought Cowtown Rodeo in 1978 and run the weekly rodeo that’s held in Woodstown-Pilesgrove, N.J. Grant has been with the PRCA since 1973, competing in bull riding, team roping and saddle bronc riding. • Jennifer Nicholson, of the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls, has been with the PRCA since 1990 and lives in Three Rivers, Calif. The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls have been nominated for Specialty Act of the Year four times (2011, 2013, 2015-16). They performed at the NFR in 1985-89, 1996 and 2014. • Kay Gay is a secretary and timer from Terrell, Texas, who has been with the PRCA since 1964. Doyle will be shooting in the arena at the NFR

The number of National Finals Rodeo team roping qualifications by ProRodeo Hall of Famer Allen Bach, a PRCA record. Bach qualified for the NFR in 1978-96, 1998-2008. $132K The amount of money ($132,484) earned by the winners of the ProRodeo Tour Finale, which took place at California Rodeo Salinas, Sept. 23-26. $579K The payout ($579,249) at the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up, a stop on the ProRodeo Tour presented by Pendleton Whisky. The rodeo concluded Sept. 18.

NFR, NFSR photographers announced The PRCA is excited to announce the selections for the 2021 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo photographers. The in-arena photographers will be Phil Doyle and Rod Connor. The behind-the scenes photographers are Clay Guardipee and Roseanna Sales. The Wrangler NFR returns to the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas Dec. 2-11. Click Thompson will shoot the National Finals Steer Roping at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane, Kan., Nov. 12-13. photographer can receive. for the second time, the first in 2018.

It will be his first time shooting the NFSR. Shooting the Wrangler NFR or the NFSR is one of the most prestigious honors a ProRodeo

PRCA cowboys involved in fatal auto crash Three contestants from the Pendleton (Ore.)

Roundup were involved in a fatal crash Sept. 16 when the car they were in rear-ended a commercial vehicle, according to Oregon State Police. The crash was reported around 8:15 p.m. (PDT) on Interstate 84 near milepost 193. Police say the right, front passenger in the Volkswagen Jetta, identified as 24-year-old Richard Schleicher from Oklahoma, was killed in the crash.

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SNAPSHOT

Helping Hand Pickup men, left, Jeffrey Shearer and Tony Jardine, far right, come in to get bareback rider Zach Hibler to the ground after Hibler’s 83-point ride on Flying U Rodeo’s Lil Red Hawk at the Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo in San Bernardino, Calif., Sept. 26. – Gene Hyder photo

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California Gold Rush

FINALE

PRCA TOUR FINALE

Bareback rider Taylor Broussard earned $4,611 at the Tour Finale in Salinas and had an 82.5-point ride on Four Star Rodeo’s Short Fuse. – Click Thompson photo

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TOUR FINALE SALINAS, CALIF.

Finals’ Payday BY TANNER BARTH C layton Sellars just wrapped up one of his best seasons of ProRodeo. The Fruitland Park, Fla., native bull rider entered the ProRodeo Tour Finale in Salinas, Calif., fifth in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings and he proved why he’s one of the sport’s best. Sellars advanced to the four-man, sudden-death

Sellars crowned champ at Tour Finale

TOP SCORES

finals and delivered an 86.5-point ride on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Shaved Ice to cement his name as ProRodeo Tour Finale champion. He said there wasn’t any extra pressure, he knew he just had to go out there and do his job. “That was a pretty common bull ride: up, down, right around, go to the front, sit back down,” said Sellars, a two-time NFR qualifier (2019-20). “It was an everyday bull ride for most professional guys, and I’m lucky like that I draw good bulls in good situations, and today we made it count.” It turned into a large payday for the 23-year-old bull rider. The eight-second cover in the finals earned him $10,000. For the weekend, he brought home $17,971, which bumped him up to third in the world standings. “It’s kind of been a marathon; we’ve been here every day, one bull a day, two at the end of it,” he said. “It’s been a good warm-up for the NFR, you know, having to show up and compete and win every single day. It’s been long, but it’s been very prosperous for me. I’ve been winning money every single day and had a photo finish here in the short round. It was a phenomenal event for me.” With Sellars locking up his thirdWrangler NFR bid he said not much will change between now and then. He’ll take a business-like approach into the next two months leading up to Las Vegas. “I’ll stay on my workout program, stay excited and go to Vegas the best I can be,” Sellars said. “I’ll just do the same thing I’ve been doing every single day. You know wake up thank God for everything I have and be the absolute best I can be all day. And this is the results you usually get when you continue to do that. So, that’s my plan.” He knows his first gold buckle is within reach this December. He says the basics that got him to this point are key and he plans to lean on those just like he did on his way to the 2021 ProRodeo Tour Finale Championship. “I just have to do the same thing I did here, show up my absolute best every single day,” Sellars said. “Knock them down one by one, keep your head down and handle your business in Las Vegas.”

Lovell

Eaves

TOP MONEY WINNER Colby Lovell and Paul Eaves ($18,549 each, team roping header

and team roping heeler) BAREBACK RIDING

1. Richmond Champion ............. 87 pts. 2. Wyatt Denny ................................ 79 3. Tanner Aus ................................... 77 STEER WRESTLING 1. Riley Duvall .......................... 5.6 sec. 2. Jacob Edler ................................. 6.2 3. Dalton Massey ............................ 7.0 TEAM ROPING 1. Colby Lovell/Paul Eaves ..... 11.6 sec. 2. Clay Tryan/Jake Long ................ 13.5 3. Coy Rahlmann/Douglas Rich ..... 14.9 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Layton Green ......................... 91 pts. 2. Tanner Butner ........................... 89.5 3. Wyatt Casper ............................... 88 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Marcos Costa ..................... 11.2 sec. 2. Taylor Santos ............................ 12.1 3. Justin Smith .............................. 17.9 BULL RIDING 1. Clayton Sellars .................... 86.5 pts. 2. Sage Kimzey ................................ NS 3. Creek Young ................................ NS

Phil Doyle photo

Bull rider Clayton Sellars had an 86.5-point ride on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Shaved Ice to win the ProRodeo Tour Finale. He earned $17,971 in Salinas.

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TOUR FINALE SALINAS, CALIF.

Stu Hagen photo Tie-down roper Marcos Costa clocked an 11.2-second time to win the final round. Costa is headed back to the Wrangler NFR for the first time since 2017. Storybook Tour Costa caps comeback season with Tour Finale victory

Marcos Costa’s return to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is complete after having his career sabotaged by knee injuries the last several seasons. Costa, the first Brazilian to win a PRCA Tie-down Roping World Championship in 2017, will return to the NFR for the first time in four years, thanks to his performance at the ProRodeo Tour Finale. Costa won the four-man sudden-death round with an 11.2-second time. He entered Salinas eighth in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings but left town with another $17,327. “This win means a lot, when you trust in God and don’t give up, things happen,” said Costa, 30. “This is proof. Never give up. This is a blessing for me, and I don’t

have words to explain what this means to me. I have practiced that run a million times. I just tried to relax and do my best.” Costa finished second in the eight-man semis with an 11.8-second run before notching his victory run. Costa, who is from Iretama, a small ranching and farming community in the southern state of Parana, was riding Pouraguaja, the reserve 2016 PRCA | AQHA Tie-down Roping Horse of the Year. Costa rode Pouraguaja, now 13, to the world title. “This season has been a blessing for me,” Costa said. “There was a lot of sweat and tears behind the scenes. I would not be here without the support and help I had when I was hurt to help me find doctors. Without all the help, I would not have made it back to the (NFR).”

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BY TRACY RENCK & TANNER BARTH

Lovell, Eaves snare top honors Colby Lovell and Paul Eaves, the reigning PRCA Team Roping Heading and Heeling World Champions, had to win Sunday to have any hope of making the NFR. Lovell and Eaves made a clean run, clocking an 11.6-second run to win the finals. Lovell and Eaves came to Salinas 27th and 29th in their respective world standings. They earned $18,549 in Salinas, including $13,749 after winning the semifinals and finals. “It was really good there to

Click Thompson photo Colby Lovell and Paul Eaves, the reigning PRCA Team Roping Heading and Heeling World Champions, kept their slim NFR hopes alive by winning the finals with an 11.6-second run.

be the last team out in the finals,” Eaves said. “I didn’t imagine just making a clean run would win there.” The big haul will put both in the mix to possibly make a return trip to the NFR. Lovell was thrilled with the result. “This (Salinas) is a rodeo everybody wants to win,” he said. “I should have done my job better this year and we wouldn’t have been in this spot

Green punches NFR ticket with victory It’s been a long journey for Layton Green to get back into a position to qualify for the Wrangler NFR. His last trip was 2017, but that wait may be over. He all but punched his ticket to Las Vegas this December by winning his first ProRodeo Tour Finale in Salinas, Calif., Sept. 26. He clinched the title with a 91-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Indian Burn in the four-man finals. It’s a horse that had been ridden just three times headed into the matchup. Green’s ride was the highest-scored trip of them all with a Tour title on the line. “That’s one of those notorious horses that no one seems to stay on, it really bucks everybody off,” Green said. “It bucks really hard, it’s a really hard horse to ride. My mentality was to spur him out as best I could and just go for it all.” It’s one of the first seasons Green remembers ending the year on a healthy note. He earned $18,790 during the Tour Finale. His performance at the event bumped him up to fifth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. “It’s an awesome feeling (being Tour Finale champ), I’m super happy,” Green said. “Finally, just being healthy for an entire year, I’ve struggled with a lot of injuries since I made the Finals in 2017. So, to be here and end the year healthy, feeling good it’s great, I feel like I can get on 10 tomorrow. It’s outstanding, I can’t wait to get to Las Vegas.” (on the outside of the Top 15 in the world standings). I went to heading because I wanted to be the quarterback. If I don’t throw the right ball, that’s part of it. I rope with Paul, and I love Paul. “No one can take us being world champions away. It felt good. But that was last year, and you just have to keep moving forward.”

Click Thompson photo Layton Green is back in the NFR for the first time since 2017. He punched his ticket with a 91-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Indian Burn in the ProRodeo Tour Finale.

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