ProRodeo Sports News - October 14, 2022

PERMIT FINALS WACO, TEXAS

Hard work helps Fournier wins saddle bronc title Prepared BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News S hea Fournier was born into rodeo, but a late arrival in the sport. His father David is a former standout bull rider. However, he never pushed his son into following in his footsteps, seeing too many athletes start too soon and get to hurt to make money when the opportunity arose. At 18, Shea decided it was time to become a third-generation cowboy. TOP MONEY EARNER Shea Fournier ($4,945, saddle bronc riding) BAREBACK RIDING TOP SCORES Fournier

1. Keenan Hayes............. 254.5 pts. on 3 2. Kade Sonnier................................ 246 3. Two tied at ................................... 241 STEER WRESTLING 1. Cash Robb.................... 16.8 sec. on 3 2. Clay Clayman............................... 17.8 3. Grant Gansemer........................... 22.7 TEAM ROPING 1. W. Bray/L. Glenn ......... 21.5 sec. on 3 2. C. Weitz/K. Profili......................... 25.6 3. T. Jackson/J. Hamby.................... 32.2 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Shea Fournier. ............... 257 pts. on 3 2. Weston Patterson...................... 242.5 (Tie) Q Taylor............................. 242.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Tom Crouse.................. 28.9 sec. on 3 2. Zane Kilgus.................................. 29.5 3. Denton Oestmann........................ 34.3 BARREL RACING 1. Acey Pinkston............. 48.82 sec. on 3 2. Madison McFall. ........................ 49.26 3. Rebecca St. Martin. ................... 49.31 BULL RIDING 1. Canyon Bass................. 248 pts. on 3 2. Ray Mayo. ......................... 165.5 on 2 3. Riggen Hughes..................... 149 on 2

“It wasn’t forced on me. I didn’t start riding broncs and bulls until then. They held me back so I could grow and develop,” Fournier said. “I was probably ready at 16, but I wasn’t into it. Then a few years later, that all changed.” Fournier has found his lane in saddle bronc riding in ProRodeo. The 21-year-old won the three head average with a score of 257 points on three head at the Inaugural Permit Finals inWaco, Texas. “I think the key was I was so prepared. We practice and work our butt off to be mentally and physically ready,” said Fournier, who pocketed $3,846. “Having that mindset before you get on leaves you ready to handle whatever is thrown at you. It was a great event with phenomenal horses.” Embracing the process more than results defines Fournier. He is a defending saddle bronc riding collegiate national champion, competing for McNeese State out of Lake Charles, La., which finished second in the nation a year ago. The experience of working with coach Justin Browning is part of why Fournier will stay on his PRCA permit for another season. “I love college rodeo and everything it stands for. Justin Browning does a phenomenal job of bringing us all together. I am scared to leave college because I love the team atmosphere so much,” Fournier said. “I credit it for helping me so much. I have teammates that have my back no matter what happens. And that is huge for my confidence.” Fournier demonstrated his potential inWaco, with an 85.5-point ride on Vintage Villian, 85 on Mood Swings and 86.5 on Redial, all stock from the Cervi Brothers. He did not spend time celebrating on Oct. 9. He is taking 22 hours this semester as an ag business major. He had a big test on Oct. 11 that required studying, and Fournier wasn’t about to miss the 5:30 a.m. technique team rodeo practice to begin the week. “We got done and drove all night. We got back to Lake Charles at 3:30 in the morning. I wanted to set an example to my teammates and show them it was important,” Fournier said. “It can be tough. Getting ready for a test and early practice, it’s not what you necessarily feel like doing after rodeoing fromThursday and Sunday. But I have to keep my grades up. It’s for a greater cause, for the team.” Fournier plans to attend the Permit Members of The Year Challenge in Las Vegas on Dec. 1. Before then, there will be plenty of workouts and exams. However, when Fournier gets into the chute, it makes it all worth it. “It’s a thrill that nothing I have ever done can match. The adrenaline, the love for the sport, the love for the animal. It’s an unbelievable feeling that, perhaps, only a rough stock competitor can relate to,” Fournier said. “It’s a dance, and a battle. I don’t know, there’s just something about it. I absolutely love it.”

Complete results/Page 53

James Phifer photo

Shea Fournier won the Inaugural Permit Finals in saddle bronc riding with 257 points on three head.

ProRodeo Sports News 10/14/2022

ProRodeo Sports News 10/14/2022

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