ProRodeo Sports News - October 19, 2018

ALL OR NOTHING Winning the average at the RAMTCFR was the only chance Etcheverry had to qualify for the RAMNational Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., March 21-24. The Las Cruces, N.M., cowboy qualified for the RAMTCFR in the 12th and final spot. “I went down there with nothing to lose,” Etcheverry said. In the first round, Etcheverry’s time wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, stopping the clock in 11.6 seconds. However, he bounced back in Round 2 to place second in 8.9 seconds, setting the stage for a dramatic final round. Etcheverry was the last roper to compete, and Ty Baker and Seth Hall were tied for the average lead with 31.0-second times on three head. To win the average outright, Etcheverry had to be 10.4 seconds or better. “I really didn’t feel that nervous,” Etcheverry said. “The mind-set I had was just going at him and seeing what happened. I wasn’t going to play it safe. It was all or nothing on that run, and it was exciting when I saw that 8.6

(seconds). I was just looking back at the barrier to make sure I was out. After I won, I took a breath because it was such a relief to accomplish this goal after I had been to this rodeo so many times.” Ty Anderson was thrilled to see his traveling partner Etcheverry achieve circuit glory. “John Pete mainly ropes in the circuit, so to see him win and get a chance to go somewhere big like Kissimmee is cool,” said Anderson, 25. “He’s a talented roper, and as a person he is as cool as it gets. He’s laid back and has a great attitude.” Derek Runyan, 21, agreed with Anderson. Runyan also traveled with Etcheverry and Anderson this year. “John Pete is extremely, extremely talented with a rope,” Runyan said. “I was really excited to see him win the Turquoise Circuit Finals because we had been practicing together before he went there.” FAMILY FUN Etcheverry savored the victory even more since his wife, Dayna, and his 1-year-old daughter, Quinn, were watching from the stands. “That was special to have them there because my wife is my rock and she really

supports my roping and wants me to reach my goals,” Etcheverry said. “It made the moment more memorable because they saw me win.” Etcheverry is well aware that Disney World is next to Kissimmee. “My wife and I and our daughter will definitely be going to Disney World,” he said. “That will be cool. I’ve been to Disneyland, but never Disney World. In fact, I’ve never even been to Florida. It should be a great deal.” The future trip to Disney World became a reality for Etcheverry thanks to the horsepower he was using in Prescott Valley. He was riding a horse named Newt, 7. The horse is owned by team roping header Chris Allison, of Las Cruces. “About three years ago, Chris didn’t think he would be able to head on Newt,” Etcheverry said. “Chris came to me and told me he wanted this horse (Newt) to do something, so I trained him. Then Chris told me I could start hauling him, and ever since then I have. The set-up (for the RAMTCFR) fit him very well.” Etcheverry was born and raised in Carlsbad, N.M. He moved to Las Cruces to compete for NewMexico State University’s rodeo team and set down roots there. “I shoe horses, I’m a farrier full time and I rodeo mainly in the Turquoise Circuit,” Etcheverry said. “I love to rope. I love the competition and the camaraderie with your friends. When I was younger, my dad roped and rodeoed, and my mom (Brenda) ran barrels. I was raised in the Western way of life, and it is a lifestyle I love.”

Bareback rider Logan Corbett won the RAM Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo with 236.5 points on three head. Corbett won the second round with an 81-point ride on Salt River Rodeo’s Grit Your Teeth. Dale Miller photo

Complete results on Page 66

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Leon Fountain ........ 239.5 pts. on three 2. Corey LeFebre ............................ 222.5 3. Taos Muncy ....................... 159 on two 4. Ross Griffin ................................... 155

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. John P. Etcheverry ... 29.1 sec. on three 2. (tie) Ty Baker ................................ 31.0 Seth Hall ....................................... 31.0 4. Pryce Harris ................................. 32.8

STEER ROPING 1. Garrett Hale ............ 43.8 sec. on three 2. Van Hale ........................... 28.8 on two 3. Marty Jones .................................. 33.5 4. Kenyon Burns ............................... 35.7

BULL RIDING 1. Lon Danley ............ 256.5 pts. on three 2. (tie) Cody Strite ............ 79 pts. on one Willie Dynes V ................................. 79 No other qualified rides

ProRodeo Sports News 10/19/2018

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