ProRodeo Sports News - Sept.15, 2023

Playoff Passion Jayco Roper wins Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup

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EVERYTHING RIDES ON THIS.

STETSON WRIGHT 7X WORLD CHAMPION

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 VOLUME 71, NO. 19

X Factor The Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls Finale took place Sept. 11-12 in Pendleton, Ore. Stetson Wright won the event and the Xtreme Bulls Tour season title for the second year in a row and earned $29,093 at the event. 52

Stetson Wright, a seven-time PRCA World Champion, shows the No. 1 sign to the sellout crowd of 5,000 spectators at the Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton, Ore., during the Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls Finale. Wright was the event champ. Bille-Jean Duff photo

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INSIDE

6 Editor’s Letter 8 Hot Takes 10 Grille 14 He Said-She Said 16 Social Media 20 2023 World Standings 22 Short Round 36 Puyallup, Wash. 44 Filer, Idaho 46 Ellensburg, Wash. Xtreme Bulls 48 Walla Walla, Wash. 50 Ellensburg, Wash. 52 Pendleton, Ore. Xtreme Bulls Finale RODEOS

PRCA ProRodeo file photo Lane Frost had a rough start to the Challenge of Champions as he got bucked off by Don Kish and Growney Brothers Rodeo’s Red Rock. Frost was bucked off in two seconds and Red Rock kept his perfect record in tact. Rewind: Lane Frost vs. Red Rock Lane Frost, the 1987 PRCA World Champion Bull Rider, matched up against 1987 PRCA Bull of the Year Red Rock in a seven-ride series called the Chal lenge of Champions, which ended July 25, 1988. Frost won the series 4-3 and it helped catapult the popularity of rodeo to mainstream media outlets. 54

COVER

RODEOS

ProRodeo Sports News PRCA CEO Tom Glause DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA Becky Hillier PSN EDITOR Tracy Renck PRCA ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver STAFF WRITER Tanner Barth PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carley Betzer SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Jessica Butterly

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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Playoff Passion Jayco Roper wins Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 ©2023, PRCA Properties Inc. , a

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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.

Bareback rider Jayco Roper celebrates after winning the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 10. David Thomas photo

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EDITOR’S LETTER TRACY RENCK

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.

David Thomas photo Trevor Hale earned money at the Cinch Playoffs, but just missed advancing to Sioux Falls, S.D., as he finished fifth in the finals by one-tenth of a second. Hale is now in a mad scramble to make the Wrangler NFR.

Trip to Northwest full of thrills, spills, joy, heartbreak A fter taking a trip to the Northwest, I feel like I could write a country song. At the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 7-10, and the Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls Finale, Sept. 11-12 in Pendleton, Ore., there were plenty of thrills, spills, joy and heartbreak. The Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup paid out $648,000, which was incentive enough for contestants. However, there was more at stake than just winning at the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo in Puyallup. Tie-down roper Trevor Hale experienced heartbreak in Puyallup. He came to the Cinch Playoffs 22nd in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $79,228. He was just over $17,000 behind Michael Otero, who was in the coveted No. 15 spot. Hale, who is chasing his first Wrangler NFR qualification, won the second performance in Puyallup and pocketed $3,350. That put him in the eight-man semifinal round with the top four moving on to the four-man sudden death finals and more importantly to Sioux Falls.

In the semis, Hale made a solid 8.2-second run and then had to wait and see if that would advance him. As Hale, 21, paced around by the tie down ropers’ box, the tension on his face was obvious. Then, in seemingly in the blink of an eye, his Wrangler NFR bid and a trip to Sioux Falls both took a hit. He finished fifth in the round just one tenth of a second behind four-time PRCA World Champion Tie-Down Roper Caleb Smidt. Hale’s disappointment was heartbreaking to see. Following Puyallup, it was on to Pendleton, a place I had never been. I will say this about Pendleton that city knows how to put on an Xtreme Bulls event and obviously a rodeo. The two days of the Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale had 5,000 fans each night. Then, just like a script out of Hollywood, PRCA’s biggest star Stetson Wright, on the last ride of the event, had an 89-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Bouchon to secure the Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls title. It was a fitting end to a memorable trip and a true sample size of the emotional roller-coaster ride PRCA contestants experience as they chase glory at the Wrangler NFR.

The top four finishers from each event at the Playoffs in Puyallup, and the top eight out of the standings of the Playoff Series presented by Pendleton Whisky advanced to Sioux Falls, S.D., Sept. 28-30. Last September, the PRCA, the State of South Dakota, Experience Sioux Falls and Cinch announced the Cinch Playoffs will have athletes competing for the Governor’s Cup and vying for the $1.1 million purse. The winners – and the top four finishers in each event in Puyallup – need to be applauded. That was a big pay day and sent them to an even bigger payday in Sioux Falls. It was cool to see the excitement on the faces of winners like bareback rider Jayco Roper and saddle bronc rider Ryder Sanford. These two young cowboys – with their success in Puyallup – put themselves in great positions to make their respective Wrangler NFR debuts in December. Not lost in the joy of the qualifiers is the agony of defeat for those who just missed out on making it into Sioux Falls. For some of those competitors it likely spelled the end of their chances to make the 2023 NFR. The pain was obvious.

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Big Summer

“This is just a dream come true. I’m blessed with this life and blessed to have as much success. I’m just going to keep nodding my head and doing my job. I absolutely have to pinch myself. I feel like I’m dreaming. The main goal was to get (qualified) for Sioux Falls (S.D). A win there could put me in a good spot for that world championship and that’s the ultimate goal.”

Saddle bronc rider Ryder Sanford has been on cloud nine this season. The Resistol Rookie is fighting for his first qualification to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He added a major boost to his year by winning the Cinch Playoffs at

the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo, Sept. 10. He pocketed $15,931 in Puyallup.

NEXT ON TAP AMARILLO TRI-STATE RODEO Where: Amarillo, Texas When: Sept. 15-23 Broadcast Schedule: The Amarillo Tri-State Rodeo will stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Sept. 15-23.

SHERIFF’S PRCA RODEO Where: San Bernardino, Calif. When: Sept. 22-24

HOT TAKES

Broadcast Schedule: The Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Sept. 22-24. COWBOY CAPITAL

Lightning Fast Steer wrestler J.D. Struxness helped his cause to return to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup, Sept. 5. Struxness had a 3.2-second run, which is just two-tenths of a second off the fastest run of the season. The Milan, Minn., cowboy pocketed $2,856 for the win and currently sits seventh in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. Gini Roberge photo J.D. Struxness clocked one of the fastest times of the Pro Rodeo regular season at the Lewiston Roundup, Sept. 5. His 3.2-second run won the rodeo.

OF THE WORLD RODEO Where: Stephenville, Texas When: Sept. 22-24

Broadcast Schedule: The Cowboy Capital of the World Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Sept. 22-24. * Broadcasts are subject to change. For complete broadcast schedule visit https://bit.ly/3LsEcbR

790 $52,828,227 MONEY WON BY COWBOYS IN THE 2023 SEASON NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2023 SEASON AS OF SEPT. 13

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

Maverick Smith, 19, jumped into his ProRodeo career headfirst in 2023. The Mountain Grove, Mo., bull rider is coming off the biggest payday of his Resistol Rookie season in early September. Smith finished third at the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison, Iowa, and earned $3,615 after his 84-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Gangster Rock. He currently sits in the top 15 in the race for the Resistol Rookie of the Year award with $28,025 won this season.

MAVERICK SMITH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Maverick: Rodeo wasn’t really a whole family deal for me like it is for some people. But my dad rodeoed for a while, so it was something that I grew into. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Maverick: I would say it was probably when I was 18 years old that I thought I could do it for a living. I started having some success. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? Maverick: I think it just came down to how fun it was, the people involved in the sport and getting to travel the world as well. My family thought I was a little crazy there for a while. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Maverick: I’d probably have to go with Jim Sharp. How consistent he was in his career has always stuck out to me. What’s one rodeo you want to win before your career is over? Maverick: I think it would be really cool to win Pendleton (Ore.) someday. I actually get to ride there this year and it would be sweet to win it. What have you learned during your rookie season? Maverick: I think one of the things I’ve learned is to never get down because there’s so much money to be won out here. I think you have to learn to lose before you can learn to win in rodeo. Why did you decide to buy your PRCA card at this point in your career? Maverick: I graduated high school last year and really just wanted to go for it. So, I thought why not get started. What’s your most memorable moment this season? Maverick: I think getting on Chad Berger’s bull Bubba G in Clear Lake, S.D., is up there for me. I don’t even remember how many points I was, but I know I rode him. What’s your favorite restaurant? Maverick: I’d probably have to go with Buffalo Wild Wings, I think. My go-to there is the chicken wrap. Do you have a favorite sports team? Maverick: My favorite sports team would have to be the (Kansas City) Chiefs. Do you have a favorite candy? Maverick: I don’t eat a ton of candy, so I don’t think I have a favorite one. What was the make and model of the first vehicle you drove? Maverick: I drove a 2012 Chevy Malibu. I put quite a few miles on that thing. What’s your favorite TV show or series? Maverick: Two and Half Men is definitely my favorite, it’s pretty funny. What’s your favorite holiday? Maverick: I’d probably have to say Christmas because of the meaning of the holiday and all our family gets to come together.

What type of music do you like listening to? Maverick: I’m a big fan of old country music. What do you enjoy doing in your downtime from rodeo? Maverick: I like playing golf quite a bit. I’m getting pretty decent at it. We play pretty often when we’re on the road. It’s pretty fun that’s for sure.

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WORD SEARCH TRY YOUR LUCK

ANSWERS ON PAGE 86

Final Push

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Find the winners from the 2022 Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up and the New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo in Albuquerque. Cowboys or cowgirls 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 from Pendleton, Ore.: BB: Kaycee Feild SW: Riley Wakefield TR: Joshua Torres/Jonathan Torres SB: Kolby Wanchuk TD: Trevor Hale GB: Kacey Gartner

SR: Logan Currie BR: Bubba Greig

2. Find the winners from Albuquerque, N.M.: BB: Bubba Holcomb/Tilden Hooper SW: Cameron Morman TR: Manny Egusquiza Jr./Reno Eddy

SB: Statler Wright TD: Cooper Martin GB: Emily Beisel BR: Jared Parsonage

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10 QUESTIONS

He Said – She Said Three-time NFR bull rider Clayton Sellars has been burning up the rodeo trail trying to make a return trip to Vegas. The Florida native took a moment to answer some questions about himself. See who knows him better – his wife Billie or his traveling partner Cullen Telfer.

CLAYTON

BILLIE

CULLEN

CULLEN

CLAYTON

BILLIE

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Sage Kimzey

Jim Sharp

Sage Kimzey

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE MOVIE?

Lonesome Dove

Top Gun

Tombstone

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE TV SHOW?

Suits

Yellowstone

Yellowstone

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Billie

Me

Clayton

WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE?

Tom Cruise

Matthew McConaughey

Matthew McConaughey

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM?

Florida Gators

Florida Gators

Florida Gators

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK?

Coffee

Coffee

Coffee

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse

WHO IS THE BETTER DRIVER, CLAYTON OR BILLIE?

Clayton

Me

Clayton

WHAT WOULD HE DO IF NOT A RODEO COWBOY?

Rancher

Rancher

Rancher

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

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2023 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Official as of Sept. 13, 2023. For the 2023 season (Oct. 1, 2022-Sept. 30, 2023), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 75; team roping, 75; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 75; 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 ....................... $374,309 2. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. ........................... 141,430 3. Brush Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. .............. 130,996 4. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla. ....... 118,342 5. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas .......................... 109,336 6. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ........................ 108,786 7. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................. 104,249 8. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 101,336 9. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ........................... 89,562 10. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ....................84,545 11. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas ...........................83,320 12. Chet Weitz, London, Texas ..............................63,790 13. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas .........................61,049 14. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. .....................................52,168 15. Clay Clayman, Highlandville, Mo. ................... 50,228 16. Logan Perrin Spady, Alliance, Alberta ............. 47,828 17. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas .......................... 47,642 18. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif. ............. 46,969 19. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas .................. 46,070 20. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn. .............. 44,865 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. ....................... $237,546 2. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas ............... 156,785 3. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La. ........................... 154,477 4. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif. .................... 148,120 5. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa ........................ 143,945 6. Rocker Shane Steiner, Weatherford, Texas .... 134,665 7. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba ........................ 131,830 8. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo. ............................. 127,010 9. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla. ........................... 125,133 10. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan. ............................ 115,623 11. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah ........................... 114,961 12. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. .................. 111,740 13. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont. ... 111,688 14. Dean Thompson, Altamont, Utah ................... 97,022 15. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas ........................ 95,641 16. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. ......................... 93,830 17. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La. ................. 90,590 18. Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho ........................... 90,133 19. Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah ............. 87,756 20. Kody Lamb, Sherwood Park, Alberta .............. 83,174 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore. ....................$185,888 2. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La. ................... 145,543 3. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore. ........................ 136,221 4. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont. ............................ 117,970 5. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev. ............................ 115,887 6. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss. ......................... 113,655 7. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn. ......................... 104,585 8. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho ........................... 104,105 9. Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, B.C. .............. 100,377 10. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La. .............................. 98,904 11. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. ....................... 96,132 12. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla. .............................. 95,729 13. Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas ...................... 81,412 14. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis. ................................... 79,186 15. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D. ............... 74,837 16. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla. .......................... 69,692 17. Olin Hannum, Malad, Idaho ...................... 68,816 18. Travis Munro, Townsville, Australia ................ 67,259 19. Tucker Allen, Oak View, Calif. ......................... 67,066 20. Cash Robb, Altamont, Utah ............................ 65,434 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga. .......................$156,703 2. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. ........................... 143,206 3. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. ................... 137,387 4. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas .............................. 132,091 5. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah ...................... 123,372 6. Tanner Tomlinson, Angleton, Texas ............... 118,706 7. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla. ........................ 114,765 8. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. ................... 109,919 9. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. ................... 100,898 10. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ........................ 94,605 11. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................. 91,657 12. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. ....................... 88,098 13. Dawson Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ............ 87,559

14. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif. ......................... 87,468 15. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C. ............................ 85,916 16. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla. ................................... 82,366 17. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. .................... 80,921 18. Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D. ..................................... 76,513 19. Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla. ........................ 73,315 20. Coy Rahlmann, Ellsinore, Mo. ........................ 72,965 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Junior Nogueira, Pres. Prudente, Brazil .........$156,703 2. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas .............. 149,318 3. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. ................................. 137,387 4. Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta .............. 123,372 5. Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas ............................ 118,706 6. Colter Todd, Willcox, Ariz. .............................. 116,065 7. Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas ........... 114,765 8. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. .............................. 110,270 9. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. .............................. 94,605 10. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan. ............................ 89,787 11. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss. ................................ 88,681 12. Dillon Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ............... 87,559 13. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas ........................... 85,916 14. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ...................... 84,237 15. Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas .................. 83,163 16. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas ............................... 78,851 17. Justin Davis, Cottonwood, Calif. ..................... 77,548 18. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark. ........................... 77,406 19. Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla. .................. 76,331 20. Trey Yates, Pueblo, Colo. ................................ 76,099 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah .......................$228,727 2. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont. .................... 224,716 3. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta .................. 211,709 4. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho ............................. 186,102 5. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta .................... 150,919 6. Ben T Andersen, Eckville, Alberta ................... 149,658 7. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah ............................ 136,576 8. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas ........................... 136,430 9. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta ................... 129,485 10. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia ............... 123,831 11. Lefty Marvel Holman, Visalia, Calif. .............. 120,470 12. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo. ........................ 119,269 13. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont. ............... 118,861 14. Ryder Sanford, Sulphur, La. ......................... 116,305 15. Quinten Taylor, Casper, Wyo. ....................... 114,361 16. Tanner Butner, Daniel, Wyo. ........................ 110,987 17. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas ..................... 109,903 18. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta ..... 108,482 19. Leon Fountain, Corona, N.M. ....................... 107,501 20. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah ......................... 101,495 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Riley Mason Webb, Denton, Texas ................$272,841 2. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont. .................... 191,753 3. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. ........................... 156,281 4. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La. ......................... 152,740 5. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas .......................... 139,500 6. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas .................... 116,968 7. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas ................ 115,637 8. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas ....................... 113,739 9. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla. ......................... 112,537 10. Beau Cooper, Stettler, Alberta ...................... 111,985 11. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ......................... 110,683 12. Brush Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ............ 107,596 13. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas ......................... 101,010 14. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La. .............................. 99,659 15. Lucas Potter, Maple City, Kan. ........................ 97,334 16. Michael Otero, Lowndesboro, Ala. .................. 96,571 17. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash. ......................... 94,334 18. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas .................... 91,764 19. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas ........... 91,719 20. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas ..................... 89,622 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ............................ $108,304 2. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas ............................... 90,151 3. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas ............. 85,659 4. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. ............................. 69,979 5. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ........................... 69,016 6. Reo Lohse, Kaycee, Wyo. ................................. 66,221

7. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas ............................... 58,163 8. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ........................... 48,845 9. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ............................ 45,346 10. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas ....................... 44,780 11. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. ......................... 44,406 12. Tanner Stec, Bassett, Neb. .............................. 42,438 13. Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla. ....................... 42,278 14. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ........................ 39,598 15. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas ............................ 37,646 16. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla. ......................... 34,943 17. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas .............. 34,567 18. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas ....................... 33,663 19. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas ........................... 31,735 20. Trenton L Johnson, Blue Mound, Kan. ............ 30,751 BULL RIDING 1. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah .......................$305,309 2. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah ............................. 229,478 3. Ky John Hamilton, Mackay, Australia ............. 220,721 4. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho ............. 174,489 5. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan. ........................ 170,290 6. Creek Walker Young, Rogersville, Mo. ........... 150,121 7. T. Parker, Winnie, Texas ................................ 148,316 8. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. ...................... 145,695 9. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah ......................... 144,279 10. Sage Steele Kimzey, Salado, Texas .............. 142,739 11. Jordan Hansen, Amisk, Alberta ................... 139,542 12. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas ........................... 135,024 13. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas ............................ 134,039 14. Jared Parsonage, Maple Creek, Sask. .......... 126,607 15. Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla. ......................... 123,720 16. Jestyn Jax Woodward, Custer, S.D. ............. 117,416 17. Trey Benton III, Richards, Texas .................. 101,380 18. JB Mauney, Stephenville, Texas ...................... 95,764 19. Ernie Courson Jr., Okeechobee, Fla. ............... 94,262 20. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa ............................ 92,914 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas ...... $246,883 2. Jordon Briggs, Tolar, Texas ............................ 160,523 3. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas .......................... 130,029 4. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. .......................... 122,793 5. Taycie Matthews, Wynne, Ark. ........................ 121,807 6. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. ......................... 116,256 7. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. .................... 110,754 8. Ilyssa Riley, Hico, Texas ................................. 109,983 9. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. ................. 105,148 10. Sissy Winn, Chapman Ranch, Texas ............. 102,451 11. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas ......................... 102,104 12. Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho ........................... 97,392 13. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. ....................... 96,354 14. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. .............................. 95,605 15. Stevi Hillman, Granbury, Texas ....................... 92,964 16. Sara Winkelman, Big Lake, Minn. ................... 90,667 17. Kelly Allen, Stephenville, Texas ....................... 84,775 18. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. .......................... 78,860 19. Carlee Otero, Launsboro, Ala. ......................... 76,932 20. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas ......... 75,541 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Hali Williams, Comanche, Texas ................... $145,787 2. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephanville, Texas ................ 133,242 3. Sarah Angelone, Lipan, Texas ......................... 114,047 4. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas ............. 112,981 5. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla. ............................... 98,402 6. Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas ............................. 94,726 7. Joey Williams, Volborg, Mont. .......................... 87,313 8. Cheyanne Guillory, Kingston, Okla. ................... 85,703 9. Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D. ............ 82,816 10. Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D. ..................... 76,329 11. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas .............. 75,736 12. Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas.............................. 69,749 13. Kendal Pierson, Wardlow, Alberta ................... 68,527 14. Josie Conner, Iowa, La..................................... 64,077 15. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo. ............................ 63,222 16. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. ......................... 59,056 17. Madison Outhier, Fulshear, Texas ................... 55,207 18. Jordi Edens, Gatesville, Texas ........................ 53,908 19. Beau Peterson, Council Grove, Kan. ............... 51,402 20. Nicole Baggarley, Las Cruces, N.M. ................ 50,946

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STRENGTH OF MIND & COURAGE

TY ERICKSON, PROFESSIONAL STEER WRESTLER Photo by Sam-Sin Photography DUSTY TUCKNESS, PROFESSIONAL BULLFIGHTER Photo by Sam-Sin Photography AMBERLEY SNYDER, PROFESSIONAL BARREL RACER Photo by Sam-Sin Photography CHASE BROOKS, PROFESSIONAL BRONC RIDER Photo by McFarland Productions

TROPHY BUCKLES & AWARDS www.montanasilversmiths.com 888-677-9487 | Follow us

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SHORT ROUND

Star bull rider Mauney forced to retire after injury Retirement

T he superstar career of bull rider JB Mauney is over. Mauney, arguably one of the best bull riders of all time, told the ProRodeo Sports News on Sept. 12 that his bull riding career is over as a result of neck surgery he had Sept. 8. Mauney broke his neck when he was bucked off by Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Arctic Assassin on Sept. 6 during the Lewiston (Idaho) Round-Up Division 2 Xtreme Bulls event. “I had surgery (Sept. 8) and they put a rod in and plates and screws (in his neck), and took a disc out,” said Mauney, 36. “Unfortunately the surgery has ended my bull riding career.” Mauney, who is one of the most popular bull riders ever, qualified for his lone Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in 2021. His top highlight at the NFR was splitting the Round 1 win with an 87.5-point ride on Painted Pony Championship Rodeo’s Cocktail Diarrhea on Dec. 2 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. “(This) is not the way I wanted to go out but everything happens for a reason,” Mauney said. A year ago, bareback rider Keenan Hayes was a star on his PRCA permit, earning $81,128 in the PRCA | RAM Rodeo Permit Standings – a record for most money won on a PRCA permit in one year. The Hayden, Colo., proved that was no fluke. In 2023, as a Resistol Rookie, Hayes set the single-season earnings record in bareback riding – before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo – with $237,546 as of Sept. 14, to lead the PRCA | RAM World Standings. The record was $233,504 set by Clint Cannon in 2009.

Andre Silva photo Bull rider JB Mauney, who made his lone appearance at the Wrangler NFR in 2021, had his career come to an end after breaking his neck on Sept. 6 in Lewiston, Idaho.

Hayes sets bareback earnings record

had in Vegas for four years and I got to meet him and he kind of got me started in my career.” This season has been amazing for Hayes. He’s won 15 rodeos, including Rodeo Austin (Texas), the San Angelo (Texas) Cinch Chute-Out and the NFR Open powered by RAM in Colorado Springs, Colo. “I found out on permit that I could ride with these guys (in the PRCA) and everywhere I go I expect to win, but I didn’t expect it to go this well,” Hayes said

Hayes

“It’s pretty cool to get that record,” said Hayes, 20. “I grew up watching Clint when I was younger, and I started going to his Mini Bareback Riding events and I competed at the one he

With the PRCA regular season concluding Sept. 30, Hayes has his mind on making his Wrangler NFR debut, Dec. 7-16 in Las Vegas.

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Campaign ramping up for 2023 Wrangler NFR

BY THE NUMBERS $18K The amount of money ($18,863) earned by tie-down roper Riley Webb on his way to winning the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash., on Sept. 10. $29K The amount of money ($29,093) earned by Stetson Wright during his title-winning performance at the Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale, Sept. 12 in Pendleton, Ore. $112K The payout ($112,800) for the Pendleton Whisky Xtreme Bulls Finale Sept. 11-12 at Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton. $648K The payout ($648,000) at the Cinch Playoffs Sept. 7-10 in Puyallup, Wash.

On Sept. 14, Las Vegas Events launched a new campaign to celebrate the preparation for the return of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® in December. Entitled ‘You Never Know Who You’ll Meet in December,’ the multi-platform campaign features all the 2022 PRCA World Champions, Miss Rodeo America and a collection of Las Vegas personalities and icons.

Kennadee Riggs, are the following individuals and groups: John

Katsilometes, Chippendales, Blue Man Group, UNLV Athletics, Steve Goedert, KA, Vegas Golden Knights,

and a year later could only do two tricks. Mitzi did two others and between them they were able to fulfill Tad’s contractual obligations. When Mitzi wasn’t in school, she and her mom traveled far and wide to rodeos including Chicago, Boston, Houston, Calgary, Cheyenne, Madison Square Garden in New York City, and her favorite the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Mitzi and Tad performed as a specialty act for 20 years. Mitzi graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1946 and attended John Tarleton Agricultural College in Stephenville, Texas, and Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. She is an honoree of the National Cowgirl Museum’s Hall of Fame in Fort Worth and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Rodeo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. She served on the board of directors of the Rodeo Historical Society, a subsidiary of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Andy Seiler, Penn & Teller, Mayor Carolyn Goodman, Wayne Newton, and Terry Fator. The campaign was shot on site at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino Resort as part of the annual content shoot for the Wrangler NFR. “There is not another annual event that transforms the look and feel of our city like the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo,” said LVE President Tim Keener. “From our research and direct correspondence with our fans, we know that they are amazed every year by the ability to meet their favorite rodeo athletes, Vegas personality or entertainer in person. In December, during those 10 days, anything is possible.” More information can also be found at NFRexperience.com/YouNeverKnow.

Two rodeo figures passed away recently. • Skee Cameron Burkes of Henrietta, Texas, passed Sept. 9, while competing in the ranch bronc riding event at the PRCA’s West Texas Fair & Rodeo, Abilene, Texas. He was 26. Burkes entered the rodeo through the United Professional Rodeo Association. • Mitzi Lucas Riley , a world famous trick rider and daughter of ProRodeo Hall of Famer Tad Lucas, passed peacefully, Aug. 29 in Fort Worth, Texas. She was 95. Born Jan. 19, 1928, in Fort Worth, Texas, at Harris Hospital to champion cowboy Buck Lucas and ProRodeo Hall of Fame mother, Tad. Raised on the back of a horse watching her famous mother perform in rodeo arenas all over the United States, Mitzi’s debut as a rodeo performer was made at the 1934 Colorado State Fair rodeo at the age of 6. Tad had shattered her arm in a trick riding accident in 1933 at the Chicago World’s Fair The initiative will include a comprehensive digital and social campaign, inclusion on NFRexperience.com, as well as a :30 television spot to run on The Cowboy Channel leading up to the start of the Wrangler NFR. The event kicks off on Thursday, Dec. 7 and runs for 10 consecutive days at the Thomas & Mack Center, welcoming hundreds of thousands of fans to Las Vegas. During that time, there will be more than 75 individual acts playing in arenas and showrooms up and down the Las Vegas Strip and downtown. Appearing in the campaign, along with the 2022 PRCA World Champions and Miss Rodeo America

Rodeo passings announced

For more ProRodeo coverage, go to www.prorodeo.com

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IT’S ALL HERE!

in partnership with

DECEMBER 7-16, 2023 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER SOUTH HALL - LEVELS 1 & 2 and CENTRAL HALL 9AM - 4PM DAILY NFRexperience.com

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HAUL IN A DAY’S WORK

Every day there’s more that needs doing and no more room in the day to get it done. Put those tasks to bed early with a vehicle that works as hard as you. Strong, capable and built to take everything your day can throw at it. Oering class-leading payload capacity that lets you haul more hay, plus plenty of storage to carry all the tools needed for a full day of work out in the ield.

WARNING: Polaris o-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. ALL riders should always wear helmets, eye protection and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800“342“3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2021 Polaris Industries Inc.

Meet your next ranch hand at o road.polaris.com

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SNAPSHOT

Record-setter Saddle bronc rider Kade Bruno set the arena record at the Magic Valley Stampede in Filer, Idaho, with his 91-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Black Tie. – Alexis Cady photo

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NEWS

ATHLETES STANDINGS RESULTS

SCHEDULE

THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE FOR EVERYTHING

VISIT PRORODEO.COM FOR UP-T0-DATE COVERAGE The only place to get real-time scoring, average, stock draw and RAM Top Gun standings during the Wrangler NFR

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RIC ANDERSEN / COURTESY OF PRCA

NEW! Discounts for college-aged members: aqha.com/college $ 25 $ 65

SECOND QUARTER WINNER Ryan Motes’ CD ROCK STAR “ROCKY”

DOC O’LENA

CD OLENA

CD CHICA SAN BADGER

CD ROCK STAR 2003 American Quarter Horse gelding GRAYS STARLIGHT CARI ME STARLIGHT CARI ME DOC

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Payday

PUYALLUP

Contestants battled for their share of the $648,000 purse at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 7-10. COVERAGE PAGES 38-43

Saddle bronc rider Lefty Holman earned $1,675 for his 84.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Sergeant Whitney at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 10. David Thomas photo

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PUYALLUP, WASH.

Cinch Playoff win boosts Roper’s NFR prospects Memorable WASHINGTON STATE FAIR PRO RODEO

TOP MONEY EARNER Riley Webb TOP SCORES

BY TRACY RENCK B areback rider Jayco Roper took one large step closer to realizing his dream of qualifying for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo on Sept. 10. The Oktaha, Okla., cowboy had a thrilling 91-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Agent Lynx before a sellout crowd at the Cinch Playoffs at the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo. Roper and Clayton Biglow had identical 91-point rides in the finals, but Roper won the tiebreaker because he had a higher score than Biglow in the two-head average. “I’m about to pass out,” said Roper, 22, moments after his finals ride. “Oh my gosh, I have so much adrenaline running through my veins right now, I can’t believe it. My feet were flying, and I was setting them hard this feels so good.” Immediately after his Puyallup effort, Roper moved up to ninth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $125,133. He earned $13,888 in Puyallup. “It really hasn’t set in yet, but I’m sure it will soon,” Roper said. By finishing in the top four in Puyallup, Roper punched his ticket to Sioux Falls, S.D. The contestants in Sioux Falls will include the top four finishers from each event at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, and the top eight out of the standings of the Playoff Series presented by Pendleton Whisky. Last September, the PRCA, the State of South Dakota, Experience Sioux Falls and Cinch announced the Cinch Playoffs will have athletes competing for the Governor’s Cup and vying for the $1.1 million purse, Sept. 28-30, 2023, at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. It will be the richest rodeo in South Dakota history. The PRCA regular season concludes on Sept. 30. “I’m super excited for Sioux Falls and that I got to make it there,” Roper said. “I just want to keep my momentum going.” A year ago, Roper finished 19th in the world standings with $65,763. He came into 2023 even stronger, collecting more checks, including wins at the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo in June and the RAM Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in Duncan, Okla.

($18,863, tie down roping) BAREBACK RIDING

Webb

1. Jayco Roper ........................... 91 pts. (Tie) Clayton Biglow ...................... 91 3. Kade Sonnier .............................. 90.5 (Tie) Keenan Hayes .................... 90.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dalton Massey ...................... 3.5 sec. 2. Dakota Eldridge ............................ 3.9 3. Ty Erickson ................................... 4.2 TEAM ROPING 1. T. Wade/W. Thorp ................. 4.9 sec. 2. T. Tomlinson/P. Smith ................... 5.1 3. C. Smith/C. Payne ........................ 9.1 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ryder Sanford ........................ 89 pts. 2. Stetson Wright ........................... 88.5 3. Sterling Crawley ............................ 83 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Riley Webb ............................ 7.6 sec. 2. Cory Solomon .............................. 7.9 3. Caleb Smidt .................................. 9.1 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi ....... 13.99 sec. 2. Emily Beisel .............................. 14.11 3. Jessica Routier ......................... 14.28 BULL RIDING 1. Trey Kimzey ............................ 84 pts. 2. Clayton Sellars ............................. NS 3. T. Parker ....................................... NS (Tie) Stetson Wright ..................... NS

Complete results/Page 75

Kent Soule photo

Bareback rider Jayco Roper had a 91-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Agent Lynx during the final four sudden-death round at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 10. He won the event to boost his chances of making his Wrangler National Finals debut in 2023.

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WASHINGTON STATE FAIR PRO RODEO

Sanford continues memorable season David Thomas photo Ryder Sanford secured the saddle bronc riding win with an 89-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight in the four-man round.

It has been quite the summer for Resistol Rookie saddle bronc rider, Ryder Sanford. On July 30, the Sulphur, La., cowboy won the prestigious Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days in record-setting fashion. He added a Cinch Playoffs title to his resume on Sept. 10 at the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo. Sanford clinched the win with an 89-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Dandy Delight in the four-man sudden death finals. “This is great, just to keep that momentum going from Cheyenne,” said Sanford, 25. “It is very crucial this time of the year. I had never been on that horse, but my good buddy Damian (Brennan) had been on him in Calgary last year and he told me it was a good draw, so I was excited to get on him.” And Dandy Delight didn’t disappoint. “He was electric,” Sanford said. “I didn’t know which way he was

going. I just tried to stay in the middle.” Sanford earned $13,000 for his finals-winning ride, and the timing could not have been better. Sanford entered the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup 19th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $100,374. “My game plan this past month is that I haven’t looked at the world standings and that’s going to continue to be my game plan,” Sanford said. Sanford now qualified for an even bigger payday in Sioux Falls, S.D., Sept. 28-30. “This is just a dream come true,” Sanford said. “I’m just blessed with this life and blessed to have as much success as I have had. I’m just going to keep nodding my head and doing my job. I absolutely have to pinch myself. I feel like I’m dreaming. The main goal was to get (qualified) for Sioux Falls. A good win there could put me in a good spot for that world championship and that’s the ultimate goal.”

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BY TANNER BARTH & TRACY RENCK Webb keeps pedal down No tie-down roper in PRCA history has had a better regular season than Riley Webb. the Wrangler NFR). I’m going to try and run every calf for what he is every time and whatever the outcome is, it is what it is going to be.” PUYALLUP, WASH.

The Denton, Texas, cowboy has shattered the single-season earnings record before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and his total grew even more at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash. As of Sept. 11, he was leading the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $272,841 – he added $18,863 with his performance in Puyallup. He won a chunk of that by winning in the sudden-death four-man finals with a 7.6-second time, where he earned $13,000. “I’m just taking it one calf at a time,” said Webb, 20. “I just keep telling myself run each calf for what he is in every moment and that’s what I’m going to try and do the rest of the year. I have five rodeos left (in the regular season) and then 10 big ones in December (10 rounds at

Before Webb, the 2022 Resistol Rookie of the Year in all-around and tie down roping stepped in the box, he knew he stared at a leaderboard that had veteran Cory Solomon on top with a 7.9-second time. Webb finished 10th in the world standings a year ago with $188,597. “This horse (Rudy) I have fit the setup perfect here,” Webb said. “I blew the barrier out all four times. I took every calf for what he is, and I had been waiting to run that calf from Hermiston (Ore.), a month ago. I also saw him go in Ellensburg (Wash.). I was waiting to run him and no better place to run him than the final four at Puyallup. “I knew I got a good start and had the calf ready to flank and muscle memory took care of the rest.”

Kent Soule photo Riley Webb was a man on a mission at the Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash. He won both the semifinals and finals, pocketing $18,863.

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