ProRodeo Sports News - September 1, 2023

Money Massey Dalton Massey sets regular season earnings mark in steer wrestling

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CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 VOLUME 71, NO. 18

Horse Heaven Contestants competed for their share of the nearly $350,000 purse at the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo in Ken newick, Wash., Aug. 22-26. It was a key rodeo in the Playoff Series. 42

Bareback rider Keenan Hayes won the finals in Kennewick, Wash., with an 87.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Born Fearless. Roseanna Sales photo

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INSIDE

6 Editor’s Letter 8 Hot Takes 10 Grille 14 He Said-She Said 16 Social Media 22 Short Round 34 Caldwell, Idaho 36 Canby, Ore. 38 Gooding, Idaho 40 Rapid City, S.D. Xtreme Broncs 42 Kennewick, Wash. 44 Tremonton, Utah 46 Bremerton, Wash. 48 Bremerton, Wash. Xtreme Bulls RODEOS

Amanda Dilworth photo Saddle bronc rider Tanner Butner split the win at the Golden Spike Rodeo in Tremonton, Utah. Butner had an 85.5-point ride on Legacy Pro Rodeo’s Flirting With Disaster. Tremonton Treasures Contestants uncovered their slices of the purse at the Golden Spike Rodeo in Tremonton, Utah. One of the stars was 2019 PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Champion Haven Meged, who won the rodeo with a 6.9-second run. 44

RCOODVEEORS

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.

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

Money Massey Dalton Massey sets regular seaso earnings mark in steer wrestling

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Steer wrestler Dalton Massey has had a dream season and he recently set the single season earnings record in his event. Gini Roberge 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.

Final push to make Wrangler NFR in full gear T his is the time of the year when PRCA contestants are relying on anything to help them qualify for the 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge. Following fortune cookie philosophy isn’t a bad option like Phillip Kitts photo Resistol Rookie bareback rider Sam Petersen, above, had an 85-point ride on Dakota Rodeo’s Green Bay in February at the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo in St. Paul, Minn. Petersen will be in the Playoff Series Rodeo in Puyallup, Wash., as he makes a push to make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Cowboys like bareback riders Dean Thompson and Sam Petersen; steer wrestlers Don Payne and Tucker Allen; team ropers Marcus Theriot/ Cole Curry; saddle bronc riders Leon Fountain and Statler Wright; tie down ropers Luke Potter and Trevor Hale and bull riders Cullen Telfer and T Parker. Not only can contestants take aim at Puyallup’s cash, but doing well in Puyallup also can send contestants to an even larger payday in Sioux Falls. The contestants in Sioux Falls will include 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. 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. In terms of drama at the end of the season – this is as good as it gets. On Sept. 30, cowboys will experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat all wrapped into one. Some contestants will have lifelong dreams realized, while others will deal with the heartbreak of being so close – yet so far away from an NFR bid. This is must-watch TV on The Cowboy Channel and Cowboy Channel Plus App as the contestant list for the NFR unfolds.

the following saying – I didn’t come this far to only come this far. Consider from Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023, contestants have and will continue traveling across the country trying to cash checks and earn enough money to finish in the Top 15 of the PRCA | RAM World Standings. Now, it is crunch time. The PRCA regular season ends in less than a month. Time isn’t on the contestants’ side, but there are two huge paydays coming up for those contestants who qualified to compete in Puyallup, Wash. (Sept. 7-10) and then hopefully on to Sioux Falls, S.D. for the Governor’s Cup. (Sept. 28 30). In Puyallup, the top 23 contestants in the Playoff Series Standings and champions from the NFR Open in July will make up the field. That field, which had some adjustments because of injuries and things, is set. The Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo in Puyallup will pay $648,000 and is littered with world champions and NFR qualifiers in every event. There are contestants who are scratching and clawing to make their NFR debuts. They are on or near the Top 15 bubble, hoping to punch their tickets to the yellow bucking chutes in Las Vegas, Dec. 7-16 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

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Record Run

“It started with a great winter, and it’s just been a great summer too. Of course, you run so many calves, you’re bound to have some mistakes. I had a couple of places where I made

As the 2023 ProRodeo regular season begins to wind down, it’s no surprise that tie-down roper Riley Webb continues to win. As of Aug. 29, the Denton, Texas, cowboy sits No. 1 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with a commanding $58,187 lead over second-ranked Haven Meged. In early August, he surpassed

some mistakes that cost me money and to still have won what I have is incredible.”

Shad Mayfield’s record of $203,508 for the most money won in a single regular season before the NFR in the event.

NEXT ON TAP ELLENSBURG RODEO Where: Ellensburg, Wash. When: Sept. 1-4

Broadcast Schedule: The Ellensburg Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy

Channel Plus App, Sept. 1-4. CINCH PLAYOFFS AT WASHINGTON STATE FAIR Where: Puyallup, Wash. When: Sept. 7-10

HOT TAKES

Broadcast Schedule: The Cinch Playoffs at the Washington State Fair Pro Rodeo will be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel and stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Sept. 7-10.

Battle to the End Creek Young qualified for his second straight Wrangler National Finals Rodeo a season ago, where he finished 11th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. As of Aug. 29, he finds himself in the exact same spot, 11th in the world standings, just $5,000 ahead of Jared Parsonage in the No. 15 spot. Dale Hirschman photo Creek Young kept his Wrangler National Finals Rodeo hopes alive by winning the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo in Altus, Okla., with a 90-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s No. -2.

WEST TEXAS FAIR & RODEO Where: Abilene, Texas When: Sept. 8-9, 14-16

Broadcast Schedule: The West Texas Fair & Rodeo will stream live on the PRCA on The Cowboy Channel Plus App, Sept. 8-9, 14-16. * Broadcasts are subject to change. For complete broadcast schedule visit https://bit.ly/3LsEcbR

734 $49,532,198 MONEY WON BY COWBOYS IN THE 2023 SEASON NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2023 SEASON AS OF AUG. 29

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COWBOY GRILLE WITH TANNER BARTH

How’d you get your start in rodeo? Mason: I grew up rodeoing, all of my family rodeoed. When I was younger, I used to look up to all of my siblings that were out there doing it. I think I just picked it up from there at a young age and ran with it. When did you know you could make a career out of the sport of rodeo? Mason: When I was 15 years old, I went to some open bull ridings and had some success. I got hurt that next year and had to sit out. After that I decided to quit the other sports I was competing in and focus on bull riding. It was pretty much at that point when I decided I was going to put everything into rodeo and go make a living doing it. Why did you decide bull riding would be your event? highlighted by winning the Sitting Bull Stampede and earning $9,202. As of Aug. 31, Moody currently sits 39th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings and fifth in the running for the Resistol Rookie of the Year. Mason Moody, 20, got his 2023 ProRodeo season kicked off by finishing fourth at the RAM Badlands Circuit Finals last October. But it wasn’t until recently that he caught fire on the PRCA trail. In the past two months, the Letcher, S.D., bull rider has won $46,777,

MASON MOODY

Mason: My parents used to say when I was younger, I’d leave before the rodeo started and not come back until after the bull riding. I would go behind the bucking chutes and hangout with all the older guys that rode bulls. It was something I always wanted to do, and I fell in love with it I guess you could say. Did you do any other rodeo events growing up? Mason: In high school, I roped calves and also team roped a little bit. In junior high, I pretty much did every event there was. I always knew bull riding would be the event for me though in the long run. What’s this season been like for you? Mason: I decided to ProRodeo about midway through the season. Since about mid-June, I’ve won about $45,000 and it’s been really good. I know it’s a long shot for me to make the NFR, but you can’t count yourself out until the end of September. What’s one rodeo you want to win in your career? Mason: It would definitely be special to win a big rodeo like Cheyenne (Wyo.) or Salt Lake City (Utah). At the end of the day, it’s always cool to do well at what you consider your hometown rodeo. So, Mitchell (S.D.) would also be up there for me. Who’s someone you look up to in the sport of rodeo? Mason: When I was a kid, I grew up about 10 miles from Charlie Zoss. At the time he was still ProRodeoing quite a bit. I didn’t really know him until I turned 13. He took me under his wing and really helped me with bull riding. He’s just always been there for me, and it always helps having a guy like that in your corner. What’s your go-to restaurant when you’re out on the road? Mason: I don’t really get to pick because my traveling partner (Jeff Bertus) is a big Subway and Cracker Barrel person. So, if we drive past any of those, I know we are stopping. What’s your go-to movie? Mason: When I was a kid it was definitely 8 Seconds , but anymore my go-to movie is probably Happy Gilmore . What was the make and model of the first vehicle you drove? Mason: It was a 2004 GMC Sierra half-ton pickup. Somehow, it’s still a farm pickup at the house. When you’re not rodeoing, what do you enjoy doing for fun? Mason: We like to do a lot of golfing when we have some down time or go to the lake and take a dip in it. What’s your favorite holiday? Mason: I’d probably have to go with Easter. Just because the real meaning of Easter is something that means a lot to me and my family. What type of music do you like listening to? Mason: When we are traveling, anything and everything gets played through that radio. But when I’m at home it’s usually country music that I have going through the speakers.

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WORD SEARCH TRY YOUR LUCK

ANSWERS ON PAGE 140

Find the winners from the 2022 Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo and the Walla Walla (Wash.) Frontier Days. 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. September Spirit 1. Find the winners from Ellensburg, Wash.: BB: Rocker Steiner SW: J.D. Struxness TR: Clay Smith/Jake Long SB: Stetson Wright TD: Hunter Herrin GB: Hailey Kinsel SR: Bryce Davis BR: Tristen Hutchings 2. Find the winners from Walla Walla, Wash: BB: Leighton Berry/R.C. Landingham SW: Timmy Sparing

V HGHAI LEYKINSELSKWZMF CLAYSMITHJYYXZDTXI BVZ REROCKERSTE INEREQYRUF DMPKPMMGT IKNZ IHTTEYUK X J BKI THGYXAHSGUSTOCNA OGRUFXOUKOLTNNDOOCEMR JZSVNFZXFPEYHI SNJNDYI DOGNQUF LNNBA I RMWAMAS E SHSVTWCZHDDRDAYRKAVRU TEZBLZDUAIRBKPBIEHIEG RCMVOETWFAINAS IGLGSGO UFHAQCSZBSGEXYGHONAON XFNJHODEGXGDQMFTNI ZRR NFMINMNSOEEAKMTTGDZHO EONHR IVHABRPGIGWSNXCI SGAVIQQNQDS IHTTCBAF IN SYDEGEMNEVAHFBKSRLLRU DRCUNAGROMYELLEHSCFE J RXBYRREBNOTHGI ELARP I E UVERMGFMVYOYRAEYYDORB JGUEWYHNI RREHRETNUHWD

TR: Erich Rogers/Paden Bray and Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira

SB: Dawson Hay TD: Haven Meged GB: Shelley Morgan

SR: Bryce Davis BR: Brody Yeary

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10 QUESTIONS

He Said – She Said Steer Wrestler Dalton Massey has wrestled himself to the top of the world standings, setting a new regular season earnings record. He’s well on his way to qualifying for his first NFR after nine years of rodeoing professionally. We know he’s had a stellar rodeo season but who knows him best when it comes to other areas of his life? We asked his wife Hilary and his traveling partner Mike McGinn the questions we all want answers to.

DALTON

HILARY

MIKE

MIKE

DALTON

HILARY

WHO IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

Trevor Knowles

Trevor Knowles

Trevor Knowles

WHAT NON-NFR RODEO IS HIS FAVORITE TO COMPETE IN?

Pendleton

Calgary

Pendleton

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Hilary

I do

Me

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE FOOD ON THE ROAD?

Cheeseburger

Cheeseburger

Chipotle

WHO PLAYS HIM IN A MOVIE?

Liam Neeson

Keanu Reeves

Channing Tatum

WHAT IS HIS MOST MEMORABLE RODEO MOMENT?

Winning Houston

Winning Houston

Winning Houston

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK?

Reign energy drink

Root Beer

Root Beer

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE SPORT BESIDES RODEO?

Golf

Golf

Wrestling

ONE THING HE CAN’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?

Copenhagen

Copenhagen

Inhaler

WHAT WOULD HE DO IF NOT A RODEO COWBOY?

Carpenter

Pro Golfer

Pro Golfer

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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 Aug. 29, 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 ..................... $335,869 2. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. ........................... 134,333 3. Brush Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. ............. 130,917 4. Paul Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla. ................ 108,895 5. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ....................... 101,018 6. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas .................... 99,940 7. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................. 96,853 8. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ........................... 96,507 9. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. ................... 83,707 10. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ....................... 82,945 11. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas ........................ 77,753 12. Slade Wood, New Ulm, Texas ...................... 61,049 13. Chet Weitz, London, Texas ........................... 58,632 14. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D. .................................. 52,168 15. Clay Clayman, Highlandville, Mo. ................. 49,100 16. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas ........................ 47,642 17. Jordan Ketscher, Squaw Valley, Calif. .......... 47,240 18. Logan Perrin Spady, Alliance, Alberta .......... 43,838 19. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn. ............ 43,792 20. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas ............... 42,776 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo. ....................... $216,386 2. Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas ............... 145,830 3. Kade Sonnier, Carencro, La. .......................... 137,588 4. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa ........................ 132,180 5. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif. .................... 129,941 6. Cole Reiner, Buffalo, Wyo. ............................. 127,010 7. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba ........................ 124,838 8. Rocker Shane Steiner, Weatherford, Texas .... 121,241 9. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla. ............................ 110,344 10. Jess Pope, Waverly, Kan. ............................. 109,322 11. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah ........................... 108,902 12. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn. ................. 107,475 13. Richmond Champion, Stevensville, Mont. .... 103,552 14. Dean Thompson, Altamont, Utah ................. 89,004 15. Sam Petersen, Helena, Mont. ....................... 88,145 16. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La. .............. 86,194 17. Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho ........................ 83,147 18. Mason Clements, Spanish Fork, Utah .......... 81,486 19. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas ..................... 81,215 20. Jacek Lane Frost, Browns Valley, Calif. ........ 80,109 STEER WRESTLING 1. Dalton Massey, Hermiston, Ore. ................. $166,568 2. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La. .................. 130,892 3. Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore. ........................ 124,508 4. Will Lummus, Byhalia, Miss. ......................... 105,895 5. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont. ............................ 104,802 6. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev. ............................ 97,590 7. Dirk Tavenner, Rigby, Idaho ........................... 95,640 8. Jacob Talley, Keatchie, La. ............................. 95,167 9. Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, B.C. ............... 93,836 10. Cody Devers, Balko, Okla. ............................ 93,222 11. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn. ........................ 91,157 12. Stan Branco, Chowchilla, Calif. .................... 87,206 13. Don Payne, Stephenville, Texas ................... 76,840 14. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis. ................................. 73,973 15. Bridger Anderson, Carrington, N.D. .............. 68,809 16. Tucker Allen, Oak View, Calif. ....................... 65,386 17. Olin Hannum, Malad, Idaho .......................... 65,222 18. Cash Robb, Altamont, Utah .......................... 63,699 19. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla. ........................ 63,117 20. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala. ........................ 61,515 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga. ....................... $136,583 2. Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Fla. ................... 131,427 3. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala. ........................... 130,055 4. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah ...................... 114,604 5. Andrew Ward, Edmond, Okla. ........................ 111,716 6. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas .............................. 108,996 7. Tanner Tomlinson, Angleton, Texas ............... 102,501 8. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz. ..................... 99,644 9. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz. ...................... 89,747 10. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla. ........................ 85,162 11. Marcus Theriot, Lumberton, Miss. ................. 84,262 12. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif. ......................... 84,242 13. Dawson Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ............ 83,124

14. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla. ................................... 80,970 15. Jake Cooper Clay, Sapulpa, Okla. .................... 80,083 16. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla. ........................ 75,580 17. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C. ............................ 74,538 18. Jr. Dees, Aurora, S.D. ..................................... 72,787 19. Clint Summers, Lake City, Fla. ........................ 68,975 20. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn. ...................... 67,939 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. Junior Nogueira, Pres. Prudente, Brazil ........ $136,583 2. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D. ................................ 131,427 3. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas ............. 126,223 4. Jeremy Buhler, Arrowwood, Alberta ............... 114,604 5. Buddy Hawkins II, Stephenville, Texas ........... 111,716 6. Colter Todd, Willcox, Ariz. .............................. 104,914 7. Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas ............................ 102,501 8. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo. ................................ 99,995 9. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan. ............................. 85,447 10. Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M. ............................ 85,162 11. Dillon Graham, Wainwright, Alberta ............... 83,124 12. Paden Bray, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 82,841 13. Cole Curry, Liberty, Miss. ............................... 81,285 14. Justin Davis, Cottonwood, Calif. .................... 77,548 15. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas ........................... 74,538 16. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark. .......................... 74,504 17. Ross Ashford, Lott, Texas .............................. 71,785 18. Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla. ................. 71,087 19. Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas ................. 70,644 20. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla. ................................ 69,153 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Sage Newman, Melstone, Mont. ................... $221,366 2. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah ......................... 207,967 3. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta .................. 204,409 4. Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho ............................ 174,711 5. Ben T Andersen, Eckville, Alberta .................. 146,586 6. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta ................... 143,455 7. Layton Green, Millarville, Alberta .................. 128,132 8. Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah ........................... 126,688 9. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas .......................... 119,757 10. Lefty Marvel Holman, Visalia, Calif. ............. 117,326 11. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont. ............... 116,149 12. Damian Brennan, Injune, Australia ............... 115,359 13. Quinten Taylor, Casper, Wyo. ....................... 111,708 14. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo. ....................... 106,362 15. Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta ..... 102,419 16. Tanner Butner, Daniel, Wyo. ......................... 101,689 17. Leon Fountain, Corona, N.M. .......................... 98,231 18. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas ........................ 97,369 19. Statler Wright, Beaver, Utah ............................ 96,771 20. Ryder Sanford, Sulphur, La. ............................ 96,167 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Riley Mason Webb, Denton, Texas ............... $245,611 2. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont. .................... 187,424 3. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La. ........................ 144,496 4. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M. ......................... 130,518 5. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas ........................ 128,195 6. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla. ......................... 111,662 7. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas ................... 111,455 8. Beau Cooper, Stettler, Alberta ........................ 108,344 9. Brush Minton, Witter Springs, Calif. .............. 102,773 10. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas .................... 102,117 11. Zack Jongbloed, Iowa, La. .............................. 98,595 12. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas ........................... 97,854 13. Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas ................. 96,318 14. Lucas Potter, Maple City, Kan. ........................ 94,015 15. Blane Cox, Cameron, Texas ............................ 92,241 16. Michael Otero, Lowndesboro, Ala. ................. 90,893 17. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash. ........................ 87,599 18. Marcos Costa, Iretama, Brazil ........................ 82,622 19. Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas .................... 82,117 20. Kincade Henry, Mount Pleasant, Texas .......... 80,515 STEER ROPING 1. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan. .......................... $104,766 2. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas ............................. 86,121 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 ........................... 54,519 8. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan. ......................... 45,346 9. Mike Chase, McAlester, Okla. ........................ 44,406 10. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas .................... 43,517 11. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif. ...................... 42,228 12. Billy Good, Wynnewood, Okla. ..................... 40,390 13. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas ..................... 38,871 14. Tanner Stec, Bassett, Neb. ........................... 38,069 15. Dalton Walker, Clyde, Texas ......................... 34,380 16. Martin Poindexter, Comanche, Texas ........... 33,608 17. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla. ..................... 31,852 18. Clay Long, Stephenville, Texas ..................... 31,569 19. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas ........................ 30,616 20. Trenton L Johnson, Blue Mound, Kan. ......... 30,245 BULL RIDING 1. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah ..................... $224,424 2. Ky John Hamilton, Mackay, Australia ............ 202,176 3. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah ............................ 192,703 4. Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho .............162,547 5. Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kan. ....................... 150,856 6. Sage Steele Kimzey, Salado, Texas ............... 142,739 7. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas .............................. 132,936 8. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla. ..................... 126,818 9. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas ............................. 120,397 10. Creek Walker Young, Rogersville, Mo. ........ 118,077 11. Jordan Hansen, Amisk, Alberta ................... 116,749 12. Jestyn Jax Woodward, Custer, S.D. ............ 115,979 13. Jared Parsonage, Maple Creek, Sask. ......... 112,548 14.Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla. ......................... 111,742 15. Hayes Weight, Goshen, Utah .......................111,186 16. T. Parker, Winnie, Texas .............................. 100,849 17. Ernie Courson Jr., Okeechobee, Fla. ............. 94,262 18. JB Mauney, Stephenville, Texas .................... 92,143 19. Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa .......................... 91,200 20. JC Mortensen, Paulden, Ariz. ....................... 87,075 BARREL RACING 1. Brittany P. Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas ......... $216,268 2. Jordon Briggs, Tolar, Texas ...........................150,763 3. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas ....................... 130,029 4. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. ....................... 120,836 5. Taycie Matthews, Wynne, Ark. .....................111,962 6. Ilyssa Riley, Hico, Texas .............................. 104,601 7. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D. ...................... 103,748 8. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas ....................... 102,104 9. Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho ........................ 97,392 10. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. .................. 94,646 11. Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla. .............. 93,687 12. Summer Kosel, Glenham, S.D. ................... 90,547 13. Sara Winkelman, Big Lake, Minn. ................ 89,853 14. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla. .......................... 87,387 15. Kelly Allen, Stephenville, Texas ................... 84,468 16. Sissy Winn, Chapman Ranch, Texas ............ 83,335 17. Stevi Hillman, Granbury, Texas .................... 82,751 18. Dona Kay Rule, Minco, Okla. ....................... 77,318 19. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, Texas ...... 71,173 20. Carlee Otero, Launsboro, Ala. ...................... 70,684 BREAKAWAY ROPING 1. Hali Williams, Comanche, Texas .................$128,336 2. Shelby Boisjoli, Stephanville, Texas ..............128,014 3. Sarah Angelone, Lipan, Texas .......................108,857 4. Martha Angelone, Stephenville, Texas ..........100,182 5. Taylor Munsell, Alva, Okla. ............................ 97,166 6. Joey Williams, Volborg, Mont. ...................... 80,666 7. Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D. ....... 79,703 8. Cheyanne Guillory, Kingston, Okla. .............. 77,825 9. Jackie Crawford, Stephenville, Texas ............ 73,216 10. Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas ....................... 70,025 11. Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, S.D. ................ 67,112 12. Josie Conner, Iowa, La. ............................. 60,251 13. Erin Johnson, Fowler, Colo. ....................... 57,537 14. Bradi Good, Abilene, Texas ....................... 55,897 15. Kendal Pierson, Wardlow, Alberta .............. 55,103 16. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. ..................... 53,019 17. Beau Peterson, Council Grove Kan. ............ 50,438 18. Madison Outhier, Fulshear, Texas ................ 50,305 19. Nicole Baggarley, Las Cruces, N.M. ............ 47,068 20. Tiffany Schieck, Floresville, Texas ............... 45,974

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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 Red Steagall tabbed 2023 Legend of ProRodeo Annual Honor

R ed Steagall, who has had a 45-plus year entertainment career that has spanned the globe from Cow Camps to the White House, will add another line to his resume in 2023. Steagall has been named the 2023 Legend of ProRodeo. Steagall will be honored at the 18th annual Wrangler Gold Buckle Gala on Dec. 4 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Doors open at 6 p.m. (PT) with a reception and silent auction. The dinner begins at 7 p.m. with the live auction and program following dinner. “This is a tremendous honor to be recognized as a member of that family that has meant so much to me and been such a major part of my life,” Steagall said. “I’m proud to know that they accept me, and the rest of that community accepts me and I’m a part of the rodeo family.” Steagall’s career spanned the globe from Australia to the Middle East, to South America and to the Far East. He has performed for heads of state, including a special party for President Ronald Reagan at the White House in 1983, plus three overseas tours to the Middle East, the Far East, Europe, Australia, and South America. As a native Texan, Steagall enjoyed a career in Agricultural Chemistry after graduating from West Texas A&M University with a degree in Animal Science and Agronomy. He spent eight years as a music industry executive in Hollywood, Calif., and has spent the last 37 years as a recording artist, songwriter, and TV and motion picture personality. He currently ranches outside of Fort Worth, Texas, where in addition to his entertainment activities, he is involved in numerous horse related activities. As a songwriter, Steagall has had over 200 of his compositions recorded both by him and other artists. He also has recorded 26 consecutive singles that tracked on the national charts and released a total of 22 albums.

ProRoeo Hall of Fame photo After a 45-plus year entertainment career, Red Steagall will add another accolade to his name in 2023, being named the Legend of ProRodeo.

NFR bull rider Wessel passes away at 59

Bull rider Raymond Wessel, who qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 1994 and 1996, passed away Aug. 22 in Emporia, Kan. He was 59. Wessel finished seventh and 15th in the 1994

so this feels really good,” Wessel said in 1995. At the 1996 NFR, he placed in Round 4 with an 86-point ride on Harper and Morgan Rodeo Co.’s Death Valley Skoal. During Wessel’s career he also won Cheyenne Frontier Days in 1994 and was the third cowboy to ride Growney Brothers Rodeo’s standout bull Mr. T. Wessel also won the Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo in 1987, 1989 and 1998. He was the Prairie

and 1996 world standings. He earned a career best $84,986 in 1994. At the 1994 NFR, Wessel won Round 7 with an 85-point ride on Growney Brothers Rodeo Co.’s T.Q. Hot Rocks and was victorious in Round 10 with an 85-point ride on “G” Rodeo’s Vee’s Own. Wessel also placed fourth in Round 3, and second in Round 8. He finished 10th in the average and earned $38,010 at the NFR. “I finished 16th in 1991 and was hurt the last two years,

Wessel

Circuit bull riding year-end champion in 1989 and 1995. Wessel earned $355,409 during his PRCA career. Wessel is survived by sons, Jake and Luke and daughter, Jayce.

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ProRodeo Hall of Fame receives huge donation

BY THE NUMBERS 1959 The year that legendary and future ProRodeo Hall of Fame cowboys stole the spotlight in the then, Rodeo Cowboys Association at the inaugural National Finals Rodeo in Dallas. Jim Shoulders wins his last two of 16 world championships claims the last of six world saddle bronc riding world championships. 2000 The exact date was Sept. 6, 2000. It was then that eight-time world champion Roy Cooper becomes the first cowboy to surpass the $2 million career earnings mark. $12K The amount ($12,690) Tristen Hutchings earned by winning the Kitsap Stampede Xtreme Bulls in Bremerton, Wash., Aug. 26. Hutchings won the event with an 89-point ride on Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Hostile. $30K The amount of money ($30,838) earned by Wyatt Casper in winning the in all-around and bull riding and Casey Tibbs

Raymond C. Kinter, 80,

we are proud to have it remain in the exhibit. We will soon find a way to honor Mr. Kinter and recognize his contributions to the Hall of Fame in a meaningful way.” Kinter was born on Nov. 24, 1941, in Boston, Mass. He worked as a teacher, principal and real estate investor after being honorably discharged from the Navy. He enjoyed trail riding, photography, and visiting art galleries.

passed away on Sept. 2, 2022. One of his passions was supporting institutions that keep the history of the Old West alive. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., was the beneficiary of the latter. Kinter’s estate recently donated $392,256 to the Hall of Fame. “We are overwhelmed with this donation from Mr. Kinter’s estate,” ProRodeo Hall of Fame director Kent Sturman said.

He was a member of Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Old West Museum, Fraternal Order of Eagles and a lifetime member of the American Paint Horse Association. He received the Presidential Citation from the Optimist Club of Brighton, Colo., and was an Indiana University of Pennsylvania alumnus. Raymond was a founding member of the Back Country Horsemen of America.

“His generosity matches the love he had for Old West history, the western lifestyle, and our western heritage. Mr. Kinter enjoyed visiting the Hall of Fame and always took an interest in the museum’s programs and projects. “He assisted us with funding the historical photograph preservation project. He was happy that the saddle he donated was on display and

Ernie Courson Jr. out for remainder of rodeo season

Bull rider Ernie Courson Jr.’s quest to make his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will have to wait another year. The Florida cowboy had his 2023 season come to an end when he broke his right collarbone when he was bucked off Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Big Nasty Jax in Kennewick, Wash., at the Horse Heaven Roundup Rodeo, Aug. 24.

chin and whacked my collarbone,” Courson Jr. said. “I knew it was broken on impact.” Courson was making a push to

qualify for the Wrangler NFR, as he was 17th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $94,181. He finished 20th in the 2022 world standings with $83,647. “I’m already looking forward to 2024,” Courson said. “I learned a lot this year, so we’ll use that to make the Top 15 next year.”

Courson

“During the ride the bull snatched me down about the third jump and put his horn under my

XBroncs Finals in Rapid City, S.D., on Aug. 20.

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

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SNAPSHOT

Protector Bullfighter Preston Robinson jumps into action to protect bull rider Christopher Byrd from Diamond G Rodeo’s Flight Child at the Norco (Calif.) Mounted Posse PRCA Rodeo on Aug. 27. – Andrea Kaus 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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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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CALDWELL, IDAHO

Win has Boquet climbing up standings Plugging Along BY ALEX RILEY, Special to ProRodeo Sports News W hen Dustin Boquet looks back, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 could turn out to be a very important milestone in his rodeo career. Things have been extremely difficult for the Bourg, CALDWELL NIGHT RODEO

TOP SCORES

TOP MONEY EARNER Stephen Culling ($9,995, steer wrestling) BAREBACK RIDING

La., bull rider, since December 2021. During Round 6 of the 2021 National Finals Rodeo, Boquet suffered a shoulder injury that ended his run at the season-culminating event and ultimately impacted 2022. He was limited to just one win and less than $8,000 in earnings last year. Getting back on track in 2023 was the plan, but that has proven difficult. A chipped femur bone during the winter kept him sidelined for almost two months, putting him behind from the start. A pair of Idaho rodeos in August could be the turning points for his season and potentially his career. Boquet secured a win at the Caldwell Night Rodeo thanks to an 88.5-point ride on Powder River Rodeo’s Boo Ray. Coupled with a runner-up finish at the Cassia County Fair & Rodeo, Boquet finally has something to feel good about when it comes to bull riding. “It was real important, especially for my confidence anyway. Shoot, I won $15,000 this past weekend between Caldwell and Burley. That jumped me from mid-30s to the mid-20s in the world standings,” Boquet said. “To win that much money in one weekend, you just can’t beat it.” Rollercoasters of momentum are nothing new for Boquet, including the latest up and down swing. After winning significant money in Spanish Fork, Utah and Salinas, Calif., in mid-July, he took a few days to recover from a lower body injury. Following some much-needed rest to heal physically and fishing to reset mentally, Boquet went without any money won to start the month of August. That changed the weekend of Aug. 12 at the Summit County Fair & Rodeo in Coalville, Utah, as he placed third to pick up almost $2,600. Boquet parlayed that success into nearly $9,600 at Caldwell alone, his second-biggest haul at a rodeo this season. “When I saw my draw for Caldwell and Burley, I knew there was a chance I could win both of them if I could just stay my butt on,” Boquet said. “I’ve seen that bull out a couple times now, so I knew exactly what I had, and I was going into it thinking, ‘Just stay on him and you’re going to win this sucker.’” While he sits 23rd in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, Boquet knows he has a long way to go to reach NFR-qualifier status. The gap between 23rd and 20th is more than $22,000, making success the next few weeks critical if the turnaround is going to continue. Boquet has no plans of slowing down in his quest to return to Las Vegas. He intends to hit about 4-5 rodeos each week, focusing on winning enough money now to qualify for the CINCH Playoff Series Championship in Sioux Falls, S.D., at the end of September. The prize money there has the potential to vault a competitor in the world standings quickly. Until then, it’s all about perseverance and getting back up on the horse – or in Boquet’s case, the bull. “The confidence is where I want it for dang sure. We can’t complain with that,” Boquet said. “We’re just going to keep rocking and rolling and hopefully get some good draws this week and make some good bull rides and keep the momentum going.”

Culling

1. Taylor Broussard .......... 174 pts. on 2 2. Dean Thompson .......................... 173 3. Cooper Cooke ........................... 172.5 STEER WRESTLING 1. Stan Branco ................ 13.2 sec. on 3 2. Stephen Culling .......................... 13.5 3. Josh Garner ............................... 13.9 TEAM ROPING 1. T. Wade/W. Thorp ........ 15.7 sec. on 3 2. T. Tomlinson/P. Smith ................. 15.9 3. P. Tierney/T. Braden .................... 16.5 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ryder Wright ............. 176.5 pts. on 2 2. Stu Wright ................................... 173 3. Three tied at ............................. 170.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Haven Meged .............. 25.8 sec. on 3 2. Cory Solomon ............................ 26.5 3. Shane Hanchey .......................... 26.9 BARREL RACING 1. B. Pozzi Tonozzi ........ 50.90 sec. on 3 2. Halyn Lide ................................ 51.75 3. Leslie Smalygo ......................... 51.83 BULL RIDING 1. Dustin Boquet ..................... 88.5 pts. 2. JB Mauney ................................. 84.5 3. Hayes Weight ................................ 83

Complete results/Page 117

Thomas Duncan photo

Bull rider Dustin Boquet made a push to get back to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo by winning the Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo with an 88.5-point ride on Powder River Rodeo’s Boo Ray.

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CANBY, ORE.

CANBY RODEO

Partnership

Carroll/Kuttler team up to capture Canby crown BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News T he last month of the season sharpens focus on the circuit. A handful of cowboys remain lasered on reaching the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. A bigger number are looking to establish momentum for next season. Or, as team roper Shay Dixon Carroll put it, “We are entering to make money.” The Northwest offers terrific events and checks, leading Carroll to form a quick partnership with Max Kuttler. Carroll was in no hurry to return to the Texas heat this month, and Kuttler was open for some more competition. Presto. The team ropers combined forces for the first time and won the Canby (Ore.) Rodeo, clocking 10.0 seconds on two head at Bob Trevers Arena. “It was a great first week. I don’t have any reason to be out here other than to make money. I thought we could work something out,” Carroll said. “The team roping community is so close. Everybody knows everybody.” So, even though the pair had never roped in an event, working together made sense. “We are close to the same age. We have known each other since high school rodeos,” said Kuttler from American Falls, Idaho. Kuttler credited Carroll for his nuance in helping win the event. Carroll saw the first steer in Idaho a few weeks back, and recognized it required a different approach. No need for the normal sense of urgency. He had a little bit of time. “Without that knowledge I might have broken the barrier. I knew it was a good steer and would act accordingly,” Carroll said. “The pen there is set up to have the right steers and we used that to our advantage, and I gave my guy Max a chance to do what he does.” Armed with a 4.7 first time, good enough for second, consistency became the key. The pair posted a 5.3 time in the finale. “That second steer ran straight. We saw him go and were able to get him,” Kuttler said. For Carroll, this experience is a reminder of what his future holds. He has served as a terrific heeler in his career. He boasts NFR appearances in 2014, 2016 and 2020. But heeler is just not his preference. He wants to be a header moving forward. “I heeled through junior high school and high school. It wasn’t my personality. The header is the quarterback,” said Carroll, who placed 30th in the world standings last season. “As a heeler, you can imagine how it feels if it isn’t your personality. I just feel like that fits me better, and I want to keep working on this and see what happens.” And that might even be with Kuttler as his partner. “That arena was slam packed. A lot of people in the stands. That was the first time I have been to Canby. They did a great job,” Kuttler said. “A lot of good stuff happened. We will see where this goes.”

Kent Soule photo Team roping heeler Max Kuttler, left, prepares to make his throw moments after header Shay Dixon Carroll made his throw. The duo won the average at the Canby (Ore.) Rodeo with a 10.0-second time on two head.

Complete results/Page 118

BAREBACK RIDING 1. Clayton Biglow ...... 90.5 pts. 2. Mason Clements .......... 87.5 3. Kody Lamb ................... 86.5

STEER WRESTLING 1. Levi Rudd ....... 7.6 sec. on 2 2. Cody Devers ................... 7.7 3. Walt Arnold .................... 8.1

TEAM ROPING 1. Carroll/Kuttler ....... 10.0 sec. on 2 2. C. Smith/C. Payne ................ 10.6 (Tie) Johnson/Johnson ........ 10.6

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ryder Wright ............ 89 pts. 2. Q Taylor ........................... 88 3. Three tied with ................. 86

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. S. Hanchey .... 16.1 sec. on 2 2. Blane Cox ..................... 18.2 (Tie) Marcos Costa ....... 18.2

BARREL RACING 1. A. Castleberry ...... 16.19 sec. 2. Kathy Grimes .............. 16.28 3. Taycie Matthews ......... 16.37

BULL RIDING 1. Canyon Bass ............. 87 pts. 2. Parker Breding ................ 85 (Tie) Robbie Taylor .......... 85

TOP MONEY EARNER Shane Hanchey ($7,803, tie-down roping)

TOP

SCORES

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GOODING, IDAHO

GOODING PRO RODEO Griffin staying alive for NFR spot Key Win

BY JOLEE JORDAN, Special to ProRodeo Sports News N ew Mexico saddle bronc rider Ross Griffin came to the Gooding (Idaho) Rodeo in 2022 on the bubble for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and needing a big win. But a match-up with Macza Pro Rodeo’s Get Smart, the 2019 Pendleton Whiskey Let ‘er Buck Saddle Bronc of the Year, did not go Griffin’s way and, despite going on to win more than $22,000 in the final five weeks of the season, Griffin finished the year 19th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings. A year later, Griffin traveled to central Idaho again, on the bubble once more, but this time without a marquee match-up. But King Rodeo and Wentz Bucking Bulls’ bay horse Blood Tracks proved more than enough with a salty ride from Griffin to take the victory lap as the most “Beer Worthy” in the saddle broncs in Gooding in 2023. “I knew a little about him,” said Griffin, 26. “I had decent expectations and honestly, it went better than I thought it would.” Griffin’s 85-point ride was good enough to earn a pile of Playoff Series points and $5,753. That was in addition to the cold beer from the rowdy Gooding fan section, who choose their most “Beer Worthy” contestants each night for the freebie. “I held my feet until he broke and then just tried to get ahead of him,” Griffin said. “He started jumping higher and higher, he liked it. It was a good day.” The win landed him 22nd in the world standings, playing catch up again but with a couple of key differences this time around. “I have never gotten into those Playoff (Series) rodeos in the past, I’ve always been a little short,” he explained, referencing the Washington State Fair in Puyallup and Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, S.D., lucrative championship events in the final weeks of the season. The first stop, Puyallup, will take 23 from the Playoff Series standings, where Griffin is 14th. He’s got a little work to do to climb into the top 8, which is the cut-off for Sioux Falls but a top 4 finish in Puyallup would clinch it. Joking that after seven years of rodeoing he was “bound to learn what to do,” Griffin notes that he and hauling buddy and lifelong friend Leon Fountain, who is also on the bubble at 19th, saved room in the schedule to be able to enter more at the end of the year. “We skipped some of the smaller winter rodeos to free up room in our schedule for this time of year,” he said. “We’ve been learning that, so we are where we want to be this time of year as far as rodeo count goes.” Griffin acknowledges not only the inherited love of the sport but also the encouragement and support provided by his large, extended family. “My whole family is very supportive — it’s taken a bunch of people to buck horses and we just had to make a couple of calls and we’d have more help than we needed,” Griffin said. With the season winding down, and opportunities shrinking, Griffin is relying on a few key ingredients to make the final sprint. “Try to eat decent, rest when you can and be sure to wake up with a good attitude each and every day,” he said. “Winning checks helps a lot and being around other people with a good attitude instead of a bunch of grumpy rascals.”

TOP SCORES

TOP MONEY EARNER Jeff Askey ($5,945, bull riding) BAREBACK RIDING

Askew

1. Jess Pope................................87 pts. (Tie) Ty Pope .................................87 3. Kade Berry......................................86 STEER WRESTLING 1. Don Payne.............................3.6 sec. (Tie) Dirk Tavenner........................3.6 3. Two tied at.....................................3.7 TEAM ROPING 1. J. Clay/K. VonAhn..................3.8 sec. 2. E. Rogers/P. Eaves.........................4.2 (Tie) A. Ward/B. Hawkins II............4.2 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ross Griffin.............................85 pts. 2. Wade Sundell...............................84.5 (Tie)Stetson Wright.....................84.5 TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Shane Hanchey......................7.9 sec. (Tie) Cash Hooper..........................7.9 3. Cody Craig.....................................8.2 BARREL RACING 1. Dona Kay Rule...................16.76 sec. 2. Ashley Castleberry.....................16.79 3. Sue Smith..................................16.84 BULL RIDING 1. Jeff Askey.............................88.5 pts. 2. Canyon Bass................................85.5 3. Robbie Taylor..................................85

Complete results/Page 122

W.T. Bruce photo Ross Griffin had an 85-point trip on King Rodeo and Wentz Bucking Bulls’ Blood Tracks to win the Gooding (Idaho) Rodeo, a stop on the Playoff Series.

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