ProRodeo Sports News - September 16, 2022

BY TRACY RENCK & TANNER BARTH

Dave Thomas photo

Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin clinched the Cinch Playoffs title with a 6.0-second run in the four-man finals.

Team ropers Proctor/Medlin shine Sometimes all it takes is a little luck on your side for things to turn out in your favor.

minnow. This place right here it can be such a grind and it can be hard.” His partner echoed a similar statement and said these are the type of opportunities you have to take advantage of if you want to be successful in the sport of rodeo. “You know we don’t get to go to very many rodeos throughout the year that pay $13,000 in one round,” said Medlin, who is fifth in the heeler PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. “So, anytime you get to come to Puyallup (Wash.), and you are roping for this kind of money it’s a blessing to be here. We are just grateful that it turned out our way.” The win allows the team to breathe easy with the end of the ProRodeo regular season on Sept. 30.

Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin acknowledged that was the case after they captured the title at the 2022 Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash. The duo was the first team out in the four-man finals and clocked a 6.0-second run. Proctor said he never thought that time would stand. “I don’t think that anyone was thinking that was going to hold up and win first place,” said Proctor, a six-time Wrangler NFR qualifier. “With the class of ropers there are anymore, 6.0-second runs are far too common. “There were some things that happened there that I would’ve never dreamed of. I haven’t seen Clay Smith miss one since Moby-Dick was a

Leighton Berry leaves mark on Cinch Playoffs Leighton Berry was the model of consistency as this year’s Cinch Playoffs in Puyallup, Wash. and it paid off in more ways than one.

Berry had four rides of at least 83 points, which included the highest marked ride of the entire rodeo with a 90-point trip on Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies in the four-man finals to claim the title. He pocketed $18,325 for his efforts. “Man, it feels awesome. I can’t explain the feeling of how blessed I feel right now,” said Berry, 23. “Everything just kind of worked in my corner this week. I drew really really good and that dang sure helps a guy out. I’m lucky to feel as good as I do and be as healthy as I am right now at this point in the season.” Headed into the finals, Berry knew a matchup with the 2021 Pendleton Whisky’s Let ‘er Buck Bareback Horse of the Year could be on the docket. He said while he felt like he left a few points out there, he was happy with the end result. “I’m not going to lie, I think a lot of the points came from the horse on that ride,” he said. “I thought I could’ve done my job a little better. “I wasn’t sure what to expect. I gave it all I had, and that horse gave it back twice as much. I’m just ready to have that horse again, hopefully at another event like this.” The win clinched Berry’s second trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Rod Connor photo

Leighton Berry made the most of his matchup with Calgary Stampede’s Xplosive Skies. The duo combined for 90 points.

ProRodeo Sports News 9/16/2022

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