ProRodeo Sports News - September 17, 2021

nice for home and nice for the standings.” The 2014 PRCAWorld Champion was16th with two weeks to go until the season ended, trailing 15th by just over $400. He’s finished on the wrong side of the bubble twice at 17th, including last year. “I’ve been on the bubble a lot,” he said. “I’d rather not be of course but it gets easier. It doesn’t do good to overthink things, just keep doing what you’ve been doing all year.” Wright is looking forward to Salinas, a rodeo where he’s had good fortune. “It’s one I’ve always done well at in the past,” he said. In fact, Wright owns one of the famous Gist Salinas champion’s buckles, earned for the championship in 2012. “I seem to thrive at places I’ve done good at before so hopefully that’ll happen again.” Likewise, Lucas is hoping to repeat some Salinas magic. The Canadian tie down roper is in the hunt for his first trip to the Wrangler NFR, as he was No. 18 in the Sept. 13 world standings. “Salinas is one of my favorite rodeos,” Lucas said. “It’s pretty cool that we get to compete there this year.” Cowboys have been missing the California Rodeo since COVID forced its cancelation in 2020 and caused the postponement to September in 2021.

“It’s going to be great.” Lucas will be making his first appearance at a ProRodeo Tour Finale and likes his odds on Salinas’ long scores and big arena. “Those are my favorite set ups,” he said, “where you have to go run ‘em down and get them tied up. Usually, they have stronger cattle too so having a strong horse plays a big factor as well.” Lucas has his own horse Cat and is working to get fellow Canadian Logan Bird’s good buckskin over the border to have as well. All competitors will get two go rounds in Salinas; the field will be cut to eight based on the two-head average for the championship round on Sept. 26. That performance will feature two rounds with all eight competitors making one round and the top four man from that round advancing to the finals for the shot at the ProRodeo Tour championship. In addition to the six PRCA events and barrel racing, for the first time in history, breakaway ropers will also compete at the ProRodeo Tour Finale. “My plan is to just make the best runs I can, don’t beat myself,” Lucas said of his strategy. “I’m proving to myself this year that I can compete with anyone out here. I just have to keep the faith and keep looking forward to the next one.” “It’s all about character . . . everyone wins, and everyone loses. It’s how you handle things that counts. I love that about rodeo.”

Stu Hagen photo Tie-down roper Kyle Lucas is hoping to use California Rodeo Salinas as a springboard to qualify for the 2021 National Finals Rodeo.

ProRodeo Sports News 9/17/2021

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