ProRodeo Sports News - September 20, 2019

A Haven in Puyallup Tour champs crowned at ProRodeo Tour Finale

ProRodeo Sports News 9/20/2019

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CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 VOLUME 67, NO. 18

Bull rider Sage Kimzey fought through the mud to win the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up. Kimzey won $8,409 to add to his season lead. Molly Morrow photo

Fun in the Sun Cowboys earned more than $500,000 at the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up, playing a role in determining Wrangler NFR qualifiers. 38

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28 Puyullap, Wash. 38 Pendleton, Ore. 44 Albuquerque, N.M. 46 Lewiston, Idaho STANDINGS INSIDE 8 hot takes 10 cowboy grille 12 brain teasers 14 he said, she said 18 social media 22 short round 62 results 80 prca notes 81 prca businesss RODEOS

Roseanna Sales photo

Saddle bronc rider Allen Boore won the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup and took home $3,558.

Lewiston key as season nears end The Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup paid out more than $130,000 the first weekend of September and helped keep hopes alive for cowboys trying to break into the Top 15 in order to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. 46

20 2019 prca world

COVER

ProRodeo Sports News

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 ad- ditional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to ProRodeo Sports News , P. O. Box 469025, Escondido, CA 92046. Subscription rate: $45 for one year, 24 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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A Haven in Puyallup

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Tour champs crowned at ProRodeo Tour Finale

PRCA CEO George Taylor PSN EDITOR Scott Kaniewski ART DIRECTOR Stephen Olver PHOTOGRAPHY COORDINATOR Carol Lawrence CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rookie Haven Meged won the tie- down roping at the ProRodeo Tour Finale in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 5-8. Billie-Jean Duff photo

©2019, PRCA Properties Inc. , a 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.

Tracy Renck Matt Naber Cassie Emerson ADVERTISING MANAGER Nathan Vodehnal

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Tutelage of Beaver has Douch aiming for Finals IN HIS WORDS JOHN DOUCH

I was selling some horses and went to his (Joe Beaver’s) house to rope. My mom, Gladys, just started dropping me off there and I started hanging out with him and started roping with him a lot. I’ve been over there ever since. He’s a very good mentor. He’s a winner and he’s teaching me how to win. It’s good having him around because he knows what he’s doing.

Finals Rodeo this year. Before I came out for the summer, I had only had one goal, and that was to make the National Finals. Now that I have a chance, I just need to finish my job and finish strong. I got to win some of the biggest rodeos this summer – Salinas, Calif., Guymon, Okla., Canby, Ore. It feels good just roping against the top guys in the world and hanging

Last season, tie-down roper John Douch finished fourth in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie of the Year standings. This season, he’s trying to break into the Top 15 in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings to qualify for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. As of Sept. 16, Douch was 16th in the world standings with $77,086. Between July 17 and Sept. 16, the 22-year-old from Huntsville, Texas, won $43,292, rocketing up the standings from 31st to 16th. Douch also has been working with ProRodeo Hall of Famer Joe Beaver since Douch was in the sixth grade.

with them.

I’m lucky to have him. Any guy would want to have

My favorite place I’ve competed at was Salinas. Everybody wants to win the Salinas buckle, and I won one my first time. I went to Hill (Texas) College for three years, it’s betweenWaco and Fort Worth. I made the College National Finals Rodeo three times in calf roping and three times in bulldogging. I just want to focus on calf roping. I want to get one event accomplished and then maybe try something else. I’ll watch the bulldogging, because I like it. I won the (2016) Permit Members of the Year Challenge, and that was an eye-opener. I started working at it more for the next year or two, and I got better and sharper. I’ve been to the NFR to watch, but I don’t like watching if I’m not competing. All I ever dreamed about was roping with the best and being able to make the National Finals Rodeo.

the spot I have.

Joe is out helping me drive because he knows the roads. He also does the entering, which helps me a lot. I don’t have to worry about anything but roping. I don’t have to worry about entering, because he’s been there and done it. He is like a father. We’re together every day, day in and day out. We’re roping and hanging out, just like family. I ride Joe’s horse, Boss, 10. He’s great. That’s probably the best horse I’ve ever ridden. He’s fast, he’s strong. And when you’re out here rodeoing you need something like that, something that’s fast and strong and consistent every time. I’ve had a lot of success this season. I got to winning more, and I have a chance to make my first National

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“This was definitely good timing. I was sitting on the bubble, it felt like for the last month, so it was a good time to get that amount of money, that’s for sure. Everyone’s goal every year is to make the

Moving Up

Bull rider Jordan Hansen earned more than $18,000 at the ProRodeo Tour Finale in Puyallup, Wash., helping move him into the top 10 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings as of Sept. 16. Hansen is trying to qualify for his second Wrangler NFR.

NFR, and this was a big weight off my shoulders.” – JORDAN HANSEN

Number to Note: $40M With more than 50 rodeos remaining and the $10 million Wrangler National Finals Rodeo still on the docket, PRCA rodeos already had paid out more than $40 million. Last season, the PRCA paid out $49,039,182, including the Wrangler NFR.

HOT TAKES

Mallory Beinborn photo

Saddle bronc rider Mitch Pollock competed in Fort Madison, Iowa, Sept. 4.

Pollock pulls in $11,000 Saddle bronc rider Mitch Pollock scored his second $11,000 weekend in a month during Sept. 3-9. Pollock earned $10,000 when he won the Tri-State Rodeo Cinch Shoot-Out in Fort Madison, Iowa, Sept. 4, with an 89.5-point ride on The Cervi Brothers’ Classic Equine Womanizer. He added another $1,013 by placing fourth at Utah’s Own Rodeo at the Utah State Fair in Salt Lake City.

680 NUMBER OF PRCA-SANCTIONED RODEOS IN THE 2019 SEASON AS OF SEPT. 16

$41,245,524

MONEY WON BY PRCA COWBOYS IN THE 2019 SEASON

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OUT HERE WE DON’T MEASURE SPACE IN SQUARE FEET, WE MEASURE IN ACRES

8888 OUT HERE WHISKY OUT HERE WHISKY

The Official Whisky of the PRCA

Each batch of oak barrel-aged whisky delivers an uncommonly smooth taste and rich, complex flavor.

Pendleton ® Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 proof). ©2019 Proximo, Jersey City, NJ. Please drink responsibly. LET’ER BUCK and the bucking horse logo are registered trademarks of The Pendleton Round-Up Association. PENDLETON is a registered trademark of Pendleton Woolen Mills.

What has this season been like for you? Parker: It started off slow. I changed out a bull rope and it just seemed to click. I won Odessa (Jan. 12) at the beginning of the year to start things off and I won Redding (Calif., May 18). I’ve just been blessed all year. Why did you decide to stay on your permit for a second year? Parker: I didn’t do as well as I wanted to on my permit (in 2018, earning $19,962), so I stayed on my permit one more year. Staying on my permit a second year taught me a lot about how to enter and it allowed me to learn more about the bulls. There are times when I want to go compete at the (Wrangler National Finals Rodeo) with all my friends this year, but next year I figure I might be ahead of them heading into the Finals. I want to be a world champion, but my next goal is to make the NFR and win rookie of the year next year. What has been your most memorable moment this season? Parker: I would have to say being 90 points (on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Hacksaw Ridge) in the short round at Cheyenne (Frontier Days, July 28, to finish second). Is bull riding something you always envisioned doing? Parker: I played baseball and football, and I never really thought about bull riding Parker McCown, a 19-year-old bull rider from Montgomery, Texas, has had an outstanding season in his second year on his PRCA permit. McCown has earned $69,812 to lead his event in the Sept. 16 PRCA | RAM Rodeo Permit Standings. This season, the 5-foot-8, 155-pound McCown has broken several PRCA permit records. He set the record for most money won on a PRCA permit for one year including ground money, breaking the mark of $51,270 set by bull rider Trey Kimzey in 2018. He also shattered the record of most money won on a permit for a career in one event not including ground money with $88,494, previously held by Wyatt Bloom with $65,520 in bareback riding in 2012-16. COWBOY GRILLE WITH TRACY RENCK

PARKER M C COWN

until I was 12. My dad (Shawn) rode bulls, but once I started riding, I never slowed down. The first bull I got on I rode him, that’s probably why I still do it. It just felt normal to me. Are you going to college? Parker: I’m in my second year at Hill College (in Hillsboro, Texas). I went to the College National Finals Rodeo last year and finished fourth overall. What would your life be like without a cell phone? Parker: I would probably be more cowboy-ish, I reckon. I wouldn’t be doing everything on my phone. I would be more face-to-face. What do you enjoy doing outside of bull riding? Parker: I love to hunt, I hunt deer. And my dad and I raise a few bucking bulls.

What bull is on your list that you want to ride? Parker: I would love to get on D&H Cattle’s SweetPro’s Bruiser (the 2017 PRCA Bull of the Year). What’s your favorite restaurant?

Parker: Texas Roadhouse. I get the 6-ounce sirloin with a sweet potato and green beans. I usually get a Dr Pepper to drink. What’s your favorite holiday? Parker: Definitely Christmas. Family draws closer, and it is a happy time. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Parker: I have a little brother, Ryder. He is 6 years old. Do you have a favorite sports team? Parker: The Houston Texans. I have two cousins, one who was an NFL quarterback – Luke McCown – and the other Josh McCown, who is still playing. (Luke McCown played in the NFL from 2004-15, and Josh McCown is in his 18th year in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.) I get to talk to them, especially about football. I guess that’s why I played football my whole life until I started riding bulls.

What is your go-to movie? Parker: 22 Jump Street . That’s probably the funniest movie I have ever seen. Who is your favorite superhero? Parker: I would have to say Superman. What type of music do you listen to?

Parker : Country. I like guys like Alan Jackson and George Strait.

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BRAIN TEASERS TAKE YOUR SHOT

ANSWERS ON PAGE 61

Then & Now

Can you match these adorable kids’ photos with the current PRCA contestants? Some don’t look quite the same.

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2

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A

B

C

D

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Word Search New Beginnings N S R R M A N T N N L C B K Y O Q U S O H Z I P O E H F R I B E C L A J R E E M I X G E N Q P S L D Q L O K Y U D D R K L V C T S A E O A I A L O R E Y I C T S E F X N N O A T G A O E T V I P G I A M R T V P X P A M C P T M F L U C J M P R A H G Q E B A C R D C F E E N F E D Q Z E Y R P N E H R I S F W N L D L K Q J O C N U I W T L H C K P R S H R O A O A C R U N C P D L C O U T P O A I I S R L Y Y H O N S F R F A L B N E I M A R L G V E C T L T L M T O H Q F E R P M M D H S B B Y U M O E T E O I U Z E B N N J E S C V O X E I I X N H E L X N N U V X H U U R E B A N O S T R E B O R Y E R T M A O U P K J L Q X S K Q B T C I S R K Q I A V J G N R J W Y C B Z Y I A I N G K A E D C I J H Y E R J V R I W F F M T S R L I G P M K N B W C Y R L J M B B L A I N E J O N E S K A O X W X G K C M Z A C I E D Z K M W S Z G F R C Q D H E V P A O B U V J F W I T S Y Q K B D D S

Find the winners from the 2018 editions of the RAM Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo in Prescott, Ariz., and the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo in Lancaster, Calif. Cowboys who won more than one event at both rodeos appear once for each win. Names may be forward, Stumped? Winners can be found under 2018 results on ProRodeo.com. BONUS QUESTIONS 1. Who won the all-around at the RAM TCFR in Prescott Valley, Ariz., in 2018? 2. Who won the all-around in Lancaster, Calif., in 2018? backward, horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

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ProRodeo Sports News 2/22/2019

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10 QUESTIONS He Said – She Said Who knows steer wrestler Dakota Eldridge better, his wife, Quincy, or his hauling partner, Clayton Hass?

Dakota

Quincy

Clayton

CLAYTON

DAKOTA

QUINCY

WHAT’S HIS FAVORITE NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE?

Water

Water

Kombucha tea or Fairlife Milk

WHO WEARS THE PANTS IN THE FAMILY?

Dakota

Me

Dakota

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE HOLIDAY?

Christmas

Christmas

Christmas

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE MOVIE?

The Cowboys

The Cowboys

The Fast and the Furious

IS HE AN EARLY BIRD OR A NIGHT OWL?

Early Bird

Early Bird

Early Bird

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE RODEO?

Pendleton

Pendleton

Pendleton

WOULD HE RATHER TEXT OR CALL?

Text

Call

Call

WH0 IS HIS RODEO IDOL?

His dad

My dad

Trevor Brazile

WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE THING TO HUNT?

Elk

Anything

Anything

14 WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE RODEO WIN?

NFR Average

NFR Average

– Courtesy of Ted Harbin NFR Average

ProRodeo Sports News 11/7/2014

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ProRodeo Sports News May 2019

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© 2019 COORS BREWING CO., GOLDEN, CO • BEER CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY ®

OUT HERE, LEGENDS ARE MADE.

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS

Tune into our social channels to see how well you know steer wrestler Stetson Jorgensen. On Oct. 10, we will be asking Jorgensen for two truths and a lie. Readers will be able to see the results in the November print edition of ProRodeo Sports News. Think you can pick out the truth? Here’s what Stetson told ProRodeo Sports News . Go to our social media channels and vote for the one you think is the lie.

1. Jorgensen travels with a weenie dog. 2. Jorgensen won the Idaho state high school bull riding championship. 3. Jorgensen does not like country music.

SEASON RECOGNITION As the season ends, the PRCA recognizes contract personnel who work hard year-round to make ProRodeo a success. That recognition comes through awards for contract personnel and the selection to work the NFR and NFSR. Plenty of those nominees used social media to give thanks.

PRORODEO TOUR FINALE The wins that come from the ProRodeo Tour Finale event always come at a clutch time during the season for ProRodeo athletes. Some of those winners took to social media to post about their victories.

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Room & Ticket Packages

VIDEO

BoydGaming.com/NFR or 888-582-6278

ı BoydGaming.com/NFR

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2019 PRCA RAM WORLD STANDINGS

Unofficial as of Sept. 16, 2019. For the 2019 season (Oct. 1, 2018-Sept. 30, 2019), official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 85; team roping, 65; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 85; 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.................... $181,270 2. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla...................... 155,069 3. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas......................... 145,190 4. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................... 130,455 5. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb............................. 101,577 6. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah...................... 93,055 7. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah.............................. 82,732 8. Daylon Swearingen, Rochelle, Ga................... 70,920 9. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas......................... 67,444 10. Tanner Green, Cotulla, Texas.......................... 66,810 11. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.............. 65,642 12. Clayton Hass, Weatherford, Texas.................. 65,388 13. Cody Doescher, Webbers Falls, Okla.............. 60,021 14. Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D..................................... 56,378 15. Chance Oftedahl, Pemberton, Minn................ 50,613 16. Seth Hall, Albuquerque, N.M.......................... 44,442 17. Marcus Theriot, Poplarville, Miss................... 43,101 18. Riley Warren, Stettler, Alberta........................ 41,273 19. Justin Thigpen, Waycross, Ga........................ 39,609 20. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla...................... 39,069 BAREBACK RIDING 1. Clayton Biglow, Clements, Calif.................. $181,952 2. Kaycee Feild, Genola, Utah........................... 176,205 3. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba....................... 173,442 4. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas.................... 134,613 5. R. Champion, The Woodlands, Texas........... 129,442 6. Caleb Bennett, Corvallis, Mont..................... 109,975 7. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa....................... 107,420 8. Clint Laye, Cadogan, Alberta........................ 103,722 9. Ty Breuer, Mandan, N.D................................. 97,316 10. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb............................... 93,799 11. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore......................... 89,712 12. Jake Brown, Cleveland, Texas........................ 86,346 13. Trenten Montero, Winnemucca, Nev............... 79,681 14. Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn...................... 75,806 15. Mason Clements, Draper, Utah....................... 71,088 16. Taylor Broussard, Estherwood, La.................. 69,846 17. Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore...................... 69,153 18. Logan Patterson, Kim, Colo........................... 68,211 19. Zach Hibler, Wheeler, Texas............................ 66,291 20. Pascal Isabelle, Okotoks, Alberta.................... 63,283 STEER WRESTLING 1. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont.......................... $146,081 2. Hunter Cure, Holliday, Texas........................ 104,568 3. Scott Guenthner, Provost, Alberta................ 102,750 4. Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La.................... 97,130 5. Stetson Jorgensen, Blackfoot, Idaho.............. 87,345 6. Will Lummus, West Point, Miss..................... 86,395 7. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla........................... 84,317 8. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala........................... 83,472 9. J.D. Struxness, Milan, Minn........................... 82,829 10. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev............................. 80,276 11. Tyler Pearson, Louisville, Miss....................... 78,670 12. Bridger Chambers, Stevensville, Mont........... 77,299 13. Matt Reeves, Cross Plains, Texas................... 74,573 14. Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D................. 73,467 15. Tanner Brunner, Ramona, Kan........................ 72,849 16. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis.................................... 69,852 17. Josh Garner, Live Oak, Calif........................... 69,259 18. Tanner Milan, Cochrane, Alberta.................... 67,471 19. Josh Clark, Belgrade, Mont............................ 64,862 20. Blake Mindemann, Blanchard, Okla................ 62,678 TEAM ROPING (HEADER) 1. Clay Smith, Broken Bow, Okla.................... $145,866 2. Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga....................... 113,041 3. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont............................. 103,165 4. Ty Blasingame, Casper, Wyo........................ 101,490 5. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla....................... 101,396 6. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash....................... 97,649 7. Cody Snow, Los Olivos, Calif.......................... 92,472 8. Chad Masters, Cedar Hill, Tenn...................... 92,265

9. Brenten Hall, Jay, Okla................................... 86,345 10. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C............................ 84,939 11. Matt Sherwood, Pima, Ariz............................. 74,120 12. Jake Cooper, Monument, N.M........................ 72,390 13. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas............................... 71,436 14. Tate Kirchenschlager, Yuma, Colo.................. 71,435 15. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz..................... 71,422 16. Dustin Egusquiza, Mariana, Fla...................... 70,996 17. Tanner Baldwin, Vail, Ariz............................... 64,008 18. Spencer Mitchell, Orange Cove, Calif............. 62,580 19. Paul David Tierney, Oklahoma City, Okla........ 61,944 20. Nelson Wyatt, Clanton, Ala............................. 60,958 TEAM ROPING (HEELER) 1. J. Nogueira, Presidente Prudente, Brazil ... $113,041 2. Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan.......................... 106,897 3. Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Texas.................. 106,244 4. Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev............................... 103,992 5. Travis Graves, Jay, Okla............................... 103,165 6. Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash...................... 97,649 7. Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif.............................. 94,330 8. Joseph Harrison, Overbrook, Okla.................. 93,353 9. Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo............................... 88,995 10. Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont............................. 86,345 11. Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas.............. 84,715 12. Hunter Koch, Vernon, Texas........................... 84,307 13. Caleb Anderson, Mocksville, N.C.................... 72,390 14. Cole Davison, Stephenville, Texas.................. 69,776 15. Tyler Worley, Berryville, Ark........................... 69,766 16. Nano Garza, Las Cruces, N.M......................... 66,195 17. Paden Bray, Granbury, Texas.......................... 64,437 18. Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla.................. 62,216 19. Levi Lord, Sturgis, S.D................................... 62,095 20. Tanner Braden, Dewey, Okla........................... 59,195 SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Ryder Wright, Milford, Utah....................... $220,789 2. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta................ 175,920 3. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah..................... 115,994 4. Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas........... 113,768 5. Rusty Wright, Milford, Utah......................... 113,323 6. Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, Texas.................... 112,669 7. Chase Brooks, Deer Lodge, Mont................. 112,533 8. Jake Watson, Hudsons Hope, B.C................ 108,791 9. Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta.................... 98,640 10. Mitch Pollock, Winnemucca, Nev................... 96,595 11. Brody Cress, Hillsdale, Wyo........................... 96,004 12. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah........................... 95,465 13. Bradley Harter, Loranger, La........................... 94,504 14. J.J. Elshere, Hereford, S.D............................. 86,759 15. Colt Gordon, Comanche, Okla........................ 86,331 16. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa........................ 83,329 17. Isaac Diaz, Desdemona, Texas....................... 81,630 18. Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Australia................ 72,037 19. Delbert Garrett, Eagle Butte, S.D.................... 71,841 20. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah........................ 70,883 TIE-DOWN ROPING (HEELER) 1. Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas....................... $131,900 2. Haven Meged, Miles City, Mont.................... 119,879 3. Tyson Durfey, Brock, Texas.......................... 112,200 4. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas........................... 105,592 5. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La......................... 100,110 6. Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif.......................... 99,605 7. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas.................... 96,998 8. Michael Otero, Weatherford, Texas................. 96,979 9. Riley Pruitt, Gering, Neb................................ 96,792 10. Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla....................... 95,961 11. Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas.......................... 95,075 12. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas........................... 87,643 13. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah...................... 86,341 14. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan.............................. 85,493 15. Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M............................ 79,758 16. John Douch, Huntsville, Texas....................... 77,086 17. Lane Livingston, Seymour, Texas................... 73,490

18. Justin Smith, Leesville, La............................. 71,164 19. Westyn Hughes, Caldwell, Texas.................... 71,109 20. Marcos Costa, Menard, Texas........................ 70,549 STEER ROPING 1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas....................... $67,242 2. Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas........................ 58,098 3. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas............................. 50,276 4. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas....................... 46,380 5. Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, Texas.............. 43,770 6. Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla......................... 40,886 7. Rocky Patterson, Pratt, Kan........................... 40,065 8. Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas........... 38,581 9. Chris Glover, Keenesburg, Colo...................... 38,337 10. Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D........................... 38,135 11. Cody Lee, Gatesville, Texas............................ 36,128 12. Cole Patterson, Pratt, Kan.............................. 35,767 13. Garrett Hale, Snyder, Texas............................ 35,505 14. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas........................... 35,180 15. Jason Evans, Glen Rose, Texas...................... 33,329 16. Thomas Smith, Barnsdall, Okla...................... 32,867 17. Brady Garten, Oologah, Okla.......................... 31,850 18. Roger Branch, Wellston, Okla........................ 31,845 19. Trenton Johnson, Blue Mound, Kan............... 31,095 20. Shay Good, Abilene, Texas............................. 30,999 BULL RIDING 1. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.................. $245,455 2. Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah...................... 151,110 3. Trevor Kastner, Roff, Okla............................ 145,835 4. Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Fla............... 127,762 5. Tyler Bingham, Honeyville, Utah................... 122,599 6. Boudreaux Campbell, Crockett, Texas.......... 121,778 7. Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas.............. 117,834 8. Josh Frost, Randlett, Utah............................ 116,631 9. Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif...................... 116,301 10. Jordan Hansen, Ponoka, Alberta.................. 114,747 11. Koby Radley, Montpelier, La......................... 112,472 12. Garrett Smith, Rexburg, Idaho..................... 107,538 13. Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas............................. 106,160 14. Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont........................ 105,746 15. Daylon Swearingen, Rochelle, Ga................. 104,958 16. Trey Kimzey, Strong City, Okla...................... 103,677 17. Ruger Piva, Challis, Idaho.............................. 90,924 18. Cole Melancon, Liberty, Texas........................ 84,654 19. Garrett Tribble, Slick, Okla.............................. 80,182 20. Eli Vastbinder, Union Grove, N.C.................... 80,071 *2019 BARREL RACING (Through Sept. 16, 2019) Barrel racing standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings. 1. Nellie Miller, Cottonwood, Calif...................$154,611 2. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D..........................146,352 3. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, Texas..........................146,144 4. Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo.................................105,884 5. Stevi Hillman, Weatherford, Texas.................105,335 6. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, Victoria, Texas...........103,972 7. Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D...........................95,433 8. Dona Rule, Minco, Texas.................................95,193 9. Ivy Conrado, Nowata, Okla..............................93,269 10. Amberleigh Moore, Salem, Ore.......................93,059 11. Ericka Nelson, Century, Fla..............................92,965 12. Emily Miller, Weatherford, Okla.......................92,047 13. Jennifer Sharp, Richards, Texas......................91,754 14. Cheyenne Wimberley, Stephenville, Texas.......89,510 15. Lacinda Rose, Willard, Mo. ............................84,428 16. Leia Pluemer, Las Lunas, N.M.........................74,182 17. Brittany Barnett, Joliet, Mont..........................73,634 18. Carly Taylor, Andersonville, Tenn.....................72,300 19. Jimmie Smith, McDade, Texas........................64,228 20. Jessica Telford, Caldwell, Idaho......................64,064

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brewed for the cowboy in all of us. GOLDBUCKLEBEER . COM

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PRCA, Cowboy Channel agree to landmark TV deal Catching Airwaves SHORT ROUND

O n Sept. 17, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and Rural Media Group (RMG) announced a multi-year agreement which will see the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo move to The Cowboy Channel (TCC) and RFD- TV beginning in 2020. The ultimate annual rodeo event will now be seen by millions of people live simultaneously on two national TV networks. Also included in the deal is a wide variety of PRCA programming, including expanded live coverage of the PRORODEO TOUR and the PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls Tour events which will result in a huge increase in the amount, availability and quality of PRCA PRORODEO coverage on The Cowboy Channel. “This is a huge milestone in the growth of the PRCA,” PRCA CEO George Taylor said. “Never before has PRORODEO assumed the prime placement and coverage that will be seen under this deal. Our hats are off to Patrick Gottsch and his family, the owners of Rural Media Group, for their enthusiastic interest, support and devotion to our sport.” “We are so proud and excited to partner with the PRCA, the rodeo committees, and of course all the PRCA cowboys and cowgirls to aggressively produce and distribute original programming that will support rodeo 365 days a year, on networks that are totally dedicated to serving and expanding the western sports community,” stated Patrick Gottsch, Founder & President of Rural Media Group, Inc. “There is the Golf Channel, the NFL Network, a baseball network, a tennis channel, and so on. Now rodeo has its own channel(s). RMG plans to do everything for rodeo and the PRCA that these other media partnerships have done for their sports.” The deal will begin early in 2020 and will be preceded with the launch of the weekly PRORODEO Tonight show on The Cowboy Channel. The PRCA regular-season coverage on The Cowboy Channel and RFD-TV is planned to begin in January. The finals of each televised PRORODEO TOUR event will be shown live on The Cowboy Channel and will be seen in taped highlight form later in the week in prime time and weekend afternoons on RFD-TV. Regular-season coverage also will include 10 episodes of the PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls series, each with multiple runs across day- parts. The coverage will be a co-production of PRCA and RMG. NFR programming for 2020 will start with a 24-hour marathon of prior NFR finals, leading up to a red-carpet pre-event show and the live NFR simulcast on both RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel for 10 straight nights. Each episode of NFR coverage will conclude with a one-hour post-event show. Replays of each episode of the NFR will take place the next day

DEAL HIGHLIGHTS • All 10 nights of the NFR live, and a new East Coast prime time encore airing the next day • Live coverage of at least 18 PRORODEO TOUR final performances each year plus a taped highlight show for encore airings on both The Cowboy Channel and RFD-TV • TV coverage of 10 episodes of PRCA’s Xtreme Bulls, including the Xtreme Bulls Tour Finale with encore airings on both TCC and RFD-TV. • Extended pre- and post-coverage of the NFR each night (RODEO LAS VEGAS) • A new weekly pro rodeo studio show, PRORODEO Tonight • Heightened event production across all events, including the use of Sky Cam • Enhanced fan experiences through programming that highlights the uniqueness of local rodeo communities, their organizing committees, and the charities they support, plus special access to the PRCA athletes and other PRCA members whose contributions are key to the sport of PRORODEO • New national coverage of PRCA PRORODEO on one of the major broadcast networks will be announced at a later date on both networks, including in East Coast and West Coast prime time. The networks are seen in a combined 94 million U.S. TV homes. One or both are distributed by DISH, DIRECTV, Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Sling, Verizon, AT&T, Mediacom, Suddenlink, AT&T Now and Roku.

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ONLINE: For more ProRodeo events and full results, go online at www.prorodeo.com O LINE: For more Pr R d o events and full re ults, go to ww .prorode .c m

It’s common for rodeo athletes and fans to use the hashtag “attitude of gratitude.” Each year, that gratitude is expressed at the annual PRCA Awards Banquet at Las Vegas right before the start of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The final online ballot process will be open Oct. 1-11 for applicable voting PRCA members. The winners for each category will be announced at the PRCA Awards Banquet at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Dec. 4. The following men, women and committees are among the bunch of highly skilled and enthusiastic nominees: PRCA 2019 award nominees ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR

The contract personnel for the Dec. 5-14 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo and the Nov. 22-23 Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping were announced by the PRCA, Sept. 18. WRANGLER NFR CONTRACT PERSONNEL Assistant General Manger Bennie Beutler Contract personnel announced

COMEDY ACT OF THE YEAR Cody Sosebee Gizmo McCracken John Harrison Justin Rumford Keith Isley MUSIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR Brandy Edmonds Chuck Lopeman Jill Loden Franzen

TIMER OF THE YEAR Allison France Amy Muller Jayme Pemberton

Andy Stewart Bob Tallman Randy Corley Wayne Brooks Will Rasmussen

Shawna Ray Toby Dunlavy

DRESS ACT OF THE YEAR Bobby Kerr – Mustangs riding in car Haley Ganzel – The Cowgirl Sweethearts - Roman & Trick Riding Madison MacDonald – Magic in Motion – Trick Riding Rider Kiesner – Trick roping, gun spinning, whips Tomas Garcilazo – Horsemanship & Rope Artistry

SMALL RODEO OF THE YEAR Blackfoot, Idaho Claremore, Okla. Coulee City, Wash. Huntsville, Texas Yuma, Colo. MEDIUM RODEO OF THE YEAR Amarillo, Texas Belle Fourche, S.D.

Announcers Randy Corley Wayne Brooks Andy Stewart Secretary

Josh Hambone Hilton Randy Stretch Mayer

Sunni Deb Backstrom Assistant Secretar y Debi Davis Office Manager Vickie Shireman Timers Jayme Pemberton Kim Sutton Courtney Morehead RE Chute Boss Tom Neuens Assistant RE Chute Boss Brent Sutton TE Chute Boss Tony Amaral Assistant TE Chute Boss John Wagley Music Director Benje Bendele Specialty Acts Madison MacDonald Niki Flundra Livestock Superintendent John Barnes Asst. Livestock Super Ryan Brown NFSR CONTRACT PERSONNEL Announcers Charlie Throckmorton Jody Carper Secretary Sandy Gwatney Chute Boss John Gwatney

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Dale Miller

Dan Hubbell James Phifer Matt Cohen Robby Freeman

Coleman, Texas Estes Park, Colo. Stephenville, Texas

CLOWN OF THE YEAR Cody Sosebee JJ Harrison John Harrison Justin Rumford Keith Isley

STOCK CONTRACTING FIRM OF THE YEAR Cervi Championship Rodeo Frontier Rodeo Pete Carr Pro Rodeo Powder River Rodeo Stace Smith Pro Rodeos SECRETARY OF THE YEAR Amanda Sanders Brenda Crowder

LARGE INDOOR RODEO OF THE YEAR Denver, Colo. Fort Worth, Texas

Houston, Texas Nampa, Idaho San Antonio, Texas

BULLFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Cody Emerson Cody Webster Clay Heger Dusty Tuckness Nathan Jestes Wacey Munsell (Note there are 6 due to a tie)

LARGE OUTDOOR RODEO OF THE YEAR Caldwell, Idaho Cheyenne, Wyo. Deadwood, S.D. Dodge City, Kan. Pendleton, Ore.

Eva Chadwick Haley Bridwell Sandy Gwatney

McSpadden NFSR set for Nov. 22-23 The 2019 Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping is Nov. 22-23 at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane. The Top 15 steer ropers in the PRCA head to the national championship, a separate event from

Arena Usher Rex Bugsbee Timers Tammy Braden Shawna Ray Music Director Nicholette Kimm

the Wrangler NFR. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (CT). Competition begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets from $28 plus taxes and fees. To book tickets go to http:// bit.ly/2Z6IX2B. To book your 2019 NFSR room and ticket package visit http://bit.ly/30RVRSF.

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SNAPSHOT

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Heritage Members of the Nez Perce Tribe are recognized at the Lewiston (Idaho) Roundup, Sept. 6. The rodeo paid out more than $130,000 and included some of the top PRCA cowboys. – Roseanna Sales photo

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Every Buckle has a Story

T R O P H Y H O T L I N E | 8 8 8 - 6 7 7 - 9 4 8 7 w w w . m o n t a n a s i l v e r s m i t h s . c o m | F o l l o w u s

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Fantastic Finish

Fifty-four of the biggest ProRodeo competitions of the 2019 season boiled down to the cream of the crop, as the Top 24 cowboys in each event in the ProRodeo Tour standings hit Puyallup, Wash., for the ProRodeo Tour Finale, Sept. 5-8. Not only did winning the Finale earn a cowboy recognition as the ProRodeo Tour champion, it was also one

of the final opportunities to win a big check as the end of the season approaches.

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Saddle bronc rider Stetson Wright takes a victory lap after winning the ProRodeo Tour Finale in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 8. – Billie-Jean Duff photo

TOUR FINALE

VIDEO

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PRORODEO TOUR FINALE PUYALLUP, WASH.

Stetson Wright returns from injury to set Puyallup record Wrighteous BY MATT NABER S tetsonWright was out with a broken jaw a month before the ProRodeo Tour Finale. Despite that injury, the two-event cowboy who is second in the world in bull riding

TOP SCORES

BAREBACK RIDING 1. Clayton Biglow .................... 90.5 pts. 2. Steven Peebles .............................. 90 3. Tim O’Connell ................................ 88 4. Zach Hibler .................................... 87 STEER WRESTLING 1. Hunter Cure .......................... 4.0 sec. 2. Tristan Martin ............................... 4.6 3. Kyle Irwin ..................................... 6.0 No other qualified runs TEAM ROPING 1. B. Hall/C. Tryan ..................... 5.9 sec. 2. M. Sherwood/H. Koch ................ 10.1 3. K. Driggers/J. Nogueira .............. 20.3 No other qualified runs SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Stetson Wright .................... 93.5 pts. 2. Spencer Wright ............................. 90 3. Rusty Wright ................................. 86 1. Haven Meged ........................ 8.5 sec. 2. Tyler Milligan ................................ 8.9 3. Shad Mayfield ............................ 10.0 4. John Douch ................................ 17.1 BARREL RACING 1. Ivy Conrado ...................... 14.16 sec. 2. Amberleigh Moore .................... 14.22 3. Leia Pluemer ............................ 14.16 4. Alishea Broussard .................... 38.60 BULL RIDING 1. Jordan Hansen ....................... 89 pts. 2. Josh Frost ..................................... 85 No other qualified rides No other qualified rides TIE-DOWN ROPING

showed his family roots in saddle bronc riding, setting the Puyallup, Wash., record with 93.5 points on Calgary Stampede’s Yesterday’s Delivery to win the ProRodeo Tour Finale. “This win means everything because I struggled so much in bronc riding,” Wright said. “When you go from the top and then break your jaw, you get humbled real fast. Then to come back and ride strong like I have, I couldn’t be happier. I don’t want the year to end now.” Unlike the rest of his family, Wright also competes in bull riding. But in Puyallup there was no denying the family resemblance in saddle bronc riding. Wright’s dad Cody was the 2008 and 2010 saddle bronc riding world champion, while his brother Ryder was the 2017 world champion. At Puyallup, placing third in the second round and tying for third in the average took Stetson to the eight- man semifinals. From there, it was a clean sweep, as he won the semifinals with 89.5 points on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Mama’s Boy before making his 93.5-point ride in the finals, where he was up against his brothers Rusty and Ryder, and their uncle Spencer. “You’d think going with those guys that you can’t beat them, but this puts confidence back into myself,” Stetson said, adding that he’d previously watched Spencer and Rusty ride Yesterday’s Delivery. “I knew not many guys got by her, so I was super happy.” Stetson’s Puyallup efforts were worth $10,701 and had him in 18th in the Sept. 16 PRCA | RAMWorld Standings for saddle bronc riding. He’s also second in the bull riding standings and leading the PRCA | Resistol Rookie Standings in both events. “I’m so happy with the way my rookie season has gone, even with the injury,” Stetson said. “I feel like the luckiest 20-year-old there is.” With a few weeks left in the regular season, Stetson’s original goal of winning world titles in bull riding, saddle bronc riding and the all-around at the 2019Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was still in play. “This is crazy to have this opportunity,” Wright said. “My family is giving me tons of advice, and dad said to stick to the basics and believe in yourself. Winning Puyallup has boosted my confidence, and I’m ready for what’s coming next.”

Complete results/Page 63

Kent Soule photo

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Rookie Stetson Wright won the semifinals in Puyallup, Wash., with an 89.5-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Momma’s Boy.

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PRORODEO TOUR FINALE PUYALLUP, WASH.

Billie-Jean Duff photo

Winning $8,951 at Puyallup pushed bareback rider Clayton Biglow to the No. 1 spot in the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

Biglow wins bareback riding title

Bareback rider Clayton Biglow climbed into the top spot in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings thanks to winning $8,951 at the ProRodeo Tour Finale. “This win getting me to No. 1 in the world and to get another one won on the list that I’d wanted to win forever has me feeling extremely blessed,” Biglow said. “I was second for a month or so and chasing Kaycee (Feild). I’m tickled to death to be right there with him.” Biglow tied for third place in the first two rounds with 85.5- and 88-point rides, respectively, to lead the average with 173.5 points on two head. He narrowly qualified for the finals when he tied for fourth in the semifinals with an 85-point ride. The final round presented a clean slate for Biglow and the other three bareback riders, but it was Biglow who came out victorious with a 90.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s ZuluWarrior. Puyallup was a rematch ride for Biglow and ZuluWarrior as they

crossed paths at The American in the spring.

“She was a whole lot better today,” Biglow said. The 23-year-old California cowboy has won some of the biggest rodeos of the 2019 season, including Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days and the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo. “I got my card at 18 years old and took off and surrounded myself with the guys I looked up to, and that’s the most important thing you can do,” Biglow said, referencing Feild andWill Lowe. “I wanted to be just like them.” Biglow has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo the last three years and has his fourth trip in the bag, but he isn’t making any predictions on how the race for the world title will turn out. “I won’t count my chickens before they hatch,” Biglow said. “I’ll keep doing what I do and have fun, and hope I draw good there and give it 110%.”

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BY MATT NABER

Rookie tie-down roper Haven Meged proved he’s a serious contender for the 2019 world title by winning the ProRodeo Tour Finale. “The top guys are all here and it’s dirty-tough,” the 21-year-old cowboy said. Before his $8,633 win in Puyallup, Meged was second in the world standings with $109,613 and about $22,000 shy of claiming the No. 1 spot. His win in Puyallup helped narrow the gap to $12,021. “Out there you have to take every calf one by one and not think about the gold buckle and just focus on the task at hand,” the Montana cowboy said. The rookie roper clocked in at 8.3 seconds in Round 2 and returned to the muddy arena Sept. 8 with an 8.8-second time, followed by an 8.5-second run. “You have to draw good, rope good and ride a good horse – and I’ve got a great horse,” Meged said. Meged wasn’t the only cowboy to hit the Puyallup arena on his horse Beyoncé, as Tyson Durfey also rode her in the first round. “She’s done a lot for me this year,” Meged said. “She’s unbelievable and a once-in-a-lifetime horse.” Before going to his first Wrangler NFR, Meged will compete at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. “I’ll get the nerves off there,” Meged said. “Both will be unreal experiences for a rookie.” Rookie Meged wins tie-down roping

Jackie Jensen photo

Rookie tie-down roper Haven Meged hit the muddy Puyallup arena to win the final round and take home $8,633.

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PRORODEO TOUR FINALE PUYALLUP, WASH. Hunter Cure is top bulldogger

Stormy weather postponed Saturday’s perf until Sunday morning and created a muddy arena for bulldoggers to slosh through at the ProRodeo Tour Finale. “I make a terrible mud angel,” Hunter Cure laughed after winning the final round with a 4.0-second run. “I’ve been second here twice, so it’s nice to get it.” Cure placed eighth in the first round with a 4.3-second run to rank sixth in the average with 9.0 seconds on two head. From there, Cure had back- to-back wins with a 4.2-second run in the semifinals followed by a 4.0-second run in the finals. “You have to be consistent to get to the eight-man round and then to keep moving on,” Cure said. “You can’t replace sheer talent, and that’s what tournaments like Puyallup bring. I just had more luck than the others.” Cure’s win came aboard Charlie, the same horse he rode to world titles in 2013 and 2015. Cure’s $9,068 win in Puyallup pushed him from third to second in the world standings. The Texas cowboy also won the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, and was co-champion at the Red Bluff (Calif.) Round-Up this season. Part of his success he credited to his traveling partners. “My travel partners have provided a good environment for everyone to win,” Cure said. Cure is planning on warming up for his fifth Wrangler NFR by competing at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. “I need to prepare, and I have time to do it, but I’m looking forward to some off time with family,” Cure said.

Billie-Jean Duff photo Winning the semifinals and the final round helped Hunter Cure earn $9,068 at the ProRodeo Tour Finale.

Team ropers Brenten Hall, right, and Clay Tryan nailed a 5.9-second run to win the final round and take home $9,279.

ProRodeo Sports News 9/20/2019

ProRodeo.com

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