ProRodeo Sports News - Dec. 21, 2018

WRANGLER NFR

FINALS RECAP

BY PRCA STAFF T he 60th edition of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo proved to be historic. And not just because it marked 60 years of the Finals crowning world champions. Trevor Brazile won his PRCA-record 14th All-Around gold buckle, adding to his ever-growing record of PRCA world championships, this one No. 24, in front of 17,150 at theThomas &Mack Center in Las Vegas, Dec. 15. Meanwhile, Sage Kimzey became the first bull rider in the NFR era to win five consecutive world championships. ProRodeo Hall of Famer Jim Shoulders won six consecutive bull riding world titles, but only the last one occurred during the NFR. “Anytime your name is by Jim Shoulders’ you are in a league you can’t put into words,” said Kimzey, 24. “He is one of the greatest cowboys of all time and it means the world to me.” Kimzey’s fifth bull riding world title also puts him in precious company. Only four other bull riders have won at least five – Don Gay won eight, Shoulders seven, and Smokey Snyder and Harry Tompkins each won five. Only Kimzey has won world titles in his first five years as a professional. Kimzey was banged up throughout the Finals, and that reflected in the fact that he rode four bulls. But Kimzey saved the best for last. Hopping on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Record Rack’s Shootin’ Stars, Kimzey posted a 93-point ride. “This year was tough, it was just sheer grit and determination from the start of the year,” he said. “It started with a fractured pelvis, and it was a 365-day grind. Going into here with a big lead, then getting hurt in the first round – it was a brutal 10 days and it was hard to get out of bed.” While Kimzey’s career continues to flourish, Brazile announced before the Finals started that the 2018 season marked the last time he would rodeo History Made Kimzey wins fifth straight bull riding title; Brazile wins 14th All-Around title

Bull rider Sage Kimzey reacts after his 93-point ride on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Record Rack’s Shootin’ Stars in Round 10. Kimzey won his fifth consecutive world championship. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Billie-Jean Duff

ProRodeo Sports News 12/21/2018

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