The ProRodeo Sports News - April 19, 2019

PRORODEO TOUR

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Kent Soule

and a four-man finals Sept. 8. The PRCA cowboys enjoy opportunity to compete in expanded 2019 Tour Off & Running Saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston had an 83-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Executive News in Puyallup, Wash., last year.

BY TRACY RENCK P ositioning themselves to make more money to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is at the front of every cowboy’s mind. During the 2019 season, contestants can do that by competing in the expanded 2019 ProRodeo Tour. Money won at Tour rodeos count toward the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. The Tour features 55 rodeos showcasing the top cowboys and rodeos. It began with the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver, Jan. 17-27, and concludes with the Tour Finale in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 5-8. A year ago, the ProRodeo Tour featured 24 rodeos. With the ProRodeo Tour, all cowboys eligible to compete in Tour rodeos will have the opportunity to earn Tour points and qualify for the Tour Finale in Puyallup, which will take only the top 24 contestants in each event. Competitors in Puyallup will advance to an eight-man semifinals

24 contestants that reach the Washington State Fair Rodeo in Puyallup will have a chance to win big money, while those outside the top 24 will try to make up the difference elsewhere. “We’re going to go to these Tour rodeos anyway, but when it means more in the long run to do well at them, it makes a guy try even harder,” said bareback rider Richmond Champion. “If you can get to Puyallup at that time of year, you’re going to really be looking forward to it, especially if you’re trying to make the NFR.” Champion had a 90-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeo’s Wild N Blue in the four-man finals of the finale in Puyallup last year. It was his first Puyallup buckle. “It is in your best interest to do well at Tour rodeos so you can get to Puyallup and perform well there,” Champion said. Kaycee Feild is leading the bareback riding Tour points with

ProRodeo Sports News 4/19/2019

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