The ProRodeo Sports News - March 6, 2020

four-man Shoot-Out to determine the overall winner. “This is life-changing money and a life-changing opportunity,” Larsen said. “It helped my wife (Alexa) and me accomplish financial goals, and we’re forever grateful for The American and PRCA for that. To have ($50,000) go toward the PRCA standings is a huge deal for us athletes. To get that kind of money or a piece of it jumpstarts the rest of your season, especially if you don’t have a good winter. It gives you a cushion to fall back on.” Smidt also is glad to be back in the mix at The American. “It’s always great to get to rope for $100,000,” Smidt said. “It’s not easy to win because you’re going up against some tough competitors, but I have confidence because I won it.” While the Shoot-Out winners earn $100,000, second place earns $25,000, third place $10,000 and fourth place $5,000. The American originated in 2014 and was sanctioned for the first time by the PRCA in 2019. In 2019, AT&T Stadium and RFD-TV agreed to a five- year deal to keepThe American at the venue. Since its debut in 2014, The American has paid more than $16 million to rodeo contestants at the qualifiers, semifinals and finals. Any qualifiers who win the rodeo would earn a share of $1 million. If a qualifying competitor wins The American outright, he takes home $1.1 million dollars – which bareback rider Richmond Champion did in 2014. “To be 21 when I won and buy some land, buy a house and to no longer have to rodeo thinking about the next check is something I look back on all the time, and I wouldn’t be where I’m at without it,” Champion said. Champion’s passion to compete at The American hasn’t changed. “Any chance you get to ride for $100,000 or more is awesome for the individual, for the sport, for everybody,” said Champion, a five-time qualifier for the Wrangler NFR (2014, 2016-19).

Kay Miller photo Bareback rider Orin Larsen posted a 91-point ride on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Top Notch in the Shoot-Out to win The American in 2019 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

to addThe American bull riding championship to his résumé. “I do get excited to get to compete for this type of money, but I don’t think I feel like that impacts my riding,” said StetsonWright, who competes in bull riding and saddle bronc riding. “If anything, I ride better when there’s more money up for grabs and a bigger title.” Steer wrestler Bridger Anderson, 21, is one of the qualifiers at The American. He finished a career-best 43rd in the 2019 PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with $37,856. “This is a great opportunity,” Anderson said. “I’m happy to get to run at this kind of money. If you’re going to pick a rodeo to win, this would be one for sure.”

“You can’t think about it. You just have to go ride as best as you can, and the competition is tough. The format is created so the cream rises to the top. You go do your job, get in that final four, and nod and go and leave it all out there. “You have all the great winter rodeos like Denver and San Antonio, and now you get to count $50,000 fromThe American and $50,000 from (RodeoHouston). That’s the way it should be. It gives so much opportunity to us.” StetsonWright crossed many things off his career list in 2019 as a rookie, highlighted by winning the all-around world championship. Now, he’s hoping

ProRodeo Sports News 3/6/2020

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