WORLD’S BEST STEER ROPERS TO COMPETE FOR GOLD BUCKLE AT KANSAS STAR ARENA
MULVANE, Kan. – For the first time in Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association history, a world championship will be crowned in Kansas.
The Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping will crown the first world champion of 2014 during its two-day run Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane.
The best steer ropers in ProRodeo have been competing all season for one of 15 spots in the championship. They will continue to battle for the coveted gold buckle during the 10-round event inside the state-of-the-art arena just south of Wichita.
“I think change is healthy,” said Trevor Brazile, the four-time and reigning world champion steer roper who owns a PRCA-record 19 gold buckles. “Why not see what a venue change can do for the roping. I think it’s pretty exciting for steer roping.”
Since it first began in 1959, the NFSR has taken place in New Mexico, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Texas.
“It’s going to be nice to be in the state where I grew up,” said Mike Chase, who was raised in Beloit, Kan., and is heading to the finals for the fifth time in his 18-year career. “My friends will be closer to come watch, plus it’s very important that we have this event continue to grow.”
Kansas has a long rodeo history, and recently has been well represented in steer roping. Rocky Patterson of Pratt, Kan., is a three-time world champion who has been in a tight battle for the coveted gold buckle each of the past five seasons. He is just inside the top 20 in the world standings and will need to move into the top 15 to qualify for the 20th time.
Brazile is solid in his quest to return for the championship and looks to build on his record 11 all-around gold buckles. He is a virtual lock to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in team roping and tie-down roping.
“I would love another world title in steer roping,” he said. “The challenge for me every year is to try to get to enough of them. It seems I get stuck at going to 25 to 30 steer ropings when everybody else is going to 60. It’s hard to plan on winning a world championship like that, but when the opportunity presents itself, you try to capitalize on it.”
The opportunity will come in early November at the Kansas Star Arena.