Monthly Archives: April 2022

A lifetime of struggles has placed bull rider in position for greatness When Laramie Mosley suffered a fractured neck last September and was forced to miss the rest of his promising season, it would have been easy for any competitor to get down in the dumps. Mosley has been through worse, so his frustration didn’t last as long as it may have for other men. He knows what it means to be bounced around a bit. He knows what it means to have suffered great loss. Missing out on his first qualification to the National Finals Rodeo sucked, but he didn’t sulk for long. He used it as motivation. “It emotionally wrecked me for a long time,” said Mosley, who finished the year 18th in the world standings while on injured reserve. “I didn’t know if I was going to be able to overcome that. After three months into it, I figured I could sit back and sulk and quit, or I could do what I’ve done the rest of my life and get out of the mud and come back firing.” If he was going to take time away from the game he loved, he was going to figure out a way to make things better. It’s the way he’s handled things his whole life, and he’s dealt with a lot for a 26-year-old man. Born in Corsicana, Texas, he never really knew that as his home. He was 6 months old when his parents took a job managing a feedlot in Walsh, a community on the Plains in eastern Colorado. They moved to Saint Francis, Kansas, for a few years, then back to Walsh, all while in the feed-yard business, a prospering operation in cattle country. His folks divorced when he was 12, and his mother died two years later. He moved in with his father some and lived with other families until his aunt, Trish Parrish, moved him to Sublette in southwest Kansas. He finished out his last three years of high school and found a true kinship with a man named Larry Phillips, who also served as a mentor. Growing up near the pasturelands and wheat fields of western Kansas and eastern Colorado provided the nutrients for growth, just a bit different than many. He learned about life and sports and found a passion for riding bulls, and he had people like Parrish and Phillips who helped develop a passion for good. “My mom and real dad … they always worked hard, but when I got with Larry, it was a whole new level of work,” said Mosley, 26, a Cinch endorsee now living in Palestine, Texas. “I learned how to work cows and ride a horse good. I always had work wherever I wanted to go. Now, if I need something or want something, I’m not scared to ask somebody if they want help. I managed a feed yard for Larry Phillips, so I actually know what it takes to do all that. I’m not afraid to work, and I got that by how I grew up.” He graduated from Sublette High School in 2014, then found his way to the rodeo teams at Pratt (Kansas) Community College and Oklahoma Panhandle State University. Two years after wearing the cap and gown in Sublette, his father died. Just out of his teens, he had been through more than most people experience in a lifetime. It didn’t define Laramie Mosley, but it did help him figure out who the man was that he wants to be. “I feel like it was more motivation than anything,” he said. “I knew right at the point when I was in high school that I grew up a little bit. I could dwell on the past and my life, or I could let it be motivation. “Maybe somebody would want to be like me, and I could be an example. If I can go from losing both my parents and still be successful and being a role model to somebody, then I’m going to do it. I could have gone the other way. I could be a drunk or on drugs or in jail, but I didn’t want that, and I didn’t want there to be any sort of doubt that I was going to be better than that.” Fast forward to September 2021. He was ninth in the PRCA’s bull riding world standings and was hoping to close out his season with his first NFR qualification. He was bucked off in Lewiston, Idaho and suffered a spinal fracture in three cervical vertebrae. Doctors fused his C5-C7 – his C6 was crushed. The truth is he was fortunate it wasn’t worse. He didn’t return to action until the first of March, and while he struggled at first, he was able to continue to push through. Over the first weekend in April, he scored 90 points, which held on for the first-round victory at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. He finished second overall and pocketed more than $13,000. “Going into San Angelo, it had been pretty rough,” Mosley said. “I had just been getting beat up. I had a bull that everybody was talking about how tough he was, how he hadn’t been ridden. I thought if it didn’t work out here, I might have to find something else to do. “I’m not one to give up, but it was rough. Then I was 90 on that bull, and I felt like I could do this. Financially it was a blessing. I dang sure needed it for the world standings and my bank account. I had a different feeling that day.” He found renewed confidence, and he hopes to build upon it. “There’s no better feeling when you’re in time with one of those rank bulls,” he said. “It’s pretty much effortless.” Laramie Mosley knows how to ride the rank ones. He’s scored at least 90 points several times in his life, including last May when he won the  Continue Reading »

Milligan returns to top form in a Big Time way with new horsepower There were points in the 2021 ProRodeo season that Cinch endorsee Tyler Milligan was just miserable. After two straight National Finals Rodeo qualifications in 2019-20, good fortune seemed to be avoiding the handy tie-down roper. Some of it was mental, he admitted; some of it was just circumstantial. There are tremendous challenges that come while competing among the very best in the game. “Last year was definitely one of the lowest of my roping career,” said Milligan, 25, from the rugged ranching community of Pawhuska in the Oklahoma Osage country. “I didn’t have a horse. I was mounting out (on others’ horses). I didn’t have any confidence. I just struggled.” There were several things that played into it, but one held the most significance. In November 2020, just as he was preparing to compete at his second straight NFR, his horse, Big Time, died after a bout with colic. Milligan was a bit lost. Big Time was the two-time PRCA Tie-Down Roping Horse of the Year and had guided Milligan to the 2017 Resistol Rookie of the Year award. He also placed the roper – now living in Stephenville, Texas – in solid positioning for three straight years. In addition to his two NFRs, Milligan just missed the championship in 2018, finishing 18th on the money list; only the top 15 on the money list at the end of the regular season advance to Las Vegas. While Big Time helped Milligan to two go-round wins in 2019, the standout sorrel gelding wasn’t around for his run at the 2020 NFR at its one-time home in Arlington, Texas. Milligan still placed in three go-rounds and finished in the money in the 10-run aggregate race, but it wasn’t the same. He knew things needed to change, but he wasn’t sure how to make it happen. He’d been looking for the right fit in a partner that could deliver the goods and finally found one in Tequila, another red rocket he acquired in mid-March. “I got a new horse, and that’s been the difference,” Milligan said. “He fits me. He is the closest fit since Big Time. I got him during Austin (Texas). I actually just got him. I tried him, then rode him and won the first round in Austin on him, so I bought him and took him to Houston.” It was a Texas three-step for Mulligan and Tequila, which he bought from fellow tie-down roper Ryan Thibodeaux. From that time forward, the two collected nearly $4,000 in Austin, finished second at RodeoHouston ($27,750) and shared the win in San Angelo ($17,364). As of April 25, Milligan had defined his own rags-to-richest story, moving from 46th on the money list at the end of the 2021 to fourth in the world standings this season. In just a few months, he has more than doubled his income from a year ago and still has five months remaining in the 2020 regular season. “Just getting a horse that I could trust and get along with changed everything,” he said of Tequila, a 17-year-old sorrel gelding. “The biggest thing is mainly the confidence of having one I know I get along with. That helps your confidence a whole bunch. “He’s probably got a couple more years in him. I’ve got to ride him at the right places. I’m always looking for horses. You’ve got to be mounted to beat these guys, because everybody ropes so good.” Being well-mounted is something Milligan has known about since he was a youngster. He was raised on a ranch between Pawhuska and Bartlesville – basically, he was primarily north of Tulsa, the state’s second-largest city – and definitely among the rangelands in the Osage Nation. Homeschooled on the ranch, he helped around the place doing whatever needed to be done. “It was 20 miles to town on dirt roads, so we didn’t go to town a whole lot,” he said. “Living out there, I liked to rope, and my parents helped me out; they definitely did really good by me. If I put the work in practicing, they would take me to every junior rodeo. We went through junior rodeoing and kept on going.” While his dad handled things round the ranch and kept an eye on his talented son, Steve Milligan had never really competed in rodeo. Mom, Tammy, didn’t either, though she enjoys riding horses and even making runs on a barrel racing pattern. Tyler is the first of his family to do so. His mom – a dermatologist – was the hardest on him, he said, and even got him out of his comfort zone while competing in rodeo as a youngster. “My mom made me tie goats all the time,” Milligan said, still sounding a bit embarrassed by it. “Looking back on it, I’m fortunate because it taught me some things I still use now, but I hated doing it when I was a kid.” He still has his folks, who are now divorced, but he doesn’t see either of them as much now that he’s living in Texas. Tammy is the type that prays for her son, while Steve will be the one who would drop what he’s doing to help Tyler if the occasion were to come up. Milligan also has a family on the road, as rodeo cowboys do, in traveling partner Hunter Herrin, an 11-time NFR qualifier. “Hunter knows what’s going on and helps in so many different ways,” Milligan said. “I always try to go with somebody who knows more than I do. When I first went out on the road, I went with Trent Creager, Caddo Lewallen and Timber Moore. I’m still trying to figure out what to do. “I try to learn as much as I can, because before long I’m going to have to do it myself.” As with every man who has saddled a horse for competition, he has gold buckle  Continue Reading »

DUNCAN, Okla. –In this part of southern Oklahoma, the sport of rodeo is more than a past time and a night out with family and friends. It’s a lifestyle for many in Stephens County, and nobody needs to look any further than the community of Comanche, just nine miles down the road from the Stephens County Expo Center in Duncan, which will be home to the Duncan Pro Rodeo presented by the Chisholm Trail Casino. Just over the last couple of decades, Comanche has produced four National Finals Rodeo qualifiers, two of whom have earned world championships in that time: Janae Ward Massey, the 2003 barrel racing titlist, and Ryan Jarrett, the 2005 all-around winner. Others who have played on the sports biggest stage in recent years were Colt Gordon and Kylie Ward Weast, one of the champ’s little sisters. It’s that kind of passion that brings some of the best in rodeo back to southern Oklahoma to compete at the Duncan Pro Rodeo, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6-Saturday, May 7. Tickets can be purchased at Crutcher’s Western Wear in Duncan or online at McCoyRodeo.com. McCoy Rodeo has also added a specialized third performance with the Duncan WRCA Ranch Rodeo, set for 5 p.m. Thursday, May 5. It will feature 10 teams and serve as a qualifying event for the Working Ranch Cowboys Association & Foundation’s Finals. “I grew up rodeoing with a lot of people from around Duncan, so I know how much rodeo means to the people there,” said Cord McCoy, who operates the Oklahoma-based livestock production firm McCoy Rodeo with his wife, Sara, and Joe Waln, a third-generation stock contractor. “Back when I was rodeoing, I made sure to enter the Duncan rodeo every year I could. “Competing at that rodeo was a big deal to me, and we are working to make it a big deal again.” After years away, McCoy brought the PRCA-sanctioned rodeo back a year ago, and he’s excited to return. He understands what people in Stephens County think about when it comes to rodeo and the Western lifestyle. Take the Ward sisters, Massey and Weast. They are part of the third generation of NFR qualifiers: grandmother Florence Youree; great aunt Sherry Johnson; and mother Renee Ward. Jarrett is a 14-time NFR qualifier, earning most of his trips to the big show in tie-down roping. Gordon earned his first bid to Las Vegas as a saddle bronc rider in 2019. He finished outside the top 15 each of the past two years, but things can change mighty fast in ProRodeo. Take Cody Ballard of Tumut, South Wales, Australia, who dominated saddle bronc riding in Duncan a year ago and rode the wave to the Prairie Circuit year-end and average titles, which he clinched during the regional finals last October at the Stephens County Expo Center. While bareback rider Mark Kreder of Collinsville, Oklahoma, didn’t win the circuit, the money he won in Duncan last May helped propel him to another qualification to the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo. He finished fourth in the average and third in the final circuit standings. “Last year when I saw that Cord had these rodeos, I knew I wanted to be part of it,” Kreder said. “It was a great rodeo. The production was great, and the horses bucked great.” That’s just what rodeo cowboys and fans will realize quickly when the Duncan Pro Rodeo returns to town.

GUYMON, Okla. – If there were any positives for Hailey Frederiksen that came with the pandemic, it was a chance to revisit some of her favorite stops as Miss Rodeo Colorado. She held her position through 2020 and 2021 before earning the ultimate prize, being named the 2022 Miss Rodeo America during the pageant held in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo this past December. That allowed her two years of trips to some special events, and one of those was the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo. For several years, the volunteer committee that produces the annual event has hosted visiting queens and made them feel right at home. Frederiksen has been part of the pageantry each of the last two years and will return for this year’s rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena. “When us girls travel out of state, there’s so much those committees and the people in those communities do to organize,” Frederiksen said. “For me, Guymon is on top of that list for its true hospitality. They have so many things for us girls to do. They have all of our meals planned out for us, and they’re all paid for to make sure all of us are taken care of.” Most of all, it’s the family atmosphere that draws her and others to Guymon every year. There have been years with more than a dozen visiting queens in Texas County, touring the schools, meeting rodeo fans and promoting rodeo to the community. “The Stoneciphers graciously host us at their home,” she said of Ken and Sherry, both of whom are directors with the committee who have had the queens stay at their residence for many years. “Miss Becky Robinson was the director for us and did so much. “When I saw Guymon wasn’t on my original schedule, I knew I had to do something to remedy that. It wasn’t just about coming back to the rodeo; it was about me coming back to Guymon as Miss Rodeo America. I couldn’t be more honored. It’s been a while since they’ve had Miss Rodeo America at their rodeo, so I hope to make it worthwhile to them.” The last time was in 2015 when former Miss Rodeo Oklahoma Lauren Heaton returned to her roots and held court at Hitch Arena. The return of Miss Rodeo America comes because of one young woman’s passion for the people that helped her realize her aspirations, and many live in the Oklahoma Panhandle. “Oklahoma has a special place in my heart,” Frederiksen said. “When COVID hit at the beginning of my reign as Miss Rodeo Colorado, Oklahoma still went on with rodeos and didn’t cancel much. We all talk about people opening their homes to us, being kind and generous. Everyone in Guymon was absolutely that to us girls.” Because of the pandemic, there were no new state pageants, and the Miss Rodeo America pageant was canceled in 2020; all members of rodeo royalty kept their titles for a second year. South Dakotan Jordan Tierney held the Miss Rodeo American tiara twice as long as most others before passing it along to Frederiksen. “Winning the Miss Rodeo America pageant has been a dream come true and so much more,” she said. “I’ve met Miss Rodeo Americas throughout the years, and I just looked a them and could imagine that being myself. I find myself pinching myself to see if this is real. I still can’t believe it.” There’s a beauty in Frederiksen’s voice to go along with the God-given beauty she carries. There is a passion for teaching others about the Western way of life and about her experiences growing up along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. Being a rodeo queen is more than a pretty face; it takes good horsemanship, grace and knowledge of rodeo and the Western lifestyle. “I believe I’ve put in the work for it,” Frederiksen said. “It’s a lot more than hair, makeup and rhinestones. We’re cowgirls. I tell young girls who want to do this, ‘Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.’ “Growing up in the Western lifestyle has taught me this work ethic, has taught me this passion. I couldn’t imagine living any other way.” Therein lies a big reason Miss Rodeo America wanted to return to Guymon for Oklahoma’s richest rodeo. She identifies with the people that make a living in the Panhandle’s rugged terrain. It’s almost like home.

Resistol happy to be part of inaugural Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup Cash Wilson knew when he decided to compete in ProRodeo this year that he was going to be in a fight to reach some of his goals. “It’s a really good rookie class,” said Wilson, 21, of Wall, South Dakota. “There are so many guys with great talent, especially in bronc riding. Lucas (Macza) is in the top 15 in the world, and I’m not far behind him.” No, he’s not. Wilson is coming off a solid permit season in 2021. In order to become full-fledged members of the PRCA, competitors must earn at least $1,000 on their permits. Wilson pocketed nearly $25,000 last year while also attending college and competing in intercollegiate rodeo. So far this season, he’s snagged more than $23,000 while still attending college and competing at that level. He hopes to collect considerably more during the inaugural Cowboy Channel Rookie Roundup presented by Resistol, which takes place at 2 p.m. Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30, at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. All contestants will compete in the opening round on that Friday, with the top eight in each event returning for Saturday’s semifinals. The tournament-style format will then weed the number down to the top four competing for the roundup’s title. “My goal is to make the National Finals Rodeo this year and to win the Resistol Rookie of the Year,” said Wilson, a junior at Tarleton State University in nearby Stephenville, Texas. “The Rookie Roundup is a great opportunity to put some good money in your pocket. I think they’re adding about $10,000 in each event, so that money can help you keep going through the rest of the summer.” The two-day event also allows each contestant the opportunity to make more runs or ride more bucking animals, gaining valuable experience. Macza leads the bronc riding rookie standings with nearly $30,000, which is good enough for 15th in the world standings. Wilson and his traveling partners – Damian Brennan and Brody Wells – aren’t far behind. Brennan is 2nd in the rookie race, while Wilson is third and Wells sixth. The top 15 cowboys and cowgirls in each event based on the Resistol Rookie of the Year standings have been invited to be part of the competition. The winners are selected based on earnings through end of the year, which concludes after the NFR. Resistol has been associated with the award since its inception in 1977 “We are so honored to support this program for the Resistol Rookies of the Year,” said Ricky Bolin, Resistol’s general manager. “This new event will continue to educate and elevate them as they begin their journeys toward a professional career in rodeo. The youth are the future of our sport, and we love seeing this program go.” The Resistol Rookie of the Year program has served as a catapult for many of rodeo’s greatest champions. Before he earned his 26 world championships, Trevor Brazile was named the 1996 Resistol Rookie of the Year in steer roping. Others that have carried their rookie titles over into Montana Silversmiths gold buckles read like a who’s who of ProRodeo’s greatest stars: Joe Beaver, Ty Murray, Luke Branquinho, Ryder Wright, Sage Kimzey, Stetson Wright and Caleb Smidt, just to name a few. The money earned in the Rookie Roundup will count toward the rookie standings but will not count toward NFR qualifications. That means the winners of each event will likely move up in their own races for the Resistol Rookie of the Year awards, yet they will not be able to move up in the world standings. “There will still be a lot of opportunities to get better and get more exposure,” said Wilson, who will also be competing at the Tarleton State rodeo that weekend. “It’s also nice that we’ll get to ride in a pretty cool place in the Fort Worth Stockyards.” The Resistol Rookies of the Year are celebrated each year with a luncheon that takes place in conjunction with the NFR in Las Vegas. Resistol, which is one of the original sponsors and still the official hat of the PRCA, presents a custom personalized 30X Resistol felt hat and trophy Hat Pac carrying case; a fully-tooled Cactus Saddle; a Resistol-branded Yeti cooler; and a Resistol PRCA Rookie leather trophy jacket. Beyond that, it’s an honor that winners can reflect on for the rest of their careers. The most recent class of Resistol Rookies of the Year is already making a name for itself. Of the 10 winners in 2021, bareback rider Cole Franks and bull rider Creek Young earned qualifications to the NFR. They were joined by steer wrestler Marc Joiner, header John Gaona, heeler Caleb Hendrix, saddle bronc rider K’s Thomson, tie-down roper Beau Cooper, barrel racer Kylee Scribner, breakaway roper Madison Outhier and Slade Wood, who won both the steer roping and all-around titles. “Ever since I started rodeoing, winning the Resistol Rookie of the Year was one of the big goals for me,” said Franks, whose father, Bret, was a three-time NFR qualifier in saddle bronc riding. “Growing up around rodeo, you hear about the guys that have won it, and it made me strive for that goal, too “You only get one shot at it. There are only so many people that have that title, so you are in a very select group of people. It’s a great title to have under your belt, and you’ll carry that with you no matter where you go.”

ALVA, Okla. – Kaden Greenfield is having a strong Central Plains Region season for the Northwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo team. He’s the No. 1 man in the steer wrestling standings with one rodeo remaining in the campaign, set for this coming weekend in Guymon, Oklahoma. He further cemented his place at the top this past weekend with a second-place finish at the Fort Hays State University rodeo in Hays, Kansas. “It went pretty good,” said Greenfield, a junior from Lakeview, Oregon. “In the short round, I had a steer that some people had some trouble with, so I just went out there and made a good run on him, and I knew I could place. I didn’t know where I’d place, but I knew it would be good enough.” Yes, it was. After his 6.1-second run in the opening round, good enough for fourth place, Greenfield knocked down his championship-round steer in 6.2 seconds. That was good enough for second place in the round, and he moved up to second in the two-run aggregate. In all, he collected 130 points and built to his regional lead. Most importantly, he gained enough points that he will advance to the College National Finals Rodeo in June; only the top three contestants in each event in the regional standings advance to the college finals, and the Oregon cowboy is assured of a top-three finish. “There have been some weekends where it has been real good,” said Greenfield, the son of Shawn, a seven-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “There also have been weekends where it hasn’t gone good at all. I guess the key has been keeping a good attitude and knowing we have another one.” Riding his 16-year-old sorrel gelding he calls Rev, Greenfield has had found enough success to return to Casper, Wyoming. As a sophomore at Blue Mountain Community College in his home state of Oregon, he finished 24th a year ago. Rev is a big reason why. “I’ve had him since I was a sophomore in high school (five years),” said Greenfield, who won the bulldogging crown at Oklahoma State University in October. “He’s just an honest horse; he gives me the same trip every time. He just stays the same.” Having a strong equine partner is vital in rodeo, especially for timed-event contestants. For the Rangers, tie-down ropers Tyler Scheevel of Lester Prairie, Minnesota, and Brandon Hittle of Topeka, Kansas, earned points. Scheevel earned a spot in the championship round, where his 12.1-second run was good enough for fourth in the round and fifth overall. Hittle was 10.2 to finish second in the opening round. Barrel racer Samantha Chambers of Calhan, Colorado, finished third in the long round, but a tipped barrel in the short round took her out of the average. Chambers entered the weekend sixth in the standings and will need some things to go her way this next weekend if she were to earn a spot in the college finals. Meanwhile, Greenfield hopes to end his season with a bang. “I don’t want any questions about whether I’m going to stay in first or not,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to win the region. During my first two years, I didn’t win the region. It would be cool to come down to this region and win it.”

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Big rides equal big scores in ProRodeo, and a couple of cowboys proved that during Saturday’s Cinch Chute-Out at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. The event features a unique format in which 10 contestants in each event compete in the opening round. The top three then advance to the chute-out portion of the championship night. It’s there that the titlists were crowned and the money was paid out. Cole Reiner kicked off the chute-out with a 90.5-point ride on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Top Flight to win bareback riding and the $7,500 top prize issued to the winners of each event. He then waited out Cole Franks’ 88-point ride on Pickett’s Night Gazer and Tim O’Connell’s 87.5-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Dirty Jacket to make sure his ride held up. Reiner matched moves well with Top Flight, an 18-year-old bay athlete that was named the 2020 Bareback Horse of the Year. It was a classic display of a bareback rider’s spur stroke from the neck of the horse back to the handle of his rigging, all while in rhythm with the horse’s bucking motion. Just a few minutes later, saddle bronc rider Brody Cress followed with a 90 on Larry Culpepper, a big bay roan gelding that the Carr firm acquired this past December. Possibly the most competitive event in the chute-out was tie-down roping, which featured three world champions: Shane Hanchey (2013), Haven Meged (2019) and Shad Mayfield (2020). Meged kicked off the contest with a 7.7-second run, which would have been the fastest of the opening round. Instead, he watched Mayfield speed past in 6.9 seconds, but Hanchey topped that just seconds later by just a 10th of a second. Reigning world champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira pulled off a similar feat in team roping. After Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin jumped out to an early lead with their 4.4-second run, Driggers and Nogueira then beat that time by a 10th of a second to claim the biggest prize. Tyler Waguespack, the three-time and reigning world champion steer wrestler, stopped the clock in 3.7 seconds to claim that title. Bull rider Josh Frost, fresh off his National Finals Rodeo aggregate title in December, had to test his skills on three bulls, but he made it pay off. In the first round, his bull, Black Bart, slipped to the ground, sending Frost to a second bull. The Utah cowboy then rode Carr’s Hammer Head for 75 points to slip into the Chute-Out round. As the first man to go, Frost held on to the side of Carr’s Curley Bill for about two seconds, earning an 87.5-point ride. The other two bull riders, Earnie Courson Jr. and Ky Hamilton, did not stay on their bulls for the qualifying eight seconds, and Frost walked away with the title. While the six traditional men’s events went off in a 10-man format with three in the final round, the women’s barrel racing was an invitational, with just four cowgirls in the mix. Reigning world champion Jordon Briggs posted a 14.19-second run to win the title. Of the eight winners of Saturday’s Cinch Chute-Out, five own world championship. Driggers, Nogueira, Waguespack and Briggs all claimed gold buckles in 2021; it was Nogueira’s second (he won the 2016 all-around title) and Waguespack’s third, but the cream rose to the top inside Foster Communications Coliseum. San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoCinch Chute-OutApril 16Bareback riding: 1. Cole Reiner, 90.5 points on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Top Flight, $7,500; 2. Cole Franks, 88, $3,000; 3. Tim O’Connell, 87.5, $2,000. Steer wrestling: 1. Tyler Waguespack, 3.7 seconds, $7,500; 2. Tristan Martin, 4.2, $3,000; 2. J.D. Struxness, 5.5, $2,000. Team roping: 1. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.3 seconds, $7,500 each; 2. Coleman Proctor/Logan Medlin, 4.4, $3,000; no other qualified runs. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Brody Cress, 90 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Larry Culpepper, $7,500; 2. Layton Green, 84.5, $3,000; no other qualified rides. Tie-down roping: 1. Shane Hanchey, 6.8 seconds, $7,500; 2. Shad Mayfield, 6.9, $3,000; 3. Haven Meged, 7.7, $2,000. Barrel racing: 1. Jordon Briggs, 14.19 seconds, $3,000; 2. Sherry Cervi, 14.34, $2,250; 3. Loni Lester, 14.54, $1,500; 4. Jana Bean, 14.68, $750. Bull riding: 1. Josh Frost, 87.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Curley Bill, $7,500; no other qualified rides.

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Forgive Keenan Hayes for kicking himself. The young cowboy had a decision to make last fall, and he chose to continue to compete in his tryout campaign in professional rodeo for a second straight year. After winning both rounds and the aggregate championship at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, he pushed his 2022 earnings to nearly $40,000. Most young men would have taken their earnings from their first permit year and given themselves at moving up the world standings, but Hayes isn’t eligible for that. He’s eligible to battle for permit-holder earnings and points, and that’s it. He was really kicking himself after finding out he pocketed $16,506 in San Angelo. “I entered my circuit finals on my permit and won money at the circuit finals,” said Hayes of Hayden, Colorado, who collected $6,200 at the Mountain States Circuit Finals last October, and that money counts toward the 2022 standings. “At the time, I figured if I bought my card, I’d have to lose the money I’d won. “Now, I’m kicking myself for not buying my card.” He looked like a seasoned pro inside Foster Communications Coliseum. He won the first round with an 86-point ride on Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Rising Tide. That took place nearly two weeks ago. He returned Friday with incredible earnings already in his pocket, then dominated the championship round with a 90-point ride on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Night Crawler.   In his wake, he left behind five cowboys with National Finals Rodeo credentials, including three-time world champion, nine-time qualifier Caleb Bennett, six-time finalist Tanner Aus and a couple of bronc busters that have been to ProRodeo’s grand finale once in their careers. “It’s the biggest rodeo I’ve ever won,” Hayes said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time. I had some truck problems this week, so after this, we’ll have the cost of that covered.” The reality of rodeo life is young contestants can compete on a permit, then they can purchase their PRCA cards after earning at least $1,000 in a year. Hayes had that option, but he took what he thought was the best approach; there are several talented, young bareback riders out there, and he wanted a bit more seasoning. He looks like he’s well done. “At this point, I’ll just keep after it and maybe set a new record for money won on a permit and see what happens next year,” he said. “It’s just awesome the kind of money they are paying at this rodeo. I’m stoked that I had a chance to compete for it. I’m super blessed it ended up in my favor.” Even to those in rodeo, it seems as though Hayes has come out of nowhere. That’s just not the case. He’s refined his craft in the Rocky Mountains and now has a chance to prove it. “Casey Colletti put on a rodeo school in Craig (Colorado),” Hayes said of the NFR qualifier. “He taught me the basics, and I took it from there. From then on, it has raised my riding level.” He’s riding pretty high in west Texas this weekend. San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding: First round: 1. Keenan Reed Hayes, 86 points on Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Rising Tide, $7,428; 2. (tie) Tanner Aus and Tim O’Connell, 85, $4,952 each; 4. (tie) Bronc Marriott and Luke Barlow Thrash, 84.5, $2,228; 6. (tie) Seth Hardwick, Jayco Roper, Tim Murphy, Caleb Bennett and Bradlee Miller, 84, $594 each. Final round: 1. Keenan Hayes, 90 points on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Night Crawler, $1,650; 2. Tim O’Connell, 89.5, $1,250; 3. Tanner Aus, 88.5, $900; 4. Caleb Bennett, 87, $600; 5. Bronc Marriott, 86, $350; 6. Jayco Roper, 84.5, $250. Average: 1. Keenan Hayes, 176 points on two rides, $7,428; 2. Tim O’Connell, 174.5, $5,695; 3. Tanner Aus, 173.5, $4,209; 4. Caleb Bennett, 717, $2,724; 5. Bronc Marriott, 170.5, $1733; 6. Jayco Roper, 168.5, $1,238; 7. Luke Thrash, 168, $990; 8. Seth Hardwick, 167.5, $743. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Cade Goodman, 3.5 seconds, $6,236; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy, Trell Etbauer, Gus Franzen and Gavin Soileau, 3.8, $3.796 each; 7. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Brandon Harrison, Justin Shaffer and Tyler Waguespack, 3.9, $475 each. Second round: 1. Chance Howard, 3.3 seconds, $6,236; 2. (tie) Stetson Jorgensen and Walt Arnold, 3.5, $5,016 each; 4. (tie) Tyler Pearson and Kyle Irwin, 3.6, $3,389 each; 6. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Rowdy Parrott and Dirk Tavenner, 3.7, $1,356 each. Final round: 1. Dakota Eldridge, 3.5 seconds, $1,622; 2. (tie) Payden McIntyre, Tyler Waguespack and Stetson Jorgensen, 4.1, $1,199 each; 5. Dirk Tavenner, 4.3, $776; 6. Rowdy Parrott, 4.7, $564; 7. Walt Arnold, 5.0, $353; 8. Landris White, 5.9, $141. Average: 1. Dakota Eldridge, 11.1 seconds on three runs, $9,354; 2 Stetson Jjorgensen, 11.7, $8,134; 3. Tyler Waguespack, 11.9, $6,914; 4. Payden McIntyre, 12.2, $5,694; 5. Dirk Tavenner, 12.5, $4,474; 6. Rowdy Parrott, 12.6, $3,253; 7. Walt Arnold, 12.7, $2,033; 8. Kyle Irwin, 14.2, $813. Team roping: First round: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves, 3.5 seconds, $5,206; 2. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 3.7, $4,527; 3. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 3.8, $3,848; 4. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9, $2,830 each; 6. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1, $1,811; 7. (tie) Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves and Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2, $792 each. Second round: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds, $5,206; 2. Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, 3.6, $4,527; 3. Cory Kidd/Lane Mitchell and Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8, $3,509 each; 5. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 3.9, $2,490; 6. (tie) Clint Summers/Ross Ashford, Erich Rogers/Paden Bray and Chet Weitz/Jace Davis, 4.1, $1,132 each. Final round: 1. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 3.9 seconds, $1,436; 2. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 4.1, $1,188; 3. Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 4.4, $941; 4. Kolton Schmidt/Wyatt Cox, 4.7, $593; 5. Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves, 5.8, $446; 6. Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 10.0, $248. Average: 1. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 12.8 seconds on three runs, $7,810; 2. Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 13.6, $6,791; 3. Kolton Schmidt/Wyatt Cox, 14.1, $5,772; 4. Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves, 14.6, $4,754;  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Peggy Harris had her seat inside Foster Communications Coliseum. Her grandson, Ty, likely looked for her there before he competed during Thursday’s 10th performance of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. Though her seat was vacant, her presence was still felt, and he roped himself into the lead of his hometown rodeo heading into Friday’s championship round. “This is the first time I’ve roped at the San Angelo rodeo without her,” Ty Harris said, noting that his grandmother died last June. “If there was one thing I wished is my granny sitting right there,” he told announcer Boyd Polhamus as he pointed in the direction of the seat, “but she’s got the best seat in the world.” Ty Harris roped and tied his calf in 7.7 seconds to move into aggregate lead with the best two-run cumulative time of 15.6 seconds. That puts him top position as he prepares for Friday’s short go-round, which will feature only the top 12 contestants in each event based on the 10 preliminary performances that concluded Thursday. “I like to say that people who really have pressure are the ones battling cancer or have something they’re really struggling with,” said Harris, a three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “The truth is, I get more nervous roping at this arena than I get roping anywhere else.” Pressure tests an athlete’s will and fortitude. It’s one thing to ride a horse and rope a calf, but it’s quite another when the weight of an entire community rests on one’s shoulders before they even nod their head in competition. The last time Harris was in this position was two seasons ago, and he entered the championship night in 11th place. Being the man with a target on his back is considerably different. He’s focused and ready for the shot at claiming one of the most cherished titles in ProRodeo. “If I were to win this rodeo, it would be a top three accomplishment for me ever,” he said. “Making my first NFR was huge, but winning this rodeo would be everything.” He’s just 23, so he’ll have plenty of chances to do so, but there’s always something lurking in the back of a competitor’s mind when he enters a coliseum he has been in since he was very young. While Foster Communications Coliseum is home to Harris, it’s become quite comfortable to bareback rider Caleb Bennett, a two-time champion who punched his short-round ticket with an 84-point ride on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Put It Away on Thursday. “It has been a honey hole for me,” said Bennett, 33, a nine-time NFR qualifier from Corvallis, Montana. “Obviously the big thing is you have the opportunity to draw good ones in San Angelo. I seem to draw the right horse that fits me and make it work.” Only four points – 86 to 82 – separates the top bareback rider in the first round, Keenan Reed Hayes, from 12th man entering Friday’s championship.   “That shows how good the guys are and how consistent the bucking horses are,” said Bennett, who won San Angelo in 2019 and 2021. “Everybody’s got a chance to win this title. That’s one of the cool things about this rodeo is that Pete Carr brings in all these other contractors, which gives us the opportunity to get on more good bucking horses. “San Angelo’s cool, because the people are always into it. It’s a hell of a rodeo. The crowd loves it … eats it up. When the crowd gets into it like they do here, it just helps me feed off them and helps me do my job better.” Maybe that’s why the competition is so sharp for the best cowboys in the game. San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding leaders: 1. Keenan Reed Hayes, 86 points on Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Rising Tide, $7,428; 2. (tie) Tanner Aus and Tim O’Connell, 85, $4,952 each; 4. (tie) Bronc Marriott and Luke Barlow Thrash, 84.5, $2,228; 6. (tie) Seth Hardwick, Jayco Roper, Tim Murphy, Caleb Bennett and Bradlee Miller, 84, $594 each; 11. (tie) Chad Rutherford and Gavin French, 82. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Cade Goodman, 3.5 seconds, $6,236; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy, Trell Etbauer, Gus Franzen and Gavin Soileau, 3.8, $3.796 each; 7. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Brandon Harrison, Justin Shaffer and Tyler Waguespack, 3.9, $475 each. Second round leaders: 1. Chance Howard, 3.3 seconds, $6,236; 2. (tie) Stetson Jorgensen and Walt Arnold, 3.5, $5,016 each; 4. (tie) Tyler Pearson and Kyle Irwin, 3.6, $3,389 each; 6. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Rowdy Parrott and Dirk Tavenner, 3.7, $1,356 each. Average leaders: 1. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Stetson Jorgensen, 7.6 seconds on two runs; 3. Walt Arnold, 7.7; 4. Clayton Hass, 7.9; 5. (tie) Tyler Pearson and Payden McIntyre, 8.1; 7. Dirk Tavenner, 8.2; 8. Tory Johnson, 8.3; 9. (tie) Landris White and Winston McGraw, 8.4; 11. Gus Franzen, 8.5; 12. Brandon Harrison, 8.6. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves, 3.5 seconds, $5,206; 2. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 3.7, $4,527; 3. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 3.8, $3,848; 4. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9, $2,830 each; 6. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1, $1,811; 7. (tie) Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves and Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2, $792 each. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds, $5,206; 2. Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, 3.6, $4,527; 3. Cory Kidd/Lane Mitchell and Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8, $3,509 each; 5. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 3.9, $2,490; 6. (tie) Clint Summers/Ross Ashford, Erich Rogers/Paden Bray and Chet Weitz/Jace Davis, 4.1, $1,132 each. Average leaders: 1. Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves, 8.8 seconds on two runs; 2. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 8.9; 3. Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 9.2; 4. Kolton Schmidt/Wyatt Cox, 9.4; 5. Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 9.5; 6. Wyatt Imus/Caleb Anderson, 9.6; 7. Andrew Livingston/Seth Smithson, 9.8; 8. Payden Emmett/Lucas Falconer, 10.2; 9. (tie) Kolby Krieger/Boogie Ray and Cinch Moody/Rich Skelton, 10.4; 11. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 12.5; 12. J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo, 12.6. Saddle bronc riding leaders:  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Twenty months ago, Kase Bacque left his home in south central Louisiana with a plan for college and a dream for rodeo. He’s living both at the same time. As a sophomore at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, he leads the Southern Region tie-down roping standings. If he can hold on to at least a top-three spot at the end of the 10-event season that concludes later this month, he will advance to the College National Finals Rodeo. He’s also hoping to end his first season in the PRCA as the top newcomer, and he made a significant claim for such Wednesday night during the ninth performance of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. Bacque roped and tied his calf in 7.7 seconds to move into third place in the opening round. That’s worth some serious Texas cash for the Opelousas, Louisiana, cowboy. “I’d really like to win the Resistol Rookie of the Year award, because it’s a big deal,” he said. “A lot of guys that do that go on to do a lot of great things in their rodeo careers.” It’s true. In tie-down roping alone, men like Shane Hanchey, Tuf Cooper, Caleb Smidt, Cody Ohl, Fred Whitfield and Joe Beaver have all parlayed their rookie titles into world championships – they account for 30 total gold buckles. Bacque would love add at least one more, but first things first. He’s just halfway to doing what he wants in San Angelo. He’ll rope his second calf Thursday night after the rodeo performance concludes. If his two-run cumulative time is among the top 12, he will advance to Friday’s championship round with an opportunity for a big win early in his young career. “I drew really good, but I got a good start on a really good calf,” he said of Wednesday’s run. “Once I got her roped and on the ground, I just needed to make the best run I could make.” He sounds like a veteran, but he’s been coached that way. By attending Sam Houston State, he has the opportunity to be around one of the greatest to have ever played the game. “I decided to go to school there because I got a good offer to go rodeo, and I like the rodeo program,” Bacque said. “The education program is great, especially the ag education. “Plus, I get to live right next to Joe Beaver, the eight-time world champion, and I get to rope with him a lot.” Bacque is getting his money’s worth and then some with that level of roping education. Beaver won five world championships roping calves and added three more gold buckles in the all-around race. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame 22 years ago. “In the practice pen, he can really lift your confidence,” Bacque said. “He can get in your head and tell you to go fast but still be consistent. He works that mental game. I think Joe’s biggest deal is to be solid and do your job. He’s so good at the mental aspect of it. “Joe helps inside and outside the arena. He’s a good role model for me.” And it seems the student is getting all A’s in his roping classes, too. Bacque is 13th in the rookie standings but will move up after the first round is paid out. Beaver was the first tie-down roper in PRCA history to have ever won a rookie title and a world championship in the same season; he did that in 1985. The only person to have done it since was Haven Meged in 2019. All Bacque has to do is look at the record books, and he’ll have plenty of inspiration to keep chasing his rodeo dreams. “This is one of the bigger rodeos I’ve been part of where it’s like a first step into my rookie year,” he said. “I’ve done good at a few others, like the last few years at the Huntsville Pro Rodeo, which is kind of my hometown rodeo while I’m in school. I won it last year and finished second this year.” If he keeps it up, Bacque and the 13-year-old sorrel gelding he just acquired last summer might walk away from west Texas with the coveted San Angelo championship, too. San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding leaders: 1. Keenan Reed Hayes, 86 points on Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Rising Tide; 2. (tie) Tanner Aus and Tim O’Connell, 85; 4. (tie) Bronc Marriott and Luke Barlow Thrash, 84.5; 6. (tie) Seth Hardwick, Jayco Roper and Bradlee Miller, 84; 9. (tie) Chad Rutherford and Gavin French, 82; 11. R.C. Landingham, 81.5; 12. (tie) Clayton Biglow and Wyatt Denny, 81. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Cade Goodman, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy, Trell Etbauer and Gavin Soileau, 3.8; 6. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Brandon Harrison, Justin Shaffer and Tyler Waguespack, 3.9. Second round leaders: 1. Chance Howard, 3.3 seconds; 2. (tie) Stetson Jorgensen and Walt Arnold, 3.5; 4. Tyler Pearson, 3.6; 5. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Dirk Tavenner, 3.7; 8. (tie) Cameron Morman, Payden McIntyre, Jesse Brown and Clayton Hass, 3.9. Average leaders: 1. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Stetson Jorgensen, 7.6 seconds on two runs; 3. Walt Arnold, 7.7; 4. Clayton Hass, 7.9; 5. (tie) Tyler Pearson and Payden McIntyre, 8.1; 7. Dirk Tavenner, 8.2; 8. Tory Johnson, 8.3; 9. (tie) Landris White and Winston McGraw, 8.4; 11. Brandon Harrison, 8.6; 12. Cade Goodman, 8.9. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves, 3.5 seconds, $5,206; 2. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 3.7, $4,527; 3. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 3.8, $3,848; 4. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9, $2,830 each; 6. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1, $1,811; 7. (tie) Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves and Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2, $792 each. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds; 2. Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, 3.6; 3. Cory Kidd/Lane Mitchell and Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8; 5. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 3.9; 6.  Continue Reading »

ALVA, Okla. – Sierra Schott and Starz are getting to know one another a little bit better. The two – a barrel racer at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and her 9-year-old bay mare – just teamed this past October, and it’s taken some time for the tandem to gel. They proved it is happening this past weekend at the Southwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo in Weatherford. “I was just going out there to have fun,” said Schott, who rounded the cloverleaf pattern in 17.13 seconds to finish in a tie for third place in the opening go-round; they then posted the fastest run of the rodeo to win the championship round with a 16.80 and had the second-fastest two-run cumulative time. “I knew she was running well right now, so I told myself that I was just going to have fun; she did all the hard work.” It helped the McLaughlin, South Dakota, cowgirl to 140 points, which moved her into a tie for 12th in the Central Plains Region standings. She’s still within range of finishing among the top three in the circuit if she and Starz perform well at the final two rodeos of the season. The teamwork between racehorse and jockey became more evident the week before, when they finished eighth in Garden City, Kansas. They just stepped it up a bit in Weatherford. “I’ve been trying to get to know her, and she’s been trying to get to know me,” Schott said. “She’s been helping me build my confidence in her, so I just gave Starz her head, and she did really well.” By giving the mare her head, Schott was not reining the horse as hard through the pattern, allowing Starz the chance to run more freely.   “Weatherford was a big, outdoor pen, and she’s good with those,” she said “The next two rodeos we go to are outdoor pens. I’m pretty confident with her, so I’ll just go with whatever happens from here.” Moving from her previous mount to the bay speedster proved to be an adjustment for the South Dakota cowgirl, but it proved to be the right kind of modification. “Right away, what I noticed is that she’s got the heart for what she wants to do,” Schott said. “When you get on some horses, they don’t want to run, but she wants to run. She has a big heart, and it shows when she runs.” Schott led the way for the Rangers women, while the men were led by tie-down roper Denton Oestman of Auburn, Nebraska; He used a dominating, 8.8-second run to win the championship round and to finish second overall. Steer wrestler Emmett Edler of State Center, Iowa, finished fifth in the first go-round. Team roping header Stran Morris of Woodward, Oklahoma, finished second in the long round, fourth in the short round and third overall while roping with Jordan Lovins of Western Oklahoma State College. The Northwestern team of Wyatt Vanorsdol of Bristow, Oklahoma, and Jayden Laubhan of Follett, Texas, finished fifth in the short round and sixth overall. That pushed Laubhaun into a tie for third place in the heeling standings as the teams head into the final two rodeos of the 2021-22 Central Plains season. The Rangers will compete this next weekend in Hays, Kansas, then follow that a week later in Guymon, Oklahoma. Each contestant had a reason to utilize Northwestern for its college education. For some, the decision comes down to the positives they find. Alva can be a pretty nice home for many, and they realize it. “I had known a couple of friends that came to school here that I rodeoed with,” Schott said. “Cedar Anderson said I should just check it out. I was originally looking at the University of Wyoming, but I came down here anyway. I liked the weather, and I got a bit of a scholarship opportunity. I looked at the science department, and I liked it. “Now, I’ve been here all three years, and I like being here.”

PURCELL, Okla. – Decades ago, Cord McCoy was one of the biggest rodeo names to compete in Oklahoma.   McCoy grew up on Oklahoma rodeos. He was an all-around superstar from a young age, following in the footsteps of his three older brothers and older sister. As a kid, he and Jet, older by 13 months, were making their names known by their prowess in the arena. As a teenager, he was excelling in the Oklahoma City-based IPRA, eventually becoming a five-time champion in the association. Now, though, McCoy is a stock contractor in the PRCA, the sport’s premier sanctioning body, and he returns to central Oklahoma for Paycom’s Purcell ProRodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22-Saturday, April 23, at the McClain County Expo in Purcell. He will be the event’s producer. “I have so many memories of growing up and going to these rodeos when I was a kid,” said McCoy of Lane, Oklahoma. “Now that I am producing rodeos instead of competing in them, I want to be able to put on great rodeos. I am proud to do that in my home state of Oklahoma.” He should be. The Sooner State has a proud tradition in rodeo, dating back to nearly a century ago when the PRCA was first established in 1929. From steer wrestler Gene Ross of Sayer in 1929 to bull rider Sage Kimzey in 2021 (his seventh in eight years), Oklahoma has been home to dozens of PRCA world champions over 11 decades. McCoy has his own history in his home state. After a stellar career in youth and high school rodeo, he moved on to Southwestern Oklahoma State University and was a regular qualifier to the College National Finals Rodeo … typically alongside Jet. Both were also dominant all-around cowboys in the IPRA. In September 2004 while competing at the PRCA rodeo in Oklahoma City, Cord McCoy was severely injured after getting bucked off in saddle bronc riding and kicked in the head by his horse. After months of recovery, he returned to action at the 89er Days Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena near Guthrie in April 2005 and eventually qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in bull riding that season. Starting in 2006, McCoy became a regular on the PBR’s premier series, now dubbed the Unleash the Beast tour. He was a six-time qualifier to the PBR World Finals. Paycom’s Purcell ProRodeo is part of the McCoy Rodeo Tour, a series of nine rodeos spread across the Midwest. Most, though, are in Oklahoma. “This is a chance to show some great Oklahoma talent, some outstanding cowboys and cowgirls from right here,” McCoy said. “We’re also going to see contestants from all over. Spring is a good time to rodeo in Oklahoma, and we’re looking forward to showing Purcell what ProRodeo is all about.”

GUYMON, Okla. – Twenty-two years ago, the Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo became part of the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour, which, at the time, was the way to showcase more rodeo on television than ever before. It was also a way to showcase major events in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the sport’s major stars. That made Guymon an important stop for every cowboy and cowgirl hoping the tour would eventually boost them to a National Finals Rodeo qualification. The Justin Sportsmedicine program, underwritten by the Justin Boot Co., took advantage of that and made its introduction to the Oklahoma Panhandle to help care for the abundance of contestants that would be part of the field. Program staff and volunteers will return for the 23rd time for this year’s rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena. “Back then when the tour first started, we saw the value of hitting the tour rodeos,” said Rick Foster, a program manager for the sports medicine group who has worked Guymon for two decades. “We want to hit the bigger rodeos, and Guymon draws a big number of contestants. We’re there to tend to the cowboys, and we have a great chance to get to many of them. We’ve been there every year since the tour started.” That was in 2000, and the Justin team has hauled in its specially-converted, wrapped trailer to the rodeo grounds each spring. Inside, there are training tables, cases of tape, an ice machine and everything that can be seen in a professional athletic training room. The Justin Sportsmedicine program began in 1980 and has continued to evolve over time. In the 40-plus years since it was created, it has grown from covering 10 rodeos a year to more than 125. Through a year, the team provides around 8,500 treatments while recording more than 1,500 new injuries. That equals roughly one and a half tons of ice, more than 250 miles of tape and 3,000 hours of service. “Most of the entries in Guymon are with the timed events,” Foster said. “While they may not be taking horse to the ribs or the yanking on their arms like the roughstock guys, they have typical injuries, too. Steer wrestlers have tremendous forces on their knees and backs. We have the same injuries in tie-down roping as a lot of runners, sprinting-type injuries like hamstring and quad strains. “There are some amazing forces that the bodies go through. We tend to look at things like football trainers see, collision injuries, but there are greater forces at work in rodeo than there are in football.” The team in Guymon will include a sports medicine physician, Dr. Jason Mogonye, who will make his way to the Oklahoma Panhandle from Fort Worth, Texas, where he is a team doctor for TCU. The JSM team also works with local trainers, physicians and clinicians at many venues to ensure the best care possible for the athletes. “Knowing there is the Justin Sportsmedicine Team of professionals readily available to us cowboys brings a sense of relief and comfort when climbing on the back of a horse or a bull,” said Stetson Wright, a five-time world champion Utah cowboy who has won the last three all-around world titles. “We are blessed to have the best standing by to help us when we need it.” The team also provides a sense of comfort to members of the local committee, a group of volunteers that produces the rodeo every spring. “We’ve had a great relationship with the Justin team and Rick Foster for many years, and it’s a relief, in a way, to know they are here and will take care of the contestants who are here to compete,” said Ken Stonecipher, a longtime member of the committee who had served as chairman when the tour began. “You know that if you see something happen in the arena, they’re going to be right there to handle any situation.” Over the years, Pioneer Days Rodeo has built a great reputation as one of the best rodeos in the PRCA. It has been named the Rodeo of the Year and has been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Besides opening its doors to around 1,000 contestants each spring, the people in Texas County, Oklahoma, provide a memorable experience. “When I first went to Guymon, I realized the Midwest hospitality of how they put that rodeo together is just phenomenal,” Foster said. “They care for everybody that’s there for the rodeo. It’s great to be treated in that respect. “You want to go to Guymon, because you’re going to be taken care of since you are all a team there.”

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Keep a starving man away from food, he’ll only get hungrier. Keep a bull rider away from the arena, he’ll only crave it more. Ky Hamilton has lived it over the last month, but he feasted Sunday afternoon during the San Angelo Xtreme Bulls at Foster Communications Coliseum. Hamilton rode two bulls for a cumulative score of 175.5 points to outdistance runner-up Parker Breding by five points and claim the prestigious Xtreme Bulls buckle awarded to winners of top-tier events. He also collected $11,757 and nearly doubled his season earnings in one fell swoop. “It’s pretty exciting, especially after having four weeks off, missing The American and not being able to finish off Houston,” said Hamilton, who suffered a lacerated kidney during a wreck at the PBR Global Cup inside AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on March 5. “It felt good to capitalize at a bigger Xtreme Bulls of the year and win some good money.” Hamilton started off the day by riding Rafter H Rodeo’s Night Prowler for 85 points, finishing second in the opening go-round to Trevor Kastner, who rode Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Marbrol Man for 86.5 points. Hamilton then was one of only two cowboys to cover their bulls for the qualifying eight seconds in the championship round, matching moves with Carr’s Time Bomb for 90.5 points. “I’ve never been on him before, but he was a big brahma, and I like the look of them big, cool bulls,” said Hamilton of Mackay, Queensland, Australia; he moved to the United States a few years ago to attend Odessa (Texas) College and Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas. “I was excited when I seen him. He was a handful; he had me working the whole time, and I kept trying and it paid off.” Yes, it did. His earnings so far in San Angelo will move him into seventh place in the Xtreme Bulls standings. It should also move him from 43rd to inside the top 25 of the world standings. Hamilton rode earlier this week and scored 85.5 points to be in good position to advance to the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo’s championship round Friday night. He’s on the kind of roll he needs to return to the National Finals Rodeo for the third straight year. He finished last year eighth in the world standings and was fourth in 2020. “I don’t like to call it momentum, because that’s how I expect myself to ride all the time,” Hamilton said. “When you do good, it certainly boosts your confidence and makes it easier.” He can now carry that tenacity into Friday night and hope to claim the rodeo’s title, too. Returning to San Angelo for the short round is always a goal of cowboys who compete for a living. “That building’s pretty cool,” he said. “It’s always jampacked inside there, and it’s always electric. It’s a good atmosphere, and it’s a really well-run rodeo and Xtreme Bulls. They know how to run a good rodeo in San Angelo. It’s a great event.” San Angelo Xtreme BullsApril 10First round: 1. Trevor Kastner, 86.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Marbrol Man, $3,236; 2. Ky Hamilton, 85, $2,481; 3. (tie) Grayson Cole and Parker Breding, 84.5, $1,510 each; 5. (tie) Sage Kimzey and Tristen Hutchings, 83.5, $647 each; 7. Hayes Weight, 82.5, $431; 8. Trey Kimzey, 78.5, $324. Championship round: 1. Ky Hamilton, 90.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Time Bomb, $3,883; 2. Parker Breding, 86, $3,308; no other qualified rides. Average: 1. Ky Hamilton, 175.5 points on two rides, $5,393; 2. Parker Breding, 170.5, $4,135; 3. Trevor Kastner, 86.5 points on one ride, $3,056; 4. Grayson Cole, 84.5, $1,978; 5 (tie) Sage Kimzey and Tristen Hutchings, 835, $1,079 each; 7. Hayes Weight, 82.5, $719; 8. Trey Kimzey, 78.5, $539.

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Two rounds in two buildings with different set-ups is uniquely San Angelo for women that run barrels. Only the top 120 cowgirls after the first go-round compete in the performances of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo inside Foster Communications Coliseum, and only the top 12 with a two-run cumulative time advance to the championship round, which takes place Friday, April 15. Jordon Briggs of Tolar, Texas, virtually secured her spot in the short round during Saturday’s matinee, the seventh performance of the storied rodeo, now celebrating its 90th anniversary. She rounded the cloverleaf pattern in 14.29 seconds and is fourth in the second go-round. More importantly, though, her aggregate time of 29.99 seconds ties for first place with Michelle Alley. Nobody in Saturday night’s performance moved the two cowgirls from their spot atop the leaderboard. “I hope that gets me back (to the final round),” said Briggs, a second-generation world champion who last year followed in the footsteps of her three-time titlist mother, Kristie Peterson, in claiming the gold buckle. “There are some tough girls in the next (two) performances; if I get back to the short round, I’ll be happy.” San Angelo’s unique in that it features open entries for the first round of barrel racing, then the top 120 advance to the “progressive round.” The champion will be the lady who post the fastest three-run cumulative time after the rodeo ends next Friday. “I love that they get a lot of entries,” Briggs said of the rodeo. “They let everybody run, so it pays really well, and it gives everybody a shot. When they bring back that many to the performances, it lets everybody get their feet wet in the coliseum.” “There were only eight-tenths (of a second) between first and 120th. That’s a tough barrel race.” Yes, it is, but Briggs is pretty tough, too, especially with Rollo, an 8-year-old sorrel gelding that was named the 2021 barrel racing horse of the year. That vote happened before the National Finals Rodeo, and the tandem then went on to pocket just shy of $200,000 in 10 December nights to claim gold. Having a horse like Rollo, she knows he can handle the different types of ground that comes from one round to another or any size arena. “He’s a good boy,” she said. “I think this is his last rodeo for a while. He’s going to take a break, and I’m going to focus on my futurity colts.” That will happen after they run next weekend, a return to this memorable coliseum. “It’s a great arena, and it’s fun to change it up like that,” Briggs said of the different set-ups. “Last year I stayed for a performance, and I had to sit on a step because there was not a seat in that coliseum. San Angelo is very much a rodeo town, and I enjoy going there.” San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding leaders: 1. Keenan Reed Hayes, 86 points on Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Rising Tide; 2. (tie) Tanner Aus and Tim O’Connell, 85; 4. Bronc Marriott, 84.5; 5. (tie) Seth Hardwick, Jayco Roper and Bradlee Miller, 84; 8. (tie) Chad Rutherford and Gavin French, 82; 10. (tie) Jamie Howlett and Mike Solberg, 80.5; 12. (tie) Kody Lamb and Orin Larsen, 80. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Cade Goodman, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy and Trell Etbauer, 3.8; 5. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Brandon Harrison and Justin Shaffer, 3.9; 8. (tie) Tory Jonson and Clayton Hass, 4.0. Second round leaders: 1. Chance Howard, 3.3 seconds; 2. (tie) Stetson Jorgensen and Walt Arnold, 3.5; 4. Tyler Pearson, 3.6; 5. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Dirk Tavenner, 3.7; 8. (tie) Cameron Morman, Payden McIntyre, Jesse Brown and Clayton Hass, 3.9. Average leaders: 1. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Stetson Jorgensen, 7.6 seconds on two runs; 3. Walt Arnold, 7.7; 4. Clayton Hass, 7.9; 5. (tie) Tyler Pearson and Payden McIntyre, 8.1; 7. Dirk Tavenner, 8.2; 8. Tory Johnson, 8.3; 9. (tie) Landris White and Winston McGraw, 8.4; 11. Brandon Harrison, 8.6; 12. Cade Goodman, 8.9. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Dustin Egusquiza/Travis Graves, 3.5 seconds; 2. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 3.7; 3. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 3.8; 4. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9; 6. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1; 7. (tie) Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves and Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds; 2. Tyler Wade/Trey Yates, 3.6; 3. Cory Kidd/Lane Mitchell and Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8; 5. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 3.9; 6. (tie) Clint Summers/Ross Ashford and Chet Weitz/Jace Davis, 4.1; 8. (tie) Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, Tucker Menz/D.J. Dugger and Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 4.3. Average leaders: 1. Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves, 8.8 seconds on two runs; 2. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 8.9; 3. Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 9.2; 4. Kolton Schmidt/Wyatt Cox, 9.4; 5. Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 9.5; 6. Wyatt Imus/Caleb Anderson, 9.6; 7. Andrew Livingston/Seth Smithson, 9.8; 8. Payden Emmett/Lucas Falconer, 10.2; 9. (tie) Kolby Krieger/Boogie Ray and Cinch Moody/Rich Skelton, 10.4; 11. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 12.5; 12. J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo, 12.6. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Ryder Wright, 89 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Uptuck; 2. Spencer Wright, 88; 3. Jake Finlay, 86; 4. Rusty Wright. 85.5; 5. Allen Boore, 85; 6. Chase Brooks, 84.5; 7. Statler Wright, 84; 8. Stetson Wright, 83.5; 9. (tie) Riggin Smith, Samuel Kelts, Kole Ashbacher and Creighton Curley, 83. (Rusty Wright likely will not be able to ride because of an injury) Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Tyler Milligan and Travis Rogers, 7.6 seconds; 3. (tie) Hudson Wallace and Dakota Felton, 7.8; 5. Riley Wakefield, 8.0; 6. (tie) Cody McCartney and Chance Thiessen, 8.1; 8. (tie) Weldon Watson and Matt Shiozawa, 8.2. Second round leaders: 1. Riley Webb, 7.3 seconds; 2. John Douch, 7.4; 3. Zack Jongbloed, 7.4; 4. Marcos Costa, 7.5; 5. (tie) King Pickett and Trenton Smith. 7.7; 7. (tie) Cory Solomon, Kyle Lucas and Ryle Smith, 7.9. Average leaders: 1.  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – It’s a bit cliché, but the saying “iron sharpens iron” works at all level of sports. Cowboys like certain traveling partners because they’re all talented and build each other up, but it can go a bit further than that. Stock contractors know that when a top-caliber athlete rides one of his animals, that cowboy will make his horse or bull look better. Ryder Wright has been doing that since the day he decided to turn professional, when he was still a senior in high school in 2016. He went on to earn his first of six straight qualifications to the National Finals Rodeo, and a year later, he snagged the first of two (so far) world championships. He proved it again during Friday’s sixth performance of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo with an 89-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Uptuck to take the saddle bronc riding lead. He’s a point better than his uncle, Spencer, who sits in second place. “I didn’t anything about that horse until (Friday) afternoon,” said Ryder Wright, who finished second in the world standings last season to his younger brother, Stetson, by less than $1,300. “I called Sam Kelts, who got on him earlier this year, and he told me that Pete bought that horse at the futurity in Las Vegas.” With that, Carr invested into this season and into the future of his livestock company. In all, the Dallas-based stock contractor invested in more than a dozen bucking horses to improve his herd, which was already recognized. In doing so, he perked up the attention of the cowboys that make a living riding bucking horses. “It’s great that people are raising bucking horses, but I like it when they aren’t scared to buy horses,” Ryder Wright said. “It makes a better herd, and it makes it better for us. We really appreciate when a stock contractor goes out and does that.” In roughstock events, scores are based on a 100-point scale, with half the score coming from the cowboy, and the other half from the animal. It takes a good mix to take the lead in San Angelo. With his score, Ryder Wright will return for the championship round on Friday, April 15. “I’ve only been to this rodeo one other time, and I didn’t make the short round,” he said. “This rodeo’s still always been good to all of us. “It’s awesome to be in those little coliseums. Everybody feels like they’re right on top of you. It’s one of my favorite rodeos.” San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding leaders: 1. Keenan Reed Hayes, 86 points on Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Rising Tide; 2. Bronc Marriott, 84.5; 3. (tie) Seth Hardwick and Bradlee Miller, 84; 5. (tie) Chad Rutherford and Gavin French, 82; 7. Mike Solberg, 80.5; 8. (tie) Kody Lamb and Orin Larsen, 80; 10. Jacob Raine, 79; 11. Trenton Montero, 78.5; 12. Jacob Lees, 78. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Cade Goodman, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy and Trell Etbauer, 3.8; 5. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Brandon Harrison and Justin Shaffer, 3.9; 8. (tie) Tory Jonson and Clayton Hass, 4.0. Second round leaders: 1. Stetson Jorgensen, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Dirk Tavenner, 3.7; 4. (tie) Cameron Morman, Payden McIntyre and Clayton Hass, 3.9; 7. Landris White, 4.0; 8. (tie) Caden Camp and Ringo Robinson, 4.1. Average leaders: 1. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Stetson Jorgensen, 7.6 seconds on two runs; 3. Clayton Hass, 7.9; 4. Payden McIntyre, 8.1; 5. Dirk Tavenner, 8.2; 6. Tory Johnson, 8.3; 7. Landris White, 8.4; 8. Cade Goodman, 8.9; 9. Blake Mindemann, 9.0; 10. Tucker Allen, 9.1; 11. Jason Thomas, 9.3; 12. (tie) Eli Lord and Bridger Anderson, 9.4. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 3.7 seconds; 2. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 3.8; 3. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9; 5. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1; 6. (tie) Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves and Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2; 8. Luke Brown/Hunter Koch, 4.4. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds; 2. Cory Kidd/Lane Mitchell and Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8; 4. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 3.9; 5. (tie) Clint Summers/Ross Ashford and Chet Weitz/Jace Davis, 4.1; 7. (tie) Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, Tucker Menz/D.J. Dugger and Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 4.3. Average leaders: 1. Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves, 8.8 seconds on two runs; 2. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 8.9; 3. Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 9.2; 4. Kolton Schmidt/Wyatt Cox, 9.4; 5. Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 9.5; 6. Wyatt Imus/Caleb Anderson, 9.6; 7. Andrew Livingston/Seth Smithson, 9.8; 8. Payden Emmett/Lucas Falconer, 10.2; 9. (tie) Kolby Krieger/Boogie Ray and Cinch Moody/Rich Skelton, 10.4; 11. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 12.5; 12. J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo, 12.6. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Ryder Wright, 89 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Uptuck; 2. Spencer Wright, 88; 3. Rusty Wright. 85.5; 4. Allen Boore, 85; 5. Chase Brooks, 84.5; 6. Statler Wright, 84; 7. Stetson Wright, 83.5; 8. (tie) Riggin Smith, Samuel Kelts and Creighton Curley, 83; 11. CoBurn Bradshaw, 82; 12. (tie) Wyatt Casper and Zeke Thurston, 81.5. (Rusty Wright likely will not be able to ride because of an injury) Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Tyler Milligan and Travis Rogers, 7.6 seconds; 3. (tie) Hudson Wallace and Dakota Felton, 7.8; 5. Riley Wakefield, 8.0; 6. (tie) Cody McCartney and Chance Thiessen, 8.1; 8. (tie) Weldon Watson and Matt Shiozawa, 8.2. Second round leaders: 1. Riley Webb, 7.3 seconds; 2. Zack Jongbloed, 7.4; 3. Marcos Costa, 7.5; 4. (tie) King Pickett and Trenton Smith. 7.7; 6. (tie) Cory Solomon and Ryle Smith, 7.9; 7. Trevor Hale, 8.0. Average leaders: 1. Tyler Milligan, 15.7 seconds on two runs; 2. (tie) Zack Jongbloed and J.D. McCuistion, 16.7; 4. Dakota Felton, 16.8; 5. (tie) Luke Potter and Cody McCartney, 16.9; 7. (tie) Marcos Costa and Travis Rogers, 17.5; 9. Brushton Minton, 17.9; 10. Thomas Conway, 18.0; 11. Blake Deckard, 18.1; 12. Kater Tate, 18.3. Barrel racing: Second round leaders: 1. Michelle Alley, 14.16  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Timed-event cowboys know a couple things about the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. It’s going to be loud inside Foster Communications Coliseum, and it’s going to take a fast time to win. Cody Snow and Wesley Thorp knew both things when they arrived Thursday night for the fifth performance of the rodeo, and they took it to the test. The cowboys stopped the clock in 3.7 seconds to take the first-round team roping lead. “It helps to know what we needed to do,” said Snow of Los Olivos, California. “We knew we had to be aggressive tonight. That rodeo’s always fast.” The team knows a thing or two about being fast. Each man has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo six straight times and won the average championship there in 2019. That year, Snow finished second in the heading world standings; Thorp won the world championship. A year ago, the tandem finished third in San Angelo, and the $8,533 each man earned helped them get back to the NFR. They finished the campaign among the top 10 in their respective events: Snow was 10th, while Thorp, of Throckmorton, Texas, was ninth among the heelers. It was a good night for the team ropers. Reigning world champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira were just a 10th of a second behind, while Aaron Tsinigine and Paul Eaves were 4.2 to move into a tie for sixth place in the opening round. Luke Brown and Hunter Koch were 4.4 and sit eighth. Each team will return to the coliseum for Friday’s sixth performance to run their second steers. The top 12 teams with the best two-run cumulative times will advance to the championship round, which takes place next Friday, April 15. Of their six NFR qualifications, they’ve roped together at Las Vegas four times. They’ve also partnered at various times when they roped with other cowboys at the finale. They know how to communicate and work together, which is a big reason they’re so successful. “We’ve run a lot of steers together,” said Snow, now 27th in the world standings while his partner is 26th in heeling. “We’ve been roping together for five years and know each other pretty well.” San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding leaders: 1. 2. Keenan Reed Hayes, 86 points on Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Rising Tide; 2. Bronc Marriott, 84.5; 3. Seth Hardwick, 84; 4. (tie) Chad Rutherford and Gavin French, 82; 6. Mike Solberg, 80.5; 7. (tie) Kody Lamb and Orin Larsen, 80; 9. Jacob Lees, 78; 10. Bill Tutor, 77; 11. Kelby Schneiter, 76.5; 12. Dean Thompson, 76. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Cade Goodman, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy and Trell Etbauer, 3.8; 5. (tie) Dakota Eldridge, Brandon Harrison and Justin Shaffer, 3.9; 8. (tie) Tory Jonson and Clayton Hass, 4.0. Second round leaders: 1. Stetson Jorgensen, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Dirk Tavenner, 3.7; 4. (tie) Cameron Morman, Payden McIntyre and Clayton Hass, 3.9; 7. Landris White, 4.0; 8. (tie) Caden Camp and Ringo Robinson, 4.1. Average leaders: 1. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Stetson Jorgensen, 7.6 seconds on two runs; 3. Clayton Hass, 7.9; 4. Payden McIntyre, 8.1; 5. Dirk Tavenner, 8.2; 6. Tory Johnson, 8.3; 7. Landris White, 8.4; 8. Cade Goodman, 8.9; 9. Blake Mindemann, 9.0; 10. Tucker Allen, 9.1; 11. Jason Thomas, 9.3; 12. (tie) Eli Lord and Bridger Anderson, 9.4. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 3.7 seconds; 2. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 3.8; 3. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9; 5. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1; 6. (tie) Aaron Tsinigine/Paul Eaves and Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2; 8. Luke Brown/Hunter Koch, 4.4. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds; 2. Cory Kidd/Lane Mitchell and Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8; 4. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 3.9; 5. Chet Weitz/Jace Davis, 4.1; 6. (tie) Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, Tucker Menz/D.J. Dugger and Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 4.3. Average leaders: 1. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 8.9 seconds on two runs; 2. Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 9.2; 3. Kolton Schmidt/Wyatt Cox, 9.4; 4. Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 9.5; 5. Wyatt Imus/Caleb Anderson, 9.6; 6. Andrew Livingston/Seth Smithson, 9.8; 7. Payden Emmett/Lucas Falconer, 10.2; 8. (tie) Kolby Krieger/Boogie Ray and Cinch Moody/Rich Skelton, 10.4; 10. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 12.5; 11. J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo, 12.6; 12. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 13.5. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Spencer Wright, 88 points on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Get Smart; 2. Rusty Wright. 85.5; 3. Allen Boore, 85; 4. Statler Wright, 84; 5. (tie) Riggin Smith, Samuel Kelts and Creighton Curley, 83; 8. CoBurn Bradshaw, 82; 9. (tie) Wyatt Casper and Zeke Thurston, 81.5; 11. (tie) Lefty Holman and Jake Watson, 80.5. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Tyler Milligan and Travis Rogers, 7.6 seconds; 3. (tie) Hudson Wallace and Dakota Felton, 7.8; 5. Riley Wakefield, 8.0; 6. Cody McCartney, 8.1; 7. (tie) Weldon Watson and Matt Shiozawa, 8.2. Second round leaders: 1. Riley Webb, 7.3 seconds; 2. Zack Jongbloed, 7.4; 3. Marcos Costa, 7.5; 4. (tie) King Pickett and Trenton Smith. 7.7; 6. (tie) Cory Solomon and Ryle Smith, 7.9; 7. Trevor Hale, 8.0. Average leaders: 1. Tyler Milligan, 15.7 seconds on two runs; 2. (tie) Zack Jongbloed and J.D. McCuistion, 16.7; 4. Dakota Felton, 16.8; 5. (tie) Luke Potter and Cody McCartney, 16.9; 7. (tie) Marcos Costa and Travis Rogers, 17.5; 9. Brushton Minton, 17.9; 10. Thomas Conway, 18.0; 11. Blake Deckard, 18.1; 12. Kater Tate, 18.3. Barrel racing: Second round leaders: 1. Michelle Alley, 14.16 seconds; 2. Kailee Murdock, 14.21; 3. Jennifer Driver, 14.35; 4. Josey Owens, 14.39; 5. Destri Davenport, 14.46; 6. Martha Smith, 14.47; 7. Brandee Hawkins, 14.51; 8. Cassidy Champlin, 14.54; 9. Taylor Johnson, 15.57; 10. Mandy Cupp, 14.59. Average leaders: 1. Michelle Alley, 29.99; 2. Cassidy Champlin, 30.14; 3. Destri Davenport. 30.19; 4. Kailee Murdock, 30.22; 5. Jamie Olsen, 30.39; 6. Steeley Steiner, 30.54; 7. Josey Owens, 30.58; 8. Martha Smith, 30.61; 9. Abby Phillips, 30.65; 10. Taylor Johnson, 30.68; 11.  Continue Reading »

ALVA, Okla. – Jayden Laubhan has already earned his degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. He just wasn’t done being part of the rodeo team. It’s a good thing, too. The heeler from Follett, Texas, is hoping to cash in on another year in Alva by earning a bid to the College National Finals Rodeo, and he’s making up the ground necessary to do it. He and his header, Wyatt VanOrsdol of Bristow, Oklahoma, roped solidly this past weekend to finish second overall at the Garden City (Kansas) Community College rodeo. They stopped the clock in 7.7 seconds to finish fifth in the opening round, then were 7.3 in the championship round to finish second in the short-go. “This is my COVID year,” Laubhan said, noting that all intercollegiate athletes received an extra year of eligibility in 2020 when the season was cut short by the pandemic. “I’m just taking some classes so I can rodeo.” He and VanOrsdol teamed earlier this semester, and they had found limited success in the first two rodeos. They placed in the first round and aggregate three weeks ago in Fort Scott, Kansas, then stepped it up when they moved to western Kansas over the weekend. “It was nice to do some good in the short round with Wyatt,” Laubhaun said. “We didn’t have much luck at Fort Scott. I didn’t do my job, and we got a no-time in the short round. It was nice to come back and have the same opportunity in Garden City and be able to capitalize on it.” With the 120 points each cowboy gathered, it should move Laubhan up to the top five in the Central Plains Region standings. Only the top three in each event advance out of the region to the college finals. “I didn’t really have any success last fall with a different partner, so it was nice to team up with Jayden,” VanOrsdol said. “My thought is if I could turn two steers good for Jayden and get him moved up in the standings and maybe get him to the college finals, we’ll see where I finish up from there. “When we got to Garden City, I figured if we’d go catch two steers, we’d place. I didn’t think we’d end up as good as we did, but we’ll take it. It feels good because we have three rodeos left. He’s right there amongst the leaders, and I’m one rodeo out from being amongst them, too. It gives us both a shot.” VanOrsdol and Laubhan led the way for the Rangers ropers in western Kansas. Fellow team ropers Camden Hoelting of Olpe, Kansas, and Austin Lampe of Dodge City, Kansas, placed in the long round but didn’t secure a time in the final round. Steer wrestling has always been a strong suit for Northwestern, known as the Bulldogging Capital of College Rodeo. The Rangers proved it, with champion Ben Jackson of Hudson Hope, British Columbia. He won the first round, finished third in the championship round and won the aggregate. Lee Sterling of Gotebo, Oklahoma, placed in both the short round and the aggregate, finishing fifth overall. Beau Kelley of Artesia, New Mexico, placed fifth in the opening round. For the women, Cedar Anderson of Carrington, North Dakota, roped her first-round calf in 2.3 seconds to finish fifth. She wasn’t able to secure a time in the final round. Laubhan and VanOrsdol found success through the simplest of methods, and they plan to keep it up. “I really enjoy roping with Wyatt,” the Texan said. “He’s really good at communicating, and that’s what I like. There’s no question about what he’s going to do, because we always talk about it before we do it, and he’s always looking to get better.” VanOrsdol is looking forward to the final three events of the season, primarily because the rodeos in Weatherford, Oklahoma; Hays, Kansas; and Guymon, Oklahoma, will all be outside. It’s something that fits the tandem’s style a little more, but he’s pretty tickled they had such success at the last indoor rodeo of the campaign this past weekend. “I didn’t think it was that tough in that building,” he said. “The steers were real good, but they were all fresher (meaning they hadn’t be run as much). Some ran a little more, but that’s part of it. Some guys got in a hurry because of the small arena. We made both of our runs at the back end of that arena. “I just tried to stay comfortable and not worry about where we were in the arena. I knew if we made clean runs, we’d be pretty good.”

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Laramie Mosley was in pain. He’d suffered a broken neck at a bull riding in Lewiston, Idaho, last September that required surgery to fuse his C5-C7 vertebrae, and the surgical scar on his throat and pain from the injury were just part of it. The worst agony for Mosley was knowing his 2021 rodeo season had just run its course, and he wouldn’t have a chance to compete at the National Finals Rodeo. The sport’s grand finale hosts only the top 15 from the regular season, and the Palestine, Texas, cowboy was ninth in the standings when the injury happened. “It emotionally wrecked me for a long time,” said Mosley, who finished the year 18th in the world standings while on injured reserve. “I didn’t know if I was going to be able to overcome that. After three months into it, I figured I could sit back and sulk and quit, or I could do what I’ve done the rest of my life and get out of the mud and come back firing.” Consider his guns loaded. He rode Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Road Warrior for 90 points to take the bull riding lead during Sunday’s fourth performance of the San Angelo Stock show and Rodeo. “This was super big,” said Mosley, who returned to action just a month ago. “It’s been rough since I got back, but I love San Angelo, and there’s always a good vibe here. I had a good (bull) drawn. I knew if I could keep my hand shut, it would be good.” It was. He scrambled from his position atop Road Warrior and adjusted to every move the bull threw at him. It looked very similar to the big rides he posted last season that allowed him the opportunity to battle for the world title until the injury took it all away. “He’s a bucker for sure,” he said of the bull. “It was amazing. I loved every second of it, every jump. “I’ve been getting on the (practice) barrel every day that I’m home, but I’m not home that much now, so I’m working on the mental side of things.” The reality is his muscle memory should take over at this stage of his career, but bull riding is the toughest event in which to secure a score. The bulls win most of the time. In the opening weekend of San Angelo’s rodeo, only eight cowboys have qualified rides out of the 46 cowboys that have wrapped their hands in the bull rope. Mosley has overcome a considerable amount since the wreck that happened seven months ago. Surgeons decided to fuse his three vertebrae to help stabilize the spine and allow for better healing. Doctors had told him that his C6 vertebrae was crushed. Now, he’s back to doing what he loves and competing at a rodeo he appreciates. “I really like San Angelo,” Mosley said, who will return to town next Sunday for the Xtreme Bulls competition, then come back for the championship round Friday, April 15. “When they open the rodeo, they have fireworks and have fire in the arena with loud and big booms. It makes you feel like you’re somebody when you’re there. Fans are loud and constantly cheering. It makes for a great experience.” San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding leaders: 1. 2. Keenan Reed Hayes, 86 points on Hampton Pro Rodeo’s Rising Tide; 2. Seth Hardwick, 84; 3. (tie) Chad Rutherford and Gavin French, 82; 5. Mike Solberg, 80.5; 6. Orin Larsen, 80; 7. Jacob Lees, 78; 8. Bill Tutor, 77; 9. Kelby Schneiter, 76.5; 10. Dean Thompson, 76; 11. (tie) Rickey Williams and Lane McGehee, 75. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Cade Goodman, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy and Trell Etbauer, 3.8; 5. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Justin Shaffer, 3.9; 7. (tie) Tory Jonson and Clayton Hass, 4.0. Second round leaders: 1. Stetson Jorgensen, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Dirk Tavenner, 3.7; 4. (tie) Cameron Morman, Payden McIntyre and Clayton Hass, 3.9; 7. Landris White, 4.0; 8. (tie) Caden Camp and Ringo Robinson, 4.1. Average leaders: 1. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Stetson Jorgensen, 7.6 seconds on two runs; 3. Clayton Hass, 7.9; 4. Payden McIntyre, 8.1; 5. Dirk Tavenner, 8.2; 6. Tory Johnson, 8.3; 7. Landris White, 8.4; 8. Cade Goodman, 8.9; 9. Blake Mindemann, 9.0; 10. Tucker Allen, 9.1; 11. Jason Thomas, 9.3; 12. (tie) Eli Lord and Bridger Anderson, 9.4. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9 seconds; 3. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1; 4. Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2; 5. Casey Tew/Brushton Minton, 4.5; 6. (tie) Wyatt Bray/Will Woodfin, Derrick Begay/Colter Todd and Andrew Livingston/Seth Smithson, 4.6. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds; 2. Cory Kidd/Lane Mitchell and Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8; 4. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 3.9; 5. Chet Weitz/Jace Davis, 4.1; 6. (tie) Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, Tucker Menz/D.J. Dugger and Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 4.3. Average leaders: 1. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 8.9 seconds on two runs; 2. Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 9.2; 3. Kolton Schmidt/Wyatt Cox, 9.4; 4. Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 9.5; 5. Wyatt Imus/Caleb Anderson, 9.6; 6. Andrew Livingston/Seth Smithson, 9.8; 7. Payden Emmett/Lucas Falconer, 10.2; 8. (tie) Kolby Krieger/Boogie Ray and Cinch Moody/Rich Skelton, 10.4; 10. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 12.5; 11. J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo, 12.6; 12. Clay Smith/Jade Corkill, 13.5. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Spencer Wright, 88 points on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Get Smart; 2. Rusty Wright. 85.5; 3. Allen Boore, 85; 4. Statler Wright, 84; 5. (tie) Riggin Smith, Samuel Kelts and Creighton Curley, 83; 8. CoBurn Bradshaw, 82; 9. Zeke Thurston, 81.5; 10. Jake Watson, 80.5; 11. Cauy Pennington, 80; 12. Isaac Diaz, 78.5. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Tyler Milligan and Travis Rogers, 7.6 seconds; 3. Dakota Felton, 7.8; 4. Riley Wakefield, 8.0; 5. Cody McCartney, 8.1; 6. (tie) Weldon Watson and Matt Shiozawa, 8.2; 8. (tie) Cash Hooper, Blake Ash and Luke Potter, 8.3.  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Over the last 15 years, the Wright name has become synonymous with professional rodeo. Cody Wright started it in 2008, when he won the first of his two saddle bronc riding world championships. That was followed by his little brother, Jesse, who claimed the gold buckle in 2012. A third brother, Spencer, was the world titlist two years later. The next generation is already knee deep in the world title race. Cody’s second son, Ryder, is a two-time world champ, and third son, Stetson, may rearrange ProRodeo’s record books in his career. On Saturday night during the third performance of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, it was definitely a night for the Wrights. Spencer Wright rode Macza Pro Rodeo’s Get Smart for 88 points to take the lead in saddle bronc riding, and he is followed in the standings by Cody’s oldest son, Rusty, and youngest son, Statler; Rusty was 85.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Manhatten Moon, and Statler was 84 points on Macza’s Honeymoon. While he didn’t get on a bronc Saturday, Stetson Wright made his presence felt as the last cowboy of the night in bull riding. He matched moves with Carr’s Juicy for 88 points to take the lead, and the Wright family stands out on a night that was packed with some of the sport’s biggest stars inside Foster Communications Coliseum. While they accounted for the most points the roughstock hands, there was some speed in the timed events, led by barrel racer Michelle Alley. The cloverleaf pattern of a barrel race is set up to test the speed and agility of some incredible horses. Alley owns one in Seis Caress, a 10-year-old bay mare she calls Saucy, and together the duo outraced the pack Saturday afternoon during the second performance “It felt really fast,” said Alley of Madisonville, Texas, who stopped the clock in 14.16 seconds to take the second-round barrel racing lead by nearly half a second. “She was running hard, and she smoked her barrels. (They were so close to the three barrels) I had to lift my leg for sure on the second, and I may have lifted my leg on all three” to make sure the barrels were left standing. Alley also sits atop the aggregate race with a two-run cumulative time of 29.99 seconds. That’s two-tenths of a second faster than second place. That’s good news for the South Dakota-raised cowgirl, who moved to Texas to attend college and stayed. She’s competed in San Angelo for several years, but 2021 was her first time to advance out of the first round into the second; this rodeo features unlimited entries for barrel racing, but only the top times return for the performances. “Last year I did really well,” she said. “I won a little (under) $7,000. Prior to that, I had heck in the first round. In 2020, I tipped a barrel to win the first round; in 2019, I tipped a barrel to finish second. Last year was the first time I got to advance to the coliseum.” Alley and Saucy posted a 15.83-second run in the opening round, which was just out of the money but still gave the tandem a good shot at making the championship round on April 15. It takes a fast horse and some good fortune to do that. “I bought her off the racetrack as a 2-year-old,” Alley said of her prized mount. “I did all the training on her, and the last two years, I’ve been super close to making the NFR. We’ve just had some injuries that have kept us from making it.” Only the top 15 ladies in the world standings at the end of the season advance to the National Finals Rodeo. Alley and Saucy finished 23rd a year ago and 19th in 2020. “Saucy is sassy,” she said. “She is very dominant, very bossy. She’s a diva. She knows she’s pretty, and she acts like it.” Saucy also lost a shoe off a front foot during the run, so that will be replaced before their next run in California in the coming days. Alley is already looking forward to the opportunity to return. “It’s really exciting and fun to run there because the crowd is so loud,” Alley said. “San Angelo’s crowd is always so wonderful. Saucy and me really feed off the crowd. It makes me ride better and makes my horse run faster.” San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding leaders: 1. Seth Hardwick, 84 on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Dark Secret; 2. (tie) Chad Rutherford and Gavin French, 82; 4. Mike Solberg, 80.5; 5. Orin Larsen, 80; 6. Jacob Lees, 78; 7. Bill Tutor, 77; 8. Kelby Schneiter, 76.5; 9. Dean Thompson, 76; 10. Lane McGehee, 75; 11. (tie) Zack Brown, Strawbs Jones and Payton Lackey, 70. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Cade Goodman, 3.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy and Trell Etbauer, 3.8; 5. (tie) Dakota Eldridge and Justin Shaffer, 3.9; 7. (tie) Tory Jonson and Clayton Hass, 4.0. Second round leaders: 1. Stetson Jorgensen, 3.5 seconds; 2. Dirk Tavenner, 3.7; 3. (tie) Cameron Morman, Payden McIntyre and Clayton Hass, 3.9; 6. Landris White, 4.0; 7. Ringo Robinson, 4.1; 8. Bridger Anderson, 4.2. Average leaders: 1. Stetson Jorgensen, 7.6 seconds on two runs; 2. Clayton Hass, 7.9; 3. Payden McIntyre, 8.1; 4. Dirk Tavenner, 8.2; 5. Landris White, 8.4; 6. Cade Goodman, 8.9; 7. Blake Mindemann, 9.0; 9. Jason Thomas, 9.3; 10. Bridger Anderson, 9.4; 11. Cody Harmon, 9.5; 12. Trell Etbauer 9.6. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9 seconds; 3. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1; 4. Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2; 5. Casey Tew/Brushton Minton, 4.5; 6. (tie) Wyatt Bray/Will Woodfin, Derrick Begay/Colter Todd and Andrew Livingston/Seth Smithson, 4.6. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds; 2. Cory Kidd/Lane Mitchell and Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8; 4. Chet Weitz/Jace Davis, 4.1; 5. Tucker Menz/D.J  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Riggin Smith finished the 2020 ProRodeo campaign as the No. 1 rookie in saddle bronc riding, and he didn’t even get to finish the season. He suffered a knee injury in August and sat out the final two months of the regular season, finishing in an agonizing 24th place in the world standings in year he hoped would end up among the top 15 that earned a qualification to the National Finals Rodeo. He took a few months off, rehabilitated his torn PCL, MCL and meniscus and went back to work. On Friday night during the first performance of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo, he proved that he’s back and as good as ever, riding Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Django for 83 points to take the early bronc riding lead inside Foster Communications Coliseum. “My knee’s great,” said Smith, the 2019 intercollegiate bronc riding champion while competing for Clarendon (Texas) College. “I’ve gotten so comfortable with it that I’ve taken my knee brace off, and that’s helped a lot.” It showed on the powerful horse that offers a wicked start to the ride. Smith had heard from several other cowboys that the bronc was difficult to mark out, meaning that it was hard for the contestants to keep their spurs in contact with the animal above the horse’s neck until the first jump out of the chute is complete. “Everybody told me he’d be pretty hard to spur out, but I didn’t expect it to be that hard,” he said. “When I looked at the stat sheet about that horse, there were a lot of zeroes. Wyatt Casper was 84 points, and I was there to watch it. I just kept that ride in my mind and thought in my mind that she would be that good today.” The big black horse was, and it provided some added electricity into an already amped-up arena filled with rodeo fans. If Smith’s score holds up to be one of the top 12 through the preliminary rounds, he will return for the championship night on Friday, April 15. “I’ve never made the short round here,” said Smith, the 32nd ranked bronc rider in this year’s standings. “This is just one of those rodeos everybody wants to win. It would be cool to get back in the short round and hopefully check this rodeo off my bucket list. “I love this rodeo. The crowd is into it. (Clown) Justin Rumford and (announcer) Boyd (Polhamus) do a great job of getting the crowd into it. It gets so loud in there that it literally pumps you up.” San Angelo Stock Show and RodeoApril 1-15Bareback riding leaders: 1. Seth Hardwick, 84 on Macza Rodeo’s Dark Secret; 2. Chad Rutherford, 82; 3. Orin Larsen, 80; 4. Zack Brown, 70; no other qualified rides. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Cade Goodman, 2.5 seconds; 2. (tie) Talon Roseland, Bryn Roy and Trell Etbauer, 3.8; 5. Dakota Eldridge, 3.9; 6. Tory Jonson, 4.0; 7. (tie) Jason Thomas, Blake Mindemann and Dalton Massey, 4.2. Second round leaders: 1. Cameron Morman, 3.9 seconds; 2. Landris White, 4.0; 3. Ringo Robinson, 4.1; Bridger Anderson, 4.2; 5. (tie) Josh Garner and Taz Olson, 4.3; 7. (tie) Grady Payne and Wyatt Jurney, 4.4. Average leaders: 1. Landris White, 8.4 seconds on two rides; 2. Cade Goodman, 8.9; 3. Blake Mindemann, 9.0; 4. Jason Thomas, 9.3; 5. Bridger Anderson, 9.4; 6. Cody Harmon, 9.5; 7. Trell Etbauer 9.6; 8. Riley Westhaver, 9.7; 9. (tie) Kalane Anders and Zach Peterson, 9.8; 11. Riley Reiss, 9.9; 12. Denard Butler, 10.0. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo and Lightning Aguilera/Coleby Payne, 3.9 seconds; 3. Caleb Smidt/Sergio Gonzales, 4.1; 4. Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.2; 5. Casey Tew/Brushton Minton, 4.5; 6. (tie) Wyatt Bray/Will Woodfin and AndrewLivingston/Seth Smithson, 4.6; 8. (tie) Charly Crawford/Dustin Davis, Payden Emmett/Lucas Falconer, Wyatt Imus/Caleb Anderson and Kolton Schmidt/Tyson Wyatt Cox, 4.7. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 3.5 seconds; 2. Chace Thompson/Tyson Thompson, 3.8; 3. Chet Weitz/Jace Davis, 4.1; 4. Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 4.3; 5. (tie) Jimmy Edens/Josh Patton and Jhett Trenary/Gralyn Elkins, 4.4; 7. (tie) Quisto Lopez/Cody Thornton and Tyler Mangus/Truman Mangus, 4.5. Average leaders: 1. Kolton Schmidt/Wyatt Cox, 9.4 seconds on two runs; 2. Tanner James/Phoenix Everano, 9.5; 3. Wyatt Imus/Caleb Anderson, 9.6; 4. Andrew Livingston/Seth Smithson, 9.8; 5. Payden Emmett/Lucas Falconer, 10.2; 6. (tie) Kolby Krieger/Boogie Ray and Cinch Moody/Rich Skelton, 10.4; 8. Nelson Wyatt/Tyler Worley, 12.5; 9. J.C. Yeahquo/L.J. Yeahquo, 12.6; 10. Wyatt Bray/Will Woodfin, 14.0; 11. Wyatt Muggli/Casey McCleskey, 15.6; 12. Spencer Mitchell/Jason Duby, 19.0. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Riggin Smith, 83 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Django; 2. Cauy Pennington, 80; 3. Isaac Diaz, 78.5; 4. Jacob Lewis, 77; 5. Weston Patterson, 75; 6. Gus Gaillard, 73; no other qualified rides. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Tyler Milligan and Travis Rogers, 7.6 seconds; 3. Dakota Felton, 7.8; 4. Riley Wakefield, 8.0; 5. Cody McCartney, 8.1; 6. (tie) Cash Hooper and Blake Ash, 8.3; 8. (tie) Wyatt Muggli and Russell Schilling, 8.8. Second round leaders: 1. Trenton Smith. 7.7 seconds; 2. Ryle Smith, 7.9; 3. Trevor Hale, 8.0; 4. (tie) Tyler Milligan and Chet Weitz, 8.1; 6. Buck Take, 8.2; 7. (tie) Chisum Allen and Clint Singleton, 8.3. Average leaders: 1. Tyler Milligan, 15.7 seconds on two runs; 2. Dakota Felton, 16.8; 3. Cody McCartney, 16.9; 4. Travis Rogers, 17.5; 5. Blake Deckard, 18.1; 6. Buck Tate, 18.3; 7. Walker Akins, 18.4; 8. Wyatt Imus, 18.5; 9. Kolt Henderson, 18.6; 10. Riley Wakefield, 19.1; 11. Sam Houston Powers, 19.3; 12. (tie) Russell Schilling and Cooper Mathews, 19.5. Barrel racing: First round: 1. Wenda Johnson, 15.47 seconds, $5,773; 2. Dona Kay Rule, 15.48, $4,948; 3. Ericka Nelson, 15.57, $4,124; 4. Margo Crowther, 15.58, $3,574; 5. (tie) Cassidy Champlin, Bayleigh Choate and Liza Zachoda, 15.60, $2,199 each; 8. Shannon McReynolds, 15.64, $1,100; 9. Ivy Saebens, 15.65, $825; 10. Emily Mangioe, 15.66, $550. Second round leaders: 1.  Continue Reading »