Thompson shines in Gooding
World champion Dean Thompson has not only survived cancer and it’s treatments, but he has returned to bareback riding. He rode Summit Pro Rodeo’s Red Feathers during Saturday’s third performance to finish in a tie for second place at the Gooding Pro Rodeo. (PHOTO BY W.T. BRUCE) GOODING, Idaho – From anguish to exhilaration, the eyes speak volume. Over the past four months, Dean Thompson’s face has revealed pain, anger, exhaustion and, eventually, joy. It’s what happens when cancer enters one’s life. His was Burkitt’s Lymphoma, an aggressive disease he was diagnosed with in April. Treatments took his strength; they never took his will. A month ago, he revealed that he was cancer free, a day that brought sunshine to his heart and to his mind. He entered his first PRCA rodeo that same week, and he returned to the game last week. For the 2024 world champion bareback rider, it marks one of the biggest victories of his young life. He hadn’t entered the competition at the Gooding Pro Rodeo, but he opted to make the drive from his Altamont, Utah, home hoping to be a walk-up replacement Saturday night. His plan worked, and he made it pay off in a big way with an 88.5-point ride on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Red Feathers to finish in a tie for second place. That was worth $4,880. “This is kind of a full-circle moment,” said Thompson, who first competed in Gooding in 2022 as a walk-up replacement and finished with southern Idaho money that year. “Two times I’ve walked up, and I didn’t know I’d have a spot here. The first time, I remember drawing a horse that one of the best guys in the world had turned out. “I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to win the money on that horse.’ It was enough to make me know that I deserve to be there and can make other horses didn’t believe in. (Saturday) was a similar situation.” In March, Thompson rode a bronc in Watford City, N.D., then came the diagnosis. Chemotherapy began in April and ended in July. He got on his first bareback horse a week ago in Hermiston, Oregon, and also rode this week in Burley, Idaho, a community just 65 miles southeast of Gooding. When he put his name in the hat Saturday afternoon, a random draw matched him with a bronc that had been turned out, meaning that the cowboy who had originally drawn Red Feathers for the final night in Gooding opted to not to ride. The luck of the re-draw worked in Thompson’s favor. “That was one of the best walk-up pens I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Thompson, 24, a three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Altamont, Utah. “When I drew that freaking Red Feathers, I’d been there one time, and I think I was 89 or something like that, so I knew the potential was there.” On Wednesday night, 2019 world champion Clayton Biglow rode Red Feathers for 88.5 points, so the powerful sorrel was part of both second-place scores. While Leighton Berry won the title in Gooding, Thompson also claimed victory. In addition to hair growing on what once was a smoothly bald head, this is another positive sign. “I’ve been saying all along, (this is) just a minor setback for a major comeback,” Thompson said. “It feels like that’s what’s going on right now. It still feels like I’m brushing the rust off. “It fills like just (Saturday) night, I was able to really shine like I’m supposed to.” Gooding Pro Rodeo Aug. 19-22 All-around cowboy: Haven Meged, $4,474 in tie-down roping and team roping. Bareback riding: 1. Leighton Berry, 91 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail, $7,332; 2. (tie) Clayton Biglow and Dean Thompson, 88.5, $4,880 each; 4. (tie) Bradlee Miller and Ben Kramer, 87.5, $2,200 each; 6. Luke Thrash, 87, $1,222; 7. Cooper Cooke, 85, $978; 8. (tie) Jayco Roper, Cole Reiner and Carson Hildre, 84.5, $244 each. Steer wrestling: 1. Eli Lord, 3.1 seconds, $4,942; 2. (tie) J.D. Struxness and Rowdy Parrott, 3.3, $4,118 each; 4. (tie) Riley Duvall, Mike McGinn and Ringo Robinson, 3.5, $2,965 each; 7. (tie) Trisyn Kalawaia, Don Payne and Ty Erickson, 3.6, $1,977 each; 10. (tie) Bridger Anderson, Dalton Massey and Justin Shaffer, 3.7, $1,030 each; 14. (tie) Jace Melvin and Travis Munro, 3.8, $412 each. Team roping: 1. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.1 seconds, $6,038; 2. Andrew Ward/Jake Long, 4.2, $5,233; 3. (tie) Brye Crites/Ross Ashford and Dustin Egusquiza/J.C. Flake, 4.3, $4,428 each; 5. Riley Kittle/Trey Yates, 4.4, $3,623; 6. (tie) Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner and Slade Wood/Logan Moore, 4.5, $3,019 each; 8. (tie) Jaxon Hill/Jessen James, Coleman Proctor/Travis Graves and Klay Yaussi/Bo Yaussi, 4.6, $2,013 each; 11. Korbin Rice/Cooper Freeman, 4.7, $1,409; 12. (tie) Kolton Schmidt/Paden Bray and Cole Curry/Jayse Tettenhorst, 4.8, $1,006 each; 14. (tie) Coy Rahlmann/Logan Medlin, Clay Smith/Coleby Payne and Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.9, $335 each. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Ben Andersen, 88 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cowboy Fool, $7,558; 2. Waitley Sharon, 87.5, $5,794; 3. Stetson Wright, 86.5, $4,283; 4, (tie) Mitch Pollock and Christian Bolli, 86, $2,267 each; 6. (tie) Rusty Wright, Logan Hay and Layton Green, 85.5, $1,008 each. Breakaway roping: 1. Macy Young, 2.1, $7,280; 2. Erika Frost, 2.2, $5,824; 3. (tie) Haiden Thompson, Jacee Currin and Josie Goodrich, 2.3, $3,761 each; 6. (tie) Kadin Jodie, Maklee Larsen, Julia Reeves and Taylor Munsell, 2.4, $1,775 each; 10. (tie) Laramie Jackson and Ally McDaniel, 2.5, $1,183 each; 12. (tie) Josey Murphy and Millie Greenwood, 2.6, $819 each; 14. (tie) Jayce Blake, Timber Allenbrand, Karrigan Graves, Beau Peterson and Josie Conner, 2.7, $182 each. Tie-down roping: 1. Riley Mason Webb, 7.5 seconds, $6,712; 2. Tom Crouse, 8.4, $5,817; 3. Bryce Derrer, 8.5, $5,369; 4. Haven Meged, 8.6, $4,474; 5. Tyler Calhoun, 8.7, $4,027; 6. (tie) Beau Cooper, Hunter Herrin and Shane Hanchey, 8.9, $3,132 each; 9. (tie) Luke Potter, Britt Bedke and Cory Solomon, 9.0, $1,864 each; 12. (tie) Zack
Rookie rides right into second
Waitley Sharon is having a spectacular rookie season. He entered this week with more than $100,000 in earnings and will add to it with an 87.5-point ride on Korkow Rodeo’s Frenemies during Friday’s second performance of the Gooding Pro Rodeo. (PHOTO BY LAURA ST JACQUES) GOODING, Idaho – On the Plains of eastern Colorado, Waitley Sharon was dreaming of being a professional rodeo cowboy. At just 21 years old, he’s not only living that life but doing it at an elite level. Heading into this week of rodeos, he has earned more than $107,000 and is ranked 17th in the saddle bronc riding world standings. He might just move up after this weekend, though. During Friday’s second performance of the Gooding Pro Rodeo, Sharon rode Korkow Rodeos’ Frenemies for 87.5 points and moved into second place, trailing leader Ben Andersen by just half a point. Both will have to await Saturday’s final performance to see where they fall in the mix. “I grew up on a ranch in Ordway,” Sharon said the small Colorado community of about 1,000. “I’ve got four younger brothers, and we grew up riding steers and getting on broncs and were pretty much rodeoing all the time. If we weren’t working, we were going to a rodeo, so it was pretty wild.” He’s still wild, but it’s contained. Not only is he on the bubble to qualify for his first National Finals Rodeo, but Sharon is also the top dog in the race for the bronc riding Rookie of the Year title. He leads childhood friend Coleman Shallbetter of Gunnison, Colorado, by just $22,000 for that coveted title, but there are still five weeks remaining in ProRodeo’s regular season. “Mitchie Story, Coleman and I all started riding broncs together,” he said, mentioning his traveling partner from Bayfield, Colorado. We all started riding broncs together in high school rodeos and college rodeos. It’s all been always the same thing, and it’s just really cool for us to continue to keep it going.” Shallbetter is among the top 30 in the world standings, so he’ll need to hit a lick and collect a big chunk of change if he’s going to battle for the rookie title at the NFR, the sport’s 10-day grand finale. Story is still on his permit, a tryout time. He’ll buy his PRCA card and begin his rookie campaign in 2027, but he’s dominating the permit standings. They feed off each other’s successes, and none are riding like newcomers to a challenging game. Sharon said having a solid mindset has been instrumental to his season. “My wife does an awesome job of keeping me positive and keeping me on the right track,” Sharon said of Brendi, whom he married in mid-May. “Hopefully we can keep drawing some good horses, keep using them and keep this rolling.” He’s paid close attention to those who came to this game before him, and he realizes there are some special moments in rodeo. I really like getting to travel and see new country,” he said. “Just like cowboys back in the day, they always drifted around and didn’t really stay in one place too long. Rodeo is how you can do the same thing right now in modern times.” Gooding Pro Rodeo Aug. 19-22 Bareback riding: 1. Leighton Berry, 91 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail; 2. Clayton Biglow, 88.5; 3. (tie) Bradlee Miller and Ben Kramer, 87.5; 5. Luke Thrash, 87; 6. Cooper Cooke, 85; 7. (tie) Jayco Roper and Carson Hildre, 84.5. Steer wrestling: 1. Eli Lord, 3.1 seconds; 2. (tie) J.D. Struxness and Rowdy Parrott, 3.3; 4. (tie) Riley Duvall, Mike McGinn and Ringo Robinson, 3.5; 7. (tie) Trisyn Kalawaia, Don Payne and Ty Erickson, 3.6; 10. (tie) Bridger Anderson, Dalton Massey and Justin Shaffer, 3.7; 14. (tie) Jace Melvin and Travis Munro, 3.8; 12; Team roping: 1. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.1 seconds; 2. Andrew Ward/Jake Long, 4.2; 3. Brye Crites/Ross Ashford, 4.3; 4. Riley Kittle/Trey Yates, 4.4; 5. (tie) Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner and Slade Wood/Logan Moore, 4.5; 7. (tie) Jaxon Hill/Jessen James, Coleman Proctor/Travis Graves and Klay Yaussi/Bo Yaussi, 4.6; 10. Korbin Rice/Cooper Freeman, 4.7; 11. (tie) Kolton Schmidt/Paden Bray and Cole Curry/Jayse Tettenhorst, 4.8; 13. (tie) Coy Rahlmann/Logan Medlin, Clay Smith/Coleby Payne and Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 4.9. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Ben Andersen, 88 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cowboy Fool; 2. Waitley Sharon, 87.5; 3. Stetson Wright, 86.5; 4, Mitch Pollock, 86; 5. (tie) Rusty Wright, Logan Hay and Layton Green, 85.5; 8. Q Taylor, 85; 6. (tie) Brody Cress and Cooper Thatcher, 83; 8. (tie) Ryder Wright, Brody Wells and Caleb Brangham, 82.5. Breakaway roping: 1. Macy Young, 2.1; 2. Erika Frost, 2.2; 3. (tie) Haiden Thompson, Jacee Currin and Josie Goodrich, 2.3; 6. (tie) Kadin Jodie, Maklee Larsen and Taylor Munsell, 2.4; 9. (tie) Laramie Jackson and Ally McDaniel, 2.5; 11. (tie) Josey Murphy and Millie Greenwood, 2.6; 13. (tie) Jayce Blake, Timber Allenbrand, Karrigan Graves, Beau Peterson and Josie Conner, 2.7. Tie-down roping: 1. Riley Mason Webb, 7.5 seconds; 2. Tom Crouse, 8.4; 3. Bryce Derrer, 8.5; 4. Haven Meged, 8.6; 5. Tyler Calhoun, 8.7; 6. (tie) Beau Cooper, Hunter Herrin and Shane Hanchey, 8.9; 9. (tie) Luke Potter, Britt Bedke and Cory Solomon, 9.0; 12. Zack Jongbloed, 9.2; 13. John Douch, 9.3; 14. Cash Hooper, 9.4; 15. Brodey Clemons, 9.5. Barrel racing: 1. Carlee Otero, 16.54 seconds; 2. Tayla Moeykens, 16.73; 3. Anita Ellis, 16.77; 4. Taylor Baize, 16.78; 5. Sydney Graham, 16.81; 6. Summer Kosel, 16.86; 7. Kathy Grimes, 16.89; 8. Katelyn Scott, 16.92; 9. Emma Smith, 16.96; 10. Andrea Busby, 16.97; 11. (tie) Megan McLeod-Sprague and Makenzie Mayes, 16.99; 12. Stevi Hillman, 17.01; 14. Tricia Aldridge, 17.06; 15. Haylee Moosman Woodward, 17.07. Bull riding: 1. Hudson Bolton, 90 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Howdy Rowdy; 2. Tristan Mize, 89.5; 3. Luke Mackey, 88; 4. (tie) Roscoe Jarboe and Colton Coffman, 86.5; 6. (tie) Cimarron Rucker, Dakota Adams, Tristen Hutchings and Jate Frost,
Clown, emcee are true friends
Rodeo clown Cody Sosebee, the bigger gentleman on the left, and rodeo announcer Garrett Yerigan have been friends since Yerigan’s birth. When Sosebee was competing, he traveled with Yerigan’s parents. In their current posts, they work a lot of rodeos together. They will be part of the entertaining package during Utah’s Own Rodeo, which takes place Sept. 11, 12 and 14 during the Utah State Fair. (PHOTO COURTESY OF GARRETT YERIGAN) Sosebee, Yerigan’s relationship is more of a brotherly bond in arena SALT LAKE CITY – Three decades ago, Cody Sosebee was a young bareback rider who was still figuring out how to handle his business. He found others who were heading in the same direction, then he’d hitch a ride. That’s how he met Garrett Yerigan, with whom he shares the stage at Utah’s Own Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; Saturday, Sept. 12; and Monday, Sept. 14, in the Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. Tickets can be purchased at UtahStateFair.com/tickets. “I’ve known Garrett since he was a baby, because he was in the truck with us going down the road, teething and pooping his diaper,” said Sosebee, one of the premier clowns in rodeo who returns to the Utah State Fair for the second straight year. “His dad and mom drug me up and down the road when I was a young, 20-year-old, cocky bareback rider. “I thought I knew everything, and they kept me out of jail and kept me entered and got me to the rodeos, then got me home.” Garrett Yerigan’s folks are Dale and Kathy Yerigan, who were superstars in the Oklahoma-based International Professional Rodeo Association. That’s where Dale Yerigan and Sosebee won championships. That’s where Garrett Yerigan cut his teeth and became one of the sport’s top announcers; he is a two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year. Sosebee was coming off his IPRA gold buckle when Garrett Yerigan was in September 1994. Their relationship has grown over the nearly 32 years since. Utah’s Own Rodeo isn’t the only event they work together, but it’s another chance for the duo to share their familial bond. “I have lots of great relationships with different clowns, but I don’t think there’s anyone that’s more deeply rooted than my relationship with Sosebee,” said Yerigan, who will turn 32 on the final day of Utah’s Own Rodeo. “When he was bareback riding in the IPRA, he was traveling with my parents in the rig. “He was there when my mom announced to everybody that she was pregnant with me. I tell people that he’s known me since before I was even born.” That tight-knit rapport is evident when the two are working in the arena together. “I think a lot of it is just our brotherhood from me being a little bitty baby when he was still riding, then he obviously stepped away from bareback riding and went on to his clown career,” Yerigan said. “We separated for a few years, but we always remained friends. Then the more I got into announcing, we started crossing paths again. It just rekindled that old brotherhood and friendship.” They work in unison with an understanding of the game and the importance of a well-groomed production when it comes to fan-enjoyment. Sosebee is the comic relief, but he also stands in during transitions from one discipline to another and during lulls in competition. That’s where the two shine brightest. “Getting to work with Garrett at all these big rodeos is just awesome,” Sosebee said. “In my eyes, he’s definitely the best there is, and he’s only getting better and more talented.” That’s high praise from one standout to another. Sosebee won the honor for the 2018 Comedy Act of the Year, has been nominated for PRCA Clown of the Year and was selected to be the barrelman at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo “I just smile when he walks into the arena, because I know one of my best friends, my brothers, is over there with me, and he’s going to keep the crowd clapping and laughing,” Yerigan said. “We can pick on each other had have fun out there. We don’t plan on anything. It’s not scripted, but it just flows. I think people can genuinely feel that we’re just two guys having fun, and they can have fun right along with us.” It’s a camaraderie that began long ago in a pickup pulling a horse trailer, and that bond continues in a different capacity that rodeo audiences can enjoy.
Lord sets Gooding record
Eli Lord finishes his record-setting 3.1-second run during Thursday’s first performance of the Gooding Pro Rodeo. (PHOTO BY LARA ST JACQUES) GOODING, Idaho – Before he even backed into the timed-event box, steer wrestler Eli Lord knew he needed to be fast just to catch a paycheck. He then posted the fastest run of the rodeo, grappling his steer to the ground in 3.1 seconds, establishing a new Andy James Arena record; Californian Stan Branco was 3.2 seconds four years ago. “This is a very tough rodeo,” said Lord, 32, of Sturgis, South Dakota. “The start is a double-edged sword, especially on a slow steer like that. You can’t go too fast, obviously, because even if you get out of the barrier, sometimes you catch up so fast that you’re not able to get behind the horns and catch the steer. “You have to give yourself enough time so the steer is out in front of you, but you can’t be off the barrier to win. You had to be 3.9 to even win a check here. If you miss the barrier just a little bit, then you’re running down the arena and are 4.1, and you don’t win anything.” The barrier is the starting line for the timed events. Cattle receive a head start, so a barrier rope is placed at the front of the box. Once the steer reaches the appropriate distance, the barrier will release. If a cowboy crosses the line too early, then the string holding it to the chute will break, and the contestant is assessed a 10-second penalty. “The start is really important,” he said. So is his horsepower. He has that with a 15-year-old mare he calls Bambi. “She’s been great and has been getting better all year long,” Lord said. “I feel like now she’s dialed in a lot more than she was when I started the year. Everything’s been feeling great here the last couple of weeks. It maybe hasn’t transitioned into winning a lot of money yet, but hopefully it turns around here when we’re out here in the Northwest for a few more weeks.” Every positive move in the cash-flow is important with just five weeks remaining on the ProRodeo season. Sure, he’s within range of advancing to his first National Finals Rodeo, but only the top 15 advance to the year-end championship. He is about $8,700 out of the 15th spot on the money list, and there are a lot of high-paying rodeos remaining on the schedule. He’s also less than $20,000 out of the top 10. That kind of cash can be earned with just a handful of great runs. If his record isn’t broken over the final two nights of the Gooding Pro Rodeo, Lord should pocket better than $5,000. “This rodeo has been getting better every year,” he said. “I’ve been rodeoing for about six years now, and every year I come, this rodeo is better. The hospitality is great. The money is great. They switched things around to help us get here. Everything they do really accommodates the cowboy, and we appreciate that. “Every year, they’re going to get all the guys that rodeo all year just for those reasons. The money is the biggest thing, but it’s all the other stuff when you show up that is also nice.” Gooding Pro Rodeo Aug. 19-22 Bareback riding: 1. Leighton Berry, 91 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail; 2. Clayton Biglow, 88.5; 3. Luke Thrash, 87; 4. (tie) Jayco Roper and Carson Hildre, 84.5; 6. Jacob Lees, 84; 7. R.C. Landingham, 81.5; 8. (tie) Tristan Hansen and Roedy Farrell, 81. Steer wrestling: 1. Eli Lord, 3.1 seconds; 2. J.D. Struxness, 3.3; 3. (tie) Riley Duvall, Mike McGinn and Ringo Robinson, 3.5; 6. Trisyn Kalawaia, 3.6; 7. (tie) Bridger Anderson, Dalton Massey and Justin Shaffer, 3.7; 10. (tie) Jace Melvin and Travis Munro, 3.8; 12. Will Lummus, 3.9; 13. (tie) Nick Guy, Ty Allred and Chance Howard, 4.0; Team roping: 1. Brye Crites/Ross Ashford, 4.3 seconds; 2. Jaxson Hill/Jessen James, 4.6; 3. Haven Meged/Zack Jongbloed, 8.0; 4. Ashton Parker/Tom Simpson, 17.1; no other qualified runs. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Ben Andersen, 88 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cowboy Fool; 2. Stetson Wright, 86.5; 3. (tie) Rusty Wright and Logan Hay, 85.5; 5. Q Taylor, 85; 6. (tie) Brody Cress and Cooper Thatcher, 83; 8. (tie) Ryder Wright, Brody Wells and Caleb Brangham, 82.5. Breakaway roping: 1. Macy Young, 2.1; 2. Erika Frost, 2.2; 3. (tie) Haiden Thompson, Jacee Currin and Josie Goodrich, 2.3; 6. (tie) Kadin Jodie and Maklee Larsen, 2.4; 3; 10. (tie) Josey Murphy and Millie Greenwood, 2.6; 12. (tie) Jayce Blake, Timber Allenbrand, Karrigan Graves and Beau Peterson, 2.7. Tie-down roping: 1. Riley Mason Webb, 7.5 seconds; 2. Tom Crouse, 8.4; 3. Bryce Derrer, 8.5; 4. Haven Meged, 8.6; 5. Tyler Calhoun, 8.7; 6. (tie) Beau Cooper and Hunter Herrin, 8.9; 8. (tie) Luke Potter and Britt Bedke, 9.0; 10. Zack Jongbloed, 9.2; 11. Cash Hooper, 9.4; 12. Zaine Mikita, 10.0; 13. (tie) Logan Bird and Quade Hiatt, 10.2; 15. Dylan Hancock, 10.7. Barrel racing: 1. Carlee Otero, 16.54 seconds; 2. Tayla Moeykens, 16.73; 3. Anita Ellis, 16.77; 4. Taylor Baize, 16.78; 5. Sydney Graham, 16.81; 6. Katelyn Scott, 16.92; 7. Emma Smith, 16.96; 8. Andrea Busby, 16.97; 9. (tie) Megan McLeod-Sprague and Makenzie Mayes, 16.99; 11. Stevi Hillman, 17.01; 12. Haylee Moosman Woodward, 17.07; 13. (tie) Caitlyn White and Shy-Anne Jarrett, 17.09; 15. Kim Squires, 17.10. Bull riding: 1. Hudson Bolton, 90 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Howdy Rowdy; 2. Tristan Mize, 89.5; 3. Luke Mackey, 88; 4. (tie) Roscoe Jarboe and Colton Coffman, 86.5; 6. (tie) Cimarron Rucker, Dakota Adams and Tristen Hutchings, 86.
Biglow makes big-time ride
Clayton Biglow has always enjoyed competing at the Gooding Pro Rodeo. He also posted the highest-marked ride of Wednesday’s “Beauty and the Beast” performance, an 88-point effort on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Red Feathers. (PHOTO BY LARA ST JACQUES) GOODING, Idaho – Just seven years ago, bareback rider Clayton Biglow was on top of the rodeo world. He is the 2019 world champion who had the best finish at that year’s National Finals Rodeo. He finished the 10-day championship with nearly $250,000 and the world champion’s gold buckle. Since he was the 2016 Rookie of the Year, he qualified for eight straight NFRs. The last few years haven’t quite been as special. Injuries have played a role in that, but there’s more to it. He may have found his way over that hump in 2026, and it showed with an 88.5-point ride on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Red Feathers during Wednesday’s performance to take the Gooding Pro Rodeo lead. “The last four years has been a grind, and I finally feel like I’ve got my chickens gathered up and getting some consistency again,” said Biglow, 30, of Clements, California. “I’m feeling strong and healthy, and I think that’s the main thing. I’m feeling healthy again mentally and physically. When you’re struggling on either end of those things, its pretty hard out here riding bareback horses. “When you’ve got them both put together, it makes it a little bit easier.” It’s been a decade since Biglow earned his first NFR qualification and won the rookie title. Much has changed over that time for the northern California cowboy. He’s now a husband and a father, and that plays into how things go when it’s time to perform. His experience paid off on Red Feathers. “That horse is a little touchy in the bucking chute,” he said. “They want to get her in and out of there. It’s a great horse. I actually got on it here four or five years ago. It’s been a great horse ever since, and I knew if I went out there and did what I needed to do, I knew that horse was going to perform.” So did Biglow. With just six weeks left in ProRodeo’s regular season, he needs everything to continue coming together. He has earned $98,270 this season but sits 19th on the money list. He needs to be among the top 15 in the world standings when Sept. 30 rolls around to advance to nis ninth NFR, the first since 2023. “We get on a lot of bareback horses in a year, so you get your bumps and bruises,” Biglow said. “It’s August, so it’s just part of the game. I would like to be drawing better, but that all started (Wednesday).” Contestants are matched with their animals via a random draw. In bareback riding, half the score is based on how well the horse bucks, so that’s an important ingredient in a winning mixture. Victories will help push the California bronc buster back to Las Vegas in December. “I want that more than anything in the world, but everything’s out of my control,” he said. “All I can do is focus on what I get done in the arena. Being on the (NFR) bubble for the first time is a little stressful, but I’ve just really got to trust God’s timing and focus on the job at hand. “The rest will take care of itself.” Gooding Pro Rodeo Aug. 19-22 Bareback riding: 1. Clayton Biglow, 88.5 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Red Feathers; 2. Jayco Roper, 84.5; 3. Jacob Lees, 84; 4. R.C. Landingham, 81.5; 5. Tristan Hansen, 81; 6. Mason Yancy, 80; 7. Owen Brouillette, 77; 8. (tie) Jasek Frost and Chett Dietz, 73. Steer wrestling: 1. J.D. Struxness, 3.3 seconds; 2. (tie) Riley Duvall, Mike McGinn and Ringo Robinson, 3.5; 5. Trisyn Kalawaia, 3.6; 6. (tie) Bridger Anderson, Dalton Massey and Justin Shaffer, 3.7; 9. Will Lummus, 3.9; 10. (tie) Nick Guy, Ty Allred and Chance Howard, 4.0; 13. Curtis Cassidy and Tyke Kipp, 4.1; 15. (tie) Tristan Martin, Ben Mitchell and Mason Couch, 4.2. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Stetson Wright, 86.5 points on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Molly Brown; 2. Rusty Wright, 85.5; 3. (tie) Brody Cress and Cooper Thatcher, 83; 5. (tie) Ryder Wright and Brody Wells, 82.5; 7. (tie) Statler Wright and Kaden Horrocks, 81.5. Breakaway roping: 1. (tie) Kadin Jodie and Maklee Larsen, 2.4 seconds; 3. Maddison Rogers, 2.8; 4. Rickie Engesser, 3.0; 5. (tie) Josie King and Saydee Davis, 3.2; 7. Shaylee Warner, 3.3; 8. Brylee Smith, 13.2. Bull riding: 1. Luke Mackey, 88 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Howdy Rowdy; 2. Roscoe Jarboe, 86.5; 3. (tie) Cimarron Rucker and Dakota Adams, 86; 5. Stetson Wright, 85; 6. (tie) Colten Fritzlan and Clayton Sellars, 83; 8. (tie) Kobie Olson and Robbie Taylor, 82.
Celebration commences this week
World champion bull rider Ky Hamilton is expected to compete at this year’s Gooding Pro Rodeo, which takes place Wednesday-Saturday. He is one of 39 world champions who are scheduled to be in the field. (PHOTO BY LARA ST JACQUES) Gooding Pro Rodeo puts the stars on display for energized audiences GOODING, Idaho – The buzz is humming right along in Gooding County, a southern Idaho community that is eager for its biggest spectacle. It happens this week with the Gooding Pro Rodeo presented by Idaho Ford Dealers, set for Thursday, Aug. 20-Saturday, Aug. 22, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 19. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena. Most of the biggest names in ProRodeo will be involved, and it’s just not the ropers, racers, bulldoggers and riders; it’s also the animals. Whether it’s the steer wrestling horse Crush or the bucking bull Best Chance, there are superstars in equine and bovine form. One of those is Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail, widely recognized as one of the most electric and spectacular bareback horses in rodeo today. Cowboys have been “Beer Worthy” almost every year they’ve matched moves with the powerful bay bucker. It’s not alone in that category, which will feature Korkow Rodeos’ Onion Ring, the 2021 Bareback Horse of the Year, and Macza Pro Rodeo’s Stevie Knicks, a Canadian bucking horse that has been part of some of the highest-scoring rides in the game. Animals like that will be part of the party for all four nights of the PRCA Playoff Series rodeo. “One of the reasons we have three stock contractors is so we give the cowboys the best opportunity to win money in Gooding,” said Don Gill, the fair and rodeo’s manager. “We not only have three contractors, but they might just be the best three in my opinion.” That’s one of the reason dozens of National Finals Rodeo qualifiers have put their names in the hat to be in Gooding this week. They want to be “Beer Worthy,” a sign of excellence that is recognized by the vibrant fan base that attends the rodeo. “That rodeo has really good contractors and a really good committee,” said Kodie Jang, an Australian steer wrestler. “I’ve been ‘Beer Worthy’ winning a check and ‘Beer Worthy’ for getting my shirt ripped off. It’s always a good time at Gooding, Idaho.” This week’s escapades will feature more than 800 contestants battling for the big bucks up for grabs. Teaming with sponsors, local organizers are contributing $180,000 to the purse. The money is added to contestants’ entry fees to make the total payout. That kind of attraction, which is bolstered by a raucous crowd, is why 39 world champions are making their way to southern Idaho. “It attracts every single big name in rodeo,” said Steve Kenyon, now in his 25th year announcing the rodeo. “The people in Gooding have so much fun, and they are so into this event. The rodeo is a major part of the little fair in Gooding. I think the rodeo has become the major identifying factor of the community.”
Thompson kicks cancer out
Just three months before he won the 2024 world championship, Utah bareback rider Dean Thompson made a big-time ride during Utah’s Own PRCA Rodeo. This past April, he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He underwent treatment and feels confident the cancer has gone, so he has returned to bareback riding. (PHOTO BY ALEXIS CADY) Bareback riding champ is back in action after spurring the disease SALT LAKE CITY – In December 2024, Dean Thompson arrived at his second National Finals Rodeo, then lit Las Vegas on fire. He won just shy of $240,000 in 10 days of riding bareback horses and finished his year as one of three Utah world champions, joining bull rider Josh Frost and saddle bronc rider Ryder Wright. He was on top of the world, living out a life he could only dream about before. Sixteen months later, though, his life shifted. He was involved in a bareback riding wreck in Cave Creek, Arizona, and opted to stop by the hospital in Park City, Utah, to check things out. He underwent tests, and scans revealed a mass in his neck. His focus quickly shifted, and he left his rigging at his Altamont, Utah, home for a different ride, this time at Intermountain Health LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City in a battle with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He went through rounds of chemotherapy. The poison did its job, ridding him of the disease, but it also sapped his energy and his strength. Just last month, Thompson rang the bell at LDS Hospital. He wanted everyone to know the cancer is gone, and he got back to the business of riding bucking horses. He’s still building back his strength, but he has already returned to the arena. He’s expected to be part of the field at Utah’s Own Rodeo, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; Saturday, Sept. 12; and Monday, Sept. 14, in the Days of ’47 Arena at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. Tickets can be purchased at UtahStateFair.com/tickets. “It’s crazy to think about the stuff you take for granted that you miss,” said Thompson, a three-time NFR qualifier who rode last week in Hermiston, Oregon, his first time on a bucking horse in three months. “Then you reflect on it, and it’s like, holy cow, I’ve got another shot at life.” That, he does. While most wait a year or two to ring the bell because there is a chance cancer will return, Thompson is confident in his doctors, treatment and faith. Some of that has to do with Burkitt’s Lymphoma; patients with it either live with the cancer or be cured of it. “As of right now, zero results showed up on my PET scan, so there’s less than a 10 percent chance that it returns,” he told ProRodeo Sports News. “Usually with people that have this cancer, once they are cured, it never comes back. To hear that it’s a 90 percent chance that you’re on your way, that’s incredible in cancer terms.” That’s why he’s back under a rigging, continuing to strengthen his talent and his mind while he’s also proving the power of his faith.
Rising stars fill fair’s lineup
HEMPSTEAD, Texas – Before Ella Langley became a country megastar, music fans in Waller County, Texas, experienced her brand of entertainment. The same could be said for Cody Johnson and other big names, and that theme is continuing during this year’s concert series for the Waller County Fair and Rodeo, a 10-day exposition that runs from Sept. 24-Oct. 3 at the Waller County Fairgrounds in Hempstead. “We’ve had some artists that have just taken off since they first came to Waller County,” said Michelle Gaston, chairwoman for the fair’s entertainment committee. “They’ve got to get their start somewhere, and this is a great place to do it. Last year we had Josh Weathers, and he became the Texas Country Music Artist of the Year.” Weathers will return to Hempstead but as part of the fair’s kickoff dinner and dance Friday, Sept. 11. Cole Annoot will open, and Weathers will take the stage to add his flair to the evening. “It’s just something that’s a little formal for our fair, and we’re excited to have Josh and Cole be part of it,” Gaston said. Once the fair begins, the exposition will kick off with the first concert in the series Saturday, Sept. 26. Tyce Delk, a Red Dirt Country artist from New Mexico, will be the headliner, with Mae Estes stepping on stage as the opener. “We heard her and booked her right away,” Gaston said. “We really enjoyed every minute of her concert, and her voice is just truly amazing. “Tyce is really interesting to watch and listen to, and I’m really excited to see what he’s going to do. We’re going to open our first Saturday with two up-and-coming artists, and we’re excited to see the crowds that’s going to bring us.” The fair will reach into its bag of tricks for Thursday, Oct. 1. Gaston and her crew have tabbed Tracy Byrd to close the evening, bringing a taste of 1990s country to the stage. Byrd was a household name in the early three decades ago with hits like “Watermelon Crawl,” “The Keeper of the Stars,” I’m from the Country” and “Ten Rounds with Jose Cuervo.” “There’s nothing you can say about Tracy Byrd that everybody doesn’t already know,” she said. “He’s very popular, and we’re glad to have him back.” Kicking off that evening’s performance will be the band Rockland Road, a six-member family that plays together. The father, Paul Martin, was the lead singer for Exile, while mom, Amy, is the daughter of the Oak Ridge Boys’ Duane Allen. They play alongside their four children. “We heard them in concert, and my committee just jumped on and said, ‘We’ve got to have them,’ ” Gaston said. The Logan Ryan Band will bring some Texas Red Dirt country to the stage for the Friday, Oct. 2, concert series. Gaston said she expects a high-energy show with Ryan’s flair. “He plays all around the local honky tonks, so we’re really excited to bring him to our fair,” she said. “I got way more reaction on him than I thought I was going to get. People were so excited when we announced he was going to be there. He’s definitely going to be one of our most popular.” Opener Payton Howie is another female voice adding her own stylings to the concert series. The biggest nugget might just be 15-year-old Brylie Renee, who will open the final night, Saturday, Oct. 3. “She is the youngest lady to take ever take the stage at the Waller County Fair,” Gaston said. “She’s already had the honor of playing at the Gruene Hall, which is the oldest stage in Texas. Besides Gruene Hall, this will probably be one of her biggest concerts. She’s super excited, super energetic, and we’re really honored to give her this opportunity because we believe in her.” Tyler Halverson’s show will close down this year’s exposition. He’s had a hit with “Beer Garden Baby,” which he performed with Parker McCollum, and “Anybody but You.” “I’ve seen him in concert at a couple festivals and fairs, and we are excited to have him coming,” she said. “We’re very happy with our decisions this year. We’re still a small fair, and we can only accommodate so many, so we went out and found good, up-and-coming talent, and we’re putting them on our stage first.” It’s been a formula for success, and this year offers shining moments for the artists and fair-goers alike.
Big scores define Lea Co. Rodeo
LOVINGTON, N.M. – Kyle Jonston was succinct and to the point. “Our rodeo has been incredible,” said Johnston, a member of the Lea County Fair Board and president of its rodeo committee. “This is probably our best year, in my opinion.” The numbers say as much. Fast times and high scores defined this year’s Lea County Rodeo, highlighted with 10 rides marked 89 points or higher over the course of the four-day event. The exclamation point came on the final ride Saturday night, when Louisiana cowboy Jace Trosclair rode Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Pay Day for 91 points to win the bull riding, bettering the 90.5 earned by Texan Noah Lee the night before. “I think by the time the sun goes down and the rodeo begins, we’re dealing with mind temperatures, and it shows in how the animals perform,” Johnston said. “I think that makes a big difference.” Saddle bronc rider Mitchie Story noticed something going on in his first venture to Lovington. He’s a permit-holder, a young-gun in the trying-out phase of his ProRodeo career. Story will be a rookie for the 2027 season, but he’s getting quite the lessons in 2026. So far this season, he’s earned more than $70,000 on the backs of bucking horses. He rode Carr’s Southpoint Gambler for 89 points to share the bronc busting victory with veterans Brody Cress and Zac Dallas, who matched that score Friday night. All three pocketed just shy of $7,000 for the championships. “I try not to think about how bit the rodeo is when I’m coming in here,” said Story, 22, of Bayfield, Colorado. “I was just happy that me and my traveling partner, Waitley Sharon, both had really good horses. I was trying not to worry about it being a tour rodeo or how much money was added. I just wanted to go out there and make the best ride on the horse I drew.” He did that. Southpoint Gambler has bucked at the National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s championship that features only rodeo’s best every year. Story would love to be in that mix, too, but he has time to grow into that role. He stayed on his PRCA permit this season while he finished his education at Weatherford (Texas) College. “I just graduated college, and I wanted to wait until I was out of school,” said Story, who leads the bronc riding permit standings. “I wanted to rodeo hard and not have to worry about college rodeos. I could just focus on one thing at a time. “College rodeo is an amazing stepping stone for kids.” He is, however, one of the top up-and-coming bronc riders, and there must be something in that Colorado water. While he leads the permit money list, Sharon, of Ordway, Colorado, is the top dog in the Rookie of the Year race. The No. 2 man for the top rookie is Coleman Shallbetter of Gunnison, Colorado. “We all grew up together,” Story said. “We started getting on steers, and then we graduated to the horses in high school. We all got thumped, but we kept going, we kept encouraging each other, and, praise God, it worked out.” Lea County Fair and Rodeo Lovington, N.M. Aug. 5-8 All-around cowboy: Erich Rogers, $2,785 in team roping and steer roping. Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Leighton Berry, on Rafter H Rodeo’s Medicine Show, and Kade Sonnier, on Penthouse Pro Rodeo’s Cosmic Stardust, 89 points, $7,940 each; 3. Bradlee Miller, 88, $4,094; 4. (tie) Garrett Shadbolt and Luke Thrash, 86.5, $2,697; 6. Bryce Eck, 86, $1,498; 7. (tie) Ben Kramer and Nick Pelke, 85.5, $1,049 each. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Chance Howard, 3.7 seconds, $3,472; 2. Bridger Anderson, 3.9, $3,019; 3. (tie) Eli Lord, Dalton Massey and Tanner Scheevel, 4.1, $2,113 each; 6. Colten Leech, 4.2, $1,208; 7. Tyler Waguespack, 4.3, $755; 8. (tie) Tucker Ravenscroft and J.D. Struxness, 4.5, $151 each. Second round: 1. (tie) Jesse Brown and Justin Shaffer, 3.9 seconds, $3,245 each; 3. (tie) Rooster Yazzie and Eli Lord, 4.1, $2,340 each; 5. Mike McGinn, 4.2, $1,660; 6. (tie) Shayde Etherton, Riley Reiss, Trey Nahrgang and Cimarron Thompson, 4.3, $566 each. Average: 1. Eli Lord, 8.2 seconds, $5,207; 2. Bridger Anderson, 8.3, $7,547; 3. (tie) Chance Howard and Tanner Scheevel, 8.6, $3,509 each; 5. Rooster Yazzi, 8.8, $2,491; 6. Cimarron Thompson, 9.3, $1,811; 7. Dalton Massey, 9.4, $1,132; 8. Landris White, 9.5, $453. Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Marty Yates, 9.1 seconds, $3,725; 2. (tie) Dylan Hancock, Max Mathis and Kyan Wilhite, 9.4, $2,753 each; 5. (tie) Trevor Hale and Cody McCartney, 9.5, $1,539 each; 7. Lane Livingston, 9.8, $810; 8. Hagen Houck, 9.9, $324. Second round: 1. Tyler Calhoun, 7.8 seconds, $3,725; 2. Shane Hanchey, 8.6, $3,239; 3. Cash Hooper, 8.9, $2,753; 4. (tie) King Pickett and Trevor Hale, 9.0, $2,024 each; 6. Kater Tate, 9.1, $1,296; 7. Cade Wallis, 9.2, $810; 8. (tie) Cole Clemons, Anthony Jordan and Pecos Tatum, 9.4, $108 each. Average: 1. Trevor Hale, 18.5 seconds on two runs, $5,587; 2. Shane Hanchey, 19.1, $4,859; 3. Cade Wallis, 20.5, $4,130; 4. Kater Tate, 20.8, $3,401; 5. Kalai Nobriga, 21.0, $2,672; 6. Quinton Ellis, 21.1, $1,943; 7. Cory Solomon, 21.5, $1,215; 8. Lane Livingston, 21.6, $486. Breakaway roping: First round: 1. (tie) Rylee A George and Sawyer Gilbert, 2.4 seconds, $2,462 each; 3. Taylor Munsell, 2.5, $1,893; 4. Sequin Brewer, 2.6, $1,641; 5. (tie) Kendra Lewis, Shacie Marr and Hailey Schafer, 2.7, $1,010 each; 8. (tie) Aspen Miller and Hope Thompson, 2.8, $442 each; 10. (tie) Josie Goodrich, TiAda Gray and Danielle Lowman, 2.9, $84 each. Second round: 1. Hali Williams, 1.9 seconds, $2,651; 2. Danielle Lowman, 2.3, $2,272; 3. (tie) Quincy Sullivan, Tibba Smith, Kaydin Finan and Avery Landry, 2.4, $1,452 each; 7. Bailey Bates, 2.5, $757; 8. (tie) Claire Dale and Amy Ohrt, 2.6, $442 each; 8. Taylor Munsell, 2.7, $252. Average: 1. (tie) Taylor Munsell, Danielle Lowman and Rylee George, 5.2 seconds on two runs, $3,408 each; 4. Hali Williams, 5.4,
Contestants ready for the ride
Cowboys, cowgirls know fun, opportunity await at Gooding Pro Rodeo GOODING, Idaho – Weeks before it even begins, the anticipation of being in this quaint community was already building among ProRodeo’s superstars. “Gooding is a great rodeo for us,” said Cheyanne McCartney, a four-time National Finals Breakaway Roping qualifier and the No. 1 cowgirl in the land. “They add great money, and it’s a tour rodeo. There are a lot of good rodeos left in the season, but that’s definitely one you want to be at.” The Gooding Pro Rodeo presented by Idaho Ford Dealers is set for Thursday, Aug. 20-Saturday, Aug. 22, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 19. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena. “I go to Gooding to be ‘Beer Worthy,’ of course,” said bareback rider Garrett Shadbolt, a four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “I think Gooding is one of the most fun rodeos we go to. It’s really pretty country through there. It’s just a great rodeo. “I think rodeo committees want their rodeo to be special, and I understand that. It is special to the local community, but when you go to 100 of them a year like us, they’re not all memorable. Gooding, though, is pretty memorable.” It’s the competition. It’s the big money, featuring $20,000 per event in local dollars that are mixed with the contestants’ entry fees to make up the purse. It’s the crowd. That’s why 820 cowboys and cowgirls have put their names in the hat to be part of the festivities. They want an opportunity at the cash on the line, because it’s not only how they make a living, but it’s also how their season is justified. Dollars equal points, and only the top 15 on the money list at the end of the regular season advance to the NFR, the game’s grand finale. “It’s a good rodeo with good money, so you don’t want to miss it,” said Trisyn Kalawaia, the sixth-ranked steer wrestler in the world standings. “We’re usually in slack there, but even during slack, they still have that ‘Beer Worthy’ sign, and it’s always a fun time.” That’s the thing about professional sports: Yes, it’s a job, but it’s also fun. Performing at a high level means enjoying the tasks. Rodeo is more of a lifestyle than a living, and the fans in Gooding understand that. “Idaho rodeos are fun,” Kalawaia said. “I’ve only been to Gooding three times, but that’s a fired-up crowd. They get after it, and they like to have fun.” It’s reciprocated. Contestants get there early and stay late just to take in the crowd. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t ‘Beer Worthy,’ ” Shadbolt said. “It’s probably the coolest feeling when you get off your horse and look over, and there’s people holding the sign waiting for you. “It’s pretty dang exciting. The little things make a big difference to a guy going down the road, and that’s always exciting.”
Yazzie quietly moves into lead
Steer wrestler Rooster Yazzie jumped into the Lea County Fair and Rodeo lead with a 4.1-second run during Thursday’s second performance. Combined with his first-round run of 4.7 seconds, Yazzie has a half-second lead on the field. (PHOTO BY PEGGY GANDER) LOVINGTON, N.M. – If there’s a strong-but-silent type, Rooster Yazzie fits the bill. He lets actions do his talking, and they had plenty to say Thursday at the Lea County Rodeo. He posted a 4.7-second steer wrestling run during the morning’s first round, then punctuated it with an exclamation point during the second performance with a 4.1 to move into the bulldogging lead with a two-run cumulative time of 8.8 seconds. “We just ran our steers and did our best,” said Yazzie, 26, of Coyote Canyon, New Mexico. “I think I drew two of the better steers in the whole pen.” His fastest run came on a steer that dealt a no-time in the first round. Yazzie and his hazer, Cimarron Thompson of Hobbs, New Mexico, had a game plan to help the steer be a little better. Thompson said the play went awry, but it worked in Yazzie’s favor anyway. “He just stopped this morning,” Yazzie said. “My plan was just to get off and catch him.” That’s putting things into the most simplistic of terms, but utilizing fundamentals is an important aspect of any athletic competition. NFL quarterbacks spend hours a day working on footwork skills and throwing motions, finetuning mechanics. NBA players work on proper shooting techniques and blocking out. For bulldoggers, the first step is to have a horse that works well. Yazzi has that with Chief, a 13-year-old red roan gelding that gets him to steers in a hurry. “I’ve had him for about six years, and he’s a big blessing to me,” he said. “We got him, trained him, and he’s been a natural ever since. Training horses is something you’ve got to do where I live, but it’s something I enjoy doing, too. “I know he’s going to do his job, and he’s not going to leave me hanging.” Yazzie is in a tie for fifth in the opening round and third in the second round. He’ll have to wait out two more days of competition to see where he lands in the final results, but he likes his chances in southeastern New Mexico. Any money earned in Lovington will go a long way toward his goal of winning the Turquoise Circuit, a regional competition made up of contestants and rodeos primarily from New Mexico and Arizona. “The plan is to (eventually) make the NFR; hopefully it works,” Yazzie said. “You’ve just got to keep entering and drawing good. When I draw a good one, I need to use him.” Lea County Fair and Rodeo Lovington, N.M. Aug. 5-8 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Leighton Berry, 89 points on Rafter H Rodeo’s Medicine Show; 2. Bradlee Miller, 88; 3. (tie) Garrett Shadbolt and Luke Thrash, 86.5; 5. (tie) Cole Franks and Lane McGehee, 85; 7. Colton Clemons, 84; 8. Waylon Bourgeois, 81. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Colten Leech, 4.2 seconds; 2. Tyler Waguespack, 4.3; 3. J.D. Struxness, 4.5; 4. Garrett Oates, 4.6; 5. (tie) Mason Couch and Rooster Yazzie, 4.7; 3. Cash Robb, 5.0; 4. Trace Harris, 5.8; 5. Darcy Kersh, 5.9; 6. Teel Sikes, 6.2; 7. Riley Duvall, 6.3; 8. Jake Holmes, 7.0. Second round leaders: 1. (tie) Jesse Brown and Justin Shaffer, 3.9 seconds; 3. Rooster Yazzie, 4.1; 4. (tie) Shayde Etherton, Riley Reiss and Cimarron Thompson, 4.3; 7. Landris White, 4.4; 8. Tyke Kipp, 4.6. Average leaders: 1. Rooster Yazzi, 8.8 seconds on two runs; 2. Cimarron Thompson, 9.3; 3. Landris White, 9.5; 4. Mason Couch, 9.7; 5. Tyke Kipp, 10.2; 6. Garrett Oates, 10.4; 7. (tie) Riley Reiss and Riley Duvall, 11.6. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. tie) Dylan Hancock, Max Mathis and Kyan Wilhite, 9.4 seconds; 4. Chris McCuistion, 10.1; 5. (tie) Blane Cox and Klay Kirkes, 10.3; 7. Cutter Pareo, 10.8; 8. Cade Wallis, 11.3. Second round leaders: 1. Kater Tate, 9.1 seconds; 2. Cade Wallis, 9.2; 3. (tie) Cole Clemons and Pecos Tatum, 9.4; 5. Jacob Walters, 9.5; 6. Quade Hiatt, 9.8; 7. Ty Harris, 10.0; 8. Cooper Martin, 10.4. Average leaders: 1. Cade Wallis, 20.5 seconds on two runs; 2. Kater Tate, 20.8; 3. Quade Hiatt, 21.7; 4. Klay Kirkes, 22.2; 5. Dylan Hancock, 22.5; 6. Pecos Tatum, 23.6; 7. Ace Reece, 24.9; 8. Chris McCuistion, 25.4. Breakaway roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Rylee George and Sawyer Gilbert, 2.4 seconds; 3. Sequin Brewer, 2.6; 4. Hailey Schafer, 2.7; 5. Taylor Girvin, 3.0; 6. Kassidy Dennison, 3.1; 7. (tie) Emilee Charlesworth, Bailey Stringer and Timber Allenbrand, 3.3. Second round leaders: 1. Hali Williams, 1.9 seconds; 2. (tie) Quincy Sullivan, Kaydin Finan and Avery Landry, 2.4; 5. Bailey Bates, 2.5; 6. Claire Dale, 2.6; 7. Rylee George, 2.8; 8. Timber Allenbrand, 2.9. Average leaders: 1. Rylee George, 5.2 seconds on two runs; 2. Hali Williams, 5.4; 3. Sawyer Gilbert, 6.0; 4. Kaydin Finan, 6.1; 5. Timber Allenbrand, 6.2; 6. Avery Landry, 6.4; 7. Kassidy Dennison, 6.5; 8. Sequin Brewer, 7.2. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Weston Patterson, 87 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Medusa; 2. Tanner Butner, 85; 3. (tie) Darcy Radel and Wyatt Casper, 84; 5. Ira Dickinson, 82.5; 6. Tom Webster, 80.5; 7. Warwick Southern, 78.5; 8. Blake Steuck, 78. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Clint Summers/Jade Corkill, 4.6 seconds; 2. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 4.8; 3. Curry Kirchner/Tanner Braden, 4.9; 4. Brenten Hall/Wyatt Cox, 5.0; 5. J.C. Yeahquo/Logan Moore, 5.1; 6. (tie) Kolton Schmidt/Paden Bray and Aaron Tsinigine/Ty Romo, 5.3; 7. Kolton Schmidt/Payden Bray, 5.3; 8. Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison, 5.4. Second round leaders: 1. Derrick Begay/Colter Todd, 4.6 seconds; 2. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 4.8; 3. Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison, 5.1; 4. Wyatt Bray/Chris Young, 5.2; 5. Conley Kleinhans/Kyler Kanady, 5.3; 6. (tie) Wawa Ben Jr./Brandon Ben and Cash Fretwell/Faron Candelaria, 5.8 each; 8. Gavin Hershberger/Garrett Hershberger, 6.0. Average
Rematch is to Berry’s benefit
In a rematch with Rafter H Rodeo’s Medicine Show, bareback rider Leighton Berry scored 89 points to take the early lead at the Lea County Rodeo. He was also 89 two months ago when he won his hometown rodeo in Weatherford, Texas. (PHOTO BY PEGGY GANDER) LOVINGTON, N.M. – Now in his eighth year in professional rodeo, bareback rider Leighton Berry is still getting an education. He missed five months of the 2025 season because of injury – he suffered a broken hand, and he opted to have a damaged hip repaired while he was out of commission. Since his return in mid-September, Berry has been on a winning streak. From Hempstead, Texas, last October to Salinas, California, last month, he’s picked up several top five finishes. “I really took time to reevaluate myself mentally, physically and spiritually,” said Berry, 27, a four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Weatherford, Texas. “Last year was a learning curve for me, becoming a new dad, starting a new business and just working from home. “To get back out here on the road just makes me realize why I crave this job so much and why it’s so enjoyable to do.” The blessings carried over to Wednesday’s first performance of the Lea County Rodeo. He rode Rafter H Rodeo’s Medicine Show for 89 points to set the tone for the fair and rodeo, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary. He has a pretty solid history inside Jake McClure Arena himself. “I had a one-year hiatus, because I came here in 2024 and had (Pickett Pro Rodeo’s) Shady Nights,” said Berry, who was 88 points and finished second two seasons ago. “We’re a point better today, and hopefully that will give me the win I want here.” He credited his success to knowing a little more about the animal. He won the Parker County Sheriff’s Posse Frontier Days and PRCA Rodeo in Weatherford this past June on the powerful bay, also with an 89-point ride. “All I’ve ever known about that horse is that everyone says she rides like a Cadillac and says she’s super fun to get on,” he said. “When I had her in Weatherford, I thought she might buck me off every jump. I was bared down through the whistle, but it paid off, and I got the win at my hometown rodeo for the fifth time in my career. “When I saw I had her here in Lovington, I knew I had another opportunity. I thought she might let up and maybe have one of her old trips. That horse is 18, 19 years old and always been super nice. We’ve taken her in our (easier) pen at the NFR and won rounds on her there, but if she goes back, she’s going to be in the semi-eliminator pen, because there’s nothing easy about her.” He makes his living riding bucking horses, so he knows what it takes to spur rank ones. He’s eighth in the world standings with $122,505 and is eager to close out the final two months of the regular season with hopes of returning to Las Vegas in December to ride for the biggest purse in the game. “I’m just blessed to be rodeoing,” Berry said. Lea County Fair and Rodeo Lovington, N.M. Aug. 5-8 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Leighton Berry, 89 points on Rafter H Rodeo’s Medicine Show; 2. Colton Clemons, 84; 3. Connor Griffith, 78; no other qualified rides. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Colten Leech, 4.2 seconds; 2. J.D. Struxness, 4.5; 3. Cash Robb, 5.0; 4. Trace Harris, 5.8; 5. Darcy Kersh, 5.9; 6. Teel Sikes, 6.2; 7. Riley Duvall, 6.3; 8. Jake Holmes, 7.0. Second round leaders: 1. (tie) Shayde Etherton and Riley Reiss, 4.3; 3. (tie) Sam Shofner and Jake Holmes, 4.8; 5. Dirk Tavenner, 4.9; 6. Riley Duvall, 5.3; 7. Colin Fox, 5.6; 8. Cody Harmon, 6.1. Average leaders: 1. (tie) Riley Reiss and Riley Duvall, 11.6 seconds on two runs; 3. Jake Holmes, 11.8; 4. Darcy Kersh, 13.3; 5. Cody Harmon, 14.2; 6. J.D. Struxness, 18.1; 7. Shayde Etherton, 19.2; 8. Trace Harris, 20.1. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. Kyan Wilhite, 9.4 seconds; 2. Blane Cox, 10.3; 3. (tie) Quade Hiatt and Ace Reese, 11.9 each; 5. Titan Quigg, 12.5; 6. Gator Goodrich, 13.5; 7. Pecos Tatum, 14.2; 8. Luke Potter, 14.9. Second round leaders: 1. Pecos Tatum, 9.4 seconds; 2. Jacob Walters, 9.5; 3. Quade Hiatt, 9.8; 4. Ty Harris, 10.0; 5. Macon Murphy, 1`2.5; 6. Luke Potter, 12.9; 7. Ace Reece, 13.0; 8. Joel Harris, 17.0. Average leaders: 1. Quade Hiatt, 21.7 seconds on two runs; 2. Pecos Tatum, 23.6; 3. Ace Reece, 24.9; 4. Luke Potter, 27.8; 5. Macon Murphy, 30.9; 6. Titan Quigg, 33.0; 7. Joel Harris, 45.9; 8. Kyan Wilhite, 9.4 seconds on one run. Breakaway roping: First round leaders: 1. Sawyer Gilbert, 2.4 seconds; 2. Hailey Schafer, 2.7; 3. Kassidy Dennison, 3.1; 4. Emilee Charlesworth, 3.3; 5. Taylor Raupe, 4.0; 6. Martha Angelone, 11.8; no other qualified runs. Second round leaders: 1. Bailey Bates, 2.5 seconds; 2. Kerrigan Graves, 3.2; 3. Kassidy Dennison, 3.4; 4. Sawyer Gilbert, 3.6; 5. Macy Young, 12.4; 6. Amber Coleman, 12.6; no other qualified runs. Average leaders: 1. Sawyer Gilbert, 6.0 seconds on two runs; 2. Kassidy Dennison, 6.5; 3. Bailey Bates, 2.5 seconds on one run; 4. Hailey Schafer, 2.7; 5. Karrigan Graves, 3.2; 6. Emilee Charlesworth, 3.3; 7. Taylor Raupe, 4.0; 8. Martha Angelone, 11.8; 9. Macy Young, 12.4; 10. Amber Coleman, 12.6. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Tom Webster, 80.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Honor Guard; 2. Blake Steuck, 78; no other qualified rides. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Clint Summers/Jade Corkill, 4.6 seconds; 2. Curry Kirchner/Tanner Braden, 4.9; 3. Brenten Hall/Wyatt Cox, 5.0; 4. (tie) Kolton Schmidt/Paden Bray and Aaron Tsinigine/Ty Romo, 5.3 each; 6. Tyson Charley/Shawn Murphy, 5.8; 7. Jayse Tettenhort/Belden Cox, 10.7; 8. Wyatt Bray/Chris Young, 11.7. Second round leaders: 1. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 4.8 seconds;
Riding toward the Summit
Idaho saddle bronc rider Kade Bruno rides Summit Pro Rodeo’s Cat Walk during the final round of the 2025 National Finals Rodeo. Cat Walk is one of several NFR bucking horses from Summit that have excelled in the arena. Over the last couple of weeks, cowboys have raked in big-time cash with big-time wins on Summit broncs. (PRCA PHOTO BY LARA ST JACQUES) Wyoming stock contractor has shining stars in Gooding GOODING, Idaho – Not long ago, J.D. Hamaker owned a construction company and had a ranch near Centennial, Wyoming. When his boys – Ty, Blaze and Colt – decided they wanted to follow in their father’s footsteps and compete in rodeo, Dad decided to get some horses around the place so the kids could practice. Over time, J.D. Hamaker got more into the business of raising bucking horses. “My boys grew to the point where they wanted to start rodeoing,” he said. “We started putting a few horses together for them to practice on, and then there were some of their friends around that wanted to get on, so we’d get a few more. “Pretty quick, we had enough horses to start contracting some high school and junior rodeos they were going to. We bought out an amateur company, then bought out a professional company, and it just escalated.” These days, he’s one of three co-owners of Summit Pro Rodeo – joining Byron Juma and Daniel Beard – and they have had a big-time run over the last few weeks. Of the winners at the legendary Cheyenne (Wyoming) Frontier Days, two came on Summit animals. Those athletes will be part of the competition at the Gooding Pro Rodeo presented by Idaho Ford Dealers, set for Thursday, Aug. 20-Saturday, Aug. 22, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 19. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena. “Those Summit horses really showed out at Cheyenne,” said Garrett Shadbolt, a four-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier from Merriman, Nebraska. “J.D. is one of my favorite contractors. He’s an old-school horseman, I think. He takes a lot of pride in the horses he’s raised. “We’ve had a lot of good conversations, and I think he cares a little bit more about his horses than some guys.” It shows. Take Cheyenne, where Summit broncs were part of high-scoring rides to the winners. Jayco Roper won the bareback riding title in the tournament-style format with a 93-point ride on CC Blue. A half hour later, Brody Cress shared the saddle bronc riding championship on Heavy Feathers. A week later, those Wyoming-based animals were performing at a high capacity again, this time at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo in Castle Rock, Colorado. That’s where Nick Pelke won bareback riding with a 92-point ride on Game Trail, besting a couple of 90s, including one by 2022 world champion Jess Pope, who was matched with Red Feathers. The top-ranked bull rider, Noah Lee, won that championship with a 90-point ride on Megavolt, while there was a three-way tie in saddle bronc riding that also included Cress. He was 87 points on Black Mesa, while fellow bronc buster Gus Gaillard matched that score on Cowboy Fool. “I’ve been getting on Summit horses from the very beginning,” said Cole Reiner, a five-time NFR qualifier from Buffalo, Wyoming. “They have put together a string of horses like no one else. I would say Summit has one of the deepest, most-consistent set of horses in the PRCA.” That’s saying something, considering that there are hundreds of animal athletes across the country. The proof, though, might be in what is winning. Game Trail led Nebraska bareback rider Gauge McBride to the title at the Laramie (Wyoming) Jubilee Days a month ago after the two matched up for 92 points, while Waitley Sharon was 89.5 on Kangaroo Lou to win bronc riding. The Wyoming buckers will be intermingled in Gooding with horses from Alberta-based Macza Pro Rodeo and South Dakota-based Korkow Rodeos. It’s a triple threat of stock contracting talent that makes that town boom the week the rodeo is in town. “We’re just trying to keep the quality of the rodeo up all the way through,” Hamaker said. It’s why rodeo’s biggest stars will be in Gooding County this August. “J.D. has been one of the guys that’s really put together a set of horses the guys really want to get on,” Reiner said. “Every single horse you’re going to see is going to be good. It’s a testament to what they’ve put together in the last 15 years.”
Rookie nabs Xtreme Bulls crown
Rookie Cimarron Rucker rides Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s E.T.O. for 92.5 points to win Tuesday’s Lea County Xtreme Bulls. He earned his first X Bulls buckle and $15,299. (PHOTO BY PEGGY GANDER) LOVINGTON, N.M. – If it’s a dream, Cimarron Rucker doesn’t want to be awakened. Rucker rode Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s E.T.O. for 92.5 points Tuesday night to win the Lea County Xtreme Bulls, hauling in a cherished prize and $15,299. “This is kind of a dream come true,” said Rucker, 27, of Liberty Hill, Texas. “Earlier today, I said, ‘I need that buckle.’” He also needed the cash that came with the wearable trophy. “I just had to move some money from my savings into my checking earlier,” he said with a laugh. “Now, I can move it back. He led the charge of high-scoring rides, which is fairly typical with the annual stand-alone bull riding that takes place during the Lea County Fair and Rodeo. He was one of five to score 90 points or better. The bull power was strong, with bucking animals provided by six stock contractors. “I had heard a lot about my bull,” he said of E.T.O. “I thought he was a black bull, but he was a brindle. When I draw a brindle bull, I always say, ‘It’s a bad day to be a brindle today.’ “I’m just blessed to be here and be healthy. Traveling with Luke Mackey has really got my head straight, so I’ve been riding them. I haven’t been drawing that great, but it’s starting to come around now.” Rucker is 10th in the Resistol Rookie of the Year race, but this will help move him up the money list. He will also be in the Rank 45 Xtreme Bulls standings, so everything is looking up. “It’s by far the most money I’ve ever won,” Rucker said. “I’ve been drawing like crap and other rodeos, but I’ve got some good people behind me that are pushing me. We might drive all night to get here, but it’s worth it. Luke is one of the best guys going down the road right now, and I’m just glad he let me get in with him.” His ride in Lovington marked his 13th appearance at Xtreme Bulls events this season. It’s regularly one of the toughest to win, but he took advantage of his biggest situation to date. “I thought all the bulls were good,” he said. “After the first three sections, I thought, ‘Oh, man, it’s wide open. Then we started seeing a 90, and it just kept going up. I had to be 92.5 to win it. That right there will get under your skin. You don’t know how you’re about to do that, but if you keep your mind in the middle and your had shut, good things happen.” Lea County Xtreme Bulls Lovington, N.M. Aug. 4, 2026 1. Cimarron Rucker, 92.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s E.T.O., $15,299; 2. (tie) Robby Taylor and T.J. Gray, 91, $10,199 each; 4. Clayton Sellars, 90.5, $5,609; 5. Brady Turgeon, 90, $3,570; 6. Luke Mackey, 89.5, $2,550; 7. Cooper James, 86.5, $2,040; 8. Josh Frost, 86, $1,530.
Putting the good in Gooding
Cole Reiner rode Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail for 91 points to win the bareback riding title at the 2024 Gooding Pro Rodeo, then qualified for the National Finals Rodeo for the fifth straight year. He’s hoping the magic returns at this year’s rodeo. (PHOTO BY W.T. BRUCE) Committee, crowd receive praise from one past world champion GOODING, Idaho – Two years removed from qualifying for his fifth straight National Finals Rodeo, bareback rider Cole Reiner is on a redemption tour. “Last year, I struggled,” said Reiner, 27, of Buffalo, Wyoming. “I was just slow. I didn’t feel at the top of my game. From the National Finals Rodeo in ’24 on, something just wasn’t right. Maybe I wasn’t having the most fun. Maybe I was trying a little too hard, just not as focused as I needed to be. I had a lot going on outside of rodeo with my personal life. “This year’s been different. It’s been good.” He’s hoping that trend continues. He’s excited to return to one of his greatest victories from a couple years ago, when he won the bareback riding championship at the 2024 Gooding Pro Rodeo. He will return to southern Idaho to defend his crown during this year’s festivities, presented by Idaho Ford Dealers, set for Thursday, Aug. 20-Saturday, Aug. 22, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 19. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena. When Reiner claimed his first Gooding title two seasons ago, he did it on the back of Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail, bucking horse that is widely recognized as one of the very best in the sport. With three stock contractors in the mix – Summit will be joined by Canadian firm Macza Pro Rodeo and South Dakota outfit Korkow Rodeos – he and other cowboys like their chances to ride for big scores and bigger money. “When we go to Gooding, it seems I get on a horse that I’m at least 87 points on and win money,” Reiner said. “It’s a chance to kick off the Idaho-Washington-Oregon run and make things fun. When I was 91 on Game Trail, it was an incredible feeling. “I like being in the (Wednesday) special section, but we’re out Saturday night this year. There’s not a bad day to be in Gooding, and the crowd in amazing. We say that a lot about rodeo crowds, but in Gooding, they really are amazing. There’s really nothing like riding in front of that crowd, and the ‘Beer Worth’ section is great. Whether I’m 78, 88 or 92, I’m stopping over there to get a beer.” That’s reason enough to return every year, but there are other incentives. For one, rodeo officials have increased the local dollars invested in the payout. Each event will feature $20,000 in “added money” in each event; the dollars are mixed with contestants’ entry fees to make up the overall purse. “Gooding has stood out,” he said. “They’ve been adding more money every year. They want to improve things. Every year, they ask us what they could do to make things better for us. They are one of the few committees that do that, and the best part is they do listen. It’s great.”
Struxness slams Dodge win
J.D. Struxness slows his steer during his 3.8-second bulldogging run in Sunday’s championship round of Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. The 2024 world champion won the aggregate title with a three-run cumulative time of 12.6 seconds. (PHOTO BY ROBBY FREEMAN) DODGE CITY, Kan. – J.D. Struxness is standing on a steer wrestling ledge. He entered this week of ProRodeo 15th in the world standings. It’s precarious this time of year, when there are just two months remaining in the regular season. He knows that he needs to be among the top 15 in the world standings if he hopes to return to the National Finals Rodeo for the eighth time in his career. That’s why winning the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo title was a big deal. He placed in two of three go-rounds – he finished in a three-way tie in the opener, then posted a 3.8-second run to be the runner-up in Sunday’s championship round – and won the aggregate. All told, he left western Kansas with $9,110. “This is one I’ve wanted to win since I ever started coming out here,” said Struxness, the 2024 world champion from Milan, Minnesota. “Running with Stockton Graves back in the day, the first year I came to it he was the champion. Ever since then, this is one big rodeo I’ve been wanting to win. I still like coming here, even though I haven’t been in a couple years. “To finally capture the title is a big deal to me.” He circled the calendar with hopes of cashing in big, and that game plan worked out. Riding Ice, an 8-year-old gray gelding that went through a year of seasoning in 2025, Struxness was back in top form. Having that trust in horsepower is an important factor in success. “He’s been working good,” he said of his mount. “Last year, he only got about half a year out on the road, so this is his first full year out here. Ever since I started him, he’s really wanted to be a good horse, and I feel like he’s settling in and starting to shine out there, giving us lots of opportunities to win. “I’ve got Kyle Irwin over there on the hazing side with his horse, Bruno. He’s doing an excellent job. That’s really made a big difference here in the middle of the summer when I started using him.” Irwin has proven to be an asset. He’s been down this road before. Not only has Irwin qualified for the NFR seven times, he won its average title in 2022. He’s also has been co-owner of a former Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year. “You’ve got to give credit to Kyle and to those two good horses and having other good guys helping you win,” Struxness said. “That hazing horse teams up good with Ice, and Kyle does a great job hazing. “Ever since we started doing that deal in Calgary, it’s been real good. We’ve had some successful weeks, so hopefully we can keep it rolling.” Dodge City Roundup Rodeo Dodge City, Kan. July 30-Aug. 3 All-around cowboy: Coleman Proctor, $3,749 in team roping and steer roping. Bareback riding: First round: 1. Cole Reiner, 89.5 points on Championship Pro Rodeo’s Terry, $4,132; 2. Jess Pope, 88.5, $3,168; 3. Garrett Shadbolt, 87, $2,342; 4. Cooper Filikpek, 86.5, $1,15; 5. Kash Loyd, 86, $964; 6. Tim O’Connell, 85.5, $689; 7. Mason Stuller, 85, $551; 8. Lane McGehee, 84.5, $413. Final round: 1. Tim O’Connell, 89.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Gun Fire, $1,650; 2. Jess Pope, 87.5, $1,250; 3. Mason Stuller, 86, $900; 4. (tie) Kash Loyd and Cole Reiner, 85.5, $475 each; 6. Cooper Filipek, 81, $250. Average: 1. Jess Pope, 176 points on two head, $4,132; 2. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Cole Reiner, 175, $2,755 each; 4. Kash Loyd, 171.5, $1,515; 5. Mason Stuller, 171, $964; 6. Cooper Filipek, 167.5, $689; 7. Roedy Farrell, 163.5, $551; 8. Garrett Shadbolt, 87 on one head, $413. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Rowdy Parrott, 3.6 seconds, $4,059; 2. (tie) Mason Couch and Kall Mayfield, 4.1, $3,265 each; 4. (tie) Tristan Martin, Talon Roseland and J.D. Struxness, 4.2, $1,941 each; 7. (tie) Chance Howard and Darcy Kersh, 4.3, $618 each. Second round: 1. Boyd Sawyer, 3.8 seconds, $4,059; 2. Trisyn Kalawaia, 3.9, $3,530; 3. (tie) Logan Kenline and Will Lummus, 4.0, $2,736 each; 5. (tie) Tanner Brunner, Emmett Edler, Trace Harris, Jeff Miller and Cooper Orr, 4.2, $918 each. Final round: 1. Chance Howard, 3.7 seconds, $1,305; 2. J.D. Struxness, 3.8, $1,080; 3. Tristan Martin, 4.1, $855; 4. Rowdy Parrott, 4.2, $630; 5. Riley Duvall, 4.3, $405; 6. Trisyn Kalawaia, 4.8, $225. Average: 1. J.D. Struxness, 12.6 seconds on three head, $6,089; 2. Rowdy Parrott, 13.4, $5,295; 3. Mason Couch, 13.5, $4,500; 4. Chance Howard, 13.9, $3,706; 5. Tristan Martin, 14.1, $2,912; 6. Riley Duvall, 14.4, $2,118; 7. Darcy Kersh, 14.5, $1,324; 8. Cole Walker, 14.6, $529. Team roping: First round: 1. Tanner Tomlinson/Wesley Thorp, 4.9 seconds, $3,937 each; 2. Tyler Tryan/Nicky Northcott, 5.1, $3,423; 3. Clay Tryan/Will Woodfin, 5.2, $2,910; 4. (tie) Dawson Graham/Dillion Graham and Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner, 5.4, $2,139 each; 6. (tie) Kavis Drake/Denim Ross and Clay Smith/Coleby Payne, 5.6, $1,113 each; 8. Andrew Ward/Jake Long, 5.7, $342. Second round: 1. (tie) Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, Cody Snow/Lane Mitchell and Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 4.9 seconds, $3,423 each; 4. Kolton Schmidt/Paden Bray, 5.2, $2,396; 5. (tie) Cole Eiguren/Dylan Hancock and Jake Smith/Douglas Rich, 5.3, $1,626 each; 7. Kelvin Medeiros/Tyson Thompson, 5.4, $856; 8. (tie) Kellan Johnson/Trae Smith and Tanner Tomlinson/Wesley Thorp, 5.5, $171 each. Final round: 1. Clay Tryan/Will Woodfin, 5.4 seconds, $1,233 each; 2. Clay Smith/Coleby Payne, 5.6, $1,020; 3. Clint Summers/Jade Corkill, 5.8, $808; 4. Tyler Tryan/Nicky Northcott, 5.9, $595; 5. Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner, 7.0, $383; 6. Tanner Tomlinson/Wesley Thorp, 15.1, $213. Average: 1. Tyler Tryan/Nicky Northcott, 16.7 seconds on three head, $5,905 each; 2. Clay Smith/Coleby Payne, 17.0, $5,135; 3. Clay Tryan/Will Woodfin, 17.3, $4,365; 4. Clint Summers/Jade Corkill, 18.2,
Teamwork pays off for ropers
Wesley Thorp, left, and Tanner Tomlinson moved into the No. 1 spot in the aggregate race Saturday during the fourth performance of Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. (PHOTO BY ROBBY FREEMAN) DODGE CITY, Kan. – The most important commodity of being on a team is having a teammate’s back. Tanner Tomlinson is a living epitome of that. He is sixth in the heading world standings having earned $101,000 so far this season, yet his focus is on something else. “I need to get some money to get Wesley to Sioux Falls,” said Tomlinson, referring not only to his partner, Wesley Thorp, but also getting the heeler to the Playoff Series championship that takes place in late September in southeastern South Dakota. “We need to put some things together.” It might be happening this week. The tandem put two solid runs Saturday to move into the team roping lead at Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. They won the first round in the morning session with a 4.9-second run, pocketing $3,937 each. They then stopped the clock in 5.5 seconds on a tough steer during the sold-out fourth performance and will roll into Championship Sunday with a great opportunity to win the prestigious Roundup buckle. “I was super surprised we had that kind of go on that steer,” said Thorp, a three-time world champion from Stephenville, Texas. “We saw him (Saturday) morning, and he was really, really strong. He’s been two places, and he was super strong at both places. We made a game plan to haze him good, pick him up right out of the chute and try to put him in the left lead. “Tanner was just going to take a good start and be as sharp and aggressive as he could with making a high-percentage shot. I felt like it went as well as it could have with the way we had it drawn up. If you would have told us that we could have been 7.0 (seconds) on that steer, we’d have been excited about it.” The tandem began roping together this March, so they’re still adjusting to life working together. While Tomlinson is in the top 10, Thorp sits 26th in the heeling standings with $62,861. They need to make a run for them to rope together at the National Finals Rodeo. Tomlinson has roped there three times in the last four years, while Thorp has roped at the last 10, winning rodeo’s gold in 2019, 2023 and 2024. “I’ve got to see Tanner for years, because we’ve always bu8ddied together, and the talent level is unreal,” said Thorp, a 10-time NFR qualifier. “There have been times where we’ve drawn steers where we don’t think we have a chance, and all of the sudden, he’ll turn one to win the rodeo.” The two complement each other well, which is why things are moving in the right direction. A win in Dodge City would not only help both but would also raze some demons. Neither owns a Roundup buckle, though Tomlinson and former partner Patrick Smith entered the final round one year as the No. 1 team before missing out on the championship. “Besides the year I was high call, I bet every other year I’ve come back here, I’d always mess up on the first one,” Tomlinson said. “I’ve always been able to come back and won top three holes in the second round every year. To catch the first one today, make a good run and win the first round was big. Then to come back (Saturday night) and catch that one was great. “We usually have a chance on any steer, but that steer was tough. I told him to step (the steer) as much as he could, because there’s a lot of left in that arena, and try to slow him down. He did an amazing job getting that steer over to me, and I took and extra swing to set that run up. He heeled him, and we had a good finish.” Now, they need to repeat it to walk away with the Dodge City title and a lot of momentum to close out the final two months of the regular season. Dodge City Roundup Rodeo Dodge City, Kan. July 30-Aug. 3 Bareback riding: First round: 1. Cole Reiner, 89.5 points on Championship Pro Rodeo’s Terry, $4,132; 2. Jess Pope, 88.5, $3,168; 3. Garrett Shadbolt, 87, $2,342; 4. Cooper Filikpek, 86.5, $1,15; 5. Kash Loyd, 86, $964; 6. Tim O’Connell, 85.5, $689; 7. Mason Stuller, 85, $551; 8. Lane McGehee, 84.5, $413; 9. (tie) Roedy Farrell, Tanner Aus and Tanner Aus, 83.5; 10. Matthew McLanahan, 82.5. Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Rowdy Parrott, 3.6 seconds, $4,059; 2. (tie) Mason Couch and Kall Mayfield, 4.1, $3,265 each; 4. (tie) Tristan Martin, Talon Roseland and J.D. Struxness, 4.2, $1,941 each; 7. (tie) Chance Howard and Darcy Kersh, 4.3, $618 each. Second round: 1. Boyd Sawyer, 3.8 seconds, $4,059; 2. Trisyn Kalawaia, 3.9, $3,530; 3. (tie) Logan Kenline and Will Lummus, 4.0, $2,736 each; 5. (tie) Tanner Brunner, Emmett Edler, Trace Harris, Jeff Miller and Cooper Orr, 4.2, $918 each. Average leaders: (tie) Talon Roseland and Mason Couch, 8.6 seconds on two runs; 3. J.D. Struxness, 8.8; 4. Darcy Kersh, 9.1; 5. (tie) Kall Mayfield and Rowdy Parrott, 9.2; 7. Cole Walker, 9.7; 8. Tristan Martin, 10.0; 9. (tie) Trisyn Kalawaia and Riley Duvall, 10.1; 11. Chance Howard, 10.2; 12. Boyd Sawyer, 10.3. Team roping: First round: 1. Tanner Tomlinson/Wesley Thorp, 4.9 seconds, $3,937 each; 2. Tyler Tryan/Nicky Northcott, 5.1, $3,423; 3. Clay Tryan/Will Woodfin, 5.2, $2,910; 4. (tie) Dawson Graham/Dillion Graham and Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner, 5.4, $2,139 each; 6. (tie) Kavis Drake/Denim Ross and Clay Smith/Coleby Payne, 5.6, $1,113 each; 8. Andrew Ward/Jake Long, 5.7, $342. Second round: 1. (tie) Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, Cody Snow/Lane Mitchell and Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 4.9 seconds, $3,423 each; 4. Kolton Schmidt/Paden Bray, 5.2, $2,396; 5. (tie) Cole Eiguren/Dylan Hancock and Jake Smith/Douglas Rich, 5.3, $1,626 each; 7.
Reiner at the top of his game
Cole Reiner is back to normal, riding at a high level. He rode Championship Pro Rodeo’s Terry for 89.5 points during Friday’s third performance of Dodge City Roundup Rodeo to take the bareback riding lead. (PHOTO BY ROBBY FREEMAN) DODGE CITY, Kan. – A year ago, Cole Reiner wasn’t having much fun. Yes, competing in rodeo is his full-time job, but it’s also a sport. Having fun is just part of the equation, but it wasn’t happening. After qualifying for the National Finals Rodeo for five straight seasons, he missed the mark in 2025. He’s fully engaged in the process this season, and it shows. He rode Championship Pro Rodeo’s Terry for 89.5 points during Friday’s third performance of Dodge City Roundup Rodeo to take the bareback riding lead and secure his place in Sunday’s championship round. “That horse is one of Will O’Connell’s up-and-comers,” Reiner said of Terry, a young bay roan. “He’s probably going to be at the National Finals this year.” That’s saying something. Only the top 15 contestants in each event at the end of the regular season advance to the sport’s super bowl in December. In bareback riding, those 15 cowboys select the 105 broncs that will be in the mix, too. Of the hundreds of bucking equines, only the elite are part of the 10 nights of rodeo in Las Vegas. “That is the kind of horse you want,” said Reiner, 27, of Buffalo, Wyoming. “It was just bucking hard enough to make your feet come to your rigging, hard enough that if you don’t put your feet back where they need to go, he’s going to get you down. He’s also giving you time and jumping in the air and doing everything you want a bucking horse to do.” Being matched with greatness drives cowboys who do it for a living, but there are other aspects of the job that have helped Reiner enjoy his experiences just a touch more. He’s traveling the rodeo trail with fellow bareback riders Tim O’Connell and Jess Pope. O’Connell has three world championship gold buckles, and Pope won the world in 2022. Both are past Roundup champions. “I don’t usually come to Dodge City, but this is kind of Tim and Jess’ territory,” Reiner said. “Plus, we love getting on Frontier and Championship horses.” They also love winning. Reiner is 13th in the world standings with about $108,000, while Pope sits fifth with $132,000. O’Connell, who has returned from nearly three years out because of injury, is building his status back with hopes of playing for a fourth gold buckle in 2027. “Getting in with Tim and Jess, It was great,” he said. “I went about two years there where I didn’t really have traveling partners. Things are just different this year, and I feel like I’ve found my stride again. I’ve refocused my bareback riding, kind of repurposed myself and had a new set of goals. I had gotten a little complacent with just making the National Finals Rodeo the last couple of years. “This year, I’m back in legitimate contention for a gold buckle, and being with these guys helps make it feel a whole different reason for rodeo.” It might just be the winning formula come Sunday night. Dodge City Roundup Rodeo Dodge City, Kan. July 30-Aug. 3 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Cole Reiner, 89.5 points on Championship Pro Rodeo’s Terry; 2. Jess Pope, 88.5; 3. Garrett Shadbolt, 87; 4. Kash Loyd, 86; 5. Tim O’Connell, 85.5; 6. Lane McGehee, 84.5; 7. (tie) Roedy Farrell, Tanner Aus and Tanner Aus, 83.5; 10. Andy Gingerich, 81.5; 11. Gauge McBride, 81; 12. Bryce Eck, 80. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Rowdy Parrott, 3.6 seconds; 2. Kall Mayfield, 4.1; 3. Tristan Martin, 4.2; 4. (tie) Chance Howard and Darcy Kersh, 4.3; 6. Ethan Price, 4.4; 7. Dalton Massey, 4.5; 8. Jacob Edler, 4.7. Second round leaders: 1. Boyd Sawyer, 3.8 seconds; 2. Trisyn Kalawaia, 3.9; 3. Will Lummus, 4.0; 4. (tie) Emmett Edler, Tanner Brunner, Trace Harris and Jeff Miller, 4.2; 8. Riley Duvall, 4.3. Average leaders: 1. Darcy Kersh, 9.1 seconds on two runs; 2. (tie) Kall Mayfield and Rowdy Parrott, 9.2; 4. Tristan Martin, 10.0; 5. (tie) Trisyn Kalawaia and Riley Duvall, 10.1; 7. Chance Howard, 10.2; 8. Boyd Sawyer, 10.3; 9. Ethan Price, 11.8; 10. Mike McGinn, 12.5; 11. Jude Leonards, 13.1; 12. Nathan Duvall, 16.6. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Tyler Tryan/Nicky Northcott, 5.1; 2. Clay Tryan/Will Woodfin, 5.2; 3. (tie) Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner and Dawson Graham/Dillion Graham, 5.4; 5, Kavis Drake/Denim Ross, 5.6; 6. Andrew Ward/Jake Long, 5.7; 7. Luke Brown/Hunter Koch, 5.9; 8. Brye Crites/Ross Ashford, 6.0. Second round leaders: 1. (tie) Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira and Cody Snow/Lane Mitchell, 4.9 seconds; 4. Kolton Schmidt/Paden Bray, 5.2; 5. Cole Eiguren/Dylan Hancock, 5.3; 6. Tyson Thompson/Kelvin Medeiros, 5.4; 7. Kellan Johnson/Trae Smith, 5.5; 8. Tyler Tryan/Nicky Northcott, 5.7. Average leaders: 1. Tyler Tryan/Nicky Northcott, 10.8 seconds on two run; 2. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 11.3; 3. (tie) Kavis Drake/Denim Ross and Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner, 11.7; 5. Clay Tryan/Will Woodfin, 11.9; 6. Brandon Farris/Braden Harmon, 12.4; 7. Ryon Boatright/Jett Hillman, 13.3; 8. Curry Kirchner/Tanner Braden, 13.6; 9. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 15.2; 10. James Arviso/Levi Lord, 15.8; 11. Coy Rahlmann/Logan Medlin, 16.7; 12. Blaine Turner/Scout McElroy, 17.7. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Skinny Parsons, 88.5 points on Double J Rodeo’s Miss Charcoal; 2. (tie) Brody Cress and Mitchie Story, 84.5; 4. Blake Steuck, 84; 5. (tie) Waitley Sharon and Tom Webster, 82; 7. (tie) Traven Sharon and Jett Williams, 81; 9. Jake Finlay, 10.5; 10. Regan Lyons, 80; 11. Bryett Larsen, 79.5; 12. (tie) Wyatt Lavergne and Ross Griffin, 78.5. Breakaway roping: First round leaders: 1. (tie) Shelby Boisjoli-Meged and Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 2.4 seconds; 3. (tie) Jackie Crawford, Reagan Davis and Molly Hamilton, 2.6; 6. Marlee Quarles, 2.9; 7. Jackie White, 3.0; 8. (tie) Clare Burcalow, Cali Griffin, McKenna Brennan and Emilee Charlesworth, 3.1. Second round
Youth get to excel at county fair
Livestock shows are not only a big part of the Lea County Fair, but they also an alternative aspect of education. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LEA COUNTY) LOVINGTON, N.M. – Area schools will kick off their year soon, but a good number of students have been continuing their education the past couple of months. It’s a summer school, of sorts, but the homework is more about caring for others while learning. Dozens of children have spent weeks preparing to show animals at the Lea County Fair and Rodeo, set for Friday, July 31-Aug. 8, at the Lea County Fairgrounds in Lovington. “We are seeing our numbers are up this year,” said Amber Groves, one of several members of the Lea County Fair Board who also showed during the expo when they were younger. “This offers a lot of great lessons for our youth, because it’s a lot of hard work. “These kids get up every day and go out and feed their animals and work with them. They spend their entire summers working very, very hard to get that reward at the fair. Whenever they get rewarded and they go into that sale ring and somebody buys their animals, that just gets them money for next year to keep continuing it. It teaches responsibility, which is why it’s so rewarding.” While their bodies are growing physically, the labor of love also helps develop their minds. “It teaches you how to deal with people and gives you the tools to help you as an adult,” she said. When she was in 4-H, Groves showed lambs and goats. Those are the highest number of species of animals shown in Lovington, but she said there are more young people showing steers this year than in 2025. Dustin Gaskins showed virtually everything at the Lea County Fair when he was involved in 4-H and FFA. His passion for animal agriculture led him to New Mexico State University. He now teaches agriculture at Eunice High School in a program he helped develop. Initially, though, his passion was guiding him toward being a veterinarian. He opted for education instead, and even though the Eunice High graduate didn’t have an FFA program, he had the forethought to establish one there once he began teaching. Like Groves and other fair board members, he wants to help strengthen agriculture. Having youth involved in school and the fair is a good way to make that happen. He’s seeing it in Eunice. “This year we have a large number of kids showing animals from all different backgrounds,” Gaskins said. “We have some who live on farms and ranches. We have some who live in town. We’re able to reach a large, diverse group of people through this program and getting started with it. I’m really excited to see this year what we’ve grown. We’re going to continue to grow.” Lea County is a diverse community of about 75,000 people, and the fair brings them together every summer. With that, it opens the doors for attendees to gain a better understanding of the area’s history. “We do bring agriculture to people who may not know anything about it,” Gaskins said. “We have things in the Yucca Building, where they do leatherwork, baking and photography. For them to just be able to come, and it’s one spot where you get to see all the different things done by not only the youth of Lea County, but also the adults. “You get to see the diversity that is within Lea County itself.”
Horsepower is big for Derrer
Third-year pro Bryce Derrer ropes his calf in 8.4 seconds during Thursday’s second performance of Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. That run, combined with his 9.4 from the first round earlier in the day, pushed him to No. 2 in the aggregate race and gives him a great opportunity to rope for the Roundup title Sunday. (PHOTO BY ROBBY FREEMAN) DODGE CITY, Kan. – Bryce Derrer looked to his left at Bonnie, a 7-year-old sorrel mare. He knows there’s something special flowing through her equine blood, and it’s the reason why he’s having a strong tie-down roping season. The two proved it together during Thursday’s second day of Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. He roped and tied two calves in a cumulative time of 17.8 seconds and sits No. 2 in the aggregate race. That should be enough to secure his spot in Sunday’s championship round, which will feature only the top 12 contestants in each event from the preliminary performances. “This is Bonnie’s first time out, so it’s amazing to take a horse like this out this young and be winning on her at the level I’m winning at,” said Derrer, 25, the No. 15 man in the world standings from Portales, New Mexico. “That blessing is amazing. The year’s going great. “The Lord’s been amazing and has blessed me in so many different ways trying to get down the road. This is a great horse. I can’t thank the Young family enough for letting me take her out this year. Hopefully it just keeps rolling on and I can make the finals.” That’s the National Finals Rodeo, a place he has yet to compete. Only the top 15 in the standings at the end of the regular season play for the biggest pay in the game. He was close in 2024, his inaugural campaign in ProRodeo. He finished 17th that year and was the runner-up to the Rookie of the Year. He likes his chances to advance to the NFR in December, mainly because of Bonnie. “I just started roping on her in October, and then it’s been history since,” said Derrer, who entered this week of rodeos with almost $87,000 in earnings. We’ve been rocking and rolling. “Rodeo is an amazing sport. It’s one of a kind. You can’t beat the family part of it, because you know everybody. If you need help, somebody’s going to help you somewhere. The horsepower in all events is amazing. The athletes, even the horse athletes, is just pretty cool.” His father, Richard, shows draft horses for a living, so there’s something about powerful and athletic equines that runs in his blood. While he’s doing it in a different capacity, Derrer is chasing his dreams horseback. On Sunday, he’ll chase his first Roundup Rodeo title. Dodge City Roundup Rodeo Dodge City, Kan. July 30-Aug. 3 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Garrett Shadbolt, 87 points on Championship Pro Rodeo’s Pistol Princess; 2. Lane McGehee, 84.5; 3. Roedy Farrell, 83.5; 4. Andy Gingerich, 81.5; 5. Gauge McBride, 81; 6. Bryce Eck, 80; 7. Tucker Carricato, 76; 8. Connor Griffith, 72; 9. Ethan Crouch, 71; 10. Colt Eck, 69.5; 11. Carson Hildre, 69; 12. Rhett Roibbins, 68. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Kall Mayfield, 4.1 seconds; 2. (tie) Chance Howard and Darcy Kersh, 4.3; 4. Dalton Massey, 4.5; 5. Jacob Edler, 4.7; 6. Landris White, 4.9; 7. Colt Madison, 5.9; 8. Chase Crane, 6.1. Second round leaders: 1. Boyd Sawyer, 3.8 seconds; 2. (tie) Emmett Edler, Tanner Brunner and Jeff Miller, 4.2; 5. Chance Grill, 4.4; 6. Mike McGinn, 4.6; 7. Darcy Kersh, 4.8; 8. (tie) Kall Mayfield and Jude Leonards, 5.1. Average leaders: 1. Darcy Kersh, 9.1 seconds on two runs; 2. Kall Mayfield, 9.2; 3. Chance Howard, 10.2; 4. Boyd Sawyer, 10.3; 5. Mike McGinn, 12.5; 6. Jude Leonards, 13.1; 7. Nathan Duvall, 16.6; 8. Jacob Edler, 18.7; 9. Emmett Edler, 19.6; 10. Dynamo Musil, 20.6; 11. Jarek VanPetten, 21.1; 12. Colt Madison, 21.5. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Clay Tryan/Will Woodfin, 5.2 seconds; 2. (tie) Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner and Dawson Graham/Dillion Graham, 5.4; 4. Luke Brown/Hunter Koch, 5.9; 5. Brye Crites/Ross Ashford, 6.0; 6. Garrett Tonozzi/Cullen Teller, 6.1; 7. Coy Rahlmann/Logan Medlin, 6.2; 8. Jett Hillman/Ryon Boatright, 6.3. Second round leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 4.9 seconds; 2. Cole Eiguren/Dylan Hancock, 5.3; 3. Tyson Thompson/Kelvin Medeiros, 5.4; 4. Kellan Johnson/Trae Smith, 5.5; 5. Brandon Farris/Braden Harmon, 6.0; 6. Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner, 6.3; 7. Baylor Pool/Trigger Hargrove, 6.5; 8. Jace Bland/Truman Mangus, 6.7. Average leaders: 1. Nelson Wyatt/Jonathan Torres, 11.3 seconds on two runs; 2. Clayton Van Aken/Jaydon Warner, 11.7; 3. Clay Tryan/Will Woodfin, 11.9; 4. Brandon Farris/Braden Harmon, 12.4; 5. Ryon Boatright/Jett Hillman, 13.3; 6. Coy Rahlmann/Logan Medlin, 16.7; 7. Blaine Turner/Scout McElroy, 17.7; 8. Garrett Tonozzi/Cullen Teller, 18.8; 9. Riley Kittle/Trey Yates, 21.7; 10. Jace Bland/Truman Mangus, 25.1; 11. Cole Eiguren/Dylan Hancock, 5.3 seconds on one run; 12. (tie) Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham and Kelvin Medeiros/Tyson Thompson, 5.4. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. (tie) Brody Cress, on Double J Rodeo’s Weekend Fling, and Mitchie Story on Double J Rodeo’s Jerry’s Justice, 84.5 points; 3. Blake Steuck, 84; 4. Waitley Sharon, 82; 5. (tie) Traven Sharon and Jett Williams, 81; 7. Regan Lyons, 80; 8. Bryett Larsen, 79.5; 9. (tie) Wyatt Lavergne and Ross Griffin, 78.5; 11. Brody Harrison, 76.5 12. Joe Macqueen, 76; 8. Will Pollock, 75. Breakaway roping: First round leaders: 1. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 2.4 seconds; 2. (tie) Reagan Davis and Molly Hamilton, 2.4; 4. Marlee Quarles, 2.9; 5. Jackie White, 3.0; 6. (tie) Clare Burcalow, Cali Griffin, McKenna Brennan and Emilee Charlesworth, 3.1. Second round leaders: 1. Suzanne Williams, 1.9 seconds; 2. Winter Williams, 2.1; 3. (tie) Kendyl Rogers and Hanna Giger, 2.3; 5. Jessi Everett, 2.5; 6. Kiley Slavin, 2.6; 7. Alli Masters, 2.7; 8. Delani Beatty, 2.9. Average leaders: 1. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 5.8 seconds on two runs; 2. Delani Beatty, 6.1; 3. Alli Masters, 6.7; 4. Jackie White, 7.0; 5. (tie) Jade Mitchell and
Kersh bulldogs lead in Dodge
Australian Darcy Kersh wrestled two steers in a cumulative time of 9.1 seconds to take the bulldogging lead during Wednesday’s opening performance of Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. (PHOTO BY ROBBY FREEMAN) DODGE CITY, Kan. – Darcy Kersh fancies himself an all-around cowboy. He rides broncs, wrestles steers and ties down calves. His focus this year, though, has been on bulldogging, where he sits 43rd in the world standings with two months remaining in the ProRodeo regular season. He had biceps surgery and didn’t actually start his season until mid-April, so the $35,533 he’s collected has come in the last three-plus months. “Because of that surgery, I’m pretty far behind, but I feel like it’s been pretty good this season since I’ve come back,” said Kersh, 27, originally of Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia, but now living in Stephenville, Texas. “I’ve had a couple of weeks that were a little slow, but I feel like I’ve been winning pretty consistently everywhere that I’ve gone.” All he wants is a chance. That’s all every contestant at Dodge City Roundup Rodeo wants. He got his first opportunity Wednesday and made the most of it. He grappled his first steer to the ground in 4.3 seconds in the morning edition, then stopped the clock in 4.8 seconds in the evening performance. His two-run cumulative time of 9.1 seconds pushed him to the steer wrestling lead at Roundup Arena and gives him a shot to return for Championship Sunday, which will feature the top contestants in each event from the preliminary days of competition. “This is the best rodeo of the week,” he said of Roundup. “Dodge is a great place to come.” Riding Swamper, a horse owned by fellow steer wrestler Winsten McGraw, may have been the ace Kersh needed up his sleeve. “He’s an outstanding horse,” Kersh said. I’ve been lucky to ride him on a number of occasions. It’s just awesome to be able to get on a horse like that. All you’ve got to do is just focus on bulldogging, because a horse like that is going to leave and run, do their job. All you’ve got to think about is just making the best run each time.” Because of a family “thing” he has going on, he’ll make his way to another destination without stopping to bulldog anywhere else, but he hopes to return to southwest Kansas in four days. “I had to change things up, so this is the only rodeo I’m going to this week,” Kersh said. “I figured I’d trade around and go to the best one. I’m not going to say I’m safe to make the short round, but I think I’m in a good spot. “I made two good runs on the cows I had, and that’s what I’m always focused on doing.” Dodge City Roundup Rodeo Dodge City, Kan. July 30-Aug. 3 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Lane McGehee, 84.5 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Dirty South; 2. Roedy Farrell, 83.5; 3. Andy Gingerich, 81.5; 4. Gauge McBride, 81; 5. Tucker Carricato, 76; 6. Connor Griffith, 72; 7. Ethan Crouch, 71; 8. Carson Hildre, 69. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Kall Mayfield, 4.1 seconds; 2. Darcy Kersh, 4.3; 3. Dalton Massey, 4.5; 4. Landris White, 4.9; 5. Boyd Sawyer, 6.5; 6. Trevor Meier, 6.7; 7. Mike McGinn, 7.9; 8. Garrett Oates, 8.7. Second round leaders: 1. Boyd Sawyer, 3.8 seconds; 2. Emmett Edler, 4.2; 3. Mike McGinn, 4.6; 4. Darcy Kersh, 4.8; 5. Kall Mayfield, 5.1; 6. Wade Steffen, 5.3; 7. Nathan Duvall, 6.8; 8. Dynamo Musil, 10.3. Average leaders: 1. Darcy Kersh, 9.1 seconds on two runs; 2. Kall Mayfield, 9.2; 3. Boyd Sawyer, 10.3; 4. Mike McGinn, 12.5; 5. Nathan Duvall, 16.6; 6. Emmett Edler, 19.6; 7. Dynamo Musil, 20.6; 8. Winsten McGraw, 60.8; 9. Dalton Massey, 4.5 seconds on one run; 10. Landris White, 4.9; 11. Wade Steffen, 5.3; 12. Trevor Meier, 6.7. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Dawson Graham/Dillion Graham, 5.4 seconds; 2. Luke Brown/Hunter Koch, 5.9; 3. Coy Rahlmann/Logan Medlin, 6.2; 4. Brandon Farris/Braden Harmon, 6.4; 5. Blaine Turner/Scout McElroy, 7.8; 6. Wheston Jones/Cordell Collins, 10.9; 7. Corben Culley/Bryce Graves, 11.7; 8. Brent Mibb/Chet Weitz, 12.0.. Second round leaders: 1. Cole Eiguren/Dylan Hancock, 5.3 seconds; 2. Kellan Johnson/Trae Smith, 5.5; 3. Brandon Farris/Braden Harmon, 6.0; 4. Baylor Pool/Trigger Hargrove, 6.5; 5. Cyle Denison/Braylon Tryan, 9.1; 6. Brenten Hall/Wyatt Cos, 9.8; 7. Blaine Turner/Scout McElroy, 9.9; 8. Coy Rahlmann/Logan Medlin, 10.5. Average leaders: 1. Brandon Farris/Braden Harmon, 12.4 seconds on two runs; 2. Coy Rahlmann/Logan Medlin, 16.7; 3. Blaine Turner/Scout McElroy, 17.7; 4. Cole Eiguren, 5.3 seconds on one run; 5. Dawson Graham/Dillon Graham, 5.4; 6. Kellan Johnson/Trae Smith, 5.5; 7. Luke Brown/Hunter Koch, 5.9; 8. Baylor Pool/Trigger Hargrove, 6.5; 9. Cyle Denison/Braylon Tryan, 9.1; 10. Brenten Hall/Wyatt Cox, 9.8; 11. Wheston Jones/Cordell Collins, 10.9; 12. Corben Culley/Bryce Graves, 11.7. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. (tie) Brody Cress, on Double J Rodeo’s Weekend Fling, and Mitchie Story on Double J Rodeo’s Jerry’s Justice, 84.5 points; 3. Blake Steuck, 84; 4. Waitley Sharon, 82; 5. Regan Lyons, 80; 6. Wyatt Lavergne, 78.5; 7. Joe Macqueen, 76; 8. Will Pollock, 75. Breakaway roping: First round leaders: 1. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 2.4 seconds; 2. Clare Burcalow, 3.1; 3. Jade Mitchell, 3.3; 4. (tie) Erin Johnson and Josey Murphy, 3.5; 6. Karrigan Graves, 3.7; 7. Kirby Rawlinson, 3.8; 8. (tie) Mable McAbee and Kimberly Williams, 4.8. Second round leaders: 1. Suzanne Williams, 1.9 seconds; 2. Kiley Slavin, 2.6; 3. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 3.4; 4. Kimberly Williams, 3.5; 5. Jade Mitchell, 4.4; 6. Karrigan Graves, 4.7; 7. Josey Murphy, 4.8; 8. Sage Dunlap, 5.2. Average leaders: 1. Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, 5.8 seconds on two runs; 2. Jade Mitchell, 7.7; 3. (tie) Kimberly Williams and Josey Murphy, 8.3; 5. Karrigan Graves, 8.4; 6. Suzanne Williams, 14.0; 7. Kirby Rawlinson, 17.1; 8. Summer Williams, 17.4; 9. Kiley Slavin, 2.6 seconds on one run; 10. Clare Burcalow, 3.1; 11. Erin Johnson, 3.5; 12. Mable McAbee, 4.8. Tie-down roping: First round
Cooking contest gets things hot
The Pioneer Iron Chef competition heats things up during the Lea County Fair and Rodeo. It features two divisions, one for youth and one for adults. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LEA COUNTY) LOVINGTON, N.M. – If, as the saying goes, that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then producers of the TV show “Iron Chef” should be thrilled. A few years ago, the Lea County Fair Board began toying with the idea of a similar competition during the Lea County Fair and Rodeo. Thus, the Pioneer Iron Chef was born and will continue with this year’s exposition, set for July 31-Aug. 8, at the Lea County Fairgrounds in Lovington. “I watched it for the first time last year, and I was really impressed,” said Marsha Groves, one of this year’s organizers of Pioneer Iron Chef, which will take place Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Yucca Building; the youth contest is at 4 p.m., with the adult competition following at 6 p.m. Registration is 9-11 a.m. Friday, July 31. “The rules are similar to the ‘Iron Chef” program on TV. The youth group really turned out, and it was really good. I didn’t get to watch the adult contest. “There were three adults entered, and then there were nine in the youth division. We would love to get more adults participating.” In a fair that features various competitions – mutton bustin’, horse shows, barrel races, Xtreme Bulls, the rodeo, livestock shows and other exhibits, just to name a few – Pioneer Iron Chef offers locals a chance to get into the action while showing off their culinary skills. “The prizes are new this year,” she said. “They are going to get a buckle and an iron skillet. I really think the iron skillet’s a really cool thing to give.” The buckle will serve as a symbol of the agriculture and ranching history in Lea County, and the skillet will be the perfect trophy to present to the best cooks in each division. “I remember when I was getting ready to leave home at 18, and I didn’t know what I was going to do because I didn’t have an iron skillet,” Groves said. “Everybody needs an iron skillet.” Both are attractive prizes, which might help spark more interest. “I’d really like to see it grow,” Groves said. “I’d love to see us get more equipment for the participants, but they did a really good job with what they had last year.” Groves is involved because she enjoys giving back to the community and enjoys working in the kitchen. It doesn’t hurt that her daughter, Amber, is on the fair board. “Amber teases me and calls me Gordon because I like Gordon Ramsey,” she said. “I watch the cooking contests, and I like cooking and everything. I just decided I wanted to be more involved and try to help the program grow.”
Lee stays on heater in Dodge
Top-ranked Noah Lee rides Rafter G Rodeo’s Western Hauler’s for 88 points Tuesday night to win the Dodge City Xtreme Bulls title. It is his seventh Xtreme Bulls championship in his rookie campaign. (PHOTO BY ROBBY FREEMAN) DODGE CITY, Kan. – Noah Lee’s dominance in ProRodeo’s bull riding continues. Lee rode Rafter G Rodeo’s Western Hauler’s for 88 points to win Tuesday night’s Dodge City Xtreme Bulls, pocketing $8,531 and extending his lead in the world standings. It is the 18-year-old rookie’s seventh Xtreme Bulls victory this season and the 23rd overall title. “I love the Xtreme Bulls events,” said Lee, the son of PBR world champion Mike Lee. “It’s like a home away from home for me. I grew up going to bull ridings like this, so it’s just like another day off for me. It’s like the practice pen. I like coming here, seeing all my friends, because everybody comes to the X Bulls.” Lee celebrated his 18th birthday by buying his PRCA permit, a proving ground to see if a young contestant is ready for the big time. He went to his first event, an Xtreme Bulls event in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and promptly won it. Because he was on his permit, none of that money counts toward the world standings. Neither did the money he earned at a handful of other rodeos he entered while in the tryout stage. “I won $20,000 on my permit, because I entered some of those other rodeos while I was on my permit,” Lee said. “I really didn’t know what I was doing.” He does now, at least on the back of a bull. He entrusts a man named Gary Emerson to handle his entries these days, and he focuses on his primary purpose. With his win in Dodge City, Lee has pushed his 2026 earnings to $263,367. His lead is just $10,000 over the No. 2 man, Idahoan Tristen Hutchings. There are still two months remaining in the regular season, and there’s a lot of money yet to be paid. Most likely, though, the world championship will be decided at the National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s richest event that pays out millions over 10 days in Las Vegas. “I love the rodeo trail,” he said. “It’s very freeing, and I like that. You can do whatever you want, and you’re not entitled to be anywhere. You can have fun and go cook out and do whatever you want. Me and my girlfriend will go cook all the time and go to places I ain’t ever seen before. I had never got to travel like this before, so I like to go see places and drive around and look at the mountains and all that other good stuff.” He is also enjoying a first-time trip to Dodge City. He’s already cashed in big and will get at least one more chance to add to it when he rides at Roundup Rodeo on Thursday night. It’s opportunities like this that he graduated high school early and spent months preparing by riding a lot of bulls. It didn’t matter if they were rank or trashy or just good to ride, it was all the prep work he needed. “I’ve been preparing for this day my whole life,” Lee said. Dodge City Roundup Xtreme Bulls Dodge City, Kan. July 28, 2026 1. Noah Lee, 88 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Western Hauler’s, $8,531; 2. Jace Trosclair, 87.5, $6,540; 3. Clayton Sellars, 85.5, $4,834; 4. Nash Jones, 85, $3,128; 5. Tyler Kippes, 84.5, $1,990; 6. Tyce Willis, 83.5, $1,422; 7. Hayden Welsh, 83, $1,137; 8. Jackson Ward, 79.5, $853.
Proctor earns first $5,000 Roundup bonus
Flanked by Miss Teen Rodeo Kansas Faith McMannis, left; Dodge City Roundup Rodeo president Steve Deges, second from left; and Miss Rodeo Kansas Rebecca Shea Thornton, right, Coleman Proctor poses with the 2026 champion steer roper buckle. (PHOTO COURTESY OF COLEMAN PROCTOR) Coleman Proctor, a former Dodge City Roundup Rodeo all-around champion, has earned the first buckle and $5,000 bonus of this year’s rodeo with Tuesday’s steer roping title “Man, my horse worked great,” Proctor said of Gambler, which is owned by Southern Ranches. “One of the things I talked about yesterday was that I needed to finish and execute. That’s what I hadn’t been doing, and I really thought a lot about it on that three-hour drive over here (Monday from Abilene, Kansas).” Proctor, a nine-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in team roping heading from Pryor, Oklahoma, placed in just one round but finished with a three-run cumulative time of 33.8 seconds to win the championship. His new buckle will stand alongside the 2024 Roundup all-around buckle, but it’s is first single-event title in Dodge City. He also won $3,748 on top of the bonus. “It’s also a big deal because (Tuesday) was also my Aunt Sherry’s birthday,” Proctor said, referring to Sherry Robinson, who lives in nearby Cimarron with her husband, Gaylon. Proctor and the other steer ropers competed Monday in Abilene, then made the venture west to rope Tuesday at Roundup Arena. He spent the evening with family and enjoyed a game of pitch with his aunt, uncle and Kevin Foraker, a fellow competitor and longtime friend. “Uncle Gaylon and I kept our winning streak going,” Proctor said, referring to the card game. He will return to Dodge City to team rope Saturday with heeling partner Travis Graves. Proctor is not among the top 50 just yet in the steer roping standings, but he is 26th in heading. He’ll need to finish the regular season among the top 15 if he hopes to return to the NFR for a 10th time. His focus, though, is on perfecting all the fundamentals to his roping. “I’m going to go home and work on some things with my heading,” Proctor said. “I think we’re right there on the verge of something great.”