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SAN ANGELO, Texas – The state of Utah was well represented Friday night during the fifth performance of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. The big ride came late in the show, when 19-year-old Stetson Wright matched moves with United Pro Rodeo’s Happy Days for 89 points to tie for the bull riding lead with Aaron Williams, who rode last weekend. Both men are virtual locks to make the championship round, which takes place next Friday, Feb. 15, at Foster Communications Coliseum. “All they told me about my bull was that he was mean,” said Wright, the third son of two-time world champion saddle bronc rider Cody Wright. “He felt great. He hipped himself, and after I got sat back down, he felt really good and turned into my hand.” Oftentimes, animals leaving the chute will bang on the metal post, and that could foul the rider as he tries to make the moves necessary for high scores. Obviously, Wright recovered. But that’s nothing new for the family, which boasts of a host of top-rated saddle bronc riders. Cody Wright led the way, earning his first gold buckle in 2008, then following it in 2010. Jesse Wright followed with the world title two years later, then Spencer Wright claimed gold in 2014. Along the way, that generation of Wrights includes Jesse’s twin, Jake, and brother-in-law CoBurn Bradshaw as National Finals Rodeo qualifiers. Since then, Cody’s sons, Rusty and Ryder, have played on the biggest stage in the game. Stetson seems to be following suit, albeit in bull riding. He competes in saddle bronc riding – he was 76 points on Friday night and will not advance to next week’s short round in that event – but he loves the idea of riding both styles of roughstock events. Ryder Wright scored 84 points on United Pro Rodeo’s Red One and is third in bronc riding. “It’s gone a little bit better in the bull riding, but I can’t complain about either,” said Stetson Wright of Beaver, Utah. “It’s important for me to compete in both. “All of us starting out doing both events. They call me the stupid one, because they’re all smart enough to focus on bronc riding, and I’m still doing both.” He made that comment in jest, but he’s making it work. He’s excited that he’ll be back in this west Texas community in a week to battle for the prestigious title. It’s the first time he’s competed in San Angelo. “That was awesome, because that crowd was crazy,” Wright said. “There aren’t many rodeos that have fans as crazy as these guys. “I’d say making the short round is really important. I didn’t have much confidence heading into tonight, because I’ve been struggling. Now I feel like I have all the confidence back. It takes one ride to boost your confidence and one ride to take it away.” Caleb Bennett knows that well. Born in Ogden, Utah, he lived in the Beehive State all of his life until moving to Corvallis, Montana, recently. He’s ridden the big waves of success and the deep dives the sport can bring … all in a single season. On Friday night, Bennett rode United Pro Rodeo’s Pow Wow Rocks for 85.5 points to move into second place in bareback riding. He also is a virtual lock to return to the championship round. Two months ago, he was in a very tight race for the 2018 world championship with eventual titlist Tim O’Connell. “It was awesome in a sense, being in that race and being in the position I was in – battling 1-2 with Tim – was something you always look forward to,” said Bennett, 31, a seven-time NFR qualifier. “I can look at the winter run I had last year and the way the year went clear up to the finals was what I’d dreamt of doing in my career. “Looking back on it, you realize it wasn’t meant to be. For what ever reason, I wasn’t meant to capitalize. I was down about it for a little while, but now it just sends me in a different way to look at it. I look at all the ways I can improve so if I’m in that position again, I can capitalize.” That’s the approach he had Friday. This won’t be his first time advancing to the short round at the stock show and rodeo. “San Angelo is one of the bigger rodeos this time of year,” he said. “If you can have a heck of a winter run, you can set yourself up for the rest of the winter. To be able to capitalize on a good horse like I had tonight can set the year up. “The crowd was awesome tonight. I was just taking that in. I stepped back as they were doing the opening, and that pace was packed. I’d say it was standing-room only, and it’s such a cool arena. That atmosphere and energy just runs through your veins and sends chills down your back.” No wonder the best in the business look forward to competing in San Angelo each February. San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 1-3, Feb. 8-10, Feb. 13-15 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Bill Tutor, 88 points on Lancaster and Jones’ Highway Man; 2. Caleb Bennett, 85.5; 3. (tie) Taylor Broussard and Jake Vold, 84; 5. (tie) Hunter Brasfield and David Peebles, 83; 7. Zach Hibler, 82; 8. Jesse Pope, 81; 9. Tony Barrington, 79; 10. Grant Denny, 78.5; 11. (tie) Waylon Guy Burgeois, Connor Hamilton and Steven Dent, 78. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Tucker Allen, 3.6 seconds; 2. (tie) Don Payne and Josh Clark, 3.7; 4. Sam Shelton, 3.8; 5. Denell Henderson, 3.9; 6. Jacob Talley, 4.0; 7. Dru Melvin, 4.2; 8. Payden McIntyre, 4.4. Second round: 1. Richard Coats, 3.2 seconds; 2. Dirk Tavenner, 3.8; 3. Tom Lewis, 3.9; 4. Tanner Brunner, 4.0; 5. Josh Garner, 4.1; 6. (tie) Jacob Edler, Stephen Culling, Dru Melvin  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Jacob Edler doesn’t have to look too far to find a trusted adviser. After having a relatively successful 2018 rodeo season, Edler found his way to Holliday, Texas, and the home of Hunter Cure, a steer wrestler who won world championships in 2013 and 2015. Now the States Center, Iowa-raised cowboy is hoping to parlay that into more success on the rodeo trail this year. “Hunter has just helped me mentally,” said Edler, who was the runner-up to the champion at the 2016 College National Finals Rodeo. “I moved down to his house about two months ago, and I’ve been working for him. It’s been great being around a two-time world champion. Everything he does is about getting better, and now I’ll be able to incorporate that into my bulldogging.” It showed Saturday during the second day of competition at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. Edler wrestled his first steer to the ground in 5.0 seconds during the matinee performance, then posted a 4.2-second run in the evening. He’s placing in both rounds and leads the two-run aggregate by three-tenths of a second. “I believe I bulldogged solid,” he said, noting that he rode Rattle, a mare owned by Matt Reeves, who served as Edler’s hazer. “That mare did outstanding, and Matt did a great job. I drew two pretty honest steers and got good starts on both of them.” While steer wrestling seems to be all about the big men who do it, none would be very successful without having a solid mount. The Iowa cowboy likes what he seeks in the talented bay. “She’s kind of a little, compact thing, but she scorers so good,” he said. “She just drives you right up over the steer’s back every time and puts you in the right place. She’s really easy to win on.” Edler has done his share of winning so far in the 2019 season. He’s placed along at several rodeos heading into this weekend and now sits 10th in the world standings. The main thing, though, is he wants to be among the leaders when the season ends Sept. 30. “Last year I finished 35th, and I’ve got so many more opportunities to get into great rodeos,” said Edler, who graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, commonly referred to the Bulldogging Capital of College Rodeo. “I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a little easier to fulfill my goal to get into these rodeos that limit people who are outside the top 40.” His goal, of course, is to earn his first qualification to the National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s premier championship that boasts of $10 million purse and features only the top 15 on the money list at the conclusion of the regular season. Edler will return to San Angelo in two weeks to compete in the championship round, set for Friday, Feb. 15. “This is my fourth time to San Angelo, and the crowd was great; it was a packed house,” said Edler, who will compete in Fort Worth, Texas; Jackson, Mississippi; and San Antonio before he returns for the final weekend of rodeo. “It was good energy, and it dang sure gets a guy fired up.” San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 1-3, Feb. 8-10, Feb. 13-15 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Bill Tutor, 88 points on Lancaster and Jones’ Highway Man; 2. (tie) Taylor Broussard and Jake Vold, 84; 4. Hunter Brasfield, 83; 5. Jesse Pope, 81; 6. Waylon Guy Burgeois, 78; 7. Paden Hurst, 77.5; 8. Wyatt Maines, 77. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Jacob Talley, 4.0 seconds; 2. Kyle Irwin, 4.7; 3. Blake Knowles, 4.9; 4. (tie) Jacob Edler and Tyler Pearson, 5.0; 6. Steven Culling, 5.5; 7. Dalton Massey, 70; 8. Shane Frey, 7.2. Second round: 1. Tanner Brunner, 4.0 seconds; 2. Jacob Edler, 4.2; 3. Tyler Waguespack, 4.3; 4. Tyler Pearson, 4.5; 5. Tristan Martin, 6.2; 6. Hunter Cure, 12.8; no other qualified runs. Average: 1. Jacob Edler, 9.2 seconds on two runs; 2. Tyler Pearson, 9.5; 3. Tanner Brunner, 17.8; 4. Hunter Cure, 27.5; 5. Jacob Talley, 4.0 seconds on one run; 6. Tyler Waguespack, 4.3; 7. Kyle Irwin, 4.7; 8. Blake Knowles, 4.9. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Clay Smith/Jake Long, 3.6 seconds; 2. (tie) Justin Yost/Jake Edwards and Aaron Tsinigine/Kyle Lockett, 4.3; 4. Eli Lord/J.W. Beck, 4.6; 5. Billy Bob Brown/Shay Carroll, 4.7; 6. Bart Brunson/Trace Poter, 7.5; 7. Derrick Begay/Cory Petska, 9.3; 8. Jacob Dagenhart/Zack Mabry, 9.6. Second round leaders: 1. Erich Rogers/Clint Summers, 4.3 seconds; 2. Rhen Richard/Quinn Kesler, 9.0; 3. Jacob Dagenhart/Zack Mabry, 9.8; 4. Eli Lord/J.W. Beck, 20.1; no other qualified runs. Average leaders: 1. Jacob Deganhart/Zack Mabry, 19.4 seconds on two runs; 2. Rhen Richard/Quinn Kesler, 23.2; 3. Eli Lord/J.W. Beck, 24.7; 4. Clay Smith/Jake Long, 3.6 seconds on one run; 5. (tie) Justin Yost/Jake Edwards, Erich Rogers/Clint Summers and Aaron Tsinigine/Kyle Lockett, 4.3; 7. Billy Bob Brown/Shay Carrol, 4.7; 8. Bart Brunson/Trace Porter, 7.5. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Cody DeMoss, 87 points on Lancaster and Jones’ Total Equine Angel Fire 2. Preston Burr, 83; 3. Aaron Lide, 82; 4. (tie) Tate Owens and Hawkins Boyce, 81; 6. Josh Davison, 79.5; 7. Dawson Dahm, 79; 8. (tie) Dean Wadsworth and Logan Cook, 74. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. Jake Pratt, 7.0 seconds; 2. Tuf Cooper, 7.6; 3. Blane Cox, 7.7; 4. Haven Meged, 7.9; 5. (tie) Ike Fontenot and Westyn Hughes, 8.0; 7. Blake Ash, 8.4; 8. Cade Swor, 8.6. Second round leaders: 1. Justin Smith, 7.2 seconds; 2. Rhen Richard, 8.1; 3. Ryle Smih, 8.4; 4. Haven Meged, 8.6; 5. Jake Pratt, 8.9; 6. Cooper Mathews, 9.9; 7. Shad Mayfield, 10.2; 8. Ike Fontenot, 20.7. Average leaders: 1. Jake Pratt, 15.9 seconds on two runs; 2. Haven Meged, 16.5; 3. Ryle Smith, 18.8; 4. Shad Mayfield, 18.9; 5. Cooper Mathews, 21.3; 6. Ike Fontenot, 28.7; 7. Justin Smith, 7.2 seconds on one run; 8. Tuf Cooper, 7.6. Barrel  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – There’s not a hotter tandem in team roping than Clay Smith and Jake Long, and they kept up their scorching pace this weekend at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. On Sunday afternoon, Smith and Long stopped the clock in 3.5 seconds to set the rodeo record. That, combined with their 3.6-second run Friday night, puts the duo in the lead with 10 more preliminary performances remaining as every contestant in the field battles for a spot in the championship round, set for Friday, Feb. 15, at Foster Communications Coliseum. “I think we’re roping really well right now,” said Long, an eight-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in heeling from Coffeyville, Kansas. “Our horses are working great. We’re drawing good steers, and we’re both just doing our jobs.” They’re doing it very well. Over the last month, Smith and Long have won the Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver and the Wildfire Roping last weekend in Hamilton, Texas. They sit No. 1 in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world standings – both have earned $14,714. And they stand a great chance of pocketing even more in this west Texas community of about 100,000 people. By setting a new arena record, they have at least put themselves in a place in the rodeo’s storied past. “It’s cool, especially at a rodeo with the tradition of San Angelo,” Long said. “I remember hearing about that arena record a long time ago; it was a world record at the time, so there’s history behind it. We were just trying to make a good run, and it just happened to come together.” He and Smith decided last October to join forces for the 2019 season, but both had some unfinished business to tend to first – both had qualified for the NFR with their previous partners. Smith then put on an outstanding performance in Las Vegas with Paul Eaves and left the Nevada desert with the most cherished prize in the game, the world champion’s gold buckle. “It means a lot to have that world title,” Smith said. “That’s something you’ll probably never forget. Then again, it doesn’t matter, because as soon as the 10th round was over, it’s a new year, and you’re just trying to make it back to the finals.” Even with his success with Eaves, Smith likes the opportunities that are before him with Long serving as his heeler. “We figured we had the same mentality on everything,” Smith said. “We’re both aggressive, and he heels super fast. We’re not opposed to winning second or third, but we sure like winning first.” They are in that position through the first weekend of competition in San Angelo, and they’d love to be there when it comes down to Championship Friday in less than two weeks. “Clay is amazing in any setup, and his horses are great,” Long said. “This is a cool rodeo. It’s not an overly big building, but they pack it, and the crowd seems to be in it. It makes for fast times and is enjoyable to watch. It’s like roping at the finals, and you feed off what everybody else is doing.” San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 1-3, Feb. 8-10, Feb. 13-15 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Bill Tutor, 88 points on Lancaster and Jones’ Highway Man; 2. (tie) Taylor Broussard and Jake Vold, 84; 4. Hunter Brasfield, 83; 5. Zach Hibler, 82; 6. Jesse Pope, 81; 7. Tony Barrington, 79; 8. (tie) Waylon Guy Burgeois and Connor Hamilton, 78; 10. Paden Hurst, 77.5; 11. Wyatt Maines, 77; 12. BoDell Jessen, 76. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Jacob Talley, 4.0 seconds; 2. Kyle Irwin, 4.7; 3. Blake Knowles, 4.9; 4. (tie) Jacob Edler and Tyler Pearson, 5.0; 6. Steven Culling, 5.5; 7. Dalton Massey, 70; 8. Shane Frey, 7.2. Second round: 1. Tanner Brunner, 4.0 seconds; 2. (tie) Jacob Edler and Stephen Culling, 4.2; 4. (tie) Tyler Waguespack and Blake Knowles, 4.3; 6. Dalton Massey, 4.4; 7. Tyler Pearson, 4.5; 8. Eli Lord, 4.8. Average: 1. (tie) Jacob Edler and Blake Knowles, 9.2 seconds on two runs; 3. Tyler Pearson, 9.5; 4. Stephen Culling, 9.7; 5. Dalton Massey, 11.4; 6. Tanner Brunner, 17.8; 7. Hunter Cure, 27.5; 8. Jacob Talley, 4.0 seconds on one run; 9. Tyler Waguespack, 4.3; 10. Kyle Irwin, 4.7; 11. Eli Lord, 4.8; 12. Jason Thomas, 5.8. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Clay Smith/Jake Long, 3.6 seconds; 2. (tie) Justin Yost/Jake Edwards and Aaron Tsinigine/Kyle Lockett, 4.3; 4. Eli Lord/J.W. Beck, 4.6; 5. Billy Bob Brown/Shay Carroll, 4.7; 6. Bart Brunson/Trace Poter, 7.5; 7. Derrick Begay/Cory Petska, 9.3; 8. Jacob Dagenhart/Zack Mabry, 9.6. Second round leaders: 1. Clay Smith/Jake Long, 3.5 seconds; 2. Luke Brown/Paul Eaves, 3.6; 3. Aaron Tsinigine/Kyle Lockett, 3.8; 4. Bart Brunson/Trace Porter, 4.0; 5. Erich Rogers/Clint Summers, 4.3; 6. Rhen Richard/Quinn Kesler, 9.0; 7. Jacob Dagenhart/Zack Mabry, 9.8; 8. Tyler Wade/Billie Jack Saebens, 13.8. Average leaders: 1. Clay Smith/Jake Long, 7.1 seconds on two runs; 2. Aaron Tsinigine/Kyle Lockett, 8.1; 3. Bart Brunson/Trace Porter, 11.5; 4. Jacob Deganhart/Zack Mabry, 19.4; 5. Rhen Richard/Quinn Kesler, 23.2; 6. Eli Lord/J.W. Beck, 24.7; 7. Luke Brown/Paul Eaves, 3.6 seconds on one run; 8. (tie) Justin Yost/Jake Edwards and Erich Rogers/Clint Summers, 4.3; 10. Billy Bob Brown/Shay Carrol, 4.7; 11. Derrick Begay/Cory Petska, 9.3; 12. Tyler Wade/Billy Jack Saebens, 13.8. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. (tie) Cody DeMoss, on Lancaster and Jones’ Total Equine Angel Fire, and Colt Gordon, on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Sadie’s Gal, 87 points; 3. (tie) Preston Burr and Wade Sundell, 83; 5. Aaron Lide, 82; 6. (tie) Tate Owens, Hawkins Boyce, Jake Wright and CoBurn Bradshaw, 81; 10. Josh Davison, 79.5; 11. (tie) Dawson Dahm and Jesse Wright, 79. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. Jake Pratt, 7.0 seconds; 2. Tuf Cooper, 7.6; 3. Blane Cox, 7.7; 4. Haven Meged, 7.9; 5. (tie) Ike Fontenot and Westyn Hughes, 8.0; 7. Blake Ash, 8.4;  Continue Reading »

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Cody DeMoss has won just about every major title there is in saddle bronc riding, but there are two items missing on his resume: He’s never won the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world championship He’s never won the outright title at the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. He’s well on his way to erasing the latter. On Friday night during the opening performance of the 2019 rodeo, DeMoss rode Lancaster and Jones’ Total Equine Angel Fire for 87 points to take the bronc riding lead. He is given himself a solid chance to earn that first San Angelo title, but first he will advance to the championship round, which will take place Friday, Feb. 15. DeMoss just turned 38 a few weeks ago, and this marks his 20th year riding broncs professionally. He has qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 13 times in his storied career, and he just missed the mark last season; he finished 23rd in the world standings, but only the top 15 on the money list at the conclusion of the regular season advance to rodeo’s grand championship. Over his career, DeMoss has ridden inside Foster Communications Coliseum numerous times. In 2006, he won the championship round, back when the PRCA conducted its nationally televised tour. This will be the closest to the title he has been since that glorious season. He’s one of two saddle bronc riding brothers from Heflin, Louisiana; his younger sibling, Heith, is a nine-time NFR qualifier. Cody DeMoss, though, has the edge in most categories. Since he began in the PRCA in 2000, he has earned just shy of $2.3 million. His earnings, though, go well beyond that. He’s won several titles at events that didn’t count toward in the PRCA, including the Calgary (Alberta) Stampede, RodeoHouston and The American, which takes place at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. When DeMoss won that title in 2017, he pocketed $433,000 for eight seconds of work. He’s won the average championship at the NFR, ProRodeo’s finale that takes place over 10 December nights in Las Vegas. That happened in 2012, the last of five times the Louisiana cowboy finished the season No. 2 in the world standings – he was also the reserve world champ in 2004, ’05, ’06 and ’09. He took advantage of a strong horse in Angel Fire, a Texas-raised horse that has been to the NFR each of the past several years. In fact, the athletic bay gelding was still sporting the NFR tag during Friday’s performance. That strong bucker was just the first of what DeMoss hopes is two great horses he’ll get to ride in San Angelo. Now he’ll await Championship Friday in two weeks to see if fortune finds him. San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Feb. 1-3, Feb. 8-10, Feb. 13-15 Bareback riding leaders: 1. Taylor Broussard, 84 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Lady’s Man; 2. Tristan Hansen, 64; no other qualified rides. Steer wrestling: First round leaders: 1. Jacob Talley, 4.0 seconds; 2. Blake Knowles, 4.9; 3. Steven Culling, 5.5; 4. Dalton Massey, 70; Jake Fulton, 7.3; no other qualified times. Team roping: First round leaders: 1. Justin Yost/Jake Edwards, 4.3 seconds; 2. Eli Lord/J.W. Beck, 4.6; 3. Billy Bob Brown/Shay Carroll, 4.7; 4. Jacob Dagenhart/Zack Mabry, 9.6; Rhen Richard/Quinn Kessler, 14.2; no other qualified times. Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. Cody DeMoss, 87 points on Lancaster and Jones’ Total Equine Angel Fire 2. Tate Owens, 81; 3. Josh Davison, 79.5; 4. Dean Wadsworth, 74; 5. Tyrel Larsen, 73; 6. Scott Davis, 70; 7. Nick LaDuke, 66; no other qualified rides. Tie-down roping: First round leaders: 1. Jake Pratt, 7.0 seconds; 2. Haven Meged, 7.9; 3. (tie) Ike Fontenot and Westyn Hughes, 8.0; 5. Shad Mayfield, 8.7; 6. Cody Quaney, 9.2; 7. Ryle Smith, 10.4; 8. Cody Craig, 10.5. Barrel racing: First round: 1. Wenda Johnson, 15.91 seconds, $4,295; 2. Jill Tanner, 15.97, $3,681; 3. Sidney Forrest, 15.99, $3,068; 4. Ryann Pedone, 16.00, $2,659; 5. Jackie Jatzlau, 16.04, $2,045; 6. Angela Ganter, 16.05, $1,636; 7. Kelly Bruner, 16.07, $1,227; 8. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 16.08, $819; 9. Hailey Kinsel, 16.09, $614; 10. (tie) Sara Withers, Nisa Berry, Jimmie Smith, Brittney Barnett and Kenna Squires, 16.10, $82 each. Second round leaders: 1. Stevi Hillman, 14.32 seconds; 2. Jill Wilson, 14.60; 3. Hanna Forbes, 14.63; 4. Tori Morris, 14.65; 5. Lindsay Kruse, 14.72; 6. Sara Ward, 15.11; 7. Jody McPherson, 15.12; 8. Katie Carroll, 15.26; 9. Toni Dixon, 19.46; 10. Sadye Simpson, 19.91. Average leaders: 1. Stevi Hillman, 30.62 on two runs; 2. Jill Wilson, 30.93; 3. Tori Morris, 31.26; 4. Hanna Forbes, 31.62; 5. Lindsay Kruse, 31.40; 6. Sarah Ward, 31.86; 7 Jody McPherson, 31.87; 8. Katie Carroll, 32.00; 9. Toni Dixon, 35.92; 10. Sadye Simpson, 36.66. Bull riding leaders: 1. Brady Portenier, 87 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Black Beauty; 2. Rorey Maier, 85; 3. Dalan Duncan, 70; no other qualified rides.

Now semi-retired, the winningest cowboy in rodeo still loves the CTEC GUTHRIE, Okla. – The grind of professional rodeo offers many challenges and requires many sacrifices for those that are successful. Nobody understands that better than Trevor Brazile, the “King of the Cowboys” who owns the most world championships in the sport’s history. He owns several PRCA records, including the most world titles (24), most all-around world championships (14) and the most money earned over his career – so far, that figure sits at nearly $7 million. Now 42, he’s realizing that the sacrifices need to be fewer while still chasing challenges. That’s why he is limiting his rodeo schedule, likely eliminating the chances for more PRCA gold buckles or even qualifications to the National Finals Rodeo. His focus is on family, and that’s a good thing. As his three children grow, their activities do, too, and Brazile doesn’t want to miss as many of those. While his schedule will be diminished greatly, he still has some major events on his calendar, and the CINCH Timed Event Championship is at the top of his list. He will return to the unique competition, dubbed the “Ironman of ProRodeo,” set for March 8-10 at the Lazy E Arena. For information on the event and to order tickets, visit www.LazyE.com. “When I started off, I wanted to be diversified, to be a well-rounded cowboy,” said Brazile, 42, of Decatur, Texas. “The Timed Event is a true test of it.” It’s a test he knows well. In the 22 years since he first competed at the CTEC, he’s won the Montana Silversmiths CTEC gold buckle seven times, more than any other competitor in its 35-year history. It also offers a great financial incentive, the $100,000 prize that goes to the winner at the conclusion of the five-round, three-day slugfest. In an event where each cowboy must compete in all five timed-event disciplines – heading, heeling, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and steer roping – just to complete one round, it takes a mental fortitude and true athleticism to come out successful. But the rewards are plentiful: the runner-up will earn $25,000. “When you talk about the mental and physical grind that it takes, it’s a lot of both,” Brazile said. “I don’t know what makes it fun, but it’s fun. I love competing. If I were to make a list of what makes it fun, No. 1 would be the $100,000. Second would be getting on the same playing field with 19 other guys. “I work multiple events all the time, and it’s the one time a year I feel like it evens the playing field for me because everybody has to compete in multiple events.” There are fireworks that happen each round, but the CTEC is a true spectacle. As has happened in years past, the annual chuckwagon cooking contest will take place in conjunction with the festivities. It was named the 2017 American Chuck Wagon Association’s event of the year. Breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and the dinner will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased through www.Ticketmaster.com. The hottest ticket, though, is to see the 20 greatest all-around timed-event cowboys in ProRodeo today. Over the course of the storied championship, only 14 men have walked away from the Lazy E with the title. Seven of those men will be in this year’s field, and Brazile is just one of them. He will be joined by K.C. Jones (5), Daniel Green (3), Kyle Lockett (2), Paul David Tierney (2), Jess Tierney and Jordan Ketscher, the last of whom is the reigning titlist. “There’s not another event like it,” said Brazile, who has earned $808,000 at the CTEC. “It is the purest of timed-event contests, then you put it in a venue like the Lazy E, and it adds that much more of a cowboy contest.” It goes back to being one of the most unique events in the sport, where team ropers must wrestle steers and steer wrestlers must rope them. It challenges every man, and it happens through five rounds over just three days. While the cowboys are used to stopping the clock in 7.0 seconds in tie-down roping or 3.5 seconds in bulldogging, the key to success at the CINCH Timed Event Championship is being consistent over 25 runs. “That part of it’s changed a lot over the years I’ve been part of it,” said Brazile, who joins header Clay Smith as the 2018 PRCA champions who are part of this year’s “Ironman.” “If you go into it with a practice-pen mentality too much, you’re not going to win it. You still have to be somewhat aggressive. There are some things that will happen that are out of your control, and you can’t let them be a downward spiral. “If you try not to lose, it’s not going to be good enough in that event.” Make no bones about it, he’s good. In fact, he’s the best there is in the game today. He’s a factor, and the other competitors know that very well. Some of that has to do with his impeccable work ethic, and part of it has to do with his talents in the arena. “He’s a top 15 contender in every event he chooses to be in,” said fellow CTEC cowboy JoJo LeMond, who pointed to Brazile’s two Triple Crowns, when he won three gold buckles in 2007 and 2011. Brazile cherishes every victory and every moment. He celebrates the opportunity to engage with fans, and there are none better than the ones who fill the Lazy E Arena through the second weekend in March. “I go to rodeos all over the world, and people will come up to me and say they go to their hometown rodeo and the Timed Event every year,” he said. “If you’ve ever been a fan of the Timed Event, you’re always a fan of it. They’re fans of grit and determination as much as they are of  Continue Reading »

BFO veteran takes top prize at Barrett-Jackson Invitational, wows new fans SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – When Toby Inman looked to his right, he saw a young man half his age. Inman is a veteran freestyle bullfighter, and Chance Moorman is less than a year into his career. Both were in the mix for the championship during the Bullfighters Only Barrett-Jackson Invitational this past weekend at Barrett-Jackson’s famed Scottsdale Auction. “I joked around with him that he wasn’t supposed to be this good already,” Inman said of Moorman, just 18 years old from Lytle, Texas. “But he is, and he just goes out there and does it. It’s a good thing, and it shows it’s not just the veterans stepping up and doing some tricks.” That’s true, but the veteran Inman walked away from Scottsdale with the victory and the $10,000 top prize to take the early lead in the 2019 Bullfighters Only Pendleton Whisky World Standings. He finished with a three-fight cumulative score of 259 points, just half a point better than Moorman. “I was actually thinking about taking January off when I found out about this event,” said Inman of Davis Junction, I’ll. “Coming off Vegas, I was sore and out of shape. “But this is a good start. Last year, I got a good start, then I had injury after injury. It’s actually hard to get in shape when things are going like that.” The Barrett-Jackson Invitational is new on the schedule, but it was a true showcase event. While Inman and Moorman took the top two spots, they were followed by three cagey veterans: Kris Furr, Ross Hill and three-time reigning world champion Weston Rutkowski. Though he got the silver medal, Moorman may have been the biggest showman of the bunch. He won the second round with a 90.5-point bout, the highest of the three-round competition. He started it by landing a perfect front flip over the bull, clearing the animal from head to tail. “That second round was probably the best day of my life,” Moorman said. “I’ve been close before, but I’ve never been able to break that 90-point barrier. I landed the cleanest front flip I’ve ever done. That was awesome. “I fought to the best of my ability and did the best that I could.” Maybe the highlight was when the three-time world champion took a light-hearted approach with Moorman’s father. “Weston went up to my dad at the end of the event and told him that it’s too early in the year for me to be doing stuff like that,” Moorman said. “That’s a big confidence booster to me, to have my idol say something like that.” By winning the title, Inman pocketed the biggest prize, Moorman earned $4,000, and Furr, a second-year pro from Hamptonville, N.C., scored $2,000. They are the top three in the Pendleton Whisky World Standings with one event under their belts. “I need to stay consistent and put consistent fights on throughout the year,” Moorman said. “I want to keep doing what I’m doing and try to finish toward the top.” Inman knows that feeling. He’s been one of the best freestyle bullfighters going for most of his career. In 2018, he led the BFO standings much of the season before injury caused him to fall behind and finish third overall. Of course, kicking off the season with a big win in Scottsdale was just what the doctor ordered. “I’m not a big car guy, but to see that auction in person was such an amazing thing,” he said. “I’m pretty sure we’ve got a ton of new fans. That was a cool event to be part of, and I’m glad we got to be there to see that and for them to see what we do.” They not only saw some outstanding action from the veterans in the game, but they witnessed just what the rising stars can do, too. “Chance is doing things that’s going to make everybody step up, and so are the others,” Inman said. “We have to have the new guys that can do that and keep it intense. That’s better overall for the sport.”

GUYMON, Okla. – The party is about to begin. The Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo committee will conduct its 13th Draw Down Raffle beginning with a social hour at 6 p.m. and the fun starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Pickle Creek Center. “One of the biggest changes we’re doing this year is making it a party,” said Rebecca Robbins, a key member of the volunteer committee that produces the annual rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena. “We wanted people to start thinking about it early. It’s one of the main fundraisers for us. It’s really important to get out in the community. After last year’s success with the rodeo, we thought we’d change a few things up leading to this year’s rodeo. We tweaked the draw down a little bit.” That includes door prizes from several merchant members of the Guymon Chamber of Commerce that are at a $50 value as well as a new band, the Buster Bledsoe Band out of Amarillo, Texas. “Seaboard Foods is donating pork, and the Pub on the Bricks is stepping up to where we have a cash bar and free beer,” Robbins said. “We’re making it a destination event. There’s still a band so we can have dancing, and for $50 a person, people have a chance to win $3,500.” That’s an awfully good incentive, but the primary goal is to raise awareness and funds toward the largest community-based event in Texas County. Each year, nearly 1,000 ProRodeo contestants make their way to the region once known as No Man’s Land to take part in Pioneer Days Rodeo, which has been inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo. That helps make for an economic boon to Guymon and the surrounding communities. Millions of dollars are brought into Texas County the week of the rodeo. “We’re excited to have such a storied event in such a small town,” said Robbins, who moved to the area five and a years ago and is a veterinarian at Seaboard. “This was a big change for us, moving from the East Coast, but this community’s great. To have activities like this helps us to be involved. “This requires a lot of volunteering. I helped last year, but I’m officially on the committee this year.” She is one of the organizers of the draw down, then she will dip her fingers in other areas of the committee to help where necessary. Her husband, Andy Brown, is handling concessions for the rodeo. They understand the importance of the rodeo in this Oklahoma Panhandle community. “This year marks 87 years of the rodeo, and it’s such a big community event,” she said. “You know everybody involved is interested in a great outcome, and we get to work together to make sure that happens.”

Top freestyle bullfighters set to compete at first ever Barrett-Jackson Invitational SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Bullfighters Only is teaming up with Barrett-Jackson Auctions to produce an unprecedented freestyle bullfighting event that will take place at the famed Scottsdale Auction, Jan. 17-19. “We are very excited to be a part of the legendary Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction,” said Aaron Ferguson, BFO’s founder. “Presenting our sport to new audiences, is what we are all about. The combination of Barrett-Jackson and BFO should prove to be the perfect fit.” The Bullfighters Only Barrett-Jackson Invitational will feature the top athletes from BFO, showcasing their talents in the ultimate display of man-vs.-beast. The three-day showdown is a testament to each man’s hardy courage, while facing down intensely angry Spanish fighting bulls. “Barrett-Jackson has become more than just an auction, it is a lifestyle event,” said Craig Jackson, CEO and chairman of Barrett-Jackson. “Our team strives to bring something new to the table every year and make the Barrett-Jackson experience even more incredible. We are happy to host Bullfighters Only as they compete in this truly unique and exciting western sport.” Combatants have up to 60 seconds to gain as many points possible. With 100 points being the perfect score, bullfighters can earn up to 50 points by exhibiting style and control while maneuvering around and jumping over the fighting bull. The bull, bred for this type of fight, can also tally up to 50 points for its speed, aggressiveness and willingness to stay engaged in the bout. The competition begins at 7:30 p.m. each day at the WestWorld Equidome in Scottsdale and will be a great fit for fans who want to get their motors running in a different capacity. Unlike traditional Latin bullfighting, the bulls in BFO’s competition are at no disadvantage. Superstars like “Spitfire” and “Sid Vicious” weigh around 1,500 pounds and possess an aggressive and forceful nature that’s been bred into them for more than 1300 years. Bullfighters Only is the premier freestyle bullfighting organization in the world, and having the top athletes on both sides of the equation is a key reason why. The Barrett Jackson Invitational will feature the greatest freestyle bullfighters in the game, including Weston Rutkowski, Beau Schueth, Toby Inman and Ross Hill.

North Dakotan stands out among talented crop of rookies LAS VEGAS – Justin Ward of Richardton, N.D., outlasted a fierce group of Development Camp graduates and outsider talent to be named 2018 Bullfighters Only Rookie of the Year. Ward was a standout at the BFO’s Development Camp in San Bernardino, Calif., in April, and then burst onto the scene with a dominant win at the BFO Tri-Cities Invitational in May. He pocketed $10,000 in his first professional event. “He almost made it look too easy,” said Luke Kaufman, the BFO’s production manager. “It was the who’s-who of bullfighting, and no one was even mad they lost. Everyone was just excited about seeing a brand-new superstar step out of the shadows.” With more than $17,000 to his credit, he finished 2018 in seventh place in the Pendleton Whisky World Standings. Ward’s stellar performance in the regular season earned him the right to compete in the Roughy Cup and have an automatic bid into the BFO Las Vegas Championship. “This really means a lot to me because they took a lot of interest in me,” Ward said. “I came to that D-Camp and showed up to play the game the way it was supposed to be played. Having Ross Hill coach me, and then going up against Weston in Ada (Okla.) was pretty cool. It was definitely an eye-opener for me for sure.” He was rivaled for the honor by Chance Moorman of Lytle, Texas; Tucker Lane McWilliam of Oak Grove, Mo.; Andres Gonzalez of Woodland, Calif.; and Cade Gibson of Pilot Point, Texas. “The level of talent this year was truly impressive, and it’s a testament to the rapid growth of freestyle bullfighting,” Kaufman said. “The older fighters understand the importance of helping out the younger athletes rather than hindering them.” “I think the D-Camps are crucial, because a lot of guys wouldn’t get a chance without them,” Ward said. “Just look at Chance Moorman, who was with me in San Bernardino. He is impressive.” They all were, but Ward came out on top and he got to play a starring role in the 2018 BFO Las Vegas Championship at the Tropicana Las Vegas. “That was the biggest bullfight of my career,” Ward said. “I got to go up against Weston in the Wild Card Round. Even though I didn’t come out with a score, it was still one of the biggest thrills of my life.”

CLAREMORE, Okla. – David Petty has dedicated much of his life to the sport he loves, and that’s rodeo. Petty has been involved with the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo for more than two decades, much of that time as the chairman of the volunteer committee. With his wife, Dawn, he operates Double Rafter D Scoreboards, providing video support to rodeos across the country. Starting later this month, he will expand upon his support of the game while serving as a director on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association board. “It’s quite an honor to be elected by your peers to represent our group,” said Petty of Chelsea, Okla. “I’ve served eight years on our executive committee council, so I plan to bring that experience and a lot of communication to this new assignment.” He is the representative for the small rodeos in the PRCA, and he knows a thing or two about events of that size. In addition to working many rodeos in that category throughout the year with the scoreboard, Claremore’s rodeo has been recognized as the Small Rodeo of the Year each of the past five seasons. “I feel like me being voted in to this position is very important for our community,” he said. “It’s a very important role for us. I refer to a rodeo as the four Cs: community, contestants, contract personnel and committees. It takes all of them working together to have a successful event. “Sometimes there are tough changes required, but you’ve got to look at those with an open mind and see how it’s going to affect all facets of our sport.” Now as one of nine board members, he knows there will be some tough decisions ahead. As the governing board, the directors have the final say on all aspect of operations. He understands that he brings one of many opinions to the table when it’s time to make those decisions. “Things that work in Claremore, Oklahoma, don’t necessarily work in Gooding, Idaho,” Petty said. “I feel like I can look at it from all sides of the coin, not just the heads and tails but also the edges, too. “I realize I have some pretty big shoes to fill and lots of responsibility. We need to grow the base of our organization and focus on getting new members.” That means open communication, not only with his constituents in the small-rodeo category but also the general membership. He will lean on his experiences and take the lessons taught him by those who came before. That includes Clem McSpadden, a member of rodeo royalty and an American statesman from Chelsea who passed away a decade ago. “I wish I could sit on that bench outside his office and let him guide me again,” Petty said. “He was a very big part of teaching me about the business of rodeo, and he would be an asset to me if he were still around. “He was a great mentor, and I just hope I can make him proud by doing the very best job I can.”

Costa, Sid Vicious earn end-of-the-season honors LAS VEGAS – There were many great Spanish fighting bulls featured during the Bullfighters Only 2018 season, but none were better than the now two-time BFO Fighting Bull of the Year, Sid Vicious. Aptly named, the small red bull has the perfect attitude for the battlefield. He’s part of the herd from Manuel Costa, who the bullfighters voted as the 2018 BFO Stock Contractor of the Year. “I think it boiled down to the fact that Manuel has a solid number of bulls you could win on,” said Weston Rutkowski, the reigning three-time world champion from Haskell, Texas. “This year, his were consistently a notch above. They were not only hard to fight, but they were also rewarding to fight. “Sid Vicious is a bull that stands out and is in a league of his own. I was fortunate to fight him twice this year. The first time, he ended up getting the better of me in the end, but I got a few blows in first. I fought him in Vegas, and he just handed it to me.” He may be little, but he has longer horns than most bulls. Sid Vicious also was the BFO Bull of the Year in 2017. “When guys get along with him, they’re normally in the high 80s and 90s,” said Beau Schueth, the reserve world champion from O’Neill, Neb. “He’s got big horns and is fast, and he knows how to wheel around and hook guys. He follows you like a dog; he’s always on your hip for the whole 40 to 60 seconds.” Costa has dozens of high-caliber bulls that are regularly featured at BFO events. Many were part of the Las Vegas Championship, which was the season-ending title bout for the top men in the sport. “Manuel’s got great bulls all around,” Schueth said. “A lot of guys in the bull business go through him a little bit to find bulls. That says a lot about what he means to the sport.” Sid Vicious, though, stands out among Costa’s bulls, which is why he got the unanimous nod from the fighters. “He brings it every single time,” Rutkowski said. “I don’t think there was a guy that had a clean fight with him all year. That speaks for itself, because the talent in the BFO is second to none. To have that many good guys not get a clean fight out of him stands for itself.” Another factor is how many times the bull was fought. “Even with a bunch of outs, he still fights lights out,” Schueth said. “He still takes a fake, but you don’t have too much time to wheel around. He is always right there.”

Nebraska man wins two major titles, finishes as BFO’s reserve champion LAS VEGAS – Beau Schueth has had a fantastic year as a freestyle bullfighter. It all culminated in a terrific finish for him during the Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship at the Tropicana Las Vegas. A week and a half ago, he won the Roughy Cup and the Wrangler Bullfight Tour titles. “This is probably the most consistent I’ve been all year and probably my whole career, and I was able to put on five really good bullfights,” said Schueth of O’Neill, Neb. “I just stumbled and got the crap beat out of me on the last one. It’s the best I’ve fought in a long time.” He finished the season as the reserve world champion, finishing second on the final day of the season to three-time titlist Weston Rutkowski of Haskell, Texas. He earned $39,960 in the BFO this season. “Making the short round Saturday with a chance to win the title meant the world, because I’ve been working hard to get to this spot for so long,” he said. “To be in the chase for the world title is amazing.” It came down to the final three fights of 2018 during the Hooey Championship Round on Saturday. Rutkowski won the round with an 85.5-point bout. Schueth finished second, and another veteran, Toby Inman of Davis Junction, Ill., placed third. This year’s Las Vegas Championship format was a bit different. After three Qualifier Rounds, the BFO opted to have two rounds of bullfighting spread out over four days. Six men advanced to Championship Saturday, and the rest went through Friday’s Wild Card Round, where only three advanced. “I liked it, but it sure was a grind. Having to fight five or six bulls in 10 days is tiring on your body,” Schueth said. “There was no day off. They weren’t calves you could have fun with; they damn sure made you work for it.” Even though there were great fights, there were some viewers who thought the judges may have made a few bad decisions. Schueth never saw it that way. “I thought they did a great job,” he said. “Judged sports are so tough, and I thought they handled it good and did a great job. “It’s just like anything: People are going to go after the refs. I know I did when I played basketball, because they called fouls on me all the time.” Maybe that’s when he decided battling Spanish fighting bulls was more his calling. He proved that this year in Las Vegas.

For years, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has sought as much media coverage as possible, especially for its marquee event, the National Finals Rodeo. The better the coverage, the better the exposure; growth can easily follow, especially in this digital age. The staff-shortened PRCA media department has always worked above and beyond to provide all it could to as many media outlets as possible. PRCA CEO George Taylor has preached the need to expand exposure of the brand, and there’s no better partner to help with that than the media. While the media staff continues to push for expanded coverage and assisting media outlets as much as possible given limitations, their bosses are doing all they can to cinch their saddles so tight they can’t budge. The NFR is ProRodeo’s Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals wrapped up in a 10-day affair with a $10 million purse. This is the greatest in the game for the given year, all battling for those Montana Silvermiths gold buckles. But like a hot knife through butter, Steve Rempelos is doing his very best to push all coverage away from the sport. Is he trying to sabotage Taylor’s message? Rempelos is the chief marketing officer for the PRCA, and he answers to just two entities: Taylor and the PRCA board. That king-of-the-hill type title seems to be wielding great power, though. Under Rempelos’ guidance, there were a record number of denied media credential requests. But the cuts didn’t stop there. For the first time since 1999, the PRCA didn’t present a Media Award for Excellence in Print Journalism. Also for the first time in five years, the PRCA-carded photographers that were named the “official” NFR shooters were not given the appropriate buckles to recognize their accomplishments. Timers, pickup men, secretaries and every other person selected to work this great championship has that 2018 buckle. As far as the limited media members trying to cover the NFR, the facilities inside the UNLV basketball practice room inside the Thomas & Mack Center is much the same. The access, though, was more convoluted and difficult. That began to change through the 10 days of the championship, thanks to the PRCA media department. Media members are paid sparingly for their work. Stringers work anywhere from $50-$150 per story, and the pay for full-time members isn’t much better. The costs of travel, a room and meals in Las Vegas isn’t cheap, and the PRCA media department has understood that for years. That’s why a solid meal with all the food groups was made available for the people here to document the goings-on with ProRodeo’s premier event. But Rempelos has added another cut to the mix. Instead of a meal, the media room features an array of finger foods. Chicken wings and chips are perfect snacks for a Super Bowl party. A lunch meat tray works great for the company picnic. It’s not the biggest issue facing Rempelos and the PRCA, but he’s proving that he could not care any less for the media members who are doing their very best to cover his game. It’s unfortunate, and it needs to change. Here’s hoping the new CEO understands better than one of his chief lieutenants.

LAS VEGAS – Kylie Weast saved the best for last. On the final night of her 2018 ProRodeo season, Weast and her great young mare rounded the cloverleaf pattern inside the Thomas & Mack Center in 13.37 seconds, the fastest of this year’s National Finals Rodeo. “It was fun,” said Weast, a first-timer at ProRodeo’s grand championship from Comanche, Okla. “I knew it was a good run, and I honestly thought I was going to run a (13.40s) or a short (13.50s). I had no idea it was that fast. “I had nothing to lose.” No, she didn’t. She and Hell on the Red – a 6-year-old sorrel mare she calls Reddy – began the NFR hot. They placed in each of the first three rounds. Then things cooled off. She even made a couple of horse changes before giving Reddy another chance. In all, they placed in half the 10 rounds, including the final-round victory worth $26,231. Weast earned $71,769 in Las Vegas and pushed her season total to $173,484. That round title, though, was the perfect way to close her campaign. “I know the kind of mare I have,” she said. “I knew she could do it. (New world champion) Hailey (Kinsel) ran a (13.40) on Sister the night before. I’m glad I was the one to post the fastest round. “The NFR was a little rocky here and there, but I’m glad that we came out with that much money. I’d say it was a successful trip.” It was a new experience for her and her young, red horse. This is a different atmosphere than any other rodeo. There are 17,000 people packed into the stands at night, and the pomp and circumstance that is the NFR features pyrotechnics and laser shows to give fans an incredible experience. Those features aren’t the greatest for the animals. “There will never be another situation like this until next year,” she said. “I don’t know if Reddy will ever act the way she did this week unless she’s put in a situation like this. She was just ready to do her job. You have two alleys back there, and you’re brought down one and put into another one. “It’s a little misleading. The horses think that’s the alley you run through, but it’s not. It’s the anticipation to do her job. It’s a little hard on us. I can’t take her readiness away from her.” No, she can’t, because Reddy is one of the best in the business. While there were tests through the rugged 10 days in the Nevada desert, Weast developed some amazing memories. “Looking back, it went by pretty fast,” she said. “It was fun. I got to do a few cool things with my family. Everyone should be part of the whole NFR experience, whether you’re in the stands or in the alley. In the alley this year was better than ever.”

1. Tilden Hooper, 89.5 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Scarlett’s Web, $26,231; 2. (tie) Clayton Biglow and Richmond Champion, 88.5, $18,193 each; 4. Shane O’Connell, 87.5, $11,000; 5. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Kaycee Feild, 87, $5,500 each.

1. Nick Guy, 3.7 seconds, $26,231; 2. (tie) Bridger Chambers, Ty Erickson and Hunter Cure, 4.6, $15,795 each; 5. Tyler Pearson, 4.7, $6,770; 6. Jacob Talley, 4.8, $4,231.

Wade Sundell finished with nearly $281,000 to win his first world championship.

Bareback riding: 1. Tilden Hooper, 89.5 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Scarlett’s Web, $26,231; 2. (tie) Clayton Biglow and Richmond Champion, 88.5, $18,193 each; 4. Shane O’Connell, 87.5, $11,000; 5. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Kaycee Feild, 87, $5,500 each. Steer wrestling: 1. Nick Guy, 3.7 seconds, $26,231; 2. (tie) Bridger Chambers, Ty Erickson and Hunter Cure, 4.6, $15,795 each; 5. Tyler Pearson, 4.7, $6,770; 6. Jacob Talley, 4.8, $4,231. Team roping: 1. Tyler Wade/Cole Davison, 3.9 seconds, $26,231; 2. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.1, $20,731; 3. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 4.4, $15,654; 4. (tie) Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp and Bubba Buckaloo/Chase Tryan, 4.9, $8,885 each; 6. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 5.0, $4,231. Saddle bronc riding: 1. CoBurn Bradshaw, 92 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Medicine Woman, $26,231; 2. (tie) Isaac Diaz and Jake Wright, 88.5, $18,193 each; 4. Wade Sundell, 87.5, $11,000; 5. Joey Sonnier III, 86.5, $6,770; 6. Cort Scheer, 86, $4,231. Tie-down roping: 1. Trevor Brazile, 7.2 seconds, $26,231; 2. (tie) Jake Pratt and Cooper Martin, 7.4, $18,193 each; 4. Shane Hanchey, 7.6, $11,000; 5. Matt Shiozawa, 7.7, $6,770; 6. (tie) Ryle Smith and Caleb Smidt, 8.1, $2,116 each. Barrel racing: 1. Kylie Weast, 13.37 seconds, $26,231; 2. Amberleigh Moore, 13.65, $20,731; 3. Carman Pozzobon, 13.68, $15,654; 4. Jessica Routier, 13.73, $11,000; 5. Taci Bettis, 13.74, $6,770; 6. Ivy Conrado, 13.79, $4,231. Bull riding: 1. Sage Kimzey, 93 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Record Rack’s Shootin’ Stars, $33,565; 2. Cole Melancon, 91, $28,065; 3. Chase Dougherty, 82.5, $22,988; no other qualified rides.

Champ battles through rugged Las Vegas Championship to win again LAS VEGAS – As his voice cracked a little, the emotions showed as Weston Rutkowski closed out his third straight Bullfighters Only world championship. “This title means a lot because it was an actual race,” said Rutkowski, who matched moves with Rockin’ B & Magnifica’s Unicorn for 85.5 points to win the Hooey Championship Round and the Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship at the Tropicana Las Vegas. “In years past, guys haven’t really had a shot, but this year, there were five guys that had a legitimate shot heading into today. “When we got to the short round, any guy that won would win the world.” It wasn’t without controversy. Rutkowski advanced to the final round after he outscored another BFO pioneer, Ross Hill, 85-84.5. Judge Andy Lott had Hill winning the round, scoring both Hill and the bull 21.5 points for 43 points. Lott scored Rutkowski 21.5 and his bull 21, which provided Hill with a half-point advantage. The other judge, Rowdy Barry, scored Hill’s fight 21.5 on a 21-point bull; he marked Rutkowski’s fight 22 on a 21.5 bull. That was enough to allow the champ to advance. Once he made the short round, Rutkowski went to work. He and Unicorn went toe-to-hoof on the arena dirt, and the bull had the advantage during most of the 60-second match. But all three short-round bulls were brutal. Beau Schueth, who sat No. 2 in the Pendleton Whisky World Standings heading into the final day of the year, scored 84.5 points to finish second while battling Manuel Costa’s Spitfire. “This is the BFO, and we’re nodding for the baddest fighting bulls in the world,” Rutkowski said. “You have to earn it. It will take a toll on anybody.” With the victory, he pocketed $25,000. By winning the world championship, he added $50,000 and ended the year with $113,750 in BFO earnings. It wasn’t without taking a heavy beating. “I am mentally and physically beat,” Rutowski said. “It’s been a long 10 days. I’ve got several hematomas building up, along with my face. “It’s just Vegas … different year, same story. I’m beat up.” A year ago, he faced adversity after the Roughy Cup, suffering a gash on the back of his head that required 16 staples. During this year’s Roughy Cup, he took a shot to the head that resulted in three facial fractures. He competed on his last five bulls wearing a protective face mask. “This title means a lot,” he said. “I’m going to take about a week off, then we’ll get back at it and get ready for next year. “This is a testament to the hard work I put in prior to this event. This is very much a msental battle, but if you can’t brush off those bumps and bruises, you can’t win in this league.” Every bullfighter who faced the challenges over the last 10 days understands that. Rutkowski just stands as a symbol for what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Bareback riding: 1. Tilden Hooper, 89.5 points on Pete Carr’s Classic Pro Rodeo’s Scarlett’s Web, $26,231; 2. (tie) Clayton Biglow and Richmond Champion, 88.5, $18,192 each; 4. Shane O’Connell, 87.5, $11,000; 5. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Kaycee Feild, 87, $5,500 each; 7. Mason Clements, 85.5; 8. Steven Dent, 84.5; 9. Orin Larsen, 83.5; 10. Wyatt Denny, 73; 11. (tie) Caleb Bennett, Jake Brown, NS; 13. Ty Breuer, Will Lowe and Bill Tutor, INJ. Average standings: 1. (tie) Tim O’Connell and Steven Dent, 849.5 points on 10 head, $60,923 each; 3. Tilden Hooper, 846.5, $43,154; 4. Kaycee Feild, 844, $31,731; 5. Richmond Champion, 842.5, $22,846; 6. Shane O’Connell, 839.5, $16,500; 7. Clayton Biglow, 772 points on nine head, $11,423; 8. Orin Larsen, 768, $6,346. World standings: 1. Tim O’Connell, $319,801; 2. Steven Dent, $254,733; 3. Tilden Hooper, $245,583; 4. Clayton Biglow, $245,435; 5. Richmond Champion, $243,345; 6. Caleb Bennett, $240,390; 7. Kaycee Feild, $231,445; 8. Orin Larsen, $222,732; 9. Mason Clements, $170,318; 10. Shane O’Connell, $161,451; 11. Bill Tutor, $154,162; 12. Ty Breuer, $127,789; 13. Jake Brown, $119,300; 14. Wyatt Denny, $117,958; 15. Will Lowe, $91,517. Steer wrestling: 1. Nick Guy, 3.7 seconds, $26,231; 2. (tie) Hunter Cure, Bridger Chambers and Ty Erickson, 4.6, $15,795 each; 5. Tyler Pearson, 4.7, $6,769; 6. Jacob Talley, 4.8, $4,231; 7. (tie) Will Lummus and Blake Mindemann, 5; 9. Tyler Waguespack, 5.1; 10. Kyle Irwin, 5.3; 11. Scott Guenthner, 5.4; 12. Blake Knowles, 8.3; 13. Riley Duvall, 10.1; 14. Curtis Cassidy and Tanner Brunner, NT. Average standings: 1. Tyler Waguespack, 44.5 seconds on 10 head, $67,269; 2. Bridger Chambers, 57.2, $54,577; 3. Blake Knowles, 68.2, $43,154; 4. Riley Duvall, 77.1, $31,731; 5. Nick Guy, 85.5, $22,846; 6. Will Lummus, 38 seconds on nine head, $16,500; 7. Scott Guenthner, 38.9, 11,423; 8. Hunter Cure, 40.5, $6,346. World standings: 1.Tyler Waguespack, $260,013; 2. Bridger Chambers, $216,762; 3. Will Lummus, $195,182; 4. Curtis Cassidy, $188,355; 5. Scott Guenthner, $186,727; 6. Tyler Pearson, $172,991; 7. Ty Erickson, $170,880; 8. Hunter Cure, $167,890; 9. Blake Knowles, $162,669; 10. Nick Guy, $152,821; 11. Jacob Talley, $145,717; 12. Kyle Irwin, $139,416; 13. Riley Duvall, $128,258; 14. Blake Mindemann, $127,650; 15. Tanner Brunner, $98,193. Team roping: 1. Tyler Wade/Cole Davison, 3.9 seconds, $26,231 each; 2. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 4.1, $20,731; 3. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 4.4, $15,654; 4. (tie) Bubba Buckaloo/Chase Tryan and Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 4.9, $8,885; 6. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 5, $4,231; 7. Clay Tryan/Travis Graves, 5.1; 8. Aaron Tsinigine/Trey Yates, 5.3; 9. Dustin Egusquiza/Kory Koontz, 9.3; 10. (tie) Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison and Derrick Begay/Cory Petska, 10.1; 12. Luke Brown/Jake Long, 13.8; 13. Rhen Richard/Quinn Kesler, Erich Rogers/Clint Summers and Lane Ivy/Buddy Hawkins II, NT. Average standings: 1. Aaron Tsinigine/Trey Yates, 69.6 seconds on 10 head, $67,269 each; 2. Kaleb Driggers/Junior Nogueira, 45.5, $54,577; 3. Clay Smith/Paul Eaves, 34.5 on eight, $43,154; 4. Cody Snow/Wesley Thorp, 58.2, $31,731; 5. Derrick Begay/Cory Petska, 60, $22,846; 6. Rhen Richard/Quinn Kesler, 73.6, $16,500; 7. Erich Rogers/Clint Summers, 50.9 on seven, $11,423; 8. Chad Masters/Joseph Harrison, 80.1, $6,346. World standings (headers): 1. Clay Smith, $289,921; 2. Kaleb Driggers, $272,464; 3. Aaron Tsinigine, $212,506; 4. Cody Snow, $196,773; 5. Bubba Buckaloo, $194,836; 6. Derrick Begay, $193,626; 7. Luke Brown, $154,237; 8. Dustin Egusquiza, $145,518; 9. Riley Minor, $143,592; 10. Chad Masters, $142,304; 11. Tyler Wade, $135,607; 12. Clay Tryan, $122,785; 13. Lane Ivy, $118,919; 14. Erich Rogers, $116,643; 15. Rhen Richard, $113,520. World standings (heelers): 1. Paul Eaves, $289,921; 2. Junior Nogueira, $273,448; 3. Trey Yates, $226,900; 4. Cory Petska, $200,082; 5. Wesley Thorp, $193,084; 6. Chase Tryan, $174,252; 7. Joseph Harrison, $161,477; 8. Jake Long, $154,237; 9. Kory Koontz, $145,518; 10. Brady Minor, $142,400; 11. Cole Davison, $128,713; 12. Clint Summers, $127,755; 13. Travis Graves, $118,928; 14. Buddy Hawkins II, $115,913; 15. Quinn Kesler, $109,637. Saddle bronc riding: 1. CoBurn Bradshaw, 92 points on Frontier Rodeo’s Medicine Woman, $26,231; 2. (tie) Jake Wright and Isaac Diaz, 88.5, $18,192 each; 4. Wade Sundell, 87.5, $11,000; 5. Joey Sonnier III, 86.5, $6,769; 6. Cort Scheer, 86, $4,231; 7. Brody Cress, 85; 7. Sterling Crawley, 85; 9. Jacobs Crawley, 80; 10. Clay Elliott, Rusty Wright, Zeke Thurston, Taos Muncy, Chase Brooks and Ryder Wright, NS. Average standings: 1. CoBurn Bradshaw, 848.5 points on 10 head, $67,269; 2. Wade Sundell, 783.5 points on nine, $54,577; 3. Zeke Thurston, 693.5 on eight, $43,154; 4. Cort Scheer, 688, $31,731; 5. Rusty Wright, 687, $22,846; 6. Jacobs Crawley, 661, $16,500; 7. Clay Elliott, 511.5 on six, $11,423; 8. Isaac Diaz, 508.5, $6,346. World standings: 1. Wade Sundell, $280,636; 2. Rusty Wright, $262,434; 3. Zeke Thurston, $262,041; 4. CoBurn Bradshaw, $256,710; 5. Ryder Wright, $243,194; 6. Cort Scheer, $238,977; 7. Jacobs Crawley, $231,831; 8. Isaac Diaz, $201,163; 9. Chase Brooks, $168,641; 10. Clay Elliott, $148,868; 11. Jake Wright, $146,480; 12. Brody Cress, $121,588; 13. Sterling Crawley, $108,748; 14. Joey Sonnier III, $102,653; 15. Taos Muncy, $90,906. Tie-down roping: 1. Trevor Brazile , 7.2 seconds, $26,231; 2. (tie) Cooper Martin and Jake Pratt, 7.4, $18,192 each; 4. Shane Hanchey, 7.6, $11,000; 5. Matt Shiozawa, 7.7, $6,769; 6. (tie) Caleb Smidt and Ryle Smith, 8.1, $2,115; 6. Caleb Smidt, 8.1, $2,115; 8. Tyson Durfey, 8.8; 9. Rhen Richard, 9.3; 10. Reese Riemer, 9.6; 11. Cory Solomon, 11.7; 12. Marty Yates, 17.3, 13. Sterling Smith, Ryan Jarrett and Tuf Cooper, NT. Average standings: 1. Caleb Smidt, 83.7 seconds on 10 head, $67,269; 2. Rhen Richard, 88.5, $54,577; 3. Matt Shiozawa, 94.4, $43,154; 4. Ryle Smith, 101, $31,731; 5. Reese Riemer, 106.3, $22,846; 6. Cooper Martin, 107.1, $16,500; 7. Trevor Brazile, 114.1, $11,423; 8. Tyson Durfey, 80.3 on nine, $6,346. World standings: 1. Caleb Smidt, $232,817; 2. Tuf Cooper, $205,268; 3. Trevor Brazile, $194,297; 4. Tyson Durfey, $194,056; 5. Matt Shiozawa, $193,576; 6. Ryle Smith, $186,903; 7. Reese Riemer, $182,300; 8. Shane Hanchey, $180,847; 9. Jake Pratt, $179,108; 10. Rhen Richard, $172,629; 11. Ryan Jarrett, $168,077; 12. Marty Yates, $166,502; 13. Cooper Martin, $162,861; 14. Sterling Smith, $158,609; 15. Cory Solomon, $115,502. Barrel racing: 1. Kylie Weast, 13.37  Continue Reading »

LAS VEGAS – Tim O’Connell looked beat up. His eyes told the story. His body felt the punches thrown over 10 nights of riding bareback horses at the National Finals Rodeo. “You guys wanted to see me in a 10-round fight, and I feel like I’ve been in a 10-round fight,” said O’Connell, who closed out his third straight world championship on Saturday night. “My hat’s off to the other 14 guys. They made me go to a different level. They made me go to a different zone. I left it all out there tonight.” He was talking about his 10th-round match with J Bar J Rodeo’s All Pink, which he rode for 87 points to finish in a tie for fifth place in another electric round. After the qualifying eight seconds had ended, All Pink got the better of O’Connell, launching him awkwardly to the ground. “When the whistle blew, I didn’t have anything left in the tank,” he said. “I’ve spent it emotionally; I’ve spent it physically. I knew I had enough to do what I needed to do tonight. I was not going to leave here without being the world champion.” This was an atypical NFR for the champ, who placed in just four of 10 rounds. Each of the previous two years, he won eight rounds in Las Vegas. This year he split the NFR average title with Nebraskan Steven Dent; both men rode 10 horses for 849.5 points and pocketed just shy of $61,000 for being consistent through the week. In the end, O’Connell won two go-rounds and finished the championship with $132,551 in earnings, which pushed his year-end total to $319,801. He bested Dent for the world title by more than $65,000. He also didn’t pull any punches on what this Montana Silversmiths gold buckle means. When he won the first title in 2016, many suspected it was because a number of contenders had left the PRCA for an upstart association, Elite Rodeo Athletes. The ERA closed business after that season, and this was the first where some of its stars had made their way back to the NFR. “When those ERA guys left, I started winning world titles,” O’Connell said. “There were plenty of people who came up to me and said, ‘What do you think if Bobby Mote, Kaycee Feild and Will Lowe were there; think you’d still come out the champion?’ “No. 3 just proved it for me. I don’t care what anybody else says; deep down, I have a drive for competition. I love riding bucking horses. I love doing it against the very best guys in the world. No matter how this night would have gone, I knew I was going to walk out of this arena with my head held high because I left everything on the table and God is going to take all the glory. That is all I wanted out of this.” He got much more. In a year that he and his wife, Sami, welcomed their son, Hazen, he closed out the campaign with the biggest prize in the game. “I think Hazen earns this more than anything,” he said. “He has tested me mentally so much. To have him here, to have him sit on that world champion saddle and take a picture with it means more to me than anything in the world. Those things are going to tarnish. My legacy is going to die someday. “But a night with my son – less than a year old on a world champion saddle with a world champion buckle (in) the year he was born – is going to mean absolutely everything to me. That is going to mean more than wearing this on my hip.” It is said that it takes a village to raise a child; it also takes a small army to support a cowboy chasing a world title. He has that, whether it’s from family, friends or former coaches. “My wife has been such a rock for me,” O’Connell said. “When I didn’t want to get out of bed and put in the work, she pushed me. When I was losing faith of all things and wondering – ‘God, what are you doing to me out here? Why am I drawing these horses? Why am I riding like this?’ – she would always bring me back to Earth. “She would keep me grounded. I have so many people that have blessed me with spiritual strength to dig deeper, to dig harder. I had to dig deep tonight.” That faith has been the driving force for O’Connell, and now he has three straight world titles to serve as his testimony.

LAS VEGAS – Richmond Champion makes his living riding bucking horses, and he’s pretty good at it, too. On Saturday night, he put a cap on his sixth season in ProRodeo by riding Picket Pro Rodeo’s Faded Night for 88.5 points to finish in a tie for second in the final round of this year’s NFR. That was worth more than $18,000. More importantly, he moved up to finish fifth in the all-important average, adding another $22,846. He finished his fourth NFR with $123,526 in earnings and completed the year with $243,345. He placed fifth in the final bareback riding world standings. “For the NFR that it was and the way things went, to be leaving here with that money in front of me is not what I expected at Round 5,” said Champion, who placed in six rounds. “I was sweating in Round 5. Last night, I relaxed a little bit, then today, it was going to be what it is going to be. It was awesome. “You put in a solid year of work, and you come here and want to perform. It was a tough year. My finals emulated my season, which was hit and miss. I was drawing cold. I didn’t draw right. I got on 12 head, and that makes me happy. That makes me the ironman of the bareback riders.” On two nights, he was awarded re-rides. One was because his first horse failed to buck up to snuff; the second was because his horse slipped. He placed just once in the first four rounds, but then he turned on the gas in the second half of the NFR, earning money in five of the last six nights. “It’s always momentum,” said Champion of The Woodlands, Texas. “When your buddies are saying you get better every year, it makes you want to keep getting better every year.” There’s also a comradery that comes with being one of the top bareback riders in the game. The 15 men that advanced to this year’s championship have a tight bond. Though he has yet to win that coveted world championship, the Texan is just as proud of his fellow bareback riders. “It’s a special night,” he said “It is good to see Steven Dent split the average championship. I gave him a hug. To see Tim (O’Connell) cap it off for three (straight world titles) was great. We are all so tight in there. There are tears and all kinds of stuff going on in the locker room. You get them out of the way early so you can celebrate. “It means a lot to every one of us. We’ve been working at it for years.” The work is done with passion. Rodeo is not an easy game, and there are tens of thousands of miles traveled in a regular season with just the hopes of advancing to the City of Lights for ProRodeo’s grand championship. Champion has earned every accolade he receives, and he proved it again over the last 10 nights of the 2018 season.

Rutkowski marks big score to advance to Championship Saturday in Las Vegas LAS VEGAS – Weston Rutkowski is a man on a mission, and he took care of business Friday during the Wild Card Round of the Bullfighters Only Las Vegas Championship. Rutkowski set the tone quickly in his match, taking advantage of an aggressive bull from Manuel Costa for 87 points to win his flight in the wild card. Now, the No. 1 man in the Pendleton Whisky World Standings advances to the final day of the BFO’s championship event at the Tropicana Las Vegas on Saturday. “I just did what I could with the bull that I drew,” Rutkowski said. “You are only as good as the bull that you draw.” While he owns the lead heading into the 2 p.m. showdown, there are four other men who can catch him for the world championship: Beau Schueth, Toby Inman, Ross Hill and newcomer Colt Oder, the latter of whom came up through the ranks this year after being part of the BFO Development Camps. Now it’s a battle of the best in the business to see who takes home the title belt. It’s going to come down to the final two bulls of the 2018 season to who wins the $50,000 bonus for claiming the BFO world title, along with the $25,000 Vegas Bonus. Rutkowski is the only world champion in Bullfighters’ Only history, having earned the belt in 2016 and 2017. But in a true battle of man vs. beast, anything can happen. In fact, it has in Las Vegas. Rutkowski suffered three facial fractures during the Roughy Cup on Dec. 6, then battled through two rounds of the Flexfit Preliminary Rounds. Though he didn’t advance directly to Championship Saturday, he made sure to take care of things during the Wild Card Round, where just three men advance to be part of the nine-man field. He’s joined by fellow veteran Toby Inman and young gun Riley McKettrick. They will be in the mix with other newcomers Oder, Chance Moorman, Andres Gonzalez and Tucker Lane McWilliams. In addition to Rutkowski and Inman, two other BFO pioneers, Beau Schueth and Ross Hill, will be part of the most exciting day in freestyle history. Six months ago, Florida’s McKettrick was graduating high school. On Friday, he graduated from the Wild Card Round. It sets up for a fantastic finish to a rough-and-tumble 10 days of freestyle bullfighting in the City of Lights. “It was a pretty meaningful fight for me so that I can move on,” said McKettrick, 18, who scored 85.5 points in the third round of the wild card to advance to Championship Saturday. “I’ve been ready to get back to it. I wasn’t happy with myself earlier in the week, so I wanted to redeem myself today. I’m glad I was able to do it.” His bullfight on Friday has been the perfect way to build on a career he hopes to have in the BFO. “Today’s fight boosted my confidence way back up,” said McKettrick, 18. “It gave me the ability to get my mind back up, too. I’m here for a reason, and I’m here to bring it. “Being in the BFO is a big deal for me. I’ve a lot of people back home tell me I probably wasn’t going to make it this far. To prove them wrong is huge for me. To be up here with the top guys like Ross Hill, Beau Schueth, Toby Inman and Weston Rutkowski, is great. I feel like I have a long future in this sport.” It’s set up like many legendary prize fights that Vegas has seen before, and fans who pack into the BFO tent at the Tropicana will be on hand for some glorious action. “I expect a lot of people trying big moves that they’ve been saving this week,” McKettrick said. “You’re going to see some great bullfighting and some good wrecks. “It’s been cool to watch the BFO all season long. It’s great to be part of that, and it’s going to be really cool to have a front-row seat.”

LAS VEGAS – Two-time reigning world champion bareback rider Tim O’Connell has placed just three times at this year’s National Finals Rodeo, but he made the most of those opportunities. He won Friday’s ninth go-round, making it his second top check of the 10-day championship so far, and returned to the No. 1 position in the world standings. That $26,231 payout provided him with a $13,000 advantage heading into Saturday’s final night of the 2018 ProRodeo season. “I wouldn’t say it’s been a rough week, but it has been a testing week; frustrating to say the least,” said O’Connell, 27, of Zwingle, Iowa. “It has been great. I can’t sit here and say that I’m upset or that my NFR has been horrible, because I’m in the race to win the average again; I’m in the race to win the world again. “It’s just been an atypical NFR.” He’s right. A year ago, he placed seven times and won $169,500 in Las Vegas. He won the Montana Silversmiths gold buckle by more than $100,000. This year, though, he relinquished the lead to the No. 2 man, Utahan Caleb Bennett, before grabbing it again Friday night. He’s $66,128 in nine nights of ProRodeo’s Super Bowl. “Money-wise, this is worse than my first NFR until tonight,” O’Connell said. “We just kept praying, kept positive, keeping negativity out and just keep spurring bucking horses.” Each night things didn’t go well, they just prayed more. “I have this peace about this rodeo; I have this peace about what I have been doing,” he said. “I have everybody in my corner. The people I’m with at home are out here. The people I look to for advice have been calling. We just keep negativity out. I’m not going to lie to you and say it’s been all rainbows around here, that I haven’t been negative, that I haven’t been down in the dumps. “They keep me up. My wife has just been amazing for keeping me positive, for keeping me ready to roll every night. I’m not going to say it’s been so much fun to be out here at the National Finals, but it is. At the end of the day, I love my job, I love this sport, I love everything about it.” On Friday night, he matched moves with Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Vitalix Ain’t No Angel for 90 points and proved why he’s in the hunt for his third straight world title. “I’ve seen that horse a lot, and by a lot, I mean I have watched all eight of his trips this year, and they were all in great big outdoor pens,” O’Connell said. “It’s different when you bring a horse into the lights, into the Thomas & Mack, into an arena that is blowing bombs off. “He did exactly what I wanted him to.” With one more night remaining in the 2018 season, O’Connell is on the verge of another gold buckle. He is second in the average with 762.5 cumulative points on nine rides. Should he stay in that position at the close of the 10th round, he will add a $54,577 bonus to his earnings. That alone might be enough to earn him the title he has fought for though the campaign, but he would prefer to add in another round win to that.