Author: Julie Mankin

A Wyoming horse enthusiast who owned two world-champion stallions in his lifetime has passed away at 74. Trigg Marquiss, a native of Gillette, Wyoming, died on August 30 after an ATV accident in Story, Wyoming.

Marquiss was born Oct. 25, 1948, the middle child of Quentin and “Toots” Marquiss. Both his grandfathers amassed historic ranches along the Belle Fourche River and helped nurture the fledgling town of Gillette. From the Wagensen side came Trigg’s love of horses; from the Marquiss side his quirky humor and inventive spirit.

Starting around 1973, Marquiss raised cattle and horses on his grandfather Fred Wagensen’s Beaver Creek Ranch southwest of Gillette. He invested in the 1972 blue-roan Quarter horse stallion, Mr. Racerunner that later won a world title, and began raising Leo- and Clabber-Bar-bred horses with his TM brand on the right jaw or Dollar Sign on the left buttock.

Over Trigg’s 19-year marriage to Denise, they held several production sales “under the chandelier” in Gillette, plus hosted team roping jackpots and raised three children immersed in 4-H, rodeo and horsemanship. Trigg, who collected vintage silver bits and spurs like he did great horses, served on his county’s Land Board, in the Wyoming Quarter Horse Association, and more recently as a founding member of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo’s Gold Buckle Club.

In 2015, Marquiss invested in the blue-roan yearling Still Get Jealous by One Time Pepto out of a High Brow Cat/Smart Chic Olena mare. Now 9, the stallion is a former NRCHA futurity champ that was selected for herd work in last year’s World’s Greatest Horseman contest. Marquiss loved watching Jealous’ foals grow near his home in Story and would even move them near the highway so travelers could enjoy them, too.

For the past quarter-century, Marquiss enjoyed summers in Story and winters in Carefree, Arizona, with his wife, JoAnn. And he delighted in his grandson – Trigg’s namesake born on his own 60^th birthday. Marquiss “threw a big loop,” or was interested in many different facets of life. He provided horses and Longhorn steers to TV and movie sets. The proponent of “tough love” was at the same time quite proud of the accomplishments of his kids, his grandson, and of the horses he bred and raised.

He’s survived by his wife, JoAnn; his daughters, Stephanie Gies (Jason) and Stacy Marquiss; his son, Tait Marquiss (Jennifer); his grandson, Trigg Marquiss; and his stepdaughters Jennifer Newson and Jessica Newson. He’s also remembered by his brother, Gary Marquiss; his sister, Glo Clark; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a lasting contribution in his memory can be made in the form of a donation to the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association (WHSRA), “In Memory of Trigg Marquiss.” Checks can be sent to:  Shelly Thompson; 4180 Rd 44; Yoder, WY 82244.

GUTHRIE, Okla. (March 15, 2021) – Fans watched the greatest jackpot team roper in history extend his record of wins and break the all-time earnings record at the world’s richest pro roping Sunday night in Oklahoma.

Kory Koontz, 49, of Stephenville, Texas, clinched victory at the Wrangler Bob Feist Invitational (BFI) presented by Yeti for the record third time, riding a horse he raised and nursed back to health after a horrific auto accident a year ago. Exactly 25 years after Koontz won back-to-back BFI titles with Rube Woolsey and Matt Tyler, he and Manny Egusquiza Jr. roped six steers in 46.48 seconds to earn $150,000 cash plus epic prizes. They bested more than 130 teams at the 44^th BFI, held this year at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie three months prior to its traditional June date.

“It felt like there was a lot of energy in this building for me and Manny to win this,” said the characteristically humble Koontz, who’s a grandfather now and has earned $2.5 million with his rope at rodeos alone. “I’m just a guy trying to rope for a living. In my career, I’ve truly been blessed.”

The championship at the 44^th BFI brings to a whopping 12 the number of “grand slams” at which Koontz has taken the victory lap over his 30-year career. He won the Wildfire Open to the World a record five times, took home three trailers from the George Strait Team Roping Classic, won the US Open and now, his third BFI. It puts him far ahead of Clay O’Brien Cooper and Travis Graves, who’ve won seven “majors” each. The only other heeler with three BFI titles is Hall-of-Famer Rich Skelton, whose all-time earnings record was just smashed by Koontz’ new BFI total of $239,514.

“When I won this roping in 1995, it paid $25,000,” marveled Koontz, who took home $77,000 cash on Sunday, plus a custom trophy Coats saddle, Gist buckle, Yeti cooler, Resistol hat, Heel-O-Matic training machine and more. “I feel like the things I won later have meant more. So, making the NFR in 2017-18, winning the Wildfire the fifth time and now the BFI the third time… I’m almost 50 years old, so I appreciate it more. In the old days, I was supposed to win. But I felt like when I walked in here today, there was no person that thought I was going to win. So it’s just such a blessing. It’s taken a lot of hard work.”

The BFI is the most lucrative but challenging team roping event for pros in America. The typical format has the hundred best teams in the world invited to rope six steers that have a 20-foot head start, for a purse of $700,000 in cash and prizes.

Koontz and Egusquiza, both from Stephenville, Texas, maintained their high callback position after a rare miss by veteran header Riley Minor in the fifth round. Roping last in the sixth and final round, they needed just a nine-second run to win the aggregate. Instead, Egusquiza and Koontz won the short round with a quick 7.1 to seal the deal over Andrew Ward of nearby Edmond, Oklahoma, and Buddy Hawkins, a Kansas native also of Stephenville now. The reserve champs – who raked in $54,000 for placing fourth last year – split $101,000 cash plus similar prizes.

“I was so focused today,” said Egusquiza, who at 44 is the older brother of 25-year-old Dustin Egusquiza – Koontz’ partner from 2017-19 and the current world No. 2 header. “I almost feel like I cheated because I get to compete so often around my little brother. He’ll see something I didn’t see and we help each other throughout the roping. We’re always pulling for each other. It’s peaceful.”

Koontz, a 22-time NFR heeler who has won every major rodeo and the ten-round NFR back in 1997, has been in so many roping spotlights that he doesn’t get nervous nor think of anything except “roping the cow.” As for Egusquiza, he kept his mind off the pressure by checking in with his wife, Candis, and son and daughter who were competing over the weekend, themselves.

Egusquiza and Koontz felt like their roping styles would fit the BFI perfectly. They often practice together and have been entering area rodeos since last fall. Egusquiza grew up in Florida, heeling, and switched ends about a decade ago. While he’s had success, including a fourth-place finish at the 2012 BFI heading for Brad Culpepper, this marks his biggest win to date.

“This is life-changing money,” said Egusquiza. He plans to use the windfall to finally purchase the horse he’s been riding for three years. “Sleepy” is registered as Ty’s Luck Star and owned by the Wiley family of Pleasanton, Texas. Formerly, he was a professional barrel racing horse owned by Ivy Hurst.

“He rode the hell out of him and made it look easy,” said Koontz of his partner.

Koontz’ dun horse “Remix” is better than he’s ever been after years of being “an outlaw” and months of rehabilitation stemming from the January 2020 accident that totaled Koontz’ truck and trailer and killed his other horse. Over Koontz’ illustrious 30-year-career, his former mounts Iceman, Jackyl and Switchblade will go down in history as the best heel horses ever. Remix was a gift as a yearling a dozen years ago from Joe Braman, and Koontz nicknamed him in hopes he’d feature attributes of all three great horses. On Sunday, 13-year-old Remix won the Heel Horse of the BFI trophy. It didn’t surprise Koontz.

“I thought he outshined every horse there,” he admitted. “He let me throw fast and he let me have another swing when I wanted it. He did everything a heel horse needed to do.”

The Head Horse of the BFI award went to a little 7-year-old buckskin gelding called “LeRoy” ridden by Oklahoma’s Jake Clay, who placed ninth in the roping with Rance Doyal for $13,000. Registered as Shining Freckles, the horse was trained and is owned by Kevin Williams of Arkansas.

“He scored awesome every time; ran hard, pulled and faced,” said Clay, who’s dating Williams’ daughter.

Finally, Canadian header Levi Simpson and his Texan partner Tyler Worley took home the annual Rickey Green Overall Fast Time award for their 5.53-second run that won Round Three (the pair also won the second round to split $16,000 total).

Several more competitions are on tap in Guthrie as Wrangler BFI Week continues. For more information, visit www.bfiweek.com.

Complete results from the 2021 Bob Feist Invitational:

First Round:  1. Jr Dees and Gralyn Elkins, 6.54 seconds, $8,000; 2. Riley Minor and Brady Minor, 6.61, $6,000; 3. Cory Clark and Wyatt Cox, 6.84, $4,000; 4. Quinn Kesler and Caleb Hendrix, 6.96, $2,000.

Second Round:  1. Levi Simpson and Tyler Worley, 6.41 seconds, $8,000; 2. Justin Lovell and Tyler McKnight, 6.55, $6,000; 3. Briar Teague and Jessen James, 6.59, $4,000; 4. Rhen Richard and Jeremy Buhler, 6.61, $2,000.

Third Round:  1. Levi Simpson and Tyler Worley, 5.53 seconds, $8,000; 2. Cory Kidd and Ben O’Gambrell, 6.32, $6,000; 3. Colby Lovell and Paul Eaves, 6.38, $4,000; 4 (tie). Nick Sartain and Reagan Ward; Clint Summers and Ross Ashford, 6.67 each, $1,000 each.

Fourth Round:  1. Colby Lovell and Paul Eaves, 5.75 seconds, $8,000; 2. Cody Clark and Wyatt Cox, 6.27, $6,000; 3. Shane Philipp and John Philipp, 6.38, $4,000; 4. Clint Peverley and Jake Pianalto, 6.95, $2,000.

Fifth Round:  1. Dustin Egisquiza and Travis Graves, 5.75 seconds, $8,000; 2. Clay Tryan and Jake Long, 5.88, $6,000; 3. Aaron Macy and Jason Johe, 5.92, $4,000; 4. Cutter Duckett and JR Gonzalez, 6.43, $2,000.

Wrangler/Priefert Short Round:  1. Manny Egusquiza and Kory Koontz, 7.16 seconds, $4,000; 2. Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin, 7.17, $3,000; 3. Clay Tryan and Jake Long, 7.34, $2,000; 4. Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins, 7.79, $1,000.

Aggregate:  1. Manny Egusquiza and Kory Koontz, 46.48 seconds on six steers, $150,000; 2. Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins, 48.34, $100,000; 3. Clay Tryan and Jake Long, 49.76, $70,000; 4. Clint Summers and Ross Ashford, 50.64, $46,000; 5. Clayton VanAken and TJ Watts, 51.37, $38,000; 6. Jake Orman and Brye Crites, 52.86, $26,000; 7. Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin, 53.70, $20,000; 8. Wyatt Bray and Mason Pitts, 53.97, $14,000; 9. Jake Cooper Clay and Rance Doyal, 58.77, $13,000; 10. Casey Hicks and Steve Orth, 58.79, $12,000; 11. Hayes Smith and Justin Davis, 44.63 seconds on five steers, $11,000; 12. Rhett Anderson and Cullen Teller, 46.22, $10,000; 13. Jaxson Tucker and Dustin Searcy, 46.50, $9,000; 14. Britt Smith and Jake Smith, 46.99, $8,000; 15. Jeff Flenniken and Shay Carroll, 47.26, $8,000.

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About Wrangler BFI Week: 
Phoenix-based Ullman-Peterson Events has owned and produced the Bob Feist Invitational since 2012. Founded by notable rodeo announcer and publisher Bob Feist in 1977, the BFI is the richest team roping event for professionals and one of the most prestigious, due to its limited roster and long head-start for steers. It anchors four subsequent days of eight additional high-stakes amateur ropings that are among most lucrative in the world.

RENO, Nev. (June 25, 2019) – School teacher Jody Higgins of Monroe, Louisiana, and his horse-trading friend Mark Smith of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, teamed up at the last minute to split $200,000 in the Wrangler National Patriot #11.5 roping in Reno, Nevada.

Higgins, 39, became tearful upon accepting prizes later on stage, both because of his relationship with Smith and because the win came after he fought to recover from cancer treatment that prevented him from swinging a rope for years.

“I’m going to frame this money and put it on the wall,” said Higgins, a No. 6 heeler and fifth-grade special-education teacher. He’d never been to the event before and said he’d always “wanted to ride out of that box once.”

The Wrangler National Patriot for amateur ropers was founded as the Reno Rodeo Invitational in 1996 by local real estate developer Perry Di Loreto and is now owned now by Ullman-Peterson Events. As part of Wrangler BFI Week presented by Yeti, it’s is held in the same facility as the Bob Feist Invitational for the pros and in conjunction with the Reno Rodeo. Designed to give equally matched amateur ropers across the country a chance at six-figure payouts, the event uses a handicapping system similar to golf.

Higgins, a #6 heeler, was scheduled to rope with Wayman Taylor but the latter was forced by heart trouble to draw out of the event last week. Higgins knew Smith would be in Reno all week to watch his three sons, including defending PRCA world champion header Clay Smith and two-time Hooey BFI Jr. Champion Britt Smith, so he talked his old friend into replacing Taylor.

“I didn’t know how I was going to pay the fee,” Smith said. “Now I can pay him back. And the clutch is going out of the pickup I drove out here, so now I can trade that truck in!”

Smith – on a palomino grandson of Stoli that he borrowed from Clay and using a rope with black coils that he borrowed from Britt – turned three steers with Higgins in 30.44 seconds to nail the second call-back position. After making a smooth run of 9.33 in the finals, they watched as the final team’s head loop missed.

“We’re just cowboys,” said Higgins. “Our goal was to catch. We didn’t try to be fast. I’m a school teacher; I don’t get to rope during the week.”

Both ropers were tickled to have secured at least the $48,000 second-place paycheck when they rode out of the arena, since both had battled injuries. Smith, a diabetic, recently had injections in both shoulders to help with pain from being “old and worn out.” And Higgins was grateful to both his original and replacement partners for simply believing in him.

“I haven’t roped much since I got tonsil cancer in 2012,” said Higgins. “I had a lot of radiation and my shoulder really deteriorated. It took four years of therapy until I could swing a rope again and a lot of hard work to get where I could win again. It makes you take a second look at life and be glad you made it. I’m healthy now and very blessed. And this guy’s been like a dad to me.”

As for 54-year-old Mark, the No. 5.5 header was getting plenty of critiquing from his own gold-buckle son Clay, who was driving to a rodeo in Greeley, Colorado, but watching live on the Wrangler Network.

“He would call and tell me, ‘Quit pulling on my horse,’ or ‘Don’t spank him,’ or ‘Tighten up your bridle, Dad,’” recalled Mark. His other two sons were watching in person, and said it made them more nervous than their own competitions. “Now they know how I felt at all their rodeos,” said Mark.

Mark and his wife, a retired teacher, helped set their sons up to join the family business of buying and selling roping horses. The kids – who were all three named after elite professional team ropers – have a web site (JakeClayBritt.com) through which people bring them horses to sell.

Some Reno clients host the Smiths each June during the roping, so Mark is grateful to the Grashuis family, while Higgins mentioned the hospitality of local friend Rich Hutchings.

The horse ridden by Mark was purchased by him as a 2-year-old, then trained by the entire Smith family, while Higgins was riding a heel horse that he’d leased from Smith two months earlier.

Also, Idaho’s Steve Dugger earned the Head Horse of the Wrangler National Patriot award from Montana Silversmiths for riding his wife’s horse, Chingo. The 8-year-old palomino gelding came from the ranch of former world champion Bobby Hurley, and placed Dugger one out of the money in Reno. The Heel Horse award went to a 12-year-old gelding ridden by New Mexico’s Danny Watson. Trained by Troy Howard of Texas, the horse is “gentle enough to fit an old man,” said Watson, who placed sixth.

Wrangler BFI Week continues through June 27. All events are live-streamed on www.WranglerNetwork.com.

Complete Results from the Wrangler National Patriot #11.5 on June 25:

First Round: 1. Donnie Leflett and Brad Breedlove, 7.30 seconds, $5,000; 2. Ryan Morrow and Kelly Tuley, 7.83, $2,000; 3. Alan Chappell and Chad Townson, 7.86, $3,000.  Second Round: 1. Ricky Bolin and Brock Middleton, 7.47, $5,000; 2. Jessica Amicarella and Tony Graham, 7.97, $4,000; 3. Randal Shepherd and Manuel Souza, 8.43, $3,000.  Third Round: 1. Kylie McLean and Jim Matlack, 6.35, $5,000; 2. Rob Swaim and Wes Swaim, 7.22, $4,000; 3. Rudy Blossom and Norbert Gibson, 7.44, $3,000. Short Round: 1. Vern Serpa and Skip Stansbury, 7.11, $4,000.  Consolation Aggregate:  1. Kylie McLean and Jim Matlack, 25.88 seconds on three, $8,000; 2. Sean Pascoe and Kevin Pascoe, 26.88, $6,000; 3. Ryan Morrow and Kelly Tuley, 29.49, $4,000.  Aggregate: 1. Mark Smith and Jody Higgins, 39.77 seconds on four, $200,000; 2. Ed Hintz and Kevin Poteete, 40.61, $48,000; 3. Scott Perez and Pedro Perez, 43.18, $18,000; 4. Wes Hardin and Don Elms, 44.79, $10,000; 5. Russell Piazza and Ronnie Seever, 44.87, $9,000; 6. Greg Watson and Danny Watson, 46.99, $8,500; 7. Danny Dubeau and Trevor Helmig, 48.53, $8,500; 8. Tish Luke and Scott Seiler, 49.56, $8,500.

Bear Pascoe and Steve Simons win the Reno Million during Wrangler BFI Week.

RENO, Nev. (June 19, 2018) – A retired NFL tight end and a cattle contractor – both recreational team ropers – raked in $95,220 with their ropes on Tuesday at the 22^nd edition of the #11 Reno (Nevada) Million.

Californians Bear Pascoe of Morro Bay and Steve Simons of Sanger roped four steers in 34.21 seconds to win the event and $47,610 total per man. They needed only a 10-second run to clinch the win, but finished in 8.8 seconds.

“I was just trying to not break out and go get him caught,” said Pascoe. “I knew Steve would rope him on the first or second jump.”

His partner did just that, motivating himself by thinking of a couple of things his wife could use with the money. Simons, formerly in the construction business, provides steers for ropings across California. He and Bear’s dad Sean Pascoe had roped for years together and he and Bear, originally from Porterville, are close friends.

“I haven’t been to this roping since I was 16 years old,” Pascoe said. “Corky (Ullman) and Daren (Peterson) have done a great job. The cattle were outstanding.”

The Reno Million was founded in 1996 by local real estate developer Perry Di Loreto and is now owned by Ullman-Peterson Events. It was designed to give equally matched amateur ropers across the country a chance at six-figure payouts, using a handicapping system similar to golf.

Traditionally, the roping was top-loaded and promoted first-place payouts of $100,000. This year, organizers used a format closer to official payoff formats at World Series of Team Roping events. , distributing the same money without a large gap between first and the other places.

This year’s Reno Million drew 120 teams, each of whom paid a $5,500 entry fee and were screened to ensure their roper classification numbers didn’t exceed 11.5.

It’s been a good week for 32-year-old Pascoe – the #6 header was also placing Tuesday in a tie for fifth in steer wrestling at the adjoining $600,000 Reno Rodeo after wrestling two steers in 9.6 seconds. He expects to make Saturday night’s short round, along with his wife, Katie, who was winning the barrel racing.

“Throwing the hell out of a steer in steer wrestling is like scoring a touchdown,” Pascoe said. “But getting a good start and spinning one and your man sets him down? That’s pretty good, too.”

Pascoe, who spent five seasons playing for the New York Giants, caught four passes in their 21-17 victory over the Patriots in the 2011 Super Bowl. But he continued to rope during every off-season. Today, he and Katie ranch on land owned by her father, Hall-of-Fame steer wrestler John W. Jones Jr. Meanwhile, the 6’5” Bear is also becoming a certified CrossFit trainer.

Pascoe said continuing to work out helps him mentally as much as physically. He gives credit to his dad for imparting lots of good advice on the mental game over the years.

“Besides being a good horseman and a good cowboy, he’s hard to rattle,” Bear said of his father, Sean, who was also competing in the Reno Million.

In fact, Simons, a 5-Elite heeler, likens the entire Pascoe clan (Bear has twin siblings) to Louis Lamour’s fictional Sacketts. The baby of the family, Bear has no plans to stop roping or wrestling steers.

“I entered the team roping at a handful of PRCA rodeos and didn’t have much luck,” Pascoe said. “They were a bit much for this green horse. But I’d like to revisit that. I’d love to be a multiple-event guy. One of my goals is to be invited to the Timed Event Championships of the World.”

Custom-made bronze trophies crafted by Montana Silversmiths were awarded for the best head horse and heel horse at the Reno Million, chosen by a committee watching throughout the day. Texan John Coltharp’s mount won the Heel Horse award, while Lucy Bishop’s earned the bronze awarded to the Head Horse of the Reno Million.

BFI Week continues through Friday, with all events live-streamed on www.WranglerNetwork.com. For more, visit www.bfiweek.com.

Complete Results from The Reno Million on June 19:

First Round:  1. Bear Pascoe and Steve Simons, 7.04 seconds, $6,920; 2. Kera Washburn and Dave Washburn, 7.73, $5,190; 3. Robert Perez and Joshua Reed, 7.90, $3,460; 4. Cody Every and Trevor Aldrich, 7.97, $1,730; Second Round:  1. Josh Johnson and Josh Love, 5.98 seconds, $6,920; 2. Lydia Townson and Chad Townson, 6.35, $5,190; 3. Chad Havens and T-Boy Waite, 6.52, $3,460; 4. Alan Chappell and Mark Brockmueller, 6.92, $1,730; Third Round:  1. Brent Mays and Shane Paschal, 6.56 seconds, $6,920; 2. Josh Johnson and Josh Love, 6.61, $5,190; 3. Ricky Bolin and Dustin Noblitt, 6.71, $3,460; 4. Cory Wiese and Michael White, 6.87, $1,730; Short Round: 1. Jessica Amicarella and Tony Graham, 8.02 seconds, $5,500; 2. Bear Pascoe and Steve Simons, 8.81, $3,300; 3. Kelly Cheatham and Dell Millward, 8.84, $2,200.

Average:  1. Bear Pascoe and Steve Simons, 34.21 seconds on four, $85,000; 2. Jessica Americella and Tony Graham, 35.73, $65,000; 3. Kelly Cheatham and Dell Millward, 42.03, $47,000; 4. Chad Havens and T-Boy Waite, 42.77, $34,000; 5. Greg Roshay and Colter Bradshaw, 45.74, $31,000; 6. Vern Serp and Skip Stansbury, 47.88, $27,000; 7. Frank Baptiste and Buster Green, 51.36, $23,000; 8. Gary Kiehne and Shawn Palmer, 52.81, $20,000; 9. Mark Harris and Jason Nearn, 60.22, $19,000; 10. Lydia Townson and Chad Townson, 27.16 on three, $18,000; 11. Darwin McGowan and Luke McClanahan, 32.99, $16,500; 12. Lucy Bishop and Al Baloo, 34.29, $14,000; 13. Bruce Chernoff and Peter Bews, 35.10, $13,000.

Consolation Average:  1. Josh Johnson and Josh Love, 20.17 seconds on three, $13,000; 2. Cole Lamb and Jim Bynum, 23.63, $10,000; 3. Alan Chappell and Mark Brockmueller, 23.98, $8,000; 4. Cody Every and Trevor Aldrich, 24.72, $4,000.

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Lebanon, Tenn., June 25, 2016 – She’s only 13, but seventh-grader Wacey Day of Fleming, Colo., made two seven-second runs to edge out 165 other girls in goat tying at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo on Saturday in Lebanon, Tenn.

Day, who competes for the Nebraska team, tied her final goat in a blistering 7.5 seconds to win the three-round aggregate by a full second over Oregon’s Kennedy Buckner.

“Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, and fast is money,” said Day, who tied her first goat in 8.3 seconds and her second in 7.4. “I came out here and made the three best runs of my life.”

This year’s NJHFR drew 1,049 contestants from 42 different states, three Canadian provinces and Australia to rope and ride for scholarship dollars, jackpot money and prizes.

Colten Leech of Billings, Mo., won the national championship in chute dogging after turfing three steers in 8.72 seconds.

“I want to thank the good Lord for this opportunity and my family for getting me down the road,” said Leech.

In a competitive barrel-racing short round, the top two were Shae Halls – the daughter of former NFR arena-record holder Brandie Halls – and the eventual champ. Jayci Byler of Bellville, Texas, won the short round by two-tenths of a second to claim the national championship. Her horse, 14-year-old Prince of Perks owned by the Shoppa Ranch, is by Dash For Perks and out of a granddaughter of Dash For Cash and Gay Bar King. Byler’s family owns Byler Performance Equine – a swimming pool for horses – in Bellville.

“I did it,” Byler said. “And it was all because of Mom. She helped me most and encourages me every day.”

Other national champions were Girls’ Breakaway roper Sawyer Gilbert of Buffalo, S.D.; Boys’ Breakaway roper Brandon Ben of Peridot, Ariz.; Bareback Steer Rider Keenan Hayes of Hayden, Colo.; Saddle Bronc Steer Rider Gus Gaillard of Morse, Texas; Boys’ Goat Tyer Briar Teague of Rattan, Okla.; Ribbon Ropers Zoie Bedke and Cooper Duffin of Idaho; Tie-Down Roper Trevor Hale of Perryton, Texas; Pole Bender Maci Jo Zimmerman of New Ross, Ind.; Team Ropers Tanner Brown, Florence, Miss., and, Matt Watt, Geiger, Ala.; and Bull Rider Chris Villanueva of Mesquite, Texas.

The team from Idaho won the 2016 volleyball tournament, while the Girls’ AQHA Horse of the Year title went to Chaley Hext for Sinioto Rio, and the Boys’ counterpart went to Chance Thiessen for Cutter Play Me Stylish. The boys’ all-around rookie champion was Justice Hopper of Tooele, Utah; and the girls’ counterpart was Jayci Byler of Bellville, Texas. The overall team championship was won by Oklahoma with 11,650 points, edging second-place Texas and third-place Louisiana.

In Lebanon, NJHFR stock contractor Herbert Theriot of Mississippi assembled enough calves, steers and cows for nearly 1,800 runs. He sorted through more than 450 head to bring 340 calves, for instance. “It takes a lot of people to do an event like this, especially this size,” said Theriot, who credited Curtis Massey Cattle Company with bringing a great set of Holstein cattle for the bareback and saddle bronc steer riding.

Theriot, himself a former PRCA world champion in tie-down roping, has two sons. Marcus was the around champ five years ago at the NJHFR and won the national collegiate all-around title last week in Casper, Wyo., while Mason, 12, made the short round in ribbon roping at the NJHFR on Saturday.

The Junior High Division was created within the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) in 2004 for sixth- through eighth-graders as a feeder system into the high-school ranks, and now fields more than 2,500 junior-high students in 13 different events.

The Finals is in Tennessee for the first time this year; it was held in Gallup, N.M., through 2013 and spent the previous two years in Des Moines, Iowa. It will return to Lebanon in June 2017. Meanwhile, Gillette, Wyo., will host the National High School Finals Rodeo on July 17-23.

Complete results from the finals of 2016 National Junior High Finals Rodeo:

All-Around Cowboy:  1. Cooper Cooke, Victor, Idaho, 1420 points; 2. Cooper Duffin, Pocatello, Idaho, 1240; 3. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas, 1160; 4. Cord McDonald, Durant, Okla., 1130.

All-Around Cowgirl:  1. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla., 1355 points; 2. Jayci Byler, Bellville, Texas, 1060

3. Makenzy Byrne, Arcadia, Okla., 1040; 4. Chaley Hext, Canadian, Texas, 1000.

Girls’ Breakaway:  Finals: 1. Baili Herring, Artesia, N.M., 2.57 seconds; 2. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla., 2.8; 3. Robbin Rice, Sealy, Texas, 2.96; 4. Sawyer Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D., 2.99. Average on three:  1. Sawyer Gilbert, Buffalo, S.D., 10.09 seconds; 2. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla., 10.62; 3. Lilla Bell, Hollister, Calif., 10.85; 4. Baili Herring, Artesia, N.M., 10.92; 5. Robbin Rice, Sealy, Texas, 10.93; 6. Sammy Taylor, Neola, Utah, 10.98.

Boys’ Breakaway:  Finals:  1. Brandon Ben, Peridot, Ariz., 2.52 seconds; 2. Cade Bell, Paradise Valley, Nev., 2.81; 3. Titan Quigg, Rankin, Texas, 2.85; 4. Riley Rieken, Arp, Texas, 3.05. Average on three:  1. Brandon Ben, Peridot, Ariz., 8.66 seconds; 2. Cade Bell, Paradise Valley, Nev., 8.92; 3. Titan Quigg, Rankin, Texas, 9.00; 4. Jacques Trahan, Hackberry, La., 9.51.

Bareback Steer Riding:  Finals:  1/2. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo., and Brad Moreno, Kayenta, Ariz., 68 points each; 3. Jaxson Mirabal, Magdalena, N.M., 63; 4. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla., 63. Average on three:  1. Keenan Hayes, Hayden, Colo., 202 points; 2. Cooper Cooke, Victor, Idaho, 194; 3. Braden Smith, Spearsville, La., 193; 4. Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla., 192; 5. Brad Moreno, Kayenta, Ariz., 187; 6. Mason Spain, Forney, Texas, 180.

Girls’ Goat Tying:  Finals:  1. Wacey Day, Fleming, Colo., 7.56 seconds; 2. Kennedy Buckner, Redmond, Ore., 7.8; 3. Makenzy Byrne, Arcadia, Okla., 8.12; 4. Hannah Giger, Wilburton, Okla., 8.17. Average on three:  1. Wacey Day, Fleming, Colo., 23.39 seconds; 2. Kennedy Buckner, Redmond, Ore., 24.35; 3. Makenzy Byrne, Arcadia, Okla., 24.41; 4. Hannah Giger, Wilburton, Okla., 24.85; 5. Desta Misegades, Henning, Minn., 25.56; 6. Chenoa Vande Stouwe, Inwood, Iowa, 25.72.

Boys’ Goat Tying:  Finals: 1. Rance Doyal, Durant, Okla., 8.69 seconds; 2. Daunte Ceresola, Fernley, Nev., 9.19; 3. Cooper Duffin, Pocatello, Idaho, 9.46; 4. Harland Groves, Faith, S.D., 9.83. Average on three:  1. Briar Teague, Rattan, Okla., 29.55 seconds; 2. Cooper Duffin, Pocatello, Idaho, 30.57; 3. Rance Doyal, Durant, Okla., 31.24; 4. Teegan Leno, Sheridan, Wyo., 31.4; 5. Harland Groves, Faith, S.D., 31.66; 6. Colt Soderholm, Sheyenne, N.D., 31.86.

Barrel Racing:  Finals: 1. Jayci Byler, Bellville, Texas, 15.623 seconds; 2. Reagan Goudeau, Hungerford, Texas, 15.813; 3. Rio Flaharty, El Dorado, Kan., 15.871; 3. Emma Smith, Pleasanton, Texas, 15.871; 5. Brie Wells, LeMars, Iowa, 15.933. Average on three:  1. Jayci Byler, Bellville, Texas, 47.369 seconds; 2. Rio Flaharty, ElDorado, Kan., 47.449; 3. Emma Smith, Pleasanton, Texas, 48.018; 4. Reagan Goudeau, Hungerford, Texas, 48.276; 5. Greeley Eastep, Bainbridge, Ind., 48.471; 6. Taylor Nichols, Morristown, Ariz., 48.618.

Saddle Bronc Steer Riding:  Finals:  1. Cooper Cooke, Victor, Idaho, 69 points; 2. Gus Gaillard, Morse, Texas, 67; 3. Ethan Lombardo, Marshville, N.C., 65; 4. Coy Hebert, Welsh, La., 58. Average on three:  1. Gus Gaillard, Morse, Texas, 196 points; 2. Cooper Cooke, Victor, Idaho, 190; 3. Ethan Lombardo, Marshville, N.C., 175; 4. Jaxson Mirabal, Magdalena, N.M., 167; 5. Coy Hebert, Welsh, La., 149;

6. Cauy Pennington, Kiowa, Colo., 146.

Chute Dogging:  Finals:  1. Tom Crouse, Gallatin, Mo., 2.25 seconds; 2. Trevor Boatwright, Marble, N.C., 2.52; 3. Tanner Berghuis, Atwater, Minn., 2.84; 4. Cord McDonald, Durant, Okla., 2.93. Average on three:  1. Colten Leech, Billings, Mo., 8.72 seconds; 2. Cord McDonald, Durant, Okla., 9.18; 3. Tom Crouse, Gallatin, Mo., 9.61; 4. Trace Fuller, Bozeman, Mont., 9.62; 5. Taylor Blackburn, Balko, Okla., 9.79; 6. Gage Gregersen, Malta, Idaho, 10.69.

Ribbon Roping:  Finals:  1. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas, and Chaley Hext, Canadian, Texas, 7.06 seconds; 2. Zoie Bedke, Oakley, Idaho, and Cooper Duffin, Pocatello, Idaho, 7.78; 3. Zaine Mikita, Byers, Colo., and Amanda Terrell, LaSalle, Colo., 8.46; 4. Chance Thiessen, Elk City, Okla., and Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla., 8.52. Average on three:  1. Zoie Bedke, Oakley, Idaho, and Cooper Duffin, Pocatello, Idaho, 24.65 seconds; 2. Lane Shemak, Cobb, Wis., and Bridee Ann Burks, Lancaster, Wis., 29.42; 3. Kincade Henry, Mt Pleasant, Texas, and Makenzie Mayes, Scroggins, Texas, 30.44; 4. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas, and Chaley Hext, Canadian, Texas, 30.5; 5. Zaine Mikita, Byers, Colo., and Amanda Terrell, LaSalle, Colo., 30.84; 6. Jace Bleil, Bronson, Iowa, and Bailey Bleil, Bronson, Iowa, 30.98.

Tie-Down Roping:  Finals:  1. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas, 11.25; 2. Dean Holyan, Coyote Canyon, N.M., 12.45; 3. Cord McDonald, Durant, Okla., 13.02; 4. Avery Whitten, Franklin, Ind., 17.66. Average on three:  1. Trevor Hale, Perryton, Texas, 35.6 seconds; 2. Cord McDonald, Durant, Okla., 43.06; 3. Dean Holyan, Coyote Canyon, N.M., 45.9; 4. Chance Little, Orange, Texas, 47.9; 5. Bryce Derrer, Portales, N.M., 54.82; 6. Avery Whitten, Franklin, Ind., 57.49.

Pole Bending:  Finals:  1. Maci Jo Zimmerman, New Ross, Ind., 19.927 seconds; 2. Cheyenne Garmon, Davidson, N.C., 20.14; 3. Jaden Thomas, DeRidder, La., 20.206; 4. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla., 20.207. Average on three:  1. Maci Jo Zimmerman, New Ross, Ind., 60.674 seconds; 2. Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla., 60.74; 3. Chaley Hext, Canadian, Texas, 60.982; 4. Cheyenne Garmon, Davidson, N.C., 61.011; 5. Sheyenne Lincoln, Willcox, Ariz., 61.383; 6. Jaden Thomas, DeRidder, La., 61.572.

Team Roping:  Finals:  1. Tanner Brown, Florence, Miss., and Matt Watt, Geiger, Ala., 9.04 seconds; 2. Teagan Bentley, Casper, Wyo., Teegan Leno, Sheridan, Wyo., 11.04; 3. Rhett Murray, Belvue, Kan., Jesse Boos, White Cloud, Kan., 11.67; 4. TJ Bowler, Enterprise, Utah, Blake Bowler, Enterprise, Utah, 13.36;. Average on three:  1. Tanner Brown, Florence, Miss. and, Matt Watt, Geiger, Ala., 26.55 seconds; 2. Rhett Murray, Belvue, Kan., and Jesse Boos, White Cloud, Kan., 29.92; 3. Joey Denney, Carrollton, Ga., and Riley Kittle, Woodland, Ala., 37.05; 4. Titan Quigg, Rankin, Texas, and Blayze Ingle, Clyde, Texas, 37.78; 5. Teagan Bentley, Casper, Wyo., and Teegan Leno, Sheridan, Wyo., 37.81; 6. Kylie Adams, Junction City, Kan., and Carlee Arnold, Hutchinson, Kan., 38.09.

Junior Bull Riding:  Finals:  1. Tadd Dictson, Mescalero, N.M., 81; 2. Chris Villanueva, Mesquite, Texas, 73; 3. Wes Ireland, Homedale, Idaho, 64; 3. Ty Pope, Garnett, Kan., 64. Average on three:  1. Chris Villanueva, Mesquite, Texas, 192 points; 2. Braidy Randolph, Lebanon, Pa., 186; 3. Ty Pope, Garnett, Kan., 181; 4. Tadd Dictson, Mescalero, N.M., 153; 5. Wes Ireland, Homedale, Idaho, 132; 6. Justice Hopper, Tooele, Utah, 130.

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FORT WORTH, Texas; February 21, 2015 – Tie-down roper Tyson Durfey, who lives just outside Fort Worth, Texas, is handily dominating the $500,000 American Semi-Finals rodeo in Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum.

On Saturday night, Durfey’s run of 7.72 seconds was the second-fastest in the third round and easily qualified him for Sunday’s top-10 short round. On Sunday, Durfey must post one of the six fastest times to advance March 1 into RFD-TV’s $2 million rodeo, The American presented by Polaris Ranger, held at AT&T Stadium.

At The American in Arlington last year, Durfey won his event and $100,000 plus roughly $40,000 in prizes. This year, because Durfey gained entry via the Semi-Finals rather than being invited as one of the top 10 in the world, he could win the $1 million bonus as a repeat champion.

Also on Saturday night, Tyler Wade and Kinney Harrell made the fastest run of the entire week – a 4.20 – to lead the team ropers into the short round, while steer wrestler Riley Duvall also carries plenty of momentum into the sudden-death round after posting a 4.28-second time in his event.

Bareback and bronc riding fields on Sunday will feature 14 competitors; bull riding 11; and all timed events except barrel racing will feature 10 (the 10 barrel racers running on Sunday will be competing against the 20 who ran on Friday and Saturday for the 10 open positions into The American). Just five slots are available into The American in bareback and bronc riding and team roping; six slots in steer wrestling and tie down roping; ten in barrel racing and one in bull riding.

The $500,000 American Semi-Finals continues Sunday at 2 p.m. (Central) and will be broadcast live on RFD-TV. Tickets are available at the Cowtown Coliseum box office, by calling (800) COWTOWN, or at stockyardsrodeo.com.

Tickets for RFD-TV’s The American, presented by Polaris Ranger, and the Iron Cowboy VI are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo.com.

Following are leaders at The American Semi-Finals through Feb. 21:

Bareback Riding:  1. Taylor Price, Huntsville, Texas, 83.25 points; 2. Seth Hardwick, Laramie, Wyo., 82.75; 3. Buck Lunak, Florence, Mont., 82; 4. Logan Berg, Mandan, N.D., 81.25; 5. Tilden Hooper, Weatherford, Texas, 81; 6. (tie) Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan., Jessy Davis, Power, Mont.; RC Landingham, Pendleton, Ore., 80.75; 9. Josi Young, Buhl, Idaho, 80.5; 10. Josi Young, Buhl, Idaho, 80; 11. Austin Graham, Jay, Okla., 79.5; 12. Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, William Tutor, Huntsville, Texas, and Ryan Gray, Reardan, Wash., 79.25 each.

 Steer Wrestling:  1. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla., 4.28 seconds; 2. Garrett Smith, Rexburg, Idaho, 4.41; 3. Rowdy Parrot, Mamou, La., 4.48; 4. Cole Fritzlon, Rifle, Colo., 4.53; 5. KC Jones, Decatur, Texas, 4.56; 6. Blake Mindemann, Blanchard, Okla., 4.60; 7. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 4.84; 8. Lane Holland, Walker, La., 4.89; 9. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas, 4.99; 10. Stewart Gulager, Fort Scott, Kan., 5.02.

 Team Roping:  1.Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Kinney Harrell, San Angelo, Texas, 4.20 seconds; 2. Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas, and Kory Koontz, Earth, Texas, 4.99; 3. Manny Egusquiza, Madiso, Calif., and Jonathon Torres, Bell City, La., 5.33; 4. Blaine Vick, Dublin, Texas and Jed Middleton,  5.56; 5. Drew Horner, Plano, Texas, and Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont., 5.63; 6. Jimmy Tanner and Cole Bigbee, 6.00; 7. Tee Woolman, Llano, Texas and Daniel Braman, Refugio, Texas, 6.04; 8. Cale Markham, Vinita, Okla., and Buddy Hawkins, Columbus, Kan., 8.72; 9. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla., and Jett Hillman, Purcell, Okla., 10.02; 10. Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah and Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo., 11.32.

Saddle Bronc Riding:  1. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb., 80.25 points; 2. (tie) Eric Wolford, Three Corners, USA, Chuck Schmidt, Keldron, S.D., and Tyrell Smith, Cascade, Mont., 80 each; 5. Tyler Corrington, Guymon, Okla., 79.5; 6. Tyrell Smith, Cascade, Mont., 79.25; 7. Coburn Bradshaw, Beaver, Utah, 79; 8. Ray Tom Meiers, 78.75; 9. Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta,78.5; 10. Bradley Harter, Weatherford, Texas, 77.5; 11. Layton Green, Meeting Creek, Alberta, 76.75; 12. Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D., Nat Stratton, Okeehobee, Okla., and Shorty Garrett, 76.5 each

 Tie Down Roping:  1. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, 7.39 seconds; 2. Tyson Durfey, Peaster, Texas, 7.72; 3. Marcos Costa, Childress, Texas, 7.78; 4. Chase Williams, Stephenville, Texas, 8.00; 5. Cole Bailey, Okmulgee, Okla., 8.04; 6. Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D., 8.11; 7. Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, 8.12; 8. Cimarron Boardman, Stephenville, Texas, 8.14; 9. Justin Maas, Giddings, Texas, 8.31; 10. Walt White, Ochelata, Okla., 8.35.

Barrel Racing Leaders:  1. Chayni Chamberlain, Stephenville, Texas, 13.902 seconds; 2. Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont.; 14.005; 3. Lindsey McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.040; 4. Jane Melby, Burneyville, Okla., 14.066; 5. Callahan Crossley, Hermiston, Ore., 14.090; 6. Jackie Jatzlau, Giddings, Texas, 14.104; 7. Destri Devenport, Lubbock, Texas, 14.134; 8. Shelly Anzick, Livingston, Mont., 14.153; 9. Adeline Nevala, Sebeka, Minn., 14.242; 9. Sabra O’Quinn, Ocala, Fla., 14.271; 10. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas, 14.279.

Bull Riding Leaders:  First Round:  1. [one qualified ride] Stormy Wing, Dalhart, Texas, 86.25 points. Second Round:  1. [one qualified ride] Stormy Wing, Dalhart, Texas, 81.5.

Nashville, Tenn.; February 20, 2015 – Nearly 600 contestants hoping for a chance to advance to RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN, presented by Polaris RANGER, were whittled to just 110 in timed events during preliminary rounds of the American Semi-Finals on February 18-19.

The $500,000 American Semi-Finals in the Fort Worth Stockyard’s Cowtown Coliseum continues February 20-21, during which the fastest 20 entries after two rounds in steer wrestling, tie down roping and team roping compete once to determine top-10 short-round qualifiers on February 22. In barrel racing, the fastest 30 competitors advanced after one round and 10 each will compete in performance Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The rodeo offers a clean slate for third-round action. Except in barrel racing, once the top 10 advance to Sunday’s short round, they once again compete with a clean slate. On Sunday, just five teams in team roping; six steer wrestlers, six tie down ropers and 10 barrel racers will punch their tickets to RFD-TV’s The American in AT&T Stadium on March 1.

Last year, defending American champion Tyson Durfey earned $100,000 for winning The American in AT&T Stadium because he was an invited contestant who had been ranked in the top 10 in the world in 2013. This year, he’s qualifying the old-fashioned way and has advanced to the third round. He has four calves ahead of him to tie down if he wants to repeat his championship in AT&T Stadium – but this time, he’s eligible for the $1 million bonus. Also, in barrel racing, Shelly Anzick has taken a step toward returning to The American, where last year she suffered a penalty during her final for $1 million.

Unlike sanctioning rodeo associations, RFD-TV’s The American has no age, gender, or earnings limitations. The top 30 barrel racers this weekend include three kids 9, 10 and 12 years old, respectively, as well as two male racers. Five former NFR barrel racers are also in the mix, including Taylor Jacob, who holds the arena record at the NFR.

The roughstock events Friday and Saturday will feature more than 15 former NFR qualifiers including rising star Joe Frost, who is a cousin to late rodeo legend Lane Frost. In tie down roping, Brazilian Marcos Costa made the cut, as well as his mentor, world champion Stran Smith, and six other former NFR ropers. The field includes Rhen Richard, who has also advanced in team roping. The other two-event cowboy trying to get two chances at $1 million – and the $25,000 bonus in the all-around at AT&T Stadium – is Steven Dent in bareback and saddle bronc riding.

Seven more NFR qualifiers will compete in steer wrestling including Cash Myers, who came out of a five-year retirement to try his luck at winning $1 million. In team roping, legendary Hall-of-Famer and four-time world champion Tee Woolman is in the mix with his 18-year-old partner, as well as 10 other former NFR ropers who include former world champion Kollin VonAhn.

Tickets for the American Semi-Finals at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Feb. 20-22, are available at the Cowtown Coliseum box office, by calling (800) COWTOWN, or at stockyardsrodeo.com.

Tickets for RFD-TV’s The American, presented by Polaris Ranger, and the Iron Cowboy VI are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo.com.

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Following are results from the timed events at The American Semi-Finals on Feb. 18-19:

Steer Wrestling:  First Round:  1. KC Jones, Decatur, Texas, 3.86 seconds, $3,690; 2. Riley Duvall, Checotah, Okla., 4.12, $2,337; 3. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas, 4.15, $1,599; 4. (tie) Christian Petigrew, Fort Sumner, NM; Shayde Etherton, Hico, Texas; and Jacob Edler, State Center, Iowa, 4.16 each, $1,148 each. Second Round:  1. Sean Thomas, Benton, Ark., 4.07 seconds, $3,690. 2. Cade Staton, 4.11, $2,337; 3. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo., 4.14, $1,599; 4. Benjamin Cox, 4.43, $1,353; 5. Josh Garner, Live Oak, Calif., 4.51, $1,107; 6. (tie) Justin Morehouse, and KC Jones, Decatur, Texas, 4.52 each, $492 each.  Top 20 Qualifiers to Third Round:  Luke Campbell, Riley Duvall, Cole Fritzlon, Josh Garner, Tyler Gibson, Stewart Gulager, Jule Hazen, Lane Holland 5. Tyler Gibson, Huntsville, Texas
6. Stewart Gulager, Fort Scott, Kan.
7. Jule Hazen, Ashland, Kan.
8. Lane Holland, Walker, La.
9. KC Jones, Decatur, Texas
10. Will Lummus, West Point, Miss.
11. Blake Mindemann, Blanchard, Okla.
12. Sean Mulligan, Coleman, Okla.
13. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas
14. Lex Owen, Mathews, Ala.
15. Rowdy Parrot, Mamou, La.
16. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo.
17. Garrett Smith, Rexburg, Idaho
18. JD Struxness, Appleton, Minn.
19. Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D.
20. Aaron Vosler, Cheyenne, Wyo., KC Jones, Will Lummus, Blake Mindemann, Sean Mulligan, Cash Myers, Lex Owen, Rowdy Parrot, Josh Peek, Garrett Smith, JD Struxness, Todd Suhn, Aaron Vosler.

Team Roping:  First Round:  1. Lane Ivy, Amarillo, Texas, and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas, 4.60 seconds, $6,705; 2. Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla., and Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas, 4.65, $4,246; 3. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo., and Cullen Teller, Pierce, Colo., 5.16, $2,906; 4. Bubba Buckaloo, Caddo, Okla., and Russell Cardoza Jr., Terrebonne, Ore., 5.25, $2,458; 5. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas, 5.30, $2,012; 6. Luke Brown, Morgan Mill, Texas, and Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., 5.36, $1,788; 7. Tee Woolman, Llano, Texas, and Daniel Braman, Refugio, Texas, 5.36, $1,341; 8. Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Kinney Harrell, Marshall, Texas, 5.39, $894. Second Round:  1., Clint Summers, Kyle Lawrence 4.46 seconds, $6,705; 2. Clint Summers Zak Richardson, , 4.50, $4,246; 3., Charly Crawford, Ryon Tittel 4.57, $2,906; 4., David Key, Wesley Thorp, 4.58, $2,458; 5. Kaden Richard, Cody Doescher, 4.63, $2,012; 6. Seth Hall, Kory Bramwell, 4.67, $1,788; 7. Jimmy Tanner and Cole Bigbee, 4.81, $1,341; 8. Travis Bounds, and Wade Kreutzer, 4.88, $894. Average on Two:  1. Jimmy Tanner, Stephenville, Texas and Cole Bigbee, Tuscumbia, Ala., 10.56 seconds, $6,638; 2. Luke Brown, Morgan Mill, Texas and Kollin Vonahn, Blanchard, Okla., 10.92, $4,425; 3. Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla., and Jett Hillman, Purcell, Okla., 11.00, $3,420; 4. Manny Cunde Egusquiza, Madiso, Calif., and Jonathon Torres, Bell City, La., 11.37, $2,414; 5. Lane Ivy, Amarillo, Texas and Dustin Davis, Terrell, Texas, 11.45, $1,810; 6. John Alley, Adams, Tenn., and Clark Adcock, Watertown, Tenn., 11.79, $1,408. Top 20 Qualifiers to Third Round:  Jimmy Tanner/Cole Bigbee; Luke Brown/Kollin VonAhn; Bubba Buckaloo/Jett Hillman; Manny Egusquiza/Jonathon Torres; Lane Ivy/Dustin Davis; John Alley/Clark Adcock; Zachary Small/Billie Jack Saebens; 8. Shane Philipp and John Philipp; 9. Blaine Vick and Jed Middleton; 10. Billy Bob Brown and Garrett Jess; 11. Tyler Wade and Kinney Harrell; 12. Cale Markham and Buddy Hawkins II; 13. Kenton Woodson and John Philipp; 14. Colby Lovell and Kory Koontz; 15. Robert Boyd and Byron Wilkerson; 16. Cory Clark and Jake Smith; 17. Nick Sartain and Rich Skelton; 18. Cory Kidd V and Ryan Motes; 19. Rhen Richard and Shay Carroll; 20. Tee Woolman and Daniel Braman.

Tie Down Roping:  First Round: 1. Randall Carlisle, Bryan, Texas, 7.34 seconds, $4,191; 2. Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, 7.42, $2,654; 3. Michael Otero, Lowndesboro, Ala., 7.57, $1,816; 4. Marshall Leonard, Shongaloo, La., 7.76, $1,537; 5. Clif Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 7.91, $1,257; 6. Stran Smith, Childress, Texas, 7.94, $1,118. Second Round:  1. Cooper Martin, Alma, Kan., 6.81 seconds, $4,191; 2. Blane Cox, , Cameron, Texas, 6.85, $2,654; 3. Kody Mahaffey, Sweetwater, Texas, 7.32, $1,816; 4. Rowdy Haferkamp, Cuero, Texas, 7.39, $1,537; 5. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 7.40, $1,258; 6. Jeff Chapman, Union, Miss., 7.43, $1,118. Top 20 Qualifiers to Third Round:  Marcos Costa, Stran Smith, Houston Hutto, Rhen Richard, Randall Carlisle, Sterling Smith, Cole Wilson, Justin Maass, Cimarron Boardman, Dane Kissack, Reese Riemer, Clif Cooper, Bradley Bynum, Cooper Martin, Walt White, Cory Kirk, Tyson Durfey, Michael Otero, Cole Bailey, Chase Williams.

Barrel Racing:  First Round and Final-Round Qualifiers:  1. Jackie Jatzlau, Giddings, Texas, on Imanonstop Fame, 13.863, $7,911; 2. Jane Melby, Burneyville, Okla., 13.939, $6,981; 3. Jacie Etbauer, Edmond, Okla., 13.962, $6,050; 4. Jimmy Bryant, Columbus, Ind., 13.984, $5,119; 5. Taylor Jacob, Carmine, Texas, 13.987, $4,188; 6. Chayni Chamberlain, Stephenville, Texas, 14.006, $3,723; 7. Kelsie Miller, Riley, Ore., 14.019, $3,258; 8. Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla., 14.052, $2,792; 9. Lindsey McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.058, $2,327; 10. Callahan Crossley, Hermiston, Ore., 14.062, $1,629; 11. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas, 14.062, $1,629; 12. Laura Kennedy, Quitman, Ark., 14.069, $931; 13. Sharin Hall, Kingston, Okla.; 14. Destri Devenport, Sandy Hook, Miss.; 15. Ann Scott, Odessa, Texas; 16. Allie Chouest, Cut Off, La.; 17. Ali Armstrong, Lexington, Okla; 18. Troy Crumrine, Waynesfield, Ohio; 19. Kathy Grimes, Medical Lake, Wash.; 20. Shelby Herrmann, Stephensville, Mont.; 21. Latricia Duke, College Station, Texas; 22. Sabra O’Quinn, Ocala, Fla.; 23. Megan Swint, Lithia, Fla., 14.175; 24. Steffani Matther, Cypress County, Alberta, 14.179; 25. Joy Wargo, Gainesville, Texas; 26. Karsyn Daniels, McKinney, Texas; 27. Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont.; 28. Adeline Nevala, Sebeka, Minn.; 29. Shelly Anzick, Livingston, Mont.; 30. Jaycie Cundall, Queen Creek, Ariz.

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 Nashville, Tenn. – One of rodeo’s legendary champions is coming out of retirement to compete in RFD-TV’s $2.5 million rodeo, The American presented by Polaris Ranger, on March 1 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

At 52 years old, Pro Rodeo Hall-of-Famer Ote Berry will be competing in one of the most physically demanding events – steer wrestling. He climbed back into the saddle in 2014 after nearly a decade of retirement specifically to accept an exemption invitation to The American. The rodeo is the first to invite retired legends and up-and-coming kids to compete against the best rodeo athletes in the world for a share of millions of dollars. Berry astounded fans inside Cowboys Stadium last year by nearly qualifying for the top-four finals. The standing ovation he received has become an iconic moment in professional rodeo.

“I’d have loved to have some 50-year-old man come try to beat me back in my prime,” said Berry. “It’s an amazing concept. I said last year that I wanted to go back to The American even if it meant untying calves or working on the crew. The atmosphere was so electric it just made me glad to be in the building. I doubt there was a person there who didn’t think it was the greatest one day of rodeo we’ve ever seen in the history of the sport.”

Berry turned pro in 1982. He qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo in 1985 and won his first world championship that same year. During a career that spanned a quarter-century, he qualified for the NFR 13 more times and won three more world titles in 1990, 1991 and 1995.

“We’re honored to have Ote join us on March 1 as one of our exemption athletes,” said Randy Bernard, CEO of RFD-TV Events. “He’s always been a great ambassador to the sport of rodeo and to the state of Oklahoma. The fact that he’s coming out of retirement to compete proves that The American is about the fans and the athletes.”

Berry is the fifth rodeo celebrity to accept an exemption into the event, joining eight-time world champion team ropers Speed Williams and Rich Skelton, 11-time world champion barrel racer Charmayne James and eight-time world champion tie-down roper Fred Whitfield. The American takes over the home of the Dallas Cowboys for the second straight year with the collective cash prize package coming to an unprecedented $2.5 million.

Tickets for the American Semi-Finals at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Feb. 18-22, are available for $40 per single day or a three-performance package of $100, not including taxes. They can be purchased at the Cowtown Coliseum box office, at stockyardsrodeo.com, or americanrodeo.com

Tickets for RFD-TV’s The American, presented by Polaris Ranger, and the Iron Cowboy VI are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo.com.  Prices for each event range from $20 to $150, not including taxes.