Author: Rodeo Houston

 — MARCH 10, 2018 — HOUSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — Competitors were at the top of their game on Saturday, March 10, as they rode their way to the Semifinals. After a thrilling Super Series IV, 28 cowboys and cowgirls advanced to the Semifinals set for March 14 and 15, 2018.

TIE-DOWN ROPING                         

Tyler Milligan of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, advanced to the RODEOHOUSTON semifinals with an 8.5 second run in round three of Super Series IV. Milligan said he has always had a rope and pair of boots.

 

“It’s in my blood,” Milligan said. “I love it because everyone is always cheering for you and everyone is always on your side.”

 

Advancing to a Semifinal Round:

Tyler Milligan: Pawhuska, Oklahoma — $5,000

Jake Pratt: Ellensburg, Washington — $4,000

Trevor Brazile: Decatur, Texas — $3,750

Cimarron Boardman: Stephenville, Texas — $3,000

 

BAREBACK RIDING

Devan Reilly of Sheridan, Wyoming, won the Super Series IV Bareback Riding Championship title with three solid rides. Reilly said he seeks to always be a student of the game.

 

“It’s been a blessing,” Reilly said. “These are good horses, and I rode well. The horse did its job and so did I.”

 

Advancing to a Semifinal Round:

Devan Reilly: Sheridan, Wyoming — $4,875

Clint Laye: Pocatello, Idaho — $4,750

Tyler Nelson: Victor, Idaho — $4,000

Will Lowe: Canyon, Texas — $3,000

 

TEAM ROPING
Trevor Brazile and Wyatt Cox won the Team Roping at Super Series IV after three runs. Brazile said he and his partner are in their first year competing together.

“He came to my house, and we roped one time to make sure we were on the same page,” Brazile said. “The rest is just good luck.”

 

Advancing to a Semifinal Round:
Trevor Brazile: Decatur, Texas; and Wyatt Cox: Arroyo Grande, California — $10,000

Marcus Theriot: Poplarville, Mississippi; and Cody Doescher: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — $8,000

Nelson Wyatt: Clanton, Alabama; and Trace Porter: Leesville, Louisiana — $6,000

Jr Dees: Aurora, South Dakota; and Tyler McKnight: Wells, Texas — $6,000

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

CoBurn Bradshaw of Milford, Utah, rode Wild Cherry for an 88 to advance to the Semifinals. Bradshaw said it’s important to find the right saddle that fits you well.

 

“I got started when my dad bought me a bronc saddle from a pawnshop,” Bradshaw said. “My dad said he always wanted to do it as a kid, but he never had enough money, so he brought the saddle home.”

 

Advancing to a Semifinal Round:
CoBurn Bradshaw: Milford, Utah — $7,500

Heith DeMoss: Heflin, Louisiana — $6,250

Jade Blackwell: Piedmont, South Dakota — $2,750

Ty Manke: Piedmont, South Dakota — $1,375

 

STEER WRESTLING

Stockton Graves of Alva, Oklahoma, won Steer Wrestling at Super Series IV, solidifying his spot in the RODEOHOUSTON Semifinals. Graves is a rodeo coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University and enjoys being around the youth in the sport.

 

“Being a coach makes me rodeo better,” Graves said, “and it keeps me youthful and competitive.”

 

Advancing to a Semifinal Round:
Stockton Graves: Alva, Oklahoma — $6,750

Scott Guenthner: Provost, Alberta, Canada — $4,000

Ty Erickson: Helena, Montana — $3,000

Sterling Lambert: Fallon, Nevada — $2,000

 

BARREL RACING

Super Series IV Barrel Racing Champion, Carley Richardson, advanced to the RODEOHOUSTON Semifinals after three solid runs. Richardson said she began riding when she was three and has been competing with this horse for 10 years.

 

“I grew up in the sport,” Richardson said, “but the biggest challenge is trying not to change my game plan just because there’s a lot of money on the line.”

 

Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Carley Richardson: Pampa, Texas — $6,000

Emily Miller: Weatherford, Oklahoma — $4,500

Ivy Conrado: Hudson, Colorado — $3,500

Kelly Tovar: Rockdale, Texas — $3,000

 

BULL RIDING

Dalan Duncan won Bull Riding at Super Series IV and will be advancing to the RODEOHOUSTON Semifinals. Duncan said he is looking forward to participating in the Semifinals.

 

“That ride fired me up a little bit more,” Duncan said. “I’m ready to come back strong and ride everything I can.”

 

Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Dalan Duncan: Bluffdale, Utah — $4,000

Cole Melancon: Hull, Texas — $4,000

Trevor Reiste: Linden, Iowa — $3,750

Jordan Spears: Redding, California — $3,000

 

The top four from each event from each Super Series will advance to a Semifinal Round. The top four from each event in the Semifinal rounds will advance to the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship, Saturday, March 17. The remaining six from each event in the two semifinals will compete in the Wild Card Round, Friday, March 16, where the top two from each event will advance to the Championship. Each event champion will walk away with a $50,000 payout, in addition to previous winnings. The RODEOHOUSTON Super Series continues through March 17, with the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout: North America’s Champions^® presented by Crown Royal, on Sunday, March 18.

 

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $450 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2018 Rodeo continues through March 18.

 

 MARCH 1, 2018 — HOUSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — It was a wild night in NRG Stadium as cowboys and cowgirls battled it out during the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series I Championship. The athletes competed for the top four spots in each event to advance to the Semifinals on March 14 and 15.

TIE-DOWN ROPING                         

Caleb Smidt of Bellville, Texas, secured a win during night three of Super Series I and spot in the Semifinals with a time of eight seconds in the Tie-Down Roping event. With a solid ride to end the series, Smidt said he knows how to prepare moving forward.

“This ride tonight gave me confidence more than anything,” Smidt said. “I’m going to practice at my house and spend time with my family before the next round.”

Advancing to a Semifinal Round:

Caleb Smidt: Bellville, Texas — $7,000
Tim Pharr: Resaca, Georgia — $4,000

JC Malone: Plain City, Utah — $3,000

Logan Bird: Nanton, Alberta, Canada — $2,750

 

BAREBACK RIDING

Steven Dent took the win in Bareback Riding during Super Series I. During high school, Dent was heavily involved in athletics and was a champion football player and wrestler. He said these experiences prepared him for bareback riding.

 

“Football and wrestling taught me work ethic and how to set goals,” Dent said.

 

Advancing to Semifinal Round:

Seven Dent: Mullen, Nebraska — $4,875
Richie Champion: The Woodlands, Texas — $4,500

JR Vezain: Melstone, Montana — $3,375

Kelly Timberman: Mills, Wyoming — $3,375

 

TEAM ROPING
With valuable experience behind them, Matt Sherwood and Walt Woodard were confident returning to RODEOHOUSTON in 2018. That confidence showed as they secured a Team Roping Championship in Super Series I. Woodard said he is glad to be back at the Rodeo, among tough competition.

“Being here before helps,” Woodard said. “We are banking on our experience to carry us on through the competition, which is the best in the world.”

Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Matt Sherwood: Pima, Arizona, and Walt Woodard: Stephenville, Texas — $8,000
Chad Masters: Cedar Hill, Tennessee, and Travis Graves: Bluff Dale, Texas — $7,500

Luke Brown: Morgan Mill, Texas, and Jake Long: Morgan Mill, Texas — $6,000

Dustin Bird: Cut Bank, Montana, and Jake Minor: Milton-Freewater, Oregon — $6,000

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

Layton Green used his eight seconds of glory to obtain a win for Super Series I. Green said having a relaxed attitude and a great enjoyment of the sport served him well during the competition.

 

“I try not to overthink things,” Green said. “If you’re having fun you’re riding well, and if you’re riding well you’re having fun.”

 

Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Layton Green: Meeting Creek, Alberta, Canada — $5,500

Cody Demoss: Heflin, Louisiana — $5,375
Audy Reed: Spearman, Texas — $3,000

Nick Laduke: Livermore, California — $3,000

 

STEER WRESTLING

Justin Shaffer of Hallsville, Texas, won the Super Series I Steer Wrestling Championship. In his first year competing at RODEOHOUSTON, Shaffer said he is impressed with the competition and is excited for what is ahead.

 

“It is so exciting to be here,” Shaffer said. “Everyone here knows what it takes to win, and I can see how that motivates everyone to compete really hard.”

 

Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Justin Shaffer: Hallsville, Texas — $6,000

Hunter Cure: Holliday, Texas — $4,000
Baylor Roche: Tremonton, Utah — $3,000

KC Jones: Decatur, Texas — $2,000

 

BARREL RACING

With a time of 14.77 seconds, Taci Bettis solidified her spot in the Barrel Racing Semifinals. Bettis was thrilled to compete at RODEOHOUSTON and said this particular rodeo has been on her bucket list her entire life.

 

“I’m just going to keep trying to have smooth runs,” Bettis said.

 

Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Taci Bettis: Round Top, Texas — $7,000

Sabra O’Quinn: Ocala, Florida — $4,000

Kelly Bruner: Millsap, Texas — $3,000

Ericka Nelson: Century, Florida — $2,375

 

BULL RIDING

JW Harris from Goldthwaite, Texas, was named the Super Series I Bull Riding Champion. Harris said he is confident about where he is and he hopes to take this momentum into the Semifinals.

 

“I am really enjoying what I am doing,” Harris said. “The atmosphere here is great. It’s been a tough couple of years for me, but I’m where I want to be right now.”

 

Advancing to Semifinal Round:
JW Harris: Goldthwaite, Texas — $6,000
Aaron Pass: Kaufman, Texas — $4,500

Tyler Bingham: Honeyville, Utah — $3,750

Clayton Sellers: Fruitland Park, Florida — $3,500

 

The top four from each event, from each Super Series will advance to a Semifinal Round. The top four from each event in the Semifinal rounds will advance to the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship, Saturday, March 17. The remaining six from each event in the two semifinals will compete in the Wild Card Round, Friday, March 16, where the top two from each event will advance to the Championship. Each event champion will walk away with a $50,000 payout, in addition to previous winnings. The RODEOHOUSTON Super Series continues through March 17, with the RODEOHOUSTON Super Shootout: North America’s Champions^® presented by Crown Royal, on Sunday, March 18.

CONTESTANTS ARE ONE RIDE CLOSER TO THE $50,000 PRIZE AND RODEOHOUSTON^® CHAMPION TITLE — MARCH 16, 2016 — HOUSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —

RodeoHouston Semifinal 1 contestants secured a spot in the Super Series Championship Saturday, March 19.

TIE-DOWN ROPING       

Tyson Durfey of Weatherford, Texas, took home the Semifinal 1 win in Tie-Down Roping. Durfey said he looks forward to competing for the 2016 RodeoHouston Tie-down Roping Champion title on Saturday.

 

“It’s the best of the best,” Durfey said. “It started out with 20, it cut down to 10 and it’s [the Championship] just going to boil down to who has the best draw and the best horses.”

Advancing to Championship (winnings to date):

Tyson Durfey — Weatherford, Texas — $5,750
Marcos Costa — Childress, Texas — $ 6,750

Caleb Smidt — Bellville, Texas — $7,500

Blane Cox — Cameron, Texas — $4,500

 

BAREBACK RIDING

Although it’s only his second time competing at RodeoHouston, two-time College National Finals Rodeo champion, Orin Larsen, is advancing to the Super Series Championship.

 

“The college-level rodeo has helped tremendously,” Larsen said. “It was a huge stepping stone to get me here.”

 

Advancing to Championship (winnings to date):

Orin Larsen — Ingles, Manitoba, Canada — $9,000
Tanner Aus — Granite Falls, Montana — $ 4,375

Will Lowe — Canyon, Texas — $3,750

Kaycee Feild — Spanish Fork, Utah — $6,750

 

TEAM ROPING
Jake Cooper and Tyler McKnight claimed the Semifinal 1 Team Roping win. The team credited their success to their incredible team work.

“We’re like the married couple who got a divorce and got back together,” Cooper said. “We have a real good appreciation for each other.”

 

Advancing to Championship (winnings to date):
Jake Cooper — Monument, New Mexico, and Tyler McKnight — Wells, Texas — $12,000
Dustin Bird — Cut Bank, Montana, and Russell Cardoza — Terebonne, Oregon — $11,000

Bubba Buckaloo — Kingston, Oklahoma, and Shay Carroll — Hico, Texas — $9,000

Clay Smith — Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and Paul Eaves— Millsap, Texas — $13,500

 

SADDLE BRONC RIDING

Cole Elshere had the top Saddle Bronc ride of the night at Semifinal 1 and credits the quality of rough stock for helping him advance to the Championship.

 

“The last few horses have been really good,” Elshere said. “I hope to get on another good one for the finals.”

 

Advancing to Championship (winnings to date):
Cole Elshere — Faith, South Dakota — $6,000
Layton Green — Meeting Creek, Alberta, Canada — $ 7,688

Taos Muncy — Corona, New Mexico — $5,188

Curtis Garton — Lake Charles, Louisiana — $3,813

 

STEER WRESTLING

Jace Melvin, a first time competitor at RodeoHouston and Semifinal 1 Steer Wrestling Champion, said that RodeoHouston is bigger and better than he ever expected.

 

“I worked hard all year to be eligible to compete in this rodeo, and to make it to the Championship is a dream come true,” Melvin said.

 

Advancing to Championship (winnings to date):
Jace Melvin — Fort Pierre, South Dakota — $6,000
Dakota Eldridge — Elko, Nevada — $ 6,750

Nick Guy — Denver, Colorado — $5,875

Kyle Whitaker — Chambers, Nebraska — $3,875

 

BARREL RACING

Megan Swint is a newcomer to RodeoHouston, but the Lithia, Florida, native is headed to the Championship round to race for $50,000.

 

“We’re just going to keep practicing what we’ve been doing, and get out there and have a good run,” said Swint.

 

Advancing to Championship (winnings to date):
Megan Swint — Lithia, Florida — $4,000
Nancy Hunter — Neola, Utah — $8,000

Rachel Dice — Bryon, California — $4,000

Mary Burger — Pauls Valley, Oklahoma — $4,750

 

BULL RIDING

Sage Steele Kimzey came out on top of the bull riding in Semifinal 1 with an 87-point ride. He said he cannot wait to compete in the Championship Round.

 

“These are the rodeos that I grew up fantasizing about winning and to be here is a dream come true,” Kimzey said.

 

Advancing to Championship Round (winnings to date):
Sage Steel Kimzey — Strong City, Oklahoma — $6,000
Scottie Knapp — Albuquerque, New Mexico — $6,000

Trey Benton — Rock Island, Texas — $8,500

Reid Barker — Comfort, Texas — $5,500

 

The top four from each event in the Semifinal rounds will advance to the RodeoHouston Super Series Championship, Saturday, March 19. The remaining six from each event in the two semifinals will compete in the Wild Card Round, Friday, March 18, where the top two from each event will advance to the Championship. Each event champion will walk away with a $50,000 payout, in addition to previous winnings.