Category: Rodeo Life Today

DENVER, Colo. (Jan. 14, 2015) — Cooper Davis had a lot to smile about at the National Western Stock Show on Wednesday night, $22,125 reasons actually.

Davis won the Professional Bull Riders’ Denver Chute-Out after riding three bulls for a total score of 253.5 points. The Jasper, Texas, cowboy was one of 90 riders to compete at the Touring Pro Division Finals in the Denver Coliseum. He had his first bull on Monday night, and was among nine riders who lasted eight-seconds. That advanced him to Wednesday night’s semi-finals where he rode a bull named Little Tex owned by Diamond S from Weatherford, Texas. He scored 85 points on that bull for a third place finish.

That ride also qualified him for the finals where he entered in fifth place. Davis scored 89 points on Monty Samford’s Dr. Lector and it was all over but the waiting. There were four riders left that included the reigning world champion, Brazilian Silvano Alves. Alves was the only one of the four to make it to the whistle, but his 86-point effort put him in second place, just 2.5 points behind Davis.

“It’s awesome to ride in front of a crowd like this,” Davis said. “This is a real confidence builder for my 2015 season. Riding against guys like Silvano and winning tells my I’m on the right track.”

Davis, was the 2013 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rookie of the Year and he qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo that same year. This year his focus will be on the PBR where he can have more time at home as he is about to become a daddy.

Total payoff for this year’s Denver Chute-Out was $53,223. A near capacity crowd was on hand to watch all of the action. The bulls once again dominated the cowboys as there were 12 out of 45 possible rides.

Thursday night the National Western Stock Show will host the Cinch Super Shootout Rodeo which pits contestants from top rodeos against each other in a tournament style format.

 

DENVER, Colo., (Jan. 14, 2015) — The following are results from the Professional Bull Riders Denver Chute-Out Touring Pro Division Finals at the National Western Stock Show Rodeo.

 

First round: 1, (tie) Kaique Pacheco, Itatiba, Brazil, on Greg Talbert’s Compact and Timmy Vaughan, Tonganoxie, Kan., on Greg Talbert’s Pretty Boy, 88 points and $3,087 each. 3, Valdiron de Oliveira, Aparecida do Goia, Brazil, 87.5, $1,764. 4, Carlos Garcia, Hammondsport, NY, 87, $882.

 

Second round: 1, Brady Sims, Holt, Mo., 88 points on D & H Cattle Company’s Earl Sports, $3,528. 2, Tanner Byrne, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, 86, $2,646. 3, Cooper Davis, Jasper, Texas, 85, $1,764. 4, Silvano Alves, Pilar de Sul, Sao Palo, Brazil, 83.5, $882.

 

Third round: (three rides) 1, Cooper Davis, Jasper, Texas, 89 points on Monty Samford’s Dr. Lector, $3,041. 2, Cody Nance, Paris, Tenn., 87, $2,281. 3, Silvano Alves, Pilar de Sul, Sao Palo, Brazil, 86, $1,521.

 

Overall winers: (on three) 1, Cooper Davis, Jasper, Texas, 253.5, $17,564. 2, Silvano Alves, Pilar de Sul, Sao Palo, Brazil, 251, $12,241. 3, Cody Nance, Paris, Tenn., 238.5, $6,919. (on two) 4, Reese Cates, Monticello, Ark., 168, $4,790. 5, Tanner Byrne, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, 166, $3,726. 6, Carlos Garcia, Hammondsport, NY, 164.5, $2,661. 7, Fabiano Vieira, Perola, Parana, Brazil, 159, $2,129. 8, Valdiron, de Oliveira, Aparecida de Goia, Brazil, 151.5, $1,597. (on one) 9, (tie) Brady Sims, Holt, Mo.; Timmy Vaughn, Tonganoxie, Kan.; and Kaique Pacheco, Itatiba, Brazil, 88 points and $532 each.

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Walt White owns eight International Professional Rodeo Association tie-down roping world championships.

He won’t win No. 9 this year, but he is still happy to be part of the field at International Finals Rodeo 45, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Jim Norick State Fair Arena.

“I’m just going to have fun and try to win as much money as I can,” said White, 43, of Ochelata, Okla., the 15^th ranked tie-down roper. “I’m going to try to go out with a bang. I haven’t won the IFR average since the first one I was at; I think it would be cool to win the average at the last one.”

White figures this will be his last appearance at the IFR. He’s made more than a dozen trips to Oklahoma City for the championship over the years, winning gold buckles in 1992, ’93, ’95, ’97-2000 and ’03.

“I’m going to be the oldest one there this year,” White said of the tie-down roping field of 15 contestants. “It’s time to slow down. Except for the All-Region Finals (in Lexington, Ky.), Marshfield (Mo.) is the furthest one I went to. I didn’t go more than four hours from the house.”

While White is slowing down, Chance Hays is just getting started. This week marks his second qualification to the IFR – he also earned the trip in tie-down roping two seasons ago – and sits 13^th in the world standings.

“It means a lot for me to make the IFR,” said Hays, a Bristow, Okla., cowboy who also makes his living as a Western artist. “I’m from Oklahoma, and having the finals in Oklahoma City and getting to compete against other talent from all over is an honor.”

That talent is quite capable. Four-time reigning world champion Justin Thigpen of Waycross, Ga., leads the race for the gold buckle with more than $20,000 in earnings. He owns a $3,500 lead over Canadian Cody Mousseau of Aylmer, Ontario.

Neither White nor Hays has a shot at the world title, but they have as good a chance as any roper in the game to win the coveted average title.

“My goal is to make the best runs I can make and see how much I can win,” Hays said. “I got a real late start this year. I’m riding a young horse this year, but next year I’ll have my good horse back, and I’m going to try to win the world championship.”

Both titles are something breakaway roper Jenna Lee Hays has her eyes on. The Weatherford, Okla., cowgirl is fourth in the world standings but is about $5,000 behind leader Amanda Stewart of Mt. Ulla, N.C. This is just the fourth IFR that has featured breakaway roping, which is just fine for Hays.

Of course, it helps that the IPRA has financial support from a variety of sponsors, Love’s Country Store, RAM Trucks, Tener’s, Graham’s, Oxbow Tack, OG&E, Langston’s, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Harrison Manufacturing.

“I think it’s really exciting that they’ve added breakaway roping,” said Hays, who is an assistant coach for the Southwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo team in her hometown of Weatherford. “It’s something that all the breakaway ropers really look forward to, to have an association like that to put breakaway roping in their finals.”

This marks the third time in four years she has qualified for the IFR.

“When the season starts, my goal is to make the IFR,” Hays said. “The roping gets pretty fast there. My goal when I get to the IFR is that I focus more on the average than the rounds. I’m more focused on being consistent. I won a round and the average in my first qualification.

“Just being consistent is the key. I just try to rope every calf the same. It doesn’t matter if he’s fast or slow; you just have to do the same things every run to have success.”

Finding a way to be successful inside Jim Norick Arena is the target of every contestant in the field of 126 cowboys and cowgirls. They’ve earned the right to be in Oklahoma City this week, and now they want to show everyone why.

 

 

 

 

DENVER, Colo. — It was a duel between traveling partners that highlighted the fourth annual National Western Stock Show Rodeo Super Saturday.

Action started at the morning performance with contestants representing rodeos across North America in the World performance. A different group competed in the matinee rodeo for rodeos in Colorado including the National Western.

The best four from each of those rodeos advanced to the Showdown round on Saturday night and in tournament style winner-take-all action, the best World contestant and best Colorado contestant duked it out for a $10,000 check.

In the bareback riding, R.C. Landingham, from Pendelton, Ore., won the World performance with an 87 point ride representing the “Daddy of ‘em All” at Cheyenne, Wyo., to be a favorite in the Showdown. The top winner out of the Colorado performance was Nick Gutzwiler from Cheney, Wash., who represented Colorado Springs. Landingham was a spectator at that performance cheering on his traveling partner Clint Laye from Ponoka, Alberta who rode for the Larimer County Fair Rodeo in Loveland.

Laye placed third to be among the top four that advanced to the Showdown. That resulted in one of the most dramatic endings of the evening. Laye was 82 points, one point ahead of Landingham. So, Laye got to choose which bucking horse he would ride first and he picked a horse he was very familiar with, Calgary Stampede’s Unfortunate Carma.

“I think he can be 90 points on that horse,” Landingham commented at the time, and he didn’t miss the mark by much. Laye finished the night with an 89-point ride to win an $8,000 check. The duo had trouble getting here when their van broke down so regardless who won, the money has already been spent on auto repairs.

Laye and Landingham are a group of bareback riders that call themselves the “flow riders.” They have let their hair grow out in support of Landingham’s mother who has cancer and are eventually going to donate it to Locks of Love.

The steer wrestling championship was won by the narrowest of margins. Casey Martin from Sulphur, La., was the first to go. He was a Wild Card invitee for the Colorado group and stopped the clock in 4.02 seconds. Then Clayton Hass from Ennis, Texas, knew he needed to step it up. He won the event for Rodeo Austin in Texas by stopping the clock in 4.01.

Other event winners here were Cort Scheer from Elsmere, Neb., in the saddle bronc riding for the National Western Stock Show, Shali Lord from Lamar, Colo., in the barrel racing for Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days and Sage Kimzey from Strong City, Okla., in the bull riding for the Guymon (Okla.) Pioneer Days. They each won $8,000.

Sunday’s events will showcase the rich cultural heritage of neighbors to the south with the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza at 2 and 6:30 p.m.

The following are results from Super Saturday, Colorado Versus the World rodeo, Jan. 10, 2015

World Performance – (contestant, hometown, rodeo represented)

 

Bareback Riding: 1, R.C. Landingham, Pendleton, Ore., (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 87 points, $1,000. 2, Seth Hardwick, Laramie, Wyo., (North Platte, Neb.) 85, $700. 3, Bill Tutor, Huntsville, Texas, (San Angelo, Texas) 83.5, $600. 4, Casey Breuer, Mandan, N.D., (Dodge City, Kan.) 83, $500.

 

Steer Wrestling: 1, Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., (Fort Worth, Texas) 4.18 seconds, $1,000. 2, Clayton Hass, Ennis, Texas, 4.47, (Austin, Texas) 4.47, $700. 3, Morgan Grant, New Waverly, Texas, (Calgary, Alberta) 5.5, 600. 4, Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta, (Guymon, Okla.) 5.57, $500.

 

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Rusty Wright,, Milford, Utah, (San Angelo, Texas) 85 points, $1,000. 2, (tie) Ryan MacKenzie, Jordan Valley, Ore.(Austin, Texas) and  Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., (Houston, Texas) 81.5 and $650 each. 4, Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, (Dodge City, Kan.) 81, $500.

 

Women’s Barrel Race: 1, Sabrina Ketcham, Yeso, N.M., (San Angelo, Texas) 15.56, $1,000. 2, Shali Lord, Lamar, Colo., (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 14.67, $700. 3, Jean Winters, Texline, Texas, (Calgary, Alberta) 15.84, $600. 4, Jessica Miller, Panguitch, Utah, (Austin, Texas) 15.97, $500.

 

Bull Riding: Three Rides: 1, Brennon Eldred, Sulphur, Okla., (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 87.5, $1,000. 2, Josh Koschel, Nunn, Colo., (Austin, Texas) 82, $800. 3, Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., (Guymon, Okla.) 72, $700.

 

Colorado Performance – (contestant, hometown, rodeo represented)

 

Bareback Riding: 1, Nick Gutzwiler, Cheney, Wash., (Colorado Springs) 87.5, $1,000. 2, Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore., (Denver) 87, $700. 3, Clint Laye, Ponoka, Alberta, (Loveland) 85.5, $500. 4, Tanner Aus, Granite Falls, Minn., (Wild Card) 83, $500.

 

Steer Wrestling: 1, Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., (Greeley) 3.98, $1,000. 2, Austin Courmier, Oakwood, Texas, (Denver) 4.33, $700. 3, Casey Martin, Sulphur, Okla., (Wild Card) 4.67, $600. 4, Aaron Vosler, Cheyenne, Wyo., (Elizabeth) 4.73, $500.

 

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., (Denver), 85.5, $1,000. 2, (tie) Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah, (Estes Park) and Bradley Harter, Loranger, La., (Loveland) 83 and $650 each. 4, Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D., (Denver) 82, $500.

 

Women’s Barrel Race: 1, Kim Schulze, Larkspur, Colo., (Greeley) 15.40, $1,000. 2, Bennette Little, Ardmore, Okla., (Wild Card) 15.52, $700. 3, (tie) Mary Walker, Ennis, Texas, (Denver) Jane Melby, Burneyville, Okla., (Denver) 15.60 and $550 each.

 

Bull Riding: 1, Tyler Bingham, Honeyville, Utah, (Pueblo) 84 points, $1,000. 2, Bobby Welsh, Gillette, Wyo., (Denver) 81.5, $700. 3, Jarrod Craig, Hillsboro, Texas, (Estes Park) 81, $600. 4, Elijah Mora, Wiggins, Colo., (Greeley) 80.5, $500.

 

Showdown – Colorado Vs. The World —

 

Bareback Riding: (semifinals)1.Clint Laye, Colorado, 82, $1,000. 2, R.C. Landingham, World, 81, $1,000. (champion) 1, Laye, 89, $8,000. 2, Landingham, 84.

 

Steer Wrestling: (semifinals) 1, Clayton Hass, World, 4.04, $1,000. 2, Casey Martin, Colorado, 4.57, $1,000. (champion) 1, Hass, 4.01, $8,000. 2, Martin, 4..02.

 

Saddle Bronc Riding: (semifinals) 1, Rusty Wright, World, 88.5, $1,000. 2, Cory Scheer, Colorado, 83, $1,000. (champion) 1, Scheer, 87, $8,000. 2, Wright, 80.

 

Women’s Barrel Race: (semifinals) 1, Mary Walker, Colorado, 15.51, $1,000. 2, Shali Lord, World, 15.52, $1,000. (champion) 1, Lord, 15.75, $8,000. 2, Walker, 20.62.

 

Bull Riding: (semifinals) 1, Sage Kimzey, World, 90.5, $1,000. 2, Bobby Welsh, Colorado, 89, $1,000. (final round no rides, champion given by time ridden) 1, Kimzey, 6.13 seconds $8,000. 2, Welsh, 3.26 seconds.

 

 

January 6, 2015 – (Colorado Springs, CO) – The National Little Britches Rodeo Association Finals is moving to the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., beginning in 2016.

“We are extremely proud to be selected as the host facility for the NLBRA Finals and look forward to growing our partnership,” said Dan Wall, general manager of Lazy E Arena. “We are excited to welcome NLBRA and its members into the Lazy E family.”

The change in venues comes after an 11-year run at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colo. The NLBRA found a home in Pueblo beginning in 2004 and brought 545 youth rodeo contestants that year. Since the inaugural year, the event has grown to nearly double the contestant base, with nearly 1,000 youth rodeo contestants competing in 2014.

“Moving the NLBRA Finals to Pueblo was a positive for the NLBRA,” executive director Kimber Solberg said. “The Pueblo community provided an opportunity for the NLBRA to produce a quality Finals for many years; however, since moving to Pueblo in 2004, the NLBRA contestant membership base has grown by 33 percent and some of our needs have changed.”

The 2015 NLBRA Finals will be July 20-25, 2015, in Pueblo. It will move to the Lazy E from 2016-2020

Although the National Little Britches Finals Rodeo is relocating, the NLBRA is working with Pueblo and four other communities across the United States to host NLBRA Qualifier Rodeos, where the goal is to have 300-400 contestants competing in a three-day rodeo event.

“Over the years, we’ve built a strong bond with Pueblo,” Solberg said. “I can only compare it to a child going off to college. It’s hard to let them go, but you know it’s the best move. And like kids going off to college, you don’t lose them, the relationship just changes. The NLBRA certainly intends to keep Little Britches Rodeo alive and well in Pueblo, Colorado.”

The Lazy E Arena opened its doors in December 1984 in time for that season’s National Finals Steer Roping to coincide with the National Finals Rodeo, which took place in downtown Oklahoma City. The grand plan orchestrated by then owner E.K. Gaylord III was that the two Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association championships take place at the same time in the same metropolitan area, and the plan worked … for one year.

Since its inception, the building has hosted world champions, world championships and personalities galore. The main arena floor is 440 feet-by-160 feet, making it the largest indoor rodeo arena in the world and home of the Timed Event Championship.

“This is the only indoor arena that allows us, the NLBRA, to produce our finals with three arenas running simultaneously for the viewing audience,” Solberg said.

In October 2013, the property was purchased by the McKinney Family from Midland, Texas. The Family has committed to maintaining the Lazy E as the world’s premier Western entertainment facility. Many updates and renovations are taking place at the arena, which will only enhance the lure of the Lazy E.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Eleven months ago, tie-down roper Trenton Johnson was just getting out of hip surgery that saw him on crutches for eight weeks.

He spent four months going through physical therapy for a repaired hip labrum and a hip microfracture, then he handled the rehabilitation himself while taking care of the business of healing his body. Being on the sidelines because of injury is no place for a world-class athlete to be, but that’s just where Johnson was through much of the 2015 rodeo season.

“I rehabbed on my own for a little while, then I went to three rodeos after the Fourth of July,” said Johnson, 26, a three-time International Finals Rodeo from Centerville, Kan. “Then I got hurt again, so I took two more weeks off.”

He returned to action the final weekend of July and spent next seven weeks on a frantic travel schedule in hopes of returning to the International Professional Rodeo Association’s championship event. It all comes to fruition next week during IFR 45, set for Friday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Jan. 18, at Jim Norick State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.

“I went pretty hard and was able to accomplish that,” said Johnson, who won tie-down roping titles in Kellyville, Okla.; Haskell, Okla.; Freemont, Ohio; North Washington, Pa.; Charlotte, Mich.; and St. Tite, Quebec, the last of which is the largest regular-season event in the IPRA. “It was good to do good at St. Tite. Without that, I don’t think I could’ve made the IFR.”

That two-month run paid off to the tune of more than $8,600. He rolls into Oklahoma City as the No. 12 tie-down roper in the standings – only the top 15 contestants in each event earn the right to compete at the IFR. He’s had considerable success inside State Fair Arena before, winning the average title during the 2011 championship.

“I’d have to say winning the average at the IFR was my biggest accomplishment so far,” he said. “It was a big roping, a good roping. There were a lot of guys there that roped good. I still wear that buckle today. It was a big win for me, and I’m proud of it.”

He should be. It’s an amazing honor and one he’d like to repeat during this year’s finale. In order to win that title, he’ll have to rope and tie all four calves in a faster cumulative time than the other 14 ropers in the field. That fits perfectly in Johnson’s wheelhouse.

“I’m more of an average roper,” he said. “I’m more consistent than trying to go fast. I try to be a well-rounded roper, but I do feel more comfortable making an average run.”

That’s something he’s learned over the years of roping. Raised on a ranch in eastern Kansas, he is one of two sons born to Jim and Pam Johnson. He and older brother Tyler began roping as youngsters.

“Dad brought home a couple of roping horses,” Trenton Johnson said. “He built us an arena, and we started team roping.”

He also started roping calves with a breakaway rope until he got into junior high. Upon turning 14, he started roping and tying down calves. He started putting in the work to be successful as a sophomore in high school, working with neighbor Wade Wilson and Wilson’s son, Cole.

“My dad raised cows for as long as I can remember,” Johnson said. “He roped a little bit, mostly for fun, and gave my brother and me an opportunity to rodeo. Along the way, I met a lot of people who helped us, and that includes Wade Wilson.”

The Johnson brothers learned a lot roping with the Wilsons. He won the tie-down roping and team roping championships in the Kansas High School Rodeo Association in 2007. That helped Trenton Johnson earn a rodeo scholarship to Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, where he qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in both tie-down roping and steer wrestling in 2009 and 2011.

He’s found success in every area of rodeo in which he’s competed, including the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. He aspires to qualify for the PRCA championship, the National Finals Rodeo, and battle for that organization’s world championship.

Of course, it’s the mettle of any true competitor to place themselves among the greatest in the game. It helps to surround oneself with greatness, which is something else Johnson has done most of his life. This past October, he married the former Ayla McCoy, whose uncles, Jet and Cord, own a combined 10 IPRA world championships.

“She comes from a strong rodeo family, and we met at Northwestern,” said Johnson, who began dating his wife in 2009. “She now works for Miller International, which is Cinch.”

Together, they bring a strong pedigree to Oklahoma City for the IFR. They’ll also bring Boone, an 11-year-old sorrel gelding.

“I’ve had him since 2011,” he said. “He’s consistent. He’s a powerful horse. He does everything good, and he’s honest. He understands roping, and he likes his job.”

So does Trenton Johnson. That’s why he’s chasing his gold-buckle dreams.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s capital city is much different than it was in January 1991.

There’s an NBA franchise in town, and the 89ers became the RedHawks and are now the Dodgers. Gary Gibbs was in his third season as coach of the Sooners football team, Eddie Sutton was running the Oklahoma State basketball program and Bryant Reeves was a senior at Gans (Okla.) High School.

The downtown landscape has changed dramatically, rising into the heavens. But one thing has remained constant: The International Finals Rodeo is a January staple, now in its 25^th year in Oklahoma City. IFR 45 is scheduled for Jan. 16-18 at the Jim Norick State Fair Arena.

“I actually didn’t qualify for the IFR the last two years in Tulsa,” said Dale Yerigan, general manager of the Oklahoma City-based International Professional Rodeo Association and an 11-time steer wrestling world champion. “When I found out that the IFR was moving to Oklahoma City and that the money was going to increase, that’s one of the things that helped me make the decision to focus on rodeoing in the IPRA.”

It’s a good thing he did. Yerigan won IPRA gold in 1985-86, then regained that championship form in Oklahoma City. Clarence LeBlanc won the 1990 championship at the conclusion of IFR 21 in January 1991, and Yerigan took over the IPRA’s bulldogging world for nine straight years after that, winning the titles for the 1991-1999 seasons – because the IFR is in January, champions care crowned for the previous calendar year; the 2014 champs, for example, will be crowned in a few weeks.

“In the 1990s, I had a streak of winning world titles, and a lot of that was because of the move to Oklahoma City,” he said. “The future was one of the things that helped me make my decision and my focus. It was easier on my family to rodeo together.”

As the IPRA general manager, he shares his time through the weeks between business at the office and his home in Pryor, Okla., which is about 155 miles northeast of the IPRA office.

The 1991 IFR took place in what used to be the Myriad, now the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. It moved to Jim Norick Arena shortly thereafter and has had a long run in that storied facility at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. In 2004, the IFR took place inside the Ford Center, which is now Chesapeake Energy Arena.

“The move back downtown to the Ford Center was sponsor-driven, but it was a new facility, and you hope it sparks some new interest in your event,” Yerigan said. “Now they host an NBA franchise, which is no small fete in mid-America.

“We’re glad to be back at the fairgrounds, and I believe it’s the best facility for us. We want to grow there.”

Growth has been steady, and it comes with the help of key sponsors like Love’s Country Store, RAM Trucks, Tener’s, Graham’s, Oxbow Tack, OG&E, Langston’s, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Harrison Manufacturing. Of course, it also helps that fans have come to expect a strong production from the annual January showcase.

“Like most of rodeo, we’ve changed some over the years,” Yerigan said. “The competition part of it is still based on the same things it was founded on, which goes back to ranch competitions. We preserve that really traditional part of it. Us, along with most rodeos, have tried to update with the times with the kind of music and the lights we use.

“Rodeo’s a little bit louder than it was 25 years ago, but people have come to expect that. We try not to go too overboard. We try not to make it a rock concert but try to step it up and liven it up. Production has become faster, and we want to see things quickly.”

At the IFR, the competition is mixed with excellent production to make for a night of family-friendly entertainment.

“We have whittled this down to the top 15 that come compete,” he said. “You get to see the same 15 compete every performance for four performances. Whether it’s Friday night or Sunday afternoon, you get to see the top level of competition.

“When you come to the IFR, the cream will rise to the top. The 15 contestants in each event have earned their way to be there. You’re going to see the top level competition.”

It’s something fans have come to expect over the last 25 years. It’s just as it should be.

 

World Champion Bull Rider Lane Frost left an impression on the rodeo world and beyond. Before that, Lane’s father Clyde and Uncle Joe competed. Clyde was at the very first National Finals Rodeo held in Dallas in 1959.

These days, the name has once again taken its familiar place at the top of Pro Rodeo standings with brothers Joe and Josh Frost.

“We spent all our time ranching and riding horses, so for us, the only sport we knew was rodeo,” explains Joe Frost, 22. He was named after his grandfather.

The brothers grew up in Randlett, Utah on the family ranch where their dad Shane, Lane’s cousin, raises cattle and is a rep for Superior Livestock Auction. Their mother, Lisa, works for the school and water board. Joe and Josh are close with their family and have two siblings, Jate, 13 and Jacelyn, 10, who compete in junior rodeo.

Shane competed in All-Around events, and he taught his sons to do the same. They have an arena steps from their back door with roping and bucking chutes, so practice was always a part of the Frost game plan.

Now, all of that practice is paying off.

Joe went into the 2014 NFR sitting No. 11 and left No. 2 in the world. He won two rounds of the 10-round marathon.

This year he was also awarded the Linderman Award for his All-Around achievements in bull riding, tie-down roping and steer wrestling and won the bull riding championship at the College National Finals. He and Josh are both students on the college rodeo team for Oklahoma Panhandle State University.

For Josh, 19, who got on his first calf around the age of 4 to prove to a reluctant Joe that he was braver, the year has been a successful effort to qualify for the Wilderness Circuit Finals in tie-down roping and bull riding. The brothers finished first and second in the circuit for both All-Around and bull riding.

Josh, who was on his permit this year, explains he was having a rough couple of months going into the summer and even went home to work the ranch and spend time in the practice pen before a winning streak at the Pro-rodeos after the Fourth of July. That streak pushed Josh to the No. 1 spot in permit standings in bull riding for the year.

Having his brother leading the way has helped Josh navigate his first year in the PRCA, but the two also help each other in the way of friendly competition.

“There’s a lot of competitive edge there. I think we make each other better, and it helps me a lot just having him,” Josh says.

Joe echoes this sentiment. “Not very many people can handle me and him, because we’re pretty hard on each other,” he laughs and adds, “but we get along really good.”

Joe, who calls the NFR a dream come true, went to 81 rodeos this season leading up to Vegas. He takes pride in the work and hauling it takes to qualify.

“Making the NFR and winning a world title, there’s a lot more that goes into it than just riding bulls,” Joe says.

Josh explains that competing against guys he’s looked up to is a humbling experience.

“Ever since I was a little kid, I always knew this was what I wanted to do. Now that I’m out there doing it, sometimes I just can’t believe it.”

For Joe, seeing fans’ reactions has an impact.

“There are little kids coming back there behind the chutes. They’re so excited to be at the rodeo. They didn’t care that I got bucked off. It’s great to be involved in something so many people want to be a part of.”

Carrying on the family tradition of rodeo is a strong theme for the brothers. Joe is quick to say his first hero was his dad. “Dad was a cowboy, and I just wanted to be just like him.”

They credit their family for their support of their rodeo careers.

That’s whom Joe honored at his buckle presentations after his round wins at the NFR.

“The first one, I gave that belt buckle to my dad. He’s been my number one hero my entire life, and he’s taught me everything I know. [The second] one will go to Craig Latham, my rodeo coach,” he says.

Joe wears patches supporting Latham’s fight against cancer.  “These patches are support for him and his family and the people in Goodwell, Oklahoma.”

Though Josh had finals to take at school and couldn’t be out in Vegas the whole time, great-uncle and aunt Clyde and Elsie Frost, Lane’s parents, were there rooting Joe on.

“To us, it’s just a thrill,” Elsie says of the fact that rodeo has continued in their family. “We’re very proud of Joe and Josh.”

She adds that the rodeo world should keep an eye out for their younger siblings too.

After all, it’s tradition.

 

 

LAS VEGAS – The Wright brothers made history as four of them qualified for this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. But it was the most unlikely brother – the youngest of the bunch, Spencer Wright – that amazed the rodeo world when he won the gold buckle in saddle bronc riding Saturday night.

Wright entered the 10-day rodeo – which set a record for attendance with 177,565 – in 11^th place, but gradually moved up the list and won the average title to claim the world championship in his first WNFR.

“I knew this was a possibility, but it’s just a little hard to take it all in right now,” Wright said. “I’m speechless, and I really don’t know what to say at this moment. All I can say right now is that I’m proud and happy.”

Seven of the world champions crowned before a Thomas & Mack Center crowd of 18,095 – the fourth-highest attendance for one night in the 56-year history of the Finals – were also the average title winners. That group included bareback rider Kaycee Feild, steer wrestler Luke Branquinho, team ropers Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill, Wright, tie-down roper Tuf Cooper and bull rider Sage Kimzey.

On a night when the world’s greatest cowboys shared the spotlight, it was the 23-year-old Wright who was the unlikeliest champion. After all, he had to work hard just to qualify for his first WNFR and he had always competed in the shadow of his more famous brothers: two-time world champion Cody (2008, 2010), and twins Jesse (2012 gold buckle winner) and Jake, who finished second in the world in 2013.

They’re the first set of four brothers to ever qualify for the WNFR – let alone in the same year.

The three older Wrights were ecstatic when it became official that their little brother was the world champ.

“I would hope they’re happy for me and proud me of,” Spencer Wright said. “They’re my brothers and it makes me happy that they were going crazy for me. I came in here expecting to do the best I could do, and I guess I really have. This is hard to describe.”

Cody Wright, who missed Rounds 8 and 9 of the Finals with a dislocated shoulder, came back to ride in Round 10 and finished ninth in the world. He was thrilled to talk about Spencer’s victory.

“I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Cody Wright said. “He came in here and lifted on his rein, marked every horse out and took advantage of every opportunity he had. It’s exciting to see him have that kind of success. When we found out he had won it, it was an awesome moment for our whole family.”

Trevor Brazile, who has a record 21 gold buckles, clinched his 12^th all-around world championship – and his ninth straight – in Round 3. He finished with $494,369; it’s the second-highest total in ProRodeo history, and Brazile owns the top eight marks.

Another sensational story involved Branquinho, who won his fifth gold buckle despite missing more than two months of the season with an injury. He earned $202,380 in 2014, and won his third WNFR average title with a time of 41.6 seconds on 10 head.

“This one feels good because I sat out two-and-a-half months with an injury and had surgery, so to be able to win it is pretty meaningful to me,” Branquinho said. “Every time you have to have surgery on a tendon repair, there’s a chance you may not come back, but I took the risk and my therapist at home and the doctor that put me back together said everything healed up and looked great.”

Branquinho was atop the world standings when he injured his right lat (latissimus dorsi) muscle July 18 at Rodeo California Salinas. He was sidelined until the WNFR – and had dropped to eighth in the world. The Los Alamos, Calif., cowboy won checks in the first five rounds of the Finals to take control of the average race and shoot back to first place in the world standings.

“I just tried to get as close to the barrier as I could and throw them all down,” said Branquinho, who earned checks in seven of the 10 rounds. “Drawing good had a lot to do with that.”

Branquinho also won gold buckles in 2004, 2008, 2011 and 2012; he’s just one behind steer wrestling record holder Homer Pettigrew, a ProRodeo Hall of Famer who has six world championships.

He previously won average titles in 2008 and 2011, and said, “I wanted to win the average. There are not many guys who have three average championships.”

All-time leader John W. Jones Sr. won four average titles (1965, 1968-70) while Tom Ferguson (1977-78, 1981) is the only other bulldogger with three average titles.

Feild continued to rewrite the record book as he claimed a fourth consecutive gold buckle and fourth straight WNFR average title. A year ago, he became the first contestant in any event to win three in a row of each.

“I’m a blessed young man, just to stay healthy for four years and have so much success,” Feild said. “Vegas has been very good to me. I’ve had a lot of luck and I draw good.”

This year, Feild was in a danger of not winning the average title. But he won Round 9 and vaulted from third to first in the average. He finished strong and placed second in Round 10 to clinch the average title with a score of 818.5 points on 10 head, four points ahead of Richmond Champion, who finished third in the world. Austin Foss was second in the world standings with $201,025 while Feild earned $294,980.

Feild is just the second contestant to win four consecutive average titles; team roping heeler Leo Camarillo won four straight from 1968-71.

Feild, who also won Round 1, knew the average title – and even the gold buckle – was in doubt with two rounds left.

“Before the ninth round, I was nervous if I would draw good enough, or ride good enough,” he said. “It all worked out. To feel as healthy in the ninth and 10th rounds as I did in the first round felt really good. It was really important to achieve my goals I set at the first of the year. I set my goals higher and higher each year and it’s great when I can achieve them. It makes me more excited for next year.”

Feild said his career goal is simple.

“I want to win seven world titles,” he said. “In my mind, Joe Alexander could’ve won seven straight; he won five (as did Bruce Ford) and (Alexander) could’ve won the next two based on how much he won for the year, but they decided the world champ those two years based on who won the average title, so he didn’t win the gold buckle. In my eyes, he’s the best bareback rider of all time.”

Tryan and Corkill repeated as world champions – Corkill has won three straight gold buckles as a heeler – and broke the earnings record for the year in the event with $220,058. The old record was $202,189 by heeler Patrick Smith in 2010, when his partner, Trevor Brazile, earned $201,392 as a header.

“I knew I was capable of winning multiple championships, but it took me awhile,” said Tryan, who has competed in 13 WNFRs and won a third gold buckle in 2005. “I feel like I gave a few away along the way, and that fuels the fire to make sure you try harder and it doesn’t happen again.

“My goal when I go out and practice every day is to be in the conversation when they’re talking about the best ever. I still have a lot of work to do, and a lot more winning to do, but this is another big step.”

Corkill knew the partners just had to record a qualified time to win the average.

“All I was thinking about was catching two feet,” he said. “We were the only team who had ’em all caught before tonight, and the average alone was worth $48,000. We do this for a living, so the money is the main thing.”

Corkill was also tremendously satisfied to take another victory lap after Round 10.

“This gold buckle makes it all feel real,” he said. “You win (the world) once and it doesn’t sink in. It still wasn’t real for me last year. Three in a row makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing.”

Cooper returned to the top of the tie-down roping world after a year’s absence – he won gold buckles in 2011-12 – and also won the average with a time of 89.7 seconds on 10 head. Cooper shared the Round 7 win, and finished the season with $241,734.

Cooper knew he could be cautious in Round 10 and wrap up the world title. Brazile finished second and Matt Shiozawa was third.

“I just had to go tie one down,” Cooper said. “Those guys (Brazile and Shiozawa) were going for a world title. They weren’t backing off and playing it safe. They wanted a gold buckle just like everybody grows up roping wants, and hats off to them for sticking to that. It’s great (to win the gold buckle and average). It’s such an honor. You want to win a round, you want to win the average and you want to win a world title – and I’m so blessed to do all three in one year.”

This is the first time Cooper has won a gold buckle and the average in the same year. He also won the WNFR average title in 2009.

Kimzey, the amazing 20-year-old from Strong City, Okla., put an exclamation point on his historic bull riding season by winning the average title at the Finals. He’s just the second bull rider to win the world championship and Rookie of the Year in the same season; Bill Kornell was the first in 1963.

Kimzey was a revelation at the WNFR as he won four rounds and dominated the competition while also winning the RAM Top Gun Award as the top money earner in any event with $175,466. His four round wins tied the record shared by Bob Wegner, Denny Flynn, Cody Custer, Blue Stone, B.J. Schumacher and J.W. Harris.

The red-hot Kimzey shattered Steve Woolsey’s record of $202,128 earned in a rookie season. He failed to ride for eight seconds in Round 10, when earning a check would’ve pushed him past Matt Austin’s single-season earnings record of $320,766 in 2005 and would’ve made him the first bull rider since Adriano Moraes in 1996 to cover nine of 10.

Kimzey’s earning total is 11^th on the all-time single season list. Brazile owns the top eight totals, followed by Austin and Feild ($319,986 in 2011).

“The record books are the Holy Grail for us,” Kimzey said. “Matt (Austin) is a great guy and role model, and has always been someone I looked up to – inside the arena and out. He’s one of the best bull riders to ever put his hand in a bull rope.”

Fallon Taylor won the barrel racing world championship in a close battle with Lisa Lockhart. Taylor earned $276,441 and finished second in the average while Lockhart won the average and totaled $265,514.

“Oh, my gosh, I am breathless,” Taylor said. “It was so very close. I give all the credit to (my horse) Baby Flo. I am thrilled. I have had such great support. The fans are wonderful. I just wanted to put on a good show for them. It’s such an honor to have competed with such tough competition and still get the win. It’s just so wonderful.”

 

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas

Round 10, Dec. 13, 2014

Bareback riding: 1. Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah, 86.5 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Dirty Jacket, $19,002; 2. Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah, 86, $15,018; 3. (tie) Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, Texas; Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., and Jake Vold, Ponoka, Alberta, 85, $8,071 each; 6. Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas, 84, $3,065; 7. Justin McDaniel, Porum, Okla., 83.5; 8. (tie) Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, and Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore., 82.5 each; 10. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore., 82; 11. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont., 80.5; 12. J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo., 77.5; 13. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb., 76.5; 14. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas, 72.5; 15.Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., OUT. Average: 1. Kaycee Feild, 818.5 points on 10 head, $48,732; 2. Richmond Champion, 814.5, $39,537; 3. Winn Ratliff, 813, $31,262; 4. Jake Vold, 812.5, $22,987; 5. Austin Foss, 811, $16,550; 6. Bobby Mote, 809, $11,953; 7. Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas, 797, $8,275; 8. Tilden Hooper, 790.5, $4,597; 9. Steven Dent, 782; 10. Caleb Bennett, 776; 11. Jessy Davis, 770.5; 12. Justin McDaniel, 742 on nine head; 13. J.R. Vezain, 668.5; 14. Tim O’Connell, 570.5 on seven head; 15. Steven Peebles, 232 on three head. World standings: 1. Kaycee Feild, $294,980; 2. Austin Foss, $201,025; 3. Richmond Champion, $198,075; 4. Bobby Mote, $171,625; 5. Steven Peebles, $145,932; 6. Jake Vold, $142,774; 7. Winn Ratliff, $142,408; 8. Tim O’Connell, $131,240; 9. Justin McDaniel, $126,885; 10. Will Lowe, $126,444; 11. Tilden Hooper, $117,219; 12. Caleb Bennett, $111,299; 13. Steven Dent, $108,651; 14. Jessy Davis, $75,757; 15. J.R. Vezain, $70,208.

Steer wrestling: 1. Dru Melvin, Hebron, Neb., 3.4 seconds, $19,002; 2. Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., 4.0, $15,018; 3. Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, 4.1, $11,340; 4. Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., 4.2, $7,969; 5. Cole Edge, Durant, Okla., 4.4, $4,904; 6. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala., 4.5, $3,065; 7.(tie) Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore., and Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif., 5.0 each; 9. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev., 5.3; 10. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 5.4; 11. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., 5.7; 12. Bray Armes, Ponder, Texas, 26.1; 13. (tie) K.C. Jones, Decatur, Texas; Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta, and Wyatt Smith, Rexburg, Idaho, NT. Average: 1. Luke Branquinho, 41.6 seconds on 10 head, $48,732; 2. Ty Erickson, 49.3, $39,537; 3. Dakota Eldridge, 56.0, $31,262; 4. Kyle Irwin, 60.7, $22,987; 5. Cole Edge, 71.8, $16,550; 6. Casey Martin, 41.1 on nine, $11,953; 7. Nick Guy, 43.3, $8,275; 8. Clayton Hass, 44.5, $4,597; 9. Dru Melvin, 55.3; 10. Trevor Knowles, 57.4; 11. K.C. Jones, 38.6 on eight head; 12. Seth Brockman, 45.1; 13. Bray Armes, 67.4; 14. Curtis Cassidy, 70.9; 15. Wyatt Smith, 18.4 on four head. World standings: 1. Luke Branquinho, $202,380; 2. Kyle Irwin, $147,699; 3. Casey Martin, $143,569; 4. Nick Guy, $140,585; 5. Dakota Eldridge, $136,726; 6. Trevor Knowles, $134,406; 7. Ty Erickson, $123,116; 8. Clayton Hass, $114,274; 9. Dru Melvin, $107,370; 10. Curtis Cassidy, $101,431; 11. Bray Armes, $101,397; 12. K.C. Jones, $101,058; 13. Cole Edge, $97,863; 14. Seth Brockman, $81,436; 15.Wyatt Smith, $75,271.

Team roping: 1. Brandon Beers, Powell Butte, Ore./Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M., 4.1 seconds, $19,002 each; 2. Tom Richards, Humboldt, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 4.6, $15,018; 3. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz./Clay O’Brien Cooper, Gardnerville, Nev., 5.5, $11,340; 4. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 6.0, $7,969; 5. (tie) Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash./Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash., and Jake Barnes, Scottsdale, Ariz./Junior Nogueira, Scottsdale, Ariz., 6.5, $3,984 each; 7. (tie) Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz., and Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 9.4 each; 9. Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga./Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas, 12.9; 10. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas/Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 14.2; 11. (tie) Dustin Bird, Cut Bank, Mont./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo.; Nick Sartain, Dover, Okla./Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas; Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas/Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla.; Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore./Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo., and Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas/Dakota Kirchenschlager, Morgan Mill, Texas, NT. Average: 1. Clay Tryan/Jade Corkill, 70.1 seconds on 10 head, $48,732 each; 2. Jake Barnes/Junior Nogueira, 57.1 on nine head, $39,537; 3. Aaron Tsinigine/Clay O’Brien Cooper, 71.4, $31,262; 4. Coleman Proctor/Jake Long, 52.8 on eight, $22,987; 5. Trevor Brazile/Travis Graves, 60.5, $16,550; 6. Kaleb Driggers/Patrick Smith, 61.2, $11,953; 7. Erich Rogers/Cory Petska, 73.8, $8,275; 8. Turtle Powell/Dakota Kirchenschlager, 58.0 on seven, $4,597; 9. Brandon Beers/Jim Ross Cooper, 63.6; 10. Tom Richards/Cesar de la Cruz, 45.9 on six head; 11. Dustin Bird/Paul Eaves, 53.9; 12. Riley Minor/Brady Minor, 30.5 on five head; 13. Luke Brown/Kollin VonAhn, 56.8; 14. Charly Crawford/Shay Carroll, 25.4 on four head; 15. Nick Sartain/Rich Skelton, 8.7 on two head. World standings (headers): 1. Clay Tryan, $220,058; 2. Trevor Brazile, $176,183; 3. Aaron Tsinigine, $153,585; 4. Coleman Proctor, $149,574; 5. Jake Barnes, $148,045; 6. Dustin Bird, $146,731; 7. Kaleb Driggers, $139,243; 8. Erich Rogers, $134,216; 9. Turtle Powell, $126,930; 10. Brandon Beers, $116,270; 11. Riley Minor, $115,377; 12. Tom Richards, $101,071; 13. Charly Crawford, $99,756; 14. Nick Sartain, $99,030; 15. Luke Brown, $92,065. World standings (heeler): 1. Jade Corkill, $220,058; 2. Travis Graves, $176,183; 3. Jake Long, $150,574; 4. Paul Eaves, $149,823; 5. Clay O’Brien Cooper, $145,766; 6. Patrick Smith, $139,243; 7. Junior Nogueira, $138,036; 8. Cory Petska, $134,563; 9. Dakota Kirchenschlager, $123,570; 10. Jim Ross Cooper, $116,270; 11. Brady Minor, $115,377; 12. Shay Carroll, $100,815; 13. Rich Skelton, $99,030; 14. Cesar de la Cruz, $92,842; 15. Kollin VonAhn, $89,065.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 86 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Resistols Top Hat, $19,002; 2. Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, 83, $15,018; 3.Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 82, $11,340; 4. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 81.5, $7,969; 5. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah, 79.0, $4,904; 6. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 78, $3,065; 7. Chad Ferley, Oelrichs, S.D., 77; 8. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., 71; 9. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La., 69.5; 10. (tie) Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M.; Cody Wright, Milford, Utah; Bradley Harter, Loranger, La.; Tyler Corrington, Hastings, Minn.; Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., and Dustin Flundra, Pincher Creek, Alberta, NS. Average: 1. Spencer Wright, 807.5 points on 10 head, $48,732; 2. Cort Scheer, 764, $39,537; 3. Jake Wright, 704.5 on nine, $31,262; 4. Jesse Wright, 688, $22,987; 5. Wade Sundell, 647.5 on eight head, $16,550; 6. Jacobs Crawley, 623.0, $11,953; 7. Taos Muncy, 612.5, $8,275; 8. Dustin Flundra, 598.5, $4,597; 9. Heith DeMoss, 559.5 on seven head; 10. Cody DeMoss, 547; 11. Cody Wright, 524.5; 12. Tyler Corrington, 321.5 on four head; 13. Chad Ferley, 319; 14. Bradley Harter, 301.5; 15. Cole Elshere, 233 on three head. World standings: 1. Spencer Wright, $205,388; 2. Cort Scheer, $195,586; 3. Wade Sundell, $180,726; 4. Heith DeMoss, $163,833; 5. Jake Wright, $155,420; 6. Taos Muncy, $149,712; 7. Jacobs Crawley, $147,421; 8. Jesse Wright, $134,502; 9. Cody Wright, $130,394; 10. Cody DeMoss, $115,722; 11. Tyler Corrington, $104,052; 12. Dustin Flundra, $88,167; 13. Chad Ferley, $88,110; 14. Cole Elshere, $82,449; 15. Bradley Harter, $81,885.

Tie-down roping: 1. Cody Ohl, Hico, Texas, 6.8 seconds, $19,002; 2. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 7.2, $15,018; 3. (tie) Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, and Tyson Durfey, Colbert, Wash., 7.3, $9,654 each; 5. (tie) Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah, and Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., 7.6, $3,984 each; 7. Ryan Watkins, Bluff Dale, Texas, 8.6; 8. (tie) Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, and Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas, 9.4 each; 10. Cade Swor, Winnie, Texas, 9.5; 11. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, 10.3; 12. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La., 15.2; 13. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 17.5; 14. (tie) Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas, and Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, NT. Average: 1. Tuf Cooper, 89.7 seconds on 10 head, $48,732; 2. Trevor Brazile, 93.1, $39,537; 3. Matt Shiozawa, 97.6, $31,262; 4. Ryan Watkins, 100.7, $22,987; 5. Cade Swor, 110.4, $16,550; 6. Shane Hanchey, 123.3, $11,953; 7. Clint Robinson, 108.2 on nine head, $8,275; 8. Reese Riemer, 110.1, $4,597; 9. Hunter Herrin, 64.6 on eight head; 10. Adam Gray, 77.5; 11. Tyson Durfey, 91.6; 12. Cody Ohl, 51.3 on seven head; 13. Timber Moore, 55.8; 14. Clint Cooper, 57.8; 15. Marty Yates, 42.5 on five head. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $241,734; 2. Trevor Brazile, $210,315; 3. Matt Shiozawa, $199,888; 4. Cody Ohl, $148,954; 5. Cade Swor, $148,804; 6. Marty Yates, $141,268; 7. Adam Gray, $119,665; 8. Hunter Herrin, $119,231; 9. Shane Hanchey, $116,160; 10. Timber Moore, $114,435; 11. Clint Robinson, $114,397; 12. Clint Cooper, $108,316; 13. Ryan Watkins, $98,335; 14. Tyson Durfey, $83,396; 15. Reese Riemer, $80,569.

Barrel racing: 1.  Mary Walker, Ennis, Texas, 13.90 seconds, $19,002; 2.  Fallon Taylor, Whitesboro, Texas, 13.96, $15,018; 3. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 13.97, $11,340; 4. Michele McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 13.99, $7,969; 5. Christy Loflin, Franktown, Colo., 14.00, $4,904; 6. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 14.02, $3,065; 7. (tie) Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, and Trula Churchill, Valentine, Neb., 14.05 each; 9. Jana Bean, Fort Hancock, Texas, 14.08; 10. Kaley Bass, Kissimmee, Fla., 14.15; 11. Christine Laughlin, Pueblo, Colo., 14.17; 12. Britany Diaz, Solen, N.D., 14.28; 13. Samantha Lyne, Cotulla, Texas, 14.58; 14. Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., 18.79; 15. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz., 24.11. Average: 1. Lisa Lockhart, 144.93 seconds on 10 runs, $48,732; 2. Fallon Taylor, 145.10, $39,537; 3. Kaley Bass, 147.15, $31,262; 4. Britany Diaz, 147.37, $22,987; 5. Michele McLeod, 151.06, $16,550; 6. Carlee Pierce, 151.61, $11,953; 7. Jana Bean, 151.97, $8,275; 8. Trula Churchill, 154.84, $4,597; 9. Nancy Hunter, 160.37; 10. Sherry Cervi, 161.80; 11. Kassidy Dennison, 165.97; 12. Mary Walker, 175.14; 13. Christine Laughlin, 176.87; 14. Samantha Lyne, Cotulla, Texas, 139.11 on nine runs; 15. Christy Loflin, 158.21. World standings: 1. Fallon Taylor, $276,441; 2. Lisa Lockhart, $265,514; 3. Kaley Bass, $214,432; 4. Michele McLeod, $163,476; 5. Britany Diaz, $154,590; 6. Carlee Pierce, $154,181; 7. Mary Walker, $145,686; 8. Trula Churchill, $142,076; 9. Nancy Hunter, $136,777; 10. Kassidy Dennison, $126,072; 11. Sherry Cervi, $122,165; 12. Christy Loflin, $112,884; 13. Jana Bean, $100,758; 14. Christine Laughlin, $93,135; 15. Samantha Lyne, $81,917.

Bull riding: 1. Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo., 84.5 points on D & H Cattle’s Hot Wired, $19,002; 2. Beau Hill, West Glacier, Mont., 60.0, $15,018; 3. (tie) Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas; Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla.; Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas; J.W. Harris, Mullin, Texas; Tim Bingham, Honeyville, Utah; Aaron Pass, Dallas, Texas; Josh Koschel, Nunn, Colo.; Reid Barker, Comfort, Texas; Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah; Brennon Eldred, Sulphur, Okla.; Elliot Jacoby, Fredericksburg, Texas; Ty Wallace, Collbran, Colo., and Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif., NS. Average: 1. Sage Kimzey, 671 points on eight head, $48,732; 2. Joe Frost, 490.5 on six head, $39,537; 3. Beau Hill, 374 on five head, $31,262; 4. Tyler Smith, 322.5 on four head, $22,987; 5. Cody Teel, 322, $16,550; 6. J.W. Harris, 310.5, $11,953; 7. Elliot Jacoby, 254 on three head, $8,275; 8. Trey Benton III, 252.5, $4,597; 9. Jordan Spears, 250.5; 10. Aaron Pass, 173 on two head; 11. Ty Wallace, 171.5; 12. Tim Bingham, 170; 13. Josh Koschel, 144; 14. Brennon Eldred, 84.5 on one head; 15. Reid Barker, NS. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $318,631; 2. Joe Frost, $174,378; 3. Trey Benton III, $164,471; 4. Beau Hill, $148,991; 5. Cody Teel, $148,562; 6. Tyler Smith, $131,031; 7. Tim Bingham, $115,670; 8. Elliot Jacoby, $113,311; 9. J.W. Harris, $109,182; 10. Aaron Pass, $104,550; 11. Jordan Spears, $100,030; 12. Ty Wallace, $93,935; 13. Brennon Eldred, $89,170; 14. Reid Barker, $76,227; 15. Josh Koschel, $72,837.

Total payout: $6,375,000. Stock contractors: Various. Rodeo secretary: Sunni Deb Backstrom. Assistant secretary: Jackie Higlin. Contestant office manager: Vickie Shireman. Officials: Wade Berry, Terry Carlon, Skip Emmett, George Gibbs, Chuck Hoss, Allan Jordan Jr., Bruce Keller, Butch Kirby, Steve Knowles, Joe Bob Locke, Cliff Overstreet, Harry Rose Jr., Rocky Steagall and Mike Todd. Timers: Sherry Rice Gibson, Tammy Braden and Jessi Franzen. Announcers: Wayne Brooks, Randy Corley and Boyd Polhamus. Specialty acts: Rider Kiesner, Madison MacDonald and Kenny Petet. Bullfighters: Chuck Swisher, Dusty Tuckness and Cody Webster. Barrelman: Justin Rumford. Barrelman alternate: Mark Swingler. Livestock superintendent: John Barnes. Assistant livestock superintendent: Ryan Brown. Roughstock chute boss: Tom Neuens. Timed-event chute boss: Tony Amaral. Pickup men: Josh Edwards and Chase Cervi. Pickup man alternate: Matt Twitchell.

LAS VEGAS – Kaycee Feild responded like a champion Friday night at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, and was one of several gold buckle winners that moved to the brink of earning another world championship.

Feild won the bareback riding in Round 9 before a sellout crowd of 18,083 at the Thomas and Mack Center, and grabbed the lead in the race for the average title. Last year, he became the first cowboy in any event to win three consecutive world championships while also claiming three straight average titles.

The goal-driven Feild wants to make it four of each.

“That was the deal that fired me up,” he said. “They were saying that Austin (Foss) and Winn (Ratliff) were ahead of me. I was mad. That fired me up. I got in the chute tonight with a different attitude; I was glazed over and pissed off. I’m usually bouncing around behind the chutes and encouraging everybody; tonight I was focused and quiet.”

That approach worked just fine, as Feild rode for 85.5 points on J Bar J’s Dirty Rags. That was enough to vault him past Foss and Ratliff. If he wins a fourth straight average title, he’ll tie the mark set by team roping heeler Leo Camarillo from 1968-71.

When Foss won Round 8 on Thursday, he moved close enough in the world standings to Feild to put both the gold buckle and average title in question.

“I was feeling pressure, for sure,” Feild said. “Austin is riding outstanding. I could see his confidence growing every night. I stubbed my toe a few times this week, and I was really disappointed in how everything was going. It got better tonight and now I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. I’m real excited about tomorrow.”

Also moving into position to add to their gold buckle count were steer wrestler Luke Branquinho, tie-down roper Tuf Cooper, and team ropers Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill. Branquinho and the team ropers should clinch world championships if they post a time in Round 10.

Cooper has a more precarious lead over Matt Shiozawa, who could prevail if he wins Round 10 and Cooper fails to win a check. That would give Shiozawa the average title – he’s currently first in the average and Cooper is second – and push Cooper down to second in the world.

Trevor Brazile and Cade Swor split the tie-down roping in Round 9, as each had a time of 7.6 seconds. Brazile sits third in the world standings – he’s $22,224 behind Cooper – and is third in the average race while Swor is fifth in both standings.

“I didn’t do well enough in this event in the regular season to have a great shot at the title, so I’ve been playing catch-up all week,” Brazile said. “I just have to stay with it and decide if I’m going to gamble that (third place in the) average to try and win a world championship.”

Swor was thrilled to take another victory lap, just as he did after winning Round 2.

“I’m fired up,” Swor said. “I had a good calf tonight, and I just got lucky, I guess. It feels really good to win again.”

Rookie Sage Kimzey clinched his first gold buckle Thursday and continued his dominance of the bull riding by winning Round 9 and clinching the average title. He became the seventh bull rider to win four rounds at one WNFR; four-time World Champion Bull Rider J.W. Harris was the last to accomplish the feat, in 2010.

Kimzey, 20, rode for 87.5 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Foolish Man.

“Everything I’ve accomplished this season and this week in Vegas has been pretty surreal,” he said. “It’s special enough to make it here during my rookie year, but to do everything I’ve been able to do feels amazing.”

He said winning the average title was an important goal to reach.

“It was a very big deal to me, because the NFR average is the second most prestigious buckle you can win in rodeo,” he said. “I did have some big wins throughout the year that gave me the standings lead coming into Vegas, but I had a bit of a personal thing coming here because I wanted to prove to everyone that my regular season wasn’t a fluke. I’d say this Finals definitely proved that.”

Kimzey clinched the RAM Top Gun Award, which goes to the top money winner in one event at the Finals. Kimzey has earned $126,734 through nine rounds and will collect another $48,732 for winning the bull riding average.

“That truck (one of the prize for the Top Gun Award) will be at the house,” he said, “and we can always use another truck on the ranch.”

Nick Sartain and Rich Skelton won the team roping event with a time of 3.9 seconds to turn around what’s been a disappointing Finals. Despite the win, they sit 15^th in the average race.

“We’ve had more trouble than a man on the wrong train this week,” Sartain said. “This run will help us salvage some money out of here. This is a lot more fun than losing. I’ve been getting tired of smiling about that all week.”

Skelton, who is competing at his 21^st WNFR, extended his team roping record for WNFR round wins to 35.

“This rodeo is always exciting,” said Skelton, 48. “If you don’t get excited to win a round here, you need to quit. This win is especially exciting, because we’ve been getting our butts handed to us. And most of it’s been self-inflicted.”

Still, ProRodeo Hall of Famer Joe Beaver, one of the television analysts for the WNFR, picked Sartain and Skelton to win Round 9 before the perf.

“Joe and I have been tight a long time,” Skelton said. “I guess he can see into the future.”

Sartain said the partners plan to stay together for the 2015 season.

“Rich and I have become good friends, and we have a good time traveling together,” he said. “This week hasn’t been great for us, but we’re already talking about reloading and going again next year. Rich is such a legend in this sport. He’s always prepared, he always does his job and nothing bothers him.”

Brazile, who already won the steer roping and all-around gold buckles in 2014, was in close contention for the team roping title until he missed in Round 9. Brazile and his partner, Travis Graves, slipped two spots to fifth in the average but they could still surpass world standings leader Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill, who took sixth in the round to increase their season earnings to $163,357. Brazile and Graves each have $159,632, although Tryan and Corkill also lead the race for the average title.

If Tryan and Corkill record a time in Round 10, they’re likely to repeat as world champs. For Corkill, it would be three consecutive gold buckles.

Dakota Eldridge won the steer wrestling with a time of 3.3 seconds, just .1 shy of the Round 9 record set by three cowboys, most recently by Luke Branquinho in 2007. Eldridge tied Curtis Cassidy for the Round 7 win.

“I would like to have one more win (Saturday night),” Eldridge said. “I’m just going to go at it again. If you try to back off, then stuff starts going south. You try to nail the barrier every time and have a good steer and just go have fun.”

Eldridge, 23, of Elko, Nev., moved up to sixth in the world standings with $105,464 and is third in the average with a time of 50.7 seconds on nine head.

“You can’t give up until after Round 10,” Eldridge said, “so you might as well go at ’em because it’s almost $20,000 a round. That’s a lot of money, and life-changing money. I can still get out of here with average money and another round, and get out of here with $80,000. That would be a great week.”

Branquinho is on the verge of his fifth gold buckle as he sits first in the world standings with $153,648 and is also first in the average with a time of 33.6 seconds on nine head.

Saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell won for the third time at this Finals when he rode for 82.5 points on Big Bend Rodeo’s Broken Camp. Sundell, who is competing in his sixth WNFR, was the worse for wear as he immediately went to the Justin Sportsmedicine room for treatment following his victory. He was listed on the injury report with a contusion of the lumbar spine and is listed as probable for Round 10.

Sundell, who sits seventh in the average, is third in the world standings with $152,835. He also won Rounds 3 and 5.

WNFR rookie Spencer Wright, who was third in Round 9, is in prime position to become the third Wright brother to win a gold buckle, following in the footsteps of older brothers Cody (2008, 2010) and Jesse Wright (2012).

The Wrights made history this year when they became the first set of four brothers to qualify for the Finals.

Jake Wright was second in Round 9 and Jesse Wright placed sixth.

The brothers made more history when three of them placed in Rounds 7-9 this year, as that’s only been accomplished once before, in any event, when the Etbauer brothers – Billy, Robert and Dan – did it in 1996.

Spencer Wright continues to lead the average race by a wide margin over Cort Scheer (728.5 points to 693), and they’re the only saddle bronc riders to post a score in all nine rounds.

Wright, 23, has earned $151,752 and is fourth in the world standings. Heith DeMoss leads the world standings with $163,833, but sits 11^th in the average. The 28-year-old Scheer has $156,049 and could win his first gold buckle in his fifth Finals if he earns a big check in Round 10.

Trula Churchill won the barrel racing with a time of 13.67 seconds. This is her third WNFR and her first go-round win.

“I set some goals, and getting a go-round win was one of them,” Churchill said. “Of course, I tipped some barrels this week, which has cost me some money, but I got around them tonight for the win, so one goal is down.”

Fallon Taylor and Lisa Lockhart are battling to the finish for the barrel racing gold buckle. Taylor has a lead of $8,168 in the world standings, but sits second in the average while Lockhart is first.

The 56th annual Wrangler NFR concludes Saturday with the 10th round at the Thomas & Mack Center. The action will be televised live and in HD on CBS Sports Net (DirecTV channel 221 and DISH Network channel 158) from 7-10 p.m. (PT) with hosts Jeff Medders and Butch Knowles.

 

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas

Round 9 – Dec. 12

Bareback riding: 1. Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah, 85.5 points on J Bar J’s Dirty Rags, $19,002; 2. Jake Vold, Ponoka, Alberta, 84, $15,018; 3. (tie) Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore., and Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, Texas, 83, $9,654 each; 5. Justin McDaniel, Porum, Okla., 82.5, $4,904; 6. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas, 82.0, $3,065; 7. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, 79.5; 8. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., 79; 9. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont., 78; 10. (tie) Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore., and Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas, 77.5 each; 12. J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo., 75; 13. Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah, 74; 14. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb., 70; 15. Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., NS. World standings: 1. Kaycee Feild, $231,230; 2. Austin Foss, $184,475; 3. Bobby Mote, $159,672; 4. Richmond Champion, $150,467; 5. Steven Peebles, $145,932; 6. Tim O’Connell, $131,240; 7. Justin McDaniel, $126,885; 8. Will Lowe, $115,104; 9. Tilden Hooper, $112,621; 10 Jake Vold, $111,716; 11. Steven Dent, $108,651; 12. Winn Ratliff, $103,076; 13. Caleb Bennett, $92,296; 14. Jessy Davis, $75,757; 15. J.R. Vezain, $70,208.

Steer wrestling: 1. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev., 3.3 seconds, $19,002; 2. Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif., 3.9, $15,018; 3. Bray Armes, Ponder, Texas, 4.1, $11,340; 4. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., 4.2, $7,969; 5. (tie) Cole Edge, Durant, Okla., and  Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala., 4.3, $3,984 each; 7. (tie) Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore., and Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., 4.6; 9. Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 4.9; 10. Dru Melvin, Hebron, Neb., 5.8; 11. K.C. Jones, Decatur, Texas, 6.0; 12. Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta, 8.0; 13. (tie) Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas; Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., and Wyatt Smith, Rexburg, Idaho, NT. World standings: 1. Luke Branquinho, $153,648; 2. Trevor Knowles, $134,406; 3. Nick Guy, $132,309; 4. Kyle Irwin, $121,647; 5. Casey Martin, $116,597; 6. Dakota Eldridge, $105,464; 7. Curtis Cassidy, $101,431; 8. Bray Armes, $101,397; 9. K.C. Jones, $101,057; 10. Clayton Hass, $98,337; 11. Dru Melvin, $88,367; 12. Ty Erickson, $83,579; 13. Cole Edge, $76,409; 14. Wyatt Smith, $75,271; 15. Seth Brockman, $73,468.

Team roping: 1. Nick Sartain, Dover, Okla./Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas, 3.9 seconds, $19,002; 2. Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga./Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas, 4.1, $15,018; 3. Tom Richards, Humboldt, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 4.4, $11,340; 4. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz./Clay O’Brien Cooper, Gardnerville, Nev., 4.5, $7,969; 5. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 4.6, $4,904; 6. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 5.2, $3,065; 7. Jake Barnes, Scottsdale, Ariz./Junior Nogueira, Scottsdale, Ariz., 6.5; 8. Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas/Dakota Kirchenschlager, Morgan Mill, Texas, 9.0; 9. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz., 13.7; 10. Dustin Bird, Cut Bank, Mont./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo., 14.0; 11. Brandon Beers, Powell Butte, Ore./Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M., 19.1; 12. (tie) Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas/Travis Graves, Jay, Okla.; Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash./Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash.; Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas/Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., and Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore./Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo., NT. World standings (headers): 1. Clay Tryan, $163,357; 2. Trevor Brazile, $159,632; 3. Dustin Bird, $146,731; 4. Kaleb Driggers, $127,290; 5. Coleman Proctor, $126,587; 6. Erich Rogers, $125,941; 7. Turtle Powell, $122,332; 8. Riley Minor, $111,393; 9. Aaron Tsinigine, $110,982; 10. Jake Barnes, $104,523; 11. Charly Crawford, $99,756; 12. Nick Sartain, $99,030; 13. Brandon Beers, $97,267; 14. Luke Brown, $92,065; 15. Tom Richards, $86,053. World standings (heelers): 1. Jade Corkill, $163,357; 2. Travis Graves, $159,632; 3. Paul Eaves, $149,823; 4. Jake Long, $127,587; 5. Patrick Smith, $127,290; 6. Cory Petska, $126,288; 7. Dakota Kirchenschlager, $118,972; 8. Brady Minor, $111,393; 9. Clay O’Brien Cooper, $103,164; 10. Shay Carroll, $100,815; 11. Rich Skelton, $99,030; 12. Jim Ross Cooper, $97,267; 13. Junior Nogueira, $94,515; 14. Kollin VonAhn, $89,065; 15. Cesar de la Cruz, $77,824.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 82.5 points on Big Bend Rodeo’s Broken Camp, $19,002; 2. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 82, $15,018; 3. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah, 81.5, $11,340; 4. (tie) Chad Ferley, Oelrichs, S.D., and Dustin Flundra, Pincher Creek, Alberta, 79.5, $6,436 each; 6. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 76.5, $3,065; 7. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 76; 8. Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, 75.5; 9. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 70; 10. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., 68.5; 11. (tie) Cody Wright, Milford, Utah; Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La.; Bradley Harter, Loranger, La.; Tyler Corrington, Hastings, Minn., and Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., NS. World standings: 1. Heith DeMoss, $163,833; 2. Cort Scheer, $156,049; 3. Wade Sundell, $152,835; 4. Spencer Wright, $151,752; 5. Taos Muncy, $141,437; 6. Cody Wright, $130,394; 7. Jake Wright, $121,094; 8. Jacobs Crawley, $120,450; 9. Tyler Corrington, $104,052; 10. Jesse Wright, $103,547; 11. Cody DeMoss, $96,719; 12. Chad Ferley, $88,110; 13. Dustin Flundra, $83,570; 14. Cole Elshere, $82,449; 15. Bradley Harter, $81,885.

Tie-down roping: 1. (tie) Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, and Cade Swor, Winnie, Texas, 7.6 seconds, $17,010 each; 3. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 7.7, $11,340; 4. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., 7.8, $7,969; 5. Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas, 7.9, $4,904; 6. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 9.2, $3,065; 7. Ryan Watkins, Bluff Dale, Texas, 9.8; 8. Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah, 9.9; 9. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 10.5; 10. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La., 16.4; 11. Tyson Durfey, Colbert, Wash., 19.3; 12. (tie) Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas; Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas; Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, and Cody Ohl, Hico, Texas, NT. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $193,002; 2. Trevor Brazile, $170,778; 3. Matt Shiozawa, $168,626; 4. Marty Yates, $141,268; 5. Cade Swor, $132,253; 6. Cody Ohl, $129,952; 7. Hunter Herrin, $115,247; 8. Timber Moore, $114,435; 9. Clint Cooper, $108,316; 10. Adam Gray, $104,647; 11. Shane Hanchey, $104,207; 12. Clint Robinson, $102,137; 13. Ryan Watkins, $75,348; 14. Tyson Durfey, $73,742; 15. Reese Riemer, $66,317.

Barrel racing: 1. Trula Churchill, Valentine, Neb., 13.67 seconds, $19,002; 2. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 13.90, $15,018; 3. Samantha Lyne, Cotulla, Texas, 13.94, $11,340; 4. (tie) Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., and Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 13.96, $6,436 each; 6. Fallon Taylor, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.04, $3,065; 7. Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., 14.09; 8. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz., 14.10; 9. Britany Diaz, Solen, N.D., 14.11; 10. Christy Loflin, Franktown, Colo., 14.14; 11. Michele McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.23; 12. Christine Laughlin, Pueblo, Colo., 14.24; 13. Kaley Bass, Kissimmee, Fla., 14.26; 14. Jana Bean, Fort Hancock, Texas, 14.40; 15. Mary Walker, Ennis, Texas, 24.08. World standings: 1. Fallon Taylor, $221,886; 2. Lisa Lockhart, $213,717; 3. Kaley Bass, $183,170; 4. Michele McLeod, $138,956; 5. Trula Churchill, $137,479; 6. Nancy Hunter, $136,777; 7. Britany Diaz, $131,604; 8. Carlee Pierce, $130,887; 9. Mary Walker, $126,683; 10. Kassidy Dennison, $126,072; 11. Sherry Cervi, $122,165; 12. Christy Loflin, $107,980; 13. Christine Laughlin, $93,135; 14. Jana Bean, $92,483; 15. Samantha Lyne, $81,917.

Bull riding: 1. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., 87.5 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeos’ Foolish Man, $19,002; 2. Tim Bingham, Honeyville, Utah, 86.5, $15,018; 3. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, 83.5, $11,340; 4. Elliot Jacoby, Fredericksburg, Texas, 82.5, $7,969; 5. (tie) Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas; Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas; J.W. Harris, Mullin, Texas; Beau Hill, West Glacier, Mont.; Aaron Pass, Dallas, Texas; Josh Koschel, Nunn, Colo.; Reid Barker, Comfort, Texas; Brennon Eldred, Sulphur, Okla.; Ty Wallace, Collbran, Colo.; Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo., and Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif., NS. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $269,899; 2. Trey Benton III, $159,874; 3. Joe Frost, $134,841; 4. Cody Teel, $132,012; 5. Tim Bingham, $115,670; 6. Elliot Jacoby, $105,036; 7. Aaron Pass, $104,550; 8. Beau Hill, $102,711; 9. Jordan Spears, $100,030; 10. J.W. Harris, $97,228; 11. Ty Wallace, $93,935; 12. Brennon Eldred, $89,170; 13. Tyler Smith, $89,042; 14. Reid Barker, $76,227; 15. Josh Koschel, $72,837.

Total payout: $6,375,000. Stock contractors: Various. Rodeo secretary: Sunni Deb  Backstrom. Assistant secretary: Jackie Higlin. Contestant office manager: Vickie Shireman. Officials: Wade Berry, Terry Carlon, Skip Emmett, George Gibbs, Chuck Hoss, Allan Jordan Jr., Bruce Keller, Butch Kirby, Steve Knowles, Joe Bob Locke, Cliff Overstreet, Harry Rose Jr., Rocky Steagall and Mike Todd. Timers: Sherry Rice Gibson, Tammy Braden and Jessi Franzen. Announcers: Wayne Brooks, Randy Corley and Boyd Polhamus. Specialty acts: Rider Kiesner, Madison MacDonald and Kenny Petet. Bullfighters: Chuck Swisher, Dusty Tuckness and Cody Webster. Barrelman: Justin Rumford. Barrelman alternate: Mark Swingler. Livestock superintendent: John Barnes. Assistant livestock superintendent: Ryan Brown. Roughstock chute boss: Tom Neuens. Timed-event chute boss: Tony Amaral. Pickup men: Josh Edwards and Chase Cervi. Pickup man alternate: Matt Twitchell.

LAS VEGAS – On a night when the King of the Cowboys reigned yet again, a young star also was crowned. The incomparable Trevor Brazile won the team roping with heeling partner Travis Graves, then shared the tie-down roping win with Matt Shiozawa for a memorable Round 8 at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. No cowboy had won two events in one night at the WNFR since Jesse Bail won the bull riding and shared the win in saddle bronc riding in Round 4 in 2001. It’s happened 11 times in the 56 years of the Finals that a cowboy won two events in one night. A sellout crowd of 17,811 at the Thomas & Mack Center was thrilled by Brazile – who has won a record 21 world championships – and also delighted in the performance of 20-year-old rookie Sage Kimzey, who clinched the bull riding gold buckle. “To reach the pinnacle of ProRodeo in my first year is pretty special,” Kimzey said. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.” He’s just the second bull rider to win Rookie of the Year and the gold buckle in the same season. Bill Kornell did it in 1963. Kimzey placed third in the round – Jordan Spears was the winner – and is the only bull rider to ride seven bulls in eight attempts at this Finals; Joe Frost is next with five. So Kimzey is close to clinching the average title – something Kornell didn’t do in 1963. For Kimzey not to win the average, he’d have to be bucked off twice and Frost would have to average 88 points on his next two rides. “There are very few times when you can get in a zone like this,” Kimzey said. “Baseball players always refer to it as seeing a beach ball coming toward you, and it’s slow and you know exactly where it’s going. I feel like there’s nothing that can throw me off.” Spears, who is a Finals rookie, was equally thrilled. “This was a dream come true,” he said. “To be able to set a goal as a little kid and then achieve it is something special. Being here and competing against people I look up to like J.W. Harris, I feel really blessed. To ride to the best of my ability and win tonight makes me ecstatic, and I’m so excited to be here to experience Las Vegas for the first time.” Brazile, who has 45 Finals qualifications (which ties him for that record with Tee Woolman), knows all about the spotlight. He won the steer roping gold buckle last month and clinched his 12th consecutive all-around world championship in Round 3 of the WNFR, and still has a chance to win two other titles – which would be unprecedented. Brazile sits third in the Windham Weaponry High Performance PRCA World Standings in tie-down roping and third in the average. In team roping, he’s second in the world and third in the average. “Trevor’s the king,” Graves said. “He’s a great competitor, and it’s an honor to get to rope with him. We’ve had a blast this year. He’s a great partner all the way around. You couldn’t ask for a better partner. He’s a great competitor and a great person, and he has a great work ethic.” Brazile remains focused on the final two rounds. “We’ve come a long ways, but we still have a long way to go,” he said. “Two rounds doesn’t sound like much when you say it fast, but there’s still a lot of rodeo left.” Brazile and Graves have each won $159,632 in team roping. Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill lead the world with $160,292 and also lead the average; they’re the only team to record a time in all eight rounds, while Brazile and Graves are among three teams to post a time in seven rounds. Brazile has won $153,768 in the tie-down roping event this year, and is third in the average with a time of 75.2 seconds on eight head. Two-time World Champion Tie-down Roper Tuf Cooper – who is Brazile’s brother-in-law – leads the world standings with $181,662 and is second in the average with a time of 72.6 seconds on eight head. Shiozawa is second in the world standings with $165,561, and first in the average with a time of 70.9 seconds on eight head. “There’s no secret in tie-down,” Brazile said. “I have to blast. I have to do all I can do every night. I’m the one having to catch up, not sustain. It obviously makes it more fun. What people don’t understand when you come out here with a lead to protect (is that) there are just some things you have to do, and sometimes it’s not the glamorous way to rope. You’re just tending to business and I’ve done that a lot out here. It’s always more fun to be the underdog.” Shiozawa has been consistently fast all year, but said luck could help determine the champ. “The draw is going to play a factor in it some, and you’re going to have to draw good and use what you get,” Shiozawa said. “Overall, the next two sets of calves should be good. If you can’t look forward to this, then you’re missing it.” Brazile has earned $421,271 in 2014, the fourth highest total in ProRodeo history. It’s the fifth time in history for a contestant to surpass $400,000 – and each time it’s been by Brazile. His record for annual earnings is $507,921 in 2010. Bareback rider Austin Foss is making it hard on Kaycee Feild, who is chasing a fourth consecutive gold buckle and a fourth straight WNFR average title. Foss won for the second time in three rounds – he also claimed Round 6 – and pulled within $27,752 of Feild, who’s the world standings leader. Foss rode Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Black Kat for 85.5 points to top the field and jump from fourth to first in the average race. The winner of the average earns an additional $48,732. Feild is third in the average, which would earn him $31,262. Brimming with confidence, Foss said he can knock off the reigning champ. “Anything’s possible. I’m set on one thing and one thing only,” Foss said. “There’s not much of a gap in the world standings and it pays ($19,002) to win a round. I just want to put two and two together and see what happens. “It’s my job to take him down. This is about my goals, my dreams, and what I’m living for.” He smiled, and added, “I hope it’s out with the old and in with the new.” Foss has won $61,758 in eight rounds of this Finals, and said it’s a bit mind-boggling. “To be in this position and talk about that kind of money is something a lot of people my age (22) will never get to do,” he said. “It’s a blessing and an honor and a privilege.” This is Foss’ second trip to the WNFR, and he said it’s a different feeling. “It’s a different game the second year you come here,” he said. “The first year is fun, and you kind of take it all in. The second one is all business.” Heith DeMoss regained the world standings lead by winning his first round of the Finals when he rode for 84 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Vitalix Hell’s Fire Hostage. “I couldn’t be any happier than I am, and that’s exactly what I needed,” DeMoss said. “I’ve been drawing good horses and riding decent the first seven nights, but tonight I drew a good horse and finally rode really well.” DeMoss has $163,833 while Cort Scheer is second with $156,049 and Taos Muncy is third in the world championship race with $141,437. Lurking in fourth place with $140,412 is WNFR rookie Spencer Wright, who also leads the average with 647 points on eight head. Scheer, with 624.5 points, is the only other saddle bronc rider to have eight qualified rides. Two-time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Cody Wright doctor released from Round 8 – the rule requires him to also miss the following round – due to a dislocated left (riding) shoulder he suffered during Round 7. It’s not certain if Wright, who sat fourth in the world and third in the average after Round 7, will compete in Round 10. Wright, who won gold buckles in 2008 and 2010, was one of only three saddle bronc riders to earn a score in the first seven rounds, so he was in hunt for the average title before being injured; he won the WNFR average in 2010. Kyle Irwin grabbed at least a share of his third round win, as he tied Ty Erickson for first place in Round 8 with a time of 3.7 seconds. Irwin split the Round 2 win and took Round 3 outright; he’s won $57,927 in his first WNFR. “This is great and in a humble way, I always thought if I got here I could do some good because I like to go fast and this is a fast setup,” Irwin said. “It’s been a great experience and I’m lovin’ it.” Erickson, also competing in his first Finals, was thrilled to take his first victory lap and earn a trip to the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa for the go-round buckle presentation. “I couldn’t be happier right now,” Erickson said. “My first Finals and I get to make a trip out to the South Point. It’s exciting. I just had a good steer. I’ve been kind of late a couple times this week, and tonight I finally got a good start and made a good run on the ground.” Barrel racer Mary Walker, the 2012 world champion, claimed her first round win of this Finals with a time of 13.79 seconds. “It’s been a bit frustrating this week because I have hit so many barrels,” Walker said. “Tonight I did a bit change, which I have never done before, but I talked to my friend (former WNFR qualifier) Sue Smith and she gave me a few suggestions of things to try and it all seemed to work. I am just so glad that things turned around and I was able to get this win.” Lisa Lockhart placed second in the round in 13.81. Lockhart is second in the world and moved within $11,540 of world leader Fallon Taylor. Lockhart leads the average with a time of 116.95 seconds, and Taylor is second with 117.10. Kimzey leads the RAM Top Gun Award standings with $107,731. Taylor is second with $87,350, followed by Lockhart with $85,664 and Spencer Wright at $80,147. The 56th annual Wrangler NFR continues Friday with the ninth round at the Thomas & Mack Center. The action will be televised live and in HD on CBS Sports Net (DirecTV channel 221 and DISH Network channel 158) from 7-10 p.m. (PT) with hosts Jeff Medders and Butch Knowles.   Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas Round 8, Dec. 11, 2014 Bareback riding: 1. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore., 85.5 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Black Kat, $19,002; 2. Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb., 83.5, $15,018; 3. Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, Texas, 82, $11,340; 4. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas, 81.5, $7,969; 5. (tie) Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah, and Jake Vold, Ponoka, Alberta, 80.5, $3,984 each; 7. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., 80; 8. Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas, 76; 9. Justin McDaniel, Porum, Okla., 75.5; 10. Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah, 72.5; 11. Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore., 71.5; 12. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont., 69.5; 13. J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo., 68; 14. (tie) Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., and Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, NS. World standings: 1. Kaycee Feild, $212,227; 2. Austin Foss, $184,475; 3. Bobby Mote, $150,017; 4. Steven Peebles, $145,932; 5. Richmond Champion, $140,812; 6. Tim O’Connell, $131,240; 7. Justin McDaniel, $121,981; 8. Will Lowe, $115,104; 9. Tilden Hooper, $109,556; 10. Steven Dent, $108,651; 11. Winn Ratliff, $103,076; 12. Jake Vold, $96,698; 13. Caleb Bennett, $92,296; 14. Jessy Davis, $75,757; 15. J.R. Vezain, $70,208. Steer wrestling: 1. (tie) Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala., and Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 3.7 seconds, $17,010 each; 3. Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore., 3.8, $11,340; 4. Dru Melvin, Hebron, Neb., 3.9, $7,969; 5. (tie) Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, and Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., 4.1, $3,984 each; 7. (tie) Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif., and Cole Edge, Durant, Okla., 4.2; 9. K.C. Jones, Decatur, Texas, 4.3; 10. Wyatt Smith, Rexburg, Idaho, 4.8; 11. Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev., 5.2; 12. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., 6.1; 13. (tie) Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta; Bray Armes, Ponder, Texas, and Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., NT. World standings: 1. Luke Branquinho, $138,630; 2. Trevor Knowles, $134,406; 3. Nick Guy, $124,341; 4. Kyle Irwin, $117,663; 5. Casey Martin, $116,597; 6. Curtis Cassidy, $101,431; 7. K.C. Jones, $101,058; 8. Clayton Hass, $98,337; 9. Bray Armes, $90,057; 10. Dru Melvin, $88,367; 11. Dakota Eldridge, $86,462; 12. Ty Erickson, $83,579; 13. Wyatt Smith, $75,271; 14. Seth Brockman, $73,468; 15. Cole Edge, $72,424. Team roping: 1. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas/Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 3.8 seconds, $19,002 each; 2. (tie) Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., and Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga./Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas, 4.0, $13,179 each; 4. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz./Clay O’Brien Cooper, Gardnerville, Nev., 4.6, $7,969; 5. Jake Barnes, Scottsdale, Ariz./Junior Nogueira, Scottsdale, Ariz., 6.1, $4,904; 6. Dustin Bird, Cut Bank, Mont./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo., 9.3, $3,065; 7. Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas/Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., 9.4; 8. Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash./Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash., 10.9; 9. (tie) Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz.; Brandon Beers, Powell Butte, Ore./Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M.; Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan.; Nick Sartain, Dover, Okla./Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas; Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore./Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo.; Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas/Dakota Kirchenschlager, Morgan Mill, Texas, and Tom Richards, Humboldt, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., NT. World standings (headers): 1. Clay Tryan, $160,292; 2. Trevor Brazile, $159,632; 3. Dustin Bird, $146,731; 4. Erich Rogers, $125,941; 5. Turtle Powell, $122,332; 6. Coleman Proctor, $121,684; 7. Kaleb Driggers, $112,272; 8. Riley Minor, $111,393; 9. Jake Barnes, $104,523; 10. Aaron Tsinigine, $103,014; 11. Charly Crawford, $99,756; 12. Brandon Beers, $97,267; 13. Luke Brown, $92,065; 14. Nick Sartain, $80,028; 15. Tom Richards, $74,713. World standings (heelers): 1. Jade Corkill, $160,292; 2. Travis Graves, $159,632; 3. Paul Eaves, $149,823; 4. Cory Petska, $126,288; 5. Jake Long, $122,684; 6. Dakota Kirchenschlager, $118,972; 7. Patrick Smith, $112,272; 8. Brady Minor, $111,393; 9. Shay Carroll, $100,815; 10. Jim Ross Cooper, $97,267; 11. Clay O’Brien Cooper, $95,195; 12. Junior Nogueira, $94,515; 13. Kollin VonAhn, $89,065; 14. Rich Skelton, $80,028; 15. Cesar de la Cruz, $66,484. Saddle bronc riding: 1. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La., 84 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Vitalix Hell’s Fire Hostage, $19,002; 2. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 83, $15,018; 3. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah, 82.5, $11,340; 4. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 80.5, $7,969; 5. (tie) Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, and Bradley Harter, Loranger, La., 79, $3,984 each; 7. Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 77.5; 8. (tie) Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb.; Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, and Tyler Corrington, Hastings, Minn., 74.5 each; 11.Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 73; 12. Dustin Flundra, Pincher Creek, Alberta, 70; 13. (tie) Cody Wright, Milford, Utah; Chad Ferley, Oelrichs, S.D., and Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., NS. World standings: 1. Heith DeMoss, $163,833; 2. Cort Scheer, $156,049; 3. Taos Muncy, $141,437; 4. Spencer Wright, $140,412; 5. Wade Sundell, $133,833; 6. Cody Wright, $130,393; 7. Jacobs Crawley, $120,450; 8. Jake Wright, $106,075; 9. Tyler Corrington, $104,052; 10. Jesse Wright, $100,482; 11. Cody DeMoss, $96,719; 12. Cole Elshere, $82,449; 13. Bradley Harter, $81,885; 14. Chad Ferley, $81,674; 15. Dustin Flundra, $77,133. Tie-down roping: 1. (tie) Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, and Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 6.8 seconds, $17,010 each; 3. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 6.9, $11,340; 4. (tie) Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., and Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas, 7.2, $6,436; 6. Cody Ohl, Hico, Texas, 7.3, $3,065; 7. Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 7.4; 8. Ryan Watkins, Bluff Dale, Texas, 7.7; 9. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 8.0; 10. Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, 8.7; 11. Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah, 18.1; 12. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La., 18.8; 13. Cade Swor, Winnie, Texas, 24.7; 14. (tie) Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas, and Tyson Durfey, Colbert, Wash., NT. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $181,662; 2. Matt Shiozawa, $165,561; 3. Trevor Brazile, $153,768; 4. Marty Yates, $141,268; 5. Cody Ohl, $129,952; 6. Cade Swor, $115,243; 7. Timber Moore, $109,531; 8. Clint Cooper, $108,316; 9. Hunter Herrin, $107,278; 10. Adam Gray, $104,647; 11. Shane Hanchey, $104,207; 12. Clint Robinson, $102,137; 13. Ryan Watkins, $75,348; 14. Tyson Durfey, $73,742; 15. Reese Riemer, $66,317. Barrel racing: 1. Mary Walker, Ennis, Texas, 13.79 seconds, $19,002; 2. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 13.81, $15,018; 3. Trula Churchill, Valentine, Neb., 13.85, $11,340; 4. Kaley Bass, Kissimmee, Fla., 13.91, $7,969; 5. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz., 13.93, $4,904; 6. Jana Bean, Fort Hancock, Texas, 13.94, $3,065; 7. Fallon Taylor, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.02; 8. Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., 14.03; 9. Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 14.10; 10. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 14.12; 11. Michele McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.13; 12. Britany Diaz, Solen, N.D., 14.62; 13. Christine Laughlin, Pueblo, Colo., 19.04; 14. Samantha Lyne, Cotulla, Texas, 19.10; 15. Christy Loflin, Franktown, Colo., 30.80. World standings: 1. Fallon Taylor, $218,821; 2. Lisa Lockhart, $207,281; 3. Kaley Bass, $183,170; 4. Michele McLeod, $138,956; 5. Britany Diaz, $131,604; 6. Nancy Hunter, $130,341; 7. Mary Walker, $126,683; 8. Kassidy Dennison, $126,072; 9. Sherry Cervi, $122,165; 10. Trula Churchill, $118,477; 11. Carlee Pierce, $115,870; 12. Christy Loflin, $107,980; 13. Christine Laughlin, $93,135; 14. Jana Bean, $92,483; 15. Samantha Lyne, $70,577. Bull riding: 1. Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif., 85.5 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Johnny Ramone, $19,002; 2. Ty Wallace, Collbran, Colo., 85, $15,018; 3. Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., 84.5, $11,340; 4. Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo., 82.5, $7,969; 5. Beau Hill, West Glacier, Mont., 81.5, $4,904; 6. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas, 79, $3,065; 7. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, 78; 8. Josh Koschel, Nunn, Colo., 70.5; 9. (tie) Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas; J.W. Harris, Mullin, Texas; Tim Bingham, Honeyville, Utah; Aaron Pass, Dallas, Texas; Reid Barker, Comfort, Texas; Brennon Eldred, Sulphur, Okla., and Elliot Jacoby, Fredericksburg, Texas, NS. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $250,897; 2. Trey Benton III, $159,874; 3. Cody Teel, $132,012; 4. Joe Frost, $123,500; 5. Aaron Pass, $104,550; 6. Beau Hill, $102,711; 7. Tim Bingham, $100,652; 8. Jordan Spears, $100,030; 9. J.W. Harris, $97,228; 10. Elliot Jacoby, $97,067; 11. Ty Wallace, $93,935; 12. Brennon Eldred, $89,170; 13. Tyler Smith, $89,042; 14. Reid Barker, $76,227; 15. Josh Koschel, $72,837. Total payout: $6,375,000. Stock contractors: Various. Rodeo secretary: Sunni Deb Backstrom. Assistant secretary: Jackie Higlin. Contestant office manager: Vickie Shireman. Officials: Wade Berry, Terry Carlon, Skip Emmett, George Gibbs, Chuck Hoss, Allan Jordan Jr., Bruce Keller, Butch Kirby, Steve Knowles, Joe Bob Locke, Cliff Overstreet, Harry Rose Jr., Rocky Steagall and Mike Todd. Timers: Sherry Rice Gibson, Tammy Braden and Jessi Franzen. Announcers: Wayne Brooks, Randy Corley and Boyd Polhamus. Specialty acts: Rider Kiesner, Madison MacDonald and Kenny Petet. Bullfighters: Chuck Swisher, Dusty Tuckness and Cody Webster. Barrelman: Justin Rumford. Barrelman alternate: Mark Swingler. Livestock superintendent: John Barnes. Assistant livestock superintendent: Ryan Brown. Roughstock chute boss: Tom Neuens. Timed-event chute boss: Tony Amaral. Pickup men: Josh Edwards and Chase Cervi. Pickup man alternate: Matt Twitchell.

LAS VEGAS – Sage Kimzey put another exclamation point on his amazing rookie season Wednesday night at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

The 20-year-old bull riding sensation shared the Round 7 win with Elliot Jacoby before a sellout crowd of 17,528 at the Thomas & Mack Center. It was Kimzey’s third round win of the Wrangler NFR – he won outright in Rounds 3 and 4 – and solidified his big leads in the world standings and average races.

Kimzey said moving closer to his dream of winning a gold buckle might keep him awake the next few nights.

“I won’t be sleeping at all,” he said. “It’ll probably be me staring at my hotel room wall the next 72 hours when I try to sleep. But it’s all going to be worth it in the end. This is the scenario I wanted coming into Vegas, to be leading and have a chance to win the world if I did my job, and it’s been cool to see my dreams come true so far.”

Kimzey is trying to become only the second bull rider to win the gold buckle and PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year award in the same season. Bill Kornell accomplished the feat in 1963.

“We still have three more rounds, so I’ll just keep pushing and hopefully finish the job,” Kimzey said. “My mindset tonight was the same as every other night, which was to just stay on my bull. If I do that each night, I can’t be too upset, and as long as I’m doing my job, I’m happy.”

Kimzey, the last cowboy to compete in Round 7, rode for 86.5 points on 4L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Haunted Mesa, after Jacoby had covered Hurst Pro Rodeo’s Cactus Juice for the same score.

Kimzey said he was pleased to split the win with Jacoby.

“It’s awesome getting to tie a great bull rider like Elliot for a round win,” Kimzey said. “Vegas has never really seen the true Elliot Jacoby out here, and he kicks butt all year long to get here, so it’s nice to see him have this success right here with me.”

Jacoby’s first NFR was last year, and he was relieved to claim his first round win.

“This has been a long time coming,” he said. “I have the jitters out of the way now. The first time I was here, I didn’t feel comfortable, but this time I’ve been a lot better. I want to be able to show everyone what I can do and ride these great bulls and make them look dumb. I can ride these bulls, and now I just have to prove it.”

Rodeo royalty ruled the tie-down roping as six-time World Champion Cody Ohl and two-time champ Tuf Cooper shared the round win with a time of 7.3 seconds.

It was Ohl’s 51^st round win in tie-down roping, which tied saddle bronc rider Billy Etbauer for the most ever in a single event.

“Every one of them are special,” Ohl said. “I just can’t wait until I get that record, and it’s going to be very special. It’s all my kids talk about, and it’s going to be awesome.”

Cooper leads the world standings by $33,111 over Matt Shiozawa, who leads the average with a time of 64.1 seconds on seven head. Cooper is second in the average with a time of 64.6 seconds.

“I just want to stay aggressive and win as much as I can,” Cooper said. “It’s a dream to win a round and a dream to win the average, and it’s especially a dream to win the world title.”

Spencer Wright, the youngest of the four Wright brothers competing at the Finals, again bested his siblings and the rest of the field when he rode Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Pretty Boy for 85 points. Wright leads the average with 564.5 points on seven head and has climbed into the crowded group that is fighting for the gold buckle.

“I feel like I’m riding well and I’ve been lucky, too,” Wright said. “I’d love to win the average and world titles; I mean, I don’t want to be greedy, but that’s what everybody who comes here wants to do. Hopefully, I’ve put myself in a position where I have a chance to win a world title.”

He sits sixth in the world standings with $129,972, and the average winner collects another $48,732.

Cort Sheer took over the world standings lead, though, by taking second place in the round and earning $15,018. He has $156,049 and is second in the average with 550 points on seven head; second place in the average pays $39,537.

Wright brothers took three of the top four spots in the round, as Jake Wright was third and Jesse Wright, the 2012 world champ, was fourth to earn his first check of the Finals.

Spencer Wright, who is competing at his first WNFR, praised his brothers for influencing his success.

“I couldn’t ask for better hands to help me learn the ropes here,” he said. “I have to give a lot of credit to my brothers for the reasons I’m here, and for me having success here. Those guys helped me so much going down the road, and with my bronc riding. I’m very appreciative of them.”

Cody Wright suffered a dislocated left (riding arm) shoulder, and had to pass on a re-ride option. He was transported to a local emergency room and is doubtful to compete in Thursday’s Round 8.

Also winning for the second time – he also claimed the buckle in Round 5 – was bareback rider Richmond Champion. He rode for 86 points on his first time aboard Three Hills Rodeo’s Angel Eyes.

“It’s a dream come true, and it just keeps getting better,” Champion said. “It’s incredible, it’s insane. I didn’t expect it. I had goals coming in, but I didn’t picture round buckles, because I had the end goal in mind of winning the world.”

The happy-go-lucky 22-year-old from The Woodlands, Texas, said he’s enjoying the lights of Las Vegas and being in the spotlight.

“I’m just having fun,” Champion said. “Sometimes you do better when you don’t worry about it. I’m just enjoying the experience, and I’m loving it.”

He said the trip on Angel Eyes was fast and furious.

“I heard the horse was good, and I’d seen her once,” he said. “I remember Tim O’Connell won on her in Omaha (Neb.) at the (Wrangler) Champions Challenge, but I couldn’t picture it until I got on. She’s a semi-eliminator.”

Champion was up third in the event, and nervously watched while the best bareback riders in the world tried to beat his score.

“When you go so early in the perf, you never get comfortable,” he said, “not with those two guys at the end (Bobby Mote and Kaycee Feild) and with so many world champs riding after me.”

Mote and Feild tied for fourth in the round, and while Feild moved up a spot to third in the average, he failed to gain on Mote, who leads the average with 572 points on seven head. Feild, who is chasing his fourth straight average title and fourth consecutive gold buckle, has a score of 566.5 points on seven head. Feild comfortably leads the world standings with $208,243 – that’s $42,771 ahead of second-place Austin Foss.

Team ropers Dustin Bird and Paul Eaves came through under pressure – they were the last team to leave the box – and won the round in 3.7 seconds.

Bird said that “6.5 was winning fourth in the round when we backed in there, so I thought about what Joe Beaver always says when you go at the end of a round like this – ‘just use your head and catch.’ But I got a good start and things happened so fast, so I tried it on him. We’re out of the average, so we have no choice but to win as much as we can in the rounds. That’s how we roll anyway.”

“Dustin does it about like that every time,” Eaves said. “That’s what I get to throw at everywhere we go. He got it on him fast and gave me a great handle. That’s the run we try to make all the time. It’s just a little faster than usual in this smaller building.”

Bird and Eaves both sit second in the world standings, but they’re 11^th in the average (at 30.6 seconds on only four head). Good news is they’ve pocketed $53,023 at the Finals.

“This is the most we’ve ever won here, and there are still three rounds left,” Eaves said. “This is more than we’d won after 10 rounds the other two years we roped together here.”

Taking over the average lead were world standings leaders Clay Tryan and Jade Corkill, as previous leaders Jake Barnes and Junior Nogueira went out after Barnes lost his rope.

Canadian steer wrestler Curtis Cassidy, who won Round 5, shared the Round 7 victory lap with Dakota Eldridge, who lives nearby in Elko, Nev. They each had a time of 3.7 seconds and pocketed $17,010 for the win.

“The other guys that had him, he wanted to let off pretty good, and I had such a good start tonight, he was stopping,” Cassidy said. “Luckily, he jumped forward as I caught him, and he stopped and I jumped around there.

Cassidy has won $43,981 at the WNFR and is fifth in the world standings with $101,431.

This was just Eldridge’s second check at the 2014 Finals – it’s the second WNFR for the 23-year-old – but he hopes for a fast finish.

“Last year I won $91,000 here,” he said. “I’m going to have to start doing some catching up the next few days and I started it out right. I haven’t had the week I wanted, but a guy can’t get down. I just have to stay positive and start drawing good, and things will be good the rest of the week.”

Four-time World Champion Luke Branquinho tied for third in the round with Casey Martin with a time of 3.9 seconds. Branquinho tops the world standings with $138,630 – he’s won $72,638 here through seven rounds – and leads the steer wrestling average with a time of 28.5 seconds on seven head; Martin is second with 33.0 seconds on seven head.

Barrel racer Lisa Lockhart, who won Round 2, took another victory lap after she won the event with a time of 13.73 seconds, the second fastest time at this year’s WNFR. Lockhart was the first to compete in the event, and said it was beneficial.

“I do think running at the top helped some tonight,” she said. “It did seem that some of the horses were struggling a bit, so being first proved to be the time to ride smart and take advantage of that position.”

Fallon Taylor, who took second, leads the world standings with $218,821 – that’s $26,558 more than Lockhart. Taylor leads the average with a time of 103.08 seconds, just .06 ahead of Lockhart.

Kimzey leads the RAM Top Gun Award standings with $96,391. Taylor is second with $87,350, followed by Branquinho with $72,638 and Lockhart with $70,646. Spencer Wright is fifth at $68,807.

The 56th annual Wrangler NFR continues Thursday with the eighth round at the Thomas & Mack Center. The action will be televised live and in HD on CBS Sports Net (DirecTV channel 221 and DISH Network channel 158) from 7-10 p.m. (PT) with hosts Jeff Medders and Butch Knowles.

 

Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas

Round 7, Dec. 10

Bareback riding: 1. Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, Texas, 86 points on Three Hills Rodeo’s Angel Eyes, $19,002; 2. Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas, 84, $15,018; 3. Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, 83.5, $11,340; 4. (tie) Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah, and Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore., 81.5, $6,436 each; 6. Austin Foss, Terrebonne, Ore., 81, $3,065; 7. Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., 79.5; 8. (tie) Caleb Bennett, Tremonton, Utah, and Justin McDaniel, Porum, Okla., 79 each; 10. (tie) Will Lowe, Canyon, Texas, and Steven Dent, Mullen, Neb., 78.5 each; 12. Jake Vold, Ponoka, Alberta, 76; 13. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont., 75.5; 14. (tie) Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., and J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo., NS. World standings: 1. Kaycee Feild, $208,243; 2. Austin Foss, $165,473; 3. Bobby Mote, $150,017; 4. Steven Peebles, $145,932; 5. Tim O’Connell, $131,240; 6. Richmond Champion, $129,472; 7. Justin McDaniel, $121,981; 8. Will Lowe, $115,104; 9. Winn Ratliff, $103,076; 10. Tilden Hooper, $101,588; 11. Steven Dent, $93,633; 12. Jake Vold, $92,713; 13. Caleb Bennett, $92,296; 14. Jessy Davis, $75,757; 15. J.R. Vezain, $70,208.

Steer wrestling: 1. (tie) Curtis Cassidy, Donalda, Alberta, and Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev., 3.4 seconds, $17,010 each; 3. (tie) Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., and Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif., 3.9, $9,654 each; 5. Bray Armes, Ponder, Texas, 4.1, $4,904; 6. Wyatt Smith, Rexburg, Idaho, 4.4, $3,065; 7. Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore., 4.5; 8. Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis., 5.2; 9. (tie) Cole Edge, Durant, Okla., and Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 6.5 each; 11. Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, 6.8; 12. Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., 7.1; 13. Dru Melvin, Hebron, Neb., 10.6; 14. Kyle Irwin, Robertsdale, Ala., 15.9; 15. K.C. Jones, Decatur, Texas, NT. World standings: 1. Luke Branquinho, $138,630; 2. Nick Guy, $124,341; 3. Trevor Knowles, $123,066; 4. Casey Martin, $112,613; 5. Curtis Cassidy, $101,431; 6. K.C. Jones, $101,058; 7. Kyle Irwin, $100,653; 8. Clayton Hass, $94,353; 9. Bray Armes, $90,057; 10. Dakota Eldridge, $86,462; 11. Dru Melvin, $80,399; 12. Wyatt Smith, $75,271; 13. Seth Brockman, $73,468; 14. Cole Edge, $72,424; 15. Ty Erickson, $66,568.

Team roping: 1. Dustin Bird, Cut Bank, Mont./Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo., 3.7 seconds, $19,002 each; 2. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Cory Petska, Marana, Ariz., 3.9, $15,018; 3. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas/Travis Graves, Jay, Okla., 4.0, $11,340; 4. Aaron Tsinigine, Tuba City, Ariz./Clay O’Brien Cooper, Gardnerville, Nev., 4.2, $7,969; 5. Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla./Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., 6.5, $4,904; 6. Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga./Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas, 8.2, $3,065; 7. Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas/Dakota Kirchenschlager, Morgan Mill, Texas, 8.7; 8. Clay Tryan, Billings, Mont./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 10.6; 9. Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas/Kollin VonAhn, Blanchard, Okla., 21.1; 10. (tie) Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Wash./Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash.; Brandon Beers, Powell Butte, Ore./Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M.; Nick Sartain, Dover, Okla./Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas; Jake Barnes, Scottsdale, Ariz./Junior Nogueira, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Charly Crawford, Prineville, Ore./Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo.; and Tom Richards, Humboldt, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., NT. World standings (headers): 1. Clay Tryan, $147,113; 2. Dustin Bird, $143,666; 3. Trevor Brazile, $140,630; 4. Erich Rogers, $125,941; 5. Turtle Powell, $122,332; 6. Coleman Proctor, $121,684; 7. Riley Minor, $111,393; 8. Charly Crawford, $99,756; 9. Jake Barnes, $99,619; 10. Kaleb Driggers, $99,093; 11. Brandon Beers, $97,267; 12. Aaron Tsinigine, $95,045; 13. Luke Brown, $92,065; 14. Nick Sartain, $80,028; 15. Tom Richards, $74,713. World standings (heelers): 1. Jade Corkill, $147,113; 2. Paul Eaves, $146,758; 3. Travis Graves, $140,630; 4. Cory Petska, $126,288; 5. Jake Long, $122,684; 6. Dakota Kirchenschlager, $118,972; 7. Brady Minor, $111,393; 8. Shay Carroll, $100,815; 9. Patrick Smith, $99,093; 10. Jim Ross Cooper, $97,267; 11. Junior Nogueira, $89,611; 12. Kollin VonAhn, $89,065; 13. Clay O’Brien Cooper, $87,227; 14. Rich Skelton, $80,028; 15. Cesar de la Cruz, $66,484.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Spencer Wright, Milford, Utah, 85 points on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Pretty Boy, $19,002; 2. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., 80.5, $15,018; 3. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 80, $11,340; 4. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 78, $7,969; 5. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 77.5, $4,904; 6. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La., 77, $3,065; 7. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 76; 8. Dustin Flundra, Pincher Creek, Alberta, 73; 9. Cody Wright, Milford, Utah, 65; 10. (tie) Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas; Bradley Harter, Loranger, La.; Tyler Corrington, Hastings, Minn.; Chad Ferley, Oelrichs, S.D.; Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., and Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., NS. World standings: 1. Cort Scheer, $156,049; 2. Heith DeMoss, $144,831; 3. Taos Muncy, $141,437; 4. Cody Wright, $130,394; 5. Wade Sundell, $129,848; 6. Spencer Wright, $129,072; 7. Jacobs Crawley, $120,450; 8. Tyler Corrington, $104,052; 9. Jake Wright, $98,107; 10. Cody DeMoss, $96,719; 11. Jesse Wright, $85,464; 12. Cole Elshere, $82,449; 13. Chad Ferley, $81,674; 14. Bradley Harter, $77,901; 15. Dustin Flundra, $77,133.

Tie-down roping: 1. (tie) Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, and Cody Ohl, Hico, Texas, 7.3 seconds, $17,010 each; 3. Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 7.7, $11,340; 4. Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas, 8.0, $7,969; 5. Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas, 8.8, $4,904; 6. Ryan Watkins, Bluff Dale, Texas, 8.9, $3,065; 7. Cade Swor, Winnie, Texas, 9.0; 8. (tie) Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, and Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 9.3 each; 10. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La., 9.4; 11. Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas, 12.0; 12. Marty Yates, Stephenville, Texas, 13.6; 13. Clint Robinson, Spanish Fork, Utah, 23.6; 14. (tie) Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., and Tyson Durfey, Colbert, Wash., NT. World standings: 1. Tuf Cooper, $181,662; 2. Matt Shiozawa, $148,551; 3. Marty Yates, $141,268; 4. Trevor Brazile, $136,757; 5. Cody Ohl, $126,887; 6. Cade Swor, $115,243; 7. Clint Cooper, $108,316; 8. Shane Hanchey, $104,207; 9. Timber Moore, $103,095; 10. Clint Robinson, $102,137; 11. Hunter Herrin, $100,842; 12. Adam Gray, $93,307; 13. Ryan Watkins, $75,348; 14. Tyson Durfey, $73,742; 15. Reese Riemer, $66,317.

Barrel racing: 1. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 13.73 seconds, $19,002; 2. Fallon Taylor, Whitesboro, Texas, 13.89, $15,018; 3. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 14.04, $11,340; 4. Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 14.08, $7,969; 5. Michele McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, 14.11, $4,904; 6. Jana Bean, Fort Hancock, Texas, 14.14, $3,065; 7. Kaley Bass, Kissimmee, Fla., 14.15; 8. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz., 14.28; 9. Britany Diaz, Solen, N.D., 14.34; 10. Christine Laughlin, Pueblo, Colo., 14.51; 11. Trula Churchill, Valentine, Neb., 18.87; 12. (tie) Mary Walker, Ennis, Texas, and Christy Loflin, Franktown, Colo., 19.20 each; 14. Kassidy Dennison, Tohatchi, N.M., 24.22; 15. Samantha Lyne, Cotulla, Texas, NT. World standings: 1. Fallon Taylor, $218,821; 2. Lisa Lockhart, $192,263; 3. Kaley Bass, $175,201; 4. Michele McLeod, $138,956; 5. Britany Diaz, $131,604; 6. Nancy Hunter, $130,341; 7. Kassidy Dennison, $126,072; 8. Sherry Cervi, $117,261; 9. Carlee Pierce, $115,869; 10. Christy Loflin, $107,980; 11. Mary Walker, $107,681; 12. Trula Churchill, $107,136; 13. Christine Laughlin, $93,135; 14. Jana Bean, $89,418; 15. Samantha Lyne, $70,577.

Bull riding: 1. (tie) Sage Kimzey, Strong City, Okla., on 4L & Diamond S Rodeo’s Haunted Mesa, and Elliot Jacoby, Fredericksburg, Texas, on Hurst Pro Rodeo’s Cactus Jungle, 86.5 points, $17,010 each; 3. Brennon Eldred, Sulphur, Okla., 84.5, $11,340; 4. Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo., 82.5, $7,969; 5. (tie) J.W. Harris, Mullin, Texas, and Jordan Spears, Redding, Calif., 80, $3,984 each; 7. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas, 76.5; 8. Josh Koschel, Nunn, Colo., 73.5; 9. (tie) Trey Benton III, Rock Island, Texas; Tim Bingham, Honeyville, Utah; Beau Hill, West Glacier, Mont.; Aaron Pass, Dallas, Texas; Reid Barker, Comfort, Texas; Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, and Ty Wallace, Collbran, Colo., NS. World standings: 1. Sage Kimzey, $239,556; 2. Trey Benton III, $159,874; 3. Cody Teel, $128,947; 4. Joe Frost, $123,500; 5. Aaron Pass, $104,550; 6. Tim Bingham, $100,652; 7. Beau Hill, $97,807; 8. J.W. Harris, $97,228; 9. Elliot Jacoby, $97,067; 10. Brennon Eldred, $89,170; 11. Tyler Smith, $81,074; 12. Jordan Spears, $81,027; 13. Ty Wallace, $78,917; 14. Reid Barker, $76,227; 15. Josh Koschel, $72,837.

Total payout: $6,375,000. Stock contractors: Various. Rodeo secretary: Sunni Deb Backstrom. Assistant secretary: Jackie Higlin. Contestant office manager: Vickie Shireman. Officials: Wade Berry, Terry Carlon, Skip Emmett, George Gibbs, Chuck Hoss, Allan Jordan Jr., Bruce Keller, Butch Kirby, Steve Knowles, Joe Bob Locke, Cliff Overstreet, Harry Rose Jr., Rocky Steagall and Mike Todd. Timers: Sherry Rice Gibson, Tammy Braden and Jessi Franzen. Announcers: Wayne Brooks, Randy Corley and Boyd Polhamus. Specialty acts: Rider Kiesner, Madison MacDonald and Kenny Petet. Bullfighters: Chuck Swisher, Dusty Tuckness and Cody Webster. Barrelman: Justin Rumford. Barrelman alternate: Mark Swingler. Livestock superintendent: John Barnes. Assistant livestock superintendent: Ryan Brown. Roughstock chute boss: Tom Neuens. Timed-event chute boss: Tony Amaral. Pickup men: Josh Edwards and Chase Cervi. Pickup man alternate: Matt Twitchell.