| Clint Cannon tied the Heartland Championships record with this 89-point ride on Carr Pro Rodeo's River Boat Annie to win the Heartland title. With the money he won on the ride, Cannon broke bull rider Matt Austin's record for the most money earned by a cowboy before the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. |
Willis’ double triumph in Waco unexpected – even to him
Oct.19, 2009 PRCA Press Release
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – As shocked as he may have been about what he had just done, bull rider Tyler Willis still had the presence of mind to call home from the arena of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships Oct. 17.
“My mom had been a nervous wreck all week,” Willis said, “so I knew making that call was the first thing I had to do.”
Willis’ parents, Don and Tammy, had made it down to Waco, Texas, for the early rounds of the rodeo from their Wheatland, Wyo., ranch and were awaiting news on whether Willis had gotten past his Vernon (Texas) College teammate, Taylor Cowan, and won the PRCA Bull Riding Rookie of the Year Award.
When Willis finally called, it was with a double helping of good news. Not only had he won the rookie award, but he had won the ornamental buckle that goes to the Heartland ProRodeo champion.
“It was a pretty wild week,” Willis said. “(The rookie race) went back and forth until the semifinal round. I knew I had that won when Taylor got bucked off in the semifinals. He just walked right over, shook my hand, and said, ‘Congratulations.’ He took it a lot better than I would have.
“After that, I was just having fun. I couldn’t ask for anything else. I wasn’t thinking about winning the (Heartland) title. I never really thought I had a shot until I got to the short round.”
For that four-man final he drew Andrews Rodeo’s Slick Willy, “a bull that doesn’t get ridden much,” and who had twice bucked off one of Willis’ travel partners, Sam Wyatt. But Willis was equal to the challenge. He had the only successful ride of the finals, earning 84 points on Slick Willy.
Willis earned $7,500 for that ride, pushing his total for the week to $12,522 and allowing him to jump from 24th to 19th in the final regular-season PRCA World Standings.
Had Willis not lost more than a month of the season to an injury he suffered at the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days, he might well have qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Willis was knocked unconscious, had his cheekbone broken in three places and broke his eye socket in the wreck, requiring a plate and six screws.
Clint Cannon added more luster to his history-making season in Waco. He tied the arena record held by Dave Worsfold and Steven Peebles with an 89-point ride on Carr Pro Rodeo’s River Boat Annie in the finals to earn his 17th title of the PRCA season.
The $12,143 he banked for the week pushed his season total to $233,457, a PRCA regular-season earnings record for any individual event. It also sends Cannon into the Wrangler NFR with a lead of more than $63,000 over second place Bobby Mote.
Also greatly improving their position for the Dec. 3-12 Wrangler NFR were tie-down roper Ryan Jarrett and saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell.
Jarrett, the 2005 world champion all-around cowboy, moved from ninth place to third in the world standings after winning the Heartland final in 8.7 seconds and collecting $12,771 for the week.
Sundell tied his own arena record with an 89-point ride, set six days earlier, on Gold Buckle’s Special Time in the final. His rodeo-best earnings of $16,985 lifted from 12th place to fourth in the PRCA World Standings with $88,901.
The other Heartland ProRodeo champions were team ropers Luke Brown and Martin Lucero ($14,028 each) and steer wrestler Chancey Larson ($16,542).
The only competitor who was able to use the Heartland ProRodeo Championships to move into the field for the Wrangler NFR was steer wrestler Matt Reeves of Pampa, Texas. The $2,200 he earned in the first round at Waco jumped him all the way to 12th while bumping Gabe Ledoux out of the 15th – and final – spot in Las Vegas.
| Waco, Texas: Heartland ProRodeo Championships, Oct. 9-17 |
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Bareback riding: First round group A: 1. Heath Ford, 85 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Rustler, $2,552; 2. Moe Heaton, 80, $1,914; 3. (tie) D.V. Fennell and Ryan Stutes, 79, $957 each; Second round group A: 1. Ryan Stutes, 87 points on Lancaster & Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Top Flight, $2,552; 2. Heath Ford, 81, $1,914; 3. D.V. Fennell, 77, $1,276; 4. Micky Downare, 74, $638. First round group B: 1. (tie) Steven Peebles on Classic Pro Rodeo’s Prairie Bird and Dave Worsfold on Classic Pro Rodeo’s Dreamer, 78 points, $2,233 each; 3. Jared Smith, 77, $1,276; 4. Cody Ziober, 76, $638. Second round group B: Jared Smith, 77 points on Pro Rodeo’s Gypsy Rose, $2,552; 2. Jared Keylon, 76, $1,914; 3. Steven Peebles, 69, $1,276; 4. Dave Worsfold, 67, $638. First round group C: 1. Kaycee Feild, 85 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Lonesome Hilda, $2,552; 2. (tie) Tim Shirley, Matt Bright and Clint Cannon, 80, $1,276 each. Second round group C: 1. Tim Shirley, 87 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Assault, $2,552; 2. Clint Cannon, 84, $1,914; 3. (tie) Josh Shackleford and Evan Jayne, 76, $957 each. Progressive round: 1. (tie) Matt Bright on Andrews Rodeo’s Fire Lane and Steven Peebles on Andrews Rodeo’s Jitterbug, $2,233 each; 3. Jared Smith, 81, $1,276; 4. Dave Worsfold, 79, $629. Quarterfinal round: 1. Steven Peebles, 89 points** on Andrews Rodeo’s Power Play, $2,552; 2. Tim Shirley, 82, $1,914; 3. Heath Ford, 81, $1,276; 4. Jared Smith, 80, $638. Semifinal round: 1. Clint Cannon, 87 points on Gold Buckle Rodeo’s Bar Bandit, $1,500; 2. Tim Shirley, 81, $1,250; 3. (tie) D.V. Fennell and Matt Bright, $875 each. Championship round: 1. Clint Cannon, 89 points** on Carr Pro Rodeo’s River Boat Annie, $7,500; 2. D.V. Fennell, 86, $5,000.
Steer wrestling: First round group A: 1. (tie) Matt Reeves and Casey Martin, 4.3 seconds, $2,189 each; 3. (tie) Brent Arnold and Jeff Miller, $938 each. Second round group A: 1. Mickey Gee, 4.2 seconds, $2,502; 2. (tie) Brent Arnold and Jake Hettinger, 4.3, $1,564 each; 4. (tie) Jeff Miller and Britt Walters, 5.0, $313 each. First round group B: 1. Ryan Mims, 3.3 seconds**, $2,502; 2. Bill Pace, 4.2, $1,876; 3. Jack Hodges, 4.3, $1,251; 4. Spud Duvall, 4.7, $625. Second round group B: 1. Bill Pace, 3.5 seconds, $2,502; 2. Ronnie Fields, 3.8, $1,876; 3. Ryan Mims, 4.2, $1,251; 4. Spud Duvall, 4.7, $625. First round group C: 1. Chancey Larson, 3.7 seconds, $2,502; 2. Darrell Petry, 4.0, $1,876; 3. (tie) Brent Lasetter and John Schuenemann, 5.2, $938 each. Second round group C: 1. (tie) John Schueneman and Blake Doyle, 4.4 seconds, $2,189 each; 3. Reagon Walker, 4.5, $1,251; 4. (tie) Darrell Petry and Chancey Larson, 5.2, $313 each. Progressive round: 1. Chancey Larson, 4.1 seconds, $2,502; 2. Casey Martin, 4.3, $1,876; 3. Blake Doyle, 4.7, $1,251; 4. Brent Arnold, 5.2, $625. Quarterfinal round: 1. (tie) Chancey Larson and Brent Arnold, 4.5, $2,189 each; 3. (tie) Darrell Petry and Matt Reeves, 4.6, $938 each. Semifinal round: 1. Chancey Larson, 3.6 seconds, $1,500; 2. Matt Reeves, 4.4, $1,250; 3. Ronnie Fields, 4.5, $1,000; 4. Casey Martin, $750. Championship round: 1. Chancey Larson, 3.6 seconds, $7,500; 2. Ronnie Fields, 3.7, $5,000.
Team roping: First round group A: 1. Bubba Bohac/B.J. Dugger, 5.1, $2,514 each; 2. Jake Kropik/Wade Clayton, 5.7, $1,886; 3. (tie) Nick Sartain/Kollin VonAhn and Matt Petrus/Dee Rampy, 5.9, $943 each. Second round group A: 1. (tie) Nick Sartain/Kollin VonAhn and Wes Kent/Bobby Baize, 4.9 seconds, $2,200 each; 3. Joel Bach/Allen Bach, 5.1, $1,257; 4. Jake Kropik/Wade Clayton, 5.2, $629 each. First round group B: 1. Brook Bearden/Blake Elms, 5.0 seconds, $2,514 each; 2. Caleb Mitchell/Tyler McKnight, 6.6, $1,886; 3. Reese Kerr/Ace Pearce, 6.7, $1,257; 4. Keven Daniel/Boogie Ray, 9.7, $629. Second round group B: 1. (tie) Justin Parish/Jake Long and Cody Graham/Gabe Gwaltney, 5.0, $2,200 each; 3. Caleb Mitchell/Tyler McKnight, 6.8, $1,257; 4. Tyler Magnus/Tommy Zuniga, 9.6, $629. First round group C: 1. David Key/Rich Skelton, 4.9 seconds, $2,514 each; 2. David Motes/Dustin Davis, 5.0, $1,886; 3. Luke Brown/Martin Lucero, 5.4, $1,257; 4. Justin Davis/Cole Davison, 5.6, $629. Second round group C: 1. Luke Brown/Martin Lucero, 4.9 seconds, $2,514 each; 2. Garrett Tonozzi/Kinney Harrell, 5.0, $1,886; 3. Justin Lovell/Mickey Gomez, 5.3, $1,257; 4. Tommy Edens/Justin Hendrick, 5.4, $629. Progressive round: 1. Cody Graham/Gabe Gwaltney, 5.0 seconds, $2,514 each; 2. Nick Sartain/Kollin VonAhn, 5.1, $1,886; 3. Luke Brown/Martin Lucero, 5.2, $1,257; 4. Jake Kropik/Wade Clayton, 5.6, $629. Quarterfinal round: 1. Bubba Bohac/B.J. Duggar, 5.0 seconds, $2,514; 2. Nick Sartain/Kollin VonAhn, 5.2, $1,886; 3. Cody Graham/Gabe Gwaltney, 5.6, $1,257; 4. Wes Kent/Bobby Baize, $629. Semifinal round: 1. Luke Brown/Martin Lucero, 4.9 seconds, $1,500 each; 2. Wes Kent/Bobby Baize, 5.7, $1,250; 3. Nick Sartain/Kollin VonAhn, 14.7, $1,000; no other qualified runs. Championship round: 1. Luke Brown/Martin Lucero, 6.8 seconds, $7,500 each; 2. Wes Kent/Bobby Baize, 10.6, $5,000.
Saddle bronc riding: First round group A: 1. Cody DeMoss, 88 points* on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Fox Trot, $2,514; 2. Mike Outhier, 84, $1,886; 3. Taos Muncy, 83, $1,257; 4. Weston Ireland, 81, $629. Second round group A: 1. Jesse Kirby, 82 points on Beutler & Son Rodeo’s Dillinger, $2,514; 2. Cody DeMoss, 81, $1,886; 3. Isaac Diaz, 77, $1,257; 4. Taos Muncy, 73, $629. First round group B: 1. Wade Sundell, 89 points* on Universal Rodeo’s Whiskey, $2,514; 2. Cort Scheer, 77, $1,886; 3. Kobyn Williams, 72, $1,257; 4. Curtis Garton, 71, $629. Second round group B: 1. Wade Sundell, 83 points on Universal Rodeo’s Tin Man, $2,514; 2. Tate Owens, 78, $1,886; 3. Justin Browning, 76, $1,257; 4. Curtis Garton, 73, $629. First round group C: 1. Sam Spreadborough, 79 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo’s Foxy Loxy, $2,514; 2. Jeremiah Diffee, 77, $1,886; 3. Ty Atchison, 74, $1,257; 4. Heith DeMoss, 73, $629. Second round group C: 1. Heith DeMoss, 82 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Rawhide, $2,514; 2. Ty Atchison, 75, $1,886; 3. Wes Burns, 70, $1,257; 4. Sam Spreadborough, 69, $629. Progressive round: 1. (tie) Heith DeMoss on J Bar J Rodeo’s Shady Cat and Justin Browning on Andrews Rodeo’s Rackateer, 83 points, $2,200 each; 3. (tie) Wade Sundell and Tate Owens, 82, $943 each. Quarterfinal round: 1. Wade Sundell, 84 points on Gold Buckle Rodeo’s Marlene’s Bug, $2,514; 2. Cort Scheer, 79, $1,886; 3. Ty Atchison, 77, $1,257; 4. Justin Browning, 76, $629. Semifinal round: 1. Justin Browning, 81 points on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Ginger Snap, $1,500; 2. Tate Owens, 79, $1,250; 3. Wade Sundell, 75, $1,000; 4. Jeremiah Diffee, 70, $750. Championship round: 1. Wade Sundell, 89 points** on Gold Buckle Rodeo’s Special Time, $7,500; 2. Justin Browning, 76, $5,000.
Tie-down roping: First round group A: 1. Hunter Herrin, 7.5 seconds*, $2,527; 2. Adam Gray, 7.6**, $1,895; 3. (tie) Chris Bradford and Russell Wells, 9.3, $948 each. Second round group A: 1. Clint Cooper, 8.0 seconds, $2,527; 2. Scott Kormos, 8.5, $1,895; 3. Adam Gray, 11.8, $1,263; 4. Chris Bradford, 12.4, $632. First round group B: 1. Tim Pharr, 8.0 seconds, $2,527; 2. Trent Creager, 8.1, $1,895; 3. Ryan Jarrett, 9.0, $1,263; 4. Landon McLaugh, 10.8, $632. Second round group B: 1. (tie) Timber Moore, Sterling Smith and Ryan Jarrett, 8.5 seconds, $1,896 each; 4. Trent Creager, $632. First round group C: 1. Stetson Vest, 8.5 seconds, $2,527; 2. Bubba Paschal, 8.7, $1,895; 3. Blake Huckabee, 9.8, $1,263; 4. Skyler Moore, 10.7, $632. Second round group C: 1. Frank Holliday, 8.6 seconds, $2,527; 2. Bubba Paschal, 9.2, $1,895; 3. Skyler Moore, 9.5, $1,263; 4. Stran Smith, 10.0, $632. Progressive round: 1. Ryan Jarrett, 8.5 seconds, $2,527; 2. Adam Gray, 8.9, $1,895; 3. Scott Kormos, 9.3, $1,263; 4. Frank Holliday, 9.9, $632. Quarterfinal round: 1. Adam Gray, 8.5 seconds, $2,527; 2. Clint Cooper, 9.4, $1,895; 3. Trent Creager, 9.6, $1,263; 4. Stetson Vest, 9.9, $632. Semifinal round: 1. Ryan Jarrett, 7.8 seconds, $1,500; 2. Skyler Moore, 7.9, $1,250; 3. Adam Gray, 9.1, $1,000; 4. Stetson Vest, 9.9, $750. Championship round: 1. Ryan Jarrett, 8.7 seconds, $7,500; 2. Stetson Vest, $5,000.
Bull riding: First round group A: 1. Bandy Murphy, 90 points on David Bailey Rodeo Company’s Billionaire, $2,552; 2. Tate Straton, 87, $1,914; 3. Blake Rowan, 81, $1,276; no other qualified rides. Second round group A: 1. Bandy Murphy, 84 points on Classic Pro Rodeo’s Smoke, $2,552; 2. Tyler Willis, 81, $1,914; 3. Lonnie Carpenter, 79, $1,276; 4. Cody Wood, 77, $638. First round group B: 1. J.W. Harris, 87 points on Bad Company Rodeo’s Super Freak, $2,552; 2. Sam Wilson, 83, $1,914; 3. Cody RoStockyJ, 80, $1,276; 4. Jason Beck, 79, $638. Second round group B: 1. Cody RoStockyJ, 84 points on Universal Rodeo’s Bo Dog, $2,552; 2. Brandon Reynolds, 77, $1,914; no other qualified rides. First round group C: 1. Taylor Cowan, 82 points on Sammy Catalena Rodeo’s 007 Secret Agent, $2,552; 2. Brendon Averett, 79, $1,914; no other qualified rides. Second round group C: 1. Beau Schroeder, 79 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Ned Pepper, $2,552; 2. Jesse Pohlmann, 76, $1,914; 3. Ardie Maier, 75, $1,276; 4. Brendon Averett, 74, $638. Progressive round: 1. Lonnie Carpenter, 87 points on Andrews Rodeo’s Drop Zone, $2,552; 2. (tie) Beau Schroeder and Bandy Murphy, 82, $1,595 each; 4. Brendon Averett, 78, $638. Quarterfinal round: 1. Bandy Murphy, 78 points on Andrews Rodeo’s Hot Spot, $2,552; 2. Tyler Willis, 77, $1,914; 3. Jesse Pohlmann, 69, $1,276; 4. Cody RoStockyJ, 63, $638. Semifinal round: 1. Brendon Averett, 79 points on Rafter G Rodeo’s Confucius, $1,500; 2. Tyler Willis, 77, $1,250; 3. Cody RoStockyJ, 75, $1,000; no other qualified rides. Championship round: 1. Tyler Willis, 84 points on Andrews Rodeo’s Slick Willy, $7,500; no other qualified rides.
Total payoff: $472,500. Stock contractors: Various. Arena Director: Binion Cervi. Rodeo secretary: Sunni Deb Backstrom. Officials: Steve Knowles, Butch Kirby and Cliff Overstreet.
Timers: Mary Brunner and Brenda Crowder. Announcers: Hadley Barrett and Randy Corley. Specialty act: John Harrison. Clowns/bullfighters: Cory Wall and Andy Burelle. Barrelman: John Harrison. Flankmen: Various. Pickup men: Chase Cervi and Paul Peterson. Photographer: Robby Freeman.
* Sets the Heartland ProRodeo Championships arena record.
** Ties the Heartland ProRodeo Championship arena record.
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Cannon's regular season starts and ends with triumphs in Waco
October 18, 2009
WACO, Texas -- Clint Cannon started the 2009 rodeo season with a win at the Dodge Texas Circuit Finals last January at the Heart O'
Texas Coliseum and finished the regular season with a win at the Heartland ProRodeo Championships here.
When the Waller, Texas, bareback rider won the circuit finals, it was on River Boat Annie, a tremendous horse owned by Carr Pro Rodeo. He won the semifinals here on Saturday night with an 87-point effort on Gold Buckle's Bar Bandit. He couldn't have been any happier when he saw River Boat Annie beside his name in the finals once again.
This time the duo matched up for 89 points to tie the arena record held by Steven Peebles from Redmond, Ore., and Dave Worsfold of Wandoan, Queensland, Australia.
Cannon's success here pushed his total for the week to $12,143, giving him an unofficial total of $233,457. He has now surpassed the regular season earnings record for any individual event. Bull rider Matt Austin set the previous record of $228,766 in 2005 en route to his world championship.
Cannon's goal now is to win the gold buckle signifying that he is the best bareback rider in the world. And, he wants to win the title by more than $50,000 so that there is no question about his athletic ability. Cannon took over the world standings lead in March after winning $50,000 in the final round of RodeoHouston.
"I never thought a day like this would come," Cannon said. "To set all these records and be this successful is a dream come true."
Dreams also came true for Tyler Willis from Wheatland, Wyo., when he won the Heartland Championship and secured the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Rookie of the Year title in bull riding. Willis had been trading places in the standings all week with Taylor Cowan from Fort Pierre, S.D., until he closed things out decisively on Saturday night.
Cowan led coming into Waco by just $113. Willis earned money on Friday in the quarterfinals, came back and placed second in the semifinals Saturday night and was the lone rider to stay on his bull for eight seconds in the final round. Willis won $8,750 here on Saturday night, enabling him to walk away with both titles.
"When Taylor bucked off (in the semifinals), it took a lot of pressure off of me." Willis said. "We're good friends, go to school together (at Vernon College in Texas) and have been rodeoing together. We're pretty competitive and the rookie title means a lot to both of us, because it's something that you can only win once."
Wade Sundell, who had set an arena record earlier this week in saddle bronc riding, tied the record again here on Saturday. Sundell had an 89-point ride on Gold Buckle Rodeo's Special Time. Sundell added $16,985 to his regular season earnings. He was ranked 12th prior to the Heartland ProRodeo Championships and will likely move up near the top five in the PRCA World Standings entering the Dec. 3-12 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
The other Heartland champions were Ryan Jarrett, of Summerville, Ga., in tie-down roping, Luke Brown, of Rock Hill, S.C., and Martin Lucero, of Stephenville, Texas, in team roping and Chancey Larson, of Manhattan, Kan., in steer wrestling.
The Heart O' Texas Coliseum was sold out for Saturday night's rodeo. Plans are now being made for the 2010 event, which will be the championship event for the All American ProRodeo Series, which will supercede the Heartland ProRodeo Series.
Heartland ProRodeo Champions (money is unofficial)
Bareback Riding - Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas, $12,143
Tie-Down Roping - Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga., $12,771
Steer Wrestling - Chancey Larson, Manhattan, Kan., $16,542
Saddle Bronc Riding - Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, $16,985
Team Roping - Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C./Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas $14,028 each
Bull Riding - Tyler Willis, Wheatland, Wyo., $12,522
WACO, Texas --- The following are semi-final and final results after the ninth performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O' Texas Fair Rodeo, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009
Bareback Riding: Semifinals: 1. Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas, 87 points on J Bar J Rodeo's Bar Bandit, $1,500; 2. Tim Shirley, Grant, Colo., 81, $1,250; 3. (tie) D.V. Fennell, Neosho, Mo., and Matt Bright, Azle, Texas, 79, $875 each. Finals: 1. Cannon, 89 points on Carr Pro Rodeo's River Boat Annie, $7,500; 2. Fennell, 86, $5,000.
Tie-Down Roping: Semifinals: 1. Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga., 8.7 seconds, $1,500; 2. Skyler Moore, Mt. Vernon, Mo., 7.9, $1,250; 3.
Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 9.1, $1,000; 4. Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas, 9.9, $750. Finals: 1. Jarrett, 8.7 seconds, $7,500; 2. Vest, 9.0, $5,000.
Steer Wrestling: Semifinals: 1. Chancey Larson, Manhattan, Kan., 3.6 seconds, $1,500; 2. Matt Reeves, Pampa, Texas, 4.4, $1,250; 3.
Ronnie Fields, Oklahoma City, Okla., 4.5, $1,000; 4, Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., 4.8, $750. Finals: 1. Larson, 3.6 seconds, $7,500. 2. Fields, 3.7, $5,000.
Saddle Bronc Riding: Semifinals: 1. Justin Browning, Lake Charles, La., 81 points on Carr Pro Rodeo's Ginger Snap, $1,500; 2. Tate Owens, Platteville, La., 79, $1,250; 3. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 75, $1,000; 4, Jermiah Diffee, Hatfield, Ark., 70, $750. Finals: 1. Sundell, 89 points on Gold Buckle's Special Time, $7,500; 2. Browning, 76, $5,000.
Team Roping: Semifinals: 1. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C./Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas, 4.9 seconds, $1,500 each; 2. Wes Kent, Grand Cane, La./Bobby Baize, Anthony, N.M., 5.7, $1,250; 3. Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla./Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla., 14.7, $1,000. Finals: 1. Brown/Lucero, 6.8 seconds, $7,000 each; 2. Kent/Baize, 10.8, $5,000.
Bull Riding: Semifinals: 1. Brendon Reynolds, Pike Road, Ala., 79 points on Rafter G Rodeo's Confucius, $1,500; 2. Tyler Willis, Wheatland, Wyo., 77, $1,250; 3. Cody RoStockyj, China Spring, Texas, 75, $1,000; no other qualified rides. Finals: 1. Tyler Willis, Wheatland, Wyo., 84 points on Andrews Rodeo's Slick Willy, $7,500; no other qualified rides.
2009 Heartland ProRodeo Championships
Dates: Oct. 9-17 (Steer roping championship on Oct. 13.)
Location: Waco, Texas
Arena: Heart O’ Texas Coliseum
Payoff: $471,000
Field: Top 30 qualifiers (teams in team roping) in the Heartland ProRodeo Series standings as of Sept. 15.
Schedule: Performances are 7 nightly (CT), except on Sunday, Oct. 11 when the rodeo begins at 4 p.m. (CT).
Rodeo finals: 7 p.m. (CT) Oct. 17
Steer roping finals: Action begins 8 a.m. (CT) on Oct. 13
Livestock draw:
Bareback Riding (.pdf)
Saddle Bronc Riding (.pdf)
Bull Riding (.pdf)
Stock Contractors list: Click here (.pdf)
Contract personnel list: Click here (.pdf)
Contestant list: Click here (.pdf)
Steer roping contestant list: Click here (.pdf)
About the series: Now finishing its second year, the Heartland ProRodeo Series consists of PRCA rodeos with committee purses of $30,000 or less. Money earned at those rodeos counts for the Heartland ProRodeo Series standings, with qualifiers advancing to the season-ending championship based on those standings.
Heart O’ Texas Fair & Rodeo Web site
http://www.hotfair.com
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Rookie race takes center stage at Heartland Championships
Oct.16, 2009
WACO, Texas -- The race for the Bull Riding Rookie of the Year title has been one of the closest in the history of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and has taken a dramatic new turn at the Heartland ProRodeo Championships
Taylor Cowan of Fort Pierre, S.D., arrived at the Heart O' Texas Fair with a lead of just $113 over Tyler Willis of Wheatland, Wyo., in the rookie race. When Cowan won one of the preliminary rounds of competition and Willis placed second, the lead jumped to $745 entering Friday's quarterfinals.
But Willis had just the right answer to the challenge. He had a 77-point ride on Sammy Catalena's bull named Secret Agent to finish second and win $1,886. Cowan failed to make a successful ride, but still advanced to the semifinals thanks to his previous success.
Willis is now in the lead for the rookie title by $941. With $9,000 up for grabs on Saturday in the semifinal and final rounds, it's likely to come down to one eight-second bull ride.
The duo are more than competitors in the PRCA. They are both attending Vernon (Texas) College, and live just down the hall from each other. They have been going to rodeos together all year and feeding off each other's successes.
Bandy Murphy of Morgan Mill, Texas, is the only bull rider to have managed four successful bull rides here. Murphy won his third buckle of the competition with a 78-point ride on Andrews Rodeo's Hot Spot, edging Willis by a single point.
Steven Peebles, who had the bareback riding rookie title sewn up before he got here, earned his third go-round buckle and tied the arena record Friday. Peebles, from Redmond, Ore., rode the Andrews Rodeo horse Power Play for 89 points to equal the record set by Dave Worsfold, who was the 2008 Heartland champion.
All of the competitors start at zero in the semifinals and again in the finals. Everyone who qualifies has an opportunity to win a championship and the truck load of money that goes with it. Champions will earn at least $7,500 here. They all advanced through the competition based on earnings, making this rodeo a very lucrative stop on the tour.
Rodeo action gets underway at 7 p.m. Saturday with the semifinals. WACO, Texas --- The following are results after the eighth performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O' Texas Fair Rodeo, Friday, Oct. 16, 2009. Saturday's rodeo will feature the top eight contestants in a semifinals, then the top four in the finals. Bareback Riding: 1. Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., on Andrews Rodeo's Power Play, $2,514; 2. Tim Shirley, Grant, Colo., 82, $1,886; 3. Heath Ford, Greeley, Colo., 82, $1,257; 4. Jared Smith, Williston, Fla., 81, $629; 5-8. D.V. Fennell, Neosho, Mo.; Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas; Dave Worsfold, Queensland, Australia, and Matt Bright, Azle, Texas.
Tie-Down Roping: 1. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 8.5 seconds, $2,514; 2. Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 9.4, $1,886; 3. Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla., 9.6, $1,257; 4. Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas, 9.8, $629; 5-8. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas; Skyler Moore, Mount Vernon, Mo.; Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Texas, and Frank Holliday, New Waverly, Texas.
Steer Wrestling: 1. (tie) Chancey Larson, Manhattan, Kan., and Brent Arnold, Coleman, Texas, 4.5 seconds, $2,200 each; 3. (tie) Darrell Petry, Beaumont, Texas, and Matt Reeves, Pampa, Texas, 4.6, $943 each; 5-8. Blake Doyle, Granbury, Texas; Casey Martin, Sulphur, La.; Ronnie Fields, Oklahoma City, Okla., and Mickey Gee, Wichita Falls, Texas. Saddle Bronc Riding: 1. Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 84 points on Gold Buckle Rodeo's Marlene's Bug, $2,514; 2. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., 79, $1,886; 3. Ty Atchison, Jackson, Mo., 77, $1,257; 4. Justin Browning, Lake Charles, La., 76, $629; 5-8. Tate Owens, Platteville, Colo.; Sam Spreadborough, Snyder, Texas; Jermiah Diffee, Hatfield, Ark., and Mike Outhier, Utopia, Texas.
Team Roping: 1. Bubba Bohac, Victoria, Texas/B.J. Dugger, Center Point, Texas, 5.0 seconds, $2,514 each; 2. Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla./Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla., 5.2, $1,886; 3. Cody Graham, Everton, Mo./Gabe Gwaltney, Carthage, Mo., 5.6, $1,257; 4. Wes Kent, Grand Cane, La./Bobby Baize, Anthony, N.M., 5.7, $629; 5-8. Justin Parish, Mineral Wells, Texas/Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan.; Jake Kropik, Midway, Texas/Wade Clayton, Beasley, Texas; Caleb Mitchell, Sealy, Texas/Tyler McKnight, Wells, Texas, and Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C./Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas.
Bull Riding: 1. Bandy Murphy, Morgan Mill, Texas, 78 points on Andrews Rodeo's Hot Spot, $2,514; 2. Tyler Willis, Wheatland, Wyo., 77, $1,886; 3. Jesse Pohlmann, Lenexa, Kan., 69, $1,257; 4. Cody RoStockyj, China Spring, Texas, $629; 5-8. Lonnie Carpenter, Haysville, Kan.; Beau Schroeder, China, Texas; Brendon Averett, Lake Charles, La., and Taylor Cowan, Fort Pierre, S.D.
Shared riggin' takes riders to Challenge Round win
10/15/09
WACO, Texas -- Two bareback riders, two horses, one rigging and it all worked together for $4,400 in the Challenge Round of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O' Texas Fair.
Matt Bright and Steven Peebles tied for the win in bareback riding with 85 point scores. Peebles was the first rider out and had received his score on Andrews Rodeo's Jitterbug. When it was Bright's turn, the horse he was on gave him some trouble in the chute and broke his bareback riding rigging. The good news was Bright was awarded a reride. The bad news? He had to find someone to loan him a rigging. Pronto.
Bareback riggings are made of leather, wood and rawhide and feature a handhold similar to a suitcase handle. They are customized to fit a rider's hand, so finding a spare at the last minute is nearly impossible.
Bright borrowed the rigging that Peebles had just used to get on his second horse. The equipment worked just as well for Bright, as he also received an 85-point score, on Cervi Championship Rodeo's Blood Bath.
Each man won $2,200 and will be competing in the quarterfinals on Friday night.
In tie-down roping, it was 2005 All-Around World Champion Cowboy Ryan Jarrett who was at the top of the leader board. Jarrett roped and tied his calf in 8.5 seconds to win $2,514. Adam Gray was second in 8.9 seconds.
Chancey Larson of Manhattan, Kan., won his second round of the week with a 4.1-second run in steer wrestling. Larson added $2,514 to his earnings so far. In bull riding it was another Kansan, Lonnie Carpenter, who had the high-marked ride of the night. Carpenter, rode Andrews Rodeo's Drop Zone for 87 points to win $2,514. All of these men will be competing on Friday hoping to advance to Saturday's semifinals and finals.
Friday night's competition starts at 7 p.m.
WACO, Texas -- The following are results after the seventh performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O' Texas Fair Rodeo, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009. The top ten contestants advance to the quarterfinals on Friday night.
Bareback Riding: 1. (tie) Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., on Andrews Rodeo's Jitterbug, and Matt Bright, Azle, Texas, on Cervi Championships' Blood Bath, $2,200 each; 3. Jared Smith, Williston, Fla., 81, $1,257; 4. Dave Worsfold, Queensland, Australia, 79, $629. 5-10; Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas; Tim Shirley, Grant, Colo.; Heath Ford, Greeley, Colo.; Ryan Stutes, Sulphur, La.; Jared Keylon, Fort Scott, Kan.; and D.V. Fennell, Neosho, Mo.
Tie-Down Roping: 1. Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga., 8.5 seconds, $2,514; 2. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 8.9, $1,886; 3. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 9.3, $1,257; 4. Frank Holliday, New Waverly, Texas, 9.9, $629; 5-10. Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla.; Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas; Skyler Moore, Mount Vernon, Mo.; Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla.; Tim Pharr, Resaca, Ga.; Timber Moore, Aubrey, Texas; and Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas.
Steer Wrestling: 1. Chancey Larson, Manhattan, Kan., 4.1 seconds, $2,514; 2. Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., 4.3, $1,886; 3. Blake Doyle, Granbury, Texas, 4.7, $1,257; 4. Brent Arnold, Coleman, Texas, 5.3, $629; 5-10; Darrell Petry, Beaumont, Texas; Mickey Gee, Wichita Falls, Texas; Ronnie Fields, Oklahoma City; Bill Pace, Stephenville, Texas; Ryan Mims, Holdenville, Okla.; and Matt Reeves, Pampa, Texas.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1. (tie) Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La., and Justin Browning, Lake Charles, La., 83 points, $2,200 each; 3. (tie) Tate Owens, Platteville, Colo., and Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 82 points, $943; 5-10. Sam Spreadborough, Snyder, Texas; Ty Atchison, Jackson, Mo.; Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb.; Jermiah Diffee, Hatfield, Ark.; Mike Outhier, Utopia, Texas; and Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M.
Team Roping: 1. Cody Graham, Everton, Mo./Gabe Gwaltney, Carthage, Mo., 5.0 seconds, $2,514 each; 2. Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla./Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla., 5.1, $1,886; 3. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C./Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas, 5.2, $1,257; 4. Jake Kropik, Midway, Texas/Wade Clayton, Beasley, Texas, 5.6, $629; 5-10. Caleb Mitchell, Sealy, Texas/Tyler McKnight, Wells, Texas; Garrett Tonozzi, Fruita, Colo./Kinney Harrell, Marshall, Texas; Bubba Bohac, Victoria, Texas/B.J. Dugger, Centerpoint, Texas; Brook Bearden, Dublin, Texas/Blake Elms, Granbury, Texas; Justin Parish, Mineral Wells, Texas/Jake Long, Coffeyville, Kan., and Wes Kent, Grand Cane, La./Bobby Baize, Anthony, N.M.
Bull Riding: 1. Lonnie Carpenter, Haysville, Kan., 87 points on Andrews Rodeo's Drop Zone, $2,514; 2. (tie) Bandy Murphy, Morgan Mill, Texas, and Beau Schroeder, China, Texas, 82, $1,572 each; 4. Brendon Averett, Lake Charles, La., 78, $629; 5-10. J.W. Harris, May, Texas; Tyler Willis, Wheatland, Wyo.; Jesse Pohlmann, Lenexa, Kan.; Taylor Cowan, Fort Pierre, S.D.; Cody RoStockyj, China Spring, Texas; and Brandon Reynolds, Pike Road, Ala.
Team roping tightens up at Heartland ProRodeo Championships
Oct.14, 2009
WACO, Texas -- There was just half-a-second separating the top four times in team roping at the sixth performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships on Wednesday night.
Luke Brown from Rock Hill, S.C., and Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas, were at the top of the leader board with a 4.9 second run. Brown and Lucero are headed to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December and are hoping that this rodeo builds momentum that keeps them rolling through all 10 rounds in Las Vegas.
Garrett Tonozzi and Kinney Harrell were next in line at 5.0 seconds. Tonozzi, from Fruita, Colo., did the heading while Harrell, who lives in Marshall, Texas, cleaned up in the heeling. Texans Justin Lovell and Mickey Gomez finished third with a 5.3 and Tommy Edens and Justin Hendrick finished fourth with 5.4.
Advancing to Thursday's progressive round are Brown and Lucero and Tonozzi and Harrell. Also, the first and second place finishers from Tuesday night, David Key and Rich Skelton and David Motes and Dustin Davis made the cut.
Tim Shirley from Grant, Colo., was the high money winner in bareback riding. He placed on Tuesday night and won the round on Wednesday. Shirley had an 87-point effort on the Rafter G Rodeo's Assault.
Just two years ago, Beau Schroeder from China, Texas, was thinking that the biggest accomplishment in his bull riding career was winning the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association title. Schroeder now has his eyes on bigger prizes. He won the bull riding here on Wednesday with a 79 on Rafter G Rodeo's Ned Pepper. The ride paid $2,514, assuring him a spot in the progressive round. While Schroeder doesn't have the opportunity to compete at this year's WNFR, he is a promising young talent who has plans to be there in 2010.
Clint Cannon from Waller, Texas added $1,886 to his earnings with another successful bareback ride. He's had a qualified ride on every horse that he has been on in 2009, quite a feat considering he has gotten on more than 200 horses that are doing their best to get him off of their backs. Cannon needs to earn an additional $4,309 to break the regular season earnings record for any individual event and is on pace to break even more prize money records during the WNFR.
Reigning World Champion Tie-Down Roper Stran Smith finished just fourth in Wednesday's competition and that ended his last hope of making it back to Las Vegas for a title defense. Smith, of Childress, Texas, arrived in Waco needing $4,641 to move from 17th to 15th place in the PRCA World Standings, but failed to earn a check Tuesday and the $629 he got on Wednesday failed to qualify him for the progressive round.
Smith and team roping header Matt Sherwood of Pima, Ariz., are the only reigning world champions who have failed to qualify for the 51st annual Wrangler NFR.
Thursday night's progressive round will feature the top four money winners in each event from each of the three groups of contestants. The best 10 from the progressive will compete in Friday night's quarterfinals. Saturday will feature a semifinal and final round before Heartland ProRodeo Series Champions are crowned. WACO, Texas -- The following are results after the sixth performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O' Texas Fair Rodeo, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. The four contestants in each event who won the most money advance to the progressive round Thursday night. Bareback Riding: 1. Tim Shirley, Grant, Colo., 87 points on Rafter G Rodeo's Assault, $2,514; 2. Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas, 84, $1,886; 3. (tie) Evan Jayne, Huntsville, Texas, and Josh Shackelford, McGee, Mo., 76, $943 each. (progressive round qualifiers) 1. Shirley, $3,771; 2. Cannon, $3,143; 3. Kaycee Feild, Elk Ridge, Utah, $1,886; 4. Matt Bright, Azle, Texas, $1,257.
Tie-Down Roping: 1. Frank Holliday, New Waverly, Texas, 8.6 seconds, $2,514; 2. Bubba Paschal, LaPorte, Texas, 9.2, $1,886; 3, Skyler Moore, Mt. Vernon, Mo., 9.5, $1,257; 4. Stran Smith, Childress, Texas, 10.0, $629. (progressive round qualifiers) 1. Paschal, $3,772; 2. (tie) Holliday, Moore and Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas, $2,514 each.
Steer Wrestling: 1. (tie) Blake Doyle, Granbury, Texas, and John Schueneman, Madisonville, Texas, 4.4 seconds, $2,200 each; 3. Reagon Walker, Ennis, Texas, 4.5, $1,257; 4. (tie) Chancey Larson, Manhattan, Kan., and Darrell Petry, Beaumont, Texas, 5.2, $315 each. (progressive round qualifiers) 1. Schueneman, $3,143; 2. Larson, $2,829; 3. (tie) Doyle and Petry, $2,200 each. Saddle Bronc Riding: 1. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La., 82 points on Rafter G Rodeo's Rawhide, $2,514; 2. Ty Atchison, Jackson, Mo., 75, $1,886; 3. Wes Burns, Stephenville, Texas, 70, $1,257; 4. Sam Spreadborough, Snyder, Texas, $629. (progressive round qualifiers) 1. (tie) Spreadborough, DeMoss, and Atchison, $3,143 each; 4. Jermiah Diffee, Hatfield, Ark., $1,886.
Team Roping: 1. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C./Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas, 4.9 seconds, $2,514; 2. Garrett Tonozzi, Fruita, Colo./Kinney Harrell, Marshall, Texas, 5.0, $1,886; 3. Justin Lovell, Grapeland, Texas/Mickey Gomez, Holland, Texas, 5.3, $1,257; 4. Tommy Edens, Gatesville, Texas/Justin Hendrick, Rosenberg, Texas, 5.4, $629. (progressive round qualifiers) 1. Brown/Lucero, $3,771; 2. David Key, Caldwell, Texas/Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas, $2,514; 3. (tie) Tonozzi/Harrell and David Motes, Tolar, Texas/Dustin Davis, Texarkana, Texas, $1,886 each.
Bull Riding: 1. Beau Schroeder, China, Texas, 79 points on Rafter G Rodeo's Ned Pepper, $2,514; 2. Jesse Pohlmann, Lenexa, Kan., 76, $1,886; 3. Ardie Maier, Timber Lake, S.D., 75, $1,257; 4. Brendon Averett, Lake Charles, La., 74, $629. (progressive round qualifiers) 1. (tie) Schroeder, Averett, and Taylor Cowan, Fort Pierre, S.D., $2,514 each; 4. Pohlmann, $1,886.
Aussie Earns Win at Heartland Championships
WACO, Texas -- Less than 20 hours before getting on a saddle bronc at the Heartland ProRodeo Championships on Tuesday night, Sam Spreadborough was on a plane flying from his native Australia back to the U.S.
The jet lag that comes from spending 20 hours on a plane and crossing the International Dateline hadn't set in when he arrived at the Heart O' Texas Fair. Spreadborough, who was the 2003 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rookie of the Year won the round with a 79-point ride on Cervi Championship Rodeo's Foxy Loxy. That earned him $2,514 and will likely get him back to Thursday's progressive round.
Spreadborough is 31st in the PRCA World Standings and while he doesn't have a chance to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, money won here will help him secure spots in top rodeos in the 2010 season.
He was on the rodeo trail through Labor Day. After competing in the final round at the Ellensburg (Wash.) Rodeo, he got on a plane in Boise, Idaho, to fly back to Australia and get his visa renewed. The time-consuming process nearly kept him from competing in Waco.
Kaycee Feild, from Elk Ridge, Utah won the bareback riding with an 85-point ride on Cervi Championship's Lonesome Hilda. He is headed to his second NFR and is hoping that any momentum he gains here will carry through to rodeo's championship event.
Clint Cannon got a little closer to his goal of breaking the bareback riding earnings record. He was part of a three-way tie for second place Tuesday night with 80 points, adding $1,257 to his earnings as he takes aim at Will Lowe's record of $280,227, set in 2006.
Cannon has already broken Bobby Mote's regular-season (pre-NFR) earnings record of $152,184, entering Waco with $221,314.
Tie-down roper Stran Smith, the reigning World and Heartland ProRodeo champion did not have success here on Tuesday and is hoping things go better on Wednesday. Smith roped and tied his calf in 9.0 seconds, which would have earned him a third place check of $1,257. However, the calf failed to stay tied for the required 6 seconds, so he received a no-time.
Contestants advance to the progressive round based on total money won, so if he does well on Wednesday he still has an opportunity to make the cut. Smith is 17th in the PRCA World Standings and needs to win $5,642 to move into the 15th spot to qualify for his 11th NFR.
All of these contestants will have their second appearance here on Wednesday night beginning at 7 p.m. CT.
WACO, Texas -- The following are results after the fifth performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O' Texas Fair Rodeo, Tuesday, October 13, 2009.
Bareback Riding: 1. Kaycee Feild, Elk Ridge, Utah, 85 points on Cervi Championship Rodeo's Lonesome Hilda, $2,514; 2. (tie) Tim Shirley, Grant, Colo.; Matt Bright, Azle, Texas, and Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas, 80, $1,257 each.
Tie-Down Roping: 1. Stetson Vest, Childress, Texas, 8.0 seconds, $2,514; 2. Bubba Paschal, LaPorte, Texas, 8.7, $1,886; 3. Skyler Moore, Mount Vernon, Mo., 10.7, $1,257; 4. Bradley Bynum, Sterling City, Texas, 11.5, $629.
Steer Wrestling: 1. Chancey Larson, Manhattan, Kan., 3.7 seconds, $2,514; 2. Darrell Petry, Beaumont, Texas, 4.0, $1,886; 3. (tie) Brent Lasetter, Elm Mott, Texas, and John Schuenemann, Madisonville, Texas, 5.2, $943 each.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1. Sam Spreadborough, Snyder, Texas, 79 points on Cervi Championships Foxy Loxy, $2,514; 2. (tie) Ty Atchison, Jackson, Mo., and Jermiah Diffee, Hatfield, Ark., 74, $1,571 each; 4. Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La., 73, $629.
Team Roping: 1. David Key, Caldwell, Texas/Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas, 4.9 seconds, $2,514 each; 2. David Motes, Tolar, Texas/Dustin Davis, Texarkana, Texas, 5.0, $1,886; 3. Luke Brown, Rock Hill, S.C./Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas, 5.4, $1,257; 4. Justin Davis, Conroe, Texas/Cole Davison, Madisonville, Texas, 5.6, $629.
Bull Riding: 1. Taylor Cowan, Fort Pierre, S.D., 82 points on Sammy Catalena Rodeo's 007 Secret Agent, $2,514; 2. Brendon Averett, Delaware, Okla., 79, $1,886; no other qualified rides.
Sundell adds another win at Heartland Championships
Courtesy Susan Kanode
WACO, Texas --- Wade Sundell has become the second contestant to win two trophy buckles at the Heartland ProRodeo Championships, Oct. 12 at the Heart O’ Texas Fair.
Two bucking horses from Universal Rodeo have taken Sundell to the top of the leader board. He set a Heartland Championships record on Oct. 11 with an 89-point ride on Whiskey, and came back to follow it up with an 83-point effort on Tin Man.
Sundell is the second cowboy to win both of his preliminary rounds of competition. The other was Bandy Murphy who won twice in the bull riding in the first group. These two men are the high money winners, so far having each earned $5,028.
It may not have been pretty, but Jared Smith’s 77-point ride on Pro Rodeo Inc.’s Gypsy Rose was effective. It was the high-marked ride of the night and earned the Williston, Fla., cowboy $2,514. Coming into the Heartland ProRodeo Championships, Smith was 15th in the PRCA World Standings and in danger of being moved out. The top 15 qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 3-12 in Las Veags, where world championships are decided.
Smith has earned $3,771, which should move him ahead of Jason Havens, from Prineville, Ore., who is in 14th place. Smith will advance to Thursday night’s progressive round. Jared Keylon is in 16th place but earned $1,886 here and has qualified for the progressive round. He needs to earn checks in the progressive, advance through to the finals to have any hope of qualifying for the Wrangler NFR. There will be a lot of eyes watching the bareback riding beginning on Thursday.
The third group of contestants starts Tuesday and includes Clint Cannon, who leads the Heartland Series and the world standings. Cannon has already set a new regular seasons earnings record in bareback riding and is on pace to be the high money winner in a single event during the regular season in all of the PRCA.
That record is currently held by Matt Austin who won the bull riding title in 2005. That same year, he won $228,766 prior to the Wrangler NFR. Cannon has earnings of $221,314 so far this year so needs to earn about $6,500 to set the record. With the way he has been riding and the amount of prize money available in the Heartland Final, it is definitely possible.
Rodeo action gets underway with the third group of contestants on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT. The steer roping championships also will be held on Tuesday, beginning at 8 a.m.
Heartland ProRodeo Championships
Heart O' Texas Fair and Rodeo,
Waco, TexasFourth Performance,
Oct. 12, 2009 |
| Bareback Riding |
Stock |
Score |
Rodeo Team |
| Jared Smith, Williston, FL |
423 Gypsy Rose PR |
77 |
WW Livestock Systems |
| Jared Keylon, Fort Scott, KS |
69 City Limits PR |
76 |
Hillin Sand & Gravel |
| Steven Peebles, Redmond, OR |
222 Leap Year SC |
69 |
Extraco Banks |
| Dave Worsfold, Queensland, AUS |
07 Indian Outlaw DB |
67 |
Convergys |
| Forrie Smith, Capitan, NM |
482 Chip & Dale UR |
65 |
A All About Foam |
| Cody Ziober, Huntsville, TX |
232 UR |
62 |
T & G Chemical |
| Bee Jay Scott, Otley, IA |
14 Free Ride BC |
0 |
S43 Brown Jug DB |
| Tilden Hooper, Carthage, TX |
329 Make My Day SC |
0 |
American Clasifieds |
| Andy Carter, Elsinore, MO |
5 Short Fuse UR |
0 |
Waco Trib |
| Luis Escudero, Vado, NM |
C79 Brown Eyed Girl BC |
0 |
Sonntag Oil Co. |
|
|
|
|
| Tie-Down Roping |
|
Time |
Rodeo Team |
| Timber Moore, Aubrey, TX |
|
8.5 |
Texas Land Bank |
| Sterling Smith, Stephenville, TX |
|
8.5 |
Harley-Davidson of Waco |
| Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, GA |
|
8.5 |
Montana Silversmiths |
| Trent Creager, Stillwater, OK |
|
8.6 |
Scott & White Health Plan |
| Justin Maass, Giddings, TX |
|
14.7 |
JHLConstruction |
| Ricky Canton, Navasota, TX |
|
18.0 |
Andy Horn Builder & Dev. |
| Matt Kenney, Onawa, IA |
|
18.0 |
Waco CVB |
| P.J. Spencer, Collinsville, OK |
|
0.0 |
Pioneer Steel & Pipe |
| Landon McClaugherty, Tilden, TX |
|
0.0 |
Martin Audiology |
| Tim Pharr, Resaca, GA |
|
0.0 |
Coors |
|
|
|
|
| Steer Wrestling |
|
Time |
Rodeo Team |
| Bill Pace, Stephenville, TX |
|
3.5 |
Harley-Davidson of Waco |
| Ronnie Fields, Oklahoma City, OK |
|
3.8 |
Montana Silversmiths |
| Ryan Mims, Holdenville, OK |
|
4.2 |
American Bank |
| Spud Duvall, Checotah, OK |
|
4.7 |
Wardlaw Training Center |
| Todd Suhn, Hermosa, SD |
|
4.8 |
Andy Horn Building & Dev. |
| Travis Hancock, Clemons, IA |
|
5.3 |
Hill Sand & Gravel |
| Cole Edge, Durant, OK |
|
7.9 |
Jack of All Trades |
| Jack Hodges, Stephenville, TX |
|
7.9 |
Texas Land Bank |
| Sean Mulligan, Coleman, OK |
|
0 |
Brazos Masonry, Inc. |
| Brady Hageman, McCook, NE |
|
0.0 |
Arnold Oil Company |
|
|
|
|
| Saddle Bronc Riding |
Stock |
Score |
Rodeo Team |
| Wade Sundell, Boxholm, IA |
813 Tin Man UR |
83 |
Wells Fargo |
| Tate Owen, Platteville, CO |
54 Rocket Man BC |
78 |
Wardlaw Training Center |
| Justin Browning, Lake Charles, LA |
C96 City Lights DB |
76 |
Coors |
| Curtis Garton, Kaitaia, NZ |
159 Casino Royale UR |
73 |
Montana Silversmiths |
| Ty Kennedy, Philip, SD |
950 South Point UR |
68 |
T & G Chemical |
| Cort Scheer, Elsmere, NE |
122 Back N Black LP |
67 |
Bar None Country Store |
| Kobyn Williams, DeBerry, TX |
131 War Wagon UR |
61 |
Harley Davidson of Waco |
| Jesse James Crowder, Stephenville, TX |
815 Mr. J LP |
0 |
Martin Audiology |
| T.J. Baynei, Richards, TX |
44 Blue Moon LP |
0 |
Brazos Valley Equip. |
| Clayton Zibell, Walnug Grove, MO |
20 Rock N Roll BC |
0 |
Brazos Masonry, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
| Team Roping |
|
Time |
Rodeo Team |
| Justin Parish, Mineral Wells, TX |
Jake Long, Coffeyville, KS |
5 |
T & G Chemical |
| Cody Graham, Everton, MO |
Gabe Gwaltney, Carthage, MO |
5 |
American Classifieds |
| Caleb Mitchell, Sealy, TX |
Tyler McKnight, Wells, TX |
6.8 |
Montana Silversmiths |
| Tyler Magnus, Hamilton, TX |
Tommy Zuniga, Centerville, TX |
9.6 |
Lindsey Contractors |
| Keven Daniel, Franklin, TN |
Boogie Ray, Mabank, TX |
9.7 |
Brazos Valley Equipment |
| Reese Kerr, Comfort, TX |
Ace Pearce, Washington, TX |
11.6 |
Arnold Oil Company |
| Justin Yost, Mt. Morris, PA |
Britt Bockius, Claremore, OK |
0 |
WW Livestock Systems |
| Brad Hamilton, Pollok, TX |
Joe Day, Howe, TX |
0 |
Sonntag Oil Company |
| Scooter Nolen, Jr., Collinsville, TX |
Cody Doescher, Oklahoma City, OK |
0 |
Bar None Country Store |
| Brook Bearden, Dublin, TX |
Blake Elms, Cleburne, TX |
0.0 |
Waco CVB |
|
|
|
|
| Bull Riding |
Stock |
Score |
Rodeo Team |
| Cody RoStockyl, China Spring, TX |
147 Bo Dog UR |
84 |
Waco CVB |
| Brandon Reynolds, Pike Road, AL |
T1 Tar Baby DB |
77 |
Scott & White Health Plan |
| J.W. Harris, May, Texas, |
75 Hill Country UR |
0 |
A All About Foam |
| Dylan Werner, Bushnell, FL |
52 Oochie Kootchie UR |
0 |
WW Livestock Systems |
| Shawn Hogg, Odessa, TX |
618 Crankster Gangster UR |
0 |
Harley-Davidson of Waco |
| Patrick Geipel, Elbert, CO |
X43 Billionaire DB |
0 |
Waco Trib |
| Friday Wright, II, Moss Point, MS |
66 Headstrong BC |
0 |
Jack of All Trades |
| Jason Beck, Prairieville, LA |
T4 Rock N Roll DB |
0 |
Wardlaw Training Center |
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Sundell breaks record at Heartland Championships
Courtesy Susan Kanode
10/11/2009
WACO, Texas --- While Wade Sundell might not come from saddle bronc riding country or from an area rich in rodeos, he is on his way to becoming one of the best.
Sundell grew up in Boxholm, Iowa and got his love of riding bucking horses from his father who also competed in the PRCA, but made his living as an electrician and plumber. The younger Sundell has been able to make a living in the PRCA. He won his event at the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo and is on his way to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 3-12 in Las Vegas. He also happened to set a new record at the Heartland ProRodeo Championships on Oct. 11 at the Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex.
Sundell had an 89-point ride on the bucking horse Whiskey from Universal Rodeo to earn $2,514. The score beat the record that Cody DeMoss, from Heflin, La., set during the first performance on Oct. 9 by one point. The Top 15 qualify for the Wrangler NFR and Sundell is 12th in the PRCA World Standings. Money won in Waco certainly could help him finisher higher in the 2009 year-end standings.
Last year’s Heartland ProRodeo Championship bareback rider, Dave Worsfold, from Queensland, Australia, is hoping for a repeat. He tied for first place with rookie Steven Peebles, from Redmond, Ore., on Oct. 11. They each earned $2,200 for their 78 point rides.
Peebles is ranked 13th in the world standings and was rooting for his traveling partner Jared Smith from Williston, Fla., who is 15th. Smith had a 77-point ride and earned $1,256. He now is over $5,000 ahead of the cowboy in 16th place, Jared Keylon from Fort Scott, Kan. Keylon is also competing in this group of contestants but did not help his quest for a Wrangler NFR qualification with a 69-point ride.
J.W. Harris, the reigning world champion bull rider, continued his quest for a second gold buckle with an 87-point ride on Bad Company Rodeo’s Super Freak. Harris, who got married last week, won $2,514. Harris is in first place in the PRCA World Standings with more than $200,000 in 2009 earnings.
The contestants who competed Oct. 11 have their second appearance on Oct. 12. The top four money winners will advance to the progressive round on Oct. 15.
The fourth performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships will begin at 7 p.m. (CT) on Oct. 12
WACO, Texas --- The following are results from the third performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships, held Oct. 11, at the Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex.
Bareback Riding: 1 (tie), Dave Worsfold, Queensland, Australia and Steven Peebles, Redmond, Ore., 78 points, $2,200. 3, Jared Smith, Williston, Fla., 77, $1,257. 4, Cody Ziober, Huntsville, Texas, 76, $629.
Tie-Down Roping: 1, Tim Pharr, Resaca, Ga., 8.0, $2,514. 2, Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla., 8.1, $1,886. 3, Ryan Jarrett, Summerville, Ga., 9.0, $1,257. 4, Landon McClaughterty, Tilden, Texas, 10.8, $629.
Steer Wrestling: 1, Ryan Mims, Holdenville, Okla., 3.3 seconds, $2,514. 2, Bill Pace, Stephenville, Texas, 4.2, $1,886. 3, Jack Hodges, Stephenville, Texas, 4.3, $1,257. 4, Spud Duvall, Checotah, Okla., 4.7, $629.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Wade Sundell, Boxholm, Iowa, 89 points on United Rodeo’s Whiskey, $2,514. 2, Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb., 77, $1,886. 3, Kobyn Williams, De Berry, Texas, 72, $1,257. 4, Curtis Garton, Kaitaia, New Zealand, 71, $629.
Team Roping: 1, Brook Bearden, Dublin, Texas and Blake Elms, Cleburne, Texas, 5.0 seconds, $2,514 each. 2, Cody Graham, Everton, Mo., and Gabe Gwaltney, Carthage, Mo., 5.5, $1,886. 3, Reese Kerr, Comfort, Texas, and Ace Pearce, Washington, Texas, 6.7, $1,257. 4, Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn., and Boogie Ray, Mabank, Texas, 9.7, $629.
Bull Riding: 1, J.W. Harris, May, Texas, 87 points on Bad Company Rodeo’s Super Freak, $2,514. 2, Sam Wilson, East Bernard, Texas, 83, $1,886. 3, Cody RoStockyj, China Spring, Texas, 80, $1,257. 4, Jason Beck, Prairieville, La., 79, $629.
Murphy earns 2nd buckle at Heartland Championships
Courtesy Susan Kanode
10/10/2009
WACO, Texas --- Bandy Murphy is setting the standard in the bull riding with just two of nine performances completed at the Heartland ProRodeo Championships, Oct. 10 at the Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex.
Murphy, who lives in Morgan Mill, Texas, had the high-point rides at performances Friday and Saturday and has already earned two trophy belt buckles and has the potential to earn four more. He is the high-money winner, so far having collected checks totaling $5,028. At the first performance, he missed the arena record by one point with a 90-point ride on David Bailey Rodeo’s bull, Billionaire. He came back in front of a standing room only crowd and scored 84 points on Smoke owned by Classic Pro Rodeo.
Several other contestants from the first group earned paychecks at both performances. Cody DeMoss and Heath Ford both won on Friday and placed second on Saturday. DeMoss, from Heflin, La., will be a favorite to watch in the saddle bronc riding while Ford, from Greeley, Colo., will be one to watch in bareback riding.
Ryan Stutes, a former college standout had the high-marked ride in bareback riding with an 87-point effort on Lancaster and Pickett Rodeo’s Top Flight. Stutes is second behind Ford in the earnings category with $3,457. Ford has $4,400.
In steer wrestling, former world champion Mickey Gee secured a place in the progressive round with a 4.2 second run. Gee and Brent Arnold from Coleman, Texas each have earnings of $2,514.
Jesse James Kirby from Dodge, City, Kan., had the high score in the saddle bronc riding with an 82-point ride on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s horse named Dillinger. Kirby was just one point ahead of DeMoss who had an 81 on Saturday.
The tie-down roping fastest time Saturday was by Clint Cooper from Decatur, Texas. Cooper’s time of 8.0 secured him a spot in the progressive round with $2,514 in earnings.
Oklahomans Nick Sartain and Kollin VonAhn were part of a tie for first in team roping, but they moved to the top of the leader board in earnings. They each have $3,143 here so far. Wes Kent from Grand Cane, La., and Bobby Baize, from Anthony, N.M., were the duo to tie with Sartain and VonAhn. They each had times of 4.9 seconds, the fastest in the team roping here so far.
The third performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex will begin on Sunday at 4 p.m (CT), where the second group of contestants will be making their first appearance.
WACO, Texas --- The following are results from the second performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O’ Texas Fair Complex, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009.
Bareback Riding: 1, Ryan Stutes, Sulphur, La., 87 points on Lancaster and Pickett Rodeo’s Top Flight, $2,514. 2, Heath Ford, Greeley, Colo., 81, $1,886. 3, D.V. Fennell, Neosho, Mo., 77, $1,257. 4, Mickey Downare, Hartsel, Colo., 74, $629. (Progressive round qualifiers) 1, Ford, $4,400. 2, Stutes, $3,457. 3, Fennell, $2,200. 4, Moe Heaton, Paradise, Utah, $1,886.
Tie-Down Roping: 1, Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, 8.0, $2,514. 2, Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 8.5, $1,886. 3, Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 11.8, $1,257. 4, Chris Bradford, Kountze, Texas, 12.4, $629. (Progressive round qualifiers) 1, Gray, $3,143. 2 (tie), Cooper and Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., $2,514 each. 4, Kormos, $1,886.
Steer Wrestling: 1, Mickey Gee, Wichita Falls, Texas, 4.2 seconds, $2,514. 2 (tie), Brent Arnold, Coleman, Texas, and Jake Hettinger, Bowie, Texas, 4.3, $1,571. 4 (tie), Jeff Miller, Blue Mound, Kan., and Britt Walters, Huntsville, Texas, 5.0, $314. (Progressive round qualifiers) 1 (tie), Gee and Arnold, $2,514 each. 3 (tie), Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., and Matt Reeves, Pampa, Texas, $2,200 each.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Jesse James Kirby, Dodge City, Kan., 82 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Dillinger, $2,514. 2, Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 81, $1,886. 3, Isaac Diaz, Stephenville, Texas, 77, $1,257. 4, Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 73, $629. (Progressive round qualifiers) 1, DeMoss, $4,400. 2, Kirby, $2,514. 3 (tie), Muncy and Mike Outhier, Utopia, Texas, $1,886 each.
Team Roping: 1 (tie), Wes Kent, Grand Cane, La., and Bobby Baize, Anthony, N.M.; and Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla., and Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla., 4.9 seconds, $2,200 each. 3, Joel Bach, Millsap, Texas, and Allen Bach, Weatherford, Texas, 5.1, $1,257. 4, Jake Kropik, Midway, Texas, and Wade Clayton, Beasley, Texas, 5.2, $629. (Progressive round qualifiers) 1, Sartain and VonAhn, $3,143. 2 (tie), Kropik and Clayton; and Bubba Bohac, Victoria, Texas, and B. J. Dugger, Center Point, Texas, $2,514 each. 4, Kent and Baize, $2,200.
Bull Riding: 1, Bandy Murphy, Morgan Mill, Texas, 84 points on Classic Pro Rodeo’s Smoke, $2,514. 2, Tyler Willis, Wheatland, Wyo., 81, $1,886. 3, Lonnie Carpenter, Haysville, Kan., 79, $1,257. 4, Cody Wood, Weatherford, Texas, 77, $629. (Progressive round qualifiers) 1, Murphy, $5,028. 2 (tie), Willis and Tate Stratton, Stanley, N.M., $1,886 each. 4, Carpenter, $1,257.
Cody DeMoss sets arena record with 88-point ride
Cody DeMoss set a Heartland ProRodeo Championships arena record with this 88-point ride on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Fox Trot on Oct. 9 in Waco, Texas. The finals of the Heartland ProRodeo Series runs through Oct. 17. DeMoss, from Heflin, La., will continue on and attempt to claim a Heartland finals title. He had already mathematically locked up a spot in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 3-12, in Las Vegas.
Courtesy Susan Kanode
WACO, Texas --- The DeMoss brothers have become very well known for the saddle bronc riding skills. At the first performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships it was older brother Cody that stole the show.
Cody is part of the first group of contestants and Heith will be part of the third group. Both are from Heflin, La., and are shoe-ins to compete in December’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Heith is ranked second in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings with Cody not far behind in fifth.
Cody helped his position with a stellar performance on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s horse Fox Trot. When the judges added up their scores, it was an 88 that put him atop the leader board and earned him $2,514. More importantly, he competes again on Saturday night and is in prime position to advance to the next round of competition.
The 88-point effort also is an arena record for the Heartland ProRodeo Championship. It was one of two that was set during the first performance and if that is any indication of what’s to come, action is just going to get better. The tie-down record was broken twice on Friday night.
Adam Gray, from Seymour, Texas, first broke the record with a 7.6-second run. The cowboy next to go has a reputation as one of the fastest in the business and proved it with a time of 7.5. The new record now belongs to Hunter Herrin from Apache, Okla.
This rodeo is the last opportunity several contestants have to qualify for the Wrangler NFR and two of them helped their chances at the first performance with a tie for first place. Matt Reeves from Pampa, Texas, was 16th in the world standings prior to this rodeo. Casey Martin, from Sulphur, La., was 23rd. They both had 4.3-second runs to win $2,200 each. That money gives Reeves $59,202 in season earnings and moves him to 15th place unofficially and he is now planning a trip to the Wrangler NFR, Dec. 3-12, in Las Vegas. Martin is nearly $15,000 and while the odds are against him, it is still mathematically possible that he could earn enough money to move him into the top 15.
Last year’s Heartland Champion header Bubba Bohac from Victoria, Texas is gunning for another title team roping title. He and heeler B.J. Dugger from Center Point, Texas stopped the clock in 5.1 seconds to win first and tie for the arena record.
In bareback riding it was Heath Ford from Greeley, Colo., that had the high-marked ride at 85 points. Ford won his first-place money on Rustler from Beutler and Son Rodeo. Three of the ten bull riders made it to the eight-second mark. The winner for the night was Bandy Murphy from Morgan Mill, Texas, with a 90-point ride on David Bailey Rodeo’s Billionaire.
The second performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo will begin on Saturday at 7 p.m (CT). All of these cowboys will make their second appearance then.
WACO, Texas --- The following are results from the first performance of the Heartland ProRodeo Championships at the Heart O’ Texas Fair and Rodeo, Friday, Oct. 9..
Bareback Riding: 1, Heath Ford, Greeley, Colo., 85 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Rustler, $2,514. 2, Moe Heaton, Paradise, Utah, 80, $1,886. 3 (tie), D.V. Fennell, Neosho, Mo., and Ryan Stutes, Sulphur, La., 79, $943 each.
Tie-Down Roping: 1, Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., 7.5 seconds, $2,514. 2, Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 7.6, $1,886. 3 (tie), Chris Bradford, Kountze, Texas; Brad Hartt, Sebring, Fla.; and Russell Wells, Lindsay, Okla., 9.3, $943 each.
Steer Wrestling: 1 (tie), Matt Reeves, Pampa, Texas, and Casey Martin, Sulphur, La., 4.3 seconds, $2,200. 3 (tie) Brent Arnold, Coleman, Texas, and Jeff Miller, Blue Mound, Kan., 4.6, $943.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Cody DeMoss, Heflin, La., 88 points on Beutler and Son Rodeo’s Fox Trot, $2,514. 2, Mike Outhier, Utopia, Texas, 84, $1,886. 3, Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 83, $1,257. 4, Weston Ireland, Sallisaw, Okla., 81, $629.
Team Roping: 1, Bubba Bohac, Victoria, Texas, and B.J. Dugger, Center point, Texas, 5.1 seconds, $2,514 each. 2, Jake Kropik, Midway, Texas, and Wade Clayton, Beasley, Texas, 5.7, $1,886. 3 (tie), Matt Petrus, Skidmore, Texas, and Dee Rampy, Bertram, Texas; and Nick Sartain, Yukon, Okla., and Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla.; 5.9, $943.
Bull Riding: 1, Bandy Murphy, Morgan Mill, Texas, 90 points on David Bailey Rodeo’s Billionaire, $2,514. 2, Tate Stratton, Stanley, N.M., 87, $1,886. 3, Blake Rowan, Muskogee, Okla., 81, $1,257. No other qualified rides.
Heartland ProRodeo Championships: One last chance to make Wrangler NFR
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Competition is intense when there is a lot on the line, and that will be the situation at the Heartland ProRodeo Championships, Oct. 9-17 at the Heart O’ Texas Coliseum in Waco.
Berths to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 3-12, in Las Vegas are on the line because the competition in Waco is the last one of the 2009 season prior to the world championships. In addition, PRCA Rookie of the Year titles in two events are up for grabs.
 Throw in that total prize money of $471,000 is at stake, along with the Heartland buckles, and it sets the stage for a fantastic showdown in the Lone Star State. Just ask Texan Matt Reeves. The steer wrestler is unofficially $1,810 from making the Wrangler NFR. He is in the 16th spot and eyeing the 15th hole, held by Louisiana’s Gabe Ledoux. The Top 15 in the PRCA World Standings at the end of the season qualify for the Wrangler NFR.
“The best thing about Waco is I control my own destiny,” Reeves said. “I just have to go win something, and I figure that if I win second one time, I’m in, and I have two steers to do that on.”
Reeves had a chance to mathematically lock himself into the Wrangler NFR by winning some money in the Justin Boots Championships last month in Omaha, Neb., but let the opportunity slip through his fingers. Ledoux made $2,640 in Omaha, leaving the door open for Reeves. Reeves spoke to Ledoux in Omaha, and both were aware then of the realities of life on the bubble.
“It is kind of the way it works,” said Reeves, who qualified for the 2007 Wrangler NFR with a last-ditch effort. “He said that he wished it didn’t come down to this, but he wished me good luck.”
Reeves’ wife, Savanah, a barrel racer in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association finished in 16th place this season and will miss her chance to run barrels in Las Vegas. In Waco, Savanah’s dad, Sam Koenig, will haze for Reeves on Beamer, and Reeves will be aboard bulldoggin’ horse, Pokey.
“I better bear down and do something, or it will be a really bad holiday in my family,” Reeves said.
Also looking for a reason to celebrate is bareback rider Jared Keylon. The Fort Scott, Kan., cowboy is in 16th place in the world standings and trails 2008 Bareback Riding Rookie of the Year Jared Smith, in 15th place, by about $3,900.
Keylon, who turns 25 on Oct. 9, and Smith, 21, are both vying for their first trips to the Wrangler NFR and will both compete in Waco.
“I’m excited about it,” said Keylon about competing in Waco. “Everybody wishes we could all go (to the Wrangler NFR), because we’re all friends. I would never wish anything bad on anyone. I just want to do well and go.”
Reigning World Champion Tie-Down Roper Stran Smith, who won the world title thanks to money won in Waco last year, must now use Waco to get to Las Vegas to defend his title. Smith, in 17th place, trails 15th place Josh Peek by about $4,600. Jake Hannum, who is in 16th place, has concluded his 2009 season.
Rookie team roping heelers Justin Hendrick ($29,070) and Cody Doescher ($25,217) are in contention for Heartland and rookie honors. Also in a tight matchup are rookie bull riders Taylor Cowan ($42,365) and Tyler Willis ($42,248).
Performances at the Heartland ProRodeo Championships are set for 7 (CT) nightly, except on Oct. 11, when the rodeo begins at 4 p.m. The finals are at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17.
The Heartland ProRodeo Championships feature the top 30 qualifiers from the Heartland ProRodeo Series standings. The Heartland ProRodeo Series consists of PRCA rodeos with committee purses of $30,000 or less. Once in Waco, the points are erased and contestants compete for Heartland titles and prize money. The Championships field is comprised of 208 contestants. Two contestants have qualified in two events. Chambers, Neb., cowboy Kyle Whitaker will compete in the steer wrestling and saddle bronc riding, while Clint Hopping, of College Station, Texas, is entered in the bareback riding and bull riding.
The Heartland ProRodeo Steer Roping Finals are at 8 a.m. on Oct. 13.
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