Monthly Archives: February 2012

Chance Kelton, Mayer, Ariz. More often than not, Chance Kelton rides away from the Lazy E Arena with a nice payday. Last year it was $10,000 for having the fastest go-round at the Timed Event Championship. He blistered the field with a 46.4-second fourth go-round on Saturday night. That time was more than two seconds faster than Trevor Brazile’s 48.7, which finished in second place. But the Timed Event isn’t the only competition in which Kelton excels. A three-time team roping qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, the Arizona cowboy has returned to the Lazy E Arena each of the last three Novembers as a qualifier to the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. In fact, Kelton was the high-money winner in two of his three trips to Guthrie for the steer roping finale – he earned $28,615 in the 2011 championship and $38,938 in 2009; he finished second in the average both seasons. The 1993 National High School Rodeo Association’s team roping champion, Kelton has proven his merit time and again in a pro career that began in 1994. This weekend is just another notch on his already-worthy belt.

Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas Clayton Hass definitely is no specialist when it comes to rodeo. That’s why he’s here. Hass competes regularly as a tie-down roper, steer wrestler and header, and last year finished in the top 20 in the All-Around World Standings in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Also, he finished 29th in the bulldogging standings. It’s all proof that he’s playing the game at a world-class level, which is a key ingredient to doing well in the Timed Event Championship. Hass is just 28 years old, but he’s been a rodeo hand for 21 years. A 2002 graduate of Terrell (Texas) High School, he qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo during his junior and senior seasons. When he’s not rodeoing, Hass trains horses; he also has worked as a firefighter in his hometown. More than that, he’s shown the rodeo world that he can win at a high level. During the 2011 season, he won steer wrestling titles in Loveland, Colo., and Laughlin, Nev., and won all-around championships at Texas rodeos in Los Fresnos and Mineral Wells – also he won the bulldogging and team roping titles in Mineral Wells, roping with Casey Chamberlain on the latter.

Bryan Richardson is a three-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Even when he isn’t among the top 15 in the world standings, the Texan is always among the bull riding leaders in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. It’s been six years since Richardson played on ProRodeo’s grandest stage. While everyone realizes how much he wants to return to Las Vegas, Richardson is quite tickled to have earned a chance to ride at the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for March 29-April 1 at State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City. Richardson qualified for the RNCFR by how he finished in the year-end standings in the Texas Circuit. It’s his first trip to ProRodeo’s National Championship, so look for the veteran to take advantage of it. RNCFR bull riding qualifiers This list is subject to change Travis Atkinson                                  Dustin Larsen Tustin Daye                                        Guyton Tsosie Cody Teel                                          Bryan Richardson Chance Smart                                   Jeff Askey Dustin Hall                                          Ty Clearwater Bobby Welsh                                     Tyler Willis Nevada Newman                              Beau Hill Lance Schwartz                                 Danny Schlobohm Scott Sellers                                      Clovis Crane Allen Helmuth                         Paul Coppini A.J. Hamre                                         Keith Roquemore Charles Zoss                                     Shawn Coleman

K.C. Jones, Burlington, Wyo. In his career, K.C. Jones has received the highest acclaim from the entity he respects the most: his fellow cowboys. Jones has earned the praise, sitting as one of the most versatile cowboys to have ever traveled down the rodeo trail. He’s won the Timed Event Championship four times and stands as one of the favorites every March when the best all-around cowboys come inside the Lazy E Arena in one of the most rugged tests in the business. This weekend marks the first of two trips Jones will make to central Oklahoma this month – the tie-down roping average champion at the Ram Mountain States Circuit Finals Rodeo, he earned the right to compete at the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for March 29-April 1 at State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City. That is more evidence that the 44-year-old Wyoming cowboy is competing at a high level. With his experience, he can make a lot of things happen in a short amount of time, which is what the challenge of the Timed Event is all about. He’s conquered it more than most, having earned $388,500 over the years in this competition. Last year a rarity occurred: Jones failed to earn a paycheck at the Lazy E. Look for him to make up for it this weekend.

Daniel Green, Oakdale, Calif. Daniel Green has won the average championship and the top prize at the Timed Event Championship twice. Last year, though, he settled for a $4,000 check for having the fourth fastest go-round of the competition. That’ll have to do, but look for that finish to be a motivating factor for Green, a 10-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. You see, Green has proven quite well over his career that he’s one of the best all-around hands in the business. He’s won the all-around crown in the California Circuit multiple times and has qualified for the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo 12 times. Oh, and he’s a two-time winner of the World’s Greatest Roper. It’s been nine years since Green qualified for the NFR, but he’s remained one of the best all-around hands in the game. The proof is in his Timed Event and World’s Greatest Roper titles, if nothing else. Also consider that of his RNCFR qualifications, six have come since he quit rodeoing full time in 2004. Green will turn 40 this summer, and he’s still one of the greatest cowboys in the game.

Three world champions advanced out of the third bracket at the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo, but they squeaked into the semifinals by finishing fourth in their respective disciplines. Reigning world champion team ropers Turtle Powell and Jhett Johnson and three-time world champion barrel racer Sherry Cervi moved on in the tournament-style format. Powell and Johnson placed in just one of three go-rounds, but that second-place finish on Wednesday night was worth $1,474. Cervi earned $1,965. Congratulations to all the semifinalists. Bracket 3 Seminfinalists Bareback Riding: 1. Morgan Wilde, McCammon, Idaho, $4,176; 2, (tie) Winn Ratliff, Leesville, La., and Caleb Bennett, Morgan, Utah, $2,702 each; 3. Chris Harris, Itasca, Texas, $1,965. Steer Wrestling: 1. (tie) Ethen Thouvenell, Napa, Calif.,  and Trevor Knowles, Mount Vernon, Ore., $3,439 each; 3. Billy Bugenig, Ferndale, Calif., $2,702; 4. Beau Clark, Belgrade, Mont., $1,965.. Team Roping: 1. Justin Yost, Mount Morris, Pa., and Bucky Campbell, Benton City, Wash., $4,421; 2. Kaleb Driggers, Albany, Ga., and Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., $3,930; 3. Derick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz., and Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., $1,965; 4. Turtle Powell, Stephenville, Texas, and Jhett Johnson, Casper, Wyo., $1,474. Saddle Bronc Riding: 1. Bradley Harter, Weatherford, Texas, $3,930; 2. Rusty Allen, Eagle Mountain, Utah, $2,947; 3. Cody Martin, Eagle, Colo., $2,456; 4. Cody Taton, Mud Butte, S.D., $1,965. Tie-Down Roping: 1. Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas, $3,489; 2. (tie) Cory Solomon, Prairie View, Texas, and Clif Cooper, Decatur, Texas, $2,948 each; 4. Ace Slone, Cuero, Texas, $1,965. Women’s Barrel Race: 1. Jana Bean, Fort Hancock, Texas, $5,404; 2. (tie) Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla., and Kenna Squires, Fredonia, Texas, $2,456; 4. Sherri Cervi, Marana, Ariz., $1,965. Bull Riding:  1. Travis Atkinson, Lehi, Utah, $3,684; 2. Patrick Geipel,  Elbert, Colo., $2,948; 3. Cody Gardner, Ault, Colo., $1,965; 4. Ty Pozzobon, Merritt, British Columbia, $1,719.

Jimmie Cooper, Monument, N.M. In Colorado Springs, Colo., there is a display with the likeness of Jimmie Cooper inside the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. It’s been there since 2005, when he was inducted into the hall that recognizes greatness in the sport. Of course, Cooper belongs there, because he has accomplished much, from his 1981 All-Around Gold Buckle in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association to his three Timed Event Championship titles to everything in between. Cooper was the PRCA’s All-Around Rookie of the Year in 1980, competing in team roping, tie-down roping and steer wrestling. For seven straight years, he finished among the top five in the all-around standings. Shortly after that, he became the stalwart of the Timed Event. In addition to being a great talent, he’s also passed along his skills to the next generation. Both sons, Jake and Jim, have qualified for the NFR, and Jim is in the Timed Event field for the third straight year. When you add it together, you can see why the answer always comes up champion.

Jim Ross Cooper, Monument, N.M. The first time Jim Ross Cooper qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, he and his twin brother, Jake, roped on ProRodeo’s biggest stage together. Jim returned to Las Vegas this past December, roping with header Brandon Beers. They placed in two go-rounds and earned a little more than $18,000 apiece. Now he returns to the Timed Event Championship as a contestant for the third straight year. Jim Cooper is ready to make some money inside the Lazy E Arena, something he was not able to do in his two previous trips. He knows how. In fact, he was just a teenager the first time he worked this event, heeling for his legendary father, Jimmie Cooper, who also is in this weekend’s field. Plus, Jim Cooper has been a winner since an early age. From youth rodeos to competing at a top form in high school to being named the Resistol Heeling Rookie of the Year in 2004, he has proven why he can play among the biggest and best in the sport of rodeo. Now he’d like to earn this coveted title, just like his father has done three times.

Steve Duhon, Jasper, Texas Growing up in Opelousas, La., Steve Duhon was an athlete who excelled at pretty much everything he did. In fact, he had an opportunity to play football at Louisiana State University, just a stone’s throw from Duhon’s hometown. But his excellence in the rodeo arena outweighed his talent on the gridiron. In fact, he quickly became one of the best in the business. He is a three-time Steer Wrestling World Champion, having won his gold buckles in 1986-87 and 1993. During his run to his first world title, Duhon set bulldogging standard at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with a 3.0-second run, a mark that stands today, 25 years later – Texan Bryan Field tied the mark in 2001. Duhon is an eight-time NFR qualifier who won the steer wrestling average twice, all after being named the 1985 Resistol Rookie of the Year. On top of that, he’s excelled in the Timed Event Championship over the years. A ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee, Duhon is a major factor in the outcome each March. He’s proven he’s much more than a bulldogger, just like the champion he is.

Chad Masters, Clarksville, Tenn. In the years that Chad Masters has been part of the Timed Event Championship field, he’s collected a check just once. Do you want a little irony? Masters, a man who won a gold buckle in heading in 2007, earned that $3,000 setting a new heading mark of 5.1 seconds during the 2009 Timed Event. What’s more ironic is that Masters doesn’t own that record any longer. In fact, JoJo LeMond posted a 4.9 that same March. The reality is Masters belongs here, and it’s not just because of his PRCA World Championship. He has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo eight times in the last nine years. In 2005, the only year he missed playing for the biggest pay in the sport in Las Vegas, Masters finished 16th in the world standings. In 2002, the year before his first NFR, Masters finished 17th. Chad Masters belongs in a competition that features the best in rodeo, and he’s ready to carry more Oklahoma cash back to Tennessee when this weekend’s competition is complete.

Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb. Look for Dean Gorsuch to surpass the $1 million mark in PRCA earnings this year. As of Feb. 1, 2012, Gorsuch was within $21,000 of that magical mark. That’s phenomenal, considering the Nebraska cowboy didn’t start rodeoing full time until 2005. He was spurred into his championship form with a successful run at RodeoHouston that spring. Since then, Gorsuch has missed qualifying for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo just once, and that was after suffering an injury in 2007. When he goes to Las Vegas, he’s always a favorite to leave the Thomas & Mack Center as the World Champion, and there’s good reason behind it: In 2006 and 2010, Gorsuch earned gold buckles – both seasons, he clinched the titles by winning the NFR average. Gorsuch is the third generation of his family to wrestle steers, but there’s much more to the life he leads. He worked as a pipeline welder for a gas company for five before kickstarting his career seven seasons ago. We’re glad he did.

Broc Cresta, Petaluma, Calif. Each of the last two ProRodeo seasons, Broc Cresta has shown the world his tremendous talent as a team roping-heeler, qualifying for the 2011 and 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. That’s just the culmination of a lifetime lived around the world of rodeo. You see, Cresta’s grandfather, Bill Cresta, has been a steer wrestling hazer and owner who had Hanks Bar Binion, the 1993 PRCA/AQHA Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year. Hank was ridden by four-time world champion Ote Berry, a ProRodeo Hall of Fame inductee. This past December, Cresta and his partner, Spencer Mitchell, placed in four NFR go-rounds, including the 10th-round victory. In all, Cresta left Las Vegas with $28,704. At the 2010 championship, Cresta and Turtle Powell placed in five rounds and finished fifth in the average race. Now he’s going to take all that experience and put it into this grand competition.

GOODWELL, Okla. – The key to winning in rodeo is consistency. Tradition helps, too. The men’s and women’s rodeo teams at Oklahoma Panhandle State University have both on their sides as they begin the spring portion of the 2011-12 season in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Central Plains Region. The teams carry with them a bunch of talent and a rich legacy into any rodeo arena in which they compete. The Panhandle State men sit No. 2 in the region standings, the women are fourth, heading into the first event of the spring portion this weekend at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. – four events took place in the fall, wrapping in Alva, Okla., the first weekend in November; the remaining rodeos are scheduled for this spring. The final event of the season will be the Doc Gardner Memorial Rodeo, which will take place April 26-28 at Hitch Arena in Guymon, Okla. The Panhandle State men trail leader Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College by 615 points, but that point differential can be made up in a hurry. The women’s team has 655 points, but they trail leader Western Oklahoma State College by 160 points. That ground can be made up in just one rodeo. As is typically the case, several Panhandle State saddle bronc riders are near the top of the region standings. In fact, eight cowboys are among the top 13. Vince Tsosie leads the way with 170 points, which has him in fifth place, but he’s followed closely by Justin Hegwer, who has 155. Others in the mix are Josh Griggs, Jake Watson, Whit Peterson, Dillon Barkshire, Allen Boone and Magin Montoya. Joe Frost leads the Panhandle State contingent with 270 points in bull riding; he sits in second place in the standings and is joined in the top 15 by Jeff Bertus (5), Cody Hessman (7) and Wyatt Gregg (14). Bareback rider Ryan McIntyre is third in the standings with 225 points, followed directly by Griggs (4) and Jed Wilson (11). Dusty Moore sits 15th in the tie-down roping standings, while Weston Taylor, Dixon Winn and Loper McCune are in the top 10 in steer wrestling. In the women’s standings, Kaylee Moyer ranks in the top five in both goat tying (2) and breakaway roping (4). Other ropers among the leaders are Jenna Jolly (7), Callie Schafer (10) and Lisa Christensen (13). Hannah Harrington is the third-ranked goat-tier, while Molly Small is 15th.

GUYMON, Okla. – The Oklahoma Panhandle has a legacy of rodeo greatness. The history grew a little stronger in 2011, and the 80th annual Guymon Pioneer Days Rodeo is just one of the beneficiaries. You see, heeler Jhett Johnson and saddle bronc rider Taos Muncy won world championships in their respective disciplines. They’re just two great cowboys with ties to the region who are expected to return to the annual rodeo, set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 5; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at Henry C. Hitch Pioneer Arena. “That’s always a really good rodeo and one that’s tough to win,” said Muncy, who won his first world championship in 2007, the same year in which he earned the College National Finals Rodeo saddle bronc riding title while competing at Oklahoma Panhandle State University. “I always enjoy going back. You get to see a bunch of people you know, and it’s a lot of fun.” Of course, it helps to do well, which is something both Muncy and Johnson have done in Guymon over the years. Last May, Muncy finished second in bronc riding, earning $2,089; Johnson and his partner, Turtle Powell, placed in two of three go-rounds and finished seventh in the average. In all, they earned $3,170. It all adds up. In rodeo, the contestants with the most money won in each event at the conclusion of the season are crowned world champions. “It means everything,” said Johnson, who graduated from Panhandle State with a degree in psychology. “It means I rodeoed this long, and it wasn’t for nothing.” Although Muncy and Johnson are separated by specialties and 16 years, the ties that bind them are in Texas County, Okla., and in Montana Silversmiths gold buckles. Muncy earned the lion’s share of last year’s earnings through the rigors of the rodeo season. Still, he pocketed $94,471 at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, where he finished second in the average race and placed in six go-rounds, including a win on the seventh night of the 10-day competition. “The world title means everything,” Muncy, 24, of Corona, N.M. “For everyone going down the road, that’s their goal. I had a real good Fourth (of July), and from then on, I just stayed pretty consistent. I was drawing the right horses at the right time. That helps. I drew really good horses all year.” Johnson finished the 2011 campaign with $197,112, but $125,625 was earned this past December in the Nevada desert. “It’s just one more fairy tale deal,” said Johnson, 40, of Casper, Wyo. “Like I told some guys earlier, it’s a private club that only Turtle and I are in. “There is one world champion team ropers, and it’s me and Turtle. I’m champ of the world from now on.” Actually, Johnson and Muncy bring the 12th and 13th gold buckles back to the region once known as No Man’s Land. It also marks the third straight year that cowboys who were part of the Panhandle State rodeo team have won gold buckles: Rocky Patterson won the 2009 and 2010 steer roping world championships. Other world titlists are bronc riders Robert Etbauer (2), Billy Etbauer (5), Tom Reeves and Jeffrey Willert. Of course, Muncy joins the Etbauer brothers and Patterson as a cowboy who owns multiple gold buckles. “That kid’s got a boatload of talent,” said Craig Latham, the Panhandle State rodeo coach who qualified for the NFR nine times. “He’s got all the ability in the world and the right mindset. If you’ve got the talent and the mindset, you can go a long ways.” Having a hunger for competition is always helpful. Johnson has been part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since 1992, and he knows that being on the road chasing his dreams has meant taking time away from his family. “It ain’t time to quit; I’ll never quit,” Johnson said. “But I’d like to spend more time with my boys. If you want to go out on top, I guess I this is top.” Muncy is just in his sixth season on ProRodeo, but he’s proven his talent over and over again. His plan is to continue to compete at an elite level. “I try to have as much fun as possible,” he said. “If you’re not having any fun doing it, then you might as well stay home.”

Amateur ropers who want to rub elbows with some of the greatest cowboys in ProRodeo will get their chance during the inaugural Timed Event Championship Pro-Am Team Roping, set for 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at the Lazy E Arena. The Lazy E will accept 20 headers (with a 4 handicap or less) and 20 heelers (with a 5 or less) on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Lazy E will provide 20 cowboys competing at the 2012 Timed Event Championship to be partners to the amateurs in each roping. The draw will take place at 3 p.m. The roping is going to be quite lucrative. The entry fee is $250 per roper, with 100 percent of the money going into the payout. The payback will be for the top four in the three-run average, with the amateur receiving 60 percent and the pro 40 percent. The entry form and more information can be found at LazyE.com or by clicking HERE. The Timed Event Championship cowboy introduction will take place after the pro-am at 8 p.m. in Roper’s Cantina.

ALVA, Okla. – When Stockton Graves became the coach at his alma mater, he wasn’t sure what to expect in the Northwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo team. Still, Graves has big plans for the team through the final six events of the 2011-12 season. “Our expectations are dang sure to finish in the No. 1 spot in the (Central Plains) Region,” said Graves, a seven-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in steer wrestling. “I think we have a chance to do it.” Northwestern’s rodeo teams will test their mettle this weekend at the Kansas State University rodeo in Manhattan, Kan. Performances are scheduled for Friday-Sunday. The Rangers men’s team won the inaugural rodeo of this campaign in Colby, Kan., with Trey Young and Clint Kindred finishing first and second in the all-around, respectively. Jared Thompson won the bulldogging, while Coldar Craig Cluck finished second. Team roping Tanner Braden and Austin Rogers held the top two spots in heeling. “Our men’s team has done well,” Graves said, pointing to the Rangers’ No. 3 spot in the team standings behind Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College and Oklahoma Panhandle State University. “One of our top guys has been Jared Thompson, but he blew out his knee, so he’s out. Everybody’s going to have to step up, but the good news is we’ve got six rodeos this spring to do it.” The women’s team has seen its ups and downs, bolstered most by a big win in the final event of the fall session. That just happened to be the hometown rodeo in Alva, when the Rangers women posted 325 points, 180 points better than runner-up Western Oklahoma State College. “I feel like our women’s team is way better than we’ve shown, and we’re going to try to prove it this semester,” Graves said. “We’ve got a lot of young girls on the team, so they’re going to do some growing. I think you’ll see that a lot over the next few months.” The women rank seventh in the region, but most of the season remains. “You only get six guys and four girls to put on your team where their points count toward your team,” Graves said. “You have to strategize and pick the right people at the right time.” While the Kansas State event kicks off the spring session, the tour winds through both states: Garden City, Kan., March 2-4; Fort Scott, Kan., March 9-11; Weatherford, Okla., April 12-14; Hays, Kan., April 20-22; and Guymon, Okla., April 26-28. “You’ve got some schools that are strong in the roughstock events, where we’re a team that is stronger in the timed events,” Graves said. “That’s a little harder to deal with, because there are just a few bareback riders and a few bronc riders to compete for those spots; but there are 100 kids in all the timed events. “I think we try to dominate the timed events, and I think we can do better.”

I love seeing the names stock contractors have for bucking beasts. From Bodacious to Surprise Party to Grated Coconut, there is a long line of great names. There are many reasons behind the names. Grated Coconut, for example, is out of a mare named Coconut Roll. Sometimes an animal is named because of a family thing – there are a number of animals with names like Rhett’s Pet, Jacob’s Pet, etc. On Tuesday night during the seventh performance of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, there were some great names for great bucking athletes, like bulls named Death Warrant, Death Sentence and Black Powder – monikers that evoke nastiness. But my favorite name might have been another animal that bucked Tuesday, a Burch Rodeo bull named Shady Rodeo Announcer. I’d love to hear the back story on that one, wouldn’t you?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Over the next few weeks, I will be posting tidbits about the 20 contestants who will battle for this year’s Timed Event Championship title the first weekend in March at the Lazy E Arena. This is the first one: Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D. It’s been four years since Jess Tierney nodded his head in rodeo’s most unique competition, the Timed Event Championship. He returns this weekend with a gun loaded with talent and motivation. More importantly, he carries on a family tradition that began in 1985: A Tierney has been part of every field in the Timed Event’s wonderful history. Jess Tierney’s father, Paul, is a four-time winner, a PRCA World Champion and a member of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. That’s an excellent legacy, and Jess plans to live up to all those expectations. The last time the younger Tierney was inside this grand hall, he roped in an eighth-place average finish in his first qualification to the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. That was just four months ago, but more importantly than finishing the season in the top 15 in the world standings is the confidence Tierney gained in the process. In addition to his excellent run in steer roping, Jess Tierney stood out in other events, too. He won the all-around and team roping titles in Amarillo, Texas, and Graham, Texas. It is proof that Jess Tierney is an excellent second-generation who is already standing outside his father’s shadow.

While you are out on the road, keep an eye out for a big horse trailer stolen yesterday. You can find details, VIN number and photos on the KEquine Arts Facebook page.

The second three-round bracket at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is complete, and the big money winners were the most consistent players in the bunch. Team ropers Nick Sartain and Kollin VonAhn sped their way into the semifinals, earning money in all three rounds and earning $5,404. According to San Antonio media agent Susan Kanode, the Oklahoma tandem won the first two rounds, then finished second on Monday night. They had runs of 5.0, 4.9 and 5.1, respectively. They also proved that their 2009 world titles weren’t a fluke. Barrel racer Carlee Pierce also earned $5,404 over the past three days, finishing second in the opening round, then winning the next two. Each run on Dillion got faster, including Monday’s 13.81. They weren’t the only contestants to advance to the next level Bracket 2 Semifinalists Bareback Riding: 1. J.R. Vezain, Cowley, Wyo., $2,947; 2. (tie) Josi Young, Kimberly, Idaho, and Luke Creasy, Brownfield, Alberta, $2,702; 4. Craig Wisehart, Stephenville, Texas, 76, $1,965. Steer Wrestling: 1. Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D., $2,456; 2. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., $2,211; 3. (tie) Shawn Greenfield, Lakeview, Ore., and Tom Lewis, Lehi, Utah, $1,965 each. Team Roping: 1. Nick Sartain, Dover, Okla., and Kollin VonAhn, Durant, Okla., $5,404; 2. Brock Hanson, Casa Grande, Ariz., and Ryan Motes, Weatherford, Okla., $2,702; 3. (tie) Garrett Tonozzi, Fruita, Colo., and Kinney Dale Harrell, Marshall, Texas; and Jake Stanley, Hermiston, Ore., and B.J. Campbell, Wickenburg, Ariz., $1,474. Saddle Bronc Riding: 1. Jake Wright, Milford, Texas, $3,439; 2. Cody Wright, Milford, Utah, $3,193; 3. (tie) Sterling Crawley, College Station, Texas, and Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, $2,456 each. Tie-Down Roping: 1. E.J. Roberts, Stephenville, Texas, $2,948; 2. Fred Whitfield, Hockley, Texas, $2,456; 3. (tie) Clint Cooper, Decatur, Texas, and Sterling Smith, Stephenville, Texas, $1,965. Barrel Racing: 1. Carlee Pierce, $5,404; 2. Angie Meadors, Blanchard, Okla., $2,947; 3. Andrea Cline-Herron, San Antonio, Texas, $2,948; 4. Sabra O’Quinn, Ocala, Fla., $1,474. Bull Riding: 1. J.W. Harris, Mullin, Texas, $4,421; 2. Bryan Richardson, Dallas, Texas, $3,439; 3. Clayton Savage, Cheyenne, Wyo., $1,965; 4. Shawn Coleman, Springfield, S.D., $1,474.  

Elite Cowgirls Bringing Top Racehorses to Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo OKLAHOMA CITY – Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds has hosted some of the greatest horse races in the history of rodeo. The 2012 Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo might be the best of them all. Held inside the storied coliseum, ProRodeo’s National Championship will feature the top two cowgirls from the 12 circuits spread across the United States. All 24 cowgirls will be chasing one of the most sought-after titles in the sport during the four days of competition scheduled for March 29-April 1. Eight qualifiers have been to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, ProRodeo’s grand finale. Seven of those ran in Las Vegas this past December: Lisa Lockhart, Brenda Mays, Christina Richman, Jeanne Anderson, Carlee Pierce, Sherry Cervi and Brittany Pozzi; Shelley Morgan was an NFR qualifier in 2009. “I think it’s going to be a little bit of an NFR with the names that I’ve seen that are going to be competing,” said Pozzi, a two-time world champion from Victoria, Texas. It’ll be one heck of a horserace, just as it is every time the elite cowgirls in the game match their talented mounts against one another. In December, both Pozzi and Cervi battled late into the NFR before Canadian Lindsay Sears walked away with the Montana Silversmiths gold buckle. Now it’s time to test themselves and their talented horses in Oklahoma City “This rodeo has always been important to me,” said Cervi, of Marana, Ariz., the 2011 Turquoise Circuit barrel racing champion who owns three world titles. “It’s a great event that has a lot of prestige, so you always want to do well at it. “I’m excited about going back there. Last year being in Oklahoma City the first year there, I thought it was a good barrel race. The committee was good to work with, and the whole event was exciting.” Cervi is an 11-time qualifier to the national circuit finals, where the very best competitors in the sport earn the right to play for one of the largest purses in the sport, more than $525,000. The event provides another prestigious championship event for rodeo-savvy Oklahoma City, the longtime host of the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. The 2012 event marks the second straight year the RNCFR is part of Oklahoma’s storied rodeo legacy, a place that knows what makes a true champion. Pozzi has qualified for just the second time in her career, making a concerted effort to secure the Texas Circuit year-end title. If the title wasn’t enough motivation for the Texas cowgirl, the chance to compete in Oklahoma City added just the right amount of enticement. “I think that’s a good arena for anything,” she said. “They have every event you can possibly imagine there.” That’s a positive note for Oklahoma City. It’s also a good thing for the 24 women who hope to make a significant living in four days of competition, like Theresa Walter a four-time qualifier to the RNCFR and a former champion from Billings, Mont. “The venue is awesome,” she said of Jim Norick Arena. “It is set up to let you win. “It’s just great to be able to be there just based on the amount of money a contestant can win at just one rodeo. I always look forward to going.” About Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo: ExpressLazy E Sports Productions, in conjunction with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, produces the annual event. The 2012 RNCFR will be one of the richest rodeos in the world. The RNCFR is the showcase event of each year’s circuit season. Each of the 12 ProRodeo circuits sends two competitors in each event to the RNCFR – the year-end earnings champion and the winner of each Ram-sponsored circuit final – to compete for cash, a national championship and a Dodge vehicle voucher. The event took place in Pocatello, Idaho, from 1987-2010. From 1965-78, the Oklahoma State Fair Arena (then known as the Jim Norick State Fair Arena) was home to the National Finals Rodeo, where, under the direction of General Manager Clem McSpadden, it became a major league sports event. RNCFR tickets are on sale now.  For more information, contact the Express-Lazy E at (405) 282-RIDE or (405) 232-GOAL.

Carlee Pierce, fresh off her first appearance to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, is setting the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo on fire. The barrel racer from Stephenville, Texas – by way of Woodward, Okla., until last spring – posted the fastest time of the rodeo during Sunday’s fifth performance, rounding the cloverleaf pattern on her great horse, Dillion, in 13.82 seconds. That was worth $1,965 Pierce and Dillion posted a 13.93 during Saturday night’s first round of the second bracket, good enough for second place in the performance. Only the top four money-earners in each event from each of the five brackets advance to the semifinals. With one round left in the second bracket, Pierce has earned $3,439 and is a virtual lock to move on to the next level of the high-paying rodeo. Only 2009 world champion team ropers Nick Sartain and Kollin VohAhn have earned more money through the two rounds of the second bracket. The tandem won both rounds, pocketing $3,930. No matter how you look at the results, it’s definitely a fast start.

I watched a little of Saturday’s PBR Built Ford Tough Series event from Oklahoma City last night on NBC Sports Network, formerly Versus, formerly the Outdoor Life Network. It was the first time I’d seen the PBR on TV this season and the first time I’d seen the action in high definition. For the record, I love sports in HD; I especially love rodeo in HD, so that was awesome. I’m hoping to watch the final day of Winstar World Casino Invitational when it airs later today. Also I’m hoping to watch more bull rides than I saw last night. In the half-hour program, I witnessed just nine rides. There was a thrilling sizzle piece that gave my wife chills. There was an interesting feature and an awesome interview between Leah Garcia and Cord McCoy. I’m glad I saw all that. But there were just three rides between each break, and in 30 minutes, I watched less than 35 seconds of bull riding. If I’m investing my time, it’s worth more than that.

The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is set up in a tournament-style format sectioned off into five brackets, and the first section was completed during Saturday afternoon’s third performance. Only the top four contestants in money won advance to the semifinals, then the top five money winners from each of two semifinals advance to the finals. The key ingredient, of course, is money. I think that’s OK with all the contestants who are part of the San Antonio field. Team ropers Keven Daniel and Chase Tryan are the biggest winners so far, pocketing $4,421 each. There’s a lot more money to be won over the next couple weeks. BRACKET 1 SEMIFINALISTS Bareback Riding: 1. (tie) Tilden Hooper, Carthage, Texas, and Cody DeMers, Kimberly, Idaho, $3,439 each; 3. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas, $2,702; 4. Caine Riddle, Vernon, Texas, $1,966. Steer Wrestling: 1. Les Shepperson, Midwest, Wyo., $3,439; 2. Alex Robertson, Bend, Ore., $2,948; 3. (tie) Wade Sumpter, Fowler, Colo., and Ben Schofner, Jasper, Texas, $1,965 each. Team Roping: 1. Keven Daniel, Franklin, Tenn., and Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont., $4,421; 2. Paul David Tierney, Oral, S.D., and Cody Doescher, Oklahoma City, $2,947; 3. Cody Graham, Everton, Mo., and Tyler McKnight, Wells, Texas, $2,702; 4. Riley and Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash., $1,719. Saddle Bronc Riding: 1. Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas, $3,930; 2. (tie) J.J. Elshere, Hereford, S.D., and Ty Atchison, Jackson, Mo., $2,948; 4. Chuck Schmidt, Keldron, S.D., $1,474. Tie-Down Roping: 1. Jake Pratt, Ellensburg, Wash., $3,930; 2. Tyson Durfey, Colbert, Wash., $2,456; 3. Jeremiah Peek, Pueblo, Colo., $1,965; 4. Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas, $1,719. Women’s Barrel Race: 1. Sammi Bessert, Loma, Colo., $3,930; 2. Nikki Steffes, Vale, S.D., $2,948; 3. (tie) Shelley Morgan, Canton, Texas, and Kelli Tolbert, Hooper, Utah, $2,456 each. Bull Riding: 1. Kanin Asay, Powell, Wyo., $3,684; 2. Cody Teel, Kountze, Texas, $2,948; 3. Chance Smart, Philadelphia, Miss., $1,719; 4. Beau Schroeder, Beaumont, Texas, $1,474.