September 21-22..........Sanger, CA
September 28 Norco, CA
October 5-6 Lincoln, CA
October 12 Morgan Hill, CA
2025 WSTR Qualifier:
November 2-3 Chowchilla, CA
S Bar J Arena
Sanger, CA • 3469 N. del Rey, Sanger 93657
Directions: HWY 180 East from Fresno. Turn Left at Del Rey Avenue, go 3.5 miles.
SADDLE & BUCKLE ROPINGS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
NOVEMBER 9, 16, 30
SU 9am, Rope 10am
#9.5 Hdcp. Pick 1/draw 1...3 for $40
#9.5 Hdcp. Down Pick or Draw...3 for $40
#8.5 Hdcp. Down Pick or Draw...3 for $40
#7.5 Hdcp. Down Pick or Draw...3 for $40
SADDLE TO THE HIGH
MONEY ROPER OF THE DAY!
Buckles to average winners of the #9.5, #8.5 and #7.5 Handicap pick or draws.
SADDLE & BUCKLE ROPINGS
Must be Over 21 to Rope SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
SU 9am, Rope 10am
#11 Hdcp. Up/Down...3 for $40
#10.5 Hdcp. Down...3 for $40
#9.5 Hdcp. Down...3 for $40
#8.5 Hdcp. Down...3 for $40
SADDLE TO THE HIGH
MONEY ROPER OF THE DAY!
Buckles to average winners of the #10.5, #9.5 and #8.5 Ropings..
Blow the Dust off!
Im no stranger to taking the road less traveled and it has made me tough along the way. This right turn is no exception; Im Dee Yates, the new steward of Ropers Sports News, and it is with a humble heart that I greet each of you. Taking the reins of such a well-loved and well-respected publication fills me with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude.
My journey with Ropers Sports News began unexpectedly when I was a young clerk at Robinson’s Feed Store in Lodi, California. Each month, Bob would pop in with a stack of new issues of RSN and drop them by the cash register. I was 13 years old, flipping through the pages after school, I had no idea that these moments would later connect me in such a different way.
My professional life has been largely self-directed, starting as a teenager venturing into photography, evolving into magazine editorial work, and eventually writing, editing and publishing. Then landing into the publisher and Editor-inChief position of a women’s magazine where I cut my teeth in publishing—an experience that proved invaluable. When the opportunity arose to guide Ropers Sports News into its next chapter, I couldn’t let it pass. A conversation with Bob, set this new course in to motion.
I step into this role fully aware of the legacy left by Bob and Steph. It’s a significant undertaking, and while I may never fill their shoes completely, my goal is to continue the tradition of keeping you informed, entertained, and connected to the culture we all cherish. This publication isn’t just about news; it’s about the people, the events, and the spirit of the roping and rodeo world.
This is a publication with deep roots and long branches, and it thrives on community support. I invite each of you to contribute—whether through story ideas, events, or products and services. We are open for business, and we need your involvement to keep this legacy vibrant.
I am profoundly thankful for the warm welcomes and guidance many of you have extended as I navigate these early days. To our loyal readers and advertisers who have decided to stand behind the brand in this new era, your faith in us is not taken lightly. Thank you!
As we continue this journey together, know that I am committed to maintaining the integrity and heart of Ropers Sports News. I can’t guarantee perfection but I promise consistency and dedication, with God in my heart and my family at my side.
If you’re reading this, know how much I appreciate you. Your support means everything. Tell your friends, subscribe, and let’s keep the spirit of Ropers Sports News alive for many more years.
With gratitude,
Dee Yates
GET IN TOUCH!
We love hearing from our readers here at Ropers Sports News! If you have a question, correction or simply want to share your thoughts or ideas, contact me at info@roperssportsnews.com You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Dee Yates
deeyates@roperssportsnews.com Office line (209)333-2924
ADVERTISING SALES
Senior Account Manager
Lacey Parsons (530)645-8401 lacey@roperssportsnews.com
Senior Account Manager
Kimberly Mullen (209)327-3797 kimberly@roperssportsnews.com
ACCOUNTING
Vickie Meidinger (209)810-6427 vickie@roperssportsnews.com
CONTRIBUTORS:
Margarette Mullins, Bob Owl, Jackie Jensen, Mandy McCary, Wild Red Rodeo, Becky Prunty Lisle, Cathie Twisselman, Lacey Parsons
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Boast Graphics
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CALIFORNIA CHAPTER FINALS
$20,000 Added Money 14 SADDLES + $75,000 in Awards
SEPTEMBER 25-29, 2024
YEAR END AWARDS MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE ACTRA BOOTH!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Books Open 12:30, Close 1:30, Rope 2pm
PASO ROBLES EVENT CENTER PASO ROBLES, CA PAYBACK OVER 90% IN CASH & PRIZES
“No Teams Held For Awards, Your Entry Fee After Cattle Charge Goes To The Pot.”
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Books Open 7am, Close 8am, Rope 8:30
#8.5 Roping (29% Cattle) 4 for $100
Open Roping (20% Cattle) $2,000 Added 5 for $200
$2,000 ADDED MONEY SPONSORED BY BRADLEY BUILDERS. Do Not Need To Be Qualified. Books Won’t Close Before 4pm. Day Passes For Open Accepted.
Breakaway (25% Cattle) $2,000 Added..............3 for $200
SPONSORED BY PADDOCK INC, R-W PRODUCTIONS, 7UP PRODUCTIONS Progresssive After Two. 14 & Under Incentive. Books Won’t Close Before 4pm. Day Passes For Breakaway Accepted.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Books Open 7am, Close 8am, Rope 8:30
Books For The #7 Roping Will Close At 5pm And Be Posted At 7pm. Late Entries Accepted Friday Morning Until 8am And Will Run First At 8:30am.
#10.5 Hdcp. Up/Down (29% Cattle) .............. 4 for $100
Jim Hanner Century #8 Hdcp. 4 for $75
Books Won’t Close Before 10am. AWARDS SPONSORED BY FRIENDS OF JIM HANNER (Jim Waggoner, Steve Simons, Mike Sweeney)
Mixed #8 Hdcp. 4 for $75
Books Won’t Close Before 1pm
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Books Open 7am, Close 8am, Rope 8:30
Books For The #5.5 Roping Will Close At 5pm And Be Posted At 7pm. Late Entries Accepted Saturday Morning Until 8am And Will Run First At 8:30am.
Super #7 Hdcp. Down (29% Cattle) 5 for $150
All Girl Hdcp. Pick 1/Draw 1 3 for $60/$120 Pick 3/Draw 3 or 6 Total Runs Max Must Be Fully Qualified. Books Won’t Close Before Noon.
#5.5 Roping 4 for $75 #3 Pick or Draw ........................ 4 for $60
Dummy Roping 10 a.m. Age Groups 3 & U; 4-5; 6-7; 8-9
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Books Open 7am, Close 8am, Rope 8:30 #4 Pick or Draw ........................ 4 for $60
ALL ROPINGS ARE CASH ONLY!
(Credit Cards Charged 3.95% Convenience Fee)
• All Ropings Go 4 Times (All Girl Total Of Six Times)
• 33% Cattle Charge In All Ropings With Exception Of: Open (20%), Breakaway (25%) and Super #7, #10.5 & #8.5 (29%)
• Two Arenas • No Teams Out For Awards
• Ropers Must Be A Member And Have 10 Qualifiers By September 2, 2024 In Order To Rope At The California Finals Dress Code Required At All Finals • Finals Ground Rules at www.actra.org
Books Will Not Close Before 1:00pm Books Open 8am, Close 9am, Rope at 9:30am #4 Pick Or Draw .................................... 3 for $50 Capped At #2.5 • 35% Cattle Charge #5½ Hdcp. Down ................................... 3 for $50 Pick/Draw • No Caps • 35% Cattle Charge #6 Hdcp. Up Or Down .......................... 4 for $75 Hdcp. 1 Second Up/2 Seconds Down • 35% Cattle Charge (Fresh set of steers for the #6 hdcp from Scott Perez Cattle) $15,000 IN AWARDS
YEAR END AWARDS MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE ACTRA BOOTH!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Any Current Member Can Rope On Friday Without Being Qualified Books Open 9am, Close 9:30am, Rope at 10am
#2 Cap Draw Pot 3 for $50
No One Over A #2 May Enter • 35% Cattle Charge
#6 Hdcp. Down Pick 1/Draw 1 (or Draw Both) 4 for $50/Run ($100/entry)
Maximum Six Runs Total • Books Close At 2:00pm • 35% Cattle Charge
#7 Hdcp. (Up or Down) Pick 1/Draw 1 (or Draw Both) 4 for $50/Run ($100/entry)
Books Will Not Close Before 4pm • 35% Cattle Charge
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Books Open 7:30am, Close at 8:30, Rope at 9:00am
#10.5 Hdcp. Up/Down 35% Cattle Charge 4 for $75
Super #7 Handicap Down 29% Cattle Charge 5 for $100
Books Will Not Close Before 10:00am • 35% Cattle Charge — Saddles To The Winners —
#5.5 Roping 35% Cattle Charge 4 for $60
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Books Open 7:30am, Close at 8:30, Rope at 9:00am
#4 Pick Or Draw 35% Cattle Charge 4 for $60
#3 Pick Or Draw 35% Cattle Charge 4 for $60 Dummy roping at 10AM on Sunday (9 & under)
1ST: TRES RIOS BUCKLES
(SCOTT THOMAS SADDLES IN THE #7)
2nd: Scott Thomas Breast Collar 3rd: Scott Thomas Leather Bronc Halter 4th: Professional’s Choice Bit 5th: Yeti Cup
FAST TIME: 1st: ACTRA Chair 2nd: Wrangler Gift Card or Cactus/Fast Back Rope
DRESS CODE REQUIRED DRESS CODE REQUIRED
The Basics
The basics for roping is horsemanship and everything that goes with that. Every instructor that I have ever had puts a great deal of emphasis on this aspect of roping. As some have said "you catch the steer with your right hand but you win with your left hand". That strongly infers that good horsemanship is the basics for good roping. I believe that the "basics" for a successful life starts with a solid relationship with Christ. That is vital and should be encouraging to those reading this that are already a Christian. The Bible is full of examples of people that became a Christian and their lives were transformed and God led them to victory over things that have held them back –because he was living in them. That is because
He will help you do what you can't on your own. I am an alcoholic and freely admit that, “I can't, He can, so I will let Him". That may not apply to some of those reading this. It might not be alcohol but something else that is holding you back from having a life that is as fulfilling as you would like. But because alcohol applies to me I use it’s
an example of what God can do and is willing to do for you.
I have personally had many times where it would have been easy to give up. However, something inside me would help me through. That “something” is the Holy Spirit which has lived in me for many years. In AA it is called our Higher Power. It works. As it is I am now going back to the basics of roping. I ride twice per week. Stay in shape. And am gettng my balance back.
Gotta get my “sealegs” back. I have not ridden regularly since brain surgery in late May of 2023. It is not like a bicycle. It is taking more work and taking longer than I had expected. However, as with many things I have encountered, I am sure God will help me to come back and be able to rope again.
As we approach the end of the roping season, I would encourage you to rope great, have a great time and do your best.
As always if you have any comments or suggestion contact me at
On July 27th we had the honor to host a fundraiser for Ryder Redfeairn, the 15 year old son of Mike and Candra Redfeairn, who came off his horse in the practice pen and hit his head on the rail on the way down. He suffered from a shattered C4 vertebrate and a broken tail bone as well as a few other injuries. Luckily, he did not sever his spinal cord, but did do some damage to it. Ryder was airlifted to Kern Medical Center where they observed him and decided to send him to UCLA medical center. Ryder, while spending several days on a ventilator and battling pneumonia, went from not feeling anything below his neck to having feeling all the way down to his feet in about 4 days, as well as breaking the fever he had. All very good signs as well as starting to feel pain on days 4 and 5. Ryder was recently released to a rehab facility in Downey, California for further healing. The good thing for Ryder is that he is young and determined and he has his loving supportive family by his side.
It started with an idea – we can easily
BY MARGARETTE MULLINS
host a roping here to help. We talked with a couple friends and we all had the same idea – we need to help! A couple days later we met for dinner. There were about 18 of us that came together and we left with an idea to have the roping, a dinner, and a silent auction. We hoped to sell about 12 tables and have about 15 teams. It kept growing. Friends, family, Mike’s customers and associates, and so many people who heard about Ryder’s accident wanted to help in some way. Pretty soon we needed 3 tents, then 4, when we stepped off the area by the arena we realized we had to stop selling tables because we were running out of space for tents. It was a good problem to have.
The evening started with the sponsor roping. Ropers put up $500 a man for a 4 steer draw with a different partner in each round. We ended up with 38 teams! They earned points to 10th hoping to win the Coats saddle. Thank you to Joe and Katie Gregory and Jimmy Pfeffer for donating the saddle
and congratulations to Dylan Dishion for winning the saddle and Kelsey Mauro was pretty stoked to go home with the “Ryder’s Roping” buckle.
When that pot was over, dinner was done just right by Wayne Dotson of Golden Empire Towing and his family. They did an amazing job. The pork loin was outstanding and we can’t thank him enough. We had no idea how to purchase the right amount for that many people, but he said, “No problem, just tell me how many people you think” –when it was all said and done, he said he served 488 plates! Not only did he donate his time and cooking skills, but also the port-a-cools, water truck, and roll offs. He also sent one of his tow trucks to Costco to pick everything up that was ordered.
During the Sponsor roping and dinner there was a silent auction with over 60 wonderful items. Again we were pleasantly stunned by the outpouring of love from everyone. This exceeded our wildest expectations and had something to please everyone.
After dinner and the silent auction we had a live auction. Thank you Justin Mebane for auctioneering! We had some outstanding items up for grabs. A full load of hay, great Dodger seats, great NFR tickets, Joe Peters donated his acoustic melodies, 100x American Hat, dinner with Shannon Grove and Philip Peters, Madonna Inn weekend, a Smarty sled and more.
We finished the night with a handicap draw. The ‘Ryder’s Roping’ buckles were awarded to the winners Gavin Eaton and Owen Redfeairn. I think it might have been kind of special for Owen.
The village that came together to produce this event (in about 3 weeks) was amazing – it was a pleasure and I will
do anything with you guys anytime. They include Dominic and Jamie Patino, Joe and Katie Gregory, Kelly Cecil, Wayne Dotson, Julie Towse, Amy Etcheverry, David Daniel, Steve Hatcher, Joe Peters, Josh Lynch, and Joey and Stacy Deniz. And very special thank you goes out to Steve Simons, Rick Owens, Shannon Grove, Kari Pascoe and the hundreds of people who turned out to support an amazing family with a super kid. Our job isn’t done. Ryder still has a very long recovery in front of him. You can support Ryder’s Give Send Go page at Ryder Ranger Redfeairn and see a lot more pictures on Facebook at Ryder Roping.
Coats saddle certificate won by Dylan and Blayne Dishion. Mac Mullins and Dominic Patino presenting.
Gavin Eaton and Owen Redfeairn winning the Ryder’s Roping buckles. Kelly Cecil and Mac Mullins presenting.
Ryder’s Roping buckle won by Kelsey Mauro. Paul and Mac Mullins presenting.
V7 CATTLE ROPING
The Gilroy Rodeo Grounds came alive from July 4th to 7th, 2024, hosting a thrilling series of team roping events orchestrated by Andee and Eric Cozzitorto through their company, V7 Cattle. This highly anticipated event attracted a large crowd and participants from all over, all gathered to witness and partake in top-tier roping competitions that showcased both veteran skill and emerging talent. The opening day set the competitive tone, with Telon Petska and Layton Oswald clinching first place in the 6.5 Handicap event's first GO with a swift 6.40-second finish, netting $340 each. The duo of Talon Petska and Chris Wooster later topped the Average category with a time of 24.10 seconds, winning $790 each, underscoring the high level of competition.
The event momentum continued on July 5th with Talon Petska teaming up again with Layton Oswald to win the
RESULTS
(Dates: July 4-7, 2024): JULY 4, 2024
- Type of Roping: 6.5 Hdcp Pick 1 Draw 1 or Draw All
- Entry Fee: $30 per man
- Additional Fees: $10 daily, $60 team entry, $1 per paid team
- Cattle Charge: 35%
1ST GO RESULTS:
- Telon Petska and Layton Oswald: 6.40 seconds, $340 per man
- Blair Lohrberg and Layton Oswald: 4.00 seconds, $230 per man
- Adolfo Nuñez and Steven Rogers: 10.01 seconds, $30 per man
AVERAGE RESULTS:
- Talon Petska and Chris Wooster: 24.10 seconds, $790 per man
- Seth Lohr and Cliff Garrison: 24.62 seconds, $655 per man
first GO in the 7.0 Handicap, marking a repeat of their previous day's success. Nathan Woold and Shawn Aguiar emerged victorious in the Average results, demonstrating consistent performance and excellent teamwork.
In the 5.5 Handicap, Wyatt Bourdet and Smitt Bourdet excelled in the GO round, whereas Bart Bonfantini and George Dellis led in the Average results, showing the depth of talent across the board.
The All Girls event was a highlight on July 6th, with Avery May and Brodyee Bourdet taking the lead, further diversifying the roster of champions. The mixed junior/senior event showcased Avery May once more, this time paired with CJ DeForest, who dominated the GO round with a remarkable time of 5.50 seconds. Each day of the event not only brought forward impressive roping feats but also strengthened the sense of community among the competitors, fostered by the Cozzitortos' commitment to creating a welcoming and fair competition environment.
Over the course of the weekend, the event saw a staggering turnout with 1,688 teams participating and a total of 2,844 cattle runs, highlighting the scale and the intense level of engagement at the rodeo. This bustling activity underlines the significant impact and popularity of the event, making it a standout in the annual roping calendar.
High $ Header Wyatt Bourdet
Emitt Bourdet, Wins the High Money Overall, Lazy L Saddle Certificate
- Braydee Burnett and Chase McAnally: 24.10 seconds, $520 per man
- Madison Silveira and Jeff Sparrowk: 24.36 seconds, $380 per man
- Andy Holcomb and Kristan Luther: 24.77 seconds, $245 per man
- Dominic Kastl and Andy Holcomb: 24.88 seconds, $135 per man
JULY 5, 2024
- Roping Types: 7 Hdcp Pick 1 Draw 1, 5.5 Hdcp
DOWN Pick or Draw, 4.5 Pick or Draw, 8.5
Hdcp Pick 1 Draw 1 or Draw All
- Entry Fee: $30 per man for all but 8.5
Hdcp ($40 per man)
- Cattle Charge: 35%
- 7 Hdcp Pick 1 Draw 1 Results:
- GO:
- Talon Petska and Layton Oswald: 6.54 seconds, $310 per man
- Hawk Brown and Layton Oswald: 6.61 seconds, $210 per man
- Talon Petska and Scott Harvey: 10.02 seconds, $30 per man
- AVERAGE:
- Nathan Woold and Shawn Aguiar: 19.94 seconds, $605 per man
- Hank Brown and Layton Oswald: 23.29 seconds, $535 per man
- Ethan Strassburger and Blair Wheatley: 23.70 seconds, $465 per man
- Hank Brown and Mario Raymundo: 24.75 seconds, $335 per man
- Talon Petska and Jeff Sparrowk: 20.18 seconds, $220 per man
- 5.5 Hdcp DOWN Pick or Draw Results: - GO:
- Wyatt Bourdet and Smitt Bourdet: 7.58 seconds, $310 per man
- Bart Bonfantini and George Dellis: 7.11 seconds, $210 per man
- Adrian Maes Jr. and Aaron Maes: 10.07 seconds, $30 per man
- AVERAGE:
- Bart Bonfantini and George Dellis: 28.37 seconds, $670 per man
- Wyatt Bourdet and Smitt Bourdet: 29.43 seconds, $560 per man
- John Griffin and Frank Van Arsdale: 31.58 seconds, $465 per man
- Gary Vieira and Cody Hawkins: 31.90 seconds, $335 per man
- George Lynn Lockett and Sutton Lockett: 28.24 seconds, $225 per man
- 4.5 Pick or Draw Results: - GO:
- Ethan Strassburg and Taison Pierce: 6.92 seconds, $190 per man
With 48 Ropers Average Winner Braydee Bourdet
Average Winners : Billy Boos / Trent Jones Hat Funny Money Winners of the same pot
Bart Bonfantini / Dwain Pemberton w/ a 10.02
Average Winners: w/ 121 Teams (right to left) Francis Borden / Layton Oswald
Average Winners: w/ 85 Teams (right to left) Kelsey Mauro / Braden Rogers
Winners (left to right) Gavin Cardoza / Dawsyn Ozcodi
Winners! Brothers! (Left to right) Adrian Macias / Aaron Macias
4.5 Pick or Draw Pot: Dalton Walker / Kathryn Seitz
Funny Money Hat Winners- meaning closest to 10.00 Left side 4.5 pot winner Nora Jean O’Flaherty/ (Taison Pierce not pictured) Right side: All Girl - Funny Money Winners Jody Pate / Lori Nevis
Average Winners w/ 104 Teams (left to right) Jake Bourdet (heeling) Avery May (heading)
- Paige Cecil and Nolan Scott: 7.99 seconds, $130 per man
- Dathan Walker and Kathryn Seitz: 9.20 seconds, $30 per man
- AVERAGE:
- Emmitt Bourdet and Alf Garnisa: 23.34 seconds, $560 per man
- Ray Cecil and Nolan Scott: 24.08 seconds, $420 per man
- Ron Pierce and Brandy Hartford: 25.85 seconds, $280 per man
- Ron Pierce and Lori Nevus: 26.15 seconds, $140 per man
- 8.5 Hdcp Pick 1 Draw 1 or Draw All Results:
- GO:
- Nolan Scott and Cayden Cox: 4.63 seconds, $280 per man
- Nolan Scott and Tristan Luther: 4.87 seconds, $185 per man
- AVERAGE:
- Wyatt Bourdet and Layton Oswald: 25.07 seconds, $745 per man
- Nolan Scott and Jeff Adney: 25.56 seconds, $560 per man
- Rich Baker and Blair Whatley: 26.20 seconds, $370 per man
- Andy Holcomb and Tristan Luther: 28.95 seconds, $185 per man
JULY 6, 2024
- All Girl Roping
- Entry Fee: $30 per man
- Paid Teams: 34
- Teams for Points: 35
- Results:
- GO:
- Avery May and Bradyee Bourdet: 7.10 seconds, $80
- Jody Park and Lori Nevus: 9.86 seconds
- AVERAGE:
- Marcey Chevrestt and Lacy Bourdet: 31.36 seconds, $195
- Avery May and Lacy Bourdet: 33.96 seconds, $150
- Alyssa Erickson and Ruby Riedel: 36.97 seconds, $105
JULY 7, 2024
Roping Type: 8.5 Hdcp Pick 1 Draw 1 or Draw All GO RESULTS:
- Max Logan and Dean Sherbo: 4.85 seconds, $300
- Seth Mickle and Chance Machado: 5.16 seconds, $200
- Sutton Lockett and Arden Amador: 10.23 seconds
- AVERAGE RESULTS:
- Frances Borden and Layton Oswald: 25.38 seconds, $855
- Max Logan and Logan Ansot: 24.66 seconds, $640
- Mitch Bourdet and Billy Fowlus: 29.99 seconds, $430
- Nolan Scott and Paul Mullins: 30.59 seconds, $215\
right) Marcey Chaves / Lacy Bourdet
8.5 Hdcp
Winners w/ 203 Teams (left to right) Wyatt Bourdet / Scott Harvey
Bourdet/Adrian Cervantes Jr.
Wohld (right side)
World Champs Facing Adversity and Unheralded Cowboys Win Big at Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo
CHEYENNE, Wyo., July 28, 2024. The Championship Sunday crowd at the 128th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo (CFD) saw a mix of world champions facing adversity and unheralded cowboys ride away with 2024 championships at the Daddy of ‘em All.
The top 12 contestants from the previous rounds of competition compete on Championship Sunday where everyone starts with a clean slate. The first competition of the day was steer roping. Tuff Hardman of Atoka, Oklahoma, who came into Championship Sunday in tenth place, but clocked a time of 14.5 seconds as the third man to rope. The closest any of the rest of the field could get was a 14.6 by another Oklahoman, Chet Herren. Hardman has his sights on qualifying for the National Finals Steer Roping and the nearly $11,000
he won on Sunday will help the father of three reach that goal.
Next up was bareback riding where seven of the 12 finalists were veterans of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). North Dakota cowboy Clay Jorgenson marked the highest score of the 2024 rodeo with 90 points Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail. This is the biggest win to date for the 28-year-old cowboy and is one he’ll remember for a lifetime.
“To get my name up there with a bunch of great guys who’ve won this rodeo before, it hasn’t really processed yet,” Jorgenson remarked. “It’s an unbelievable feeling and I’m so blessed.”
In tie-down roping, world standings leader Shad Mayfield continued his successful season, clocking a time of 9.8 to win by nearly 3 seconds. Mayfield has been battling hip injuries all season and credited being able to stay in Cheyenne through the week with helping his performance. He will take a few weeks off for rest and rehabilitation to stave off surgery until after the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in December.
Mayfield, who won the world title in 2020, grew up coming to Frontier Days with his father. He has a photo of himself as a young child swinging a rope under the grandstands.
Reigning breakaway roping world champion Shelby Boisjoli-Meged was emotional on the winner’s platform after winning her event with the fastest time of this year’s rodeo – 3.7 seconds. She admitted that she had been having a rough time winning this summer.
She had to be one of the top breakaway ropers in the wild card round after she missed the cut in the qualification round.
“I missed my calf in the wild card and had to fish my rope around the neck,” she said. “I credit that “cowgirl try” with getting me to today’s finals. Today I thought
I had broken the barrier for a couple of strides until I heard my husband yell.”
To see your name drawn next to Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ THE Black Tie is a bronc rider’s dream. The 2023 Saddle Bronc Horse of the Year is known for giving cowboys a good chance to mark 90 points or more. Logan Cook of Alto, Texas, took advantage of that opportunity with a score of 90 to win the championship.
“I’ve kind of been nervous since yesterday afternoon about 4 o’clock just because you know you’ve got the one to win it on as long as you do your job,” Cook explained.
“Everybody in the world watches the Daddy of ‘Em All. You grow up as a little kid watching it and it's just great to come here and come out on top,” he said.
Winning Cheyenne Frontier Days is an accomplishment that has eluded team ropers Hayes Smith and Justin Davis for years, until now.
“This is one of the ones you grow up practicing to win and I’ve never even made the short round here,” Smith said, while Davis added “I’ve made the short round five or six times, but I’ve never won it.”
The field was stacked with past CFD champions along with numerous NFR qualifiers, but Smith and Davis bested them all with an 8.3 second run to win.
“This is as good as it gets. It’s a lifelong dream to win this rodeo. I’ve been here probably 16 times, and I’ve never won it, so it’s pretty special,” Davis acknowledged.
Denton Good, a 20-year-old steer wrestler from Long Valley, South Dakota, earned his first championship at Frontier Park. Rodeo is a family affair for Good. His father Allen was his hazer, riding his grandfather’s hazing horse. Denton rode his brother’s horse while his brother was at another rodeo riding Denton’s horse.
Logan Cook made the ride of his life at the 2024 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in the saddle bronc riding. He scored 90 points aboard World Champion Saddle Bronc Horse, THE Black Tie, owned by Sankey Rodeo & Phenom Genetics. Cook, from Alto, Texas, earned $10,728. PRCA photo by Jackie Jensen
Good opened a fencing business after he graduated from high school. His foreman made the 4.5-hour drive to watch the final round while the rest of his crew worked a fencing job.
In barrel racing 2022 World Champion Jordon Briggs and her horse Famous Lil Jet that she calls Rollo took the win in Frontier Park, a place where her mother Kristie Peterson won four championships in the 1990s. Champions here get a prize package that includes a trophy buckle and trophy saddle. Peterson also took home a trophy bit from the 100th anniversary of this rodeo. Briggs received a special three-foot tall replica of Frontier Park’s new How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls statue as did Boisjoli-Meged.
Briggs took most of the rodeo season off as Rollo recovered from an injury to a suspensory ligament and had won no money in Women’s Professional Rodeo Association competition as of June 1. Since then, she and Rollo have been taking home paychecks and the $17,000 they earned here is an important boost in her quest to return to the NFR or at least end the season in the top 30 to qualify for the big winter rodeos.
T.J. Gray, a 23-year-old bull rider from Dairy, Oregon, matched up with Dakota Rodeo’s bull No Dose for a score of 90 points.
“I’ve never been 90 before so when they said that I was, I was pretty stoked,” Gray, who is ranked seventh in the world, admitted.
“Cheyenne’s the biggest rodeo I’ve ever won,” Gray said. “There were a lot of good bull riders out today and a lot of good bulls, but I knew 90 was going to be a high mark to beat.”
The all-around race was a veteran versus rookie; timed event versus rough stock battle between two Oklahomans – roper Coleman Proctor and bareback and bull rider Wacey Schalla.
Proctor, the 2022 CFD All-Around Champion, posted a time of 24.0 seconds in steer roping which put him eighth and earned him $2,200. Schalla was the final cowboy to ride in the bareback riding. He knew he needed a big score since North Dakota’s Jorgenson had set the bar at 90 points. Schalla scored 89 points to split second and third and add $5,500 to his earnings. In team roping Proctor and his partner Logan Medlin of
New Mexico won $8,000 each for second place with a time of 10 seconds. For the second time in three years, Proctor found himself avidly watching the bull riding with an all-around title on the line.
Schalla was matched with Dakota Rodeo’s unridden bull Big Time. The rookie cowboy brought a roar from the crowd as he scored 83 points to place third for another $4,500, but that wasn’t enough to overtake Proctor who joked his 2022 buckle was getting worn and needed an update.
The 2025 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo will be held in Frontier Park July 19-27, 2025.
2024 CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS CHAMPIONS
Bareback Riding
Clay Jorgenson, Watford City, N.D., $11,729 Steer Roping
Tuff Hardman, Atoka, Okla., 30.8, $10,972 Breakaway Roping
Shelby Boisjoli-Meged, Miles City, Mont., $16,280 Tie-Down Roping
Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M., $16,400
Saddle Bronc Riding
Logan Cook, Alto, Texas, $10,728 Team Roping
Hayes Smith, Central Point, Ore., and Justin Davis, Cottonwood, Calif., $11,925 each Steer Wrestling
Denton Good, Long Valley, S.D., $12,710 Barrel Racing
Jordon Briggs, Tolar, Texas, $17,053 Bull Riding
T.J. Gray, Dairy, Ore., $10,627 All-Around
Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla., $28,351
Rookie Bronc Riding
Clint Read, Wildwood, Alberta, $1,543
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 28, 2024)- The following are unofficial results from Championship Sunday at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Sunday, July 28.
Bareback Riding: 1, Clay Jorgenson, Watford City, N.D., 90 points on Summit Pro Rodeo’s Game Trail, $8,455. 2, (tie) Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, Canada, and Wacey Schalla, Arapaho, Okla., 89, $5,508 each. 4, Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La., 88, $3,074. 5, (tie) R.C. Landingham, Hat Creek, Calif.; Lane McGehee, Victoria, Texas, and Jacob Lees, Caldwell, Idaho, 84, $769 each.
Breakaway Roping: 1, Shelby, Boisjoli-Meged, Miles City, Mont., 3.7 seconds, $12,210. 2, Shelby Whiting, Paola, Kan., 4.9, $9,250. 3, Kinlie Brennise, Craig, Colo., 5.0, $6,600. 4, Jordan Jo Hollabaugh, 5.4, $4,440. 5, Chenoa VandeStouwe, Weatherford, Okla., 5.6, $2,590. 6, Jordyn McNamee, Laramie, Wyo., 6.7, $1,850.
Tie Down Roping: 1, Shad Mayfield, Clovis, N.M., 9.8 seconds, $9,200. 2, Chet Weitz, London, Texas, 12.5, $8,000. 3, Dontae Pacheco, Blanco, N.M., 12.9, $6.800. 4, Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas, 13.0, $5,600. 5, Brayden Roe, Wendell, Idaho, 13.1, $4,400. 6, Tyler Milligan, Pawhuska, Okla., 13.4, $3,200. 7, Britt Bedke, Oakley, Idaho, 13.8, $2,000. 8, Dylan Hancock, San Angelo, Texas, 14.4, $800.
Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Logan Cook, Alto, Texas, 90 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ The Black Tie, $8,135. 2, Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas, 89, $6,163. 3, (tie) Gus Gaillard, Morse, Texas, and Kolby Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, 88.5, $3,698 each. 6, (tie) Lefty Holman, Visalia, Calif., and Zeke Thurston, Big Valley, Alberta, Canada, 87.5, $1,479 each.
Team Roping: 1, Hayes Smith, Central Point, Ore., and Justin Davis, Cottonwood, Calif., 8.3 seconds, $9,200 each. 2, Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla., and Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M., 10.0, $8,000 each. 3, Kaleb Driggers, Hoboken, Ga., and Junior Nogueira, Presidente Prude, Brazil, 10.8, $6,800 each. 4, Cole Thomas, Meadville, Miss., and Dylin Ahlstrom, Hooper, Utah, 13.2, $5,600 each. 5, Riley and Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Wash., 13.6 seconds, $4,400 each. 6, Billy Bob Brown, Carbon, Texas, and Josh Patton, Shallowater, Texas, 14.3, $3,200 each. 7, Dawson
Over a quarter of a century after Jordon Briggs’ mother Kristie Peterson won her last barrel racing title at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Briggs, from Tolar, Texas, has one of her own. She and Famous Lil Jet, “Rollo,” stopped the clock in 17.06 seconds to win the 2024 title and $17,053, the highest amount of money in a single event at the 2024 rodeo. PRCA photo by Click Thompson.
Denton Good, from Long Valley, South Dakota, won the steer wrestling at the 128th edition of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo with his father, Allen Good, working as his hazer in the arena. The younger generation stopped the clock in 6.5 seconds to earn the championship and $12,710. PRCA photo by Click Thompson
Shelby Boisjoli-Meged was all smiles after winning the breakaway championship at the 2024 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. She stopped the clock in 3.7 seconds and throughout the competition earned $16,280. It was a special championship as CFD celebrated the Year of the Cowgirl and awarded all of the women champions a special bronze. PRCA photo by Click Thompson
and Dillon Graham, Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, 15.1, $2,000 each. 8, Clayton Van Aken, Yoder, Wyo., and Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo., 17.9, $800 each.
Steer Wrestling: (seven times) 1, Denton Good, Long Valley, S.D., 6.5 seconds, $6,900. 2, Caden Camp, Belgrade, Mont., 6.6, $6,000. 3, Dakota Eldridge, Elko, Nev., 6.8, $5,100. 4, Jacob Wang, Laramie, Wyo., 7.2, $4,200. 5, Trisyn Kalawaia, Hilo, Hawaii, 8.1, $3,300. 6, Jayce Doan, Hazelton, N.D., 11.9, $2,400. 7, Walt Arnold, Coleman, Texas, 15.9, $1,500. 8, Jesse Brown, Baker City, Ore., No Time, $600 (based on performance in previous rounds.)
Barrel Racing: 1, Jordon Briggs, Tolar, Texas, 17.06 seconds, $10,751. 2, LaTricia Duke, Zephyr, Texas, 17.08, $8,897. 3, Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla., 17.24, $7,044 . 4, Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla., 17.40, $5,190. 5, Tayla Moeykens, Three Forks, Mont., 17.42, $3.336. 6, Andrea Busby, Brock, Texas, 17.54, $1,854.
Bull Riding: (five rides) 1, T.J. Gray, Dairy, Ore., 90 points on Dakota Rodeo’s No Dose, $8,247. 2, Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Queensland, Australia, 88, $6,258. 3, Wacey Schalla, Arapaho, Okla., 83, $4,498. 4, Cooper James, Erda, Utah, 78, $2,999. 5, Parker Breding, Edgar, Mont., 77, $1,749. 6, Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, La., 0, $1,250 (based on performance in previous rounds.)
Steer Roping: (eight times) 1, Tuff Hardman, Atoka, Okla., 14.5 seconds, $10,972. 2, Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla., 14.6, $9,326. 3, Trenton Johnson, Blue Mound, Kan., 16.2, $7,681. 4, Tyler Hargrave, Canyon, Texas, 16.5, $6,583. 5, (tie) Blake Deckard, Eufaula, Okla., and Jase Johnson, Jacksboro, Texas, 16.9, $4,663 each. 7, Jess Tierney, Hermosa, S.D., 17.9, $2,743 . 8, Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla., 24.0, $2,194. 9, Cole Patterson, Pawnee, Okla., No Time, $1,920. 10, Scott Snedecor, Fredericksburg, Texas, No Time, $1,646. 11, Vin Fisher, Jr., Andrews, Texas, No Time, $1,372. 12, Jake Clay, Sapulpa, Okla., No Time, $1,097. (places 9-12 based on performance in previous rounds.)
Wild Horse Race: 1, Team Meanus, $4,860. 2, Graves Team, $3,645. 3, Kenny Electric, $2,430. 4, Billy Scharton, $1,215.
MO BRINGS PLENTY AS AMERICAN INDIAN CULTURAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
TETON RIDGE APPOINTS Yellowstone STAR
Teton Ridge, the premier Western sports media, lifestyle, and entertainment company, announced today that critically acclaimed, American Indian actor Mo Brings Plenty, star of the beloved series “Yellowstone,” joins the company as American Indian Cultural Affairs Director.
Brings Plenty will play a pivotal role in overseeing authenticity, diversity, and overall industry culture across a variety of Teton Ridge properties including the esteemed Cowboys & Indians Magazine, the Arizona Ridge Riders, a professional bull riding team within the PBR Teams League and Teton Ridge Entertainment.
“I am truly looking forward to joining the team at Teton Ridge,” said Brings Plenty. “My biggest drive is to be
a positive factor and help support what Teton Ridge has set out to do in shedding light on western heritage. I look ahead to incorporating American Indian culture more into every avenue of this industry - we have a lot of cowboys and cowgirls accomplishing great things. Our culture is really parallel to the cowboy culture, so bridging those together and celebrating their stories side-by-side is my biggest goal.”
Brings Plenty will also consult for Teton Ridge Entertainment, a division of Teton Ridge producing films, series and new media projects that explore Americana stories and highlight the themes, ethos and setting of the American West.
Led by Jillian Share, the company recently announced a docuseries it is
working on with Oscar-winner James Reed (“My Octopus Teacher”) about Colossal Biosciences, a company working to bring extinct species, such as the woolly mammoth, back to life, a new take on Louis L’Amour’s novel Fallon based off of a film pitch from Pete Chiarelli (“Crazy Rich Asians”) and a groundbreaking women’s basketball documentary following Dawn Staley’s undefeated 2023/2024 season with the South Carolina Gamecocks.
“Our team is dedicated to preserving the western lifestyle and celebrating the diverse storylines that have played a pivotal role in creating what we all know and love today,” said Deirdre Lester, Chief Executive Officer of Teton Ridge. “After hosting Mo at many of our events and watching him build longstanding, impactful relationships across the industry—all while educating and bringing much-needed perspective to the table—it was quite obvious that his playing a larger role was imperative in paving the way for the future of Teton Ridge and the industry at large.”
“Mo is a cowboy, and he lives his life as a constant leader in his community,” added Ridge Riders General Manager Casey Lane. “Bringing that leadership and unique voice to our team is such an incredibly positive thing for the entire industry. We could not have identified a better mentor to shape the future of all efforts within Teton Ridge and help the Ridge Riders build a championship culture with our riders, partners, and fans.”
Elko, Nevada’s Silver State Stampede: 112 Years and Counting
The oldest rodeo in Nevada, Elko’s Silver State Stampede was founded in 1912 by world renowned saddle maker, G.S. Garcia, and is still going strong over a century later.
What began as a community gathering and competition for local ranch cowboys has evolved into the fast-paced, multifaceted professional rodeo event it is today.
The Stampede joined the PRCA in 1988 and has grown steadily since then. The Stampede is quite fittingly the only PRCA rodeo to award highly-coveted, handmade Garcia spurs to event winners. With the help of its dedicated sponsors, the
Stampede has also increased added money 156% since 2021 and now offers $15,000 added money per event. The total payout in 2024 was $179,814.
This has served to position the Stampede among the top-paying 60 rodeos out of approximately 790 total PRCAsanctioned events. The recently boosted payout amounts have also helped secure the rodeo a spot in the elite NFR Playoff Series. Depending on how the calendar falls each year, the Stampede is usually held the second weekend of July, often making it a convenient stop for competitors on the road for the “Cowboy Christmas” run.
BY: BECKY PRUNTY LISLE
Since 2022, the stock contractor for the Stampede has been the awardwinning Frontier Rodeo Company. Their outstanding broncs and bulls help bring some of the biggest names in professional bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding to Elko. The Stampede also boasts a packed timed-event roster, with a long list of slack contestants in addition to the three rodeo performances that are broadcast on the Cowboy Channel.
The Stampede also features unique special awards. Sponsored by the family of Stampede board president, Pat Laughlin, a “Top Gun” award is given to the Nevada contestant earning the most money during the three-day event. The winner receives a rifle in memory of Pat’s father, Mike Laughlin, a longtime supporter of the Stampede and western lifestyles in general.
Starting in 2024, the Trenten Montero Memorial awards a custom bronze sculpted by Utah-based artist, Jeff Wolf, to the winner of the bareback riding. The bronze is beautifully styled after one of Montero’s best rides, and honors the late Winnemucca, Nevada cowboy, who sustained fatal injuries in the arena at the Homedale, Idaho rodeo in August 2023. In the award’s inaugural year, the Stampede board presented a bronze not only to the bareback riding winner, Kade Sonnier, but also to Trenten’s parents and to his widow and son. Artist Jeff Wolf was on-site for the touching presentation of the bronzes.
Trenten Montero Memorial award presentation. Photo by: Anthony Mori
The Stampede also auctioned a custom-designed gun case with the proceeds benefitting the Trenten Montero Foundation, a 501(c)(3) founded to support professional rodeo cowboys whose medical costs from competition injuries exceed their insurance coverage. Additionally, all proceeds from the sale of the rodeo’s annual commemorative poster benefitted the Foundation.
In addition to PRCA events and awards, the Stampede also hosts mutton busting and mini-bull riding for young, up-and-coming rodeo stars, and the always thrilling Ring of Fear event. For rodeo fans, a well-rounded Stampede experience extends beyond the arena with a parade, kickoff concert, trade show, dances with live music following the Friday and Saturday rodeo performances, and a free mechanical bull for kids to ride.
The Stampede has almost certainly bloomed far beyond any expectations G.S. Garcia may have had, but at its heart, hasn’t strayed far from its humble beginnings. The Stampede is a steadfast supporter of numerous local organizations, and each year, honors a local citizen as Grand Marshall.
BREWER’S ARENA Los Molinos, CA
MONDAY NIGHTS, SEPTEMBER 9, 16, 23, 30 & OCTOBER 7 Team Roping Practice Monday nights 6:30• 8:30pm: $25
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
SEPTEMBER 4, 11, 18, 25, OCTOBER 2
FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 6
SHERIFF POSSE ARENA Brown’s Valley, CA
FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 13
Roping
MARYSVILLE STAMPEDE
SATURDAY SEPT 14/SUNDAY SEPT 15
TEHAMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS Red Bluff, CA
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Team Roping Jackpot SU 5:30, Rope 6:00PM. #6
OWENS RANCH ARENA Middletown, CA
SEPTEMBER
10:00am. #5 Roping, #6 Roping, # 7 Roping HDCP., Draw - 3 for $25 Breast collar to High Money #3 & under.
STEVE LYDON ARENA Healdsburg, CA
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Team Roping
SHERIFF POSSE ARENA Orland, CA
Corriente Saddle Co Skyline SilverSmithS
Elko native Dakota Eldridge won the steer wrestling at his hometown rodeo for the first time with a 5.7. Photo by: Anthony Mori
It was a beautiful weekend for the 17th Annual Steve Maddalena Memorial Team Roping. It’s hard to believe that it has been 17 years already!
Although I’m biased because Steve was my dad, this is still my favorite roping of the year. We took a chance this year in changing the roping from the first weekend in August to the second weekend in August, simply because there are so many other ropings happening throughout the state. Although we gained many of the ropers that would typically travel to Winnemucca for the WSTR, we did lose others to the Siskiyou and Nevada county fairs, Gilroy Rodeo, and Madonna Inn WSTR, just to name a few.
While we missed many friends this year, I was incredibly thankful for those who continue to show up year after year, despite other roping opportunities, and share their fond memories of my dad. I always get a kick out of the stories that people tell, such as his hilarious answering machine messages, inappropriate birthday cards, and his ability to keep a crowd of people up all night telling stories. He was one of a kind, a true friend to all who knew him, and had the ability to brighten up just about anyone’s day.
We had a great turnout of ropers and incredible weather...all in all it was an awesome weekend! Thank you to Rachel Kent and the rest of the secretary staff, the Sierra Valley Roping Club, Brew, our girls in the concession stand, all of the sponsors, and most of all, a huge, sincere thank you to all of the ropers and their families that continue to make this roping so special! You have helped keep my dad’s memory alive and well, and it’s fun to see even those who never met him, get to know him through your memories!
UNTIL NEXT YEAR…TOOTLES!
EVENT: #4 ROPING
- Entry Fee: $40.00 for 3 runs
- Number of Teams: 109
- Total Pot for Average Payoff: $4,510.00
- Number of Payout Positions: 6
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN:
- Total Money Owed By Teams: $8,720.00
- Unpaid Money from Free Run Partners: $480.00
- Association Money: $189.00
- Lump Sum Deductions and Additions: -$240.00 (Net)
- Stock Charge: $2,800.00
- Round Money: $501.00
ROUND PAYOFFS:
- Rotation 1, Round 1 Winners:
- Marty Powers* and Larry Williams* ($125 each)
- Todd McWilliams* and Tom Moxley* ($75 each)
- Mike Umbdenstock* and Steve Springer* ($50 each)
AVERAGE PAYOFFS:
1. Lenai Branco* and Warren Enz*
- $744 each
2. Dan Greenwood* and John W. Miller* - $519 each
3. Toni Morrison* and Ronnie Hardin* - $383 each
4. Annie Tipton* and Julie Wilkins* - $271 each
5. Mike Umbdenstock* and Luke White* - $203 each
6. Marty Powers* and Brad Blagg* - $135 each
EVENT: #5.5 ROPING
- Entry Fee: $40.00 for 3 runs
- Number of Teams: 89
- Total Pot for Average Payoff: $3,472.00
- Number of Payout Positions: 6
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN:
- Total Money Owed By Teams: $7,120.00
- Unpaid Money from Free Run Partners: $520.00
- Association Money: $169.00
- Lump Sum Deductions and Additions: -$360.00 (Net)
- Stock Charge: $2,213.00
- Round Money: $386.00
ROUND PAYOFFS:
- Rotation 1, Round 1 Winners:
- Carson Williams* and Ty Morrill* ($96 each)
- Marty Powers* and Waco VonTour* ($58 each)
- Josh Scheiber* and Dan Williams Sr.* ($39 each)
AVERAGE PAYOFFS:
1. Carson Williams* and Ty Morrill* - $573 each
2. Marty Powers* and Waco VonTour* - $399 each
3. Jerry Griffin* and Warren Enz* - $295 each
4. Jerry Jr. Corriea and Ty Morrill* - $208 each
5. Josh Scheiber* and Carson Williams* - $156 each
6. Chase Goss* and Dan Greenwood* - $104 each
Steve Maddalena Winners (L to R), Champion Heeler: Nick Nalder, Presenter: Lacey Parsons Champion Heeler: Roy Branco and Daniel Branco
Elliot Dow Memorial Winners (L to R) Champion Header: Todd York Presenter: Chesley Tipton Presenter: Lacey Parsons Champion Heeler: Kyle Stewart
EVENT: #6 ROPING
- Entry Fee: $40.00 for 3 runs
- Number of Teams: 102
- Total Pot for Average Payoff: $3,869.00
- Number of Payout Positions: 6
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN:
- Total Money Owed By Teams: $8,160.00
- Unpaid Money from Free Run Partners: $960.00
- Association Money: $181.00
- Lump Sum Deductions and Additions: -$280.00 (Net)
- Stock Charge: $2,440.00
- Round Money: $430.00
ROUND PAYOFFS:
- Rotation 1, Round 1 Winners:
- Brandt Hiles* and Waco VonTour* ($107 each)
- Todd McWilliams* and Brad Blagg* ($64 each)
- Todd McWilliams* and Carson Williams* ($43 each)
AVERAGE PAYOFFS:
1. Annie Tipton* and Zack Parsons$638 each
2. Todd York* and Buddy Blosser*$445 each
3. Todd York* and Carson Williams*$329 each
4. Annie Tipton* and Warren Enz*$232 each
5. Mike Umbdenstock* and Ty Morrill*$174 each
6. Wayne Lund* and Conner Finks$116 each
EVENT: #8 ROPING
- Entry Fee: $40.00 for 3 runs
- Number of Teams: 78
- Total Pot for Average Payoff: $3,162.00
- Number of Payout Positions: 5
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN:
- Total Money Owed By Teams: $6,240.00
- Unpaid Money from Free Run Partners: $200.00
- Association Money: $154.00
- Lump Sum Deductions and Additions: -$340.00 (Net)
- Stock Charge: $2,033.00
- Round Money: $351.00
ROUND PAYOFFS:
- Rotation 1, Round 1 Winners:
- Clint Campbell and Ethan Garcia* ($105 each)
- Clint Campbell and Brian Humphry* ($70 each)
AVERAGE PAYOFFS:
1. Marty Powers* and Buddy Blosser*$553 each
2. Cole Hook* and Ted Williams*$395 each
3. Todd York* and Waco VonTour*$300 each
4. Todd York* and Roy Branco*$221 each
5. Todd York* and Warren Enz*$111 each
Turlock Horsemen's Club
1506 S. Tegner Rd. Turlock, CA 95380
High Money Winners (L to R) 3rd High Money Header: Annie Tipton, Presenter: Stevie Parsons, 2nd High Money Header: Marty Powers, High Money Header: Todd York, Presenter: Lacey Parsons holding 3rd High Money Heeler Award for Buddy Blosser, High Money Heeler:
Warren Enz with Wick Enz, 2nd High Money Heeler: Ty Morrill
EVENT: #10 ROPING
- Entry Fee: $60.00 for 4 runs
- Number of Teams: 53
- Total Pot for Average Payoff: $3,660.00
- Number of Payout Positions: 5
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN:
- Total Money Owed By Teams: $6,360.00
- Association Money: $173.00
- Stock Charge: $2,120.00
- Round Money: $407.00
ROUND PAYOFFS:
- Rotation 1, Round 1 Winners:
- Tyler McCauley* and Nick Nalder* ($122 each)
- Roy Branco* and Nick Nalder* ($81 each)
AVERAGE PAYOFFS:
1. Roy Branco* and Nick Nalder* - $641 each
2. Tyler McCauley* and Nick Nalder* - $458 each
3. Tyler McCauley* and Bill Finks* - $348 each
4. Joe Tipton* and Zack Parsons - $256 each
5. Shelby Dunning* and Ted Williams* - $128 each
Top earning headers in the Team Roping event:
1. Todd York* (3.5) - $2,189.00
2. Marty Powers* (1.5) - $1,556.00
3. Annie Tipton* (1) - $1,141.00
1. Warren Enz* (3) - $1,928.00
2. Ty Morrill* (2.5) - $1,052.00
3. Buddy Blosser* (3.5) - $1,051.00
4. Waco VonTour* (3) - $865.00
5. Kyle Stewart* (4) - $783.00
6. Zack Parsons (3.5) - $638.00
7. Carson Williams* (3) - $528.00
8. John W. Miller* (2) - $519.00
9. Travis Timm* (1.5) - $403.00
10. Ted Williams* (3.5) - $395.00
11. Ronnie (reg 1) Hardin* (2) - $383.00
12. Bill Finks* (5.5) - $345.00
13. Jack Curry* (4) - $285.00
14. Julie Wilkins* (2) - $271.00
15. Roy Branco* (4) - $221.00
16. Luke White* (1) - $203.00
17. Brad Blagg* (2) - $200.00
18. Cash Grandi (3) - $142.00
19. Larry Williams* (2.5) - $125.00
20. Conner Finks (4) - $116.00
21. Ethan Garcia* (4) - $105.00
22. Dan Greenwood* (1) - $104.00
23. Scott Harvey* (3.5) - $79.00
24. Tom Moxley* (1.5) - $75.00
25. Brian Humphry* (4.5) - $70.00
26. Steve Springer* (2) - $50.00
27. Dan Sr Williams* (3) - $39.00
P1-D2 ELLIOT DOW
RESULTS:
- **Roping Entry Fee:**
$40.00 for 3 runs
- **Number of Teams:** 114
- **Total Pot for Average Payoff:** $4,745.00
- **Number of Holes Being Paid:** 6
FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN:
- **Total Money Owed By Teams:** $9,120.00
- **Unpaid Money from Free Run Partners:*- **Association Money:** $195.00
- **Lump Sum Deductions and Additions:** -$280.00 (Net)
- **Stock Charge:** $2,933.00
- **Round Money:** $527.00
ROUND PAYOFFS:
- **Rotation 1, Round 1 Winners:**
- Tyler McCauley* and Bill Finks*$132 each
- Tyler McCauley* and Scott Harvey*$79 each
- Roy Branco* and Buddy Blosser*$53 each
AVERAGE PAYOFFS:
1. Todd York* and Kyle Stewart* - $783 each
2. Cindy Maddalena* and Warren Enz*$546 each
3. Joe Tipton* and Travis Timm* - $403 each
4. Marty Powers* and Jack Curry* - $285 each
5. Joe Tipton* and Bill Finks* - $214 each
6. Joe Tipton* and Cash Grandi - $142 each
Brewers Production Roping at Sheriff Posse Arena
In Browns Valley, California, the Sheriff Posse Arena hosted notable roping’s on May 31 and July 26, 2024, featuring "3 for $95" and "3 for $25" competitions. Clint Early and Wyatt Bullivant stood out among the 30 to 33 teams, frequently securing first place. Their consistent performance highlighted their roping skills, captivating the audience and setting high standards for competitors. Located in Yuba County, Browns Valley at the heart of the central valley, Brewer's Production, celebrating its 60th year, produces these ropings for the whole family to enjoy, emphasizing the community’s dedication to local traditions and celebrations.
Photo: Clint Early with big Cash and brother Blake
RESULTS
Event Date: May 31, 2024
Location: Sheriff Posse Arena, Browns Valley, CA
Event: #4 Rodeo, 3 for $95, 30 Teams
RESULTS:
1st Clint Early & Wyatt Bullivant28.6 seconds, $250/Man
2nd Lacy Bullivant & Derek Iverson38.5 seconds, $150
3rd Lacy Bullivant & Randy Bullivant43.9 seconds, $100
1ST GO 1ST: Clint Early & Wyatt Bullivant - 8.5 seconds, $50/Man
#6 ROPING, 3 FOR $25, 30 TEAMS
AVERAGE
1st Abel Bermudez & Clint Early31.6 seconds, $200/Man
2nd Shelby Waterbury & Brent Morgan34.3 seconds, $125
3rd Lacy Bullivant & Wyatt Bullivant40.2 seconds, $100
1ST
GO
1st: Derek Iverson & Blake Early - 8.1 seconds, $50/Man
#7 HANDICAP DRAW, 3 FOR $25, 12 TEAMS
AVERAGE
Clint Early & Wyatt Bullivant21.5 seconds, $100/Man
Lacy Bullivant & Wyatt Bullivant44.1 seconds, $75
1ST GO
1st: Jasper Frost & Bryce Bedwell8.1 seconds, $25/Man
Event Date: July 26, 2024
Location: Sheriff Posse Arena, Browns Valley, CA
EVENT: #4 RODEO, 3 FOR $25, 30 TEAMS
Wyatt Bullivant & Brett Van Stevin36.0 seconds, $200/Man
Mindy Benedict & Blake Early37.0 seconds, $125
Shelby Waterbury & Brent Morgan37.1 seconds, $75
1ST GO
1st: Wyatt Bullivant & Brett Van Stevin8.5 seconds, $50/Man
EVENT: #6 RODEO, 3 FOR $25, 30
TEAMS
AVERAGE
Wyatt Bullivant & Brett Van Stavern32.6 seconds, $200/Man
Justin Shute & Wyatt Bullivant36.1 seconds, $125
Ricki Thiel & Wyatt Bullivant36.2 seconds, $75
1ST GO
1st: Wyatt Bullivant & Brett Van Stavern9.0 seconds, $25/Man
EVENT: #7 DRAW, 3 FOR $25, 13 TEAMS
AVERAGE: 1st Justin Shute & Blake Early15.8 on 2 $100
2nd Brett Van Stavern & Brent Morgan 17.5 $75
1ST GO: 1st: Justin Shute & Blake Early9.9 seconds, $25/Man
On a warm and sunny day, Brewers Arena in Los Molinos, California, outside Red Bluff, hosted the Summer Saddle Series, featuring a series of roping competitions. Under the clear skies of late July, ropers competed showcasing their skills in front of a fun crowd. The event drew teams from across the region, contributing to a friendly and fun time.
JULY 24 EVENT: #5 ROPING, 3 FOR $15, 52 TEAMS
AVERAGE:
1st: Camo Schwerenger & Jessie Mason - 28.6 seconds, $185/Man
2nd: Karen Moore & Casey Loverin - 35.2 seconds, $140
3rd: Frank Bonavent & J.D. Machado - 35.8 seconds, $95
4th: J.C. Niesen & Jess Wilson - 39.2 seconds, $50
1ST GO Camo Schwerenger, Jessie Mason 7.8 $15
JULY 24 EVENT: #7 HANDICAP DRAW, 3 FOR $15, 30 TEAMS
1st: John B & Casey Loverin - 30.9 seconds, $130/Man
2nd: J.D. Machado & Casey Moore - 32.0 seconds, $80
3rd: J.C. Niesen & Caleb Heltman - 33.2 seconds, $50
1ST GO: Jesse Mason & Dusty Bravos - 9.3 seconds, $15/Man
BOB MORGAN MEMORIAL ROPING JULY 27, 2024 EVENT: #4 RODEO, 3 FOR $25, 26 TEAMS
1st: Karen Moore & J.D. Machado - 57.9 seconds, $175/Man
2nd: Karen Moore & Rick Lederer - 55.0 seconds, $125
3rd: Mike Ketchel & Rob Thompson - 26.0 on 2, $75
1ST GO: Joe Kaye & Rick Lederer - 9.6 seconds, $25/Man
JULY 27 EVENT: #6 ROPING, 3 FOR $25, 26 TEAMS
1st: Max Cohn & Casey Loverin - 17.2 seconds, on 2 $175/Man
2nd: Shelby Dunning & Max Cohn - 8.0 seconds, on 1 $125
3rd: Lee Loverin & Chase Loverin - 9.5 seconds, $75
1ST GO: Shelby Dunning & Max Cohn - 8.0 seconds, $25/Man
JULY 27 EVENT: #7 HANDICAP SNUB, 3 FOR $25, 26 TEAMS
1st: Max Cohn & Chase Loverin - 30.5 seconds, $175/Man
2nd: Parker Phelps & Chase Loverin - 32.0 seconds, $125
3rd: Max Cohn & Ricki Lederer - 38.3 seconds, $75
1ST GO: Parker Phelps & Carsen Williams7.8 seconds, $25/Man
Photo: Max Cohn and sister Maci Cohn at the Bob Morgan Memorial
TRAIL BLAZER
Under the expansive skies of Bolado Park, amidst the buzz of a Team Roping Jackpot, Eric Cozzitorto stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West.
Born and raised in Gustine—a name synonymous with agriculture and cowboy culture—Eric is not just a roper himself, but the orchestrator of this event, ensuring every detail is managed with precision. Eric's roots are deeply embedded in the soil of Gustine, where his family history spans from dairy farming to the successful feedlot currently run by his father. "My grandparents were in the dairy business, then we moved on to running a feedlot," Eric recounts, his voice rich with the history of a man who has lived his life close to the earth. His father, a well-known leather worker and saddle maker, continues to influence and inspire Eric's deep respect for the family trade.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY: DEE YATES
From a young age, Eric honed his craft in horseshoeing, starting in sixth grade and transforming it into a career that not only funded his education but later his livestock business. "I would work all day horseshoeing and then come home at night and work my cattle business," Eric shares, reflecting on the relentless drive that propelled him forward without any handouts or loans.
The journey into the world of rodeo production was an organic one for Eric, born from his love for the sport and its community. "It started with
just a few practice steers with a buddy," he chuckles, recalling the humble beginnings that evolved into managing hundreds of steers for numerous events. "Before I knew it, I had a fullblown operation. It’s the grind of it I like, the daily challenge, and the community."
Family is the cornerstone of Eric's life. With his wife, Andee, and their three young children— Cassidee, 8, Axel, 6, and Hazel, 1—Eric is committed to instilling in them the values of hard work, community, and the richness of their western heritage. "It’s like a traveling circus," he says with a
grin, "but it's a circus I want my kids to grow up in, knowing the ropes and the value of hard work."
On any given day, especially during an event like the one at Bolado Park, Eric can be found orchestrating several pens of cattle as well as a herd of cowboys all looking to rope a few and have a chance at the pot. His days are long and demanding, often beginning before dawn and ending well after sunset. "You’ve got to hustle," he asserts, a statement that defines both his work ethic and his approach to life. "There’s a lot of moving parts—sorting cattle, coordinating with buyers and sellers, and ensuring everything runs smoothly."
Eric stresses the importance of knowing his cattle well, which is crucial for the success of his events and business. "You gotta know the steers and the situations you’re gonna send them to," Eric explains. "I'm out there all the time with them, sorting and just constantly being around them. You gotta watch them, you gotta know what animal's gonna work where."
Andee, his partner in both life and business, manages the financial side of their operations. Her role is critical, ensuring the financial health of their ventures and supporting Eric in all his endeavors. "She’s the backbone of this operation," Eric states proudly. "With her by my side, we’re not just preserving a way of life; we're pushing it to thrive."
Eric’s advice to young entrepreneurs is reflective of his own experiences: "Don’t be scared to fail. Failure is part of the journey. Learn from it, let it drive you. Surround yourself with the right people, and keep pushing forward no matter what."
Looking to the future, Eric is committed to expanding his reach within the rodeo and roping community, continually seeking opportunities to host events that not only challenge competitors but also celebrate the community and its traditions. "Every event is a chance to honor our past and to pave the way for the future of roping," he explains, his eyes scanning the arena with a practiced gaze.
As our interview concludes, Eric's attention swiftly returns to the event at hand, a testament to his dedication and passion for the cowboy lifestyle. In the dynamic world of team roping and rodeo, Eric Cozzitorto stands as a beacon of dedication, community, and an unyielding love for the traditions that define the American West.
On a lively Sunday, June 2, the Lydon Arena in Healdsburg, California, was the scene for an enthralling roping competition as part of the Lydon Rope & BBQ. The event attracted forty skilled teams for the #5 roping and thirty for the #6 and #7 events, each competing under ideal conditions that led to impressive performances.
EVENT: #5 ROPING, 3 FOR $25, 40 TEAMS
AVERAGE:
1st: Don Boydston & Jim Bennett39.5 seconds, $225/Man
2nd: Jacki Rasmussen & Kim Collins41.3 seconds, $175
3rd: Riley Slaight & Bill Harrison43.1 seconds, $125
4th: Cindy Cowdron & Jay Clay44.7 seconds, $75
1ST GO: Steve Lydon & Jacob Slaight10.0 seconds, $50/Man
EVENT: #6 ROPING, 3 FOR $25, 35 TEAMS
AVERAGE:
1st: Mark Luccette & Jay Clay29.9 seconds, $225/Man
2nd: Steve Lydon & Jacob Slaight37.6 seconds, $150
3rd: Doug Packett & Jim Bennett39.0 seconds, $100
1ST GO: Jack Rasmussen & Kin Collins9.7 seconds, $50/Man
EVENT: #7 HANDICAP DRAW, 3 FOR $25, 30 TEAMS
AVERAGE:
1st: Steve Lydon & Bill Harrison32.5 seconds, $200/Man
2nd: Jack Rasmussen & Jay Clay18.0 seconds, $140
3rd: Kylyn Watkins & Jacob Slaight7.5 seconds, $85
1ST GO: Kylyn Watkins & Jacob Slaight7.5 seconds, $50/Man
Kim Collins at Steve Lydon’s roping and BBQ in Healdsbur
On a splendid Friday, June 14, 2024, Central Park Arena in Middletown, California, was abuzz with the Annual Middletown Days, showcasing a series of great roping events. Middletown was marked by warm, pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor sports and community gatherings, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere at the roping events.
EVENT: #4 ROPING, 3 FOR $25, 75 TEAMS
AVERAGE:
1st: Mark Lucchetti & Fred Niesen29.5 seconds, $300/Man
2nd: Betty Bronson & Brian White41.1 seconds, $250
3rd: Jenny Tensley & Brian White44.5 seconds, $200
4th: Aaron Brousseau & Cash Wolley49.8 seconds, $150
5th: Steve Lydon & Fred Niesen17.1 on 2, $100
1ST GO: Mark Lucchetti & Fred Niesen8.2 seconds, $75/Man
Steve Lydon & Fred Niesen - 8.4 seconds, $50
EVENT: #6 ROPING, 3 FOR $25, 75 TEAMS
AVERAGE:
1st: J.D. Machado & T.C. Hammons30.2 seconds, $300/Man
2nd: Cash Wolley & Dusty Bravos - 31.1 seconds, $250
3rd: Kolby Thornton & Dusty Bravos32.3 seconds, $200
4th: Jack Rasmussen & Ronnie Garcia35.0 seconds, $150
5th: Johnny Jones & T.C. Hammons41.8 seconds, $100
1ST GO: Jacki Rasmussen & Dusty Bravos - 7.4 seconds, $75/Man
Kolby Thornton & J.D. Machado - 9.0 seconds, $50
EVENT: #7 HANDICAP DRAW, 3 FOR $25, 50 TEAMS
AVERAGE:
1st: Jenny Tinsley & Jay Clay24.8 seconds, $250/Man
2nd: Don Boydston & Ronnie Garcia30.7 seconds, $200
3rd: Kolby Thornton & T.C. Hammons32.8 seconds, $150
4th: J.D. Machado & Brian White42.5 seconds, $100
1ST GO: Steve Lydon & Lindy Lee7.5 seconds, $100/Man
Photo: Saddle Roping Winners T.C. Hammons, Kolby Thornton, Jenny Tinsley, Brian White
Well hello again from California, San Luis Obispo, Madonna Inn & Rowly & Cathie Twisselman. We just had our 2024 WSTR Qualifier at Madonna Inn & it did not disappoint. Last year we had a great roping with 1890 teams & were so excited to almost get to 1900 teams. This year we did even better! We had finally broke the 2000 team mark with 2086 teams. We were up 196 teams from last year. That’s just AMAZING!!! And we want to thank each & every person....roper, roper’s wives & ropers kids for all making the trek to California where we have great weather & the Best Roping in the West! Of course there were friends & more relatives that were also here. Together, we had yet another fantastic roping!
It all started around Sunday, August 4, 2024 when lots of ropers started showing up & camping at the Madonna Inn Arena WAY early cuz of our AMAZING California Coast weather. I don’t care what anyone says,...you CANNOT beat our weather on the Central California Coast. We had people come from as far away as Texas, Arizona, New Mexico & Oregon & even Hawaii. And there could've been more from other states as well, but I get to running around like a chicken with my head cut
off & sometimes miss things.
Anyway, needless to say, we had another GREAT roping! We paid out over $422,000.00 in Prize Money & gave away another $16,500.00 in Awards from Gist Engravers, Cactus “Pulling” Breast Collars & Best Ever Pads & Splint Boots with a total payout for winnings & awards totaling over $438,000.00 Not bad for a 4 day roping.
Oh yah, I forgot to mention that this year (2024) we decided to have a 4 day roping instead of a 3 day roping like we usually do because last year with 196 teams less, we were starting at 9am in the morning & not finishing up that days ropings until 1:30am to 3:30 am. Yes, they were long days but everyone was still very happy! But because we didn’t want our roping to be a marathon, we decided to add 1 more day to our calendar. It proved to be a great improvement because we all actually got to eat dinner every nite. This is the first time we’ve had a 4 day roping since the good ‘ol days of Indio & City of Industry when we were still putting on USTRC ropings.
So thank you to everyone who showed up and roped! It’s all of you that make this such a successful roping. There are many moving parts to putting on a successful roping, besides ALL of
you who showed up to rope. First of all, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for Connie & Clint Pearce & my mom Phyllis Madonna. It’s because of them that we have this amazing facility to use. Then there’s C and N Tractors of Paso Robles who loans us a tractor every year! They drop it off & then pick it up.
They’re amazing!!!
And if it weren't for Craig at Get Away RV we wouldn’t have the nice office trailer that we always have. Did I hear FOOD? We also had Bonnie’s Food Truck back again run by the amazing family’s of the Pascoe’s & Arnolds. All young girls that did all the cooking, cleaning & serving. Their parents never do anything.....haha...just kidding! They all work, ride & rope.
I can’t forget to mention our “new” chute crew...at both ends....Danny Leslie brought his crew that helps him when he has his own ropings such as “The Average Joe” Roping, an Open Roping that Danny puts on & makes the arena the same size as the Thomas & Mack Arena in Vegas. These guys were also amazing! They worked constant & hard & were very efficient.
Then there was Vicky & Kelsi Mounyo in the office. They ALWAYS keep everything simple, easy & correct. When they’re in the office I don’t worry! Linda Davis & Elly Leslie were in the Timing/ Announcing booth & as usual were fast & efficient.
Once again, Steve Simon supplied us with over 300 head of great Corriente steers. Yes, they were fast but as they got sorted, we pulled out steers to fit everyone’s particular roping & handicap. I don’t think I heard one complaint about the cattle cuz they were so good. But of course it goes without saying that to have good even cattle for each individual roping, you have to be diligent about sorting them as the days go on. This was taken care of by Troy & Aaron Shelley. They had someone watching EVERY SINGLE RUN to make sure that everyone got an even & fair chance in each roping.
Our flaggers too watch to make sure all the cattle are even. If by chance, a steer got pulled from the roping because they were bad, the flaggers always gave another steer to the team that had the steer that was pulled or cut. We don’t mind this because it’s our goal to give every possible chance to each & every team.
Our flaggers were Aaron Shelley, Jared Gonzales & Chase Massengill. And once again, I never heard one complaint. These guys are professionals & it shows! They do their best to make sure everything is going good & flagging is consistent.
Stalls.....Once again, McKenzie & Mitchell Thomson were in charge of the stalls. That goes for putting them up & taking them down. The stall portion of our roping is always a challenge but thanks to McKenzie & Mitchell, that’s one thing I don’t have to worry about. McKenzie bends over
backwards for everyone that needs pens & makes sure that they’re all happy. ...not an easy task sometimes. But this too is something that I don’t have to worry about because they’re so good at what they do too!
There’s another group of people that I’d like to thank and that’s the Cal Poly Rodeo Team & their Coach, Ben Londo. Ben brought about 10 kids from Cal Poly to help put up and take down all the panels. This is such a great help but sometimes people don’t get mentioned that should. I wasn’t there when they put them up so I don’t know all their names, but I DO want to thank each and every one of the people that helped us in putting up all the panels for the stalls. We had a total of 150 pens and could’ve used a lot more but that’s all the panels we had. Ropers are also welcome to put up their own pens with panels at their trailers in the front pasture of the Madonna Inn at no charge. Our pasture was completely full.
Last but not least, I want to thank Ryan “Fitzi” Fitzpatrick. Ryan loaned us not only his flatbed trailer to haul extra panels from home, but he also let us use his Skid Steer which makes putting up panel corrals sooo much easier. We also used it for hauling hay & feeding horses & cattle. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes and it’s almost impossible to explain everything that goes on to everyone...but I try.
Oh, one more thing....I want to thank the WSTR organization for giving us the chance to put on such a fine roping. It all started with Denny Gentry years ago, but when he sold the WSTR, he was confident that the people that bought it and run it would do as good a job as he did. Denny was right! To me, Denny Gentry, the USTRC & WSTR organizations are the very BEST in the world when it comes to producing the best &
biggest ropings in the world. And soon, in December, many team ropers will be making the trek to Las Vegas to compete for Millions of Dollars at the South Point in their WSTR Finale. Good Luck to all!
So, thanks again to everyone for coming to our roping this year, all the past years and all the future years to come. You can plan on this roping again next year. The dates for 2025 are going to be August 7, 8, 9 & 10, 2025. Make plans right now for next year & if you want to stay at the Madonna Inn, I’d suggest that you make your room reservation ASAP.
Well, that’s all folks! Thanks again for coming to our roping & making it the success that it was!!! See you all soon!!! God Bless, be safe & have fun!!! Cathie Twisselman.
P.S.
I don’t have the pictures from the 11.5 Add-On Roping or the 8.5 WS Qualifier. Don’t know what happened to them but if anyone happens to have the Winner’s Pictures from these 2 ropings, please send them to me & I’ll post them. Again, thanks for coming to our roping!!!
AMERICAN CONTENDER TOURNAMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Teton Ridge Sports answers some commonly asked questions about the American Contender Tournament, how to qualify, what the Semi-Finals formats consist of and more.
Q:
Where can prospective contender athletes locate information on American Contender Tournament qualifiers?
A:
Visit AmericanRodeo.com and hover over the Athlete Hub. There you will see Open Rodeo Qualifier Events as well as conventional jackpot Qualifier Events. Additionally, Better Barrel Races (BBR) sanctioned races are posted here: https://www.betterbarrelraces.com/TheAmerican.
Q:
How do athletes qualify for one or all of the three The American Contender Tournament Regional Semi-Finals rodeos?
A: Athletes earn Automatic Advancement (AA) according to how many people enter the American qualifier “sidepot” at a rodeo or jackpot in each designated region. Automataic Advancement spots are awarded according to the scale below. Athletes must enter the qualifier prior to competing. Each entry is time stamped. You must have a qualified ride or run in order to advance.
ENTRY SCALE:
1-5 entries = 1 Automatic Spot
6-10 entries = 2 Automatic Spots
11-15 entries = 3 Automatic Spots
16-20 entries = 4 Automatic Spots
21-25 entries = 5 Automatic Spots
26-30 entries = 6 Automatic Spots
31-50 entries = 8 Automatic Spots
51+ entries = 10 Automatic Spots
Q: When and where are the American Contender Tournament Regional Semi-Finals rodeos?
A: The American Contender Tournament Regionals are geographically distributed across the United States. Below are the 2025 dates and locations:
ACT WEST REGIONAL SEMI-FINALS & FINALS:
January 9-11, 2025 - Las Vegas, Nevada - South Point Arena. $314,325 paid out at the 2024 event! The deadline to qualify for the West Regionals is December 15, 2024.
ACT EAST REGIONAL SEMI-FINALS & FINALS:
January 23-25, 2025 – Lexington, Kentucky - Alltech Arena. $284,100 paid out at the 2024 event! The deadline to qualify for the East Regionals is December 29, 2024.
ACT CENTRAL REGIONAL SEMI-FINALS & FINALS:
February 13-15, 2025 – Tulsa, Oklahoma - Tulsa Expo Ford Truck Arena. $380,525 paid out at the 2024 event! The deadline to qualify for the Central Regionals is January 5, 2024.
Q: How will the Regional Semi-Finals buy-ins work?
A: In the 2024-25 season direct buy-ins will be offered at each of the three Regional Semis. Fees are $1,000 per entry, plus service charge. Buy-ins fill positions up to the total of 125 in each discipline at each Regional and entry details will be posted at least 30 days prior. No walk-up entries will be taken.
Q: What is the ACT Regional SemiFinals format in roughstock?
A:
The roughstock format is one long go on Friday night with a Finals for the Top 10 on Saturday. There are separate jackpot payouts offered in Long Go, Finals and Aggregate. There is $20,000-added per discipline guaranteed in the Finals.
Q:
What is the ACT Regional Semi-Finals format in the timed events?
A:
The timed event format is two preliminary go-rounds held on Thursday and Friday with a Finals on Saturday for the Top 10, plus the Top 3 from the Redemption (buy-back) Round. Jackpot payouts are awarded in each round, plus in the Aggregate. There is $20,000-added per discipline guaranteed prize money in the Finals.
Q: How much are the entry fees at qualifiers?
A: Entry fees in the timed events are $415. Entry fees for select Roughstock approved qualifiers are $545. At this time only Open rodeos and a select few high school and college rodeos offer this discounted fee. Direct buy-in fees at Regionals are $1,000, plus the Stripe service charge. The entry fees in the barrel racing are $415 unless the producer arranges for fees of $545 with $125 of that being jackpotted (special approval). There are no additional fees at ACT Regional Semi-Finals unless you enter a Redemption Round.
Q: How do you advance through the tournament?
A: The Top 5 in each discipline from each Regional Finals will advance to The American Contender Tournament Finals on April 11, 2025, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Then, the Top 5 from the ACT Finals in each discipline will advance The American Rodeo Round of 10 at Globe Life Field on April 12, 2025. The Top 4 from the round of 10 then advance to The American Rodeo Championship Round that same day in Arlington where qualifiers take aim at The Million Dollar Contender Bonus!
Official Whisky of the California Rodeo
STORY BY: DEE YATES PHOTOS BY: MAG ONE MEDIA AND COURTESY OF RODEO SALINAS
In the heart of California, the 114th annual Rodeo Salinas wrapped up with a bang, drawing a lively crowd of over 16,400 rodeo enthusiasts.
Known as the Crown Royal Day of Champions, the event didn’t just showcase top-notch rodeo action; it also highlighted the community spirit and fierce competition that makes this event a cornerstone of Western culture.
Among the day’s highlights was a standout performance by local hero Daniel Green, a name synonymous with rodeo resilience and skill. Green, a tentime Wrangler National Finals Rodeo header and a three-time Cinch Timed Event Champion, added another feather to his hat by clinching the gold card team roping title alongside Cody Cowden. This victory was sweetened by the fact that Green is a long-standing supporter of Ropers Sports News, a publication proud to champion its advertisers and celebrate their achievements within its pages.
Daniel Green’s journey at Rodeo Salinas was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of a storied career that has inspired many. From his early days roping at NFRs with legends like Allen Bach and Kory Koontz to his recent triumphs, Green has always shown that he’s as much a part of the rodeo fabric as the bulls and broncs themselves. His win in Salinas wasn’t just for him but for every reader and supporter of Ropers Sports News, proving that dedication and community support go a long way in the rodeo world.
Other champions of the day included Rial Engelhart, who snagged the all-around title, and Levi Rudd, who dominated in steer wrestling. The rodeo also saw impressive performances in saddle bronc riding, with Wyatt Casper taking the win and Jeter Lawrence, who championed the bull riding.
Barrel racing was fast with Tiany Schuster, and Martha Angelone flexed in breakaway roping, each athlete earning their well-deserved buckles.
Looking forward, the anticipation is already building for next year’s
showdown. Set for July 17-20, 2025, the 115th California Rodeo Salinas promises more of the heart-pounding action, community spirit, and Western tradition that attendees have come to love. For those inspired by the likes of Daniel Green and other champions, Rodeo Salinas is not just an event; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the West.
Stay tuned with Ropers Sports News for updates, stories, and highlights from the rodeo circuit, where we continue to support and celebrate the cowboys
and cowgirls who make every rodeo memorable. As Daniel Green shows us time and again, in the arena of life and rodeo, it’s not just about how you start, but how you finish — strong, with the community in your corner.
For more information on next year's event and to keep up with all the rodeo news, follow us at California Rodeo Salinas on social media and check out our website for the latest updates and ticket information.
$385,000 Awarded at the WCJR
While the history book is rewritten at the World Championship
Guthrie, Okla. --- The WCJR record books were rewritten, and history was made as The Lazy E Arena and the WCRA DY (WCRA Division Youth) capped off a dominant event with over $385,000 shelled out at the 2024 WCJR (World Championship Junior Rodeo) in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Bronc Evans dominated the event, raking in nearly $8,000 over the five-day event and going home with the Youth World Champion Heeler and Header, Youth Event Champion Heeler, Men’s All-Around World and Event Champion. Drew Ellen Stewart claimed another title for the WCJR (2023 Pole Bending World Champion) as the Ladies All-Around with 24,457 points.
Two athletes rose to the No. 1 position in a highly competitive Junior World Points race to earn the coveted all-around title. Jake Shelton and Alli Autrey distanced themselves from the Junior Division competition by more than 8,000 points, respectively. Shelton took home more than $4,500 at the event, while Autrey cashed in over $4,300.
Dusky Lynn Hall was unstoppable in Barrel Racing. The 10-year-old clocked the fastest time in the semifinal rounds with 17.108 and the fastest time in the Championship round with 17.097. The youth division athlete not only earned the event champion, but she also took home the Event All-Around title. Entering the event as her first year, she cashed in over $6,680. Arina Dee Haugen claimed the Youth Barrel Racing World Championship with over 5,000 points. In the four disciplines (breakaway roping, pole bending, goat tying, barrel racing), the athlete placed fourth in the round and third place on the all-around leaderboard.
After finishing in 6th place in the semi-final round and entering the final round as the runner-up in world points, Bella Skinner clinched the top spot in the Junior Championship Round with a stunning 17.214 time, securing the Junior Barrel Racing world and event titles and earning over $9,000.
Bareback riding was dominant throughout the championship event, with two riders notching 80+ scores. Brody Dent landed in the Championship Round after placing third in the qualifying rounds and third in the semi-finals. The Oregon Cowboy went into the semi-final round with more than 7,700 points. He distanced himself from Collin Roland by more than 2,000 points. Despite Roland winning the event with an 83.5 score, Dent took home the world title with an equally impressive 79.0 score. He earned 9,340 points at the event and more than $3,500 in earnings.
Jesus Villa Jr. made history at the Lazy E Arena, setting an arena record with a monstrous 91.5-point ride. Jesus stayed atop the WCRA DY Leaderboard all season and never gave up his points lead. It was good to win the World and Event Championship and over $5,000.
Jake Holmes blew away the steer wrestling competition. The Kansas native clinched the top spot on the leaderboard, securing his place in the Championship Round. With a commanding lead of 1000 points, he blazed through the competition with a lightning-fast 4.18-second run, claiming the event champion and world title. Holmes walked away with an impressive earning of over $4,000 for the week.
Briana Carr won the Youth Pole Bending World title with 7,534 points, securing the world championship. Carr outperformed All-Around Cowgirl Stewart in a close competition by more than 400 points to claim first place. During the championship round, Carr and Stewart navigated the course, with Ashtyn Mordica ultimately winning with 20.360 seconds, while Carr finished second with 20.5515 seconds. Carr earned over $2,600 as a result of her victory.
Pole Bender Merrick Moyer secured her place in Lazy E and WCRA history by earning an impressive 10,070 points to clinch the world championship in the Junior Division, despite receiving a 5.0-second penalty for a downed pole in the championship round, allowing Kiley Hargrave Batten to claim the top spot with a flawless 19.995-second run in the round.
Myles Nixon made moves in the youth tie-down roping after earning the World Championship and Event Champion titles. Courtesy of his leaderboard position, Nixon was seeded into the championship round after having the No. 1 position. Earning more than $3,000 throughout the week in winnings, he locked in the dualwin after topping the competition in the championship round after an 8.20-second time.
In the Junior Division, Kyan Wilhite maintained a formidable lead atop the Tie-Down World Champion Leaderboard with an impressive 14,523 points. At the same time, his traveling partner Tyler Calhoun secured the event championship. Kyan’s dominant performance throughout the event solidified his defense of the 2023 world title, securing a 2,000-point lead over 2023 allaround cowboy Briar White.
Josey James was the last to rope in the breakaway roping event. The Texan backed into the box with the World Championship already clinched, thanks to her 16,000+ points entering the championship round.
James placed in the top four in the two qualifying and semi-final rounds. This is Josey’s second event title (2023 breakaway event champion).
Harley Pryor and Kaydence Tindall were in a race for a piece of the historic payout. Kaydence walked away as the event breakaway champion after a 2.0-second time, while Stewarts earned the World Champion Youth Title with Pryor. Stewart recorded 5,558 points and $2,480 in earnings.
In a historic first for WCJR, Bronc Evans secured an unprecedented five titles. He dominated the competition, amassing over 10,500 points in heading and another 8,400 in healing, nearly doubling the points of the second-place contender. Additionally, Bronc, alongside header Cross Ringelstein, clinched the top spot during the round with the fastest time of the evening, clocking in at 6.57. Evans also takes home the men’s World and Event All-Around championship.
In the Junior Team Roping, Conley Kleinhans defended his second straight heading world championship title. With Brank Cookston at the heels, the pair were the only team to deliver a qualified time in the championship round to land in the world championship and event title. The pair had over 6,000 points each.
A highly competitive saddle bronc race occurred during the Saturday evening event. The 2023 World Champion Saddle Bronc holde, Cooper Lane, won the top position in both long rounds. Going into the championship round, he ranked third in the world standings, trailing the No. 1 Jasper Frost by 1300 points. Cooper prepared in the chute, knowing that winning the event was crucial to securing the world championship title. Cooper did just that and earned the highest-marked ride of the night, thus winning both the world and event titles and a $7,000 payday.
Alli Autrey advanced to the championship round thanks to her position on the Division Youth Leaderboard. She secured the goat-tying world champion title with over 6,100 points ahead of Sadie Patterson. Autrey, who won the Youth World Championship title in 2023, ran the fastest time of the week, clocking in at 6.38 seconds, to also secure the Junior Event Champion title.
Allie Calcote secured the Youth Goat Tying Junior World Championship after holding the lead by a small margin. Allie entered the event in the No. 1 spot in world points behind, with Drew Ellen Stewart edging the world champ position by nearly 400 points going into the final round. Despite earning the 3rd place in the round, she kept Drew Ellen at bay to take home the title. Rianne Tinsley ran the fastest time of the evening with a 6.87-second time.
All results can be found https://wcrarodeo.com/
WCRA
About WCRA DY (World Champions
Rodeo Alliance Division Youth):
WCRA DY is a culmination of a leaderboard race of rodeo events worldwide. Athletes can qualify for July 2023 $200,000 Added Money World Championship Junior Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena by nominating their rodeo efforts and earning points for the WCRA DY leaderboard positions using the VRQ (Virtual Rodeo Qualifier). Athletes can nominate their rodeo efforts starting May 2, 2022, and have until Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. to nominate and earn points. The top 16 on the leaderboard will qualify for the event with no entry fees.
ABOUT LAZY E ARENA:
The Fabulous Lazy E Arena – just southeast of Guthrie and northeast of Edmond/ Oklahoma City – was established in December 1984, just in time for the ’84 National Finals Steer Roping Finals. Originator of the E, E.K. Gaylord II had a vision that both the National Finals Steer Roping Finals and the National Finals Rodeo would happen the same time, in the same area, creating the most epic days rodeo had seen. While
the plan only worked for one year, as the NFR moved to Vegas in ’85, the legacy and standards E.K. set from the beginning still carry on today. From giving PBR its start to the Timed Event Championship of the World, the Lazy E has hosted world champions, world championships and personalities galore. In 2005, Gaylord sold the property to a partnership from Nevada, and in October 2013, the property was sold to the McKinney Family from Midland, Texas. The ownership group has long recognized not only the tremendous facility but also the importance of the Lazy E’s place in Rodeo and Oklahoma history. The Family has committed to maintaining the Lazy E as the World’s premier western entertainment facility. Many updates and renovations are taking place at the Arena which will only enhance the lure of the Lazy E to the general population.
