Wrangler National Finals Rodeo-Round Six Recap

Asay Feels Better

Men hate to do it. Usually a woman has to force us, nearly at gunpoint, to go to the doctor but with a world championship in professional bull riding on the line, Kanin Asay is seeing Justin Sports Medicine docs every morning. The Powell, WY resident is wearing a brace on his left arm to help his elbow injury and performed self-massages in his Vegas hotel room earlier in the week. Now he heads to the medicine room at the Thomas & Mack Center where ice and jell is applied. A second treatment before the rodeo and some Tylenol and Asay is much better prepared to perform. “I’m sore and tired but heeling,” he said. One can observe a renewed sense of purpose in the young rider (21 years old) here in Vegas for his first appearance at the WNFR. “I still don’t feel like I’m at the national finals. From the very point in the season where I thought I had a chance to make it I decided to look at it like any other rodeo. It’s just ten days long and you get on the best bulls,” Asay remarked. He sat tall in the sixth round scoring an 84.5 and pocketing third place cash of $9,800. The bull turned back to the right, away from Asay’s hand allowing him to push on his rope which is a lot better than having to lift with that bad elbow.

Photo: Kanin Asay leaves the round with a score of 84.5. Credit: Mike McCrimmon

The numbers at the top of the world standings in bull riding are close. Only $35,000 separates the leading four spots with four rodeos remaining. Asay is in second place, $20,000 behind Wisconsin’s B.J. Schumacher. He was tossed quickly last night by a 1,900 pound bull owned by Burns Rodeo Company of Laramie. “He’s just a four-year-old. He’s athletic and strong with power,” said Hal Burns. The animal comes from the bloodline of a bull called “Best Bet” who was so, shall we say, so difficult that he was eventually banned by both the PRCA and PBR (Pro Bull Riders). This offspring is known as “Bo Alameda” in honor of its previous owner who raises bulls in Wyoming.

Photo: B.J. Schumacher gets tossed in round six. Credit: Mike McCrimmon

UW on Willie

There are now three former University of Wyoming students using the same horse to drop from and wrestle steers at the national finals. Willie is obviously Wyoming’s choice to make a run at the champion’s buckle. Last night, Sean Mulligan came close to a record with his run of 3.2 seconds. Mulligan has a degree in agricultural business from the University of Wyoming. As a side note, Sean won Cheyenne Frontier Days in 2000. Casey McMillen who was born in Laramie and educated at both Casper College and UW is also aboard Willie. And Lance Creek’s Jason Miller is winning on Willie as well. Milller still lives in the “Cowboy State” while his fellow UW alums have moved elsewhere. Jason told me last night he found out from Willie’s owner that the horse carried doggers to $44,000 in winnings in the last two nights. Miller worked to garner fourth last night (4.1 seconds) and won $6,875. He is sticking to his game plan. “You have to get a good start in this short arena. You can’t back off the barrier. I’m going for money in every go-round. That’s the only way I’ll have a chance,” Miller said.