To those outside of the rodeo realm it must seem strange to hear talk of “average” and think it matters much. Just look at the beaming face of Powell, WY bull rider Kanin Asay and you know that winning the average at the national finals rodeo is a magnificent accomplishment that nudges the newlywed toward the pinnacle of his chosen profession. He rode a bull called Big Iron tonight and the big score was the highest of any ride at the 2009 NFR – 93 points. Asay finished second in the world standings winning $205,000. But it is the last ride that gave him a bull riding average championship – most points scored over the course of the entire finals. Please sit back and enjoy a look at Kanin’s ride, the aftermath and our interview with Asay standing with his new saddle, gold buckle and his best friend, first-time NFR bullfighter Dusty Tuckness from Meeteetse, WY. What shows below is courtesy of our talented video guru Mike McCrimmon:
Kanin Asay won almost $113,000 at the 2009 NFR. Bobby Welsh of Gillette finished fourth in the world standings this year and came ever so close to edging nearer to the top with his performance in the final round. Welsh came off his bull at 7.78 seconds. Clayton Savage of Casper was also in the top ten, finishing in the eighth position.
Kelly Skies
Kelly Timberman closed out his 2009 on a high horse. The Mills, WY 33-year-old won the world championship in bareback riding five years ago and continues to be among the elite pros in rodeo. Wise Guy is wild and Kelly matched him jump for jump:
Timberman finished third in the bareback riding average and that alone added $28,000 to his annual earnings. Kelly rose to fifth in the world standings for 2009 by gathering almost $72,000 over the last ten days.
We must also add that our Team Wyoming team roper, Jhett Johnson from Casper, netted just over $34,000 at this years’ NFR. He isn’t complaining.
Sincerest appreciation is given here to Winnercomm Productions (the company that brings rodeo to your television set) and the PRCA for allowing us to obtain video and to be close to the Wrangler Nationals Finals Rodeo action again this year.
We are most proud of Team Wyoming and hope to see you along the rodeo road in 2010.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Rough Stock Squad
Bobby Welsh, Dusty Tuckness, Kanin Asay and Clayton Savage. They’ve synched superbly in a short period of time and really came together at the NFR in 2009. We spoke to them a few nights ago to get their perspectives about counting on one another through thick and thin:
Buckle Up
Our video manager, Mike McCrimmon, has visited the Wyoming highlight reel from the first several rounds of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas to pull out a few juicy morsels for your perusal. Give yourself a minute, sit back and enjoy:
Happy Birthday Clay
Clayton Savage is celebrating his 23rd birthday today. Wyoming Travel & Tourism was pleased to recognize young Mr. Savage on this special day. He was signing autographs at our table outside the Wrangler Apparel booth in the Cowboy Christmas show where at high noon the howling began:
Red Boots Diary
Gillette bull rider Bobby Welsh has attained the ultimate prize for a cowboy. Comfortable boots. They are red and that color has drawn comments from many a rodeo announcer in the arena and during television broadcasts, especially on ESPN during Xtreme Bulls events. We now show you the secret of the red boots by way of Bobby’s own willingness to divulge their origin:
We will be back to fill this column late tonight with a recap of how Wyoming cowboys finished the 2009 NFR.
Buckle Up
Our video manager, Mike McCrimmon, has visited the Wyoming highlight reel from the first several rounds of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas to pull out a few juicy morsels for your perusal. Give yourself a minute, sit back and enjoy:
Happy Birthday Clay
Clayton Savage is celebrating his 23rd birthday today. Wyoming Travel & Tourism was pleased to recognize young Mr. Savage on this special day. He was signing autographs at our table outside the Wrangler Apparel booth in the Cowboy Christmas show where at high noon the howling began:
Red Boots Diary
Gillette bull rider Bobby Welsh has attained the ultimate prize for a cowboy. Comfortable boots. They are red and that color has drawn comments from many a rodeo announcer in the arena and during television broadcasts, especially on ESPN during Xtreme Bulls events. We now show you the secret of the red boots by way of Bobby’s own willingness to divulge their origin:
We will be back to fill this column late tonight with a recap of how Wyoming cowboys finished the 2009 NFR.
BIG WYO NIGHT
We are going to have some fun tonight. Three Wyoming bull riders have proven their toughness and skill at the same time being watched over and helped to walk away from every ride by Meeteetse, WY bullfighter Dusty Tuckness. His fearlessness is certainly evident to all who’ve been watching the 51st NFR.
Last night two of the bull riding trio made successful trips. Clayton Savage of Casper was 86.5 on Foolish Pride and Savage would really like to start all over again here at the finals in Vegas:
Clayton’s Friday night paycheck was $10,000 for third place. Gillette’s Bobby Welsh topped the bull Crazy Train for an 83 and fifth place on the night:
Watch with Cowboy Pride tonight as Welsh battles Siverado’s Silent Assassin, Kanin Asay from Powell takes on the bull known as Big Iron and Savage is aboard Silent Image. All three of Wyoming’s riders have managed to remain in the top ten of the world standings through all the ups and downs of the NFR. Asay is third, Welsh fourth and Savage in the eighth position. Average wise Welsh leads everyone and Asay is second. Clayton Savage, who is celebrating his 23rd birthday today, is sixth in the average.
Burns Rodeo Company from Laramie will present two bulls for the final round tonight. Kid Twist and Conspiracy are going to be hard to handle for Colin McTaggart and Howdy Cloud respectively.
Kelly Timberman, the 2004 world champion bareback rider, is smiling at his draw for the final round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo tonight. The Mills, WY rodeo superstar will pack his punch on top of Wise Guy – a horse Timberman spurred to a huge score on the finals night at the regular season playoffs in Omaha. Last night in Las Vegas, Kelly matched kicks with the bareback horse Peaches and Cream to score 84.5 and take away third-place cash of $10,000:
The queen of Powder River Rodeo Company from Riverton, WY gets another chance tonight in the NFR final round. Wyoming’s Miss Congeniality had trouble in the chute box her first time out earlier this week. Odds are she’ll redeem herself and present a daunting challenge for bronc rider Bradley Harter. Miss C has a first jump that is a marvel to watch especially for a horse of her size. (We are not insulting her weight. She is just a big girl.) Owner Hank Franzen has a custom-made halter he’ll present to Harter and it will surely bring an anxious smile to the Texas man who’ll be first out in the bronc riding tonight.
Tonight’s finals will air at 9 Mountain Time on ESPN2.
Last night two of the bull riding trio made successful trips. Clayton Savage of Casper was 86.5 on Foolish Pride and Savage would really like to start all over again here at the finals in Vegas:
Clayton’s Friday night paycheck was $10,000 for third place. Gillette’s Bobby Welsh topped the bull Crazy Train for an 83 and fifth place on the night:
Watch with Cowboy Pride tonight as Welsh battles Siverado’s Silent Assassin, Kanin Asay from Powell takes on the bull known as Big Iron and Savage is aboard Silent Image. All three of Wyoming’s riders have managed to remain in the top ten of the world standings through all the ups and downs of the NFR. Asay is third, Welsh fourth and Savage in the eighth position. Average wise Welsh leads everyone and Asay is second. Clayton Savage, who is celebrating his 23rd birthday today, is sixth in the average.
Burns Rodeo Company from Laramie will present two bulls for the final round tonight. Kid Twist and Conspiracy are going to be hard to handle for Colin McTaggart and Howdy Cloud respectively.
Kelly Timberman, the 2004 world champion bareback rider, is smiling at his draw for the final round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo tonight. The Mills, WY rodeo superstar will pack his punch on top of Wise Guy – a horse Timberman spurred to a huge score on the finals night at the regular season playoffs in Omaha. Last night in Las Vegas, Kelly matched kicks with the bareback horse Peaches and Cream to score 84.5 and take away third-place cash of $10,000:
The queen of Powder River Rodeo Company from Riverton, WY gets another chance tonight in the NFR final round. Wyoming’s Miss Congeniality had trouble in the chute box her first time out earlier this week. Odds are she’ll redeem herself and present a daunting challenge for bronc rider Bradley Harter. Miss C has a first jump that is a marvel to watch especially for a horse of her size. (We are not insulting her weight. She is just a big girl.) Owner Hank Franzen has a custom-made halter he’ll present to Harter and it will surely bring an anxious smile to the Texas man who’ll be first out in the bronc riding tonight.
Tonight’s finals will air at 9 Mountain Time on ESPN2.
Bull Champ Crowned
JW Harris of May, TX earned his second consecutive world championship in bull riding a night early. He can’t be caught having come into tonight facing only two other men with an outside chance to overtake the staggering lead JW had entering the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Both challengers bucked off early. Kanin Asay of Powell was one of those riders and although Kanin went down tonight he is in great shape for a big average check. He is second and Bobby Welsh of Gillette is first in the average. Bobby was scored 83 tonight on a bull named Crazy Train.
Clayton Savage of Casper put $10,000 in his jeans tonight finishing third with a score of 86.5 on Foolish Pride. That same animal horned the pants of Meeteetse, WY bullfighter Dusty Tuckness in an earlier NFR round. Savage is sixth in the average race and has taken the tape off his rib injury. He has cracks in a couple of them but seems none the worse for wear. Ah, to be young and seemingly invincible.
Veteran bull rider Cody Hancock of Arizona was knocked out at the end of his winning ride. He was taken out of the arena on a stretcher and is receiving hospital treatment for a concussion. He was awake when rolled past us and I can tell you he wanted to stay for his victory lap.
Clayton Savage of Casper put $10,000 in his jeans tonight finishing third with a score of 86.5 on Foolish Pride. That same animal horned the pants of Meeteetse, WY bullfighter Dusty Tuckness in an earlier NFR round. Savage is sixth in the average race and has taken the tape off his rib injury. He has cracks in a couple of them but seems none the worse for wear. Ah, to be young and seemingly invincible.
Veteran bull rider Cody Hancock of Arizona was knocked out at the end of his winning ride. He was taken out of the arena on a stretcher and is receiving hospital treatment for a concussion. He was awake when rolled past us and I can tell you he wanted to stay for his victory lap.
Timberman Collects Again
Kelly Timberman of Mills, WY collected $10,000 for his third-place finish tonight scoring 84.5 and inching his 2009 NFR earnings ever so close to the $35K mark. The 2004 world champion bareback rider is fourth in the average with one night remaining. Timberman surpassed the $1 million career earning milestone during this trip to the finals.
A Record Set and Reset
Team ropers were sizzling tonight. One pair, JoJo Lemond and Randon Adams, set a new world record time of 3.4 seconds and five minutes later that mark was beaten by Chad Masters and Jade Corkill who finished their run in 3.3 seconds.
UW Grad Wins
University of Wyoming graduate Casey McMillen dropped his steer in 3.3 seconds to take ninth-round honors in the steer wrestling competition.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Purple Passion
He likes the color purple and rides with the passion it takes to be a champion. Kanin Asay of Powell, WY scored 87 on Grey Dog last night to win the eighth round of bull riding at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Only two men made qualified rides. A late re-ride attempt by Corey Navarre also fell short.
Asay always makes a thorough investigation of the bull he has drawn and knew what to expect out of last night’s mission. One fact coming to the fore in the last few years is that multiple generations of bucking bull breeding has turned out a large number of animals who most times out are beyond the grasp of just about any rider success when it comes to keeping a seat for eight seconds.
We spoke with Kanin after his success last night and he also delved into the assemblage of animals he and his fellow riders are facing at the NFR this year:
Powder River Let ‘er Buck
Two of the bulls out last night belong to the “bull guys” of Wyoming horse stock contractors Powder River Rodeo Co. based in Riverton. Lori and Hank Franzen run a tight ship and since horses are their forte they leave the bulls to people who specialize in that animal, in this case D & H Cattle out of Oklahoma.
The luck of the draw put Wyoming riders on D&H bulls last night. Clayton Savage of Casper – competing at his first national finals – drew Sure Fire. Look closely at how he refuses to give up. Savage lasted past the seven-second tick but not quite to eight:
As mentioned earlier, Kanin Asay had the other D&H bull and made a great outing to win the round. Powder River’s Hank Franzen spoke with us afterward:
Kanin Asay finds himself at the top of the average leaderboard with two rounds to go and still much ground to make up on overall leader in the world champ’s chase – JW Harris of Texas.
Asay always makes a thorough investigation of the bull he has drawn and knew what to expect out of last night’s mission. One fact coming to the fore in the last few years is that multiple generations of bucking bull breeding has turned out a large number of animals who most times out are beyond the grasp of just about any rider success when it comes to keeping a seat for eight seconds.
We spoke with Kanin after his success last night and he also delved into the assemblage of animals he and his fellow riders are facing at the NFR this year:
Powder River Let ‘er Buck
Two of the bulls out last night belong to the “bull guys” of Wyoming horse stock contractors Powder River Rodeo Co. based in Riverton. Lori and Hank Franzen run a tight ship and since horses are their forte they leave the bulls to people who specialize in that animal, in this case D & H Cattle out of Oklahoma.
The luck of the draw put Wyoming riders on D&H bulls last night. Clayton Savage of Casper – competing at his first national finals – drew Sure Fire. Look closely at how he refuses to give up. Savage lasted past the seven-second tick but not quite to eight:
As mentioned earlier, Kanin Asay had the other D&H bull and made a great outing to win the round. Powder River’s Hank Franzen spoke with us afterward:
Kanin Asay finds himself at the top of the average leaderboard with two rounds to go and still much ground to make up on overall leader in the world champ’s chase – JW Harris of Texas.
The Pride of Powell
The purple was popping tonight for Kanin Asay. The Powell, WY bull rider stayed on a bull that tried ever so deftly to toss his man but in the end Grey Dog was mastered for a score of 87 and a best-of-show for Asay. WOOF! Kanin loves the color purple and was decked from head to toe with it tonight. His Wyoming fans stood and cheered wildly and it was not in vain. Put another one in the books for Kanin. He’s won two rounds at the 2009 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas and seems poised to be back for more. Asay leads the average now but still has a steep mountain to climb in order to overcome world standings leader JW Harris. And while Bobby Welsh of Gillette did not score tonight he is in the hunt as well.
Powder River Rodeo Co. of Riverton, WY had a big stake in tonight’s bull riding. Their “bull guys” run a company called D & H Cattle out of Oklahoma. Grey Dog is one of their animals. Hank Franzen, owner with his wife Lori, of Powder River was beaming about a Wyoming rider winning the round. “We’re pretty proud to have him win it on our bull, that’s outstanding,” Franzen said.
Tune in here again mid-morning tomorrow. We’ll show you Kanin’s ride and our interview with the Powell man of purple. Hank Franzen will be with us too. It is going to be worth the wait. This was one big night for Wyoming.
Powder River Rodeo Co. of Riverton, WY had a big stake in tonight’s bull riding. Their “bull guys” run a company called D & H Cattle out of Oklahoma. Grey Dog is one of their animals. Hank Franzen, owner with his wife Lori, of Powder River was beaming about a Wyoming rider winning the round. “We’re pretty proud to have him win it on our bull, that’s outstanding,” Franzen said.
Tune in here again mid-morning tomorrow. We’ll show you Kanin’s ride and our interview with the Powell man of purple. Hank Franzen will be with us too. It is going to be worth the wait. This was one big night for Wyoming.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Purple Stays
Kanin Asay’s pink shirt (for “Tough Enough to Wear Pink night” at the NFR) clashed – I think – with his purple helmet but Kanin matched his bull, Who’s Next, last night to be one of only four riders who stayed on for scores. The way it’s been going four out of fourteen is pretty good for this national finals. The Powell mans’ score was 79.5 and it added $7,000 to his take home from Vegas thus far:
Kanin Asay is now fourth in the race for the coveted average-round money and Gillette’s Bobby Welsh is second. He is now third in the world standings while Asay is fourth. They have a lot of ground to cover in order to catch leader JW Harris who is $70,000 in front of the number two man, Corey Navarre, but Harris is not going to be competitive in the average money race so the gap can be made up quickly if Welsh and Asay get on hot streaks the final three rides. Harris is scheduled to sit again tonight as he recuperates from a broken bone in his right hand. He will ride Friday and Saturday nights.
Jhett’s Loop Gets Cash
Casper’s Jhett Johnson threw a beauty last night and with partner Steve Purcella netted a third-place time of 4.3 seconds in the team roping to win third place and $10,000:
Jhett is at $34,000 and counting so far in NFR competition. He and Purcella are eighth in the average. It pays eight spots.
Blazing Hazers
Two Wyoming cowboys who competed in the steer wrestling event at last years’ National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas have gone over to the other side in 2009. Jason Miller of Lance Creek and Les Shepperson from Midwest are prominent hazers. Miller is working with traveling partner and event leader Luke Branquinho along with Curtis Cassidy. Shepperson is hazing for Dean Gorsuch. We got to spend a little time in Vegas with Jason and Les and here is that report:
Kanin Asay is now fourth in the race for the coveted average-round money and Gillette’s Bobby Welsh is second. He is now third in the world standings while Asay is fourth. They have a lot of ground to cover in order to catch leader JW Harris who is $70,000 in front of the number two man, Corey Navarre, but Harris is not going to be competitive in the average money race so the gap can be made up quickly if Welsh and Asay get on hot streaks the final three rides. Harris is scheduled to sit again tonight as he recuperates from a broken bone in his right hand. He will ride Friday and Saturday nights.
Jhett’s Loop Gets Cash
Casper’s Jhett Johnson threw a beauty last night and with partner Steve Purcella netted a third-place time of 4.3 seconds in the team roping to win third place and $10,000:
Jhett is at $34,000 and counting so far in NFR competition. He and Purcella are eighth in the average. It pays eight spots.
Blazing Hazers
Two Wyoming cowboys who competed in the steer wrestling event at last years’ National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas have gone over to the other side in 2009. Jason Miller of Lance Creek and Les Shepperson from Midwest are prominent hazers. Miller is working with traveling partner and event leader Luke Branquinho along with Curtis Cassidy. Shepperson is hazing for Dean Gorsuch. We got to spend a little time in Vegas with Jason and Les and here is that report:
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
In the Money
Casper team roping heeler Jhett Johnson and partner Steve Purcella made a very cool $10,000 each in their third-place finish tonight with a time of 4.3 seconds. They’ve won $34K thus far and are eighth in the average.
Only four bull riders made the eight-second buzzer in tonight’s seventh round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. One of them was Powell’s Kanin Asay who was fourth scoring a 79.5 on a bull called Who’s Next. Kanin is now fourth in the average race while Bobby Welsh of Gillette has slipped to second. Current world champion JW Harris is well out in front of the pack this year but was not out tonight as he continues to nurse a broken bone in his riding hand. Harris plans to return for rounds nine and ten, Friday and Saturday.
Lance Creek’s Jason Miller hazed for pal Luke Branquinho and Luke won for the second night in a row. The reigning world champion steer wrestler has taken over the top spot in both the average and world standings. He’s made $70,000 in seven days at the NFR.
We’ll have Jhett Johnson’s heeling work in the seventh round and give you a viewing of Kanin Asay on his bull once the video is ready to transmit tomorrow morning.
Only four bull riders made the eight-second buzzer in tonight’s seventh round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. One of them was Powell’s Kanin Asay who was fourth scoring a 79.5 on a bull called Who’s Next. Kanin is now fourth in the average race while Bobby Welsh of Gillette has slipped to second. Current world champion JW Harris is well out in front of the pack this year but was not out tonight as he continues to nurse a broken bone in his riding hand. Harris plans to return for rounds nine and ten, Friday and Saturday.
Lance Creek’s Jason Miller hazed for pal Luke Branquinho and Luke won for the second night in a row. The reigning world champion steer wrestler has taken over the top spot in both the average and world standings. He’s made $70,000 in seven days at the NFR.
We’ll have Jhett Johnson’s heeling work in the seventh round and give you a viewing of Kanin Asay on his bull once the video is ready to transmit tomorrow morning.
Money in Barebacks
Kelly Timberman of Mills, WY spurred like the champ he is and ended up splitting 3rd/4th/ and 5th position cash of $7,200 in last night’s sixth round of bareback riding at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. For those of you who don’t know, Kelly recently married his longtime girlfriend Charidie in Cheyenne. We want to give you a look at Kelly’s ride but also a peek into his psyche. He plans to do everything possible to make his marriage work:
Ryan Gray rode halfway through the national finals before finding his way to the pay window. Last night he got on a Wyoming horse and cashed in by winning second place and $13,500 on Pinball Wizard of the Burch Rodeo Co. string based near Rozet, WY. The ride was scored at 86.5 for the college grad who grew up in Cheyenne and Laramie:
Shake it Luke
Good buds Luke Branquinho and Jason Miller had their speed on in the steer wrestling last night. Luke threw down in 3.2 seconds - just a hair (.2 seconds) longer than the arena record. Jason, of Lance Creek WY, was his hazer. Everyone in the arena knew what would follow a 3.2 run and Luke didn’t disappoint:
The steer wrestling competition is tight at the lead with just $30,000 separating the top three big men.
Hunter’s Tail
You do what you must to catch a steer at the national finals. Hunter Cure of Texas showed as much last night when he had only a tail to hold and a long run to get the job done:
Ryan Gray rode halfway through the national finals before finding his way to the pay window. Last night he got on a Wyoming horse and cashed in by winning second place and $13,500 on Pinball Wizard of the Burch Rodeo Co. string based near Rozet, WY. The ride was scored at 86.5 for the college grad who grew up in Cheyenne and Laramie:
Shake it Luke
Good buds Luke Branquinho and Jason Miller had their speed on in the steer wrestling last night. Luke threw down in 3.2 seconds - just a hair (.2 seconds) longer than the arena record. Jason, of Lance Creek WY, was his hazer. Everyone in the arena knew what would follow a 3.2 run and Luke didn’t disappoint:
The steer wrestling competition is tight at the lead with just $30,000 separating the top three big men.
Hunter’s Tail
You do what you must to catch a steer at the national finals. Hunter Cure of Texas showed as much last night when he had only a tail to hold and a long run to get the job done:
Shake it Luke
Jason Miller of Lance Creek, WY is performing the hazing chores for reigning world champion steer wrestler Luke Branquinho here at the 2009 NFR. Miller won the world in 2007. The pair go down the road together most of the regular season and are close friends. Tonight they were in perfect synch and Luke blazed his way to a 3.2 second run to win the sixth round. Luke is nearly $53,000 richer from his work in Vegas so far.
The Branquinho/Miller win will be here for you to review along with a video feature about hazing showcasing Miller & Les Shepperson who is working alongside steer wrestler Dean Gorsuch.
The Branquinho/Miller win will be here for you to review along with a video feature about hazing showcasing Miller & Les Shepperson who is working alongside steer wrestler Dean Gorsuch.
Kelly & Ryan Shine
Bareback riders with Wyoming in their bones spurred out to win good money in the Tuesday edition of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Kelly Timberman of the Casper suburb called Mills was marvelous on a horse named Cajun Queen to earn more than $7,000 for Kelly’s eight-second ride. Ryan Gray, who grew up in Cheyenne and Laramie, earned his first payday at the finals by taking a Wyoming horse to an 86.5 point finish, second place, and a check for $13,500. Gray bumped along on Pinball Wizard owned by Burch Rodeo of Rozet, WY.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Something’s Wrong, Very Wrong
Their mamas told them there’d be nights like Monday. Had to be a Monday, didn’t it? No bull riders were able to make a scored ride last night so the good news for Wyoming contestants is they didn’t lose any ground in the standings. Bobby Welsh is still numero uno in the average race and there is more cash in that pay-out because the fifth round money ($55,000) is now in the average pot.
A lot of disgusted young men dragged their belled ropes past us after a struggle in the arena. Give credit to the bulls. They were incredibly good. Here’s a look at a few of the quick exits and close calls:
What you tend to hear after a section of bull riding like that is praise for the bulls and thanks given to the fact that everyone walked out of the arena on their own power. Casper’s Clayton Savage was among those you saw in that batch of wrecks. We spoke with him this morning and although sore he is ready to hunker down, strap on, nod his head and give it another go tonight.
Jhett Powers to Pay
Casper team roping heeler Jhett Johnson and partner Steve “Cheese” Purcella of Texas had a nice, smooth run Monday and left the arena with third-place checks of $10K apiece. They put a lock on their steer in 4.7 seconds:
Johnson and Purcella have won close to $24,000 so far and are sixth in the average.
A lot of disgusted young men dragged their belled ropes past us after a struggle in the arena. Give credit to the bulls. They were incredibly good. Here’s a look at a few of the quick exits and close calls:
What you tend to hear after a section of bull riding like that is praise for the bulls and thanks given to the fact that everyone walked out of the arena on their own power. Casper’s Clayton Savage was among those you saw in that batch of wrecks. We spoke with him this morning and although sore he is ready to hunker down, strap on, nod his head and give it another go tonight.
Jhett Powers to Pay
Casper team roping heeler Jhett Johnson and partner Steve “Cheese” Purcella of Texas had a nice, smooth run Monday and left the arena with third-place checks of $10K apiece. They put a lock on their steer in 4.7 seconds:
Johnson and Purcella have won close to $24,000 so far and are sixth in the average.
The Mark of Zero
No one could keep a seat very long in the bull riding tonight at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. A few came close to the eight-second whistle, most were gone in half that time. In the end, the best bulls there are in pro rodeo today proved to be too much for the top riders in our sport. A lot of frustrated cowboys dragged their ropes and bells back to the dressing room. Money that would have been doled out ($55,000) is now stacked in with the cash ($165,000) that will be paid out in the average round at the end of the finals.
One Wyoming cowboy managed to make a trip to the pay window after the fifth go-round. Casper team roper Jhett Johnson and partner Steve “Cheese” Purcella from Texas made a smooth 4.7 second run and picked up third-place money of $10,000 apiece.
A Nip of Tuckness
We gave you a small taste of the dazzling efforts by Meeteetse, Wyoming bullfighter Dusty Tuckness at the NFR earlier but now would like to expand that coverage. Here is a longer look at how a young fellow from a tiny town is making a huge impression on the rodeo world:
One Wyoming cowboy managed to make a trip to the pay window after the fifth go-round. Casper team roper Jhett Johnson and partner Steve “Cheese” Purcella from Texas made a smooth 4.7 second run and picked up third-place money of $10,000 apiece.
A Nip of Tuckness
We gave you a small taste of the dazzling efforts by Meeteetse, Wyoming bullfighter Dusty Tuckness at the NFR earlier but now would like to expand that coverage. Here is a longer look at how a young fellow from a tiny town is making a huge impression on the rodeo world:
The Mark of Zero
No one could keep a seat very long in the bull riding tonight at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. A few came close to the eight-second whistle, most were gone in half that time. In the end, the best bulls there are in pro rodeo today proved to be too much for the top riders in our sport. A lot of frustrated cowboys dragged their ropes and bells back to the dressing room. Money that would have been doled out ($55,000) is now stacked in with the cash ($165,000) that will be paid out in the average round at the end of the finals.
One Wyoming cowboy managed to make a trip to the pay window after the fifth go-round. Casper team roper Jhett Johnson and partner Steve “Cheese” Purcella from Texas made a smooth 4.7 second run and picked up third-place money of $10,000 apiece. (jhett pic)
A Nip of Tuckness
We gave you a small taste of the dazzling efforts by Meeteetse, Wyoming bullfighter Dusty Tuckness at the NFR earlier but now would like to expand that coverage. Here is a longer look at how a young fellow from a tiny town is making a huge impression on the rodeo world:
One Wyoming cowboy managed to make a trip to the pay window after the fifth go-round. Casper team roper Jhett Johnson and partner Steve “Cheese” Purcella from Texas made a smooth 4.7 second run and picked up third-place money of $10,000 apiece. (jhett pic)
A Nip of Tuckness
We gave you a small taste of the dazzling efforts by Meeteetse, Wyoming bullfighter Dusty Tuckness at the NFR earlier but now would like to expand that coverage. Here is a longer look at how a young fellow from a tiny town is making a huge impression on the rodeo world:
Monday, December 7, 2009
B. Welsh Be Good
Bobby Welsh has it going on at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. He is four- for-four. The Gillette, WY man is the only rider to match the bucks, twists and spins of every bull he’s drawn in Las Vegas. Welsh leads the average (total scores) by 59 points. Clearly, everything can change in one night but Bobby is on a roll. He won the round last night with a score of 89.5, picking up another $17,000 paycheck and a go-round buckle. Welsh spoke with us afterward and he doesn’t plan to dwell on his accomplishments thus far:
Powell’s Kanin Asay is making a run at the bull riding gold buckle as well. Like Welsh, Kanin faces long odds in overcoming JW Harris who is well ahead of the pack but his hand injury is a factor to consider as to how the rest of this action filled finals will play out.
Dusty Dancing
For a writer it is difficult to admit the shortcomings of a well-turned phrase but in this case it is a fact. Words can’t come close to properly describing the work last night at the national finals rodeo by bullfighter Dusty Tuckness. Tomorrow, or perhaps later today, we’ll have an in-depth feature piece to show you about Dusty. For now, let’s have our pro-video maestro, Mike McCrimmon, give you a taste of what fans in the arena and on national television saw from the Meeteetse, Wyoming rising rodeo star in the fourth round of the Big Show:
Dusty Tuckness is just 23 years old and is performing at his first NFR.
Powell’s Kanin Asay is making a run at the bull riding gold buckle as well. Like Welsh, Kanin faces long odds in overcoming JW Harris who is well ahead of the pack but his hand injury is a factor to consider as to how the rest of this action filled finals will play out.
Dusty Dancing
For a writer it is difficult to admit the shortcomings of a well-turned phrase but in this case it is a fact. Words can’t come close to properly describing the work last night at the national finals rodeo by bullfighter Dusty Tuckness. Tomorrow, or perhaps later today, we’ll have an in-depth feature piece to show you about Dusty. For now, let’s have our pro-video maestro, Mike McCrimmon, give you a taste of what fans in the arena and on national television saw from the Meeteetse, Wyoming rising rodeo star in the fourth round of the Big Show:
Dusty Tuckness is just 23 years old and is performing at his first NFR.
Bobber's Up
Bobby Welsh likes to fish so you know he has patience. Tonight he waited calmly and watched many bull riders get thrown off prior to the whistle. Only two men rode for a score before Welsh’s turn and Bobby, after a re-wrap, signaled he was ready and wowed the packed Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas sticking to his bull for a score of 89.5 to win the fourth round. The numbers now look like this: Welsh is first in the average. He has won $40,600 at the national finals – more than any other bull rider. And Welsh, of Gillette, is now standing at a total earnings level of $133,000. Still a far cry from the $219,000 in the bank for leader JW Harris but Bobby keeps nipping away at JW’s spread with the future of this event uncertain for Harris due to a broken bone in his riding hand.
Tomorrow morning we’ll be providing video highlights of Bobby’s ride and an interview with him after his stunning victory.
Dusty on Duty
In the morning we will also have a look at some amazing cowboy saving body sacrifices by Meeteetse, WY bullfighter Dusty Tuckness. He was really beaming after work that included not one but two dives between riders and bulls and a wide assortment of calisthenics as a result. The crowd was thrilled, the riders were grateful, and Dusty was living out a dream.
Kelly Cash
A bareback riding score of 84.5 for Kelly Timberman gave him a fourth-place finish in the fourth round and another $7,000 in winnings to date at the 2009 national finals. The paycheck also sent Kelly over the $100,000 mark for the year.
The Mills, WY man is the 2004 world champion bareback rider.
Remember to come back and see us mid-morning Monday when you will be able to relive some very exciting moments for Wyoming cowboys Bobby Welsh and Dusty Tuckness.
Tomorrow morning we’ll be providing video highlights of Bobby’s ride and an interview with him after his stunning victory.
Dusty on Duty
In the morning we will also have a look at some amazing cowboy saving body sacrifices by Meeteetse, WY bullfighter Dusty Tuckness. He was really beaming after work that included not one but two dives between riders and bulls and a wide assortment of calisthenics as a result. The crowd was thrilled, the riders were grateful, and Dusty was living out a dream.
Kelly Cash
A bareback riding score of 84.5 for Kelly Timberman gave him a fourth-place finish in the fourth round and another $7,000 in winnings to date at the 2009 national finals. The paycheck also sent Kelly over the $100,000 mark for the year.
The Mills, WY man is the 2004 world champion bareback rider.
Remember to come back and see us mid-morning Monday when you will be able to relive some very exciting moments for Wyoming cowboys Bobby Welsh and Dusty Tuckness.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Cowboy Christmas
Pro rodeo's Christmas is all about the money you can make over the Fourth of July holiday period when there are several big rodeos each year. In Las Vegas, Cowboy Christmas is a ten-day western shopping extravaganza. Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal and first lady, Nancy, strolled the aisles this year during their visit to support Team Wyoming. Our story includes the Governor's comments and a insider probe of one specialized western products business based in Wilson, WY. Also, Brit West owner Britain Roberts explains how she got into business and her custom product line:
Bad Bulls Good for WYO
There are always going to be a couple of nights in the national finals rodeo bull riding competition when the bulls are destined to deny riders a score. Eight seconds may not seem like a long time but if you are straddling a bucking, twisting beast that doesn’t want you on top of him it can seem like an hour. Eliminators, as they are often referred to, have learned many tricks and will not hesitate to use them. Two of Wyoming’s three bull riders at the 2009 finals in Las Vegas made it through to the whistle last night and made great strides toward challenging current champ JW Harris who is temporarily sidelined with a broken bone in his riding hand.
Powell’s Kanin Asay outlasted a bull known as Ricky Bobby to score 85.5 and earn $10,000 in a third-place finish. “I’d seen him a couple of times and the scores were in the 90s. All I could think was keep hustling and keep trying,” Asay told us after his ride. The bull has roots with Powder River Rodeo Company based in Riverton and Asay says he is one of those eliminators that just doesn’t want to let the rider get a seat in the middle. “He wants you in or out, but I talked to a lot of people for advice and they all told me to stay forward, keep my shoulders square.” The bull gave everything he had in terms of trying to force Kanin’s riding hand to buckle forcing him to let loose, but a driving shoulder and perfectly timed balance allowed Kanin to “get on over him” and win the battle:
Bobby Welsh of Gillette won fourth-place cash of $7,000 last night and he is the only NFR bull rider who has not yet been bucked off early. Many will tell you once Bobby hits his groove he’s the most consistent rider there is, yet he remains relatively unknown outside the confines of the Cowboy State. “I stay under the radar and I like that,” Welsh said. Like the other riders here who’ve not won a world championship that gold buckle is Bobby’s goal and what he’s dreamed about for a long time. He took another step toward making the race more interesting by completing his duties at the Saturday night “Eliminator” session on a bull nicknamed “West Coast Offense”:
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Stat-wise Bobby Welsh is the only man to score on all comers and thus he is the number one man in the average race. The rider with the most points on the most bulls at the end of the finals will earn an extra $44,000. Kanin Asay has won more money than any other bull rider after three rounds - $27, 500. And Asay holds the number two spot in the average.
De Panted in Vegas
Everyone knows you can lose your shorts in Vegas but who would want a pair of baggy pants? A bull in the Eliminator session, that’s who. “Foolish Pride” decided he’d take a run at Meeteetse bullfighter Dusty Tuckness’ britches and succeeded:
Tonight’s fourth round action can been seen on ESPN2 beginning at 7 Mountain Time.
All video footage of the rodeo action is being provided to you on this site courtesy of the PRCA and the great people at Winnercomm Productions who are responsible for all of the rodeo you see on ESPN.
Editing chores for Wyoming Tourism are the responsibility of Mr. Mike McCrimmon.
Powell’s Kanin Asay outlasted a bull known as Ricky Bobby to score 85.5 and earn $10,000 in a third-place finish. “I’d seen him a couple of times and the scores were in the 90s. All I could think was keep hustling and keep trying,” Asay told us after his ride. The bull has roots with Powder River Rodeo Company based in Riverton and Asay says he is one of those eliminators that just doesn’t want to let the rider get a seat in the middle. “He wants you in or out, but I talked to a lot of people for advice and they all told me to stay forward, keep my shoulders square.” The bull gave everything he had in terms of trying to force Kanin’s riding hand to buckle forcing him to let loose, but a driving shoulder and perfectly timed balance allowed Kanin to “get on over him” and win the battle:
Bobby Welsh of Gillette won fourth-place cash of $7,000 last night and he is the only NFR bull rider who has not yet been bucked off early. Many will tell you once Bobby hits his groove he’s the most consistent rider there is, yet he remains relatively unknown outside the confines of the Cowboy State. “I stay under the radar and I like that,” Welsh said. Like the other riders here who’ve not won a world championship that gold buckle is Bobby’s goal and what he’s dreamed about for a long time. He took another step toward making the race more interesting by completing his duties at the Saturday night “Eliminator” session on a bull nicknamed “West Coast Offense”:
)
Stat-wise Bobby Welsh is the only man to score on all comers and thus he is the number one man in the average race. The rider with the most points on the most bulls at the end of the finals will earn an extra $44,000. Kanin Asay has won more money than any other bull rider after three rounds - $27, 500. And Asay holds the number two spot in the average.
De Panted in Vegas
Everyone knows you can lose your shorts in Vegas but who would want a pair of baggy pants? A bull in the Eliminator session, that’s who. “Foolish Pride” decided he’d take a run at Meeteetse bullfighter Dusty Tuckness’ britches and succeeded:
Tonight’s fourth round action can been seen on ESPN2 beginning at 7 Mountain Time.
All video footage of the rodeo action is being provided to you on this site courtesy of the PRCA and the great people at Winnercomm Productions who are responsible for all of the rodeo you see on ESPN.
Editing chores for Wyoming Tourism are the responsibility of Mr. Mike McCrimmon.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
WYO Bull Riders Advance
A pen of bulls that would justly have once been called “eliminators” threw most riders in tonight’s third round of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas but Wyoming was two-for-three. Kanin Asay of Powell walked off with third-place money totaling over $10,000 and Gillette’s Bobby Welsh took fourth adding $7K to his cache. Bobby is the only man who has been able to stay on for a score every time out so far at this years’ WNFR. Kanin has won more money than any other rider ($27,367.79) and Welsh and Asay are #1 & #2 in the average.
JW Harris’ once seemingly insurmountable lead in the bull riding world champ chase is still relatively safe but he is sitting out at least two rounds due to a broken bone in his riding hand. Harris leads Asay by nearly $100,000. With seven rides remaining and the coveted average money slipping away from Harris’ grasp the race has become at the very least….interesting.
Kanin Asay and Bobby Welsh have risen to the second and third positions in the world standings. We spoke with both men after tonight’s rodeo and we’ll have those interviews and much more video to share with you tomorrow morning.
It is imperative now though to display a great photo (by Kristin Phipps of Wyoming Travel & Tourism) of bullfighter Dusty Tuckness losing his pants tonight. He has performed masterfully throughout his first national finals and it probably isn’t fair to show this shot to begin our coverage of the Man from Meeteetse. But we just can’t help it.
Please re-join us here tomorrow. We’ll have a much more thorough discussion about the actions of our Wyoming riders and take a look at the annual shopping extravaganza known as Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas.
JW Harris’ once seemingly insurmountable lead in the bull riding world champ chase is still relatively safe but he is sitting out at least two rounds due to a broken bone in his riding hand. Harris leads Asay by nearly $100,000. With seven rides remaining and the coveted average money slipping away from Harris’ grasp the race has become at the very least….interesting.
Kanin Asay and Bobby Welsh have risen to the second and third positions in the world standings. We spoke with both men after tonight’s rodeo and we’ll have those interviews and much more video to share with you tomorrow morning.
It is imperative now though to display a great photo (by Kristin Phipps of Wyoming Travel & Tourism) of bullfighter Dusty Tuckness losing his pants tonight. He has performed masterfully throughout his first national finals and it probably isn’t fair to show this shot to begin our coverage of the Man from Meeteetse. But we just can’t help it.
Please re-join us here tomorrow. We’ll have a much more thorough discussion about the actions of our Wyoming riders and take a look at the annual shopping extravaganza known as Cowboy Christmas in Las Vegas.
Clayton Rides
The first time in the box he was thrown back and forth, up and down and all around and finally jettisoned over the front end of his bull for the knock-out punch. Casper bull rider Clayton Savage was pulled from the bull and given some time to refresh. A few rides later at the first Friday night edition of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Savage got back on Sooner Shaker and spurred him to an 87, second place, and $13,500. And he unknowingly performed this uncanny act wearing a bareback riding friend’s cowboy hat. We give you a night to remember for Wyoming and rodeo fans everywhere:
Clayton Savage says it felt great to complete his first successful performance at a national finals and he has sights set on doing so eight more times this year. Bobby Welsh of Gillette took his 58 in favor of a re-ride and that turned out to be the right choice. Only six men rode for scores last night. Bobby picked up a sixth-place check for $2,700 and held his number one stance in the average. It is early but check that bull riding leaderboard. Three out of the top four spots are filled by Wyoming’s Welsh, Asay and Savage respectively.
A Lot of Bull
Wyoming-owned bulls had a nifty night Friday with two throwing their riders early and one bucking his, Tate Stratton, to an 80-point score and fifth-place money. Powder River Rodeo Co. of Riverton let out Disco Dancer for Stratton’s dancing pleasure. Burns Rodeo of Laramie had Conspiracy and Kid Twist taking to the arena floor as dance partners who weren’t in the mood for harmonic convergence with the men on them:
Round 3 of the WNFR airs live tonight at 7 Mountain Time on ESPN Classic. For those who’ve not been able to catch the broadcasts yet there will be easier access for three rounds starting tomorrow evening on ESPN2.
Clayton Savage says it felt great to complete his first successful performance at a national finals and he has sights set on doing so eight more times this year. Bobby Welsh of Gillette took his 58 in favor of a re-ride and that turned out to be the right choice. Only six men rode for scores last night. Bobby picked up a sixth-place check for $2,700 and held his number one stance in the average. It is early but check that bull riding leaderboard. Three out of the top four spots are filled by Wyoming’s Welsh, Asay and Savage respectively.
A Lot of Bull
Wyoming-owned bulls had a nifty night Friday with two throwing their riders early and one bucking his, Tate Stratton, to an 80-point score and fifth-place money. Powder River Rodeo Co. of Riverton let out Disco Dancer for Stratton’s dancing pleasure. Burns Rodeo of Laramie had Conspiracy and Kid Twist taking to the arena floor as dance partners who weren’t in the mood for harmonic convergence with the men on them:
Round 3 of the WNFR airs live tonight at 7 Mountain Time on ESPN Classic. For those who’ve not been able to catch the broadcasts yet there will be easier access for three rounds starting tomorrow evening on ESPN2.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Head Bang & Belly Fire
We will be talking for many years about what Clayton Savage did tonight in the second go of the 2009 WNFR. He’s performing at his first national finals rodeo and made the eight-second whistle for the first time, scoring 87 points, winning second place and $13,500 in the process.
But that isn’t what we’ll be talking about. The Casper, WY bull rider isn’t ready to say so but the replay clearly shows he was knocked out in the box by a bull called Sooner Shaker. Someone forgot to tell him Clayton’s a Cowboy not a Sooner. Nevertheless, the heaving bull sent Savage over the front end hard, banging his head against either the chute slats or the bull. In any case for a few seconds Clayton was silent, eyes shut and head hanging. Then he woke up and appeared to say “I’m fine.” Helpers pulled him off the bull and he was wobbly at best.
“I remember the bullfighter saying ‘he’s out, he’s out,’” said Savage. I remember saying that I was not out. They gave me a little breather and asked me if I wanted to go again. I thought I’m ready so I might as well do it.”
Now here’s the part some boxers, ultimate fighters, and a few linebackers would understand while the rest of us get a lesson in what it means to be tough. “It made me mad and put some fire in my belly,” said Savage. “Somebody told me to ride him and I said ‘I’m not only going to ride him, I’m gonna spur him.’ So that’s what I did. I got him back.”
When we visited with Clayton he was wearing his black felt hat although the color scheme was speckled with many brownish additions. Clayton doesn’t recall his hat going to the ground at the moment of his head-on collision. He didn’t know he had bareback rider Heath Ford’s hat on until Savage finished his tremendous topping of Sooner Shaker. “I pulled my hat down, looked, and it wasn’t mine,” Savage recalls. “I need to clean mine but the way it went I might as well borrow Heath’s hat for the rest of the week.”
We will be talking about Clay Savage’s first scored bull ride at the NFR for a long time. Take a good look at his close-up on television during the broadcast tomorrow night. What happened left a mark on the outside but doesn’t come close to revealing the hardness he’s harnessed within.
I feel a real closeness to Clayton Savage. We’ve followed him since high school. He lost his Dad in a ranch accident. He hasn’t had it easy, ever. And now he’s shown you what I already knew. Some are called, but few are chosen. Given the chance, this young man is going to leave a legacy in professional bull riding. You can see it in his swollen, black & blue eyes.
We’ll have complete bull riding video highlights from Friday and Clayton’s interview posted here tomorrow as soon as is humanly possible – if the computer cooperates.
But that isn’t what we’ll be talking about. The Casper, WY bull rider isn’t ready to say so but the replay clearly shows he was knocked out in the box by a bull called Sooner Shaker. Someone forgot to tell him Clayton’s a Cowboy not a Sooner. Nevertheless, the heaving bull sent Savage over the front end hard, banging his head against either the chute slats or the bull. In any case for a few seconds Clayton was silent, eyes shut and head hanging. Then he woke up and appeared to say “I’m fine.” Helpers pulled him off the bull and he was wobbly at best.
“I remember the bullfighter saying ‘he’s out, he’s out,’” said Savage. I remember saying that I was not out. They gave me a little breather and asked me if I wanted to go again. I thought I’m ready so I might as well do it.”
Now here’s the part some boxers, ultimate fighters, and a few linebackers would understand while the rest of us get a lesson in what it means to be tough. “It made me mad and put some fire in my belly,” said Savage. “Somebody told me to ride him and I said ‘I’m not only going to ride him, I’m gonna spur him.’ So that’s what I did. I got him back.”
When we visited with Clayton he was wearing his black felt hat although the color scheme was speckled with many brownish additions. Clayton doesn’t recall his hat going to the ground at the moment of his head-on collision. He didn’t know he had bareback rider Heath Ford’s hat on until Savage finished his tremendous topping of Sooner Shaker. “I pulled my hat down, looked, and it wasn’t mine,” Savage recalls. “I need to clean mine but the way it went I might as well borrow Heath’s hat for the rest of the week.”
We will be talking about Clay Savage’s first scored bull ride at the NFR for a long time. Take a good look at his close-up on television during the broadcast tomorrow night. What happened left a mark on the outside but doesn’t come close to revealing the hardness he’s harnessed within.
I feel a real closeness to Clayton Savage. We’ve followed him since high school. He lost his Dad in a ranch accident. He hasn’t had it easy, ever. And now he’s shown you what I already knew. Some are called, but few are chosen. Given the chance, this young man is going to leave a legacy in professional bull riding. You can see it in his swollen, black & blue eyes.
We’ll have complete bull riding video highlights from Friday and Clayton’s interview posted here tomorrow as soon as is humanly possible – if the computer cooperates.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Clickety Clack Around We Went
One Wyoming bull rider won his first go-round buckle at the national finals rodeo while another backed out of his chute to stay on for a second place finish. Newlywed Kanin Asay pocketed $17,139 for his 89-point effort atop a re-ride bull. His first mount was uncooperative in the chute and unwilling to let Kanin get a proper start. The Powell, Wyoming lover of the color purple rose to the occasion and could not have done a better job at his chosen profession come his turn on a bull called “Hot Diggity Damn.” We checked in with Asay shortly after his outstanding effort. He was ever so joyous – and almost speechless – about finding a way to win:
Bobby Welsh of Gillette is a very gritty young man who you just can’t help but root for and his 86.5 last night to open the national finals was clearly a work of determination:
Both Bobby and Mr. Asay climbed over the $100,000 mark for 2009 by clearing more than $30,000 between them last night. Kanin inched up to #3 in the world standings and Welsh is in the number five hole. The Jhett Stirs Court The first team to rope at the 2009 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was heeled by Casper’s Jhett Johnson. His work with header Steve Purcella netted the duo a second-place finish in the first go-round and paychecks of $13,500 apiece. Jhett is very glad to be back at the NFR:
Timber Man The 2004 bareback riding world champ was “spurific” last night taking it to a horse known as Good Time Charlie for a score of 85.5 and third-place cash totaling over $10,000. Kelly Timberman of Mills, WY was pleased to open the NFR so well and got all he could out of his eight-second outing:
Round 2 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will be aired nationally on ESPN Classic at 8 p.m. Mountain Time tonight.
Bobby Welsh of Gillette is a very gritty young man who you just can’t help but root for and his 86.5 last night to open the national finals was clearly a work of determination:
Both Bobby and Mr. Asay climbed over the $100,000 mark for 2009 by clearing more than $30,000 between them last night. Kanin inched up to #3 in the world standings and Welsh is in the number five hole. The Jhett Stirs Court The first team to rope at the 2009 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo was heeled by Casper’s Jhett Johnson. His work with header Steve Purcella netted the duo a second-place finish in the first go-round and paychecks of $13,500 apiece. Jhett is very glad to be back at the NFR:
Timber Man The 2004 bareback riding world champ was “spurific” last night taking it to a horse known as Good Time Charlie for a score of 85.5 and third-place cash totaling over $10,000. Kelly Timberman of Mills, WY was pleased to open the NFR so well and got all he could out of his eight-second outing:
Round 2 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will be aired nationally on ESPN Classic at 8 p.m. Mountain Time tonight.
Cheyenne is Big Outdoor Champ Again
Eight-time world champion bull rider Donnie Gay remembers looking at newspaper pictures of the action in Cheyenne while he was still in high school. It was a rodeo he wanted to see and compete in and last night Gay was pleased to open the envelope that named Cheyenne Frontier Days the 2009 “Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year.”
Cheyenne has been a regular winner of the award presented at the annual PRCA convention staged the night before the national finals rodeo begins in Las Vegas. Winners are picked in several categories based on the votes by all card-carrying PRCA members.
Wyoming stock contractors played a big role in the winning tallies in two other rodeo categories. The Estes Park, Colorado event won top honors as “Small Rodeo of the Year.” The lead stock provider at Estes is Powder River Rodeo Company of Riverton. And “Medium Rodeo of the Year” for 2009 is Deadwood, South Dakota. Burch Rodeo Company of Rozet, WY is stock contractor for that show.
Here is the rundown of cowboys/draws for tonight’s opening round at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo:
Bull Riding
The three Wyoming bull riders will be bunched in a grouping to fill three out of four slots so fans will have a lot of rooting to do in a short period in tonight’s final event. Clayton Savage of Casper takes on a bull called “Oochie Coochie.” Powell’s Kanin Asay challenges “Wises One Willy” and Bobby Welsh of Gillette has Franklin Rodeo’s “Good Vibration.”
Bareback Riding
2004 world champ Kelly Timberman from Mills has drawn “Good Time Charlie” out of the Classic Pro Rodeo string.
Wyoming fans will want to keep a close eye on the steer wrestling as two state favorites are hazing throughout the competition this year. Jason Miller of Lance Creek, who won the world in 2007, is helping two doggers make their runs and Les Shepperson from Midwest is handling hazing chores as well. Les was injured at Rodeo Houston last winter and was sidelined the rest of the season. Miller finished a little out of the Top 15 this year.
Governor Dave Freudenthal and First Lady Nancy are here in Las Vegas to support Team Wyoming, and Wyoming-based businesses. The First Couple will attend the first rodeo tonight.
The first round will be televised on ESPN Classic starting at 8 Mountain Time tonight.
Cheyenne has been a regular winner of the award presented at the annual PRCA convention staged the night before the national finals rodeo begins in Las Vegas. Winners are picked in several categories based on the votes by all card-carrying PRCA members.
Wyoming stock contractors played a big role in the winning tallies in two other rodeo categories. The Estes Park, Colorado event won top honors as “Small Rodeo of the Year.” The lead stock provider at Estes is Powder River Rodeo Company of Riverton. And “Medium Rodeo of the Year” for 2009 is Deadwood, South Dakota. Burch Rodeo Company of Rozet, WY is stock contractor for that show.
Here is the rundown of cowboys/draws for tonight’s opening round at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo:
Bull Riding
The three Wyoming bull riders will be bunched in a grouping to fill three out of four slots so fans will have a lot of rooting to do in a short period in tonight’s final event. Clayton Savage of Casper takes on a bull called “Oochie Coochie.” Powell’s Kanin Asay challenges “Wises One Willy” and Bobby Welsh of Gillette has Franklin Rodeo’s “Good Vibration.”
Bareback Riding
2004 world champ Kelly Timberman from Mills has drawn “Good Time Charlie” out of the Classic Pro Rodeo string.
Wyoming fans will want to keep a close eye on the steer wrestling as two state favorites are hazing throughout the competition this year. Jason Miller of Lance Creek, who won the world in 2007, is helping two doggers make their runs and Les Shepperson from Midwest is handling hazing chores as well. Les was injured at Rodeo Houston last winter and was sidelined the rest of the season. Miller finished a little out of the Top 15 this year.
Governor Dave Freudenthal and First Lady Nancy are here in Las Vegas to support Team Wyoming, and Wyoming-based businesses. The First Couple will attend the first rodeo tonight.
The first round will be televised on ESPN Classic starting at 8 Mountain Time tonight.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Fightin’ Bulls & Havin’ Fun
The rodeo world is converging on Las Vegas and while most contestants have been taking a little time off before the Wrangler National Final Rodeo’s first round, Thursday, Wyoming bullfighter Dusty Tuckness and partner Andy Burrelle were judged champions in their craft after the dust settled at a PBR event in Atlanta, Georgia the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Five bullfighting teams qualified and were judged simultaneously with the PBR riders/bulls. Fighters were assessed in a number of categories including: turning back the bulls, follow through, aggressiveness and degree of difficulty.
Three days and many outings later, Tuckness of Meeteetse, Wyoming and Burrelle of Oklahoma scored the highest and were named the best in the business.
Tuckness is very pleased with the victory in Atlanta:
The Challenger Cup was televised nationally on Versus.
We caught up with Dusty on the day he was preparing to pick up a tux for best friend Kanin Asay’s wedding ceremony. Both young men are going to see each other a lot the next two weeks. Dusty is working his first as a national finals bullfighter and Kanin returns donned in his favorite color purple to ride bulls.
We are unsure as to how Kanin’s new bride is accepting of this choice for a honeymoon but a few winning rounds for her hubby will buy a bigger diamond or two for that new ring.
Five bullfighting teams qualified and were judged simultaneously with the PBR riders/bulls. Fighters were assessed in a number of categories including: turning back the bulls, follow through, aggressiveness and degree of difficulty.
Three days and many outings later, Tuckness of Meeteetse, Wyoming and Burrelle of Oklahoma scored the highest and were named the best in the business.
Tuckness is very pleased with the victory in Atlanta:
The Challenger Cup was televised nationally on Versus.
We caught up with Dusty on the day he was preparing to pick up a tux for best friend Kanin Asay’s wedding ceremony. Both young men are going to see each other a lot the next two weeks. Dusty is working his first as a national finals bullfighter and Kanin returns donned in his favorite color purple to ride bulls.
We are unsure as to how Kanin’s new bride is accepting of this choice for a honeymoon but a few winning rounds for her hubby will buy a bigger diamond or two for that new ring.
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