Bubble On

It is bubble time in professional rodeo. Many contestants are within reach of the coveted Top 15 and have only this weekend to make the cut for the national finals rodeo. Gillette saddle bronc rider Chet Johnson is among a six-pack of pals close enough to secure a trip to Vegas by what they are able to accomplish here at the River City Roundup in Omaha – the playoff finale of this years’ Wrangler Tour. Chet drew a tough ride last night as Checkout is known to be tricky. Johnson stayed for the whistle but his 73 did not bring a trip to the pay window.

Jhett Johnson of Casper was just out of the money at 6.2 seconds team roping with partner Steve Purcella. The solid run sets them up well for the semis/finals Saturday if they can stay around the six-second mark in the second round tonight.

Bobby Welsh of Gillette won more cash than any other cowboy in the first round of the playoffs in Washington State and is in good standing to continue his fabulous finish to the regular season after an 82-point ride last night in Omaha on a bull called Black Diablo:



Welsh split third and fourth place money to collect more than $2,600 for his opening nights’ work. Second round action in Omaha’s Qwest Center tonight is a repeat of Thursday – all twelve who’ve made it in each event get another shot.