Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Wrap Up

Willy

There are a few items of interest we’d like to share in wrapping up our coverage of rodeo’s Superbowl. The Canadian horse Willy carried one steer wrestler, Californian Luke Branquinho, to a world championship at the 50th national finals rodeo. He was also rode by owner Curtis Cassidy and Lance Creek, Wyoming’s Jason Miller – who ended up winning more than $70,000 on Willy in Las Vegas. Here is our look at Willy with Jason Miller outside of the Thomas & Mack Center where Willy is well known, and left alone:



Willy earned more than $45,000 from Miller and Branquinho as they agreed to pay owner Curtis Cassidy a quarter of whatever money they made at the national finals.

Fifty Years of Fame

Since it was a big anniversary for professional rodeo it is fitting to take one last look back. Renowned cowboy singer and poet Red Steagall spoke with us for this next piece after Red’s performance in the arena. He is joined by three-time world champion bronc rider Hawkeye Henson and a Laramie man – Dick Laycock – who we met while walking the halls. One look at Dick made it easy to ask him to provide a Wyoming viewpoint of the national finals. Must have been that distinctive logo on his cap.



War Machine

Lastly, our talented video program manager Mike McCrimmon delved into the national finals day tapes to find all the best action and combined it with music from the new AC/DC – CD “Black Ice.” We used the song War Machine and I think you’ll agree it suits well with what these athletes are put through over ten grueling days.



Our thanks to Winnercomm Productions for their help at the national finals and for allowing us to tap into their taping of the event. All footage of the rodeo and arena entertainment was provided courtesy of ESPN (via Winnercomm) and the Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association. Hope you’ll come back and see us next year. Until then, Powder River – Let ‘er Buck.