Whiplash ready to ride in OKC

OKLAHOMA CITY – The long list of world champions coming to Oklahoma City the first weekend in April is being overshadowed by one of the most popular “cowboys” in rodeo.

Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey will be the featured performer during the 2013 Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, with five performances set for 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4; 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.

“It’s pretty amazing to be asked to work an event like that,” said Tommy Lucia, one of the top showmen in rodeo and Whiplash’s handler. “I’m very privileged to be part of it because it has the best cowboys and cowgirls and the best livestock in rodeo.

“It’s second to the National Finals (Rodeo) as far as the contestants and livestock that will be seen.”

Lucia should know. He’s worked some of the biggest events in the sport, including the NFR.

“I’ve been in the PRCA over 40 years,” Lucia said. “In fact, I clowned the National Finals when it was in Oklahoma City.”

Lucia has done much in his lifetime, from riding bulls and bareback horses to working as a bullfighter and rodeo clown. That was all before he became one of the most sought-after specialty acts in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association – he has been recognized as one of the best in the business, and Lucia was recognized as the PRCA’s Entertainer of the Year three straight times, from 2003-05.

But that’s nothing compared to the daily tasks he has of working with animals, including one of the most popular stars in rodeo.

“My feeling is God has a purpose for me, and animals fit into that,” he said. “We’ve been very fortunate. I have animals that are above the norm, and we put on an excellent show for audiences of all ages. I know our success is due to God, because we have a monkey that is so well loved by millions of people. I like to see my animals perform and do well and see that the spectators enjoy it.”

The act centers on Whiplash riding a Border collie as the tandem rounds up wild Barbados sheep and pens them.

“We’ve performed in front of stars of all sorts at all kinds of events,” Lucia said. “He’s got a way of affecting the audience, because he rides in a way that shows he likes it. Our dogs are top working dogs, and I’m imported many of them from Scotland. The show we put on is of highly skilled animals.

“I’m more of a prop for them.”

It works, and it sounds like a great fit for ProRodeo’s National Championship, which features the top contestants in each event from the 12 circuits. The competition will be a showcase of extraordinary talent, from the very best weekend warriors in the country to the sport’s most renowned champions; all will by vying for a purse of more than $550,000.

When you combine that athletic talent with the tremendous entertainment featuring Lucia, Whiplash and concerts from Thompson Square (on Friday evening) and Chris Cagle (Saturday), it makes for an amazing opportunity for fans looking for the perfect show in central Oklahoma.

“I think there’s just so much for the spectators that they’ll be able to enjoy the entire rodeo,” Lucia said.

About Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo: 

ExpressLazy E Sports Productions, in conjunction with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, produces the annual event. The 2013 RNCFR will be one of the richest rodeos in the world.

The RNCFR is the showcase event of each year’s circuit season. Each of the 12 ProRodeo circuits sends two competitors in each event to the RNCFR – the year-end earnings champion and the winner of each Ram-sponsored circuit final – to compete for cash, a national championship and a Dodge vehicle voucher. The event took place in Pocatello, Idaho, from 1987-2010.

From 1965-78, the Oklahoma State Fair Arena (then known as the Jim Norick State Fair Arena) was home to the National Finals Rodeo, where, under the direction of General Manager Clem McSpadden, it became a major league sports event.

RNCFR tickets are on sale now.  For more information, contact the Express-Lazy E at (405) 282-RIDE or (405) 232-GOAL.

About ExpressLazy E Sports Production: 

ExpressLazy E is a partnership between Bob Funk Sr., Lazy E Arena and Prodigal LLC. As a group, they have been involved in the production of roughstock and rodeo events for the past 27 years. Events such as the Timed Event Championship, the National Finals Steer Roping, Bullnanza, PBR, professional hockey, and the Oklahoma Redhawks have been some of the events produced by the team at ExpressLazy E Sports production.

Shiozawa is ready to defend title

OKLAHOMA CITY – A year ago, Matt Shiozawa walked into State Fair Arena just a few months removed from winning the tie-down roping average championship at the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

He parlayed that momentum into a solid run through the 2012 Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, then turned on the heat during the final round to win his second National Championship – he also won the title in 2008. In all, the Chubbuck, Idaho, cowboy left the Sooner State with more than $12,500.

Now Shiozawa returns to Oklahoma City for the sixth straight time in his career. He brings quite a pedigree to the RNCFR, which has five performances set for 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4; 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.

He will be joined by 23 other top-level tie-down ropers representing the 12 ProRodeo circuits from all over the country. The field includes some of the top weekend warriors in the game, cowboys who excel at rodeos closer to their homes. But the pack also includes several cowboys who have been regulars at the NFR: Oklahoman Hunter Herrin, Utahan Jake Hannum, and Texans Adam Gray and Scott Kormos. And that’s what makes ProRodeo’s National Championship such a special event. It’s a true showcase of tremendous talent, of men who know the fortitude it takes to compete at a top-level event.

Tie-down ropers rely on tremendous roping ability coupled with outstanding horsemanship. Compare the skills to a long-range shooter in the NBA: The top 3-point shooter in the association makes around 45 percent of his attempts; a tie-down roper must be accurate, all while chasing a running calf while atop a speeding horse. If a cowboy is less than 90 percent accurate, he’ll go home broke.

The best of the best will compete at the RNCFR. That’s why so many are so excited to be part of this historic event, and why they want to win that elusive National Title.

TIE-DOWN ROPING

About Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo: 

ExpressLazy E Sports Productions, in conjunction with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, produces the annual event. The 2013 RNCFR will be one of the richest rodeos in the world.

The RNCFR is the showcase event of each year’s circuit season. Each of the 12 ProRodeo circuits sends two competitors in each event to the RNCFR – the year-end earnings champion and the winner of each Ram-sponsored circuit final – to compete for cash, a national championship and a Dodge vehicle voucher. The event took place in Pocatello, Idaho, from 1987-2010.

From 1965-78, the Oklahoma State Fair Arena (then known as the Jim Norick State Fair Arena) was home to the National Finals Rodeo, where, under the direction of General Manager Clem McSpadden, it became a major league sports event.

RNCFR tickets are on sale now.  For more information, contact the Express-Lazy E at (405) 282-RIDE or (405) 232-GOAL.

About ExpressLazy E Sports Production: 

ExpressLazy E is a partnership between Bob Funk Sr., Lazy E Arena and Prodigal LLC. As a group, they have been involved in the production of roughstock and rodeo events for the past 27 years. Events such as the Timed Event Championship, the National Finals Steer Roping, Bullnanza, PBR, professional hockey, and the Oklahoma Redhawks have been some of the events produced by the team at ExpressLazy E Sports production.

10% of RNCFR ticket sales to benefit American Red Cross

CONCERTS FOLLOWING RODEO INCLUDED IN TICKET PRICE

OKLAHOMA CITY – Any month can produce severe weather in the state of Oklahoma, but April is the month when people are reminded that severe weather can impact everyone that lives in the Sooner State.

Prodigal LLC, the co-promoter for the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), has partnered with the American Red Cross of Oklahoma to help raise awareness and funds during this time of year. Prodigal will donate 10 percent of all ticket related revenue during the RNCFR to the American Red Cross of Oklahoma.

If the need is related to weather, fire or some other disaster, every penny of the funds generated for this event stay in the state of Oklahoma to help communities in their time of need.

“The Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo shows that when people come together to help, the smallest gifts become a force powerful enough to make a huge difference for those whose lives have been devastated by disaster” said Janienne Bella, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross. “Thanks to this partnership and the support of all our supporters, the Red Cross is able to provide critical disaster relief when and where it’s needed most in Oklahoma”

Rodeo fans may also interact with volunteers from the American Red Cross of Oklahoma on the concourse at each performance of the RNCFR. The booth will have an interactive element with simple preparedness kits for rodeo fans.

The 2013 RNCFR consists of five performances over a three-day time period. The first performance is the morning of April 4 at 11 a.m. Attendees will be treated to a lesson from Science Museum Oklahoma as well as an Oklahoma history lesson from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

The performance on Friday, April 5 will be followed by a concert by Grammy-nominated artist Thompson Square. Following the championship round Saturday evening, top recording artist Chris Cagle takes the stage. Tickets for the concert are included when you purchase tickets for the rodeo. Tickets start at $20 for performances with concerts and aree available at the State Fair of Oklahoma Box Office, online via the State Fair website or by calling 232-SPUR.

-RNCFR-

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Josh Evans
Director of Communications, Prodigal LLC
Office – (405) 232-4625 ext. 1132
Twitter - @rncfr
Facebook – facebook.com/rncfr

Benton seeking first major title

OKLAHOMA CITY – Many special things that happened to Trey Benton III in 2012.

He qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for the first time. He was named the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Bull Riding Rookie of the Year. He won the year-end title in the Texas Circuit.

It was the latter that earned him the right to compete at the 2013 Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4; 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5; and 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City.

“I had an awesome rookie year, and this is awesome to be able to compete at this event,” said Benton, 21, of Rock Island, Texas. “I had a great year in Texas; I won close to $30,000 just in Texas.

“Now we’ve just got to get that national title.”

Now he’s part of the 24-man field that will test their mettle against the toughest bulls in in the business as they battle to earn ProRodeo’s National Championship. And for his part, Benton has already proven to be one of the elite cowboys in the game.

Benton earned $117,400 last season, winning 10 rodeos; two of those were in his home circuit, in Mercedes, Texas, and Seguin, Texas. But he also earned good money at rodeos in San Angelo, Texas, and Austin, Texas. Those were big moves that helped him qualify for Oklahoma City.

He suffered a torn ACL toward the end of last season but still competed at the NFR. This year, he’s down the money list, partly due to missing six weeks of competition after surgery to repair broken bones in his face.

“I was itching to go and ready to go by the time I was cleared to ride,” he said. “As soon as I got back, one of my traveling partners got hurt, but other than that, I’ve been gunning to go hard.

Now Benton hopes his outstanding rookie season rolls in an amazing sophomore campaign. He has a chance to make a significant point when he rides in Oklahoma City next week.

“I know it’s going to be as competitive as any other,” he said. “There are always going to be great guys rodeoing. Professional rodeo is as good as it gets.”

BULL RIDING

About Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo: 

ExpressLazy E Sports Productions, in conjunction with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, produces the annual event. The 2013 RNCFR will be one of the richest rodeos in the world.

The RNCFR is the showcase event of each year’s circuit season. Each of the 12 ProRodeo circuits sends two competitors in each event to the RNCFR – the year-end earnings champion and the winner of each Ram-sponsored circuit final – to compete for cash, a national championship and a Dodge vehicle voucher. The event took place in Pocatello, Idaho, from 1987-2010.

From 1965-78, the Oklahoma State Fair Arena (then known as the Jim Norick State Fair Arena) was home to the National Finals Rodeo, where, under the direction of General Manager Clem McSpadden, it became a major league sports event.

RNCFR tickets are on sale now.  For more information, contact the Express-Lazy E at (405) 282-RIDE or (405) 232-GOAL.

About ExpressLazy E Sports Production: 

ExpressLazy E is a partnership between Bob Funk Sr., Lazy E Arena and Prodigal LLC. As a group, they have been involved in the production of roughstock and rodeo events for the past 27 years. Events such as the Timed Event Championship, the National Finals Steer Roping, Bullnanza, PBR, professional hockey, and the Oklahoma Redhawks have been some of the events produced by the team at ExpressLazy E Sports production.

Bronc busters take RNCFR lead

OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the last six years, Taos Muncy is one of the more accomplished saddle bronc riders going. He owns two Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world championships and a National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association title. He’s qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo five times, missing the sport’s grand finale just one time because of an injury. He has yet to win ProRodeo’s National Championship, but Muncy hopes to change that this weekend. On Thursday afternoon, he matched moves with Carr Pro Rodeo’s Mike & Ike for 85 points to take the first-round lead at the 2013 Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo at historic State Fair Arena.

“You want to get off to a good start and build your confidence,” said Muncy, a five-time RNCFR qualifier from Corona, N.M. “I had a week off, so I was a little nervous getting on today. I’m glad to get the first one out of the way and hopefully everything keeps going good the rest of the week.”

The RNCFR features 24 contestants/teams in each event, cowboys and cowgirls who earned the right to compete by doing well in their home circuit – there are 12 geographic regions in ProRodeo’s circuit system. Each contestant will compete in two go-rounds; half the field competed Thursday afternoon, and the other half is scheduled to compete Thursday night to complete the opening round.

They will follow a similar schedule at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday to conduct the second go-round. The top eight in the two-round aggregate qualify for the final performance, set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday. That’s why it’s so important for the contenders get on a roll quickly.

“It takes a lot of weight off my shoulders,” said bareback rider Caleb Bennett of Morgan, Utah, who rode Bar T Rodeo’s Beatrice for 84 points to lead the round. “Get a good start here takes a little pressure off me and allows me to focus a little bit more the next couple rounds to take care of business and ride bucking horses.”

This is Bennett’s first RNCFR qualification, just three months removed from his first trip to the NFR. It’s further proof of the elite contestants who are part of Oklahoma City’s championship event.

“I had a really good year,” Bennett said. “I set some goals last year to make it to both of those, and I ended up completing both of those goals; now I’m trying to win a pickup.”

The total purse is nearly $480,000, so there’s a lot of money up for grabs, but the top prize in each event is a $20,000 voucher for a new Ram truck. That’s something each of the contestants hopes to win.

“I’ve been second here two or three times and third once, so this is one that’s on the list,” Muncy said. “It would mean a lot to win it.”

Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo

April 4-6, Oklahoma City
First round leaders

Bareback riding: 1. Caleb Bennett, Morgan, Utah, 84 points on Bar T Rodeo's Beatrice; 2. Joe Gunderson, Agar, S.D., 82; 3. (tie) George Gillespie IV, Placerville, Calif., and Zach Curran, Pavillion, Wyo., 81; 5. Jared Green, Socoro, N.M., 80; 6. (tie) Chase Erickson, Helena, Mont., and Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas, 78.

Steer wrestling: 1. Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, 3.7 seconds; 2. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla., 3.9; 3. Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., 4.7; 4. Luke Branquinho, Los Alamos, Calif., 5.1; 5. Nik Hamm, Rapid City, S.D., 7.5; 6. Nolan Conway, Browning, Mont., 8.3.

Tie-down roping: 1. Jared Ferguson, Cottonwood, Calif., 8.2 seconds; 2. Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D., 9.3; 3. Jake Hannum, Plain City, Utah, 10.2; 4. Jody Green, Shakopee, Minn., 10.3; 5. Adam Gray, Seymour, Texas, 10.7; 6. Hunter Herrin, Apache, Okla., 10.9.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 85 points on Pete Carr's Classic ProRodeo's Gold Coast; 2. Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas, 83; 3. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., 79; 4. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 78; 5. Mert Bradshaw, Eagle Point, Ore., 77; 6. (tie) Lyle Welling, Crawford, Neb., and Cole Bilbro Pelahatchie, Miss., 72.

Team roping: 1. Troy Kitchener, Liberty, Mo./Chad Mathes, Lawson, Mo., 5.3 seconds; 2. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 5.5; 3. Miles Kobold, Billings, Mont./Matt Robertson, Augusta, , 5.9; 4. Marcus Battaglia, Ramona, Calif./Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif., 6.0; 5. Robby Farias, Kilauea, Hawaii/Rhen Richard, Roosevelt, Utah, 6.2; 6. Spencer Mitchell, Colusa, Calif./Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore., 6.8.

Barrel racing: 1. Theresa Walter, Billings, Mont., 15.59 seconds; 2. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 15.61; 3. Pamela Capper, Cheney, Wash., 15.67; 4. Natalie Foutch, Eldora, Iowa, 15.77; 5. Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 15.81; 6. (tie) Joyce Stoltzfus, Peach Bottom, Pa., and Sally Young, Micanopy, Fla., 16.16.

Bull riding: 1. John Young, Orient, Iowa, 83 points on Burns Rodeo's Smoke Signal; 2. Bryce Brown, Greenview, Calif., 78; no other qualified rides.

Replacement Harter takes top spot

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Tuesday, Bradley Harter was sitting at his home in Loranger, La., with no big plans for his weekend.

That’s when he got a phone call from an official at the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association asking if he would be interested in being a saddle bronc riding replacement at the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo for the injured Sterling Crawley.

“They called me two days ago to replace him,” said Harter, a seven-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “Thank God I was sitting at home and had nothing to do, so I hoped in the car and came up here.”

That was an 11-hour drive from southern Louisiana to Oklahoma City, but this is ProRodeo’s National Championship. Harter made the trip pay off, riding Powder River Rodeo’s Lipstick N Whisky for 86 points to win the first round at State Fair Arena.

“I had a many-time NFR horse that they win rounds on,” Harter said of the athletic bay. “I was really excited to see that was the horse I had.”

He earned $4,525 and holds the momentum heading into the final two days of competition. The second round is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday – because of the sheer number of contestants, it takes two performances to get all 192 contestants a shot at the go-round money. The contestants with the top eight cumulative times or scores after two go-rounds qualify for the semifinals, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

“The setup here at Oklahoma City is great for everybody,” Harter said. “The payoff is excellent. We get to come get on great bucking horses, ride for good money and you can win a voucher for a pickup. Other than being a world champion and going to the NFR, this is the next biggest step in rodeo.”

Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo

April 4-6, Oklahoma City

First round results

Bareback riding: 1. Caleb Bennett, Morgan, Utah, 84 points on Bar T Rodeo's Beatrice, $4,525; 2. Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan., 83, $3,428; 3. (tie) Joe Gunderson, Agar, S.D., Casey Colletti, Pueblo, Colo., and Tim O'Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, 82, $1,691; 6. (tie) George Gillespie IV, Placerville, Calif., Zach Curran, Pavillion, Wyo., Davis, Power, Mont., and Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas, 81, $171.

Steer wrestling: 1. Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, 3.7 seconds, $4,525; 2. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla., 3.9, $3,428; 3. Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo., 4.3, $2,468; 4. Sean Santucci, Prineville, Ore., 4.4, $1,645; 5. (tie) Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., and Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., 4.7, $823.

Tie-down roping: 1. Jared Ferguson, Cottonwood, Calif., 8.2 seconds, $4,525; 2. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 8.4, $3,428; 3. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 8.9, $2,468; 4. Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D., 9.3, $1,645; 5. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore., 9.4, $960; 6. Chase Johnston, Kersey, Colo., 9.6, $686.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Bradley Harter, Weatherford, Texas, 86 points on Powder River Rodeo's Lipstick n Whiskey, $4,525; 2. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 85, $3,428; 3. Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas, 83, $2,468; 4. Curtis Garton, New Zealand, 80, $1,645; 5. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., 79, $960. 6 (tie) Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, Cody Taton, Corona, N.M., and Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 78, $229.

Team roping: 1. tie) Troy Kitchener, Liberty, Mo./Chad Mathes, Lawson, Mo., and Hunter Munsell, Arnett, Okla./Derrick Jantzen, Ames, Okla., 5.3 seconds, $3,976; 3. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 5.5, $2,468; 4. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 5.6, $1,645; 5. Miles Kobold, Billings, Mont./Matt Robertson, Augusta, , 5.9, $960; 6. Marcus Battaglia, Ramona, Calif./Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif., 6.0, $686.

Barrel racing: 1. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 15.42 seconds, $4,525; 2. Cindy Smith, Hobbs, N.M., 15.56, $3,428; 3. (tie) Theresa Walter, Billings, Mont., and Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla., 15.59, $2,057; 5. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 15.61, $960; 6. Pamela Capper, Cheney, Wash., 15.67, $686.

Bull riding: 1. Dylan Werner, Perry, Fla., 89 points on Andrews Rodeo's Jaw Bender, $4,525;2. John Young, Orient, Iowa, 84, $3,428; 3. Bryce Brown, Greenview, Calif., 78, $2,468; no other qualified rides.

Thouvenell wrestles his way back

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo is an important event for all 192 contestants in the field. It might mean a little more to steer wrestler Ethen Touvenell of Wittmann, Ariz.

“I was pretty broke coming in here, and I needed to win something so I could keep going to these rodeos,” said Thouvenell, a two-time qualifier to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. “Anything helps. It doesn’t matter how much as long as I can keep winning. It’ll be a big difference.”

There is no guaranteed pay in the sport, and contestants must cover their own expenses to travel down the rodeo trail. Quality timed-event horses can cost tens of thousands of dollars, even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The specialized rigs that offer a house on wheels for both equine and human athletes are just as, if not more, costly.

Meanwhile, the only way a contestant is paid is if he or she performs better than most others that particular night.

“I’ve been to this rodeo four times, and the most I’ve ever won out of it is $1,000,” Thouvenell said. “It’d be a big boost for everything if I could do well here.”

Thouvenell grappled his steer to the dirt in 3.2 seconds and leads the second go-round heading into Saturday’s four performance, scheduled for 1 p.m. at State Fair Arena. Combined with his 6.0-second run in the opening round, Thouvenell sits fourth in the two-run aggregate. Jason Miller, the 2007 world champion from Lance Creek, Wyo., leads the average with a cumulative time of 9.1 seconds.

Barrel racer Carlee Pierce, who lived much of her life in the Freedom-Woodward area in northwest Oklahoma, has a commanding lead in the two-run aggregate. She won the opening round with a 15.42-second run on her great horse, Dillion. On Friday night, she blistered the cloverleaf pattern again, stopping the clock in 15.25 seconds.

“Everything just felt really smooth,” said Pierce, a two-time NFR qualifier from Stephenville, Texas. “(Dillion) just went out there and ran. He likes this arena.”

A year ago, Pierce finished as the runner-up at the RNCFR. What would it mean to win this coveted title in such a historic arena?

“I would love to win in any arena, but (with) this arena being in my home states (and that) I’ve got a lot of family and friends that are watching, so to do it right here at home would be fun,” she said.

Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo

April 4-6, Oklahoma City

Second round leaders

Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah, on Korkow Rodeo’s Arabella, and Tim O’Connell, Swigle, Iowa, on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Cool Change, 85 points; 3. (tie) Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan., and Tyson Thompson, Bradley, Calif., 81; 5. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont., 80; 6. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas, 79. Average leaders: 1. Tim O’Connell, 167 points on two; 2. Jared Keylon, 164; 3. Jessy Davis, 161; 4. Wes Stevenson, 160; 5. Bobby Mote, 158; 6. Matthew Smith, 152; 7. Jet Price, 147; 8. Kaycee Feild, 85 on one.

Steer wrestling: 1. Ethen Thouvenell, Wittmann, Ariz., 3.2 seconds; 2. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., 4.5; 3. Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo., 4.8; 4. Sean Santucci, Prineville, Ore., 5.1; 5. Trevor Duhon, Phoenix, Ariz., 5.3; 6. Kamry Dymmek, Kissimmee, Fla., 8.2. Average leaders: 1. Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo., 9.1 seconds on two head; 2. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., 9.2; 3. Sean Santucci, Prineville, Ore., 9.5; 4. Ethen Thouvenell, Wittmann, Ariz., 9.7; 5. Trevor Duhon, Phoenix, Ariz., 13.2; 6. Mike Gollaher, Cascade, Mont., 19.2; 7. Tom Lewis, Lehi, Utah, 20.5;8. Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, 3.7 on one.

Tie-down roping: 1. (tie) Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla., and Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 8.8 seconds; 3. (tie) Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore., and Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M., 9.0; 5. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 10.2; 6. Justin Scofield, Volga, S.D., 11.4. Average leaders: 1. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 17.7 seconds on two head; 2. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore., 18.4; 3. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 18.6; 4. (tie) Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla., and Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M., 19.7; 6. Chase Johnston, Kersey, Colo., 21.5; 7. Cody McCartney, Ottawa Lake, Mich., 22.2; 8. Justin Thigpen, Waycross, Ga., 30.3.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. Curtis Garton, New Zealand, 82 points on Carr Pro Rodeo's Empty Pockets; 2. Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D., 80; 3. (tie) Andy Clarys, Riverton, Wyo., Joaquin Real, Woody, Calif., and Cody Taton, Corona, N.M., 78; 6. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 77. Average leaders: 1. Curtis Garton, New Zealand, 162 points on two head; 2. Cody Taton, Corona, N.M., 156; 3. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 155; 4. Andy Clarys, Riverton, Wyo., 154; 5. Joaquin Real, Woody, Calif., 152; 6. Jake Costello, Newell, S.D., 142; 7. Ben Londo, Pendleton, Ore., 141; 8. Jesse Kirby, Dodge City, Kan., 134.

Team roping: 1. Preston Billadeau, Parshall, N.D./Jared Bilby, Bridgeport, Neb., 4.8 seconds; 2. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Nick Sarchett, Phoenix, Ariz., 5.3; 3. Nelson Linares, Plant City, Fla./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., 6.0; 4. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 6.6; 5. Luke Brown, Stephenville, Texas/Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas, 9.9; 6. Adam Rose, Willard, Mo./Gabe Gwaltney, Carthage, Mo., 10.1. Average leaders: 1. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Nick Sarchett, Phoenix, Ariz., 11.4 seconds on two head; 2. Nelson Linares, Plant City, Fla./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., 12.1; 3. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 12.2; 4. Hunter Munsell, Arnett, Okla./Derrick Jantzen, Ames, Okla., 20.4; 5. Adam Rose, Willard, Mo./Gabe Gwaltney, Carthage, Mo., 25.1; 6. Preston Billadeau, Parshall, N.D./Jared Bilby, Bridgeport, Neb., 4.8 on one; 7. Troy Kitchener, Liberty, Mo./Chad Mathes, Lawson, Mo., 5.3; 8. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 5.5.

Barrel racing: 1. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 15.25 seconds; 2. Barbara Merrill, Axtell, Utah, 15.50; 3. Sherry Cannon, St. Augustine, Fla., 15.56; 4. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D. 15.59; 5. Cindy Smith, Hobbs, N.M., 15.74; 6. Chloe Hoovestal, Helena, Mont, 15.59. Average leaders: 1. Carlee Pierce, 30.67 seconds on two runs; 2. Cindy Smith, 31.30; 3. Lisa Lockhart, 31.31; 4. Barbara Merrill, 31.35; 5. Viki Friedrich, 32.09; 6. Chloe Hoovestall, 32.39; 7. Sherry Cannon, 36.40; 8. Brianna Trepanier, 36.43.

Bull riding: 1. Tag Elliott, Thatcher, Utah, 83 points on Andrews Rodeo's Black Kat; 2. Sammy Matthews, Springville, Calif., 78; 3. Abe Dillman, Grassy Butte, N.D., 74; no other qualified rides. Average leaders: 1. Dylan Werner, Perry, Fla., 89 points on one head; 2. John Young, Orient, Iowa, 84; 3. Tag Elliott, Thatcher, Utah, 83; 4. (tie) Bryce Brown, Greenview, Calif., and Sammy Matthews, Springville, Calif., 78; 6. Abe Dillman, Grassy Butte, N.D., 74.

Pozzi poised for run at another title

OKLAHOMA CITY – All Brittany Pozzi wanted was a chance to repeat as the national champion barrel racer.

Through four performances of the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, the 2012 champion is one of the lead contenders in the race for the coveted title. On Saturday afternoon at State Fair Arena, she and her great horse, Duke, rounded the cloverleaf pattern in 15.42 seconds for the fastest run of the day so far. She finished the second round in second place, and her two-run cumulative time of 31.03 seconds has her runner-up in the average.

So far the two-time world champion from Victoria, Texas, has earned $7,816 and trails just leader Carlee Pierce, who won both rounds and the average. They’ll lead the parade of eight cowgirls who qualify for the semifinals, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. “I did not know how awesome the Ram finals were until I made them last year,” said Pozzi, a nine-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier. “Now every year from now on I’ll make sure I make my (Texas) Circuit Finals. It’s really awesome to be here.”

The top six contestants in both go-rounds and the average earned checks over the last three days of competition. Only the top eight in each event qualify for Saturday night, which offers a sudden death format – the previous scores will be thrown out, and only the top four times or scores will advance into the finals directly following the semifinals.

For Pozzi, it helps greatly that her partner is in top form. Duke has been one of the top barrel horses in rodeo for several years.

“He felt outstanding,” she said of Duke. “It’s been a really hard winter. He’s been off and on, hurt and not hurt. I’ve actually been on him for a couple of runs, and he’s coming back really strong.”

Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo
April 4-6, Oklahoma City

Second round results

Bareback riding: 1. (tie) Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah, on Korkow Rodeo’s Arabella, and Tim O’Connell, Swigle, Iowa, on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Cool Change, 85 points, $3,976 each; 3. Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas, 83, $2,468; 4. Caleb Bennett, Morgan, Utah, 82, $1,645; 5. Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan.; Joe Gunderson, Agar, S.D., Caine Riddle, Vernon, Texas, and Tyson Thompson, Bradley, Calif., 81, $411 each. Average and semifinals qualifiers: Tim O’Connell, $4,525; 2. Caleb Bennett, $3,428; 3. Jared Keylon, $2,468; 4. Joe Gunderson, $1,645; 5. Clint Cannon and Jessy Davis, $823; 7. Wes Stevenson; 8. Bobby Mote.

Steer wrestling: 1. Ethen Thouvenell, Wittmann, Ariz., 3.2 seconds, $4,525;2. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., 4.5, $3,428;3. (tie) Jon Ragatz, Beetown, Wis., and Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo., 4.8, $2,057; 5. Sean Santucci, Prineville, Ore., 5.1, $960; 6. (tie) Nik Hamm, Rapid City, S.D., and Trevor Duhon, Phoenix, Ariz., 5.3, $343 each. Average and semifinals qualifiers: 1. Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo., 9.1 seconds on two head, $4,525; 2. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., 9.2, $3,428; 3. Sean Santucci, Prineville, Ore., 9.5, $2,468; 4. Ethen Thouvenell, Wittmann, Ariz., 9.7, $1,645; 5. Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., 10.5, $960; 6. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla., 10.6, $686; 7. Nik Hamm, Rapid City, S.D., 12.8; 8. Trevor Duhon, Phoenix, Ariz., 13.2.

Tie-down roping: 1. tie) Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla., 8.8 seconds, and Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 8.8 seconds, $3,976; 3. (tie) Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore., and Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M., 9.0, $2,057 each; 5. Tim Pharr, Resaca, Ga., 9.3, $960; 6. Bryant Mikkelson, Buffalo, Mont., 9.4, $686. Average and semifinals qualifiers: 1. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 17.7 seconds on two head, $4,525;2. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore., 18.4, $3,428; 3. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, and Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M., 19.7, $1,303;6. Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D., 20.4, $686; 7. (tie) Jody Green, Shakopee, Minn., and J.R. Myers, Felton, Pa., 20.8.

Saddle bronc riding: 1. (tie) Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., on Painted Pony Champ. Rodeo's Shasta, and Curtis Garton, New Zealand, on Carr Pro Rodeo's Empty Pockets,82 points, $3,976; 3. Mert Bradshaw, Eagle Point, Ore., 81, $2,468; 4. (tie) Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, and Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D., 80, $1,303 each; 6. (tie) Andy Clarys, Riverton, Wyo., Joaquin Real, Woody, Calif., and Cody Taton, Corona, N.M., 78, $229 each. Average and semifinals qualifiers: 1. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 167 points on two head, $4,525; 2. Curtis Garton, New Zealand, 162, $3,428; 3. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, 158, $2,468;4. Mert Bradshaw, Eagle Point, Ore., 157, $1,645; 5. Cody Taton, Corona, N.M., 156, $960; 6. (tie) Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas, and Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, 155, $343 each; 8. Andy Clarys, Riverton, Wyo., 154.

Team roping: 1. Preston Billadeau, Parshall, N.D./Jared Bilby, Bridgeport, Neb., 4.8 seconds, $4,525;2. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo., 5.2, $3,428; 3. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Nick Sarchett, Phoenix, Ariz., 5.3, $2,468; 4. Arky Rogers, Lipan, Texas/Joel Bach, Rhome, Texas, 5.4, $1,645; 5. Miles Kobold, Billings, Mont./Matt Robertson, Augusta, , 5.8, $960; 6. Nelson Linares, Plant City, Fla./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., 6.0, $686. Average and semifinals qualifiers: 1. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Nick Sarchett, Phoenix, Ariz., 11.4 seconds on two head, $4,525; 2. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., 11.6, $3,428; 3. Miles Kobold, Billings, Mont./Matt Robertson, Augusta, , 11.7, $2,468; 4. Nelson Linares, Plant City, Fla./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., 12.1, $1,645; 5. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 12.2, $960; 6. Spencer Mitchell, Colusa, Calif./Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore., 13.3, $686; 7. Marcus Battaglia, Ramona, Calif./Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif., 15.8; 8. Arky Rogers, Lipan, Texas/Joel Bach, Rhome, Texas, 16.0.

Barrel racing: 1. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 15.25 seconds, $4,525; 2. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 15.42, $3,428; 3. Barbara Merrill, Axtell, Utah, 15.50, $2,468; 4. Sherry Cannon, Saint Augustine, Fla., 15.56, $1,645; 5. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 15.59, $960; 6.Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 15.68, $686. Average and semifinals qualifiers: 1. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 30.67 seconds on two runs, $4,525; 2. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 31.03, $3,428; 3. (tie) Theresa Walter, Billings, Mont., 31.30, and Cindy Smith, Hobbs, N.M., 31.30, $2,057 each; 5. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 31.31, $960; 6. Barbara Merrill, Axtell, Utah, 31.35, $686; 7. Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 31.49; 8. Pamela Capper, Cheney, Wash., 31.53.

Bull riding: 1. John Young, Orient, Iowa, 86 points on Painted Pony Champ. Rodeo's Million Dollar Man, $4,525; 2. Tag Elliott, Thatcher, Utah, 83, $3,428; 3. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, 79, $2,468; 4. Sammy Matthews, Springville, Calif., 78, $1,645; 5. Abe Dillman, Grassy Butte, N.D., 74, $960; 6. Bryce Brown, Greenview, Calif., 68, $686. Average and semifinals qualifiers: 1. John Young, Orient, Iowa, 170 points on two head, $4,525; 2. Bryce Brown, Greenview, Calif., 146, $3,428; 3. Dylan Werner, Perry, Fla., 89 on one, $2,468; 4. Tag Elliott, Thatcher, Utah, 83, $1,645; 5. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, 79, $960; 6. Sammy Matthews, Springville, Calif., 78, $686; 7. Abe Dillman, Grassy Butte, N.D., 74.

Repeat performance OK for Mote

OKLAHOMA CITY – Bobby Mote has been in this position before.

Actually, it was just two years ago during the 2011 Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo. Mote, a four-time world champion bareback rider from Culver, Ore., won the semifinals, then shared the final-round victory.

Déjà vu.

On Saturday night at State Fair Arena, Mote rode Mo Betta Rodeo’s Wind Walker for 83 points to win the semifinal round of ProRodeo’s National Championship. About an hour later in the finals, Mote matched moves with Southwick’s Rocky Mtn. Rodeo’s Hard Times for 87 points, a score that was matched by Jared Keylon of Uniontown, Kan., on Carr Pro Rodeo’s Dirty Jacket.

The tie may go to the runner in baseball, but it goes to the semifinal-round winner in this tournament-style rodeo format. Keylon has posted an 81 on Rafter G Rodeo’s Assault in the semifinals.

“I guess that’s the way it’s been,” said Mote, whose only two national championships have come in the three years the RNCFR has taken place in Oklahoma City’s historic State Fair Arena. “I’ll take it any way I can.”

Mote actually squeaked into the Saturday night field in eighth place based on his two-round cumulative score – of the 24 qualifiers in each event, only the top eight earned the right to compete in the final performance.

“I almost went home yesterday, because I was fifth in the average; I thought there was no way I was going to make it back,” he said. “My wife talked me into staying. We went to the zoo today, and I got a text that I made it back eighth.

“With this format, it doesn’t really matter as long as you make it back.”

Mote actually rode three horses Saturday night; he was awarded a re-ride in the finals after the flank strap fell off his first horse, Painted Pony Rodeo’s Festus.

“He’s one they win on quite a bit,” Mote said of Hard Times. “I didn’t really know him, but I didn’t really have time to think about it.”

Mote is one of three world champions who won this year’s RNCFR title, joining heeler Jade Corkill of Fallon, Nev., and barrel racer Brittany Pozzi of Victoria, Texas. Pozzi repeated her title, joining tie-down roping champion Matt Shiozawa of Chubbuck, Idaho, in defending their 2012 crowns. Other winners were steer wrestler Ethen Thouvenell of Wittman, Ariz.; header Shane Erickson of Terrebonne, Ore.; bull rider John Young of Orient, Iowa; and saddle bronc rider Curtis Garton, a New Zealand cowboy now living in Louisiana.

Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo
April 4-6, Oklahoma City

Bareback riding: Semifinals: 1. Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore., 83 points on Mo Betta's Wind Walker, $5,484; 2. (tie) Jessy Davis, Power, Mont., and Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan., 81, $3,428 each; 4. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas, 80, $1,371. Finals: 1. (tie) Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore., on Southwick's Rocky Mtn. Rodeo's Hard Times, and Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan., on Carr Pro Rodeo's Dirty Jacket, 87, $4,799; 3. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas, 84, $2,742; 4. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont., 78, $1,371. Overall earnings: 1. Jared Keylon, Uniontown, Kan., $14,533; 2. Bobby Mote, Culver, Ore., $10,283; 3. Tim O'Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, $10,192; 4. Caleb Bennett, Morgan, Utah, $9,598; 5. Jessy Davis, Power, Mont., $5,793; 6. Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas, $4,285; 7. Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, Utah, $3,976; 8. Joe Gunderson, Agar, S.D., $3,748; 9.Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas, $3,291; 10. Casey Colletti, Pueblo, Colo., $1,691; 11. (tie) Caine Riddle, Vernon, Texas, and Tyson Thompson, Bradley, Calif., $411 each; 13. (tie) George Gillespie IV, Placerville, Calif., and Zach Curran, Pavillion, Wyo., $171

Steer wrestling: Semifinals: 1. Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., 3.5 seconds, $5,484; 2. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., 3.8, $4,113; 3. Ethen Thouvenell, Wittmann, Ariz., 4.2, $2,742; 4. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla., 4.3, $1,371. Finals: 1. Ethen Thouvenell, Wittmann, Ariz., 3.5 seconds, $5,484; 2. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla., 14.2, $4,113; no other qualified times. Overall earnings: 1. Ethen Thouvenell, Wittmann, Ariz., $14,396; 2. Dean Gorsuch, Gering, Neb., $11,791;3. Stockton Graves, Alva, Okla., $9,598; 4. Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo., $9,049; 5. Seth Brockman, Wheatland, Wyo., $7,267; 6. Sean Santucci, Prineville, Ore., $5,073; 7. Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas, $4,525; 8. Jon Ragatz, Beetown, Wis., $2,057;9. (tie) Nik Hamm, Rapid City, S.D., and Trevor Duhon, Phoenix, Ariz., $343 each.

Tie-down roping: Semifinals: 1. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 7.4 seconds, $5,484; 2. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 8.5, $4,113; 3. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore., 8.6, $2,742;4. Jody Green, Shakopee, Minn., 9.0, $1,371. Finals: 1. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, 9.0 seconds, $5,484; 2. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, 9.1, $4,113; 3. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore., 10.8, $2,742; no other qualified times. Overall earnings: 1. Matt Shiozawa, Chubbuck, Idaho, $20,566; 2. Scott Kormos, Teague, Texas, $15,493; 3. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore., $11,928; 4. Bryson Sechrist, Apache, Okla., $5,279; 5. Jared Ferguson, Cottonwood, Calif., $4,525; 6. Jesse Clark, Portales, N.M., $3,359; 7. Dane Kissack, Spearfish, S.D., $2,331; 8. Jody Green, Shakopee, Minn., $1,371; 9. Tim Pharr, Resaca, Ga., $960; 10. (tie) Bryant Mikkelson, Buffalo, Mont., and Chase Johnston, Kersey, Colo., $686 each.

Saddle bronc riding: Semifinals: 1. (tie) Curtis Garton, New Zealand, on Rafter G Rodeo's Billings, and Cody Taton, Corona, N.M., on Painted Pony Champ. Rodeo's NY Mega Millions, $4,799; 3. Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas, 82, $2,742; 4. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 79, $1,371. Finals: 1. Curtis Garton, New Zealand, 86 points on Pete Carr's Classic ProRodeo's Big Tex, $5,484; 2. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., 82, $4,113; 3. Cody Taton, Corona, N.M., 77, $2,742; no other qualified scores. Overall earnings: 1. Curtis Garton, New Zealand, $19,332; 2. Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M., $17,413; 3. Cody Taton, Corona, N.M., $8,958; 4. Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas, $5,553; 5. Bradley Harter, Weatherford, Texas, $4,525; 6. Mert Bradshaw, Eagle Point, Ore., $4,113; 7. Jake Wright, Milford, Utah, $3,999; 8. Troy Crowser, Whitewood, S.D., $1,303; 9. Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., $960; 10. Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah, $571; 11. (tie) Andy Clarys, Riverton, Wyo., and Joaquin Real, Woody, Calif., $229.

Team roping: Semifinals: 1. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 5.0 seconds, $5,484; 2. (tie) Spencer Mitchell, Colusa, Calif./Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore., and Nelson Linares, Plant City, Fla./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., 5.2, $3,428; 4. Marcus Battaglia, Ramona, Calif./Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif., 5.3, $1,371. Finals: 1. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., 6.1 seconds, $5,484; 2. Nelson Linares, Plant City, Fla./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., 6.5, $4,113; no other qualified times. Overall earnings: 1. Shane Erickson, Terrebonne, Ore./Jade Corkill, Fallon, Nev., $13,574; 2. Nelson Linares, Plant City, Fla./Shawn Harris, Searcy, Ark., $9,872; 3. Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz./Nick Sarchett, Phoenix, Ariz., $6,993; 4. Derrick Begay, Seba Dalkai, Ariz./Cesar de la Cruz, Tucson, Ariz., $5,896; 5. Preston Billadeau, Parshall, N.D./Jared Bilby, Bridgeport, Neb., $4,525; 6. Miles Kobold, Billings, Mont./Matt Robertson, Augusta, , $4,387; 7. Spencer Mitchell, Colusa, Calif./Russell Cardoza, Terrebonne, Ore., $4,113; 8. (tie) Troy Kitchener, Liberty, Mo./Chad Mathes, Lawson, Mo., and Hunter Munsell, Arnett, Okla./Derrick Jantzen, Ames, Okla., $3,976; 10. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./Shay Carroll, La Junta, Colo., $3,428; 11. Marcus Battaglia, Ramona, Calif./Kyle Lockett, Visalia, Calif., $2,057; 12. Arky Rogers, Lipan, Texas/Joel Bach, Rhome, Texas, $1,645.

Barrel racing: Semifinals: 1. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 15.48 seconds, $5,484; 2. Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 15.63, $4,113; 3. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 15.70, $2,742; 4. Cindy Smith, Hobbs, N.M., 15.94, $1,371. Finals: 1. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 15.35 seconds, $5,484; 2. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 15.55, $4,113; 3. Cindy Smith, Hobbs, N.M., 15.59, $2,742; 4. Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, 20.54, $1,371. Overall earnings: 1. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, $20,429; 2. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, $18,784; 3. Cindy Smith, Hobbs, N.M., $9,598; 4. Nancy Hunter, Neola, Utah, $6,170; 5. Theresa Walter, Billings, Mont., $4,113; 6. Barbara Merrill, Axtell, Utah, $3,153; 7. Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla., $2,057; 8. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., $1,920; 9. Sherry Cannon, Saint Augustine, Fla., $1,645; 10. Pamela Capper, Cheney, Wash., $686.

Bull riding: Semifinals: 1. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, 81 points on D&H Cattle's Paradise, $5,484; no other qualified times. Finals: 1.John Young, Orient, Iowa, 87 points on Andrews Rodeo's Spin Cycle, $5,484; no other qualified times. Overall earnings: 1. John Young, Orient, Iowa, $17,961; 2. Joe Frost, Randlett, Utah, $8,912; 3. Dylan Werner, Perry, Fla., $6,993; 4. Bryce Brown, Greenview, Calif., $6,581; 5. Tag Elliott, Thatcher, Utah, $5,073; 6. Sammy Matthews, Springville, Calif., $2,331; 7. Abe Dillman, Grassy Butte, N.D., $960.