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In a live announcement made from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) announced all but two of the nights for the 2019 Frontier Nights® entertainment series. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) has added Cheyenne to its exclusive Last Cowboy Standing series and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo will return to the arena in 2019.
In a live announcement made from the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, Cheyenne Frontier Days™ (CFD) announced all but two of the nights for the 2019 Frontier Nights® entertainment series. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) has added Cheyenne to its exclusive Last Cowboy Standing series and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo will return to the arena in 2019.
Tickets will go on sale Saturday, December 15 at 9 a.m. MST at www.cfdrodeo.com, the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Ticket Office and by calling (307) 778-7222.
Lady Antebellum with Kelsea Ballerini and Midland; Rascal Flatts with Clint Black; Josh Turner with Tanya Tucker; Keith Urban; and Tim McGraw with Devin Dawson were announced and live streamed on the Wrangler Network.
“We are very excited about the performer lineup for 2019,” Contract Acts Chairman Randy Krafft said. “We are still working on our remaining shows and will announce them as we get them signed.”
For two nights, the Top-40 stars of the PBR will attempt to conquer the sport’s rankest bulls on the historic Wyoming Dirt at Cheyenne Frontier Days, strapping in for their shot to make the buzzer. If a rider covers his bull for the required 8 seconds, he continues to compete. If he gets bucked off, he is finished. The grueling match between Man and Beast continues until one prevails and is crowned the Last Cowboy Standing.
Additionally, the 123rd annual “Daddy of ‘em All®” will feature nine days of PRCA professional rodeo that will culminate in Championship Sunday where champions are crowned and legends are made.
There will be hundreds of vendors, a full carnival, artists, food and music that celebrate the history and culture of the American West.
Concert ticket prices range from $39 to $81, with daily rodeo tickets costing $20 to $35. A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets and $5 discount on concert tickets purchased before July 1. PBR tickets range from $15 – $101 with special Elite Seating and V.I.P. tickets also available at various prices.
Fans can upgrade to a Frontier Nights® Fast Pass for early admission to the Party Zone, a voucher for best-available same-day rodeo tickets and a souvenir rodeo program. For a full events schedule and profiles of musical acts, go to www.cfdrodeo.com.
All tickets for all performances will go on-sale December 15 at 9 a.m. MST.
2019 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Entertainment Schedule
July 19: Lady Antebellum with Kelsea Ballerini and Midland
July 20: Rascal Flatts with Clint Black
July 21: Josh Turner with Tanya Tucker
July 22-23: Professional Bull Riders – Last Cowboy Standing
July 24: TBA
July 25: TBA
July 26: Keith Urban
July 27: Tim McGraw with Devin Dawson
July 20 – 28: PRCA Rodeo action
Las Vegas (Nov. 10, 2018) – PBR (Professional Bull Riders) today announced its popular Last Cowboy Standing will take place during Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) in 2019.
PBR CEO Sean Gleason announced the new location of the PBR Major, scheduled for July 22-23 at Cheyenne Frontier Days Arena, during the PBR World Finals at T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this evening.
The new summer season Major, a higher-profile regular-season event offering more World standings points and prize money, expands on a partnership between the leading bull riding league and world’s largest outdoor rodeo.
In July, 2018, PBR produced the final CBR Championship event during Cheyenne Frontier Days as well as a new Touring Pro Division event. Both events were brought to fans live on RidePass, the PBR’s western sports digital network.
From 2011 to 2018, Last Cowboy Standing had competed in Las Vegas, which remains home of the PBR Championship Week and the PBR World Finals.
“PBR is thrilled to pair Last Cowboy Standing with one of the world’s greatest rodeo and western sports celebrations,” Gleason said. “This marquee event extends our premier series schedule into the summer and is sure to be a highlight of the entire PBR season – one every fan will want to experience, and every cowboy will want to win.”
“We are honored to be selected as a stop in the premier bull riding tour of all,’” said Tom Hirsig, CEO, CFD. “Last Cowboy Standing fits right in line with the Western brand that is ‘The Daddy of ’em All.’ Cheyenne Frontier Days is excited to reunite our partnership with the Professional Bull Riders, two organizations sharing the common goal of preserving Western heritage and the cowboy way of life.”
Cheyenne Frontier Days is the premier celebration of cowboy life and Western entertainment that takes place each July. The 10-day festival features the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, concerts by top name entertainers, dining, shopping, educational exhibits, Native American Indian performances, a Western Art show, U.S.A.F Thunderbirds performance, pancake breakfasts, parades that feature antique carriages and Western pageantry galore.
Tickets to the Last Cowboy Standing event at Cheyenne Frontier Days event will go on sale December 15 at www.cfdrodeo.com and by calling (307) 778-7222.
About the PBR (Professional Bull Riders)
The world’s premier bull riding organization began as a dream of 20 bull riders 25 years ago and now operates in five countries. On its elite tour, the organization features the top 35 bull riders in the world and the top bulls in the business. The televised 25th PBR: Unleash The Beast, along with the PBR Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour (RVT), the PBR Touring Pro Division (TPD) and the PBR’s international circuits in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico have paid nearly $184 million in earnings to its athletes. Thirty bull riders have earned more than $1 million, including two-time PBR World Champion J.B. Mauney who is the top-earning athlete in Western sports history with more than $7.2 million in career earnings. PBR is part of the Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG) network. For more information on the PBR, go to PBR.com, or follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/PBR, Instagram at Instagram.com/PBR, and YouTube at YouTube.com/PBR.
The Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is this Friday, September 7, 2018, at the Red Lion Cheyenne. At 5 p.m., we will serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and at 6 p.m., the ceremony and dinner begin. This ceremony celebrates each inductee’s contributions to Cheyenne Frontier Days and allows them to share their stories and memories of CFD.
The Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame showcases individuals, livestock, and organizations whose distinctive contributions to Cheyenne Frontier Days have helped grow a dream into “The Daddy of ‘em All.” Whether it be contestants, contract personnel, entertainers, livestock, families, or volunteers; those voted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame represent the wonderful competitive and cooperative spirit that has remained the hallmark of Cheyenne Frontier Days since 1897.
Come honor the six individuals inducted into the Hall of Fame this year: Trevor Brazile; David Johansen; Jim Lynch; David “Sammy” McInerney; O.D. “Jack” Mueller; and J.D. Yates.
Tickets are $50 apiece. There are two table options: $800 table seats eight and includes wine and beer; and $1000 table seats ten and includes wine, beer, whiskey, and CFD shot glasses.
Limited Seating Available. Reservations Required. For tickets, call (307) 778-7290 or purchase online at https://cfdrodeo.com/
Quick Facts:
What: 2018 CFD Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
When: September 7, 2018, 5 p.m.
Where: Red Lion Cheyenne, 204 W. Fox Farm Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82007
Cost: $50 for an individual ticket
$800 for table of 8 (includes wine & beer)
$1000 for table of 10 (includes wine, beer, whiskey & CFD shot glasses)
Tickets: call (307) 778-7290 or purchase online
Contact: Morgan Marks, Marketing Director; morgan.marks@oldwestmuseum.org
Bailey Bishop has been named 2019 Lady-In-Waiting after a selection process including submitting a written application, an accomplishment book, a horsemanship skills demonstration and an interview.
Bailey, the daughter of Todd and Jan Bishop, is a 2016 graduate of Burns High School. Bishop spent two years at Laramie County Community College. Currently, she is enrolled at the University of Wyoming going into her junior year majoring in Physiology. Bailey has been involved with Cheyenne Frontier Days™ most of her life. She has participated in the Grand Parades, competed in junior barrels, and was a Dandy throughout high school.
“I love the sport of rodeo and the Western way of life. Truly, I feel honored to have the privilege to be a part of the deep traditions of the greatest rodeo and Western celebration in the world.” Bishop said.
Bailey will work with Miss Frontier, Halley Jankovsky in 2019 to represent Cheyenne Frontier Days™ in both the United States and Canada.
CHEYENNE – The Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) General Committee has named its new committee members for the 2019 celebration.
Following Alan Stoinski as Concessions Chair is Brad Westby. Brad works for the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services; he has Masters in Business Administration and a degree in Political Science. He has been a member of the Concessions committee for 16 years and a member of the HEELS organization for eight years.
Following Scott Fleming as Contract Acts Chair is Randy Krafft. Randy works for the State of Wyoming Retirement Systems and served in the United States Air Force for nine years; he is a graduate of Preble High School in Green Bay, Wis. He has been a Contract Acts volunteer for nine years, including five years as a Lead Assistant.
Following Bill McInerney as Grounds Chair is Jerry Moberly. Jerry is Vice President at Wyoming Financial Properties, Inc.; he is a graduate of Worland High School. He has been a member of the Grounds committee for 17 years and a member of the HEELS organization for six.
Following Col. Matt Dillow as Military Chairman is Col. Brian Rico. Brian has served in the United States Air Force for 22 years; he is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and holds a Masters Degree in Human Resources from Webster University. He is a volunteer on the Military Committee.
Following Terry Ruiz as Parades Chair is Ruthanne Hubbard. Currently retired, she is a graduate of the University of Utah School of Radiology. She has been a CFD Volunteer since 1992, was named Volunteer of the Year in 2000 and became a member of the HEELS organization in 2011.
Following Mitch Carter as Rodeo Chair is Chad Mathews. Chad works for the Wyoming Department of Transportation as a Transportation Surveys Supervisor; he is a graduate of Hulett High School and he attended Chadron State College. He has been a member of the Rodeo Committee for 16 years and became a member of the HEELS organization in 2013.
The Cheyenne Frontier Days General Committee will begin the planning process for 2019 by reviewing the results of the 2018 event.
The Cheyenne Frontier Days Board of Directors has named Jimmy Dean Siler as the next General Chairman. In this role, he will lead the General Committee in their efforts to produce the 123rd annual celebration. Siler replaces outgoing General Chairman Bill Berg.
Siler is retired from the Wyoming Livestock Board Criminal Investigation Division and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations. Prior to that, he served and retired from the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Siler attended the Air Force Community College, Okaloosa-Walton Junior College and the University of Maryland.
Siler has served as Law Enforcement Administrator with the Wyoming Livestock Board, President of the Laramie County Peace Officer’s Association, Commissioner of the Wyoming Public Safety Communications Commission, and Commissioner of the Wyoming Bond Commission. He has been a CFD Volunteer for over 25 years, was the Cheyenne Frontier Days Parades Chairman 2013 – 2015 and a member of the HEELS organization.
Siler will begin preparation for the 123rd annual celebration by meeting with the General Committee to review the 2018 show and plan for improvements for the next year.
Siler said, “It is an honor and privilege to be given the opportunity to work with the finest group of volunteers, staff and community citizens in the great state of Wyoming. I feel like I was a draft choice on the greatest team ever assembled.”
CHEYENNE, Wyo. — July 29, 2018 — It’s been 86 years since a saddle bronc rider won back-to-back championships at Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD), but local favorite Brody Cress was not intimidated by history.
The 22-year-old from nearby Hillsdale won his hometown rodeo in 2017, an accomplishment that fueled the rest of his season and helped him win his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo championship last December. Cress is sponsored by CFD and proudly wears the legendary rodeo’s iconic arrowhead logo on his chaps and his shirts. “There’s no other rodeo I’d want to represent,” he said.
Last year he came into Championship Sunday in second place and had to ride two broncs after being awarded a re-ride. He won the title by half a point. This year he came in with the overall lead and had to wait on Texan Wyatt Casper’s re-ride to see if his lead would hold for his second, record-setting CFD Championship. The crowd of 12,401 erupted with cheers and were on their feet when Cress took his victory lap around the arena.
The biggest money winner at the 122nd “Daddy of ‘em All” was steer wrestler Levi Rudd. The Chelsea, Oklahoma, cowboy earned $21,396. When the day began he had already collected more than $11,000 in the first and second rounds. He added nearly $900 for fourth place in the final round and about $9,500 for winning the overall championship by 1.1 second.
Rudd had competed at CFD twice in the past but had never done well. “I was happy after I won the first round since I’d never done any good here,” he said. Rudd started the week ranked 50th in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) steer wrestling standings. He more than doubled his season earnings after his win here and jumped about 20 spots in the standings.
Three-time world champion bareback rider Will Lowe started the day in sixth place, but an 88-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo’s Black Tie earned the Canyon, Texas, cowboy his third CFD championship and nearly $16,000. He previously won here in 2009 and 2012. Lowe, who has qualified for 14 National Finals Rodeos (NFR) is grateful to still be riding at the highest level 10 years after winning his first title in Frontier Park.
“It’s so awesome to be able to still be here, riding with these guys and still be competitive,“ he said. The win here should help his quest for a 15th NFR berth.
Lowe joins three legendary cowboys – Jim Shoulders, Joe Alexander and Clint Corey – as the only ones to win three bareback riding championships here.
Idaho bull rider Ruger Piva has accomplished something in the past year that many bull riders never will in their entire careers. Last September Piva, now 23, won the Pendleton Round-Up in Pendleton, Oregon. This week he competed for the first time at CFD, rode all three of his bulls and left with more than $10,000 in prize money and a Cheyenne Frontier Days title. The 23-year-old former high school and college wrestler can now claim wins at two of the most historic and prestigious rodeos in North America.
“If you had told me two years ago that I would win Pendleton and Cheyenne within a year, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Piva said. “Cheyenne felt a lot bigger than I expected. I hid in the ready room and watched the action on the tv screen.
He received congratulations from four-time world champion J.W. Harris, who finished second. As Harris walked away, Piva asked Harris for an autograph. “He’s one of my heroes,” Piva explained.
For the second year, weather affected the Championship Sunday competition. Last year it rained, but this year a tornado warning issued during the rodeo resulted in a weather delay of about 20 minutes. When competition resumed, rain and hail came down, particularly during the barrel racing.
World champion Nellie Miller and her horse Rafter W Minnie Reba, that she calls “Sister,” were on the course during some of the worst of the weather, but the California duo made a solid run. Although they did not win money in the final round, their total time of 53.21 seconds earned Miller the championship. She won $19,530 and helped boost her lead in the 2018 Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) standings. Miller and her father, Sam Williams, raised and trained Sister, who got her name because she is a half-sister to the horse Miller rode to her first NFR in 2010.
Second-generation rodeo athlete Brodie Poppino of Big Cabin, Oklahoma, came into Championship Sunday ranked fifth in steer roping. It was the first time he qualified for Championship Sunday in seven years of trying.
Poppino won the final round by nearly six seconds, riding his 22-year-old horse named Shaggy, a full brother to the horse his mother, Tana Poppino, rode to qualify for the NFR in barrel racing. “He stays in the pasture most of the year and about a month before we start legging him up for Cheyenne,” Poppino said.
“This is one of the most prestigious, one of the oldest rodeos in the world. It’s called “The Daddy” for a reason,“ he said. “Everybody wants to win this one. It’s a dream come true.”
Tie-down roper Shane Hanchey credits his horse Si, the 2017 horse of the year, for helping him come from seventh place to win his first CFD title. The former world champion and eight-time NFR qualifier had the second-fastest time on Sunday. Although he did not place in the first two rounds, he earned more than $13,000.
“I never really dreamed of winning this rodeo,” he said. “I weigh 140 pounds. All I’ve ever heard since I was about four years old is how big the calves were and how little people didn’t fare very well (at Cheyenne). I don’t show emotions very much, but this win’s got me shook up.”
Coming from the middle of the field to take the title was a trend in the roping events. Tennessee’s Chad Masters and Oklahoma’s Joseph Harrison were sixth in team roping when the day began, but out-paced the rest to win the final round. Their total time of 26.4 earned Masters his second CFD title (his first was in 2009) and Harrison his first.
Trevor Brazile of Decatur, Texas, won his eighth CFD championship when he took home the all-around title for the fourth time. He has also won a team roping and three steer roping championships at CFD.
Results
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 29, 2018) – When an agent of the Union Pacific Railroad suggested Cheyenne have a festival to the editor of the newspaper in 1897, they had no idea of the legendary event that it would grow into.
With less than ideal weather during several of the 10-days of activities, attendance at this year’s Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) was beyond what might have been expected. The loyalty of fans is very gratifying for the nearly 3,000 volunteers who work year-round for the “Daddy of ‘em All.”
Fans from across the United States and a variety of foreign countries make their way to Wyoming to attend Cheyenne Frontier Days. While the rodeo is the centerpiece of the celebration, patrons also take in parades, pancake breakfasts, visit the Indian Village, and go to night shows along with other activities. It all adds up to the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo & Western Celebration.”
This year’s activities kicked off on July 20 with a Wild West Show that was reminiscent of the events held years ago. All of the activities including a ladies’ ranch bronc riding was broadcast live on RIDE TV. Rodeo performances started the next day where over 1,200 contestants were vying for CFD championships and $840,031 in prize money. The largest money winner was steer wrestler Levi Rudd from Chelsea, Oklahoma. He left Wyoming with an additional $21,395 in his bank account.
New and a fan favorite at the rodeo this year was mini bareback and mini bull riding for aspiring competitors. Throughout the competition, with parades and all the activities over 6,000 animals come through Frontier Park.
Approximately two-thirds of them were part of the rodeo. A team of veterinarians checked those animals before and after each performance. Reports showed that 121 of animals were examined. Treatments were provided to 41 of them with all but two expected to make a full recovery.
Rodeo attendance saw a big gain at 101,462, an increase of 7.6 percent over last year. Cheyenne/Laramie County Day’s rodeo was the second largest Wednesday crowd in history. The night show featuring Eric Church the same day was sold out.
Professional Bull Riders returned to Frontier Park for the first time since 2010. They brought their riders on Monday night, then produced a second night of bull riding featuring Championship Bull Riders. It was the first time in the organizations’ history where they partnered on an event and had competitors riding against each other. The action was broadcast on PBR’s RidePass.
Other numbers were in line with previous years. Four parades were estimated to have 90,700 visitors. Three pancake breakfasts saw 23,138 meals served and 47,611 visited the Indian Village. With expanded entertainment options around the park and enhancements to the Western Experience, total attendance for 2018 was 543,705 a slight increase from 2017.
The final rodeo on Championship Sunday, July 29, had 12,401 fans on their feet when local favorite Brody Cress won the saddle bronc riding title. The highest attended rodeo was on Saturday, July 28 at 14,138. The Behind the Chutes Tours gave 2,608 fans an up close and personal rodeo experience.
Military Monday continues to be popular. All branches of the military were honored with active personnel and veterans receiving free admission. The U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leapfrogs, thrilled rodeo and night show fans by jumping into the arena at Frontier Park and the USAF Thunderbirds were another hit. A new attendance record was set for the Thunderbirds performance at Laramie County Community College on July 25 at 18,876. The previous record was 16,100 in 2014.
A partnership with Colorado State University’s (CSU) Equine Clinical Services program provided comprehensive care for the second year. The CSU Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation veterinarians provided care similar to athletic trainers for contestants. Onsite services included digital radiographs, ultrasound, acupuncture, chiropractic care and shock wave therapy.
The Justin Sportsmedicine Team was on site and along with local medical personnel provided over 400 treatments. A bull rider was transported and had surgery after getting hit in the face during the PBR. He has been released and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Bureau of Land Management in cooperation with Mantle Ranch Wild Horse and Burro Training presented wild horses and burros that were all adopted. Demonstrations were provided by the Mantle family.
RFD-TV broadcast their popular Western Sports Roundup on Rural Radio. Their broadcast reached over 70 million fans. The final three performances were webcast on the Wrangler Network. Over 300,000 people from 52 countries enjoyed the global coverage.
Night shows were once again a popular attraction. Total night show attendance was 115,214 compared to the record set in 2016 of 118,123.
“Despite the weather, our awesome fans showed up to support Cheyenne Frontier Days,” said Bill Berg, General Chairman of Cheyenne Frontier Days. “Our volunteers stepped up to the plate in every case. We couldn’t do any of it without the loyalty of our sponsors. Everybody got a little dirty this year, but it was worth it.”
Three 2017 CFD Champions have a chance to defend their titles- saddle bronc rider Brody Cress, team roping header, Erich Rogers, team roping heeler, Cory Petska (Rogers and Petska are now roping with different partners)
Today’s field includes 13 more former CFD champions: Tanner Aus (bareback-2015), Will Lowe (bareback- 2009, 2012), Jacobs Crawley (saddle bronc- 2016), Nick Guy (steer wrestling- 2015), Chad Masters (team roping header- 2009), Derrick Begay (team roping header- 2010), Clint Cooper (tie-down roping- 2004), Scott Kormos (tie-down roping-2013), Sherry Cervi (1995), Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi (barrel racing- 2007), Lisa Lockhart (barrel racing- 2015), Matt Herbbert (competing in steer roping, rookie saddle bronc- 2003) Jarrett Blessing (steer roping- 2016)
2008 CFD bull riding champion Steve Woolsey will not be competing. He broke his leg in Deadwood, S.D.
Wyoming will be cheering for three of their own cowboys, steer wrestler Miguel Garcia from Kaycee, bareback rider Seth Lee Hardwick who makes his home in Ranchester, and hometown hero, Brody Cress will be defending his title in saddle bronc riding.
Trevor Brazile virtually has the all-around title sewn up. None of the other contestants in the running have won money in two events.
Fourteen current or former world champions qualified for today’s finals.
Several bucking horses and bulls from different stock contractors in today’s draw were selected for the 2017 National Finals Rodeo.
None of today’s bull riders have won CFD titles.
Championship Sunday is a family affair in the team roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc, steer roping and tie-down roping.
Cory Petska (team roping heeler) and his wife Sherry Cervi (barrel racing)
Brothers Jacobs and Sterling Crawley (saddle bronc)
Rusty Wright will compete against his Uncle and 2014 World Champion Spencer Wright (saddle bronc)
Brothers Tuf Cooper (steer roping) and Clint Cooper (tie-down roping), sons of Roy Cooper (eight-time world champion and six-time CFD champion)
Former world (1985 -1086) and CFD (1998 – 1999) champion steer roper Jim Davis’ son, Bryce Davis will be competing in the steer roping.
Paden Hurst had the highest marked ride in the bareback yesterday at 84 points. While the first round of bareback is not complete due to rerides, he is currently tied for fourth in the round. The 21-year old is a former College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) qualifier and is learning how to win, from his traveling partners. It is said that those you surround yourself with is who you become. Hurst, who is competing on his permit, is getting plenty of experience traveling with the number three man in the world standings, Bill Tutor, as well as fitness and nutrition expert, Cody Kiser. Tutor, who qualified for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in 2017, was 82.5 points yesterday. He enjoys building in his free time, as well as hunting and fishing. Tanner Aus, the 2015 CFD champion, has competed at the NFR the past three years. His life changed forever last May when his wife gave birth to their first child, a daughter. Aus was 82-points in the first round. The muddy arena yesterday caused some havoc in the so some of the competitors will be riding two bucking horses today due to yesterday’s arena conditions. Reigning CFD and world champion, Tim O’Connell, was one of the riders to get a reride yesterday, so he will be getting on two horses today. O’Connell has also become a dad since winning here last year, and his wife, Sami and son, Hazen will be in the stands watching. Audy Reed was the 2015 CFD rookie saddle bronc riding champion. Reed’s 82-point ride provides him a strong opportunity to return on Championship Sunday if followed with another high score. He competed at the NFR in Las Vegas for the first time last year. Dawson Jandreau comes from a rodeo family. His dad, Marty qualified for the 1985 NFR in saddle bronc riding. His 81.5-point ride provides him a good opportunity to ride for a championship here. Some saddle bronc riders will also be riding two horses today,
including the wild and western Wade Sundell. Sundell tied for the win here in 2012 with Chad Ferley. Sundell is second in the world standings and a win here would help narrow the gap between him and Jacobs Crawley. He is a new dad and his son Rankin gets excited when his daddy is in the arena. Rankin will also be cheering on his mom, barrel racer Shelby Hansen. Sundell would love a new trophy package from the 122nd CFD as his 2012 awards were lost in a house fire. Trevor Kastner is currently ninth in the world standings. He took some time off during the busiest time of the season with broken ribs, but is back and ready to make some money at the “Daddy of ‘em all.” Kastner rode Andrews Rodeo’s Ludicrous for 86.5 points to tie for fifth place and just over $1,000 in the first round. He has another reason to smile as he and his wife, Kate welcomed their first child, McKenna Mae to celebrate Valentine’s Day last February. Three-time NFR qualifier, Jordan Spears’, 86-point ride sets him up nicely for returning on Championship Sunday. A CFD win could help the avid outdoorsman make a fourth trip to Las Vegas. He is 22nd in the world standings. Tennessee’s Gray Essary III rode for 85.5-points, just out of the money. Essary was the most successful
bull rider at the 2015 CNFR while competing for Ranger (Texas) College. Illinois cowboy Will Crain made an 85-point ride. It is his second time competing here at the “Daddy of ‘em all.” With just three bull riders having scores on two rides, the door is wide open for qualifying for Championship Sunday here.
Racing:
Steer wrestler Levi Rudd didn’t mind playing in the mud yesterday, especially when his 6.1-second run was worth $5,500. Another time in that range today would vault him to the top of the leaderboard. The Oklahoma cowboy had never placed at the “Daddy of ‘em All” until yesterday. Jacob Talley’s 6.7 in the sloppy mud on Friday was good enough for 5 th place in round one and more than $3,000. Both cowboys just need a solid time today to qualify for Championship Sunday. Four other steer wrestlers have a chance to make Sunday’s field if they can better the times they turned in yesterday. Billy Bugenig and Cody Cabral are both in the top 30 of the world standings and need the boost that winning here can provide to help their bids for the NFR. Blake Mindemann is having the best season of his career. The horse shoer and second generation steer wrestler is seventh and should he win here, his first trip to Las Vegas for rodeo’s championships in December would nearly be guaranteed. Ted Gollaher, who travels with former world champion Hunter Cure, also could compete on Sunday depending on his performance today. Cure and the rest of the field will be motivated by second-round prize money only, since their runs yesterday took them out of the
overall race. Texan Timber Moore will need to be faster than 9.7 seconds today to qualify for Championship Sunday. The six-time NFR qualifier is only ranked 31 st this season, but a CFD championship would give him a huge boost and help him toward another trip to Las Vegas. Since none of the other tie-down ropers had much success on Friday, all of them will be going for second-round money today. Tuf Cooper, the reigning all-around world champ and four-time tie-down roping world champ who’s currently second in the world standings, needs to win some money in this event to solidify his bid for his second CFD all-around championship. He’s leading the overall standings in the steer roping and will compete on Sunday in that event. Ryle Smith is currently ranked third in the world standings, less than $3,500 behind Cooper. First place in the round pays over $6,500 so all of the ropers will be running for that today. Brock Hansen and Ryan Motes finished second in the first round yesterday, so they are the team ropers with the most potential today. Anything close to 10 seconds today will see them at the top of the overall leader board. With a clear forecast and sunshine, expect barrel racing times to speed up today. First round winner and current world champion Nellie Miller competed here in slack on July 16. Then they went home to Cottonwood, California. They will be back here today. Sister, Miller’s horse really likes the set up here, but the mare is consistent and runs well in big arena’s like the one in Frontier Park or in buildings like the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas where Miller won her world championship. Lisa Lockhart, the 2015 champion here will be riding a buckskin horse, most likely Louie that took her to a third-place finish in the first round. She also has a buckskin mare, Rosa, that is extremely fast, but not as consistent as the fan-favorite gelding. The barrel racing leader board is likely to have some shakeups.