July 19-28, 2024

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JULY 27 Results

CHEYENNE, Wyo., July 27, 2023 — Former world champion Shane Hanchey won his first Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo (CFD) tie-down roping championship in 2018. Five years later the Louisiana native is swinging his rope in hopes of catching another title at the “Daddy of ‘em All.”

Although he did not place in the qualifying round at CFD last week, Hanchey won Quarter Finals 6 on Thursday to punch his ticket to Friday’s Semi Final. Another good run on Friday will put him into Championship Sunday for a chance to rope the title.

Hanchey is currently ranked sixth in the world standings and headed to his 14th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Hanchey is fresh off wins this month at St. Paul, Oregon, and Salt Lake City where he earned the gold medal and $10,000.

The judges have scored several bull rides in the 90s at the 127th CFD and Boudreaux Campbell of Crockett, Texas, joined that group with a 90-point effort on Dakota Rodeo’s bull named Melanie’s Dream Thursday at Frontier Park.

Campbell needed a high score to win Quarter Finals 6 and qualify for Friday’s Semi Finals. Bull riders here get two chances to advance to the Semi Finals in consecutive performances. The top six each day earn a Semi Finals berth, and Campbell had bucked off his first bull on Wednesday.

Campbell finished 8th in the Professional Bull Rider’s (PBR) Unleash The Beast Tour in May and has been dividing his time between rodeos and PBR events. He competed in Frontier Park on Monday and Tuesday night as a member of the Carolina Cowboys PBR team.

Thursday’s barrel racing was one of the toughest Quarter Finals in barrel racing with 9 of the 11 cowgirls posting times of under 18 seconds. The quickest run of this fast group was made by Pawhuska, Oklahoma’s Wenda Johnson. Johnson, who has qualified for the past three NFRs, rode her bay gelding Steal Money, nicknamed Mo, to win the day with a time of 17.20.

A nurse practitioner, Johnson earned a doctorate of nursing in the spring of 2021. She works part-time in the emergency department, homeschools her two daughters and helps her rancher husband as well as being one of the top barrel racers in the world.

The first Semi Finals begins Friday at 12:45 when the top six in each event will earn a berth in the final round on Championship Sunday.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 27, 2023)- The following are unofficial results from the Quarter Finals (sixth performance) and Semi Finals qualifiers at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Thursday, July 27. Payoff subject to change.

Bareback Riding: 1, Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Okla., 84.5 points on King Wentz Rodeo’s Red Velvet, $2,448. 2, Leighton Berry, Weatherford, Texas, 83.5, $1,836. 3, (tie) Will Lowe, Amarillo, Texas, and Kaycee Field, Genola, Utah, 83, $918 each.

Breakaway Roping: 1, Bryana Lehrmann, Lexington, Texas, 4.6 seconds, $2.901. 2, Jacelyn Frost, Randlett, Utah, 4.7, $2,176. 3, Amanda Coleman, Stephenville, Texas, 5.1, $1,450. 4, Danielle Lowman, Gilbert, Ariz., 5.3, $725.

Tie Down Roping: 1, Shane Hanchey, Carmine, Texas, 11.2 seconds, $2,000. 2, Marcos Costa, Tolar, Texas, 12.0, $1,500. 3, Luke Potter, Maple City, Kansas, 12.3, , $1,000. 4, Taylor Santos, Creston, Calif., 13.9, $500.

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Karson Mebane, San Luis Obispo, Calif., 85.5 points on Fettig Pro Rodeo’s Good Time Girl, $2,354 . 2, Tegan Smith, Winterset, Iowa, 84, $1,766 . 3, Sterling Crawley, Stephenville, Texas, 83, $1,177. 4, Allen Boore, Axtell, Utah, 83., $589.

Team Roping: 1, Cooper and Tucker James White, Hershey, Neb., 8.1 seconds, $2,000 each; 2, Tyler Wade, Terrell, Texas, and Wesley Thorp, Throckmorton, Texas, 8.2, $1,500 each. 3, (tie) Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Okla., and J.R. Gonzalez, Maypearl, Texas, 9.2, and Erich Rogers, Round Rock, Ariz., and Paul Eaves, Lonedell, Mo., 8.2, $750 each.

Steer Wrestling: 1, Cameron Morman, Glen Ullin, N.D., 5.4 seconds, $2,000. 2, Eli Lord, Sturgis, S.D., 7.9, $1,500. 3, Reed Kraeger, Waco, Neb., 8.0, $1,000. 4, Payden McIntyre., 8.7, $500.

Barrel Racing: 1, Wenda Johnson, Pawhuska, Okla., 17.20 seconds, $2,413. 2, Sue Smith, Blackfoot, Idaho, 17.37, $1,810. 3, Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Okla., 17.44, $1,206. 4, Tara Seaton, Winslow, Ariz., 17.50, $603.

Bull Riding: 1, Boudreax Campbell, Crockett, Texas, 90 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Melanie’s Dream, 86, $2,397. 2, Stetson Wright, Milford, Utah, 86, $1,798. 3, Trey Holston, Fort Scott, Kansas, 84.5, $1,199. 4, Cullen Telfer, Plant City, Fla., 84, $599. Other Semi Finals qualifiers: Ky Hamilton, Mackay, Queensland, Australia, and Lukasey Morris, Union City, Okla.

The following events do not have Semi Finals.

Rookie Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Clancy Glenn, Parma, Idaho, 79. 2, Tayson Jones, Howes, S.D., 75. 3, Slade Keith, Stanfield, Ariz., 73. 4, Nick Joyce, Juntaura, Ore., 69.
Wild Horse Race: 1, Hooligan Inc., $550. 2, Cowboy Chaos, $413. 3, Wagon Burners, $275. 4, Team Agin, $138.

COWBOYS TO WATCH

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

The cream has definitely risen to the top at the 127th Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and it’s only going to get better. The top six contestants in each of the events from the Semi Finals will advance to Sunday’s Championship Finals. Today’s bareback riding features contestants who have won 10 gold buckles. Kaycee Feild has the most at six, but he has yet to win a championship at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Will Lowe is on the roster too. He has three gold buckles and three championships at Frontier Park. Clayton Biglow won the championship here in 2019, the same year that he earned his world title. There are three men that are in contention for the Rookie of the Year title that want to add their names to the history books here, Kade Sonnier, Jacek Lane Frost and Donny Proffit. Proffit hails from the Cowboy State and a win here in his rookie season would really be special. Cole Reiner has come one step closer to his goal of winning the biggest rodeo in his home state when he qualified for the Semi Finals.

Saddle bronc is a full circle moment for the Hay family today. Not only are brothers Dawson and Logan competing, the horse that Dawson is getting on, Pin Cup owned by New Star Pro Rodeo was actually raised by their father Rod in Wildwood, Alberta. Rod won the saddle bronc riding here in 2000 and along with his sons, his nephew Ben Anderson, is also competing today. If any of today’s saddle bronc riders advance and win the title it will be a first-time on the champions podium for them.

There are 14 bull riders that are vying for six spots in Sunday’s championships. Highlighting today are Sage Kimzey and Stetson Wright who went one and two on Wednesday. Stetson is in the lead of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings and Sage is hot on his tail. Sage has won 7 world titles and needs one more to tie for the most gold buckles in that event. Surprisingly, he has yet to win a buckle at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

Shane Proctor won this rodeo in 2011 and went on to win a gold buckle. The bull riding veteran grew up in Washington. He started his college career at Northwest College in Powell and did a lot of fine tuning on his rodeo career at the Cody Nite Rodeo, so even though he now lives in Oklahoma, he has a lot of ties to the cowboy state.

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Shane Hanchey is the only tie-down roper in the field to have a CFD buckle in his trophy collection, but there are several other competitors that have had a lot of success here. Shad Mayfield came here in 2019 after winning the title at the National High School Finals Rodeo and the money he earned here helped him qualify for his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Marcos Costa came to the U.S. from Brazil and competed here while traveling with world champion Stran Smith. He’s never gotten the title but come close on a couple of occasions. He is known for his horsemanship and that is truly an asset in this big arena. Marcos is the 2017 world champion and was the first Brazilian to win a gold buckle in a single event.

Fellow countryman Junior Nogueira won the world all-around title in 2016 roping calves and team roping. He is one of the best heelers ever and has two gold buckles to prove it. He won both of those heeling for Kaleb Driggers who will be on the head end today. They are one of the most exciting teams to watch and if they do well today, expect Junior to ride out of the arena with his trademark smile just like he did during the Quarter Finals. Team roping has been part of the rodeo here since 2001 and the only one of today’s competitors that has made a victory lap as a champion at “the Daddy” is Erich Rogers who won it with Corey Petska in 2017. Today, he is roping with world champion heeler Paul Eaves.

There are two college rodeo coaches competing in steer wrestling today. Kyle Whitaker is the coach at Montana State University and Cameron Moreman recently took a position as the assistant coach at Dickinson State University in North Dakota. Tyler Waguespack has four world titles to his credit but has yet to win a title here.

Wenda Johnson stopped the clock in 17.20 seconds here on Thursday in the women’s barrel racing, one of the fastest times here so far. To make conditions better for barrel racers and their horses, the committee is working the arena after every six runs. Times are expected to be faster after the tractor and equipment come out. Johnson was the sixth out yesterday and will be the second after the tractor today so her time today could be even better.

Taycie Matthews might want to buy land in Wyoming. She won the College National Finals Rodeo in June, then rodeos in Cody and Casper before coming here. She won her Quarter Finals and is looking to add to her winnings in the Cowboy state today.

Today’s breakaway roping promises to be exciting today as well with veterans and seasoned competitors doing their best to stop the clock in under six seconds. Winning runs here have been around four-seconds and we expect to see that in Frontier Park again.

July 26 Results

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

To win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, the stars have to align, and everything has to come together in a contestant’s favor. No one knows that more than Kaycee Feild. The Utah cowboy joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2007 and has been coming here nearly every year since to compete in the bareback riding.

In 2020 he became one of the greatest bareback riders of all time when he tied with Joe Alexander for the most world titles at five. The next year when he won his sixth, he became the G.O.A.T. of the event. And he is far from being done. He is currently 8th in the world standings and is very likely to qualify for his 14th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. One of the things missing from his legendary title is a win at the “Daddy of ‘Em All.” Feild will be trying to change that today.

Another of rodeo’s great bareback riders and one that is very familiar with winning here is Will Lowe. Lowe’s career includes three wins here in 2009, 2012 and 2018. And while he is on the downhill side of his career, he just won the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, showing his young competitors what it’s like to love getting on bucking horses for the long haul. Also look for Tanner Aus who was the 2015 CFD champ.

Yesterday, seven-time world champion bull rider Sage Kimzey had an outstanding ride for the win. He is hoping for a repeat, but Stetson Wright and Ky Hamilton both want to see their names at the top of the leaderboard. Wright was also successful on Wednesday, but Hamilton, who was the 2021 champion here, needs a score to advance to the Semi Finals. So does last year’s champion Brady Portenier. They all get their second opportunity today.

A couple of college champions highlight today’s saddle bronc riders. Shea Fournier from Raceland, Louisiana won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Championship in 2022 for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Damian Brennan from Injune, Queensland tied for the win last June to get the title for Western Texas College.

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Breakaway Roping is definitely the fastest event at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and it will be tough on Thursday. Along with many-time world champion Jackie Crawford, there are several National Finals Breakaway Roping Qualifiers. Crawford has led the charge to have breakaway a part of rodeos and has helped with the increased popularity. It’s been part of CFD three times and these women are leaving their mark here. Watch for Kelsie Domer, Cheyanne Guillory, and Danielle Lowman to all take chances to be fast.

Last year, Cheyenne’s rodeo made a big difference for Leslie Smalygo’s season and she needs that to happen again. While she didn’t win first, she earned enough at Frontier Park to secure her first NFR qualification. Fans will remember she dyed her hair red because she needed to “run like my hair was on fire.” The strategy worked and that became her trademark for the rest of the season.

Smalygo finished second behind Andrea Busby a year ago and will compete against her today. And never count out Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister.” The four-time world champion and 2021 champion here will be the final barrel racer to have an opportunity to advance to the Semi Finals.

Shane Hanchey, the 2018 CFD and former world champion, comes to Frontier Park fresh from a big win on Sunday at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. He’s notched some big wins this summer and would love to add another Cheyenne win to his trophy case. 2017 World Champion Marcos Costa is currently just outside the top 20 in the standings and doing well here could help boost the Brazilian to his fifth NFR.

Keep your eye out for anyone named Bridger in the steer wrestling. North Dakota’s Bridger Anderson is aiming for his second NFR and is currently ranked in the top 10 while Montana’s Bridger Chambers is just outside the top 20. He’s been to two NFRs and runs a business training drug dogs with his father. Don’t overlook reigning CFD co-champion Justin Shaffer or Louisiana’s Remey Parrott, whose brother Rowdy won his Quarter Finals earlier this week.

Today’s team roping features a pair of former CFD champion headers – Eric Rogers, who won here in 2017 the same year he won his world title, and Tyler Wade who was the 2016 champ. Rogers, who’s been to 11 NFRs and is currently ranked ninth, will rope with two-time world champion heeler Paul Eaves who’s looking for his first CFD title. Wade has been to five NFRs and is ranked 23rd. He’ll rope with 2019 world champion heeler Wesley Thorp who has made seven trips to the NFR. Regional favorites Kellan and Carson Johnson of Casper won the 2022 college national championship representing Casper College’s team coached by their dad Jhett.

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

To win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, the stars have to align, and everything has to come together in a contestant’s favor. No one knows that more than Kaycee Feild. The Utah cowboy joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2007 and has been coming here nearly every year since to compete in the bareback riding.

In 2020 he became one of the greatest bareback riders of all time when he tied with Joe Alexander for the most world titles at five. The next year when he won his sixth, he became the G.O.A.T. of the event. And he is far from being done. He is currently 8th in the world standings and is very likely to qualify for his 14th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. One of the things missing from his legendary title is a win at the “Daddy of ‘Em All.” Feild will be trying to change that today.

Another of rodeo’s great bareback riders and one that is very familiar with winning here is Will Lowe. Lowe’s career includes three wins here in 2009, 2012 and 2018. And while he is on the downhill side of his career, he just won the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, showing his young competitors what it’s like to love getting on bucking horses for the long haul. Also look for Tanner Aus who was the 2015 CFD champ.

Yesterday, seven-time world champion bull rider Sage Kimzey had an outstanding ride for the win. He is hoping for a repeat, but Stetson Wright and Ky Hamilton both want to see their names at the top of the leaderboard. Wright was also successful on Wednesday, but Hamilton, who was the 2021 champion here, needs a score to advance to the Semi Finals. So does last year’s champion Brady Portenier. They all get their second opportunity today.

A couple of college champions highlight today’s saddle bronc riders. Shea Fournier from Raceland, Louisiana won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Championship in 2022 for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Damian Brennan from Injune, Queensland tied for the win last June to get the title for Western Texas College.

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Breakaway Roping is definitely the fastest event at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and it will be tough on Thursday. Along with many-time world champion Jackie Crawford, there are several National Finals Breakaway Roping Qualifiers. Crawford has led the charge to have breakaway a part of rodeos and has helped with the increased popularity. It’s been part of CFD three times and these women are leaving their mark here. Watch for Kelsie Domer, Cheyanne Guillory, and Danielle Lowman to all take chances to be fast.

Last year, Cheyenne’s rodeo made a big difference for Leslie Smalygo’s season and she needs that to happen again. While she didn’t win first, she earned enough at Frontier Park to secure her first NFR qualification. Fans will remember she dyed her hair red because she needed to “run like my hair was on fire.” The strategy worked and that became her trademark for the rest of the season.

Smalygo finished second behind Andrea Busby a year ago and will compete against her today. And never count out Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister.” The four-time world champion and 2021 champion here will be the final barrel racer to have an opportunity to advance to the Semi Finals.

Shane Hanchey, the 2018 CFD and former world champion, comes to Frontier Park fresh from a big win on Sunday at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. He’s notched some big wins this summer and would love to add another Cheyenne win to his trophy case. 2017 World Champion Marcos Costa is currently just outside the top 20 in the standings and doing well here could help boost the Brazilian to his fifth NFR.

Keep your eye out for anyone named Bridger in the steer wrestling. North Dakota’s Bridger Anderson is aiming for his second NFR and is currently ranked in the top 10 while Montana’s Bridger Chambers is just outside the top 20. He’s been to two NFRs and runs a business training drug dogs with his father. Don’t overlook reigning CFD co-champion Justin Shaffer or Louisiana’s Remey Parrott, whose brother Rowdy won his Quarter Finals earlier this week.

Today’s team roping features a pair of former CFD champion headers – Eric Rogers, who won here in 2017 the same year he won his world title, and Tyler Wade who was the 2016 champ. Rogers, who’s been to 11 NFRs and is currently ranked ninth, will rope with two-time world champion heeler Paul Eaves who’s looking for his first CFD title. Wade has been to five NFRs and is ranked 23rd. He’ll rope with 2019 world champion heeler Wesley Thorp who has made seven trips to the NFR. Regional favorites Kellan and Carson Johnson of Casper won the 2022 college national championship representing Casper College’s team coached by their dad Jhett.

COWBOYS TO WATCH

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

To win the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, the stars have to align, and everything has to come together in a contestant’s favor. No one knows that more than Kaycee Feild. The Utah cowboy joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in 2007 and has been coming here nearly every year since to compete in the bareback riding.

In 2020 he became one of the greatest bareback riders of all time when he tied with Joe Alexander for the most world titles at five. The next year when he won his sixth, he became the G.O.A.T. of the event. And he is far from being done. He is currently 8th in the world standings and is very likely to qualify for his 14th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. One of the things missing from his legendary title is a win at the “Daddy of ‘Em All.” Feild will be trying to change that today.

Another of rodeo’s great bareback riders and one that is very familiar with winning here is Will Lowe. Lowe’s career includes three wins here in 2009, 2012 and 2018. And while he is on the downhill side of his career, he just won the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho, showing his young competitors what it’s like to love getting on bucking horses for the long haul. Also look for Tanner Aus who was the 2015 CFD champ.

Yesterday, seven-time world champion bull rider Sage Kimzey had an outstanding ride for the win. He is hoping for a repeat, but Stetson Wright and Ky Hamilton both want to see their names at the top of the leaderboard. Wright was also successful on Wednesday, but Hamilton, who was the 2021 champion here, needs a score to advance to the Semi Finals. So does last year’s champion Brady Portenier. They all get their second opportunity today.

A couple of college champions highlight today’s saddle bronc riders. Shea Fournier from Raceland, Louisiana won the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association Championship in 2022 for McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Damian Brennan from Injune, Queensland tied for the win last June to get the title for Western Texas College. Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Breakaway Roping is definitely the fastest event at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo and it will be tough on Thursday. Along with many-time world champion Jackie Crawford, there are several National Finals Breakaway Roping Qualifiers. Crawford has led the charge to have breakaway a part of rodeos and has helped with the increased popularity. It’s been part of CFD three times and these women are leaving their mark here. Watch for Kelsie Domer, Cheyanne Guillory, and Danielle Lowman to all take chances to be fast.

Last year, Cheyenne’s rodeo made a big difference for Leslie Smalygo’s season and she needs that to happen again. While she didn’t win first, she earned enough at Frontier Park to secure her first NFR qualification. Fans will remember she dyed her hair red because she needed to “run like my hair was on fire.” The strategy worked and that became her trademark for the rest of the season.

Smalygo finished second behind Andrea Busby a year ago and will compete against her today. And never count out Hailey Kinsel and DM Sissy Hayday “Sister.” The four-time world champion and 2021 champion here will be the final barrel racer to have an opportunity to advance to the Semi Finals.

Shane Hanchey, the 2018 CFD and former world champion, comes to Frontier Park fresh from a big win on Sunday at the Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo in Salt Lake City. He’s notched some big wins this summer and would love to add another Cheyenne win to his trophy case. 2017 World Champion Marcos Costa is currently just outside the top 20 in the standings and doing well here could help boost the Brazilian to his fifth NFR.

Keep your eye out for anyone named Bridger in the steer wrestling. North Dakota’s Bridger Anderson is aiming for his second NFR and is currently ranked in the top 10 while Montana’s Bridger Chambers is just outside the top 20. He’s been to two NFRs and runs a business training drug dogs with his father. Don’t overlook reigning CFD co-champion Justin Shaffer or Louisiana’s Remey Parrott, whose brother Rowdy won his Quarter Finals earlier this week.

Today’s team roping features a pair of former CFD champion headers – Eric Rogers, who won here in 2017 the same year he won his world title, and Tyler Wade who was the 2016 champ. Rogers, who’s been to 11 NFRs and is currently ranked ninth, will rope with two-time world champion heeler Paul Eaves who’s looking for his first CFD title. Wade has been to five NFRs and is ranked 23rd. He’ll rope with 2019 world champion heeler Wesley Thorp who has made seven trips to the NFR. Regional favorites Kellan and Carson Johnson of Casper won the 2022 college national championship representing Casper College’s team coached by their dad Jhett.

July 24 Results

CHEYENNE, Wyo., July 24, 2023 — Canadian Dawson Hay started July by becoming the third member of his family to win the saddle bronc riding at the Calgary Stampede. His goal is to end the month by winning the family’s second Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) bronc riding championship.

He took the first step to that goal by winning Quarter Finals 3 with the highest score thus far this year. He rode Dakota Rodeo’s consistent bucking mare Cover Girl for 88.5 points.

Hay, who is known for not waiting for the pickup men to dismount after a successful ride, is currently riding with torn ligaments in his ankle that require a walking boot when he’s not on a bronc.

The three-time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier is currently ranked seventh in the standings and is in good shape for a fourth trip to Las Vegas in December. His win today advances him to the Semi Finals this weekend. His older brother Logan tied for first in Quarter Finals 1 on Sunday and will join Dawson in the Semi Finals.

Barrel racer Jessica Routier of Buffalo, S.D., and her palomino mare Fiery Miss West, known as Missy, took first in the barrel racing with a time of 17.69. Routier, a mom of five, has qualified for every NFR since 2018. She is currently ranked in the top 10 with a good chance to continue her NFR streak.

Landon Beardworth of Red Deer County, Alberta, may not be a household name but he wrestled his steer to the ground in 5.7 seconds to win Quarter Finals 3. That tied for the second-fastest run so far at the 127th Daddy of ‘em All. He bested 2019 world champion Ty Erickson and 2022 college champion Walt Arnold for Monday’s win.

Quarter Finals 4 begins on Tuesday at 12:45 where new contestants in every event except bull riding will vie for spots in the Semi Finals.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 24, 2023)- The following are unofficial results from the Quarter Finals (third performance) and Semi Finals qualifiers at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Monday, July 24. Payoff subject to change.

Bareback Riding: 1, Mark Kreder, Claremore, Okla., 86.5 points on Stace Smith Rodeo’s Mr. Harry, $2,448. 2, Tristan Hansen, Dillon, Mont., 83.5, $1,836. 3, Trevar McAlester, Ronan, Mont., 81, $1,224. 4, Ben Kramer, Max, N.D., 80.5, $612.

Breakaway Roping: 1, Laramie Johnson, Shreveport, La., 4.4 seconds, $2.901. 2, Tammy Barnes, Larkspur, Colo., 4.5, $2,176. 3, K.L. Collmorgen, Lysite, Wyo., 5.0, $1,450. 4, Misti Brown, Valentine, Neb., 5.4, $725.

Tie Down Roping: 1, Trent Creager, Stillwater, Okla., 11.3 seconds, $2,000. 2, Tyson Durfey, Millsap, Texas, 13.1, $1,500. 3, Kalai Nobriga, Kealakekua, Hawaii, 14.1 , $1,000. 4, Carsyn Sunvision, McDade, Texas, $500.

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Dawson Hay, Wildwood, Alberta, 88.5 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Cover Girl, $ 2,354 . 2, (tie) Cameron Messier, Herald, Calif., and Zac Dallas, Las Cruces, N.M., 86 points, $1,471 each. 4, Cole Elshere, Faith, S.D., 84, $589.

Team Roping: 1, (tie) Miles Kobold, Huntley, Mont., and Cole Sherwood, San Tan Valley, Ariz.; and Mitch Barney, Blair, Neb., and J.W. Nelson, Alta, Iowa, 9.4 seconds, $1,750 each. 3, (tie) Clayton Van Aken, Yoder, Wyo., and Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo.; Curry Kirchner, Ames, Okla., and Billie Jack Saebens, Nowata, Okla.; and Teagan Bentley, Casper, Wyo., and Hunter Karlson, Garrison, N.D., 9.7, $500 each.

Steer Wrestling: 1, Landon Beardworth, Red Deer County, Alberta, Canada, 5.7 seconds, $2,000. 2, Walt Arnold, Coleman, Texas, 6.2, $1,500. 3, Ty Erickson, Helena, Mont., 7.3, $1,000. 4, Billy Boldon, Oglala, S.D., 8.1, $500.

Barrel Racing: 1, Jessica Routier, Buffalo, S.D., 17.69 seconds, $2,413. 2, Cheyenne Allan, Mabton, Wash., 17.97, $1,810. 3, Manchi Nace, Laurel, Mont., 17.99, $1,206. 4, Tracy Nowlin, Nowata, Okla., 18.02, $603.

Bull Riding: 1, Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho, 88 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Touch and Go, $2,397. 2, Canyon Bass, Johnson City, Texas, 87, $1,798. 3, Kase Hitt, Ardmore, Okla., 86, $1,199. 4, Conner Murnion, Jordan, Mont., 84.5, $599. Other Semi Finals qualifiers: Grayson Cole, Fredonia, Pa., 83, and Junior Souza, Sonora, Brazil, 81.5.

The following events do not have Semi Finals.

Rookie Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Lavern Borntreger, Elsmere, Neb., 79 points. 2, Jacob Benham, Dodge City, Kan., 70. 3, Carter Sandberg, Casper, Wyo., 62.
Wild Horse Race: No finishers

COWBOYS TO WATCH

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

If you think the rough stock events at Cheyenne Frontier Days have been exciting so far, pull down your hat. The fourth performance is stacked with talent, especially in the saddle bronc riding. At the top of the list is hometown favorite and three-time Frontier Days champion Brody Cress.

Add four members of the famous saddle bronc riding Wright Family and another four Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and finding the four that advance from the Quarter Finals to the Semi Finals could be a real challenge for the judges. If the fourth position finds more than one person in it, all of those that are tied will advance.

Canada will be well represented in the bareback riding again with nearly half of the competitors coming from north of the border. The lone rider from Quebec is Pascal Isabelle who is one of the few rodeo competitors who is fluent in French. Orin Larsen grew up in Manitoba and has been competing in rodeos in both countries since 2010. He also came to Twin Falls, Idaho, to junior college then transferred to Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He won college championships for both of those institutions. He won the championship in Frontier Park in 2010 and has been to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo nine times. He is coming off a big win last Sunday in Salinas, California, and hoping the momentum keeps him winning.

Kody Lamb is another College National Finals Rodeo competitor who is trying to qualify for the NFR for the first time. Lamb grew up in Alberta and when it came time to further his education chose Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, where he earned his masters’ degree. When he’s not climbing aboard bucking horses, he can be found with a guitar and writes and sings about the cowboy way of life.

Yesterday’s bull riders are making their second appearance. Eight of them got scores and those top six have secured their spot in the Semi Finals. The rest of the field will be doing their best to ride for another eight seconds and add their names to the rosters on Friday and Saturday.

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

The tie-down roping is also star-studded today. The field includes former world champions Haven Meged, Monty Lewis and Shad Mayfield as well as 2023 world standings leader Riley Webb. Webb, Mayfield and Meged are ranked 1-2-3 in the current standings with Webb leading over Mayfield by nearly $80,000.

The second time that the “Daddy of ‘em All” hosted breakaway roping, a South Dakota cowgirl walked away with the title. Sawyer Gilbert won the breakaway championship in 2021 helping her qualify for the National Finals Breakaway Roping that season in second place. Then she came from behind to win the world championship and the finals championship. Reigning CFD co-champion Tiffany Schieck also competes today as does reigning Women’s Professional Rodeo Association world champion Martha Angelone.

Three-time world champion heeler Jade Corkill has won four CFD team roping championships. The first one was with Chad Masters in 2009, then in 2021 with Clay Smith. In 2013, and again last year he and Clay Tryan got to take the victory laps. In the 21 years that team roping has been part of CFD, Corkill has won nearly a fifth of the heeling titles. A win this year with Cody Snow would cement his place in the CFD record books. Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins II (ranked fifth in heading and fourth in heeling respectively) have ties to Wyoming. In 2019 they married sisters who grew up in Laramie.

Arkansas barrel racer Taycie Matthews barely missed last year’s NFR and is aiming to do so this season. In June she won the college national championship for the University of West Alabama and on Sunday she took first at California Rodeo in Salinas. Lisa Lockhart, won this rodeo in 2015 aboard her great horse Louie. She’s had success here on Rosa and will likely be riding her speed demon gray gelding “Levee” here today. She is a 15-time NFR qualifier and money won in Frontier Park has helped her secure several of those qualifications.

In 2010, Canadian Curtis Cassidy won the all-around championship here roping calves and steer wrestling. It’s a favorite win of the eight-time NFR qualifier as it is the only buckle awarded that says cowboy on it. He is only entered in the steer wrestling this year and has the horse power to get him or one of his buddies the title. His horse Tyson is a two-time AQHA horse of the year. Jesse Brown, who is second in the world standings will also be riding Cassidy’s horse.

NFR qualifier Dakota Eldridge is 13th in the world standings, lower in the standings than he is comfortable with. He is a two-time NFR champion as well for having the fastest total time on 10 head. A gold buckle and a buckle from Cheyenne have eluded the talented athlete. A good run here today could change all of that.

July 23 Results

Bareback rider Tim O’Connell has already done that and after his success here on Sunday in Quarter Finals 2, he is on track to be the only contestant in his event to win the “Daddy of ‘em All” four times. If O’Connell, from Zwingle, Iowa, does that he will also be the first bareback rider to win the title three consecutive times after earning it in 2021 and 2022.

O’Connell’s winning ride on Sunday came aboard Stace Smith Rodeo’s horse named Mr. Harry. His score of 86.5 points put him at the top of the board and added nearly $2,500 to his earnings. Prior to Cheyenne’s rodeo he was fifth in the world standings and is on track to qualify for his tenth Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with his eye on a fourth world championship. Money he earns here will help him work toward both of those goals.

Two contestants that have already had success in the Cowboy State this month are continuing that trajectory here, and they are both from Oklahoma. Cannon Cravens, from Porum, posted the highest marked ride in the bull riding so far at 91.5 points earning him a spot in the Semi Finals. He won the Xtreme Bulls competition in Cody and he will be back here for the Semi Finals.

Also punching her ticket to the Semi Finals was barrel racer Paige Jones from Wayne. Jones had the fastest time in Frontier Park on Sunday at 17.52 seconds. Jones won the Cody Stampede over the Fourth-of-July and then won the Central Wyoming Fair in Casper. She also placed in qualifying rounds here. Since July 4th, she has earned a whopping $27,230 in the Cowboy State.

Steer wrestler Rowdy Parrott grew up in the bayous of Louisiana at Mamou before moving to Bellville, Texas. He has become a fan favorite in the big man’s event simply because he is not the biggest. At 5 feet 11 inches and maybe weighing 180 pounds, he is one of the smaller athletes in this event. What he lacks in size he makes up in talent and determination.

He proved that in Frontier Park on Sunday when he brought a 600-pound steer to the ground in 5.4 seconds. Not only was that the fastest time of the day, it also earned him $2,000 and punched his ticket to the Semi Finals.

Quarter Finals 3 begins on Monday at 12:45 where new contestants in every event will be vying for their spots in the Semi Finals. It is a special performance that salutes all military.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 23, 2023)- The following are unofficial results from the Quarter Finals (second performance) at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Sunday, July 23. Payoff subject to change.

Oklahoma barrel racer Paige Jones has been winning across Wyoming this month with wins in Cody and Casper. She continued that streak with a win in Quarter Finals 2 of Cheyenne Frontier Days with a time of 17.52 seconds to advance to the Semi Finals next week at Frontier Park. PRCA photo by Jackie JensenCHEYENNE, Wyo. (July 23, 2023)- The following are unofficial results from the Quarter Finals (second performance) at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo on Sunday, July 23. Payoff subject to change.

Bareback Riding: 1, Tim O’Connell, Zwingle, Iowa, 86.5 points on Stace Smith Rodeo’s Mr. Harry, $2,448. 2, Tristan Hansen, Dillon, Mont., 83.5, $1,836. 3, Trevar McAlester, Ronan, Mont., 81, $1,224. 4, Ben Kramer, Max, N.D., 80.5, $622.

Breakaway Roping: 1, (tie) Brooke Winward, Grace, Idaho, and KeAnn Hayes, Blanchard, Okla., 5.0, seconds $2,538 each. 3, Jenna Dallyn, Nanton, Alberta, Canada, 5.2, $1,450. 4, (tie) Brandy Schaack, Chadron, Neb., and Kennedy Buckner, Redmond, Ore., 5.4, $363 each.

Tie Down Roping: 1, J.D. McCuiston, Estes Park, Colo., 11.2 seconds, $2,000. 2, Joe Keating, Sour Lake, Texas, 12.8, $1,500. 3, Rafe Wientjes, Onida, S.D. , $1,000. 4, King Pickett, Weatherford, Texas, $500.

Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, (tie) Chris Williams, Greybull, Wyo., on Dakota Rodeo’s Little Sicillia, and Rosey Rosendahl, Meeker, Colo., on Stace Smith Rodeo’s Exposed Vegas, 79.5 points, $2,060 each. 3, (tie) Dylan Hancock, Clarendon, Texas, and Kole Ashbacher, Arrowwood, Alberta, Canada, 79, $883 each.

Team Roping: 1, Rowdy Jones, Tupelo, Okla., and Gage Williams, Foster, Okla., 8.8 seconds, $2,000 each. 2, Coleman Proctor, Pryor, Okla., and Logan Medlin, Tatum, N.M., 9.0, $ 1,500 each. 3, Walt Arnold, Midway, Texas, and Michael Profili, Jacksonville, Texas, 9.2, $1,000 each. 4, Corben Cullen, Muse, Okla., and Blayne Horne, McAlester, Okla., 14.1, $500 each.

Steer Wrestling: 1, Rowdy Parrott, Bellville, Texas, 5.4, $2,000. 2, Tate Petrak, Martin, S.D., 6.2, $1,500. 3, Tyler Waguespack, Gonzales, La., 6.4, $1,000. 4, Emmett Edler, State Center, Iowa., 6.5, $500.

Barrel Racing: 1, Paige Jones, Wayne, Okla., 17.52 seconds, $2,354. 2, Michelle Darling, Medford, Okla., 17.62, $1,765. 3, Shyann Lucas, Jackson, Wyo., 17.93, $1,177. 4, Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas, 17.94, $588.

Bull Riding: 1, Cannon Cravens, Porum, Okla., 91.5 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Little Bit Crazy, $2,397. 2, Ernie Courson, Jr., Okeechobee, Fla., 89, $1,798. 3, Brody Yeary, Morgan Mill, Texas, $1,199. 4, Mazinho Jeremias Sousa, 86, $599.

Rookie Saddle Bronc Riding: 1, Coleman Shallbetter, Gunnison, Colo., 82. 2, Tanna Ireland, Australia, 72. 3, Ben Kukowski, Kaycee, Wyo., 70. 4, Caleb Meeks, Geraldine, Mont., 69.

Ladies Ranch Saddle Bronc Riding World Championship: (tie) 1, Bee Underwood, Douglas, Wyo., and Allysa Spierings, Carthage, Mo., 76 points. 3, Pearl Kersey, Millarville, Alberta, Canada, 71. 4, Ilona Bercx, Westerlo, Antwerp, Belguim, 70. (total on two) 1, Spierings, 152 points (world champion), 2 Bercx, 141. (reserve world champion).

Wild Horse Race: 1, Team Ice, $550. 2, CLS Team, $412.50.

COWBOYS TO WATCH

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding

Saddle bronc riding is known as the classic event of rodeo and was one of the first included in Cheyenne Frontier Day’s rodeo. Today’s event promises to be exciting with second-generation stars making a bid for their own CFD buckle.

Zeke Thurston from Big Valley, Alberta is one of the winningest bronc riders going down the road today. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier is currently third in the world standings. He has three world titles to his credit including the one he earned in Las Vegas last December. Zeke is following in his father’s footsteps and they both have Wyoming ties. He went to college in Sheridan. His father Skeeter Thurston went to Casper. While Zeke has earned titles across the U.S. and Canada, CFD’s has eluded him. Skeeter never won the saddle bronc riding here either, but he did win the rookie bronc riding in 1982.

Rod Hay won this rodeo in 2000 and now he has two sons trying to get that buckle for the family. Logan rode in the first performance and is advancing to the Semi Finals. Today it is Dawson’s turn. The three-time NFR qualifier is coming off of a big win at the Calgary Stampede and is hoping that momentum continues at Frontier Park. He is currently fifth in the world standings and will be working towards the family’s first gold buckle at the NFR in December.

Also look for Wild West Wade Sundell to make his mark in the arena. Sundell tied for the title here in 2013 and would like to see his name alone at the top of the leaderboard. Sundell has been riding bucking horses in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association since 2007 and a stop at CFD has been part of his schedule for most of those years. He is among the top 40 in the world standings and a win here could give him a big boost.

Jess Pope is the reigning world champion bareback rider after finishing third in 2020 and second in 2021. Pope, from Waverly, Kansas, went to school at Missouri Valley College which has produced the likes of Tim O’Connell and Tanner Aus. He is currently 12th in the world standings and has some ground to make up. A win here would add his name to the list of MVU athletes that have won titles here. He is known for his positive outlook and lives by the saying, “The view from the windshield is a lot bigger than the one from the rearview mirror.”

Today’s bull riding sees the second group of contestants making the first of two performances. Among them is the reigning and two-time college champion Tristan Hutchings. Hutchings also qualified for last years’ NFR and finished third in the world standings. He is currently eighth in the world and is on track to be back in Vegas in December.

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Rodeo action at Frontier Park started on July 15th with qualifying competition. That was where a jaw-dropping record-setting tie-down roping run was set on Monday, July 17. Tyler Milligan from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, stopped the clock in 9.3 seconds and won $5,172 to jump start his Cheyenne Frontier Days. Milligan is riding a mare that he bought from Ryan Thibodeaux who tied for the win here last year with Cory Solomon who is also competing here today. Tyson Durfey, the 2016 world champion is also in the mix. He has cut back his rodeos and is working as a coach and mentor for rodeo athletes.

Linsay Rosser Sumpter is playing double duty in her rodeo career. The Fowler, Colorado, resident has qualified for the Quarter Finals in breakaway roping, a spot she is very thankful to be in. She also has two full-time jobs, first as a rodeo coach at Otero Junior College in La Junta, Colorado and also as the commissioner of Women’s Rodeo World Championships which are produced in part by the Professional Bull Riders. Sumpter has made the finals here before and is looking to be there again this year.

Jess Tierney, another rodeo coach, has also advanced to the Quarter Finals in team roping. He oversees the rodeo program at Western Oklahoma State College. He will be roping here today with Jett Hillman who grew up in Sterling, Colorado, and now also lives in Oklahoma.

Barrel racing will see former NFR qualifier Tracy Nowlin who has been known for years for training her own horses. She will be on one of those today, a mare known as Dolly that she found on Facebook as a rope horse prospect for her son. When that didn’t work out, she followed her instincts and started her on barrels. Dolly is the mare that she went to the NFR on. She is 36th in the world standings and a win here would improve that position significantly. The rodeo committee is working hard here to keep ground conditions even and safe for barrel racers and are working the ground midway through the competition daily. Jessica Routier will be running at the top of the ground after the drag and we expect her to have a fast time. Routier is a former college champion and has qualified for the NFR for five consecutive years. Her qualifications started in 2018 and have come aboard Fiery Miss West, a 12-year-old mare known as Missy.

Steer wrestling is always exciting at Frontier Park and today promises to live up to its reputation. Along with several up and comers, the 2019 world champion Ty Erickson from Montana has yet to win a title here. Erickson was 6.1 in the qualifying competition and added $2,991 to his earnings. One of those rising stars is Walt Arnold, the 2022 college champion. He competed at the CNFR representing Tarleton State University shortly after graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice.

CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY NOTES

  • Reigning CFD Champions who will be defending their titles today include saddle bronc riding, Stetson Wright; bareback riding, Tim O’Connell; steer roping, Cole Patterson; and team roping heeler, Jade Corkill who won with Clay Smith last year and is roping with Clay Tryan who he won the title with here in 2013.
  • Jade Corkill has won three CFD team roping titles with three different partners. No other team roper has had as much success in Frontier Park as he has since they added the event in 2001. He won in 2009 with Chad Masters who also advanced to today’s rodeo roping with Paul Eaves.
  • Today’s team roping will feature more world championships than any other event at 13. In the heading, Clay Tryan has three, Matt Sherwood and Chad Masters have two and Erich Rogers has one. Paul Eaves has won two in the heeling and Jade Corkill has three.
  • Coleman Proctor is the favorite to win the all-around championship here. He leads the steer roping and has already won money in that event and the team roping. He didn’t advance past the Quarter-Finals in the team roping.
  • Taycie Matthews had the fastest run of the College National Finals Rodeo in the barrel racing last June. She is at the top of the ground after the drag, a position that has seen a lot of women excelling at here. She is second in the WPRA Rookie Standings. Presley Smith is third and is the first competitor here today. They are in contention for their first NFR qualifications and today could be a game changer for both young women.
  • Ty Pope won the college title in the bareback riding and is waiting to make a commitment to Pro Rodeo until next year. He plans on going back to school next fall, then making a run for the Resistol Rookie of the Year title in 2023. He was in a three-way tie for sixth place and the rodeo is taking them all in the bareback riding.
  • CFD’s titles are prestigious for several reasons, the history, the legacy and the money for certain. They are also some of the hardest to win. The Myers family has multiple world championships to their credit, but none of them have ever won here. Cash Myers has a chance to change that today with a win in the steer roping.
  • Ora Taton won the steer roping here in 2000. If he has the fast time today, he will go down in history as having the most time between multiple titles.
  • Katie Pascoe could be a second-generation winner if she does well in the barrel racing today. The wife of former NFL football player, Bear Pascoe is the daughter of world champion steer wrestler John W. Jones who won the championship here in 1988 and 1989.
  • In the bull riding Trey Kimzey is the younger brother of seven-time world champion Sage Kimzey. Josh Frost’s older brother Joe Frost is a multiple time NFR qualifier. Trey and Josh have watched their brothers win at rodeos across the country, but never here. Today it’s the younger brothers’ opportunity to gain some family bragging rights.
  • Breakaway roper Lynn Smith is a college rodeo coach at Cochise College in Arizona. Prior to starting at Arizona, she was at Central Wyoming College in Riverton. She has mentored many young women across the nation in the goat tying and is taking advantage of opportunities for breakaway ropers.
  • Jennifer Canik could be the second member of her family to win a championship here. She was in her twenties when her older brother Stephen Canik won the steer wrestling in 1997 and qualified for the NFR. She was the national all-around women’s champion in high school.

RODEO CONTESTANTS TO WATCH

Rough Stock Events – Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding:

Today is the final opportunity for any contestant to advance to Sunday’s Championship Finals. In the bareback riding, there are a bunch of rising stars including Rocker Steiner who just won the Calgary Stampede, is leading the Resistol Rookie of the Year race and is headed to his first NFR. The high school reserve champion, Jacek Frost is also on the list as well as Keenan Hayes who did well here the first time he entered, in 2021. Tim O’Connell will be trying to win his third CFD championship. He is the reigning champ. Other NFR qualifiers Caleb Bennett and Tilden Hooper will be doing their best to finish among the top half of the contestants and stay here through Sunday’s rodeo.

The reigning saddle bronc riding champion Stetson Wright will be here along with former champion Wade Sundell and Stetson’s older brother Ryder. Wyoming native Tanner Butner could have the ride of his life today. Butner who lives at Daniel is in the 15th spot in the world standings. If he is among the top six today and advances to Sunday, he would be the first Wyoming resident to win a saddle bronc riding title here since 2005 when Bryce Miller won it. Butner is a native. Miller claimed Wyoming as home while he was competing and spent much of his time with the Forbes family at Kaycee. Regardless, Butner is proud to represent the “Cowboy State,” and will be doing his best to keep the bronc riding title at home.

There is only one former CFD champ in the bull riding and it happens to be Ky Hamilton who won here last year. The native of Australia is traveling with Stetson Wright who came up short in this event. Garrett Smith has done well here almost every year he has competed and this year is no exception. The former high school rodeo all-around champion loves the western atmosphere and the big open arena. Cody Teel won the world title in 2015, the same year he got married. He is now a father, and while his focus has been on the PBR, he is very grateful to be doing well here and wants that momentum to continue today. He has been to the NFR five times, and has countless wins to his credit, but has yet to get the prestigious buckle from the “Daddy.”

Timed Events – Steer Wrestling, Team, Tie-Down, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing

Riley Webb is extremely happy he had the opportunity to compete at Cheyenne Frontier Days. The tie-down roper from Denton, Texas is one spot out of the top 15 that qualify for the NFR. That could change today. Riley is less than $1,000 out of the top 15 and is leading the Resistol Rookie of the Year race. He could increase his lead in that category and put himself in better position in the world standings with a win here.

Haven Meged grew up in Miles City, Montana, working cattle and basically being a working cowboy. Those skills have transferred over to the arena where he is one of the top tie-down ropers. The 2019 college and world champion will be trying to win his first CFD title. Tyson Durfey is another world champion hoping to cash in here. Durfey is a social media influencer that mentors others and is always looking for ways to improve.

Today’s team roping will see Paul David Tierney trying to win a title here and go down in history as the first from his rodeo family. His father, Paul Tierney, is a former world champion, his brother Jess will be here on Sunday in the steer roping. At the end of Sunday’s rodeo, there could be some bragging rights at stake. Chad Masters won the team roping here in 2009 with Jade Corkill who has already qualified for Sunday’s championships. This year Chad is roping with Paul Eaves. Both have two world championships to their credit and can be a very exciting team to watch.

Most of the fans won’t recognize Turner Harris who will be heading for Matt Kasner. Harris comes from a ranching family in North Dakota, mainly goes to circuit rodeos, but loves Cheyenne. He has roped here multiple times and has made the final round nearly every time he has come to Cheyenne. The big arena, long score and big cattle are perfect for this ranch cowboy.

The steer wrestling is full of talent starting with Trell Etbauer who is in the top 25 in the world standings, is a former all-around here and is trying to be the first of his bronc riding family to qualify for the NFR in a timed event. A win here would give him a significant boost in the standings and get his children each a buckle from the “Daddy.” Will Lummus is second in the world standings and is looking for his first gold buckle. The four-time NFR qualifier knows what it takes to be an athlete and take care of his body. His wife is a pharmacist and he is a certified physical therapist.

The reigning college champion is hoping to turn his professional season around here today. Walt Arnold won the title in Casper in June and is 43rd in the world. If he is among the top 6 today and advances to Sunday’s finals, he could win a college title and CFD championship the same year just like J.D. Struxness did in 2016. Struxness is also in the field and looking for his second CFD buckle

Taylor Hanchey was the first woman to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo racing and the National Finals Breakaway Roping. She competed in barrel racing in 2013 and 2015, but prior to 2013 considered herself more of a roper than a barrel racer. She hasn’t found her next great barrel racing horse, so she began roping again and qualified in breakaway last season. Her husband Shane won the tie-down roping title here in 2018 and she’d love to add her own to the family trophy room. Bradi Good qualified for the Finals last year in both breakaway and barrel racing. She missed the cutoff in barrels this year but has another shot in breakaway. Her dad Shay Good won the CFD steer roping title in 2015.

Lisa Lockhart was the barrel racing champion here at in 2015. She’s qualified for 15 consecutive and the South Dakota native is always a fan favorite. She is 23rd in the world standings and any money she wins here will help her get to a 16th NFR. Another fan favorite is Emily Beisel. The Oklahoman has qualified for the last three NFRs and rides horses that are known for their calm demeanor at the start. Shy-Anne Jarrett and her husband, tie-down roper Ryan Jarrett, are both competing today. Shy-Anne is in the barrel racing and Ryan is in the tie-down roping. If things go their way, they could have a chance to become the first spouses to win CFD titles in the same year.