Wenda Johnson

Creek Young Eyes Career Milestone at the National Finals Rodeo

Creek Young at NFR

Las Vegas, NV – Bull riding sensation Creek Young, having clinched the Resistol Rookie of the Year title in 2021 and finishing an impressive No. 5 in the PRCA Bull Riding World Standings, is set to make his mark at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) for the second consecutive year in 2022. With a stellar season, Young currently stands at No. 6 in the PRCA World Standings, boasting $156,286 in earnings and eyeing his best career finish.

Armed with the profile of a seasoned rider, Young, known for conquering over 50 percent of his bulls, is in contention for the prestigious NFR Average crown, boasting an impressive average score of nearly 84 points.

Biggest Paydays:

  1. RodeoHouston – $19,750
    Creek Young’s standout performance at RodeoHouston marked the pinnacle of his earnings, raking in nearly $20,000 over the rodeo. Going 2-for-3 in his Super Series, Young secured a spot in the Semifinals, ultimately emerging as the sole cowboy to make the whistle, claiming victory.
  2. Ellensburg Xtreme Bulls (Washington) – $11,841
    Tying for the win in the First Round with an 88.5-point ride on Corey & Lange Rodeo’s Pretty Boy, Young pocketed over $9,000. His sixth-place finish in the Average solidified his earnings as he stood among the top performers who successfully rode both rounds.

Highest Marked Rides:

  1. RAM Jim Baier Chute Out (Iowa) – 90.5 Points
    The highlight of Young’s year came at the RAM Jim Baier Chute Out, where he secured a remarkable 90.5-point ride on White Trash of Cervi Championship Rodeo. The victorious ride not only won him the rodeo but also added nearly $3,000 to his impressive earnings. Young demonstrated his prowess by riding 7-of-11 bulls in September.
  2. Great Plains Stampede Rodeo (Oklahoma) – 90 Points
    August proved to be a winning month for Young as he notched his second 90-point ride of the season at the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo. Going 3-for-3 that weekend, Young emerged victorious in three rodeos, amassing a total of $6,500.

RELATED NEWS: Orin Larsen Aims for Redemption at Ninth Consecutive National Finals Rodeo

Notable Wins:

Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo (Oklahoma) – 86.5 Points
Securing the title at the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo with an 86.5-point ride, Young outshone his competition and earned just over $3,000. This triumph coincided with his exceptional performance at the Great Plains Stampede, showcasing Young’s consistency and skill.

As Creek Young prepares to take on the challenge of the NFR once again, fans eagerly anticipate whether he can parlay his exceptional regular season into a career-defining moment on the rodeo’s grandest stage.

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Orin Larsen Aims for Redemption at Ninth Consecutive National Finals Rodeo

Orin Larsen

Las Vegas, NV – As the dust settles at the iconic Thomas & Mack, Canadian bareback rider Orin Larsen is gearing up for his ninth consecutive appearance at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). With a No. 6 world ranking and a wallet padded with $147,237 in total earnings, Larsen is poised for a comeback after an injury sidelined him during the 2022 season.

Larsen’s determination to relive the glory of 2019, where he clinched the World Title and finished fourth in the Average, has been fueled by notable victories and impressive rides throughout the 2023 season.

Biggest Paydays:

  1. California Rodeo Salinas – $11,078
    Larsen’s journey to the NFR was solidified with an 82-point ride at the California Rodeo Salinas, where he wowed the crowd with an 89-point performance in the Finals. His total of 171 points on two head secured him the No. 1 spot in the Average.
  2. Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup (South Dakota) – $9,750
    Consistency paid off for Larsen in Sioux Falls, as he battled through the Go-Rounds to reach the Semifinals with a total of 163.5 points on two-head. Although the Finals didn’t go as planned, Larsen’s performance in Sioux Falls became one of his highest paying rodeos of the regular season.
  3. Utah Days of ’47 Rodeo – $8,500
    An 86-point ride in Salt Lake City propelled Larsen into the Gold Medal Round, where his 87.5-point ride on Outlawbuckers Rodeo’s Free Shipping earned him a Silver Medal and contributed $7,000 to his $8,500 total winnings.

Highest Marked Rides:

  1. Ponoka Stampede (Alberta) – 90.75 Points
    Larsen’s highest marked ride of the year, a spectacular 90.75 points at the Ponoka Stampede in Alberta, outshone competitors and secured a victory over World No. 3 Kade Sonnier.
  2. Sundre Rodeo (Alberta) – 89.5 Points
    Riding on home turf in Sundre, Alberta, Larsen claimed one of his five wins in Canada with an 89.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s standout horse, Agent Lynx.

Notable Wins:

  1. Missoula (Montana) Stampede – 88.5 Points
    In August, Larsen triumphed at the Missoula Stampede with an 88.5-point ride on Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics’ Bronc Riding Naton, adding nearly $4,000 to his winnings.
  2. New Town Rodeo (North Dakota) – 88 Points
    Post-Cowboy Christmas, Larsen’s 88-point ride on Mosbrucker Rodeo’s Dreams End in New Town, North Dakota, secured him a victory and a $5,288 payday by a point and a half.

As Larsen enters the NFR arena, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if the Canadian cowboy can parlay his successful regular season into a memorable performance on rodeo’s grandest stage.

Follow us and read more news at The Cowboy Channel

Kade Bruno Tunes Up for Wrangler NFR with RAM Columbia Circuit Finals Rodeo Victory

If you’re looking for the wellspring of Kade Bruno’s spectacular rise in ProRodeo, look no further than the RAM Columbia River Circuit Finals Rodeo.

Kade Bruno

On Oct. 22, Bruno collected his third straight win during the 2022 edition held in Redmond, Ore. He rode a trio of Corey & Lange bucking horses to win the average with 243.5 points and earned $8,722.

“The Columbia River Circuit has been good to me, the circuit system is how I got my start,” said Bruno, 22. “When I was on my permit in 2020, and COVID cancelled all the rodeos, I got to a couple and made the circuit finals there in Hermiston.”

Bruno won that contest and went to his first RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., in April 2021 as a rookie. He finished second in the rookie race that year and 28th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

His sophomore season in 2022 has been – in his words – magical.

Bruno won the 2021 RAM Columbia River Circuit Finals Rodeo to kick things off, went to his second national circuit finals, rebranded the NFR Open powered by RAM in July, and won more than any another other contestant.

That $25,000-plus payday helped launched Bruno to make his debut at the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge. He finished ninth in the world standings with $137,726 won, he will compete in Las Vegas Dec. 1-10 at the Thomas & Mack Center.

“It’s been a really fun year,” Bruno said. “Everything fell into place for me.”

A third average title in Redmond, along with a second straight year-end championship, was icing on the cake for the Challis, Idaho, cowboy.

In Redmond, Bruno had a rematch with Summer Camp in round one for 79.5 points and second place finish. He followed with two consecutive round wins aboard Shiney Object and Mud Hook with scores of 79.5 and 84.5, respectively.

“I’ve seen Mud Hook the last two or three years and always wanted to get on him,” Bruno said. “He’s a really nice horse and a great one to have in the third round here.”

With just over a month to go until the Wrangler NFR, Bruno has just a couple of events on his schedule along with getting on practice horses to stay sharp. He also plans to enjoy time at home with his family.

“Any time I get a chance, I try to hang out with them, get outdoors and relax,” he said. Along with his parents, Mike and Mindy, Bruno has two sisters, Vanessa, who is older, and Jacey, who is younger. “My older sister had a baby, so I have a nephew. It’s pretty cool to get to hang out with him.”

Unfortunately, none of the crew got to come be his cheering squad in Redmond.

“I won some cows at Mitch Pollock’s bronc match last year and dad has some of his own, so he gets stuck at home a lot taking care of things,” Bruno said. “I sure appreciate everything he does.”

Bruno also appreciates his home circuit.

“We have one of the best circuits. Our rodeos are great, and our committees are awesome,” Bruno said. “They’ve been everything to me – when you can get out of your circuit with $20,000 or $30,000 won, you’ve got a great shot at the NFR.”

“I appreciate everything they’ve done for me.”

Other winners at the $172,862 rodeo were all-around cowboy Jared Parke ($5,900, tie-down roping and team roping); bareback rider Austin Foss (247 points on three head); steer wrestler Cody Cabral (12.1 seconds on three head); team ropers T.C. Hammack/Jason Duby (19.6 seconds on three head); tie-down roper Luke Potter (26.5 seconds on three head); barrel racer Kacey Gartner (45.52 seconds on three runs); breakaway roper Annie Minor (11.8 seconds on three head); steer roper Taylor Santos (35.2 seconds on three head); and bull rider Jordan Spears (167 points on two head).

For the latest ProRodeo news, please visit The Cowboy Channel or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

Courtesy of PRCA

Back Numbers Revealed for 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Presented by Teton Ridge

The smaller the number, the higher the honor when it comes to back numbers at the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge.

Back numbers revealed

The ProRodeo athletes who qualify for the NFR are assigned a back number based on the amount of money earned throughout the regular season, and the back numbers for the 2022 Wrangler NFR have been made official along with the 2022 PRCA | RAM World Standings with the completion of the annual audit.

The Top 15 competitors in each event will pin the following numbers to the back of their shirts or vests at the Wrangler NFR at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Dec 1-10.

One special note this year. There will not be a #21 for contestants. The PRCA is using that number to acknowledge the 21 lives lost in the shooting in Uvalde, Texas in May.
The Uvalde community is part of the PRCA family and during a special ceremony at the NFR this year, we will honor those who were killed.

The 2022 Wrangler NFR back numbers are as follows:

Back Numbers | Name | Event | Hometown

  1. Stetson Wright | Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc | Milford, UT
  2. Sage Newman | Saddle Bronc | Melstone, MT
  3. Josh Frost | Bull Riding | Randlett, UT
  4. Kaleb Driggers | Team Roping (Header) | Hoboken, GA
  5. Junior Nogueira | Team Roping (Heeler) | Presidente Prude,BR
  6. Shad Mayfield | Tie-Down Roping | Clovis, NM
  7. Jeff Askey | Bull Riding | Athens, TX
  8. Brody Cress | Saddle Bronc | Hillsdale, WY
  9. Jordon Briggs | Barrel Racing | Tolar, TX
  10. John Douch | Tie-Down Roping | Huntsville, TX
  11. Ryder Wright | Saddle Bronc | Beaver, UT
  12. Haven Meged | Tie-Down Roping | Miles City, MT
  13. Cole Reiner | Bareback | Buffalo, WY
  14. Jess Pope | Bareback | Waverly, KS
  15. Caleb Smidt | Tie-Down Roping | Bellville, TX
  16. Lefty Holman | Bareback | Visalia, CA
  17. Caleb Bennett | Bareback | Corvallis, MT
  18. Clay Tryan | Team Roping (Header) | Billings, MT
  19. Zeke Thurston | Saddle Bronc | Big Valley, AB
  20. Garrett Smith | Bull Riding | Rexburg, ID
  21. Logan Hay | Saddle Bronc | Wildwood, AB
  22. Layton Green | Saddle Bronc | Millarville, AB
  23. Tim O’Connell | Bareback | Zwingle, IA
  24. Kade Bruno | Saddle Bronc | Challis, ID
  25. Shane Hanchey | Tie-Down Roping | Sulphur, LA
  26. Stetson Jorgensen | Steer Wrestling | Blackfoot, ID
  27. Rocker Steiner | Bareback | Weatherford, TX
  28. Coleman Proctor | Team Roping (Header) | Pryor, OK
  29. Leighton Berry | Bareback | Weatherford, TX
  30. Kaycee Feild | Bareback | Genola, UT
  31. Kolby Wanchuk | Saddle Bronc | Sherwood Park, AB
  32. R.C. Landingham | Bareback | Hat Creek, CA
  33. Jake Long | Team Roping (Heeler) | Coffeyville, KS
  34. Marty Yates | Tie-Down Roping | Stephenville, TX
  35. Zack Jongbloed | Tie-Down Roping | Iowa, LA
  36. Tristen Hutchings | Bull Riding | Monteview, ID
  37. Tanner Aus | Bareback | Granite Falls, MN
  38. Buddy Hawkins II | Team Roping (Heeler) | Stephenville, TX
  39. Riley Webb | Tie-Down Roping | Denton, TX
  40. Andrew Ward | Team Roping (Header) | Edmond, OK
  41. J.D. Struxness | Steer Wrestling | Milan, MN
  42. Tyler Waguespack | Steer Wrestling | Gonzales, LA
  43. Tuf Cooper | Tie-Down Roping | Decatur, TX
  44. Wyatt Casper | Saddle Bronc | Rogersville, MO
  45. Trevor Kastner | Bull Riding | Roff, OK
  46. Cory Solomon | Tie-Down Roping | Prairie View, TX
  47. Ty Harris | Tie-Down Roping | Meeting Creek, AB
  48. Wenda Johnson | Barrel Racing | Pawhuska, OK
  49. Kole Ashbacher | Saddle Bronc | Arrowwood, AB
  50. Stevi Hillman | Barrel Racing | Weatherford, TX
  51. Will Lummus | Steer Wrestling | Byhalia, MS
  52. Dona Kay Rule | Barrel Racing | Minco, OK
  53. Hailey Kinsel | Barrel Racing | Cotulla, TX
  54. Tyler Milligan | Tie-Down Roping | Pawhuska, OK
  55. Cole Franks | Bareback | Clarendon, TX
  56. Maverick Potter | Bull Riding | Waxahachie, TX
  57. Hunter Herrin | Tie-Down Roping | Apache, OK
  58. Chase Brooks | Saddle Bronc | Deer Lodge, MT
  59. Tilden Hooper | Bareback | Carthage, TX
  60. Trey Kimzey | Bull Riding | Strong City, OK
  61. Ky Hamilton | Bull Riding | Mackay, AU
  62. Jared Parsonage | Bull Riding | Maple Creek, SK
  63. Dawson Hay | Saddle Bronc | Wildwood, AB
  64. Orin Larsen | Bareback | Inglis, MB
  65. Jade Corkill | Team Roping (Heeler) | Fallon, NV
  66. Logan Medlin | Team Roping (Heeler) | Tatum, NM
  67. Shelley Morgan | Barrel Racing | Eustace, TX
  68. Clayton Biglow | Bareback | Clements, CA
  69. Hunter Cure | Steer Wrestling | Holliday, TX
  70. Macon Murphy | Tie-Down Roping | Keatchie, LA
  71. Trey Holston | Bull Riding | Fort Scott, KS
  72. Travis Graves | Team Roping (Heeler) | Jay, OK
  73. Dustin Egusquiza | Team Roping (Header) | Marianna, FL
  74. Ty Erickson | Steer Wrestling | Helena, MT
  75. Tanner Tomlinson | Team Roping (Header) | Angleton, TX
  76. Patrick Smith | Team Roping (Heeler) | Lipan, TX
  77. Tanner Butner | Saddle Bronc | Daniel, WY
  78. JR Stratford | Bull Riding | Weatherford, OK
  79. Dakota Eldridge | Steer Wrestling | Elko, NV
  80. Tristan Martin | Steer Wrestling | Sulphur, LA
  81. Ty Breuer | Bareback | Mandan, ND
  82. Garrett Shadbolt | Bareback | Merriman, NE
  83. Kincade Henry | Tie-Down Roping | Mount Pleasant, TX
  84. Rhen Richard | Team Roping (Header) | Roosevelt, UT
  85. Jeremy Buhler | Team Roping (Heeling) | Arrowwood, AB
  86. Tyler Wade | Team Roping (Header) | Terrell, TX
  87. Sissy Winn | Barrel Racing | Chapman Ranch, TX
  88. Trey Yates | Team-Roping (Heeler) | Pueblo, CO
  89. Creek Young | Bull Riding | Rogersville, MO
  90. Lukasey Morris | Bull Riding | Union City ,OK
  91. Kyle Irwin | Steer Wrestling | Robertsdale, AL
  92. Reid Oftedahl | Bull Riding | Raymond, MN
  93. Levi Lord | Team-Roping (Heeler) | Sturgis, SD
  94. Jr. Dees | Team Roping (Header) | Aurora, SD
  95. Tanner Brunner | Steer Wrestling | Ramona, KS
  96. Margo Crowther | Barrel Racing | Fort Myers, FL
  97. Lightning Aguilera | Team Roping (Header) | Athens, TX
  98. Wesley Thorp | Team Roping (Heeler) | Throckmorton, TX
  99. Cody Snow | Team Roping (Header) | Los Olivos, CA
  100. Joseph Harrison | Team Roping (Heeler) | Marietta, OK
  101. Kassie Mowry | Barrel Racing | Dublin, TX
  102. Jesse Brown | Steer Wrestling | Baker City, OR
  103. Bayleigh Choate | Barrel Racing | Fort Worth, TX
  104. Chad Masters | Team Roping (Header) | Cedar Hill, TN
  105. Brady Minor | Team Roping (Heeler) | Ellensburg, WA
  106. Riley Minor | Team Roping (Header) | Ellensburg, WA
  107. Emily Beisel | Barrel Racing | Weatherford, OK
  108. Clay Smith | Team Roping (Header) | Broken Bow, OK
  109. Jake Orman | Team Roping (Header) | Prairie, MS
  110. Jessica Routier | Barrel Racing | Buffalo, SD
  111. Brye Crites | Team Roping (Heeler) | Welch, OK
  112. Jonathan Torres | Team Roping (Heeler) | Ocala, FL
  113. Rowdy Parrott | Steer Wrestling | Mamou, LA
  114. Dirk Tavenner | Steer Wrestling | Rigby, ID
  115. Lisa Lockhart | Barrel Racing | Oelrichs, SD
  116. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi | Barrel Racing | Lampasas, TX
  117. Leslie Smalygo | Brye Crites | Skiatook, OK
  118. Timmy Sparing | Steer Wrestling | Helena, MT
  119. Nick Guy | Steer Wrestling | Sparta, WI

For the latest ProRodeo news and Wrangler NFR TV coverage, please visit thecowboychannels.com or through social media @PRCA_ProRodeo.

Courtesy of PRCA

Tim Baldwin named 2022 John Justin Standard of The West Committeeman of The Year

Tim Baldwin, Chairman of the Livestock Welfare Committee for California Rodeo Salinas, has been selected as the PRCA’s 2022 John Justin Standard of the West Committeeman of the Year.

West Committeeman

Baldwin, an Ag attorney, was nominated by the RAM California Circuit Finals Rodeo and James Miller. Baldwin was nominated and won the John Justin Standard of the West Committeeman of the Year award for his work across the state of California and the California Circuit.

“This is a great honor to be recognized by not only the California Circuit for all the work that we have put in together as a group but also to be recognized nationally is very significant,” Baldwin said. “I’m humbled and I’m very appreciative.”

Baldwin has been part of the California Rodeo Salinas committee for more than two decades in all sorts of different capacities.

“We have a great team in our circuit, and I spearhead the Livestock Welfare and Government and Public Relations Issues for the Circuit,” Baldwin said. “We have a group that works on engaging our circuit committees in those issues and planning everything from our circuit summits to responding to different initiatives. My role a lot of times is I wake up every day to make sure we still have rodeo in Salinas and the state of California. That’s my job. That’s my passion. I’m a defender for rodeo and the western lifestyle.”

Baldwin grew up in Laveen, Ariz., and has rodeo in his blood.

“When you grow up in the rural parts of our country, the local rodeo is sort of the social center of your life,” Baldwin said. “When I was a kid, everything was about our county fair and our rodeos. After college, I moved to California, and I have been in Salinas since I got out of law school.”

As for getting into the rodeo arena, Baldwin was quick to credit late ProRodeo Hall of Famer Myron “Doc” Etienne who served more than 40 years on the California Rodeo Salinas board. That involvement led to his service on the Rodeo Advisory Committee since its inception. He also served on the PRCA Rodeo Information Foundation and was a founding member and the first president of the Animal Welfare Council.

“If not for Doc, a lot of these opportunities to volunteer would have not been presented to me,” said Baldwin, 49. “I followed in his footsteps both at the (law) firm here and as general counsel to the California Rodeo and volunteer service I provide. A lot of things he started I’m continuing. When I was a younger man, I never quite understood why he so involved with livestock welfare. Now, I understand it completely.”

Justin Boots created the John Justin Standard of the West program to recognize the hundreds of thousands of hours of work that volunteer rodeo committee members donate to put on rodeos.

Each year, Justin Boots recognizes 125 outstanding volunteers from PRCA rodeos around the country through its John Justin Standard of the West program. PRCA rodeos vote on the individual to receive the PRCA’s John Justin Committeeman of the Year Award, whose dedication represents the deeds of those volunteers.

Baldwin will be recognized with this year’s honor at the PRCA Awards Banquet, the event will be held Nov. 30 at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas leading up to the 2022 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Thank you for visiting us. For more info please visit The Cowboy Channel and PRCA.

Courtesy of PRCA