INFORMATION PROVIDED BY PRCA

THIS VIDEO PROVIED BY Omega Productions

1. Miller gets season off to good start at SandHills Stock Show & Rodeo
ODESSA, Texas – After missing the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo last year for the first time since 2005, steer wrestler Jason Miller figured he needed a new plan.

It was all about the horsepower. Miller rode Greg Cassidy’s legendary horse Willy last winter and had great results. When Willy was hauled back up to Canada, Miller struggled a bit with his mounts, and he slipped out of the running, finishing 17 ^th in the world.

“If Willy were my horse, I would do the same thing,” Miller said, “limit his work to keep him from getting worn out. I just knew I had to go another way. I’m riding Lee Graves’ horse Jessie now. This is a two-time (AQHA/PRCA) Horse of the Year, and I’ll be riding him all year.”

Based on early returns, the plan seems to be a winner.
Miller, the 2007 world champion, won the average title at the Jan. 8-9, 13-16, SandHills Stock Show & Rodeo with a two-head time of 8.1 seconds, earning $3,544.

With Graves, the two-time and reigning world champion, hazing for him, Miller was just out of the money in the first round and was fourth in round two with a time of 3.6 seconds. It allowed him to edge Dane Hanna by a tenth of a second for the average title.

“It was the first (big) rodeo of 2010, and to have two good starts and come out of there with a win, well, that’s just what you want,” Miller said.

“Riding Willy in the winter last year, I probably won more money than ever, but after that I struggled. I didn’t do much in the (Wrangler Million Dollar) Tour events and didn’t qualify for the championships in Omaha. That killed my chances. I was in the Top 15 until that last week of the season. I was competing in smaller rodeos for a few thousand dollars while the top guys were competing for the big money in Omaha.”

To further back himself up, Miller purchased a promising 7-year-old horse from former NFR qualifier Brian Fulton that he has named Porky. Miller is hoping the horse may be ready for occasional duty in the fall.

Miller was not the only former world champion to pull off a win at the Ector County Coliseum.
Fred Whitfield, who has one all-around and seven tie-down roping world championships to his credit, won the average title in the tie-down roping with a time of 16.6 seconds, beating Clif Cooper by eight-tenths of a second.

The team roping title was shared by 1996 World Champion Header Steve Purcella and partner Jhett Johnson and JoJo LeMond and 2008 World Champion Heeler Randon Adams. Each team had a time of 8.6 seconds on two head.

The other SandHills Stock Show & Rodeo champions were bareback rider Matt Bright (86 points), saddle bronc rider Chuck Schmidt (86 points), steer roper Vin Fisher Jr. (59.2 seconds on four head), barrel racer Kassie Mowry (28.06 seconds on two runs) and bull rider Colin McTaggart (91 points).

2. Nastri’s legend grows at Dodge First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. – In 2004, the ProRodeo Sports News ran a cover story on Carmine Nastri headlined Frontier Legend, and not much has changed since then, except the size of the legend.

Nastri was the all-around, team roping and tie-down roping champion at the Jan. 14-16 Dodge First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Arena – a triple-crown feat he has managed in three decades.

Nastri, of Ballston Spa, N.Y., and Screven, Ga., has 22 year-end titles to his credit in the First Frontier Circuit and so many circuit finals rodeo buckles he has lost track.

“I got my permit when I was 15 and my card a year later,” Nastri said. “I’m 49 now and still going. It was pointed out to me the other morning that I was the oldest guy in the calf roping. Whenever you do well, it is important to you. This win was just as important to me as any of them.”

Nastri and Lewis Rimes Jr., who roped together all season with an eye toward qualifying for the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo, got the job done in dominating fashion. They shared first place in round one, placed in round two and had a three-head average time of 27.3 seconds to beat Nastri’s older brother, Bucky, and Derek Carey by 7.5 seconds.

“Team roping was my focus all along; the tie-down roping title was a bonus,” Nastri said. “I had not set that as a goal.”

Goal or not, Nastri was even more dominant going solo. He won the first round in 10.3 seconds, placed third in round three and had a three-head average time of 34.5 seconds – 21.4 seconds faster than runner-up Erik Hartenstein.

All of this added up to Nastri’s winning the all-around title with total earnings of $6,543.
The other Dodge First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo champions were bareback rider Doug Sanders (220 points on three head), steer wrestler Kirk Trumpower (13.6 seconds on three head), saddle bronc rider Chad Alesky (216 points on three head), barrel racer Nickie Stoltzfus (44.56 seconds on three runs) and bull rider Dustin Shepard (155 points on two head).

3. Costello edges world champion at Dodge Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo
GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Jesse Kruse is the reigning saddle bronc riding champion of the world. His home state of Montana? That he has to share.

Jake Costello edged Kruse by three points at the Jan. 15-17 in the Dodge Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo at the Four Seasons Arena to earn a berth alongside Kruse at the DNCFR in April.

“There was no chance to catch Jesse in the (Montana circuit) year-end standings, so I had to win the average,” Costello told theGreat Falls Tribune. “I came in and told my wife I’m going to try to win every go-round.”

He came pretty close to managing it, too. Costello shared the first-round win with Kruse, won the second round outright and tied Kruse for second the final round to finish with 238 points on three head.

Costello, 34, tore a muscle in his leg last season, leaving him in the bottom half of the qualifiers heading into the circuit finals and something of a longshot to reach his sixth DNCFR.

“It turned out it’s a pretty dang important muscle to ride broncs with,”
Costello said. “I was healed up and felt good and tickled to have all the good broncs I had here.”
With more than $18,000 in circuit money, Kruse had the year-end title clinched before the rodeo started and so, while he didn’t walk away with the win in his hometown arena, Kruse couldn’t help feeling good.

“About the only thing I hoped for was to win another circuit and to ride to the best of my ability,” Kruse said. “It’s awesome; it’s all these fans. Not only do they come out to cheer for me, they cheer for everyone else. It’s been a great year.”

The other Dodge Montana Circuit Finals Rodeo champions were bareback rider Buck Lunak (234 points on three head), steer wrestler Beau Franzen (11.3 seconds on three head), team ropers Tate Dempewolf and Charlie Lenning (24.9 seconds on three head), tie-down roper Bryant Mikkelson (26.8 seconds on three head), barrel racer Theresa Walter (39.77 seconds on three runs) and bull rider Cody Buller (242 points on three head).

4. Next Up
Jan. 19 National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, Denver, in progress
Jan. 19 Fort Worth Division II Qualifying Event
Jan. 20 Fort Worth Division II Qualifying Event
Jan. 22 Northeast Mississippi Championship Rodeo, Tupelo, Miss., begins
Jan. 22 Southwestern Exposition & Livestock Show, Fort Worth, begins

5. Rodeo News and Notes
All-around cowboy Josh Peek takes flight in F-16
BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – The 140th Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard, took all-around cowboy Josh Peek for a ride in an F-16 on Jan. 8.

The tie-down roper and steer wrestler from Pueblo, Colo., had the opportunity to spend the day at Buckley and learn about the increasing importance of the Air National Guard and its role in national defense.

“I had a thrilling and exhilarating experience,” Peek said.
The Colorado National Guard is marking its 150th anniversary on Jan. 23, and in an effort to educate the Denver community about the Guard’s missions and heritage, the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo has dedicated its 2 p.m. rodeo performance on Jan. 22 at the Denver Coliseum to the National Guard. Video footage of Peek’s F-16 flight will be shown during the event.

Along with being a Colorado native, Peek won the all-around and tie-down roping titles at the National Western last year, making him a natural choice to promote both the Guard and the Denver rodeo. The National Western, which runs through the finals on Jan. 24, is in its 104th year.

The F-16 orientation flight program Peek took part in is part of a comprehensive outreach program, through the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for Public Affairs, to contribute to the public’s understanding of the roles and missions of the Department of Defense. An F-16 flight provides firsthand opportunities to view the quality and capability of our people and weapons systems.

“The Colorado Air Guard was the most respectful family oriented group of people I have ever met,” Peek said. “My family and I were treated with such great hospitality and kindness. The Colorado National Guardsmen, in my opinion, are heroes for their sacrifices and dedication to the State of Colorado and the United States.”

-Courtesy of Capt. Nicole David/140th WG Public Affairs

PRCA bullfighter Garretson dies at age 37
Bullfighter Joe Garretson, a PRCA member since 2005, died Jan. 18 at his home in Springfield, Mo. He was 37. Garretson and partner Brandt Clark won the 2007 Professional Bullfighters Daisy Protection World Championships, and Garretson was one of the top bullfighting instructors for the Sankey Rodeo Schools for the last six years.

6. 2010 PRCA World Champions
BB: Eric Swenson…………… $7,378
SW: Glen Clark……………… $6,800
TR-1: JoJo LeMond………… $5,627
TR-2: Randon Adams…….. $5,627
SB: Jesse Wright…………….. $6,137
TD: Tuf Cooper…………….. $6,778
BR: Tyler Johnston……….. $13,513
SR: Vin Fisher Jr…………… $8,073

7. 2010 PRCA World Standings
Unofficial as of Jan. 19, 2010.
For 2010, official rodeo limits are as follows: all-around, 70; bareback riding, 100; steer wrestling, 70; team roping, 70; saddle bronc riding, 100; tie-down roping, 100; barrel racing, 70; and bull riding, 125. Bull riders can count Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls events toward the PRCA World Standings, but not toward the all-around standings.

Bareback Riding
1.   Eric Swenson, Denison, Texas        $7,378
2.   Matt Bright, Azle, Texas    5,230
3.   Kyle Bowers, Brooks, Alberta        4,408
4.   Jerad Schlegel, Burns, Colo.        4,380
5.   Wes Stevenson, Lubbock, Texas       3,953
6.   Nathan Bayes, Adrian, Ore.  3,933
7.   Bo Casper, Fort Scott, Kan.         3,686
8.   Chip Dees IV, Philadelphia, Miss.   3,235
9.   Josh Shackleford, McGee, Mo.        3,141
10. Dave Worsfold, Queensland,   3,040
11. John Addison, Belvidere, S.D.        3,015
12. Clint Cannon, Waller, Texas  2,909
13. Bee Jay Scott, Otley, Iowa   2,635
14. Jake Brown, Hillsboro, Texas         2,519
15. George Gillespie IV, Midland, Ore.   2,214
16. Evan Jayne, Marseille, France        2,004
17. Ryan Stutes, Sulphur, La.    1,942
18. Kaycee Feild, Payson, Utah   1,743
19. Bryan Jones, Elko, Nev.      1,743
20. Matt Lait, Balzac, Alberta   1,557

Steer Wrestling
1.   Glen Clark, Granbury, Texas         $6,800
2.   Ronnie Fields, Oklahoma City, Okla.         5,393
3.   Casey Harmon, Stephenville, Texas   4,260
4.   Olin Hannum, West Haven, Utah       4,212
5.   Justin Blaine Davis, Bartonville, Texas     4,182
6.   Todd Suhn, Hermosa, S.D.    4,157
7.   Nick Guy, Sparta, Wis.      4,084
8.   Jason Miller, Lance Creek, Wyo.     3,544
9.   Craig Cavaness, Brenham, Texas      3,392
10. Johnny Silva, Powell, Wyo.   3,297
11. Dane Hanna, Starkville, Miss.        3,257
12. Britt Walters, Huntsville, Texas     3,142
13. Clayton Hass, Terrell, Texas         3,065
14. Tyler Holland, Belgrade, Mont.       2,948
15. Gabe Taylor, Valentine, Neb.         2,841
16. Nik Hamm, Watertown, S.D.    2,790
17. Clayton Morrison, Casper, Wyo.       2,711
18. Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo.     2,707
19. Tommy Cook, McAlester, Okla.         2,525
20. Chad Hagan, Leesville, La.   2,511

Team Roping (header)
1.   JoJo LeMond, Andrews, Texas         $5,627
2.   Rusty Barnett, Huntsville, Texas    5,005
3.   Brady Williams, Hammond, Mont.      5,001
4.   Steve Purcella, Hereford, Texas     4,422
5.   Colby Lovell, Madisonville, Texas   4,389
6.   Britt Williams, Hammond, Mont.      3,804
7.   Ty Blasingame, Ramah, Colo.         3,738
8.   Cody Tew, Harlowton, Mont.  3,724
9.   Morgan Jones, Leighton, Ala.        3,671
10. Steve Brandt, Stephenville, Texas    3,496
11. Shane Philipp, Washington, Texas     3,433
12. Tanner Bryson, Cornville, Ariz.      3,173
13. Gibbs Keeton, Ivanhoe, Texas         3,083
14. Jake Kropik, Midway, Texas   3,030
15. Justin Lovell, Grapeland, Texas      2,859
16. Caleb Mitchell, Sealy, Texas         2,837
17. Quincy Kueckelhan, Bonham, Texas     2,806
18. Justin Young, Firestone, Colo.       2,723
19. Kaston Peavy, Bay Minette, Ala.      2,607
20. David Key, Stephenville, Texas       2,422
Travis Tryan, Billings, Mont.      2,422

Team Roping (heeler)
1.   Randon Adams, Logandale, Nev.       $5,627
2.   Kyle Crick, Lipan, Texas    5,602
3.   Michael Fortenberry, Groveton, Texas        5,005
4.   Chase Tryan, Helena, Mont.  4,915
5.   Bobby Harris, Highmore, S.D.        4,754
6.   Jhett Johnson, Casper, Wyo.         4,422
7.   John Paul Lucero, Villanueva, N.M.  4,389
8.   Cody Hintz, Spring Creek, Nev.      3,738
9.   Cole Bigbee, Tuscunbia, Ala.        3,671
10. Britt Bockius, Claremore, Okla.      3,433
11. Martin Lucero, Stephenville, Texas   3,385
12. Matt Garza, Mesquite, N.M.   3,173
13. Twister Cain, Gonzales, Texas        3,083
14. Trey Norris III, Yantis, Texas       3,030
15. Mickey Gomez, Holland, Texas         2,859
16. Tyler McKnight, Wells, Texas         2,837
17. Dustin Davis, Barenna, Texas         2,806
18. Chad Wahlert, Eaton, Colo.   2,723
19. Phillip Kelce, Calera, Ala.  2,607
20. Rich Skelton, Llano, Texas   2,422
Michael Jones, Stephenville, Texas         2,422

Saddle Bronc Riding
1.   Jesse Wright, Milford, Utah         $6,137
2.   Trell Etbauer, Goodwell, Okla.      5,345
3.   Chuck Schmidt, Keldron, S.D.        4,204
4.   Cody Martin, Eagle, Colo.   4,072
5.   Heith DeMoss, Heflin, La.   4,062
6.   Kyle Daines, Innisfail, Alberta     3,888
7.   Curtis Garton, Kaitaia, New Zealand         3,171
8.   Scott Miller, Hemet, Calif.         3,064
9.   Jacobs Crawley, College Station, Texas      3,027
10. Jesse Bail, Camp Crook, S.D.         2,871
11. Cort Scheer, Elsmere, Neb.   2,852
12. Frank McKay, Ontario, Ore.   2,578
13. Colin Stalley, Riverton, Wyo.        2,399
14. Townsend Prince, Livermore, Colo.    1,738
15. Jermiah Diffee, Hatfield, Ark.       1,733
16. Cody Wright, Milford, Utah   1,693
17. Jeremy Harden, Big Valley, Alberta   1,643
18. Ryan Montroy, Waterflow, N.M.        1,635
Max Filippini, Battle Mountain, Nev.       1,635
Taos Muncy, Corona, N.M.   1,635

Tie-down Roping
1.   Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas  $6,778
2.   Skyler Moore, Mount Vernon, Mo.     6,554
3.   Josh Peek, Pueblo, Colo.    5,941
4.   Fred Whitfield, Hockley, Texas      5,612
5.   Randall Carlisle, Lipan, Texas      4,865
6.   Clif Cooper, Decatur, Texas         4,732
7.   Cade Swor, Crafton, Texas   4,725
8.   Wes Borders, Arriba, Colo.  4,716
9.   Joseph Gernentz, Colorado City, Texas       4,619
10. Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, La.  4,585
11. Ace Slone, Cuero, Texas      4,556
12. Cole Bailey, Okmulgee, Okla.         3,899
13. Bradley Bynum, Sterling City, Texas  3,683
14. Clayton Hamil, Hamshire, Texas       3,548
15. Chad Johnson, Cut Bank, Mont.        3,467
16. Logan Hofer, Magrath, Alberta        3,416
17. Blake Hirdes, Turlock, Calif.        3,410
18. Mike Johnson, Henryetta, Okla.       3,371
19. Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas   3,206
20. Zeb Chapman, Lafayette, Ga.  3,166

Steer Roping
1.   Vin Fisher Jr., Andrews, Texas      $8,073
2.   Trevor Brazile, Decatur, Texas      4,548
3.   Walter Priestly, Robstown, Texas    4,398
4.   Rod Hartness, Pawhuska, Okla.       3,591
5.   Will Gasperson, Decatur, Texas      3,126
6.   Bryce Davis, Abilene, Texas         3,060
7.   Tony Reina, Wharton, Texas  2,915
8.   J.R. Olson, Greeley, Colo.  2,907
9.   Chet Herren, Pawhuska, Okla.        2,622
10. Shay Good, Midland, Texas    2,394
11. Paul Patton, Abilene, Texas  2,130
12. Brady Garten, Claremore, Okla.       1,967
13. J. Paul Williams, Burbank, Okla.     1,881
14. Cash Myers, Athens, Texas    1,881
15. Jason Evans, Huntsville, Texas       1,838
16. J. Tom Fisher, Andrews, Texas        1,780
17. J.D. Yates, Pueblo, Colo.    1,710
18. Shandon Stalls, McLean, Texas        1,628
19. Kim Ziegelgruber, Edmond, Okla.      1,602
20. Shane Suggs, Granbury, Texas         1,511

Bull Riding
1.   Tyler Johnston, Bridger, Mont.      $13,513
2.   Jason Beck, Prairieville, La.       12,605
3.   Marcus Michaelis, Caldwell, Idaho   8,413
4.   Howdy Cloud, Kountze, Texas         7,516
5.   Joe Smith, Sheridan, Wyo.   5,930
6.   Colin McTaggart, Las Vegas, Nev.    5,851
7.   Clayton Williams, Carthage, Texas   5,412
8.   Dylan Werner, Bushnell, Fla.        5,263
9.   D.J. Domangue, Odessa, Texas        5,056
10. Cody Buller, Glendive, Mont.         4,995
11. Beau Schroeder, China, Texas         4,670
12. Spud Jones, Tohatchi, N.M.   4,553
13. Chad German, Groesbeck, Texas        4,516
14. Ardie Maier, Timber Lake, S.D.       4,473
15. Friday Wright II, Moss Point, Miss.  4,423
16. Brandon Reynolds, Pike Road, Ala.    4,178
17. R.C. Landingham, Pendleton, Ore.     3,876
18. Luke Haught, Weatherford, Texas      3,582
19. Chad Denton, Berry Creek, Calif.     3,447
20. Logan Knibbe, Rockdale, Texas                                  3,259

*Barrel racing (through Jan. 19, 2010)
Barrel racing standings, provided by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), are unofficial, subject to audit and may change. Unofficial WPRA Standings are published by the PRCA as a courtesy. The PRCA is not responsible for the verification or updating of WPRA standings.

1. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, Texas          $12,965
2. Jean Winters, Texline, Texas                     8,465
3. Haley Thorne, Midlothian, Texas                  7,879
4. Pam Deaver, Hearne, Texas                        6,457
5. Molly Powell, Stephenville, Texas                6,449
6. Tana Poppino, Big Cabin, Okla.                   6,318
7. Layna Kight, Wills Point, Texas                  6,108
8. Janna Beam, Hallsville, Texas                    5,865
9. Jeanne Anderson, White City, Kan.                5,309
10. Kelly Bruner, Millsap, Texas                    5,028
11. Tammy Fischer, Ledbetter, Texas                 4,934
12. Martha Wright, Dublin, Texas                    4,905
13. Caren Lamb, Fort Sumner, N.M.                   4,856
14. Lanita Powers, Edmond, Okla.                    4,625
15. Tiffany Fox, Fox, Okla.                         4,222
16. Tana Renick, Kingston, Okla.                    4,168
17. Andrea Bruch, Dennis, Texas             3,649
18. Darlene Moran, Centreville, Miss.               3,467
19. Sharon Kobold, Big Horn, Wyo.                   3,464
20. Toni Hardin, Wetmore, Colo.             3,332

Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls Tour Standings
Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches
Unofficial as of Jan. 19, 2010.
1.   Tyler Johnston, Bridger, Mont.     $13,513
2.   Jason Beck, Prairieville, La.      9,847
3.   Cole Echols, Elm Grove, La.        8,889
4.   Marcus Michaelis, Caldwell, Idaho  8,413
5.   Tyler Smith, Fruita, Colo. 4,099
6.   Wesley Silcox, Santaquin, Utah     3,714
7.   D.J. Domangue, Odessa, Texas       3,666
8.   Ardie Maier, Timber Lake, S.D.     3,085
9.   Mike Moore, Kankakee, Ill. 3,030
10. Howdy Cloud, Kountze, Texas 2,797
Justin Koon, Russellville, Ark.   2,797
12. Jake Wade, Alamo, Nev.      2,715
13. Clayton Savage, Casper, Wyo.        2,600
14. Sye Jones, Weatherford, Texas       2,007
15. Allen Helmuth, Ellensburg, Wash.    2,002

The PRCA, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the largest and oldest rodeo-sanctioning body in the world. The recognized leader in professional rodeo, the PRCA is committed to maintaining the highest standards. The PRCA, a membership-based organization, sanctions more than 600 rodeos annually, and there are nearly 30 million fans in the U.S. The PRCA showcases the world’s best cowboys in premier events through the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour presented by Justin Boots, and its subsequent Justin Boots Playoffs, the Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls presented by B&W Trailer Hitches, the PRCA’s bull riding tour; and the world-renowned Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Action from PRCA-sanctioned rodeos and its premier events appears on ESPN2, ESPN Classic and ESPN Deportes. Each year, PRCA-sanctioned rodeos raise more than $26 million for local and national charities.www.prorodeo.com

The Binion family – through the bucking sale committee – has annually provided a donation to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. This year’s sale committee decided to donate to a few more organizations after enjoying increased attendance at this year’s event and getting additional support from sponsors.

Organizers donated $25,000 to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy, in Colorado Springs, Colo., and $3,000 each to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, United Organizations of the Horse and the Unwanted Horse Coalition.

A two-hour show about the bucking sale is scheduled to air on In Country Television from 7-9 p.m. (ET) on Jan. 15, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29.

In Country Televisionis available through DISH Network (Channel 230) and DirecTV (Channel 344). The show also will include excerpts from the filmProRodeo Livestockand have footage about the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Binion’s legacy.

The sale featured 276 animals, including 137 bucking bulls and 67 bucking horses. The auction sales, which included a rifle, pistol, hunting trip and other items, totaled nearly $740,000. It is an increase of about $200,000 from the 2008 sale.

If he is the least bit superstitious, Mike Outhier has to see his saddle bronc riding triumph in the Jan. 7-9 Dodge Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo in Waco, as the best sort of omen.

Outhier was the Texas circuit’s year-end champion in both 2003 and 2004 and went on to make his only two appearances in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in those years.

When he won the Texas circuit year-end title again in 2007, he finished that season with the second of his two Linderman Awards, for excellence at both ends of the arena.

“I’m hoping that’s what it means,” Outhier said, with a laugh. “I could sure do with going back to the NFR and winning another Linderman.”

It is a lot of miles down the road before Outher, 32, will know whether this past weekend in the Waco Coliseum presages a much-desired comeback to the top rank of the sport. But it will do for now.

Outhier won the first round with an 85-point ride on Silverado Rodeo Company’s Betty Bucks, finished second to Wrangler NFR qualifier Isaac Diaz in round two and then tied for fourth in the final round.

It all added up to 244 points and a one-point margin over Diaz for the title, assuring Outhier of his third trip to the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Pocatello, Idaho, this April. Texas year-end champion Bradley Harter will join him there.

Outhier has struggled to regain form since a succession of severe injuries wiped out his entire 2005 season. He considers saddle bronc riding his strongest event – he also competes in tie-down roping, team roping, and starting this season, steer roping – and he has finished within the top 35 in the world standings in saddle bronc riding only once in the last four years.

He was 19 th in the final saddle bronc riding world standings in 2007, but slipped to 39 th the following year and was 37 th in 2009.

After back-to-back wins at the Mesquite (Texas) Winter Classic, Dec. 29-30, and the Dodge Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo, Outhier is feeling encouraged.

“I’m real tickled,” Outhier said. “I drew some good horses and beat a couple of tough guys just back from the NFR (Diaz and Harter). It was nice to be able to step up my performance to match theirs. Maybe it means I can have another good year.

“In PRCA rodeos, the draw is a big part of how you do. You have to draw good horses, and when you do, you can’t mess them up. I messed up a few chances last year, and it hurt how I finished in the standings. I’ll be out there all season trying to build on this (winning streak) and get back to the National Finals.”

David Key and Rich Skelton were the only year-end champions who also won the Circuit Finals Rodeo title over the weekend – and they did it convincingly. Key-Skelton won the first round in 5.6 seconds, tied for first in round two and put together a three-head average time of 17.5 seconds that was 5.8 seconds faster than the runner-up team of Cody Odell and Kinney Harrell.

It was the eighth Texas year-end title for Skelton, which matched his total of world championships. It also brought him to within one of the Texas circuit record in his event, held by Tee Woolman.

The other Dodge Texas Circuit Finals Rodeo champions were all-around cowboy Cash Myers ($4,023 in steer wrestling and steer roping), bareback riders Tilden Hooper and Chris Harris (245 points on three head), steer wrestler Hunter Cure (11.8 seconds on three head), tie-down roper Justin Maass (25.0 seconds on three head), steer roper Scott Snedecor (29.1 seconds on three head), bull rider Beau Schroeder (248 points on three head) and barrel racer Janna Beam (48.79 seconds on three runs).

Harris earned the trip to the DNCFR because Hooper did not have enough circuit rodeos last year to qualify.

Instead, central Florida on Jan. 10 greeted them with 30-degree temperatures and wind chills below freezing. For some cowboys from traditionally cold-weather states like Colorado, Montana and Wyoming, it was likely warmer at home than on the Seminole Reservation.

Nonetheless, they came to ride, and Tyler Johnston from Bridger, Mont., topped them all with 172 points on two head and won $13,513.

“I always do well in the winter,” Johnston said, “and it’s always good to get off to a good start.”
Johnston, 25, shared first place in both rounds. He had an 85-point ride on Frontier Rodeo’s Money Maker to tie for the lead in the first round with Jason Beck and then had an 87-pointer on Frontier’s Motown to tie Marcus Michaelis for the high score in the finals.

It was enough to hold off Beck and Michaelis by a single point and assure Johnston of the biggest win of his five-year PRCA career.

“I knew a couple of the short-round bulls, like Leprechaun or California Dreamin’, and if I had to pick, I would have picked one of those two,” Johnston said. “But my bull was just as good as those two, if not better. I got a little ahead of him at the end just waiting on the whistle. It turned out to be just what I needed.”

First round:1. (tie) Tyler Johnston on Frontier Rodeo’s Money Maker and Jason Beck on Frontier Rodeo’s Chucky, 85 points, $3,737 each; 3. (tie) Howdy Cloud and Justin Koon, 84.5, $1,974 each; 5. Marcus Michaelis, 84, $987; 6. (tie) Brandon Reynolds and Chad Denton, 83.5, $705 each; 8. D.J. Domangue, 81.5, $423.Final Round:1. (tie) Tyler Johnston on Frontier Rodeo’s Motown and Marcus Michaelis on Frontier Rodeo’s California Dreamin, 87 points, $2,726 each; 3. (tie) Jason Beck and Ardie Maier, 86, $1,410 each; 5. D.J. Domangue, 85, $658; 6. Ryan Shanklin, 83.5, $470.Average:1. Tyler Johnston, 172 points on two head, $7,050; 2. (tie) Jason Beck and Marcus Michaelis, 171, $4,700 each; 4. D.J. Domangue, 166.5, $2,585; 5. Ardie Maier, 162.5, $1,645; 6. Ryan Shanklin, 162, $1,175; 7. (tie) Howdy Cloud and Justin Koon, 84.5 on one head, $823 each.

Just ask 2009 National Western tie-down roping champ and Pueblo, Colorado native, Josh Peek. He earned $13,158 at last year’s event. Peek’s Denver win helped him reach the 2009 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. One can bet he will probably be back this year, along with other defending champions, such as Tim Shirley and Dustin Reeves (bareback riding), Jake Rinehart and Curtis Cassidy (steer wrestling), Bradley Harter (saddle bronc riding), Chad Masters and Michael Jones (team roping), Nancy Hunter (barrel racing) and Kanin Asay (bull riding).

This year, Masters will be roping with Jade Corkill and Jones will be roping with Travis Tryan.

The National Western consistently attracts top-50 talent and has a reputation for top livestock. Beutler Brothers & Cervi Rodeo Company and more than a dozen other stock contractors will bring in the best-of-the-best to Denver. Names like Calgary Stampede’s Grated Coconut and the arena record holding 93-point bull, Lucky Strike, will again headline this year’s rodeo.

More than 600,000 people attended the 16-day event last year and were entertained by specialty acts like Radical Ryan Rodriguez, the One-Arm Bandit John Payne, Tim Lepard and Team Ghost Riders, Charro Jerry Diaz, the Westernaires drill team, and freestyle bullfighting. These entertainers will be joined this year by Equine Extremist Tommy Turvey.

Lance Brittan, Wacey Munsell, and Quirt Hunt will once again be the National Western’s bullfighters and serve as cowboy protection.

The National Western features cowboy-friendly back-to-back performances and a qualifier will be held Jan. 5-6 for the timed PRCA events.

The finals on Jan. 24 will feature the top 12 contestants from each event. Tickets are on sale for the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo and the price starts at $8 each. To purchase tickets, visit www.nationalwestern.com, call 1-888-551-5004, or visit King Soopers locations.

Check back. More information will be added as it becomes available.

The injury occurred when the side of Hancock’s head smacked into the horn of Lancaster & Pickett’s bull Ballistic. Hancock, 34, wasn’t wearing a helmet. Fans gasped when they saw the video replay of the collision on the big screen at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Taylor, Ariz., bull rider was sidelined for the final round and finished 14th in the 2009 PRCA World Standings.
ProRodeo.com reporter Johnna Espinoza contacted the 2000 world champion and reigning Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls champion during the holiday break to get an update.

Q: Cody, fans have phoned the PRCA and asked about your condition. How are you feeling?
A: I’m fine. I just had a headache for a couple of days and that was it.

Q: How many concussions have you sustained?
A: I probably had three or four this year and about 20 in my career.

Q: J.W. Harris won his second consecutive gold buckle while wearing a helmet and more guys are wearing them. It’s your choice to wear one or not in PRCA rodeos, so have you considered wearing a helmet?
A: I called Phoenix (Vest) the other day to get me one. I talked to Phil Smith (of Phoenix). He’s been to the NFR in the bareback riding, and he is a friend of mine. He saw me after the 10th round and said that he was not telling me I should wear one. He just said they were coming out with a new one, if I was interested, and told me to contact him if I wanted one. So, I ordered one.

Q: Why did you decide to wear a helmet now and not sooner?
A: I felt like I was a cowboy and I wear my cowboy hat to work. But understand I have never been against them. I have taught (bull riding) schools and kids have asked me about them. I tell them that I think it is a great thing if you start wearing one when you’re young and every time you get on a bull you wear one. Then you get used to it. It is just something I never did, and I have taken lots of hits. People talk to me about quitting and I’m not ready to quit, so I can wear one, I guess. I have three little girls (9, 7 and 2) that I love more than anything, so I guess it is that time.

Q: What is your competition plan for 2010?
A: My game plan has always been the same. I will go to as many rodeos as it takes to make the Wrangler NFR. The Xtreme Bulls tour played into (reaching that goal) great. I’m a cowboy. I’m a rodeo guy. My goal is to make it to the Finals. (Note: Hancock has qualified for the Finals seven times: 2000-2002, 2004, 2007-2009).

Q: Why are you so fearless when it comes to bull riding? It seems like you hang onto the bull rope a tad too long sometimes.
A: I love to ride bulls. I’m a cowboy. I think that says it.

Q: Going back to the 2009 Wrangler NFR for a minute, what do you remember about Round 9?
A: The bull was turning back into my hand pretty good. At 7 (seconds), he kind of went to jump out of the spin. The last thing I remember thinking was: ‘He is going to take off now.’ He jumped ahead and I think that is what whipped me down (into the bull’s horn.) I don’t remember him doing that. I just remember thinking he was going to take off.

Q: When did you come to?
A: The first thing I remember is the ambulance.

Q: Did you stay overnight at the hospital?
A: Shoot, I was back at the hotel by 11 p.m. I got back in time to watch (the NFR replay) on ESPN.

Q: So, you checked out of the hospital, but your parents and the WNFR bull riders picked up your go-round buckle at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa? What did you think of your fellow bull riders doing that for you?
A: My wife (Rinda) asked if I wanted to go, and at first I said yes, but my head was hurting. I did think it was pretty cool that all the bull riders represented me.

Q: So, fans and contestants will see you at ProRodeos and Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls events pretty soon?
A: You bet.

“The George Michael Sports Machine,” was the first nationally syndicated sports show to make liberal use of highlight films, and Michael, who loved rodeo, made sure the cowboy sport was part of the package with baseball, basketball, football and hockey.

Michael may be best remembered in the Western community for his coverage of the Challenge of the Champions bull riding series in 1988, matching World Champion Lane Frost and Red Rock, a bull unridden in 309 outings.

He covered all seven rounds of the series in California, Utah and Oregon, lending it credibility with coverage on his nationally syndicated program.

Michael was sports director and sports anchor of WRC-TV, the NBC affiliate in Washington, for 27 years. His strong work ethic, larger than life personality and his belief in the power of video highlights anticipated what much of television sports reporting has become, especially as presented on ESPN’s Sportscenter.

Pendleton Round-Up legend Carden dies at age 100
Monk Carden, a rodeo clown who performed for many years at the Pendleton (Ore.) Round-Up, died on Dec. 24 at the age of 100. Carden and George Moens started a tumbling act at Pendleton High School, which eventually led to the clown act at the Round-Up, delighting fans from 1928 to 1934. He later served on the Round-Up Board and was inducted into Pendleton’s Hall of Fame in 1978.

ProRodeo at the movies
Scott Mendes, the 1997 world champion bull rider, has been cast in Gold Score, a feature film now in production and directed by Stephen Baldwin.

Bullfighter Rowdy Barry has made his movie debut this month with a credited part in Have You Heard About the Morgans, starring Hugh Grant and Sara Jessica Parker.

The Coen Brothers are doing a remake of the John Wayne film True Grit and, through Dec. 29, are holding an open casting call at the Cowboy Christmas Youth Challenge in Jackson, Miss., hoping to find a young actress to play the role of Mattie Ross

www.prorodeo.com