https://carlissmillion.com https://carlissmillion.com/Contact/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/1/pf-media/FDR-Park_1.jpgFDR Park_1South Philly’s FDR Park is a concrete, skateboard paradise, designed and built by skateboard enthusiasts. With features like the “Dome,” a four-foot wall of concrete that climbs up into a burly overhang; the “bunker,” a 60-foot long, 11-foot vertical brick coping that grinds real nice and keeps the place private from the road, this park is a serious challenge for skaters of all skill levels, all the way up to pro.The park is situated right under the I-95 highway overpass, right off Broad Street, so it’s protected from rain and snow. It’s also accessible from the Pattison Avenue stop of the Broad Street subway lineCreated by skaters, for skaters, it is considered within the skateboarding community to be an excellent park with endless speed lines. The park has several "areas", including the core park that lies under the aforementioned overpass, the neighboring and connecting pool section, and a mini ramp and vert ramp. South Philadelphia's FDR Skate Park has been described by professionals and in magazine articles such as Thrasher and Skateboarder to be a concrete, skateboard 'paradise', as it was designed and built by skateboard enthusiasts.[citation needed] The original core of the park includes features like the "Bunker," a 60-foot-long (18 m); the "Dome," a 4-foot (1.2 m) wall of concrete that climbs up into a burly overhang11-foot (3.4 m) next to the Bunker with brick coping and provides privacy from the road; a 6 ft patch of humps called the "Amoeba", this park provides a challenge for skaters of all skill levels, even professionals. As mentioned the park is situated right under the I-95 highway overpass, right off Broad Street, so it is protected from rain and snow. https://carlissmillion.com/Play/2/pf-media/FDR-Park_6A.jpgFDR-Park_6A https://carlissmillion.com/Play/3/pf-media/FDR-Park_2A.jpgFDR-Park_2A https://carlissmillion.com/Play/4/pf-media/Play_30.jpgPlay_30 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/5/pf-media/Impact_1.jpgImpact_1 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/6/pf-media/Poma.jpgPoma https://carlissmillion.com/Play/7/pf-media/Players_1.jpgPlayers_1 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/8/pf-media/CarlissMillion.jpgCarlissMillion https://carlissmillion.com/Play/9/pf-media/Play_15.jpgPlay_15Sports Photographer is a multi-award winning sports photographer specialising is shooting action, graphic, and editorial pictures for advertising, corporate and editorial clients.During a career spanning the last thirty years, Bob has photographed every major sporting event; from the last fourteen Summer and Winter Olympics, to Elephant Polo and Horse Racing on ice. His work has taken him to the farthest corners of the world, and his photographs have been published in numerous publications including Sports Illustrated, Time, Newsweek, Life Magazine, Stern, Paris match, Bunte, L Equipe, The Sunday Times and the New York Times to mention just a few.A resident in his native England, he is currently the only Sports Illustrated photographer to be based outside of the USA.photography has been recognised by than 57 national and international awards. He is a three time winner of the prestigious British Sports Photographer of the Year also having won theWorld Press Photo Sports Picture in 2005.During the London 2012 Olympics he was appointed as the overall Photo Chief based in the MPC. is currently working for Brazil 2016 consulting on photographic issues for the Olympics. https://carlissmillion.com/Play/10/pf-media/Play_16.jpgPlay_16 is a Philadelphia based freelance photographer that shoots throughout Washington State, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.He specializes in commercial photography and editorial sports photography and is currently covering the Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Mariners, SeattleSeahawks and the University of Washington Football & Basketball home schedule along with other one-off assignments.|You can often see his images published in Sports Illustrated.com, ESPN.com, LA Times, USA Today, Fox Sports and many more. https://carlissmillion.com/Play/11/pf-media/Play_19.jpgPlay_19 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/12/pf-media/Play_23.jpgPlay_23 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/13/pf-media/Play_1.jpgPlay_1Dustin Pedroia is always looking for ways to improve his game and the Game Model glove that he's worn for years. This season, he sought out to make the A2K DP15 GM even more tailored to his style of play. The 2017 model combines the snug "Pedroia Fit" with a shallower D-shaped pocket and straighter, open finger stalls for an even quicker transfer.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. Most prospects don't want to be flashy when they get to the bigs. But Carlos Correa is not most prospects. The stylish, yet classy A2000 CC1 GM is with Carlos as he takes the league by storm.The most famous baseball glove, the Wilson A2000, just keeps getting better. Wilson Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso, constantly refines the Pro Stock patterns with the insights of hundreds of MLB players every season. Made with Pro Stock leather, the A2000 baseball glove is built to break in perfectly and last for multiple seasons. It’s the perfect ball glove for hard working players. We've built a glove fit for an All-Star -- the limited-edition A2000 1786 complete with Navy and Yellow Gold Pro Stock Leather to commemorate the 2016 All-Star Game, held at the Padres' home ballpark in San Diego. It's made with a white palm so players -- and fans -- can collect autographs.Pick up the commemorative All-Star Game glove similar to that the #TeamWilson players will receive at the Midsummer Classic in San Diego -- a limited-edition Wilson A2000 1786. Brandon Phillips made a return trip to the Wilson Glove Lab to make his 2016 A2K DATDUDE GM. This year it is all about the faux Snakeskin ProStock Select leather along the back fingers of BP's glove. No other glove has this premium textured leather. The 11.5 IN length and H-web keep the pocket shallow so Brandon can maintain his NL-leading .996 fielding percentage from last season. The A2K DATDUDE GM baseball glove looks, fits, and feels as good as it performs. The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. Year after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. based sports photographer, specializing in sports action and portrait photography for over 30 years. Carliss is well versed in providing his clients with the cutting edge feature, stock and assignment sports photography they expect from an experienced professional photographer. Currently, his main focus is serving as the team photographer for the Chicago White Sox, for whom he has worked with since 1985. In addition, Carliss Million Photography provides editorial, corporate feature, advertising and executive portrait photography services. Major clients include the Chicago White Sox, MLB Photos, Wilson Sporting Goods, Proven4 and Sports Illustrated. Publication credits include Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Time, Life, The Sporting News, Inside Sports, Sport Magazine, TV Guide and American Iron among many. In addition, Ron has covered 24 World Series and 11 Super Bowls. Carliss is available to shoot specifically for your project, whether it be sports action or location personality portraiture.Please contact Carliss regarding assignments, or to discuss licensing images from his fully searchable online archive. This archive features 30 years of Major League Baseball and NFL sports coverage. ABOUT BRADI am a freelance sports photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area where I regularly shoot assignments for Sports Illustrated and Major League Baseball Photos. My work keeps me busy from the first pitch of Spring Training to the final out of the World Series. When not shooting, I enjoy attending San Francisco Giants games in my season ticket box seats, and working on SportsShooter.com, the online resource for sports photography, of which I am a founding owner.I had two books published by Cameron + Company in April of 2013. “Instant Baseball: The Baseball Instagrams of Brad Mangin” captures the 2012 MLB season from Spring Training beginning in February all the way through the World Series in October – all through the lens of Instagram on my iPhone. The book is available as an ebook in the iBookstore and you can also purchase signed copies in the store on this site.“Never. Say. Die.: The San Francisco Giants – 2012 World Series Champions” captures this historic season with photographs that evoke the Giants’ relentless spirit of passion and persistence in 2012.My first book was published about the 2010 San Francisco Giants world championship season. “Worth The Wait” is a 128-page hard cover coffee table picture book and it is also available in the store on this site.Speaking at workshops, colleges, and other venues is one of my favorite activities. I have had the pleasure of giving lectures at The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, Western Kentucky University, The Olympic Club in San Francisco, The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, The Apple Store San Francisco, The Apple Store SoHo,The Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, The Sports Shooter Luau, Rich Clarkson’s Sports Photography Workshop, The San Francisco Bay Area Press Photographers Photo Night, ASMP, Brooks Institute, San Jose State University, University of Nevada, and Stanford University.In 2011 I served as a judge for the NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism contest, and in 2008 I judged the 64th Pictures of the Year International photo contest in Columbia, Missouri. In 2006 I was awarded the Ohlone College Alumnus of the Year.with a degree in photojournalism, my work experience ranged from being a staff photographer at the Contra Costa Times, stringing for The Associated Press and shooting trading cards for The Upper Deck Company. One of my career highlights includes working for the legendary sports photographer Neil Leifer as the Bay Area staff photographer at The National Sports Daily in 1990.Since becoming a full-time freelance photographer in 1993, I have photographed everything from the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta to the World Series in Kansas City and New York in 2015. In between, I have covered a number of Super Bowls, All Star games and playoff games all over the United States.I am available for assignment work, and my complete image archive, which contains some of the most memorable moments in sports since 1986, is fully searchable from within my website. https://carlissmillion.com/Play/14/pf-media/Play_2.jpgPlay_2Dustin Pedroia is always looking for ways to improve his game and the Game Model glove that he's worn for years. This season, he sought out to make the A2K DP15 GM even more tailored to his style of play. The 2017 model combines the snug "Pedroia Fit" with a shallower D-shaped pocket and straighter, open finger stalls for an even quicker transfer.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. Most prospects don't want to be flashy when they get to the bigs. But Carlos Correa is not most prospects. The stylish, yet classy A2000 CC1 GM is with Carlos as he takes the league by storm.The most famous baseball glove, the Wilson A2000, just keeps getting better. Wilson Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso, constantly refines the Pro Stock patterns with the insights of hundreds of MLB players every season. Made with Pro Stock leather, the A2000 baseball glove is built to break in perfectly and last for multiple seasons. It’s the perfect ball glove for hard working players. We've built a glove fit for an All-Star -- the limited-edition A2000 1786 complete with Navy and Yellow Gold Pro Stock Leather to commemorate the 2016 All-Star Game, held at the Padres' home ballpark in San Diego. It's made with a white palm so players -- and fans -- can collect autographs.Pick up the commemorative All-Star Game glove similar to that the #TeamWilson players will receive at the Midsummer Classic in San Diego -- a limited-edition Wilson A2000 1786. Brandon Phillips made a return trip to the Wilson Glove Lab to make his 2016 A2K DATDUDE GM. This year it is all about the faux Snakeskin ProStock Select leather along the back fingers of BP's glove. No other glove has this premium textured leather. The 11.5 IN length and H-web keep the pocket shallow so Brandon can maintain his NL-leading .996 fielding percentage from last season. The A2K DATDUDE GM baseball glove looks, fits, and feels as good as it performs. The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. Year after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. based sports photographer, specializing in sports action and portrait photography for over 30 years. Carliss is well versed in providing his clients with the cutting edge feature, stock and assignment sports photography they expect from an experienced professional photographer. Currently, his main focus is serving as the team photographer for the Chicago White Sox, for whom he has worked with since 1985. In addition, Carliss Million Photography provides editorial, corporate feature, advertising and executive portrait photography services. Major clients include the Chicago White Sox, MLB Photos, Wilson Sporting Goods, Proven4 and Sports Illustrated. Publication credits include Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Time, Life, The Sporting News, Inside Sports, Sport Magazine, TV Guide and American Iron among many. In addition, Ron has covered 24 World Series and 11 Super Bowls. Carliss is available to shoot specifically for your project, whether it be sports action or location personality portraiture.Please contact Carliss regarding assignments, or to discuss licensing images from his fully searchable online archive. This archive features 30 years of Major League Baseball and NFL sports coverage. ABOUT BRADI am a freelance sports photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area where I regularly shoot assignments for Sports Illustrated and Major League Baseball Photos. My work keeps me busy from the first pitch of Spring Training to the final out of the World Series. When not shooting, I enjoy attending San Francisco Giants games in my season ticket box seats, and working on SportsShooter.com, the online resource for sports photography, of which I am a founding owner.I had two books published by Cameron + Company in April of 2013. “Instant Baseball: The Baseball Instagrams of Brad Mangin” captures the 2012 MLB season from Spring Training beginning in February all the way through the World Series in October – all through the lens of Instagram on my iPhone. The book is available as an ebook in the iBookstore and you can also purchase signed copies in the store on this site.“Never. Say. Die.: The San Francisco Giants – 2012 World Series Champions” captures this historic season with photographs that evoke the Giants’ relentless spirit of passion and persistence in 2012.My first book was published about the 2010 San Francisco Giants world championship season. “Worth The Wait” is a 128-page hard cover coffee table picture book and it is also available in the store on this site.Speaking at workshops, colleges, and other venues is one of my favorite activities. I have had the pleasure of giving lectures at The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, Western Kentucky University, The Olympic Club in San Francisco, The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, The Apple Store San Francisco, The Apple Store SoHo,The Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, The Sports Shooter Luau, Rich Clarkson’s Sports Photography Workshop, The San Francisco Bay Area Press Photographers Photo Night, ASMP, Brooks Institute, San Jose State University, University of Nevada, and Stanford University.In 2011 I served as a judge for the NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism contest, and in 2008 I judged the 64th Pictures of the Year International photo contest in Columbia, Missouri. In 2006 I was awarded the Ohlone College Alumnus of the Year.with a degree in photojournalism, my work experience ranged from being a staff photographer at the Contra Costa Times, stringing for The Associated Press and shooting trading cards for The Upper Deck Company. One of my career highlights includes working for the legendary sports photographer Neil Leifer as the Bay Area staff photographer at The National Sports Daily in 1990.Since becoming a full-time freelance photographer in 1993, I have photographed everything from the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta to the World Series in Kansas City and New York in 2015. In between, I have covered a number of Super Bowls, All Star games and playoff games all over the United States.I am available for assignment work, and my complete image archive, which contains some of the most memorable moments in sports since 1986, is fully searchable from within my website. https://carlissmillion.com/Play/15/pf-media/Speed6.jpgSpeed1 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/16/pf-media/Speed10.jpgSpeed3 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/17/pf-media/Speed-copy1.jpgSpeed https://carlissmillion.com/Play/18/pf-media/Speed8a.jpgSpeed2 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/19/pf-media/Play_11.jpgPlay_11 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/1/pf-media/Portraits_1-copy1.jpgPortraits_1 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/2/pf-media/Portraits_2.jpgPortraits_2 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/3/pf-media/Lou_2A.jpgLou_2A https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/4/pf-media/Bill-2-231.jpgBill 2-231 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/5/pf-media/StudioSession-171_2jpg.jpgStudioSession-171_2jpg https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/6/pf-media/In-Print_6H.jpgIn Print_6H https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/7/pf-media/In-Print_6F.jpgIn Print_6F https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/8/pf-media/Portraits_4a.jpgPortraits_4a https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/9/pf-media/Bill-2-277.jpgBill 2-277 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/10/pf-media/Anthony_4.jpgAnthony_4 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/1/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_1.jpgLast Gladiators_1Wilmington Rugby tries, tries againFIRST STATE FOCUSKyle Grantham, The News Journal 7:26 p.m. EDT October 8, 2015facebook sharetwitter shareemail shareemail shareWilmington's Jordan Ashburn runs through a pair ofBuy PhotoWilmington's Jordan Ashburn runs through a pair of Severn River defenders in the first half of Wilmington's 39-0 win over Severn River at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington on Saturday afternoon, September 12, 2015. (Photo: KYLE GRANTHAM/THE NEWS JOURNAL)A light rain falls over the field as players get ready for a Saturday game. Goal posts are erected and tents go up to cover the team bench. A handful of fans take their seats near the end of the field.Some players wrap their feet in duct tape, instead of athletic tape, for a better hold. Others opt for no tape at all.In a game without helmets and pads, why bother with tape?Unlike Delaware Stadium or Lincoln Financial Field, there's no rising section of cheering fans around the pitch at Alapocas Run State Park. The Wilmington Rugby Football Club plays in front of family and friends in folding chairs.The team formed in 1974. Players have included the late Wilmington mayor Daniel S. Frawley and University of Delaware Executive Vice President and Treasurer Scott Douglas. In 1989, the city of Wilmington recognized the team's accomplishments with an official holiday, Wilmington Rugby Club Day, on Dec. 15.FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInWilmington Rugby Club 39, Severn River 0 FullscreenKevin Hoelzer tapes his feet with duct tape beforeBuy PhotoKevin Hoelzer tapes his feet with duct tape before the start of a game against Severn River at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington on Saturday afternoon, September 12, 2015. KYLE GRANTHAM/THE NEWS JOURNALFullscreenKevin Hoelzer tapes his feet with duct tape before1 of 16Wilmington head coach Bob Weir talks with the teamWilmington players warm up before their match againstWilmington's Kevin Wiggins breaks away from a scrumWilmington's Steve Lange breaks away from a group ofWilmington's Jordan Ashburn runs through a pair ofWilmington's Ian Ferguson loses the ball as a SevernWilmington's Conor Mullarkey tackles a Severn RiverWilmington's Todd Gallen outruns a pair of Severn RiverSevern River's James Hester is surrounded by WilmingtonWilmington's Chris Wiggins runs over Severn River defendersWilmington's Conor Mullarkey tries to evade a SevernSevern River players bear down in a scrum against WilmingtonWilmington and Severn River players reach for the ballWilmington's Kevin Wiggins wraps up a Severn RiverMud covers the back of Wilmington Rugby Club presidentNext Slide16 PhotosWilmington Rugby Club 39, Severn River 0The current team has a conference win streak of over 30 matches since 2011. If Wilmington's winning ways continue, it will find itself playing in the top tier of rugby in the United States next season.None of this, though, has translated to support for the team, at least from those who matter."We have to practice on a prison field because we don't get any funding from the city," team president Matt Weik said as the team practiced in the outfield of a baseball field near 22nd and Bowers Streets on Wilmington's East Side on Wednesday night."Two people have had their car stolen here, the same amount have had their cars broken into here, just while we're sitting right here, car alarms go off." Weik added. "And saying we practice by the prison doesn't do well for recruiting either."Despite that, the team is respected in rugby circles."People know about us," Weik said. "When we go and we play in other areas, people know about Wilmington from our past successes. We have guys on this team that have played on a national level. I think it's something the city could embrace as one of its sports."One of those players is former Newark High School football standout Kevin Wiggins. Wiggins, a two-time all-state football player, played internationally for the United States Eagles in seven-a-side rugby, and now plays for the United States Tomahawks in international league rugby.Wilmington's Kevin Wiggins breaks away from a scrumBuy PhotoWilmington's Kevin Wiggins breaks away from a scrum in the first half of Wilmington's 39-0 win over Severn River at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington on Saturday afternoon, September 12, 2015. (Photo: KYLE GRANTHAM/THE NEWS JOURNAL)"He is without a doubt our emotional leader," Weik said of Wiggins. "Has been since high school."Most of the players on the team played college or high school rugby. Ages range from early 20s to mid-40s."A lot of these guys … they don't want to play coed softball or coed football," Weik said. "Once you instilled a rugby instinct it's hard to let go. "The stereotype of the "drunken hooligan," as Weik put it, doesn't apply to Wilmington's rugby team."We have attorneys, we have chiropractors, we have guys who are in banks, guys that own their own businesses," Weik said.The impact of rugby's tight-knit community extends beyond the field."Guys go on to success and they pass that opportunity down to guys on the team. If they're looking for jobs in the area we can set them up," Weik said. "That community just perpetuates and it becomes a bond. You understand as a rugby player what we've all been through."Weik himself has acted as a job facilitator."I get it all the time from August through September, 'I'm interested in playing, I'm looking for work in the area,'" Weik said of the emails he'll receive from prospective players.His response: "What's your field? Alright, let me set you up with somebody."Wilmington has yet to win a national title, though it has appeared in the Division II national title games several times, as recently as 2013 in Colorado.Winning the Mid-Atlantic Conference again this year will boost the team into Division I.That could pose the greatest challenge yet, but not just because of the competition."We're playing in a state park where it costs us money to play at our own field," Weik said. "That's what we have to deal with in Delaware because we don't have a place to play. If I could ask for one thing I'd ask for a designated facility that was designed for us." https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/2/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_2.jpgLast Gladiators_2 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/3/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_3.jpgLast Gladiators_3We are a Division I Men’s Club competing in the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union. If you are interested in playing or learning more about rugby, contact us by CLICKING HERE, or just stop by a practice or game. Feel free to browse the site to learn more about the team. Wilmington Rugby Club Delaware https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/4/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_7.jpgLast Gladiators_7Wilmington Rugby tries, tries againFIRST STATE FOCUSKyle Grantham, The News Journal 7:26 p.m. EDT October 8, 2015facebook sharetwitter shareemail shareemail shareWilmington's Jordan Ashburn runs through a pair ofBuy PhotoWilmington's Jordan Ashburn runs through a pair of Severn River defenders in the first half of Wilmington's 39-0 win over Severn River at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington on Saturday afternoon, September 12, 2015. (Photo: KYLE GRANTHAM/THE NEWS JOURNAL)A light rain falls over the field as players get ready for a Saturday game. Goal posts are erected and tents go up to cover the team bench. A handful of fans take their seats near the end of the field.Some players wrap their feet in duct tape, instead of athletic tape, for a better hold. Others opt for no tape at all.In a game without helmets and pads, why bother with tape?Unlike Delaware Stadium or Lincoln Financial Field, there's no rising section of cheering fans around the pitch at Alapocas Run State Park. The Wilmington Rugby Football Club plays in front of family and friends in folding chairs.The team formed in 1974. Players have included the late Wilmington mayor Daniel S. Frawley and University of Delaware Executive Vice President and Treasurer Scott Douglas. In 1989, the city of Wilmington recognized the team's accomplishments with an official holiday, Wilmington Rugby Club Day, on Dec. 15.FacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInWilmington Rugby Club 39, Severn River 0 FullscreenKevin Hoelzer tapes his feet with duct tape beforeBuy PhotoKevin Hoelzer tapes his feet with duct tape before the start of a game against Severn River at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington on Saturday afternoon, September 12, 2015. KYLE GRANTHAM/THE NEWS JOURNALFullscreenKevin Hoelzer tapes his feet with duct tape before1 of 16Wilmington head coach Bob Weir talks with the teamWilmington players warm up before their match againstWilmington's Kevin Wiggins breaks away from a scrumWilmington's Steve Lange breaks away from a group ofWilmington's Jordan Ashburn runs through a pair ofWilmington's Ian Ferguson loses the ball as a SevernWilmington's Conor Mullarkey tackles a Severn RiverWilmington's Todd Gallen outruns a pair of Severn RiverSevern River's James Hester is surrounded by WilmingtonWilmington's Chris Wiggins runs over Severn River defendersWilmington's Conor Mullarkey tries to evade a SevernSevern River players bear down in a scrum against WilmingtonWilmington and Severn River players reach for the ballWilmington's Kevin Wiggins wraps up a Severn RiverMud covers the back of Wilmington Rugby Club presidentNext Slide16 PhotosWilmington Rugby Club 39, Severn River 0The current team has a conference win streak of over 30 matches since 2011. If Wilmington's winning ways continue, it will find itself playing in the top tier of rugby in the United States next season.None of this, though, has translated to support for the team, at least from those who matter."We have to practice on a prison field because we don't get any funding from the city," team president Matt Weik said as the team practiced in the outfield of a baseball field near 22nd and Bowers Streets on Wilmington's East Side on Wednesday night."Two people have had their car stolen here, the same amount have had their cars broken into here, just while we're sitting right here, car alarms go off." Weik added. "And saying we practice by the prison doesn't do well for recruiting either."Despite that, the team is respected in rugby circles."People know about us," Weik said. "When we go and we play in other areas, people know about Wilmington from our past successes. We have guys on this team that have played on a national level. I think it's something the city could embrace as one of its sports."One of those players is former Newark High School football standout Kevin Wiggins. Wiggins, a two-time all-state football player, played internationally for the United States Eagles in seven-a-side rugby, and now plays for the United States Tomahawks in international league rugby.Wilmington's Kevin Wiggins breaks away from a scrumBuy PhotoWilmington's Kevin Wiggins breaks away from a scrum in the first half of Wilmington's 39-0 win over Severn River at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington on Saturday afternoon, September 12, 2015. (Photo: KYLE GRANTHAM/THE NEWS JOURNAL)"He is without a doubt our emotional leader," Weik said of Wiggins. "Has been since high school."Most of the players on the team played college or high school rugby. Ages range from early 20s to mid-40s."A lot of these guys … they don't want to play coed softball or coed football," Weik said. "Once you instilled a rugby instinct it's hard to let go. "The stereotype of the "drunken hooligan," as Weik put it, doesn't apply to Wilmington's rugby team."We have attorneys, we have chiropractors, we have guys who are in banks, guys that own their own businesses," Weik said.The impact of rugby's tight-knit community extends beyond the field."Guys go on to success and they pass that opportunity down to guys on the team. If they're looking for jobs in the area we can set them up," Weik said. "That community just perpetuates and it becomes a bond. You understand as a rugby player what we've all been through."Weik himself has acted as a job facilitator."I get it all the time from August through September, 'I'm interested in playing, I'm looking for work in the area,'" Weik said of the emails he'll receive from prospective players.His response: "What's your field? Alright, let me set you up with somebody."Wilmington has yet to win a national title, though it has appeared in the Division II national title games several times, as recently as 2013 in Colorado.Winning the Mid-Atlantic Conference again this year will boost the team into Division I.That could pose the greatest challenge yet, but not just because of the competition."We're playing in a state park where it costs us money to play at our own field," Weik said. "That's what we have to deal with in Delaware because we don't have a place to play. If I could ask for one thing I'd ask for a designated facility that was designed for us." https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/5/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_4.jpgLast Gladiators_4 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/6/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_5.jpgLast Gladiators_5 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/7/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_6.jpgLast Gladiators_6 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/8/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_8.jpgLast Gladiators_8 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/9/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_9.jpgLast Gladiators_9 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/10/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_10.jpgLast Gladiators_10 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/11/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_11.jpgLast Gladiators_11 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/12/pf-media/Last-Gladiators_12.jpgLast Gladiators_12 https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/1/pf-media/WilmingtonGrandPrixBanner_2.jpgWilmingtonGrandPrixBanner_2 https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/2/pf-media/In-Print_7.jpgIn Print_7You seem to offer a lot of cross country tires. How should I narrow the field to figure out which tire is right for me? I ride mostly hard trail surfaces with some sandy sections.AnswerThere are several Maxxis tires available for XC riders in your type of terrain. For aggressive use, look into the High Roller or Mobster. They have large lugs for excellent bite in looser conditions, and large side lugs for accurate cornering. If you race and are concerned with minimizing rolling resistance, consider the Ignitor or Ranchero. These tires offer a rounder profile and lower rolling resistance, provided by more continuous knobs along the centerline. They also offer wedge-shaped side knobs for cornering performance.Why does Maxxis make so many compounds?AnswerMaxxis makes multiple compounds in order to provide optimal performance in various conditions and terrains, as well as durability for riders looking for longer tread life. All of our compounds are podium-proven by riders around the world.Why do you offer so many different sizes of tires and what do the sizes mean?AnswerAs you have noted, Maxxis offers mountain bike tires in a variety of sizes to help you customize your ride.The secret is finding the optimal width for your conditions. Here is a breakdown of the intent of various sizes:26x1.8: This volume tire is designed for mud applications.26x1.9: This low volume tire will be light but will still require high pressure. Used by lightweight riders or in race applications.26x2.0-2.1: These sizes have been the standard for cross-country, providing a great compromise between low weight and large contact patch for increased traction.26x2.35: This size tire is becoming the "all mountain" tire. It works well for aggressive XC riding, mountain cross racing or for any epic ride that may require climbing as well as fast, technical descents.26x2.5-2.7: Used in downhill applications. The large contact patch provides excellent traction, and the high air volume aids in suspension. This technology decreases the likelihood of a pinch flat over extremely rough terrain at high speedsWhy do some of your tires have orange stripes while others do not?AnswerThe orange stripe on the sidewall of our tires is a Maxxis trademark. Until two years ago, all production tires had the orange stripe. When the Super Tacky, Slow Reezay, and eXCeption compounds were designed, the orange stripe could not be placed on the sidewall due to the softness of the compounds.What tire is recommended for bicycle commuters on 26 inch and 700c wheels?AnswerThe Maxxis Overdrive was specifically designed with bicycle commuters in mind. The Overdrive has a grooved slick design for all weather conditions and for both on and off-road conditions. The Overdrive also features a reflective sidewall for increased visibility in dark or rainy conditions. The 26" version is also available.What is your best tire for urban street riding?AnswerOur most popular tire for urban assault is the 26" Hookworm. It is a grooved, slick, treaded tire, made with our 60a compound. This tire is designed to handle almost any conditions you’ll find in the street. And in fall 2004, we’ll be coming out with a 26" Holy Roller. This tire will have an inverted semi-knob design and will be made with our hard 70a compound. It can be used for urban riding or dirt jumping.What is the MaxxPro 60a Compound?AnswerThe MaxxPro 60a compound is great for varying terrains and weather conditions. Only Maxxis has exclusive use of the Exxpro polymer, created by Exxon. Our engineers have blended Exxpro with our own MaxxPro elastomer, which allows soft tires to have a long tread life without compromising the increase in traction that soft compounds provide.All MaxxPro tires benefit from 100% perfectly dispersed carbon black.Maxxis’ technology allows for the carbon black molecules to be ground smaller and thus more closely arranged than carbon black found in other manufacturer’s compounds. The result is a smoother tire surface that wears longer than traditional compounds. Maxxis’ perfect dispersion of carbon black also minimizes cut growth in instances where the tread becomes torn or cut. The tire also rolls faster as a result of the rubber recovering more slowly after shaping itself to the terrain. MaxxPro is one of the many technological advantages brought about by our more than thirty years of producing bicycle tires.What is the eXCeption Series and what does it do?AnswerThe eXCeption Series of tires is a combination of our 62a compound and our 120 TPI casing. This not only makes for a lighter model tire: it also enhances cornering, braking, and acceleration. These tires are recommended for race use only.What is the advantage of a tubeless tire?AnswerTubeless tires allow you to run lower air pressure without having to worry about pinch flatting a tube. This allows for maximum traction because you have more surface area contact with the ground.What is Super Tacky?AnswerSuper Tacky is a compound with a durometer rating of 42a. This means that it is a very soft compound. It is used exclusively in our downhill and freeride lines. The soft compound allows the rider to have superb surface traction. These tires are used for racing.What is Slow Reezay?AnswerSlow Reezay is a compound with a durometer rating of 40a. This means that it is a very soft compound. It is used exclusively in our downhill line. Due to its slow rebounding properties, this compound allows for traction and speed to be maintained in highly technical terrain. These tires are used in racing.What is Silkworm Technology?AnswerSilkworm Technology is incorporated into the casing of select tires to increase puncture resistance and decrease rolling resistance. There are two options for the Silkworm Technology: the breaker and the cap ply.The breaker ply option protects the tire from punctures directly under the tread area. This also helps to increase rolling efficiency by providing a firm support around the circumference of the tire. You will find the breaker option in some of our Road and Cross Country line of tires.The cap ply option provides superior protection against flats and tears by protecting the tire from bead to bead. The cap ply option is used in the RE-Fuse and our Downhill UST tires.What is a Presta valve?AnswerThere are two types of valves in bicycle tubes today: Schrader and Presta. Schrader valves are a North American standardized system in which the valve consists of a pin that is spring loaded. Once this pin is pushed down, the valve will allow air into the tube. Presta valves are a European version with a barrel adjuster on the top of the stem (The stem is unscrewed to allow air into the tube.) Both systems work well. Many road and XC tubes are Presta valve, while a majority of DH, some XC, and most small tubes (for children's bikes) are Schrader.What is a Kevlar (DuPont) Belt?AnswerThe specially formulated Kevlar (DuPont) belt is a breaker ply that is positioned between the layers of the casing. Kevlar provides maximum puncture resistance in the most unpredictable conditions. The RE-Fuse and Overdrive models utilize this technology.What is a 2-ply (or) dual-ply DH casing?AnswerTwo 60 tpi (threads per inch) casings vulcanized with butyl rubber and reinforced sidewalls make up Maxxis downhill casings, which are world renowned for performance and reliability. Our DH casings provide more stability at high speeds and allow for lower air pressure without the risk of pinch flatting.What does TPI stand for?AnswerTPI stands for threads per Inch. It defines the number of threads contained in one inch of the tire casing. The lower the number of TPI, the larger the gauge cords in the casing. Thus, the more durable the tire becomes. The higher the TPI, the more lightweight the tire becomes and the more supple the ride of the tire. The majority of our tires are 60 TPI, and our race tires are 120 TPI.What does the term durometer mean?AnswerA Durometer is both an instrument and the international standard for measuring the hardness of rubber. A Durometer works by measuring the penetration of the gauge’s indentor under the specific conditions of a given Durometer standard. Shore“A” Durometer is used for flexible materials. Durometers are described in the American Society for Testing and Material specification ASTM D2240; this is the recognized specification for the instrument and test procedures.Measuring the Durometer of a rubber compound is one simple way to differentiate between two compounds. The Maxxis eXCeption line of tires at 62a Durometer is more rigid than Maxxis Super Tacky(ST), which is 42a. This difference can also be felt by hand when applying pressure to a tire’s tread. Durometer hardness is only one of many compound properties. It can provide a general guideline on compound performance, but cannot be an accurate indicator of tire compound performance. For example, the harder compound will typically have better tread wear and rolling efficiency, while the softer compound will provide maximum traction. However, other properties such as rebound and tear resistance are also important. Furthermore, tread compound is only part of the tire’s equation. Tire compound, chemical composition, tread pattern, casing design, and tire wear are all factors that affect the performance of your tires. Different areas such as grip, durability, and rolling efficiency are optimized in each Maxxis compound. Consider all the variables when selecting one of Maxxis’ tires.What does the number after the 26 (as in 26x2.0) stand for?AnswerBicycle tire size is expressed as the wheel diameter by the tires widest width. Therefore 26x2.0 means that the tire is 26" in diameter and 2.0" wide. Maxxis also offers 16,” 20,” 24,” and 700c size tires in various disciplines.What are the benefits of using a high volume tire?AnswerA high volume tire allows for a large area of ground contact, which helps to increase traction. Using a high volume tire also reduces the likelihood of a pinch flat.What are Butyl Inserts?AnswerButyl inserts are pieces of butyl rubber wrapped around and placed in between the two overlapped 60 tpi layers, midway through the sidewall in our 2-ply casings. The inserts add strength to the sidewall and add stability to resist pinch flats.I am a recreational cross country rider and do not know which compound to choose. What do you recommend?AnswerFor recreational riding you should go with a harder durometer tire. Maxxis offers our cross country tires in a 70a compound, which delivers ultimate performance and a long-lasting tread life.How does a durometer test hardness and other related characteristics of a tire?AnswerThe durometer hardness test is non-destructive. The small instrument size means that there is no need for elaborate specimen preparation. This makes it an ideal method for checking materials under any condition with accuracy and reliability. All durometers have a spring-loaded indenter, which applies an indentation load to the specimen, thus sensing the "hardness,” which can be related to other material characteristics. Use of a durometer provides a quick yet accurate way to indirectly measure other material properties, such as tensile modulus, resilience, plasticity, compression resistance, and elasticity.It is relatively simple to determine the correlation between durometer hardness and other properties for a given material. A set of specimens of the material (or family of materials) is first tested on a standard tester for property desired, e.g. tensile strength. A set of durometer readings for the same samples is then observed and noted. Thereafter, only the durometer hardness need be observed on similar material specimens (tires) to obtain a reasonable measure of the other property. Some properties correlate exactly, while others are sufficiently close for practical use as an initial quality control or materials engineering test.Do you produce any puncture resistant road tires?AnswerAll Maxxis bicycle tires are made to last. For those who are looking for an extra level of protection, the RE-Fuse is a perfect match. This tire has a layer of Silkworm and a Kevlar (DuPont) Belt, which adds two puncture resistant layers built into the casing to provide the reliability you need on long rides.Do you make Cyclocross tires?AnswerWe manufacture three different models: the Mimo CX-700 x 35c low profile knobbed tire, the Wormdrive CX-700 x 42c semi-slick tire and the Locust 700 x 35c tire.Do you make any tires in the 24" version for DH?AnswerWe currently produce the High Roller in a 24x2.50 60a model. We also produce the Hookworm urban assault tire in a 24x2.50.and the Holy Roller 24" dirt jump tire.Can I be sponsored by Maxxis?AnswerTo request sponsorship for the next year, you must submit your resume between September 1 and November 1 of the previous year. You may find our sponsorship application online in the sponorship section of our website. A Maxxis team member will contact you if you are available for sponsorship once they have received your application. As the TUFMED USA CRITS Championship Final, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium promises to be the most exciting sports event to hit the streets of downtown West Chester. See top national professional bike racers push themselves to the max to become the Champion of the 2016 series.The streets of downtown West Chester will explode with excitement as riders navigate challenging circuit at speeds in excess of 35mph. Cheer on these top cyclists as they push themselves to the very limit in their quest for fame and glory.About the routeThe Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania, featuring four 90 degree turns and one short rise. The Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, the title sponsor, at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s CriteriumTIME: 6:45 P.M.As the 2016 TUFMED USA CRITS Women’s Championship Series Finals, this 40K race will attract top pro female riders from around the country and beyond. It’s one of the most important women’s bicycle races on the USA Cycling Calendar so you can count on great racing excitement.This exciting 40K race begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. See top local cyclists race along the downtown streets! Cheer them on as they push themselves to the very limits of their ability. The action begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets, home of the title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.Attention amateur riders:The top Cat 2, 3 and 4 riders in the Rothman Institute Amateur Race Trials held earlier in the day will be eligible to compete in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium.Click here for details and schedule.Registration• USA CYCLING sanctioned event• Racing license required• All finishing racers are factored in PAC BAR point scoring• All USAC rules apply.• Registration closes Friday, August 1, 2015 at 10 A.M.(A $10 late fee added for day-of registration)Race route mapThe .6 race route encompasses 8 blocks with four 90 degree turns and one short rise to the start/finish line. It is the same course that will be used for the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Race. On Saturday, August 20th, 2016, the streets of Downtown West Chester will again host a series of bicycle races.Downtown property and business owners should be aware of the following details:To build the “race course” the town center will be posted with no parking signs on Saturday, August 20th, starting at 1:00pm. Vehicular traffic will be diverted beginning from 1:00pm until 10:30pm.The racing schedule is as follows: 5:00pm (Kids’ Race); 5:45pm (Tolsdorf Express Mile Foot Race); 6:45pm (Amteur Men’s Race); 7:45pm (Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Men’s Race).The race course is as follows: With the exception of the kids race, cyclists will head west on Gay, south on Church, East on Market, north on Matlack and back to Gay Street.Traffic message boards will be installed days before alerting vehicular traffic of the event and road closures. Signs will be located southbound on Pottstown Pike, eastbound on Rt. 322, northbound at Rosedale and High and westbound on Gay St.SPECIAL NOTEThis is a non-alcoholic event. Alcohol is not permitted outside of designated licensed restaurant café areas. Please help us to keep this a family friendly event for all those attending. Also, please be sure to keep a clear passageway on all sidewalks and outdoor cafes to allow pedestrians to pass comfortably.- - - The Twilight Criterium was established and organized as a community initiative by community business people with an enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium remains the only professional sporting event in Chester County. The goal is to continue to create an environment of fun and fitness for families. With the added excitement of the USA CRITS Series, West Chester is again positioned as a destination point for shoppers and diners not only from Southeast Pennsylvania but from throughout the United States.Local retailers and restaurants are encouraged to showcase their businesses with the increase of foot traffic coming for the races. Some downtown businesses have joined together to organize their own block party’s the day of the race. We encourage initiatives like this as well as participating in ThinkShopBuy. . .Local which the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce created to help you, our community leaders, be successful. We want you to take full advantage of the crowds in town on July 6! We are fortunate that Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery and our other sponsors have committed to suppoting the race and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. West Chester Cycling Club (WCCC) has captured the hearts of West Chester as a club of vibrant cyclists and active people since its inception in 2004. Members of WCCC engage in a variety of cycling events, social events and volunteer activities that are infused with a spirit of excitement and community. Cycling events include frequent club rides ranging in speeds from casual rides to energetic group rides to sanctioned races. Social events vary from picnics to Club Socials to serving as host volunteers at the thrilling annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a professional cycling race. WCCC goes beyond cycling by giving back to the community and being involved in special projects. Come and join the fun and spirit of West Chester Cycling Club! OverviewHundreds of cyclists, including nationally ranked professionals and local amateurs, will challenge themselves on the streets of downtown West Chester during the annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.One of the top pro races in the country, the annual event is part of day-long celebration of cycling, community and family-friendly fun. h2(beta). Rothman Institute Amateur TrialsThe day kicks off early with a number of amateur races, held at Bayard Rustin high School, from 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. The events, which are open to the public, determine the field for the Rothman Institute Amateur Men’s Criterium to be held at 5:45 p.m. in downtown West Chester as a precursor to the marquee event: the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.Iron Hill Twilight CriteriumThe day culminates at 7:45 p.m. as racers from around the country take on the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester. Stake your spot early as the Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant at the intersection of Gay and High Streets.Market Street Block PartyMarket Street businesses have banded together to create more fun in the streets with the Market Street Block Party, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Create your own masterpiece in chalk on the sidewalk while enjoying great food, live music and party ambiance.Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of biking events including the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race for children ages 3-10 and the Twilight Trike Challenge featuring grownups attempting to ride tricycles. Awards will be given for three categories: fastest times, best costumed rider and best tricked-out trike.A slew of the other exciting events include the Pro-Am Women’s Criterium, the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, the Market Street Block Party, the Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival, a AAA Travel Kids Zone and performances from BMX stunt riders.Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/iron-hill-twilight-criterium/#sm.001nb270t13wodm6zci15iea382pnFollow us: http://facebook.com/visitphilly | http://twitter.com/visitphilly The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic course is packed with great locations to watch the action and experience the day. Enjoy lunch at one of Manayunk’s great restaurants, join the festive atmosphere on Lemon Hill, experience the East Falls Block Party, or watch the peloton climb The Wall that tops out on Roxborough’s Lyceum Avenue. See below for more details on the best sites to see the race.Between the Expo at the top of The Wall and entertainment around the course there’s plenty to do all day long. We’re putting together lots of race day festivities so be sure to check back here for updates. Follow us on facebook and twitter to keep up with everything that’s going on.Start/FinishThe Start/Finish line for the race is near the top of “The Wall” on Lyceum Ave in Roxborough.Men’s race starts at 8:00amWomen’s World Tour race starts at 12:30pmSprint ZoneCheck out the Sprint Zone located on Kelly Drive and Midvale Ave.Riders will battle for the prize of Best Sprinter keeping the pace high and creating a race within the race.ManayunkGet there early so you can enjoy the unique atmosphere, great restaurants, and shops as you watch the racers jockey for position before climbing the infamous Manayunk Wall to the finish line.East Falls Block PartyThe East Falls Block Party takes place on Midvale Avenue near Kelly Drive with family-friendly activities. It has great vantage points to watch the action of the Sprint Zone.Lemon HillLocated in Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill is a great location for a picnic while watching the pros battle for points to determine the best climber.Feed ZoneEver wonder how pro cyclists stay fueled for a full day of racing? Each lap they ride through the Feed Zone on Reservoir Drive at the Strawberry Mansion softball fields to pick up food and drink from their super-skilled team staff.All Philadelphia International Cycling Classic events take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, events may experience a temporary delay or cancellation. If severe weather occurs on event day, we will post updates to our Twitter and Facebook profiles. The World’s Top Teams to Compete in the 2016 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. Philadelphia, PA (April 4, 2016) – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic (PICC) will return on Sunday, June 5, 2016.The event will be produced by race organizers, g4 Productions, a woman-owned event production company with more than 30-years of experience managing professional cycling teams and producing some of the best races in the country. The PICC features a UCI Women’s WorldTour event and a Men’s UCI 1.1 race and will once again award equal prize money for the men’s and women’s races.“For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the globe to our great city for a day of spirited competition,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, as the highest rated one-day cycling event in the country, showcases our city to the world of cycling enthusiasts and spectators. I would like to thank our event producer, g4 Productions, our public employees, and the citizens of Philadelphia for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the PICC continues to thrive and build upon its legacy as a successful, world-class event.”The men’s and women’s races will compete on the same course, a 12.3 mile circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods, finishing at the top of the famed Manayunk Wall.“Philadelphia is a wonderful cycling city with a rich history in our sport, and history is about to be made again with the inclusion of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic on the UCI Women’s WorldTour,” said USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “The PICC is a wonderful and established event here in the United States, and its prestige, paired with the UCI classification, makes this an international destination for the top cyclists in the world.” Twenty of the top cycling teams from around the world are confirmed to compete in the women’s race. Powerhouse teams such as Wiggle High5 (formerly Wiggle Honda) which ranked second in the world last season, and Boels-Dolman’s, team of the current World Champion and last year’s winner of the PICC World Cup race, boast rosters with some of the most decorated women in the sport.The full list of women’s teams that will race this June includes:Alé CipolliniASTANA-Acca Due OBePink LaClassicaBoels-Dolmans Cycling TeamBTC City LjubljanaCanyon SRAM RacingCervélo Bigla Pro Cycling TeamColavita | BianchiCONADE Visit MexicoCyclance Pro CyclingHagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling TeamHiTec ProductsPark Hotel ValkenbergTeam RallyTeam Tibco-SVBTWENTY16 p/b RidebikerUnitedHealthcare Women’s Pro CyclingVisit Dallas DNA Pro CyclingWeber ShimanoWiggle High5. The men’s race kicks off the competition for the day at the top of the Manayunk Wall at 8:00 am. They will race a grueling 9 laps and over 110 miles, battling for KOM on Lemon Hill and the Manayunk Wall with a Sprint Zone along Kelly Drive. A few returning teams confirmed are UnitedHealthcare, Team Novo Nordisk, and Caja Rural Seguros, team of the winner of the 2015 PICC. A full list of confirmed men’s teams will be announced shortly.In addition to the pro races, the weekend will feature various events, including the Sly Fox Beer Garden, an expo, food trucks and more on Lemon Hill, as well as community festivities in Manayunk, Roxborough, and East Falls. All will feature a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with bicycle raffles, and great vantage points to view the race and cheer for the pros.About the Philadelphia International Cycling ClassicThe longest running UCI sanctioned event in the U.S., the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is a dynamic and selective circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods. It features a women’s UCI WorldTour event and a men’s UCI 1.1 level race, challenging some of the world’s top professional cycling teams to climb the infamous Manayunk Wall. The women’s World Cup will return to the United States in 2015 as part of a global push to develop women’s racing, the UCI announced Friday.The Parx Casino Philly Classic, formerly known as the Liberty Classic, will take place in Philadelphia in June. It will be part of a women’s calendar that will include one-day and multi-day races across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.The news came out of the two-day UCI Women Road World Cup seminar, taking place in Montreux, Switzerland this week, which brought together the major stakeholders in women’s cycling. The UCI used the seminar to lay out its plans for women’s cycling over the next two years.“We have taken another step in favor of women’s cycling,” said Tracey Gaudry, UCI Vice President and President of the Women’s Commission. “The UCI Women Road World Cup seminar highlighted the progress already accomplished in 2014, which we are going to build on to raise and expand the platform for a new professional series.”The UCI will continue to focus on increasing the number of televised women’s events in 2015, according to a release. TV coverage was improved dramatically in 2014, with 152 hours of broadcasting largely made possible by investment from the UCI and sponsor The Sufferfest, with a total viewership of about 15 million across 30 channels. The races were followed by nearly 300,000 people on the UCI’s YouTube channel.Proposals for 2016 include a significant increase in the number of available race days through both one-day Classics and stage races. The increase in racing days would take place under “an improved model, designed to increase the professionalism of our sport,” the release states.“I thank the organizers for the quality of their contributions, which reflect the growing professionalization of women’s cycling, one of the priorities of my program,” UCI President Brian Cookson said. “I am looking forward to meeting all our partners again in 2015, so that together we can add a new dimension to women’s road cycling.” https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/3/pf-media/In-Print_1A.jpgIn Print_1Momentum Sports Group, owners and operators of the successful UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, will take their vast experience in team management into the cyclocross arena for the 2015/2016 season with the launch of the Maxxis-Shimano Professional Cyclocross Team. Focusing on a complete schedule of marquee North American races, the team will debut where the cycling industry, media, and retail partners converge each year: Las Vegas, Nevada’s Cross Vegas (UCI World Cup) event, in conjunction with the 2015 Interbike trade show.Racing for the Maxxis-Shimano Pro Cyclocross Team will be Danny Summerhill, Luke Keough, Erica Zaveta, and Cari Higgins. A selfless teammate on the road for his UnitedHealthcare Blue Train brothers, Danny Summerhill brings tremendous bike handling skills and a long list of impressive results to the new cyclocross program, including a U23 national championship title and multiple UCI victories in 2014 (Derby Cup day 1 & 2, Cincy3 Harbin Park). Perhaps best known as a track racer and lead out specialist for the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, Cari Higgins brings a strong work ethic and a powerful sprint to the Maxxis-Shimano Cyclocross Team. Erica Zaveta joins the squad from BMW p/b Happy Tooth road cycling team and Amy D Foundation cyclocross team, where she turned heads with a breakthrough 2014-2015 season, consistently improving her results throughout her first professional season and taking a major UCI victory at the 2014 Gateway Cross Cup. Luke Keough comes from a cyclocross dynasty in the New England states, where he has amassed numerous victories (5x Cyclesmart Intl Winner) and a loyal following within the cyclocross community. Now located in Colorado Springs and known as a dangerous sprinter and tactician for the UnitedHealthcare Blue Train, look for Luke to bring high-speed finesse to the program, thanks to his background in BMX and ten years of cyclocross racing experience. The team will be managed by Rachel Heal, experienced sporting director of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team. The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team headed to Wisconsin for a long weekend of of top-tier criterium racing at the famous Tour of America’s Dairyland, a staple on the US criterium calendar, running from June 17th through June 26th. The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team women took part in the action from June 22nd to 26th, making their mark on stages 6 through 10. The men joined their teammates on the final two stages to swoop in and help dominate the racing on June 25th and 26th.Tour of America's Dairyland - Downer ClassicTour of America’s Dairyland – Downer ClassicJUNE 22: The UnitedHealthcare Blue Train Women Arrive, Take 1st and 2nd in Race the Harbor CriteriumAfter churning out result after result with the UnitedHealthcare Blue Train at the recent U.S. Air Force Cycling Classic, guest rider Katie Compton joined the squad again for the Tour of America’s Dairyland. The chemistry was just right on Tuesdaywhen Compton, a multi-time national cyclocross champion, took to the front on the final lap and sprinted to victory on the streets of Port Washington, Wisconsin with UnitedHealthcare Blue Train sprinter Coryn Rivera just behind her in second place and Cari Higgins following in fourth. The 1-2 podium punch would set the tone for the following days, as the wins would keep coming from the powerful squad.JUNE 23: The Blue Train Women make it 2-for-2 with a Perfect Podium Sweep at Shorewood Criterium Cycling Classic; Tamayo’s Stars and Stripes Cross the Line FirstAfter their powerful debut at Race the Harbor Criterium, the women of the UnitedHealthcare Blue Train proved they were just getting started as the racing moved over to Shorewood, Wisconsin. Mixing up the famous blue and white leadout train but generating an even more impressive result on their second day of racing, the squad sent the red, white, and blue jersey of current US national criterium champion Lauren Tamayo across the line first, with teammates Katie Compton and Coryn Rivera hot on her wheel to lock in the podium sweep in a true display of force. Coryn Rivera sprinted clear of the field to win the Cannon Falls Road Race on Thursday evening. The 71-mile road race formed the third stage of the North Star Grand Prix, the six-stage criterium and road even centred around Minneapolis, Minnesota.The racing got underway late after a crash in the men’s event closed the course for more than 20 minutes. By the time the women’s event got rolling, the course had been shortened by 12 miles. The diversion did not affect the racing, however. After a rolling route through the farm lands east of the Twin Cities, the race returned to the town of Cannon Falls for four suburban circuits. The pace quickened dramatically as the finish approached. These successive attacks thinned the pack, leading to a reduced bunch coming into the finish.Team Tibco took over proceedings coming into the finish, but despite launching her sprint early, Rivera was able to pull away from the bunch and come across the line with room to spare. Shawn Morelli Selected to Represent United States at 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro PreviousNext 7-5-16_morellipayalympicsShawn Morelli of The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team has been selected to represent the United States in competition at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Morelli, reigning World Champion in the time trial, road race, and track pursuit disciplines, had a stellar performance at this past weekend’s Olympic Trials in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she clocked the fastest WC4 category time on the 21.9km course. The result secured her place on the 18-strong team of paralympic cyclists who will make the trip to Rio, a first for the the Army Veteran who began racing just a few years ago.MorelliParacyclingOT070216-152MorelliParacyclingOT070216-322MorelliParacyclingOT070216-324Thanks to strong performances throughout the last four years, Team USA will bring the largest team of any country attending the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. “Our athletes and coaching staff have worked really hard on the program over the past four years, and as a team, we’ve become the best in the world,” said Ian Lawless, high performance director for U.S. Paralympics Cycling. “The roster includes a mix of returning athletes and new talent, which when combined, translates to one amazing team. We expect to exceed our performance from London and to see some amazing performances in Rio.” Read the full news release from Team USA here.Reflecting on her selection, Morelli was elated to make the cut and honored to represent her country on the World stage, “To compete in the Rio at the games is a dream come true. Something so many kids dream about and athletes strive for. It will be an honor to represent the USA.”MorelliParalympicTeam1ParacyclingAnnouncement070316-012Morelli joined the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team for 2016 and has been an inspiring member of the program throughout the year. For training and experience, Morelli joined her teammates in her first UCI professional stage race, the Joe Martin Stage Race in Arkansas this past April. The 2016 Paralympic Games will take place from September 7th to 18th. About the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team and Momentum Sports GroupThe UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team is an American professional road cycling team comprised of riders and staff from all over the world, with ambitious goals on and off the racecourse. The men and women of the team race at the highest level all around the world, from historic, century-old European road races known as “classics,” to breathtaking, fast-paced criteriums that take place in cities and towns all over the United States. Each rider has a different background and role within the team, but the goal on the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team is always the same– setting a positive example through teamwork, dedication, and hard work.Proudly representing UnitedHealthcare for the seventh consecutive year, the team provides an opportunity to help promote the benefits of exercise, nutrition and healthy living to individuals across the country. A professional cyclist’s diet, training regiment, and healthy lifestyle are good examples of the values UnitedHealthcare promotes, along with innovation and performance, which are critically important in the competitive sport of cycling.Whether winning races in far away lands, or teaching children at your local elementary school how to safely ride a bicycle around the neighborhood, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team aims to make a difference, and invites you to roll with us.About UnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthcare is the largest single health carrier in the United States. We’re honored to provide health benefits and services to members enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans, Medicare, Medicaid, as well as those who purchase their own health plans. Our mission is to help people live healthier lives, and we strive to accomplish this by empowering our members to take a more active role in their own health care. That’s why we are proud to support the men and women cyclists who are a part of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling team, their dedication to the sport and their commitment to constant improvement help inspire us all to bike our way to better health.About Momentum Sports Group LLCBased in Oakland, California, Momentum Sports Group, LLC, (MSG) the owner and operator of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, is an organization dedicated to the growth and management of sports and entertainment assets worldwide. Since 2003, MSG has owned and operated one of the most successful teams in the sport of professional cycling, the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team.A Team sponsor since 2009, UnitedHealthcare assumed title sponsorship of the Team in 2010, and the U.S. based Pro Continental outfit will continue to race as the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team through the 2016 season.Ty Magner of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team doubled up this weekend at the Air Force Cycling Classic to win both stages and also take the overall victory for the weekend. Coryn Rivera was victorious on Saturday, and took second place on Sunday’s race to also win the overall title in the women’s competition.Taking place in Arlington, Virginia, the Air Force Cycling Classic featured two exciting criteriums on streets lined with fans. The Clarendon Cup opened the racing on Saturday, offering a tight 1-km course in the heart of Arlington’s Clarendon business district. With dozens of restaurants, coffee shops and other businesses, the venue proved popular on a warm weekend, and saw thousands of spectators out on the streets.AFACC2016DPMenUHC-0872Ty Magner took the victory in Saturday’s men’s event, after lapping the field with three of his teammates. A dangerous move with 16 riders went clear early on in the racing. With all the major teams represented, the move was given a long leash and eventually made its way around to lap the pack. Representing the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team were Magner, Carlos Alzate, Luke Keough, and Brad White. After a strong pull on the front by the Cylance Team, the Blue Train assembled and pulled into the home straight with a huge head of steam. Carlos Alzate formed the last link in the chain, delivering Magner to a unchallenged victory, and then following across the line to take second himself. Brad White also found the podium, coming across in fourth place.The women’s race unfolded in a much different fashion, with no breaks able to stay clear of a motivated pack. The Blue Train rode a steady race, sharing the brunt of the work with the Tibco team. As the pace hotted up, it was left to Criterium National Champion Lauren Tamayo to do the work in the finale. On her wheel was Coryn Rivera, who bided her time and launched a perfect sprint to win the race.Click here for More PhotosThe second day of the Air Force Cycling Classic was the battle for the Crystal Cup, but also the competition to determine the overall winner of the two-day omnium. The 1.3-km circuit in downtown Arlington had less technical interest than the previous day, but still allowed for the escape of a strong breakaway in the men’s event. Ty Magner was at the front once again, and made a strong move in a break of seven riders. Not content with the way the group was working together, Magner attacked solo and lapped the field, before being joined by his break companions. The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team quickly regrouped behind Magner to focus on the win. The Blue Train again shared the work with the Cylance team, but took control in the final laps to ensure Magner was delivered cleanly to the line. The plan was executed cleanly, giving Magner a second victory in two days, and also wrapping up the omnium victory.AFACC2016DPRivera-0457In the women’s race, a dramatic finale saw Rivera take second place, but secure the overall victory in the Omnium competition.Cari Higgins represented the team in an early breakaway, but once that move was brought back, it was down to a sprint for the win. Lauren Tamayo strung the race out with an attack with one lap to go, and forced the peloton to chase hard to close it down. Rivera benefited greatly, utilising the leadout train of the Tibco team to launch her sprint. Although Rivera crossed the line first, she was relegated to second place after a line deviation in the all-out sprint. Nevertheless, the result put Coryn on top of the podium for the omnium after a weekend of close-fought racing. Mike Tamayo, The UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team’s General Manager, was pleased with the weekend’s racing in Virginia, “The whole team is riding at full potential. It’s great to see the Blue and White on the top of the podium.” In the eight-stage Tour de Langkawi that finished last Wednesday, UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling was one of the standouts, with the American Pro Continental outfit leaving Malaysia with one stage win – by American sprinter John Murphy in stage 3 – victory in the teams classification, Colombian Daniel Jaramillo's second place overall, while Slovakian Janez Brajkovic and Clarke placed 11th and 12th overall respectively, and American Tanner Putt won the daily most combative rider award on stages 6 and 7.It brought to an end a successful trip for the American team that had earlier raced well in the Herald Sun Tour of Victoria in Australia where Murphy won stage 3 to Inverloch, Putt was second on stage 2 to Moe, and Clarke placed sixth overall after a third on the final stage to Arthur's Seat."We had a great week," Clarke, 31, told Cyclingnews of their Tour de Langkawi in which the goal was to win a stage at the start, but at one point also saw them eyeing up a tilt at the overall win with a planned three-pronged attack by Jaramillo, Brajkovic and Clarke on stage 4 to the Cameron Highlands.The latter challenge eluded them. None of the trio could follow Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana), who won that stage and took the yellow leader's jersey – only to lose it to South African Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (Dimension Data) two days later and finish third overall behind a victorious Janse van Rensburg and Jaramillo.AdvertisingBut Jaramillo and Clarke tried to match Lopez in the Cameron Highlands finish before placing second at 30 seconds and fifth at 35 seconds, respectively, while Brajkovic was 10th at the same time as Clarke; yet all with their confidence intact. "All week we had good moral and it's been a good start to the year," Clarke said."[The Cameron Highlands finish] was a bit bittersweet for me. I ended up going with Lopez and then I couldn't stay with him. But 'Danny' salvaged our stage, but it was good to have three in the mix."Even [on stage 7] on the climb when it split [after 25km], we had six guys on the front [Putt in a break and others in the first peloton.] "We had a good week. There are less of these weeks than bad ones."The road aheadThe UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling men's team have not only been racing in Australia and Malaysia. They have been racing in the Tour of Taiwan that finishes on Thursday and in which Colombian Carlos Alzate finished second on stage 1 and Italian sprinter Marco Canola placed second on stage 2 and fourth on stage 3.The team have also raced in the Tour de San Luis in Argentina in January that was highlighted by fifth place in the stage 1 team time trial, and in February at the Tour of Qatar, and then at the Tour of Oman in which Canola placed third in stage 5.But the US team will now focus on the American races, notwithstanding, the Tour of Turkey from April 24 to May 1 is still on the team's website calendar.It is sill a crucial shift in thinking. A European spring often drained their riders for a US return.Clarke's season began in Australia at the Australian road titles in January, where he placed 12th in the time trial and 15th in the road race and 15th again in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race in Geelong, Victoria.But he now wants to be as best prepared as possible for the Joe Martin Memorial stage race in Arkansas (April 21-24), the Tour of Gila in New Mexico (May 4-8) and the Tour of California (May 15-22)."In other years we have been really good now and have gone to Europe," Clarke said. "By California we have been under the thumb. We were doing some fantastic races, but we were spread too thin and couldn't get results."We have dialled the program back and the races we do we are getting results in."Clarke, who lives in the US in Ashville, North Carolina, plans for three weeks of high altitude training before racing again."It's the first time I have been able to do a training block in March and April for California," Clarke said. "I have usually been getting my butt kicked in at Belgium and then trying to front up at California, and have been no good."So I am going to go to altitude and really dial it in for Gila and California."WorldTour ambitions UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling team manager Hendrik Redant believes the team's performances at the Herald Sun Tour and Tour de Langkawi will have done wonders for their self-belief.Based on those results and also on past campaigns in Europe, Redant, a former Belgian professional, believes the team can develop into a WorldTour player.At least, that is his hope."Oh yes …," Redant told Cyclingnews."We [have been] working on that for several years. It's all about the money of course. In a WorldTour team, you need quite some budget."At this point we are till looking for some sponsorships."Our aim is to go on the big WorldTour level, riding all those Classics."Last year we did Paris-Roubaix, [Giro di] Lombardia … races like that; but of course, doing the whole set of the WorldTour races would be something else."The South Africans [now team Dimension Data] aimed high and they are now in there. That is one of our goals."I would like to take these guys up to there. They already could taste a few races."They have been doing a 'Euro' program over the last four years."It has not been all the real top classics, but still we have nice races and hard races, so they have tasted how it is … that ambience, that stress, and that victory minded public."So yeah … that's our goal."Redant's belief in his team was boosted by their performance in Paris-Roubaix two years ago. He said the team that raced that 'Hell of the North' were "completely inexperienced" and did so "with material that was at that time limited."It was not their results that impressed him so, but their attitude as a team - an attitude that he believes still exists today. "They all finished because they wanted to finish," Redant recalled."We were one of the only teams to finish with all eight riders."I was so proud. I knew that for them it was really something special. That spirit, 'I want to finish Paris-Roubaix' … that was there and I loved that."We had so many punctures and bad luck but still all our guys were there and made me feel proud."That is because those guys know what it means to race a Paris-Roubaix, to race it to the finish …"It's an honour to do it and I loved that attitude they had. So [next time] let's go for an even stronger better team and let's go and aim for a win."There are certainly riders on the team who have ambitions of racing WorldTour. And Clarke is definitely one of them."All my career I've dreamed of riding in the WorldTour, except now it is not a dream," Clarke said. "It's a clear-cut objective." https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/4/pf-media/In-Print_10.jpgIn Print_10 https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/5/pf-media/MontrealImpact_1.jpg https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/6/pf-media/UDMensPoster_1A.jpgUDMensPoster_1A https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/7/pf-media/UD-Sequence_2A.gifUD-Sequence_2A https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/8/pf-media/UDWomensPoster_3B.jpgUDWomensPoster_3B https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/9/pf-media/FinalPoster_2A.jpgFinalPoster_2A https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/10/pf-media/In-Print_2.jpgIn Print_2Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, PennsylvaniaSunday’s Total Attendance: 12,378Saturday’s Total Attendance: 14,846 (New One-day record for this event)Two-Day Total Attendance: 27,224 (NEW Two-Day Record for this event)Men’s Championship Quarterfinal Game #1: UCLA 19, Penn State 12Men’s Championship Quarterfinal Game #2: California 24, Arkansas State 14Men’s Championship Quarterfinal Game #3: Arizona 17, Life 12 (OT)Men’s Championship Quarterfinal Game #4: Kutztown 19. Dartmouth 12Men’s Plate Quarterfinal: South Carolina 19, Saint Joseph’s 12Men’s Plate Quarterfinal: Utah 5, Notre Dame 0Men’s Plate Quarterfinal: Wisconsin 33, Temple 6ADVERTISINGMen’s Plate Quarterfinal: Indiana 31, Virginia Tech 7Men’s Bowl Semifinal: Army 26, Clemson 0Men’s Bowl Semifinal: Maryland 25, Boston College 12Women’s Championship Semifinal: Life 24, Navy 0Women’s Championship Semifinal: Lindenwood 15, Penn State 5Men’s Championship Semifinal: UCLA 14, Kutztown 12Men’s Championship Semifinal: California 38, Arizona 5Men’s Plate Semifinal: Wisconsin 17, Utah 12Men’s Plate Semifinal: Indiana 25, South Carolina 7National Small College Rugby Organization Championship: New Mexico Highlands 31, St. Mary’s 7Philadelphia Challenge Championship: Delaware 36, Mount St. Mary’s 10Women’s Championship: Life 19, Lindenwood 10Men’s Plate Final: Wisconsin 13, Indiana 10Men’s Bowl Final: Army 10. Maryland 0Men’s Championship Final: California 31, UCLA 7NOTES: Fourth consecutive Penn Mutual CRC title for California.California’s Jesse Millner was named the Penn Mutual CRC Most Valuable Player.California takes home the Pete Dawkins Trophy for 4th consecutive year.The Lindenwood women’s team upset the 3-time defending champion Penn State women’s team in the semifinals but lost to Life 19-10 in the women’s championship final.Two-day attendance of 27,244 is a new Penn Mutual CRC event record, surpassing last year’s previous two-day attendance record of 24,952.Saturday’s attendance also set a new single-day attendance record for the event, 14,846. ONCE AGAIN, THE PENN MUTUAL COLLEGIATE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP AND TALEN ENERGY STADIUM (FORMERLY PPL PARK) WILL HOST THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE WOMEN’S, HIGH SCHOOL AND NSCRO MATCHES ON-SITE AT THE BRAND NEW ACADEMY FIELDS LOCATED ADJACENT TO TALEN ENERGY STADIUM. If someone is going to end Cal’s run at the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship next year, they will need to match Cal’s technique and strength in the tackle. And as much as they might make us cringe, poor passes that don’t go to hand hurt a team less than poor tackles.The plan this past Sunday was to keep some stats from as many matches as possible from the CRC. Then, use the numbers to write some kind of interesting analysis. Do you know what you get from tracking some statistics for one day at one sevens tournament? A mess.I knew that from a small sample size, any meaning drawn from the numbers would be anecdotal rather than really quantitative. Still, there was hope in my heart that some trends would emerge that would allow me to go, “Aha! So that area of the game is what separated the quarterfinalist from the champion.” Or something like that. Instead, there was only a jumble of information from which no meaningful conclusions can be drawn.Each match can be decided by something different, so no obvious trends jump out from one day’s worth of matches. I should’ve seen that coming; I didn’t.My thinking heading into the day was that teams with a high number of passes completed would be winning teams. Turns out, not necessarily. For example, in the quarterfinal match between Arkansas State and Cal, Arkansas State had close to twice as many passes completed as Cal, and Dartmouth had more completed passes in their loss to Kutztown in another quarterfinal.Sevens teams scoring tries and winning matches without necessarily needing to rely on more successful passes in not unique to this year’s CRC. According to World Rugby’s report on the 2014-2015 Men’s Sevens Series, 47% of tries were scored with between 1 and 3 passes in the build up. 11% had no passes in the build up.When adjusted for time of possession, the team with the highest passing rate last season was Japan; the team with the lowest passing rate was South Africa. England, USA, New Zealand, and Fiji were all clumped in the middle. This is more evidence that making lots of passes is not correlated with winning. With so many players displaying most valuable player qualities and stats, it is hard to narrow down an All-CRC squad to just seven players. Rugby Today decided on the top 12 guys that had the most impact on the tournament. Either they were integral parts of their team’s plan or led the tournament in stats, all deserve praise for exemplary play.Niall Barry – The UCLA back was the CRC try leader with six leading UCLA to its first ever final.Jack Braun – Led Dartmouth to an undefeated pool record and scored two tries against Kutztown in a tight quarterfinal match.Zinzan Elan-Puttick – After missing last year’s tournament due to injury, he added a new dynamic to the Red Wolves’ offense. He tallied five tries and four conversions in four games.Chad Gough – As the stalwart of the Utah team, the forward did it all. He scored tries, played tremendous defense, was disruptive in the breakdowns, and kicked the Utes’ conversions.Wes Hartmann – The big forward captained another talented Kutztown side. Known for the dirty work, he scored the game winning try against Dartmouth.Cody Melphy – In his first CRC, Melphy didn’t disappoint. He was one of the most dynamic and attacking players on the pitch all weekend.Jesse Milne – As tournament MVP, his presence was felt both offensively and defensively.Seb Sharpe – The UCLA vet displayed his experience and skill scoring five tries for the Bruins. He also made a number of crucial tackles making him one of the best all-around players at the CRC.Tyler Sousley – The young Arizona product had a hat trick against Navy and showed tremendous pace all weekend.Jake Syndergaard – The Badger was the overall points leader. After a rough loss to UCLA, he led Wisconsin to a plate title.Evan Towle – He was the architect of the biggest upset of the tournament when Virginia Tech beat Life in pool play.Russell Webb – The Cal captain arguably could have been the tournament MVP. Life won its first-ever major tournament title last week, claiming top billing at USA Rugby’s College 7s National Championships in Cary, N.C., and the Running Eagles backed it up Sunday, winning the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship. In both tournaments, Lindenwood stood in their way in the final. Sunday, they beat the Lions 19-10.“It is just absolutely exciting,” said Life head coach Rosalind Chou. “We love the competition, both weekends, just being challenge to really test our mettle, and we really appreciate all the great teams that we’ve played, and it’s just great to see our hard work pay off.”No matter what game or how many minutes in, the Running Eagles never kept running, displaying superior fitness all weekend. Even in second half of the final when captain Nicole Strasko picked up a yellow card, she had the fortitude to make her way to the sin bin at a dead sprint.“In addition to being very physically fit, we’re very mentally strong to push through even if their bodies are tired,” said Chou. “[Strasko’s] the most mentally strong player I think I’ve seen at the collegiate level, and she just knows how to do her job and leads the troops really well.”The yellow card didn’t hurt Life in the final, as the game was already in hand, but Strasko did plenty of damage to other teams all weekend. When a teammate made a long break but couldn’t go all the way, it was often Strasko streaking in support to take the offload. She was rewarded with the tournament MVP award.“We put ourselves to the test and we did really well and we couldn’t have done it without our coaches and staff and teammates side by side pushing each other,” Strasko said.Also big for the Running Eagles was Megan Rom, who handed out a lot of monster handoffs throughout the competition. A loosehead prop in 15s, she is a bruising runner. One of rugby’s biggest story lines of the last year was the game’s 15s superstars giving 7s a go ahead of the Olympics. So far, that experiment has borne little fruit. South Africa, Australia and New Zealand have all named their squads for Rio, and only one 15s star, Sonny Bill Williams, has made the cut. Missing out on Olympic selection were New Zealand’s Liam Messam, South Africa’s Bryan Habana and Australia’s Nick Cummins. Quade Cooper also made a run at the Olympics, playing in a couple of stops on the HSBC 7s World Series last season, but it’s been known for some time he wouldn’t be considered. Springbok Francois Hougaard was named as a traveling reserve for Rio, but he’ll only earn the title of Olympian if someone in the 12-man squad gets injured. Even though Manu Samoa didn’t reach the Olympics, losing to Spain in the final of the repechage qualifier in Monaco, it didn’t appear as though capped 7s All Black Tim Nanai-Williams, Sonny Bill’s cousin and a star in Super Rugby, would have been in the fold even if they had. He switched his allegiance to Samoa, using the Olympic loophole in international eligibility regulations, and it was speculated he’d be a part of the 7s program in 2016.Perhaps not surprisingly, Williams and Hougaard, the only 15s superstars to commit themselves fully to the entire World Series, are the ones going to Rio. Both played in six tournaments last season, more than any of the other big-name 15s guys. Messam played in four tournaments, Cummins three, and Cooper and Habana just two a piece. Team USA’s selections will be announced in the next few days, and two guys who haven’t been regulars on the circuit recently or ever are in the mix. Having not played for the 7s Eagles since 2009, Wyles played sparingly in the North American Olympic qualifier last summer, and he rejoined the setup for the Rio camp after helping Saracens win the English and European titles. Nate Ebner and the New England Patriots bowed out of the NFL playoffs in the NFC Championship Game in January, and he was at the Olympic Training Center within weeks. He rode the bench for the USA in Hong Kong and played in Singapore and Paris. Joining them in a similar, but-not-too-similar, situation is Andrew Durutalo. The big man was a regular for the USA 7s team for two-and-a-half seasons before taking a 15s contract with Super Rugby’s Sunwolves last year. Though he didn’t play in a World Series stop this season, he’s not as far removed from the team as Wyles or Ebner.Will the late-comeing Americans go the way of their international cohorts? The way I see it, as long as Durutalo is fit enough, he’s a lock. He is a large reason the 2014/2015 Eagles wer slightly better than the 2015/2016 World Series squad. And the way the other positional battles fall into place, there’s probably only room for Wyles or Ebner, though it’s entirely possible neither will be picked.Rest assured that if either is, it’s because Friday believes their presence gives the team the best chance to succeed, a.k.a they’re on form. If it was Wyles, that would mean the USA has as seasoned and experienced a playmaker as any other team in Rio, and if Ebner were selected, it’d mean the Eagles have one of the most impressive physical specimens in the competition. The final installment of the rankings are out and we have some movement at the top. After the three respective championships were played this past weekend, there is some more clarity yet more ambiguity.Cal shocked BYU on BYU’s campus to win the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup. The win snapped the Cougars two year unbeaten streak and was the first lost BYU ever suffered on South Field. Cal earned its way to the top of the rankings.It gets complicated at number two, however, because Life managed to defeat St. Mary’s in Moraga. The Running Eagles finished off an undefeated season with the DIA National Championship victory. Since the DIA champs did not face off with the Varsity Cup finalists, it is tough to gauge. Nevertheless, Rugby Today determined that BYU had a better resume than Life and remains at number two while Life remains third.By virtue of the fact that Central Washington nearly knocked Cal out of the Varsity Cup, the Wildcats come in at number four. St. Mary’s, who came up just short in the DIA final to Life, finishes fifth. The Gaels had close losses to BYU, Cal, and Life, earning a top five spot for a successful season with a tough schedule.Although the top of the rankings saw most of the clarification, UC Davis is the biggest mover this week. The Aggies won their second consecutive DIAA National Championship over Notre Dame College. Davis moves up to 17th slotting in front of fellow DIAA competitors NDC and AIC. Lots of players impressed at the 2016 Penn Mutual Women’s Collegiate Rugby Championship, and the top teams set a high standard. The champion Life squad was full of players dangerous in attack and defense, but Megan Rom, Nicole Strasko, and Kaitlyn Broughton were the individuals who seemed to keep popping up in important moments. Below is the full squad of 12 for our tournament Dream Team.Nicole Strasko – Three tries on the final day and the MVP; she’s a big-time player.Megan Rom – Rom had a weekend full of big runs and big hits.Kaitlyn Broughton – Broughton’s role was often as a distributor, though she found plenty of gaps for herself over the weekend.Davon Thomas – Lindenwood’s lynchpin in attack, with most things running through her.Kerri Hands – One of the highest work-rates in the tournament, she was a key figure in both attack and defense for Navy. Elaine Santiago – Gas, gas, and more gas.Nikki Ciccarelli – The NSCRO Select side improved as the weekend went on, and Mount Saint Mary’s Ciccarelli was often the attacking spark.Sierra Snap – Four tries in the quarter-final win over Princeton. Four.Gabe Armstrong-Scott – Princeton’s playmaker was at the center of everything for the Tigers.Alena Olson – Michigan had an up-and-down weekend, but Olson was consistently strong.Corinne Heavner – Penn State’s defense was strong, thanks in no small part to Heavner, and she also bagged quite a few tries.Jennese Bacon – Another player who only needed only a little space to make something happen.SINGAPORE 7S PREVIEWSHARE TWEET SHARE 0 COMMENTSBy Colin E. Flora - USA Sevens Analyst on April 16, 20162016 Singapore Sevens Preview For the first time since 2006, the Sevens World Series travels to Singapore. Last weekend, the teams competed in what is routinely considered the preeminent sevens tournament, the Hong Kong Sevens. As we have become used to this year, Hong Kong provided numerous upsets, but the top four tracked the current standings.For the United States, Hong Kong provided a second consecutive plate final defeat. As a result, the Eagles have still yet to claim hardware on the season. Of course, with the readjustment to expectations, what would once have been a season highlighting victory in the plate final has given way to realistic aspirations of a cup victory to match the title in the 2015 London Sevens. In order for team USA to keep hopes alive of a cup title in Singapore, the Eagles will need to survive a third consecutive tournament in a difficult pool.Pool APool BPool CPool DFijiNew ZealandSouth AfricaAustraliaEnglandUnited StatesKenyaWalesSamoaFranceScotlandArgentinaPortugalCanadaRussiaJapan In many ways, Pool A is the most intriguing. Highlighting the pool is the final match on Day 1 between Fiji and England. While matches between Fiji and England have always been ones to watch, the fact that Fiji’s coach, Ben Ryan, was England’s coach until 2013 adds to the excitement. Fiji tops the series and has won two of the last three tournaments, including Hong Kong last week. Although Fiji came through Hong Kong unscathed, a near upset to Canada (19–17) to start the tournament and a close victory over Kenya in the cup quarterfinal (12–10) threatened to derail the charge.While Fiji has had a prototypically Fijian season, three cup titles and atop the standings, England has had a rather atypical season. The English started the year with a loss in the Dubai cup final to Fiji, but has thrice missed the cup round, finishing dead last in Las Vegas. In Hong Kong, the England of old returned. With the exception of a bizarre draw against Russia to end pool play, England played well. The lone loss came in the quarterfinal to Australia (14–5), before shutting out Kenya (33–0) and the United States (19–0) en route to the plate.Samoa poses the biggest threat to England once more reaching the quarterfinals. In any given match, Samoa can beat most any team. But there is no consistency in this Samoan side the past two years. One advantage Samoa might have is a team from a nation more accustomed to the warm conditions the teams are set to face in Signapore. In Hong Kong, the heat and humidity got the best of some teams. Perhaps this is the advantage Samoa needs to send England back to the bowl competition.For Portugal, it is rapidly becoming make-or-break time. The Portuguese have finished last in five of seven tournaments and are six points behind Russia for relegation. Although a cup round birth seems out of the question, some signs of life will be necessary if Portugal is to avoid the fate of its Iberian neighbor two years ago.In Pool C, South Africa is the clear favorite to top the pool. It would be unimaginable for South Africa to miss the quarterfinals, but not unimaginable for South Africa to finish second. As recently as Las Vegas, Kenya posted a 3–0 pool record with a blowout (22–0) victory over New Zealand. In Hong Kong, the road was much tougher for Kenya and the team did barely enough to reach the quarterfinals. Kenya hammered Samoa (24–0) to start the tournament and then had tough losses to New Zealand (5–0) and France (17–10) before being swept on Day 3, losing 12–10 to Fiji and 33–0 to England.Pressing Kenya for the second spot will be Scotland. The Scots reached a first quarterfinal back in Vancouver, but have been a consistently strong side in the bowl competition–four bowl finals and one victory. In Vancouver, Scotland posted a meaningful victory over Argentina to reach the cup round and has some impressive wins at times this season. Perhaps most notably a 19–0 bowl victory over England one tournament removed from England’s finals appearance in Dubai.This could also be a very important tournament for Russia. Just over a year ago, Russia surprised many by winning the series-qualifying tournament in Hong Kong. As a result, this is Russia’s first year on the series. Things have gone largely as would be expected, but Russia has not been hapless by any means. Although it is a long shot, Scotland’s and Kenya’s vulnerabilities provide Russia the best chance so far for reaching a quarterfinal. That said, this will be the sixth time the two sides meet in pool play this year and Scotland stands at 5–0.Pool D is a very interesting pool. It is the only pool draw in Singapore that includes four teams that have reached the cup round. Australia and Argentina have combined for three second-place finishes and the last time Japan competed on the series it reached the plate final in Las Vegas. Thanks to Japan’s strong showing in Vegas and the fact that Japan is a non-core team this year, after relegation last year, Wales has ridden the surge of weak pool draws to consecutive quarterfinal drubbings.Australia is the favorite to top Pool D but is not invincible. In Hong Kong, Australia finished second in the pool after a 22–7 loss to the United States. In the cup round, it was a mixed showing. Australia defeated a talented England (14–5) in the quarterfinals before a drubbing by Fiji in the semifinals (34–5). In the third-place decider, South Africa got the better of Australia by a conversion (14–12).Wales has played better of late than throughout most of the season, but the story of Wales the past two seasons has been quarterfinals by atrocious pools. Japan and Argentina should each be favored to send Wales back to the bowl competition. After a strong start to the season, Argentina has slipped into the bowl competition the last two tournaments, but dominated Scotland (26–0) to win the bowl in Hong Kong. Similarly, Japan looked solid in Vegas and came out victorious last weekend in the series qualifier. It will be interesting to see which of these two teams can make it out of pool play. The pool should be topped by Australia (3–0) and anchored by Wales (0–3). Second place should come down to the winner of Argentina-Japan to finish pool play. It is, however, entirely possible that this is a pool that will see Australia, Argentina, and Japan split their matches to hold 2–1 records to be decided by points. It is also within the realm of possibility that Wales can string together some victories and finally earn a quarterfinal.For Eagles’ fans, Pool B is a third straight tough pool that threatens to end the unprecedented streak of nine-consecutive quarterfinals. New Zealand will be the favorite to top the pool, but if the Eagles play solid rugby, they can topple the All Blacks Sevens. The problem is, if the Eagles are off both France and rival Canada can claim huge victories. In Dubai, a victory by France left the United States needing a first-ever victory over New Zealand to reach the quarterfinal. It would be the first of three victories over the Kiwis to start the season.The Eagles will be boasting a strong side but not an ideal side. Heading into Hong Kong, Carlin Isles was injured and left Coach Friday needing to bring Nate Ebner into the lineup. Ebner was in Hong Kong for the 10s competition, where his side fell in the final. Due to Ebner’s recent transition back to rugby from the NFL and having already gone through heavy competition, Friday carried Ebner on the roster but did not use him. This weekend, Ebner remains in the lineup and should expect to see some playing time.Another change from what had been the anticipated roster for Hong Kong is Ben Pinkelman. Since joining the squad for Wellington, Pinkelman has become a mainstay, adding three tries in Hong Kong. His rapid ascension and maturation belie his youth. His youth is what triggers his exclusion for Singapore. Pinkelman is still a student at Colorado State and has returned to tend to his studies. In his place, Mike Friday has called Pat Blair back into the roster. This is Blair’s second appearance with team USA this season as he joined the injury-ravaged squad for Vancouver. Blair is a series veteran and showed well in the Falcons team that won the Las Vegas Invitational.Remaining from Hong Kong is Madison Hughes who was in peak form in Hong Kong. Also making a strong showing in Hong Kong was Danny Barrett. Although Barrett has been a strong contributor all season, he showed more regularly his signature brutality and strength to which to which we became accustomed last season and in the buildup to the XVs World Cup. Most memorably, Barrett powered through two Welsh defenders in highlight-reel fashion. Keeping his run of great form in the absence of his fellow speedster is Perry Baker. With Carlin Isles out, Baker has become a try-scoring machine beyond what we have become accustomed to. If Isles had been out all season, Baker may well be leading the series in tries. That said, the side is certainly missing Isles. Baker’s magic has kept the train on the tracks, but without the ability to swap fresh legs onto the pitch, six matches can become draining on even a great athlete like Baker.The full squad for the Eagles is:Nate EbnerPat BlairDanny BarrettGarrett BenderZack TestPeter TiberioFolau NiuaMaka UnufeNate AugspurgerMadison HughesPerry BakerMartin IosefoThe action gets underway Saturday (4/16) and concludes the following day (4/17). Make sure to check back for a complete recap of all the action. The HSBC Sevens World Series was born in 1999. As of this time last year, only eight teams had ever claimed a cup title: New Zealand, Fiji, South Africa, England, Australia, Samoa, Argentina, and France. The United States broke through at the London Sevens in 2015 to increase that number to nine. In the series return to Singapore for the first time since 2006, Kenya increased that number to ten.Kenya’s victory comes a little more than a year after the program all but imploded under budgeting issues and allegations of doping. The victory also comes in the second tournament after a dead-last finish in Vancouver. Recent results aside, this has been a day long in the making. Kenya is a proud rugby sevens nation that has long been recognized for playing an exciting brand of rugby and with fan support unmatched, at least among nations to have never previously lifted a cup title.Kenya first reached a cup final at the 2009 Adelaide Sevens where the Kenyans were throttled (26–7) by South Africa. It would not be until 2013 that Kenya once more reached the final, this time losing 24–19 to England in the 2013 edition of the Wellington Sevens. In Singapore, the Kenyans left no doubters.For team USA, Singapore was a far cry from the excitement and joy that surrounded Kenya.Day 1Singapore would provide some of the most memorable upsets of the season, but it did not start that way. Pool C got things started. The opening match saw South Africa demolish Scotland (33–0). Kenya then took the pitch and took care of Russia (21–7). In the second round of matches, South Africa continued winning, but with a closer match against Russia (21–10). Kenya stumbled against Scotland and fell to a late draw (12–12). A South Africa victory over Kenya and a strong win for Scotland over Russia would mean that Scotland, not Kenya would reach the cup round. Kenya controlled its own destiny, however. If Kenya could defeat South Africa, then Scotland had no hope.Scotland took the pitch against Russia first. Scotland soundly defeated Russia, but not without conceding seventeen points (36–17). This left Scotland at -14 in points differential, meaning Kenya would need to lose by more than twenty-eight. Kenya did, in fact, lose to South Africa but only by fourteen (14–0). This sent the Kenyans through to the cup quarterfinal and left Scotland to fight for the bowl.Pool D was an interesting pool with each team having reached the cup round at some point in the season. Australia entered the strong favorite to top the pool, but Argentina entered desperate to snap a two-tournament bowl-round skid. The inspired Argentines, fresh off a bowl victory in Hong Kong, upset Australia (12–7). Japan, having just earned the right to return to the series as a core team in 2016–17, looked to build on a plate final in Las Vegas, which was Japan’s last series event. Japan succeeded in its first match, defeating Wales (26–19).In the second round of matches, Japan gave Australia a game, but was unable to send Australia to a second loss (17–12). In the other match, Argentina continued to show great form, doubling up Wales (42–21). This left the third round as the decider. A Japanese upset over Argentina and an Australian victory would mean a three-way tie. Japan came close, but in the end was only able to claim a tie (21–21). Australia had little trouble with Wales (31–12). At the end of Day 1, Argentina topped the pool and Australia claimed the second seed to advance to the quarterfinal. The result knocked Wales out of consecutive quarterfinal appearances and prevented Japan from a second-consecutive quarterfinal.In Pool A, the early story was Samoa upsetting series-leading Fiji (28–14). Portugal tried to follow suit with an upset over England, but was unable to mount enough offense to support a solid defensive performance. In the end, England came out on top (14–7). Against a Fijian side no doubt angry with a loss to Samoa, Portugal did not stand a chance: Fiji 38, Portugal 0. Things got even more interesting when England defeated Samoa (12–5). In the final round of pool play, Samoa defeated Portugal (28–12) and Fiji beat England (26–12). England’s low scoring proved its undoing as the English finished behind both Fiji and Samoa, respectively, on points differential.For North American rugby fans, the opener to Pool B between Canada and the United States carried a great deal of excitement. Pool play began with France blanking New Zealand (24–0). Clearly Pool B was going to be every bit as difficult to advance from as many feared. The United States carried a record nine consecutive quarterfinal appearances into Singapore. If the Eagles were to make it ten, they would need to start by defeating Canada.The first half could not have gone better for team USA. Madison Hughes got things going with a try after chasing a kick through the Canadian defense and then chipping the ball into goal and diving on it for the score in the right corner. The second score came when Perry Baker stole the restart and ran directly under the post for the second try. Hughes added the conversion to push the lead to twelve. The following kickoff was again stolen by Baker. The Ball worked to Hughes who chipped through the line for Zack Test and the try in the left corner. Again, Hughes was unable to connect on the conversion. Baker was again able get a hand on the restart, but this time was unable to bring it in. The Eagles would eventually regain possession and add a fourth try when Folau Niua kicked through the Canadian defense for Zack Test’s second try. Hughes added the conversion to push the lead to 24–0, where it would remain at half.In the second half, the Eagles struck again early. Baker stole the restart and passed it to Danny Barrett for a try under the post. Hughes added the conversion. Canada would answer back with two converted tries, but the final score of the match would go the way of the United States when Hughes was able to score from an offload by Maka Unufe. Final score: USA 36, Canada 14.With New Zealand looking vulnerable, hopes quickly sored of the United States topping the pool. First things first, however, team USA needed to defeat France. Typically, two victories would be enough to reach the cup round, but as England proved, it is not always enough. New Zealand beat Canada (24–17), meaning that even with a win over France, a tenth consecutive quarterfinal would not be assured by a win over France.The match began with both teams playing sloppy rugby. France won the kickoff but was backed up early and lost possession by throwing an errant pass into touch just outside its own five-meter line. The Eagles won the lineout but lost possession when Danny Barrett was dragged into touch at the French five-meter. Ultimately, the Eagles would strike first when Madison Hughes picked the ball from the back of a scrum and ran a perfect line for a try in the right corner. Hughes, who struggled throughout the tournament from the boot, missed the conversion. It would come back to haunt him. France would add a five-pointer of its own to level the match at the break.In the second half, France added two converted tries within the first three minutes to put the United States under serious pressure. Hughes closed the gap when he scored a try under the post from a pass by Zack Test and added his own conversion. Perry Baker soon added a third try in the right corner. Folau Niua stepped in for the long-distance conversion attempt to draw the match level. The conversion was no good. The final restart came with less than a minute remaining. The kickoff went behind France, but the Eagles could not get to the ball before the French. France managed to hold onto possession as time expired. With no time remaining, France booted the ball to touch to leave team USA needing a fourth ever victory over New Zealand to reach the cup round.Before this season, the United States had never defeated New Zealand. The Eagles did so three times to start the year. New Zealand entered the match particularly vulnerable with captains Tim Mikkelson and D.J. Forbes out. A loss for New Zealand would mean falling to the bowl competition for the first time in program history. No other nation has reached the cup round in every tournament.Perry Baker won the opening kick and turned on the speed to try and catch the right edge, but the All Blacks Sevens’ defense was swarming and kept him from finding space. New Zealand soon earned a penalty and booted for touch at the USA 10. The Kiwis won the lineout and broke through the American Defense for an unconverted try in the right corner. It did not take long for New Zealand to strike again with a converted try. The All Blacks Sevens added a third try and a conversion before the half to lead 19–0 at the break.In the second half, the United States struck first when Maka Unufe broke several tackles to score under the post. Madison Hughes added the conversion with over four minutes left. Perry Baker looked to have a second try for the Americans when he kicked through the defense then chipped the ball into in-goal. By the time Baker was able to bring the ball into hand, he was unable to stop his foot from hitting the dead ball line, costing the score. The resulting dropout came with 2:49 left. New Zealand kicked deep, forcing team USA to work from deep in its own territory. The Americans managed to work into New Zealand territory when Danny Barrett tried to kick through the New Zealand defense for Perry Baker. Unfortunately, Barrett misread the defense and New Zealand had no difficulty scooping up the ball. Folau Niua forced a turnover at the New Zealand ten-meter line and soon kicked through the defense to Zack Test for a try in the left corner with just over a minute left. Hughes was unable to add the conversion. The restart came with fifteen seconds remaining. Baker was able to steal the restart and passed inside to Martin Iosefo, but the ball soon fell loose to the deck. New Zealand managed to kick the loose ball down field and into touch.The loss left team USA in the bowl round for the first time since last year’s Tokyo Sevens. With France defeating Canada (26–19), New Zealand would be the second seed and France atop the pool.Day 2After a disappointing Day 1, team USA looked to make a run through the bowl competition to claim the hardware on offer. Before the Eagles took the field, England defeated Wales (26–17), Scotland was victorious over Canada (26–19), and Portugal surprised Japan (14–7). This left the United States facing off against series newcomer Russia for the first time this season.Getting his first start, Nate Ebner replaced Garrett Bender from the Day 1 lineup. Russia kicked deep to start the match and soon forced a turnover to setup great attacking position. At times, gaps formed in the USA defense but Russia proved incapable of exploiting them before conceding a penalty. From there, the Eagles executed textbook passing through the chain to eventually put Perry Baker in position to step through a tackle to score under the post. Madison Hughes added the conversion for the 7–0 lead. Danny Barrett added a second first-half try in the left corner to give his side a 12–0 lead going into the second half.In the second half, Russia was awarded the first score of the half despite the replay clearly showing the Russian player had spilled the ball prior to reach the try line. The Americans answered back with a try from Maka Unufe off a great pass from Barrett. The conversion was no good. A fourth try came when Zack Test carved up the defense for the 135th try of his career. Hughes added the conversion to set the final margin: USA 24, Russia 5.In the other semifinal, Scotland defeated rival England (19–14). It is the second time this season that the Scots have topped their British rivals in the bowl round. The loss for England comes just one week after winning the plate in Hong Kong. Inconsistency for what will be team Great Britain must remains a serious concern for selectors. For team USA, its semifinal opponent was Portugal. Though a historical sevens contender, Portugal has fallen to dead last among core teams and will be lucky to avoid relegation at year’s end.Coach Friday went with a different looking starting lineup that left his captain and Danny Barrett on the bench. There was not much offensive success for either team in the first half. Nate Ebner was able to score the lone try of the half–his first career–when Zack Test managed to draw two tacklers and pass back inside to Ebner for the try under the post. Nate Augspurger added the conversion. In the second half, team USA blew the scoring open. Maka Unufe scored from a set piece off a pass from Pat Blair. Peter Tiberio added the conversion. The next score came when Portugal lost possession after two Portuguese players collided. Martin Iosefo got the ball moving forward and passed to Blair who passed to Ebner for another try. The conversion was no good. The next score came from Zack Test who sliced the defense for a score under the post. Augspurger added the conversion to set up the final score: USA 26, Portugal 0.This left team USA right where it hoped to be once the cup round was out of reach: the bowl final. The United States entered as the favorite over Scotland, but not a strong favorite. The usual Eagles starting lineup took the pitch with the exception of Nate Ebner in place of Perry Baker. Scotland got on the board first after several minutes of a back-and-forth defensive struggle. Scotland scored and added the conversion just over four minutes into the half. It looked like the match would head to half with Scotland up by 7 as the waning minutes drifted away. Scotland tried to kick through the American defense but Maka Unufe looked primed to kick the ball to touch to end the half. Instead, the hard charging Scottish player arrived at the same time as Unufe who had attempted to position himself to kick the ball laterally into touch when a boot across the end line would have met the same result. The decision turned it into a soccer battle between Unufe and Scotland’s Robertson. Robertson got the better of Unufe and chipped ahead for the try. After the conversion, the match stood 14–0 in favor of Scotland at the half.Zack Test added his sixth try of the tournament two minutes into the second half to inch his side closer to Scotland, but Hughes’s missed conversion left it a two-score game. Martin Iosefo knocked the restart ball back to Nate Ebner and the Eagles moved quickly inside the Scotland five-meter. The possession was lost when the ball was knocked loose from Test’s hands. Scotland won the five-meter scrum and tried to run from in goal. The Americans managed to force an untidy ball from the ruck and pounce on it. The ball worked to Unufe who pounded through the defense for the second try. Again, Hughes failed to convert, but this miss hardly mattered. The final restart came with under two minutes remaining. Unufe contested the ball but could not get a hand on it. Barrett then forced a turnover at midfield and the ball ended up in Folau Niua’s hands. Scotland was penalized and Niua kicked to touch inside the Scotland ten-meter. The Eagles won the lineout and worked the ball down the line, assisted by a possession saving tap pass by Hughes. The Eagles continued to hammer forward until Nate Ebner was tackled and called for a penalty with no time remaining. Scotland booted the ball into touch to end the match: Scotland 14, USA 10.Falling to the bowl round is troubling at this late stage in the season. However, it merits note that the bowl final, though there a victor, is exactly where team USA was with two tournaments remaining last year. In the last two tournaments, the Eagles finished fourth and first. The pool draw for the next tournament, in Paris, provides favorable matchups for a return to the cup round. The pool includes Argentina, France, and Canada. Each are teams team USA can beat or lose to. It will not be easy, but the United States should be expecting a quarterfinal birth from that pool.In the other competitions in Singapore, Wales defeated Canada (24–22) in the shield semifinal to drop Canada to last place and Russia did the same to Japan (17–15). In the bowl final, Russia comfortably slayed the Welsh dragon (24–7).In the cup competition, the surprising Day 1 results led to an unbalanced bracket. The top four teams were each in the top half of the bracket with the less established nations in the bottom half. In the top half, Fiji edged Australia (19–14) and South Africa just got by New Zealand (12–7). In the lower half, Argentina booked a birth in the semifinal with a win over Samoa (12–7) and Kenya hammered France (28–7).In the plate semifinal, New Zealand throttled Australia (31–7) and Samoa beat France (21–7). It was a disappointing finish for France after a great Day 1. The losses for Australia were also very disappointing after reaching four consecutive semifinals. In the plate final, Samoa claimed a second plate title in the last three tournaments, edging New Zealand 26–21.In the cup semifinal, Fiji and South Africa battered each other in what many expected to be the de facto cup decider. Fiji came out on top: Fiji 26, RSA 21. In the other semifinal, Kenya got by Argentina (15–12). South Africa made short work of Argentina in the third-place match (28–0). Many expected Fiji to do the same against Kenya, but those of us who expected a blowout were right only in that there was a blowout, but dead wrong on who would prevail. Kenya turned on the style to finally bring home a cup to a nation that has long deserved it: Kenya 30, Fiji 7.The series returns for the final two tournaments in May with the France Sevens in Paris. https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/11/pf-media/In-Print_3.jpgIn Print_3 https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/12/pf-media/In-Print_4.jpgIn Print_4 https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/13/pf-media/In-Print_5.jpgIn Print_5 https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/14/pf-media/In-Print_6.jpgIn Print_6 https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/15/pf-media/ProgramCover_CMYK.jpgProgramCover_CMYK https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/16/pf-media/Football_2.jpgFootball_2 https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/17/pf-media/In-Print_8.jpgIn Print_8Dustin Pedroia is always looking for ways to improve his game and the Game Model glove that he's worn for years. This season, he sought out to make the A2K DP15 GM even more tailored to his style of play. The 2017 model combines the snug "Pedroia Fit" with a shallower D-shaped pocket and straighter, open finger stalls for an even quicker transfer.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. ear after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. Most prospects don't want to be flashy when they get to the bigs. But Carlos Correa is not most prospects. The stylish, yet classy A2000 CC1 GM is with Carlos as he takes the league by storm.The most famous baseball glove, the Wilson A2000, just keeps getting better. Wilson Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso, constantly refines the Pro Stock patterns with the insights of hundreds of MLB players every season. Made with Pro Stock leather, the A2000 baseball glove is built to break in perfectly and last for multiple seasons. It’s the perfect ball glove for hard working players. We've built a glove fit for an All-Star -- the limited-edition A2000 1786 complete with Navy and Yellow Gold Pro Stock Leather to commemorate the 2016 All-Star Game, held at the Padres' home ballpark in San Diego. It's made with a white palm so players -- and fans -- can collect autographs.Pick up the commemorative All-Star Game glove similar to that the #TeamWilson players will receive at the Midsummer Classic in San Diego -- a limited-edition Wilson A2000 1786. Brandon Phillips made a return trip to the Wilson Glove Lab to make his 2016 A2K DATDUDE GM. This year it is all about the faux Snakeskin ProStock Select leather along the back fingers of BP's glove. No other glove has this premium textured leather. The 11.5 IN length and H-web keep the pocket shallow so Brandon can maintain his NL-leading .996 fielding percentage from last season. The A2K DATDUDE GM baseball glove looks, fits, and feels as good as it performs. The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. Year after year, BP creates a glove that brings his style to the field. The 2017 A2K DATDUDE GM is no different. It's the only gamer with exclusive faux Snakeskin Pro Stock Select Leather - now in Red, Saddle Tan, Black, and White.The A2K is the most premium baseball glove available from Wilson. It is made with ProStock Select leather which is chosen for its consistency and flawlessness making it the ideal leather for a baseball glove. Glove Master Craftsman, Shigeaki Aso designed this line with Rolled Dual Welting, Double Palm Construction and more craftsman shaping so that the A2K breaks in quicker and lasts longer. based sports photographer, specializing in sports action and portrait photography for over 30 years. Carliss is well versed in providing his clients with the cutting edge feature, stock and assignment sports photography they expect from an experienced professional photographer. Currently, his main focus is serving as the team photographer for the Chicago White Sox, for whom he has worked with since 1985. In addition, Carliss Million Photography provides editorial, corporate feature, advertising and executive portrait photography services. Major clients include the Chicago White Sox, MLB Photos, Wilson Sporting Goods, Proven4 and Sports Illustrated. Publication credits include Sports Illustrated, ESPN Magazine, Sports Illustrated for Kids, Time, Life, The Sporting News, Inside Sports, Sport Magazine, TV Guide and American Iron among many. In addition, Ron has covered 24 World Series and 11 Super Bowls. Carliss is available to shoot specifically for your project, whether it be sports action or location personality portraiture.Please contact Carliss regarding assignments, or to discuss licensing images from his fully searchable online archive. This archive features 30 years of Major League Baseball and NFL sports coverage. ABOUT BRADI am a freelance sports photographer based in the San Francisco Bay Area where I regularly shoot assignments for Sports Illustrated and Major League Baseball Photos. My work keeps me busy from the first pitch of Spring Training to the final out of the World Series. When not shooting, I enjoy attending San Francisco Giants games in my season ticket box seats, and working on SportsShooter.com, the online resource for sports photography, of which I am a founding owner.I had two books published by Cameron + Company in April of 2013. “Instant Baseball: The Baseball Instagrams of Brad Mangin” captures the 2012 MLB season from Spring Training beginning in February all the way through the World Series in October – all through the lens of Instagram on my iPhone. The book is available as an ebook in the iBookstore and you can also purchase signed copies in the store on this site.“Never. Say. Die.: The San Francisco Giants – 2012 World Series Champions” captures this historic season with photographs that evoke the Giants’ relentless spirit of passion and persistence in 2012.My first book was published about the 2010 San Francisco Giants world championship season. “Worth The Wait” is a 128-page hard cover coffee table picture book and it is also available in the store on this site.Speaking at workshops, colleges, and other venues is one of my favorite activities. I have had the pleasure of giving lectures at The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, Western Kentucky University, The Olympic Club in San Francisco, The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, The Apple Store San Francisco, The Apple Store SoHo,The Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, The Sports Shooter Luau, Rich Clarkson’s Sports Photography Workshop, The San Francisco Bay Area Press Photographers Photo Night, ASMP, Brooks Institute, San Jose State University, University of Nevada, and Stanford University.In 2011 I served as a judge for the NPPA’s Best of Photojournalism contest, and in 2008 I judged the 64th Pictures of the Year International photo contest in Columbia, Missouri. In 2006 I was awarded the Ohlone College Alumnus of the Year.with a degree in photojournalism, my work experience ranged from being a staff photographer at the Contra Costa Times, stringing for The Associated Press and shooting trading cards for The Upper Deck Company. One of my career highlights includes working for the legendary sports photographer Neil Leifer as the Bay Area staff photographer at The National Sports Daily in 1990.Since becoming a full-time freelance photographer in 1993, I have photographed everything from the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta to the World Series in Kansas City and New York in 2015. In between, I have covered a number of Super Bowls, All Star games and playoff games all over the United States.I am available for assignment work, and my complete image archive, which contains some of the most memorable moments in sports since 1986, is fully searchable from within my website. https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/18/pf-media/In-Print_16.jpgIn Print_16 https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/1/pf-media/Portraits-2_8.jpgPortraits 2_8 https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/2/pf-media/Cuban-Hope_1.jpgCuban Hope_1My first impression of Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym (Rafael Trejo Gimnasio al Aire Libre) was that it was beautiful. The pockets in the plaster walls, the cracks in the concrete floor and the shots of red running throughout created warmth within my body. The ring, surrounded by stadium seating on two sides and bags on another, was well maintained. A slight breeze moved within the gym. Air flow. All of this made Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym a desireable location to train. I arrived to find the gym empty but for one woman. I wasn’t prepared to train; I made the trip that day from Jibacoa to Havana with two friends, a tour guide and a private driver. I was there to see the facilities, inquire about pricing and ask if they trained foreign women. Through the help of our guide, I was told that training wasn’t an issue; I could return the following day. It was recommended that we call the boxing coach to discuss pricing. That evening, our guide called and a price was agreed upon. The following day, upon arrival, I was told the price had doubled. I have no idea how this came about; I can’t speak Spanish. If I let the part of me that spent years training in muay thai gyms in Thailand dictate, a number of possible scenarios come up; most of them sketchy. The reality is, I don’t know, so I’ll pass on making any judgement as to who inflated the pricing. Nonetheless, that day I decided not to train. Instead, I asked to observe their training methods and take photos. This was allowed and I didn’t leave without paying the gym for the opportunity (This was something I simply did – the gym didn’t ask this of me). Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym is the oldest boxing gym in Havana, having been named after the revolutionary hero, Rafael Trejo who was murdered in 1930. Coach Nardo Mestre Flores, the coach you will see in this entry, was a member of the national Cuban boxing team for nine years. (Source). Training began with warm-up drills and group technical instruction. This lasted for approximately one hour. The Rafael Trejo boxing gym in the heart of Old Havana, is a hidden gem and a great addition to any extended tour of Old Havana.An image of the Rafael Trejo boxing gym in Old HavanaThe Rafael Trejo boxing gym in Old HavanaIts tucked away across from the Iglesia de la Merced church on calle Cuba.The special thing about the gym is that it welcomes foreign visitors - either to train in boxing or simply to watch others train. Sometimes the olympic boxers come here to work out or have a spar.An image of Cuban children training boxing in Old HavanaCuba has a very proud tradition of boxers and boxing excellence. In fact Cuban boxing is even known to have its own particular style. The successful Cuban boxers are not as famous as boxers from other countries, mainly because they are amateur and not professional. So the biggest fights they usually have in their careers are at the olympic games. The popularity of the sport in Cuba (much like baseball) is an example of the powerful and lasting influence of 1950's American (ie United States) culture from on contemporary Cuban culture.Usually during the morning the adults train, and during the afternoon the children train. You can call to see when there are boxing matches. Entry is 1cuc, although you can stand at the entrance door and probably still see some action.If you are interested, you can pay for half a day of training with a boxing trainer - 25cuc.They sometimes have proper boxing matches in the ring.Perhaps this kid is the next olympic champion in waiting. The address is Calle Cuba 815 entre Merced y Leonor Perez. Telephone 07-862 0266In Old Havana, the names of the streets before the revolution provided a glimpse into the city’s state of mind. You might have known someone who lived on the corner of Soul and Bitterness, Solitude and Hope, or Light and Avocado. After the revolution, they changed the names and put up new signs, but if you asked directions from a local today you’d get the old names. They all meant something personal to the people who lived on those streets. That avocado grew in the garden of a convent. That hope was for a door in the city wall before it was torn down. That soul refers to the loneliness of the street’s position in the city. Sometimes these streets lead you to dead ends and other times you stumble onto cathedrals, structures built with the intention of creating music from stone. The sore heart Havana offers never makes you choose between the kind of beauty that gives rather than the kind that takes something from you: it does both simultaneously.While guidebooks might tell you that time collapsed here, another theory says that in Latin America, all of history coexists at once. Just before the triumph of the revolution, progress took shape in ambitious proposals made by American architects to erect grand skyscrapers all along the Malecón seawall offering a fine view and convenient access to a newly constructed multicasino island built in the bay. To accommodate the gamblers, vast areas of Old Havana were to be demolished and leveled for parking access. In 1958, Graham Greene wrote, “To live in Havana was to live in a factory that turned out human beauty on a conveyor belt.” Yet this beauty the people of Cuba unquestionably possess walks hand in hand with their pain. Whoever you might encounter in this place lacking the ability to walk or even to stand for whatever reason will inevitably remain convinced they can dance. When Castro was put on trial in 1953 by Batista’s government and asked who was intellectually responsible for his first attempt at insurrection, he dropped the name of the poet José Martí. From the little I’d learned of it, the revolution’s hold on Cubans resembled not so much poetry as the chess term zugzwang: you’re forced to move, but the only moves you can make will put you in a worse position. Cuba had become an entire population of eleven million people with every iron in the fire doubling as a finger in a dike.I hitched a ride in a gypsy cab most of the way to the boxing gym with a black Cuban who gave me the dime tour of the greatest potholes in Havana. He was literally serenading the potholes before we could even see them. Out my window there were lineups and police icily keeping their eyes peeled. “¿Último?” someone shouted as they joined the line, followed by another “¡Último!” confirming who was the last person in the line. This was how people found their place in queues all over the city. The driver told me what was clearly an old joke: stop anywhere in Havana for five seconds and you’ll start your own lineup.I looked up at clotheslines strung between columns, women in curlers leaning against the railings of their balconies. I saw tourists snapping photos of the architecture of a building where Lesvanne took me to visit a friend. We had coffee while his family complained incessantly about the broken stairwell and leaky roof. Finally the harbor came into view with the waters that in the early twentieth century were banned to fishermen because of all the bodies being thrown from the Morro Castle by government thugs. Trumpet players on the Malecón blew at sea puddles on the pavement. A policeman checked a man’s identification while staring at a cruise ship coming in on the horizon. We drove a little farther and the whole colonial theme park faded in the distance.The driver lit a cigarette and reached back to press play on a little broken-down ghetto blaster in the backseat, and Nat King Cole’s voice came overenunciating in Spanish through the speakers. The driver imitated it and grinned wide: “Pen-sannn-doh. I luuuv it. He recorded it in Havana. My father saw him in a nightclub perform before the revolution.“My friend, did you know they needed three tries to find Havana before they got it right?” he asked me.I looked at his face and asked him for one of his cigarettes.“Did you know that originally Cuba was named ‘Juana’ after Juana La Loca, the insane daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella? They were Columbus’s patrons. All of that little girl’s relatives have been screwing with our lives ever since. We can stop for a beer and I could tell you more.”“I’m training at the gym very soon.”“But you’re smoking.”“I’m a very complicated man.”We shared an uneasy silence for a moment or two.“I could pick you up after your training. My friend, I know some great girls I could introduce you to. Any color you like. I have a business card.���He conducted a frantic search of the vehicle before he produced the business card, but he was clearly quite proud of it once he straightened out the wrinkles with the side of his hand against the dash.“Thank you.”“My friend, I like to drink Hatuey beer. I once drank a beer with Ernest Hemingway in San Francisco de Paula when I was a boy. Do you like our beer?”“I don’t drink.”“My father was an alcoholic, too.” He winked. “But you get over it eventually. Let me tell you a story about my favorite beer. When the Spanish first came here an Indian chief named Hatuey sailed from Hispaniola to warn the people. The resistance was brave but it wasn’t much. Hatuey was burned at the stake. Just before they burned him they offered him a last-minute conversion so he could enter heaven. Hatuey asked whether there were any Christians in heaven. After they assured him that there certainly were, he told them he’d rather go to hell than anywhere where there were people as cruel as the Spaniards. In Gringolandia Pocahontas was a little friendlier when John Smith arrived. Maybe all there is in this world is underdogs and whores.”“They named your beer after this person?”“Can you imagine a greater honor to bestow?” The silence went by a little smoother this time. “My friend, I can introduce you to some very nice, clean girls.” “My schedule is a little booked. I have a backlog of about 4,500 ‘very nice, clean girls’ I already have to meet.” “You haven’t seen my girls. You have my business card.”*My boxing gym, Rafael Trejo, was located in what was once the cheapest red-light district in the city, only a few minutes’ walk from José Martí’s childhood home, now converted into a museum. One of the largest funeral processions in Cuban history was for the notorious pimp Yarini Ponce de León, who was shot in a duel in the area.These days most of the prostitution in the city is run, curiously, by cab drivers. Right after the revolution they reformed most of the prostitutes into cab drivers. Job reorientation. Now cab drivers are mostly composed of lawyers and doctors looking to scrounge enough tourist dollars to cover the basic needs of their families that their wages as professionals can’t accomplish.About the only thing you can trust in this neighborhood is that nothing is trustworthy to an outsider. I had my boxing gloves hanging off my bag and some of the small kids joyously raised their fists at me while their older siblings eyed my belongings. The neighborhood was a maze of narrow streets closely monitored by thieves. I figured if I was going to be passing through on a daily basis for appointments at the gym, I might as well just accept being robbed soon enough and probably with the use of a blade of some kind. All I brought with me was the money I owed Héctor and my gloves and skipping rope, as I didn’t want to enter this place with suspicion or even caution. I elected to give into whatever toll the neighborhood expected from me and just said hello to anyone who looked me in the eyes no matter who they were. While, as anyone, I’ve never enjoyed being played for a sucker, I also can’t remember experiencing anything worthwhile without trust regardless of how little trust was warranted. Trusting the world is a risk, while not trusting it is a guarantee you’ll be left with nothing.Trejo is one of the oldest boxing gyms in Cuba; it’s outdoor, and every great champion the country has produced has passed through and was forged in the open air. Different sets of the same mildly sinister women who look like the Macbeth witches guard the entrance from tourists and procure a toll for entry, snapshots, or stories. The witches rest their chairs against a wall of photographs under portraits of great world or Olympic champions who spent time staining Trejo’s lone ring with their blood and sweat.Cuba’s answer to Muhammad Ali, Teófilo Stevenson, was featured among the portraits, along with Félix Savón, who turned down even more millions than Stevenson to leave Cuba, but this time to fight Mike Tyson. Also José “Mantequilla” Nápoles, Kid Chocolate, and some other names I didn’t recognize, and finally there was Héctor, attached by scotch tape in his Olympic heyday with his arm raised in victory. I paid the witches to tell me the stories behind the faces and in their words, always, more than any achievements in the ring, these boxers’ greatest legacy was the money they refused to betray the revolution. It was strange to see the gleam of pride in their eyes as they envisioned the kinds of lives these men had forgone in favor of embracing their role as symbols of a cause greater than any individual. These men stood for the highest literacy rate in the world, universal health care, free education, better lives for their children and all Cubans. I listened and absorbed the reports of their virtues, but I knew full well that most Cuban champions were so desperate for money that many had sold off all their Olympic medals and even uniforms to the highest tourist bidder. That part of the Cuban sports legacy was omitted from their tales. So were the defections of boxers starting in 1967, five years after Fidel Castro banned all professional sports from the island. All those who had tried to leave, successful or not, had essentially committed social suicide: they ceased to exist in their native land.*9781250043702Cuban eyes often look close to tears. Tears never seem far away because both their pain and their joy are always so close to the surface. There’s an open wound that defines the national character and the tide of emotions is always raw and overwhelming. Kid Chocolate was my gateway drug into those emotions. They didn’t have enough money for a bell to clang to announce the fights or declare the beginnings or ends of rounds, so they used an emptied fire extinguisher and a rusty wrench instead. My high school gym had more money sunk into it than the most famous arena residing in Cuba’s capital city. Did that detract from the atmosphere or impact? Donald Trump named everything after himself while nothing in Havana, not even a plaque, had Fidel’s name attached. Who would history remember? Nobody fighting there was paid to fight any more than anyone watching had paid to attend. Cigar and cigarette smoke curled into the rafters as bottles of rum were passed around and swigged in the audience. The place was packed and at first I assumed everyone was forced to attend these matches the same way seven-hour Fidel speeches invariably had hundreds of thousands of bored, nodding-off citizens in attendance at the Plaza de la Revolución. But it wasn’t the case. All the faces still carried the same strain from what was going wrong outside Kid Chocolate, but they also knew they were watching sports in a way that the rest of the world could only dream about. That’s why what I was looking at, at first, didn’t even register as Cuban; it was an American wet dream of sport. At least while the fights lasted, it was pure.No interviews. No cameras. No advertising. No commercial breaks. No merchandise. No concession stand. No thanking of sponsors. No luxury boxes. No Tecate or Corona ring girls. No autographs. No VIP seating. No scalpers outside. No venue named after a corporation or corporately owned anything, anywhere. No air conditioning or even fans to mitigate how fucking hot it was in there. No amenities of any kind, but instead you had a full auditorium of intensely proud people who didn’t require cues to cheer or applaud. Without the incentive of money, I watched people fight harder in the ring than anywhere else I’d ever seen. And they fought this way before an audience who cheered louder than anywhere I’d ever heard. And nothing separated them. The best of the boxers might have lived on the same block as anyone in the stands. Sport wasn’t an opium for these people; their culture was an opium for sport. Who walked into a museum anymore without asking how much the masterpieces had sold at auction for? If van Gogh captured the world’s imagination in part for never being able to sell some of the most treasured works of human expression ever put to canvas, he was certainly trying to sell them. This society’s experiment went further and they knew it: heroes weren’t for sale. But how long could that last? How long could anyone resist not cashing in? And if no price was acceptable to sell out, what was the cost of that stance?During the last fight of the evening, a hometown Havana kid was beating another boy from Sancti Spíritus terribly. So badly, in fact, that someone in the crowd raced down from the rafters and threw his bunched-up towel into the ring since the Sancti Spíritus coaches had refused to throw in their towel.He’d cupped his hands to scream at the referee, “All right then you son of a bitch, I’ll spend the night in jail for your crime, you motherfucker!”The crowd ignited as they watched that towel leave the man’s hand in a sweaty clump and sail unfurling under the lights toward the ring, with the referee conspicuously unaware of the attempt on his life.Héctor had arranged for me to sit ringside next to one of the trainers named Alberto Brea, along with the rest of the Havana team, and all of us betrayed our team’s fighter in the ring to cheer on the heckler. When the towel found its target and compressed like an accordion against the referee’s ear and we heard every last sweaty drop behind the wet slap of its impact, Brea nudged me: “This man is a noble martyr for Sancti Spíritus. If I was his father I would be proud.”Another coach turned to Brea: “What makes you think you aren’t his father?”Brea was delighted by this possibility—along with every other child on the team who heard it and doubled over laughing—but conceded, “He didn’t get an arm like that from me. Béisbol was never my game.”As the protester stood on the stairs glaring at the referee and screaming obscenities, with both hands high over his head gesticulating wildly, the referee calmly halted the fight to pick up the towel and contemplate it in his hands for a moment before attempting to locate the heckler. Even the judges at ringside were having trouble keeping a straight face.The rest of us in Kid Chocolate watched as the uniformed policía stormed down the steps to arrest the protester. He didn’t flinch when the four cops grabbed his arms, shirt, and pants and began hauling him toward the exit. He kept his eyes on the referee in the ring and kept talking to him as though he were microphoned.The referee patiently held on to his new towel while the commotion was dealt with.But then something magical happened, after which nobody in the arena had a harder time holding their composure together than the referee.Another towel entered the ring and lightly—almost obediently—touched down on the canvas near the referee’s feet. Sancti Spíritus had finally had a chance to inspect the damage on their fighter and quit on his behalf.There was agonized panic to get this point across to our arrested towel thrower before it was too late. The protester was in the doorway of the exit when he broke loose of the police grip long enough to look back over his shoulder and grasp the full meaning of the moment. Everyone collectively forgot to breathe as we all waited to see what he’d do next. Suddenly his hands shot up as he wailed with vindication, and even the police laughed as everybody got to their feet to whistle and cheer his achievement.The referee gazed toward the arrested man, shook his head, and smiled as he waved the fight off. https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/3/pf-media/Cuban-Hope_2.jpgCuban Hope_2The stands around the boxing ring were mostly empty and the bout was a mere three-round exhibition fight, but Dlandy Regalado Ajete battled as if a title was on the line."If you want to be a great boxer in Cuba," he said, moments after being declared the winner, "you have to be willing to work hard and sacrifice."Regalado's drive isn't unique for Cuba. Boxing, along with baseball, is a passion that runs deep for many of the island's 11 million inhabitants.And despite Cuba's small population, the country has been a consistent force to be reckoned with at the Olympic Games, winning 32 gold medals in the sport.Three of those golds went to Cuban boxing legend Teofilo Stevenson. Now 60 years old, Stevenson has lost the quickness in his step and he carries the scars of years of battle in the ring.But his eyes still light up when he discusses the sport that made him a household name around the world.Cuba's punching pedigreeCuba's punching pedigree 03:04Olympic cyclist comes full circle Olympic cyclist comes full circle 02:20Pressure to succeed at the OlympicsPressure to succeed at the Olympics 04:58Bouncing to the top at London 2012Bouncing to the top at London 2012 04:31"Cubans like to box because of our temperament," Stevenson said, with a smile creeping across his lips. "Because of our idiosyncrasies and because we have needed to know how to defend ourselves."After the 1950s Cuban revolution, boxing was briefly banned by the country's new leaders. But then -- like all sports-- it fell under the control of the government. Today that remains the case as there are no professional sports in Cuba.In the 1960s, boxing trainers -- many of them Soviet -- were brought into work with fledgling talent such as Stevenson.Cuban boxers' amateur status let them compete in the Olympics, but not on the high profile --and high paying -- professional fight circuit. Stevenson famously turned a million-dollar offer to fight Muhammad Ali.Other Cuban fighters have chosen a different path, defecting and earning the huge purses not available to them in their home country.Despite those losses, Cuba's boxing commissioner Alberto Puig says there is a deep talent pool to draw from."Our strength comes from the heart, from patriotism," he said. "Our boxers may not have a million dollars but they have 11 million Cubans who support them."Puig said despite the country's legacy of great boxers, he expected countries like Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine to provide strong competition at the 2012 Olympics in London.He believes Cuba's advantage comes from the government's ability to identify and cultivate emerging talent at a young age."We can say with total certainty that in the farthest corner of Cuba if there's a talented boxer we know about him and are following his progress," he said. "So that maybe one day he might join our national team."The Rafael Trejo boxing gym in Havana is one of the places where young boxers receive that encouragement from a young age. The students receive lessons as early as eight years old in the gym's open-air ring.While the facilities are threadbare, the instruction they receive is world class.Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Hector Vinent Charon runs the gym, teaching the children how to throw and take a punch."What makes Cubans different is the intelligence that we fight with," he said, "Our aggression, our tactics and the way we move."Vinent said most of the children at the Trejo are boxing as an after-school activity. They will pick up the basics of boxing and confidence while never achieving greatness in the ring.Boxing teaches them skills, he said, they can use in their everyday life."We teach them the elements of boxing but also patriotism," he said. "How you act in the classroom or on the street. It's not just boxing."Vinent is looking for young fighters with drive and something to prove.Because there among the gangly youths bobbing and weaving in his classes, Vinent said, could very well be Cuba's next champion of the ring. https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/4/pf-media/Cuban-Hope_3.jpgCuban Hope_3This is the third in a series of posts on my first visit to Cuba. Click these links for parts one and two.One of the very first places we visited in Cuba was a short walk from our hotel through Old Havana to the Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym or the Rafael Trejo Gimnasio al Aire Libre. The gym, like many places in Cuba was named in memory of a revolutionary figure, this time after Rafael Trejo who was a Cuban law student, killed in 1930 during protests against the dictatorship of Gerardo Machado. Rafael Trejo Boxing GymThe gym, like many places in the crumbling streets of Havana is easy to miss from the street and marked by a single, small sign. Walking through the door you enter perhaps the oldest boxing club in Havana, an open air arena nestled in the center of a courtyard with seating on two sides, nestled in-between a couple of three level apartment buildings with windows open to the training area. Like just about everything in Cuba, the training equipment is well worn with the exception of a brand new heavy (70-80lb) punching bag. Despite its well worn and neglected appearance, it is one of the more famous boxing arenas with a number of Olympic champions having trained here.I was pretty excited to see this place as this is about as fundamental and raw as boxing gets. However, we arrived late morning and the light inside the gym was atrocious with all sorts of harsh highlights coupled with shadows underneath the awning. Keeping exposures under control was a nightmare as people moved from light to shadow, but I figured some of that could be an advantage, especially with RAW files that give you a little bit of extra dynamic range. The gym was also a relatively small place and having even a few photographers moving around along with boxing students and others made it a pretty tough environment to shoot in. But when was I going to get back here? Might as well suck it up and make it work… https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/5/pf-media/Cuban-Hope_4.jpgCuban Hope_4I am a freelance sports photographer based in the New York City area who specializes in shooting sports including UFC/MMA, Boxing, NHL hockey, and NFL Football. I’m available for any assignments, and travel is no issue.I was profiled in Popular Photography & Imaging and Boxing Digest for my expertise in fight photography, and shot the Arturo Gatti-Mickey Ward photo chosen for the cover of the EA Video Game release Fight Night Round 3.My work has been published in various publications/TV outlets such as FightNews.com, Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine, Vibe, TV Guide, ESPN.com, E! Entertainment Television, All In Poker, The British Boxing News, Ring Magazine, Boxing Digest, The Fist, Ring Ukraine, NY Daily News, NY Post, and the movie, Rocky Balboa as well as many others. I am also a contract photographer for HBO, and ESPN.com. https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/6/pf-media/Cuban-Hope_5.jpgCuban Hope_5 https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/7/pf-media/Cuban-Hope_6.jpgCuban Hope_6 https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/8/pf-media/Cuban-Hope_7A.jpgCuban Hope_7 https://carlissmillion.com/Home/thumbs https://carlissmillion.com/In-Print/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-1/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Wasteland/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Play/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Wildcats/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Last-Gladiators/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Celebrate/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Cuban-Hope/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Contact/1 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/1/pf-media/EU2A3791.jpgEU2A3791 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/2/pf-media/EU2A3719.jpgEU2A3719 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/3/pf-media/Portraits_3A.jpgPortraits_3A https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/4/pf-media/Portraits-2_1.jpgPortraits 2_1 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/5/pf-media/Portraits-2_3.jpgPortraits 2_3 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/6/pf-media/Portraits-2_6.jpgPortraits 2_6 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/7/pf-media/Portraits-2_7.jpgPortraits 2_7 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/8/pf-media/Portraits-2_2.jpgPortraits 2_2 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/9/pf-media/Portraits-2_5.jpgPortraits 2_5 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/10/pf-media/Portraits-2_4.jpgPortraits 2_4 https://carlissmillion.com/Faces-2/11/pf-media/Portraits-2_9.jpgPortraits 2_9 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/1/pf-media/EU2A0495_NoCopysmall.jpgEU2A0495_NoCopysmall https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/2/pf-media/Chain-Gang_12E.jpgChain Gang_12E https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/3/pf-media/Chain-Gang_14A.jpgChain Gang_14A https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/4/pf-media/Chain-Gang_15A.jpgChain Gang_15A https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/5/pf-media/Chain-Gang_1.jpgChain Gang_1 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/6/pf-media/Chain-Gang_2.jpgChain Gang_2 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/7/pf-media/Chain-Gang_5.jpgChain Gang_5 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/8/pf-media/Chain-Gang_4.jpgChain Gang_4 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/9/pf-media/Chain-Gang_7.jpgChain Gang_7 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/10/pf-media/Chain-Gang_8.jpgChain Gang_8 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/11/pf-media/Road-Rage_1.jpgRoad Rage_1As the TUFMED USA CRITS Championship Final, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium promises to be the most exciting sports event to hit the streets of downtown West Chester. See top national professional bike racers push themselves to the max to become the Champion of the 2016 series.The streets of downtown West Chester will explode with excitement as riders navigate challenging circuit at speeds in excess of 35mph. Cheer on these top cyclists as they push themselves to the very limit in their quest for fame and glory.About the routeThe Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania, featuring four 90 degree turns and one short rise. The Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, the title sponsor, at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s CriteriumTIME: 6:45 P.M.As the 2016 TUFMED USA CRITS Women’s Championship Series Finals, this 40K race will attract top pro female riders from around the country and beyond. It’s one of the most important women’s bicycle races on the USA Cycling Calendar so you can count on great racing excitement.This exciting 40K race begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. See top local cyclists race along the downtown streets! Cheer them on as they push themselves to the very limits of their ability. The action begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets, home of the title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.Attention amateur riders:The top Cat 2, 3 and 4 riders in the Rothman Institute Amateur Race Trials held earlier in the day will be eligible to compete in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium.Click here for details and schedule.Registration• USA CYCLING sanctioned event• Racing license required• All finishing racers are factored in PAC BAR point scoring• All USAC rules apply.• Registration closes Friday, August 1, 2015 at 10 A.M.(A $10 late fee added for day-of registration)Race route mapThe .6 race route encompasses 8 blocks with four 90 degree turns and one short rise to the start/finish line. It is the same course that will be used for the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Race. On Saturday, August 20th, 2016, the streets of Downtown West Chester will again host a series of bicycle races.Downtown property and business owners should be aware of the following details:To build the “race course” the town center will be posted with no parking signs on Saturday, August 20th, starting at 1:00pm. Vehicular traffic will be diverted beginning from 1:00pm until 10:30pm.The racing schedule is as follows: 5:00pm (Kids’ Race); 5:45pm (Tolsdorf Express Mile Foot Race); 6:45pm (Amteur Men’s Race); 7:45pm (Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Men’s Race).The race course is as follows: With the exception of the kids race, cyclists will head west on Gay, south on Church, East on Market, north on Matlack and back to Gay Street.Traffic message boards will be installed days before alerting vehicular traffic of the event and road closures. Signs will be located southbound on Pottstown Pike, eastbound on Rt. 322, northbound at Rosedale and High and westbound on Gay St.SPECIAL NOTEThis is a non-alcoholic event. Alcohol is not permitted outside of designated licensed restaurant café areas. Please help us to keep this a family friendly event for all those attending. Also, please be sure to keep a clear passageway on all sidewalks and outdoor cafes to allow pedestrians to pass comfortably.- - - The Twilight Criterium was established and organized as a community initiative by community business people with an enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium remains the only professional sporting event in Chester County. The goal is to continue to create an environment of fun and fitness for families. With the added excitement of the USA CRITS Series, West Chester is again positioned as a destination point for shoppers and diners not only from Southeast Pennsylvania but from throughout the United States.Local retailers and restaurants are encouraged to showcase their businesses with the increase of foot traffic coming for the races. Some downtown businesses have joined together to organize their own block party’s the day of the race. We encourage initiatives like this as well as participating in ThinkShopBuy. . .Local which the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce created to help you, our community leaders, be successful. We want you to take full advantage of the crowds in town on July 6! We are fortunate that Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery and our other sponsors have committed to suppoting the race and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. West Chester Cycling Club (WCCC) has captured the hearts of West Chester as a club of vibrant cyclists and active people since its inception in 2004. Members of WCCC engage in a variety of cycling events, social events and volunteer activities that are infused with a spirit of excitement and community. Cycling events include frequent club rides ranging in speeds from casual rides to energetic group rides to sanctioned races. Social events vary from picnics to Club Socials to serving as host volunteers at the thrilling annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a professional cycling race. WCCC goes beyond cycling by giving back to the community and being involved in special projects. Come and join the fun and spirit of West Chester Cycling Club! OverviewHundreds of cyclists, including nationally ranked professionals and local amateurs, will challenge themselves on the streets of downtown West Chester during the annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.One of the top pro races in the country, the annual event is part of day-long celebration of cycling, community and family-friendly fun. h2(beta). Rothman Institute Amateur TrialsThe day kicks off early with a number of amateur races, held at Bayard Rustin high School, from 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. The events, which are open to the public, determine the field for the Rothman Institute Amateur Men’s Criterium to be held at 5:45 p.m. in downtown West Chester as a precursor to the marquee event: the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.Iron Hill Twilight CriteriumThe day culminates at 7:45 p.m. as racers from around the country take on the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester. Stake your spot early as the Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant at the intersection of Gay and High Streets.Market Street Block PartyMarket Street businesses have banded together to create more fun in the streets with the Market Street Block Party, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Create your own masterpiece in chalk on the sidewalk while enjoying great food, live music and party ambiance.Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of biking events including the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race for children ages 3-10 and the Twilight Trike Challenge featuring grownups attempting to ride tricycles. Awards will be given for three categories: fastest times, best costumed rider and best tricked-out trike.A slew of the other exciting events include the Pro-Am Women’s Criterium, the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, the Market Street Block Party, the Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival, a AAA Travel Kids Zone and performances from BMX stunt riders.Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/iron-hill-twilight-criterium/#sm.001nb270t13wodm6zci15iea382pnFollow us: http://facebook.com/visitphilly | http://twitter.com/visitphilly The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic course is packed with great locations to watch the action and experience the day. Enjoy lunch at one of Manayunk’s great restaurants, join the festive atmosphere on Lemon Hill, experience the East Falls Block Party, or watch the peloton climb The Wall that tops out on Roxborough’s Lyceum Avenue. See below for more details on the best sites to see the race.Between the Expo at the top of The Wall and entertainment around the course there’s plenty to do all day long. We’re putting together lots of race day festivities so be sure to check back here for updates. Follow us on facebook and twitter to keep up with everything that’s going on.Start/FinishThe Start/Finish line for the race is near the top of “The Wall” on Lyceum Ave in Roxborough.Men’s race starts at 8:00amWomen’s World Tour race starts at 12:30pmSprint ZoneCheck out the Sprint Zone located on Kelly Drive and Midvale Ave.Riders will battle for the prize of Best Sprinter keeping the pace high and creating a race within the race.ManayunkGet there early so you can enjoy the unique atmosphere, great restaurants, and shops as you watch the racers jockey for position before climbing the infamous Manayunk Wall to the finish line.East Falls Block PartyThe East Falls Block Party takes place on Midvale Avenue near Kelly Drive with family-friendly activities. It has great vantage points to watch the action of the Sprint Zone.Lemon HillLocated in Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill is a great location for a picnic while watching the pros battle for points to determine the best climber.Feed ZoneEver wonder how pro cyclists stay fueled for a full day of racing? Each lap they ride through the Feed Zone on Reservoir Drive at the Strawberry Mansion softball fields to pick up food and drink from their super-skilled team staff.All Philadelphia International Cycling Classic events take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, events may experience a temporary delay or cancellation. If severe weather occurs on event day, we will post updates to our Twitter and Facebook profiles. The World’s Top Teams to Compete in the 2016 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. Philadelphia, PA (April 4, 2016) – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic (PICC) will return on Sunday, June 5, 2016.The event will be produced by race organizers, g4 Productions, a woman-owned event production company with more than 30-years of experience managing professional cycling teams and producing some of the best races in the country. The PICC features a UCI Women’s WorldTour event and a Men’s UCI 1.1 race and will once again award equal prize money for the men’s and women’s races.“For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the globe to our great city for a day of spirited competition,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, as the highest rated one-day cycling event in the country, showcases our city to the world of cycling enthusiasts and spectators. I would like to thank our event producer, g4 Productions, our public employees, and the citizens of Philadelphia for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the PICC continues to thrive and build upon its legacy as a successful, world-class event.”The men’s and women’s races will compete on the same course, a 12.3 mile circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods, finishing at the top of the famed Manayunk Wall.“Philadelphia is a wonderful cycling city with a rich history in our sport, and history is about to be made again with the inclusion of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic on the UCI Women’s WorldTour,” said USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “The PICC is a wonderful and established event here in the United States, and its prestige, paired with the UCI classification, makes this an international destination for the top cyclists in the world.” Twenty of the top cycling teams from around the world are confirmed to compete in the women’s race. Powerhouse teams such as Wiggle High5 (formerly Wiggle Honda) which ranked second in the world last season, and Boels-Dolman’s, team of the current World Champion and last year’s winner of the PICC World Cup race, boast rosters with some of the most decorated women in the sport.The full list of women’s teams that will race this June includes:Alé CipolliniASTANA-Acca Due OBePink LaClassicaBoels-Dolmans Cycling TeamBTC City LjubljanaCanyon SRAM RacingCervélo Bigla Pro Cycling TeamColavita | BianchiCONADE Visit MexicoCyclance Pro CyclingHagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling TeamHiTec ProductsPark Hotel ValkenbergTeam RallyTeam Tibco-SVBTWENTY16 p/b RidebikerUnitedHealthcare Women’s Pro CyclingVisit Dallas DNA Pro CyclingWeber ShimanoWiggle High5. The men’s race kicks off the competition for the day at the top of the Manayunk Wall at 8:00 am. They will race a grueling 9 laps and over 110 miles, battling for KOM on Lemon Hill and the Manayunk Wall with a Sprint Zone along Kelly Drive. A few returning teams confirmed are UnitedHealthcare, Team Novo Nordisk, and Caja Rural Seguros, team of the winner of the 2015 PICC. A full list of confirmed men’s teams will be announced shortly.In addition to the pro races, the weekend will feature various events, including the Sly Fox Beer Garden, an expo, food trucks and more on Lemon Hill, as well as community festivities in Manayunk, Roxborough, and East Falls. All will feature a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with bicycle raffles, and great vantage points to view the race and cheer for the pros.About the Philadelphia International Cycling ClassicThe longest running UCI sanctioned event in the U.S., the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is a dynamic and selective circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods. It features a women’s UCI WorldTour event and a men’s UCI 1.1 level race, challenging some of the world’s top professional cycling teams to climb the infamous Manayunk Wall. The women’s World Cup will return to the United States in 2015 as part of a global push to develop women’s racing, the UCI announced Friday.The Parx Casino Philly Classic, formerly known as the Liberty Classic, will take place in Philadelphia in June. It will be part of a women’s calendar that will include one-day and multi-day races across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.The news came out of the two-day UCI Women Road World Cup seminar, taking place in Montreux, Switzerland this week, which brought together the major stakeholders in women’s cycling. The UCI used the seminar to lay out its plans for women’s cycling over the next two years.“We have taken another step in favor of women’s cycling,” said Tracey Gaudry, UCI Vice President and President of the Women’s Commission. “The UCI Women Road World Cup seminar highlighted the progress already accomplished in 2014, which we are going to build on to raise and expand the platform for a new professional series.”The UCI will continue to focus on increasing the number of televised women’s events in 2015, according to a release. TV coverage was improved dramatically in 2014, with 152 hours of broadcasting largely made possible by investment from the UCI and sponsor The Sufferfest, with a total viewership of about 15 million across 30 channels. The races were followed by nearly 300,000 people on the UCI’s YouTube channel.Proposals for 2016 include a significant increase in the number of available race days through both one-day Classics and stage races. The increase in racing days would take place under “an improved model, designed to increase the professionalism of our sport,” the release states.“I thank the organizers for the quality of their contributions, which reflect the growing professionalization of women’s cycling, one of the priorities of my program,” UCI President Brian Cookson said. “I am looking forward to meeting all our partners again in 2015, so that together we can add a new dimension to women’s road cycling.” https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/12/pf-media/ChainGang11.jpgChainGang11 https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/13/pf-media/Road-Rage_4.jpgRoad Rage_4As the TUFMED USA CRITS Championship Final, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium promises to be the most exciting sports event to hit the streets of downtown West Chester. See top national professional bike racers push themselves to the max to become the Champion of the 2016 series.The streets of downtown West Chester will explode with excitement as riders navigate challenging circuit at speeds in excess of 35mph. Cheer on these top cyclists as they push themselves to the very limit in their quest for fame and glory.About the routeThe Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania, featuring four 90 degree turns and one short rise. The Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, the title sponsor, at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s CriteriumTIME: 6:45 P.M.As the 2016 TUFMED USA CRITS Women’s Championship Series Finals, this 40K race will attract top pro female riders from around the country and beyond. It’s one of the most important women’s bicycle races on the USA Cycling Calendar so you can count on great racing excitement.This exciting 40K race begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. See top local cyclists race along the downtown streets! Cheer them on as they push themselves to the very limits of their ability. The action begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets, home of the title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.Attention amateur riders:The top Cat 2, 3 and 4 riders in the Rothman Institute Amateur Race Trials held earlier in the day will be eligible to compete in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium.Click here for details and schedule.Registration• USA CYCLING sanctioned event• Racing license required• All finishing racers are factored in PAC BAR point scoring• All USAC rules apply.• Registration closes Friday, August 1, 2015 at 10 A.M.(A $10 late fee added for day-of registration)Race route mapThe .6 race route encompasses 8 blocks with four 90 degree turns and one short rise to the start/finish line. It is the same course that will be used for the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Race. On Saturday, August 20th, 2016, the streets of Downtown West Chester will again host a series of bicycle races.Downtown property and business owners should be aware of the following details:To build the “race course” the town center will be posted with no parking signs on Saturday, August 20th, starting at 1:00pm. Vehicular traffic will be diverted beginning from 1:00pm until 10:30pm.The racing schedule is as follows: 5:00pm (Kids’ Race); 5:45pm (Tolsdorf Express Mile Foot Race); 6:45pm (Amteur Men’s Race); 7:45pm (Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Men’s Race).The race course is as follows: With the exception of the kids race, cyclists will head west on Gay, south on Church, East on Market, north on Matlack and back to Gay Street.Traffic message boards will be installed days before alerting vehicular traffic of the event and road closures. Signs will be located southbound on Pottstown Pike, eastbound on Rt. 322, northbound at Rosedale and High and westbound on Gay St.SPECIAL NOTEThis is a non-alcoholic event. Alcohol is not permitted outside of designated licensed restaurant café areas. Please help us to keep this a family friendly event for all those attending. Also, please be sure to keep a clear passageway on all sidewalks and outdoor cafes to allow pedestrians to pass comfortably.- - - The Twilight Criterium was established and organized as a community initiative by community business people with an enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium remains the only professional sporting event in Chester County. The goal is to continue to create an environment of fun and fitness for families. With the added excitement of the USA CRITS Series, West Chester is again positioned as a destination point for shoppers and diners not only from Southeast Pennsylvania but from throughout the United States.Local retailers and restaurants are encouraged to showcase their businesses with the increase of foot traffic coming for the races. Some downtown businesses have joined together to organize their own block party’s the day of the race. We encourage initiatives like this as well as participating in ThinkShopBuy. . .Local which the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce created to help you, our community leaders, be successful. We want you to take full advantage of the crowds in town on July 6! We are fortunate that Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery and our other sponsors have committed to suppoting the race and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. West Chester Cycling Club (WCCC) has captured the hearts of West Chester as a club of vibrant cyclists and active people since its inception in 2004. Members of WCCC engage in a variety of cycling events, social events and volunteer activities that are infused with a spirit of excitement and community. Cycling events include frequent club rides ranging in speeds from casual rides to energetic group rides to sanctioned races. Social events vary from picnics to Club Socials to serving as host volunteers at the thrilling annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a professional cycling race. WCCC goes beyond cycling by giving back to the community and being involved in special projects. Come and join the fun and spirit of West Chester Cycling Club! OverviewHundreds of cyclists, including nationally ranked professionals and local amateurs, will challenge themselves on the streets of downtown West Chester during the annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.One of the top pro races in the country, the annual event is part of day-long celebration of cycling, community and family-friendly fun. h2(beta). Rothman Institute Amateur TrialsThe day kicks off early with a number of amateur races, held at Bayard Rustin high School, from 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. The events, which are open to the public, determine the field for the Rothman Institute Amateur Men’s Criterium to be held at 5:45 p.m. in downtown West Chester as a precursor to the marquee event: the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.Iron Hill Twilight CriteriumThe day culminates at 7:45 p.m. as racers from around the country take on the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester. Stake your spot early as the Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant at the intersection of Gay and High Streets.Market Street Block PartyMarket Street businesses have banded together to create more fun in the streets with the Market Street Block Party, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Create your own masterpiece in chalk on the sidewalk while enjoying great food, live music and party ambiance.Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of biking events including the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race for children ages 3-10 and the Twilight Trike Challenge featuring grownups attempting to ride tricycles. Awards will be given for three categories: fastest times, best costumed rider and best tricked-out trike.A slew of the other exciting events include the Pro-Am Women’s Criterium, the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, the Market Street Block Party, the Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival, a AAA Travel Kids Zone and performances from BMX stunt riders.Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/iron-hill-twilight-criterium/#sm.001nb270t13wodm6zci15iea382pnFollow us: http://facebook.com/visitphilly | http://twitter.com/visitphilly The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic course is packed with great locations to watch the action and experience the day. Enjoy lunch at one of Manayunk’s great restaurants, join the festive atmosphere on Lemon Hill, experience the East Falls Block Party, or watch the peloton climb The Wall that tops out on Roxborough’s Lyceum Avenue. See below for more details on the best sites to see the race.Between the Expo at the top of The Wall and entertainment around the course there’s plenty to do all day long. We’re putting together lots of race day festivities so be sure to check back here for updates. Follow us on facebook and twitter to keep up with everything that’s going on.Start/FinishThe Start/Finish line for the race is near the top of “The Wall” on Lyceum Ave in Roxborough.Men’s race starts at 8:00amWomen’s World Tour race starts at 12:30pmSprint ZoneCheck out the Sprint Zone located on Kelly Drive and Midvale Ave.Riders will battle for the prize of Best Sprinter keeping the pace high and creating a race within the race.ManayunkGet there early so you can enjoy the unique atmosphere, great restaurants, and shops as you watch the racers jockey for position before climbing the infamous Manayunk Wall to the finish line.East Falls Block PartyThe East Falls Block Party takes place on Midvale Avenue near Kelly Drive with family-friendly activities. It has great vantage points to watch the action of the Sprint Zone.Lemon HillLocated in Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill is a great location for a picnic while watching the pros battle for points to determine the best climber.Feed ZoneEver wonder how pro cyclists stay fueled for a full day of racing? Each lap they ride through the Feed Zone on Reservoir Drive at the Strawberry Mansion softball fields to pick up food and drink from their super-skilled team staff.All Philadelphia International Cycling Classic events take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, events may experience a temporary delay or cancellation. If severe weather occurs on event day, we will post updates to our Twitter and Facebook profiles. The World’s Top Teams to Compete in the 2016 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. Philadelphia, PA (April 4, 2016) – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic (PICC) will return on Sunday, June 5, 2016.The event will be produced by race organizers, g4 Productions, a woman-owned event production company with more than 30-years of experience managing professional cycling teams and producing some of the best races in the country. The PICC features a UCI Women’s WorldTour event and a Men’s UCI 1.1 race and will once again award equal prize money for the men’s and women’s races.“For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the globe to our great city for a day of spirited competition,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, as the highest rated one-day cycling event in the country, showcases our city to the world of cycling enthusiasts and spectators. I would like to thank our event producer, g4 Productions, our public employees, and the citizens of Philadelphia for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the PICC continues to thrive and build upon its legacy as a successful, world-class event.”The men’s and women’s races will compete on the same course, a 12.3 mile circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods, finishing at the top of the famed Manayunk Wall.“Philadelphia is a wonderful cycling city with a rich history in our sport, and history is about to be made again with the inclusion of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic on the UCI Women’s WorldTour,” said USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “The PICC is a wonderful and established event here in the United States, and its prestige, paired with the UCI classification, makes this an international destination for the top cyclists in the world.” Twenty of the top cycling teams from around the world are confirmed to compete in the women’s race. Powerhouse teams such as Wiggle High5 (formerly Wiggle Honda) which ranked second in the world last season, and Boels-Dolman’s, team of the current World Champion and last year’s winner of the PICC World Cup race, boast rosters with some of the most decorated women in the sport.The full list of women’s teams that will race this June includes:Alé CipolliniASTANA-Acca Due OBePink LaClassicaBoels-Dolmans Cycling TeamBTC City LjubljanaCanyon SRAM RacingCervélo Bigla Pro Cycling TeamColavita | BianchiCONADE Visit MexicoCyclance Pro CyclingHagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling TeamHiTec ProductsPark Hotel ValkenbergTeam RallyTeam Tibco-SVBTWENTY16 p/b RidebikerUnitedHealthcare Women’s Pro CyclingVisit Dallas DNA Pro CyclingWeber ShimanoWiggle High5. The men’s race kicks off the competition for the day at the top of the Manayunk Wall at 8:00 am. They will race a grueling 9 laps and over 110 miles, battling for KOM on Lemon Hill and the Manayunk Wall with a Sprint Zone along Kelly Drive. A few returning teams confirmed are UnitedHealthcare, Team Novo Nordisk, and Caja Rural Seguros, team of the winner of the 2015 PICC. A full list of confirmed men’s teams will be announced shortly.In addition to the pro races, the weekend will feature various events, including the Sly Fox Beer Garden, an expo, food trucks and more on Lemon Hill, as well as community festivities in Manayunk, Roxborough, and East Falls. All will feature a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with bicycle raffles, and great vantage points to view the race and cheer for the pros.About the Philadelphia International Cycling ClassicThe longest running UCI sanctioned event in the U.S., the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is a dynamic and selective circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods. It features a women’s UCI WorldTour event and a men’s UCI 1.1 level race, challenging some of the world’s top professional cycling teams to climb the infamous Manayunk Wall. The women’s World Cup will return to the United States in 2015 as part of a global push to develop women’s racing, the UCI announced Friday.The Parx Casino Philly Classic, formerly known as the Liberty Classic, will take place in Philadelphia in June. It will be part of a women’s calendar that will include one-day and multi-day races across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.The news came out of the two-day UCI Women Road World Cup seminar, taking place in Montreux, Switzerland this week, which brought together the major stakeholders in women’s cycling. The UCI used the seminar to lay out its plans for women’s cycling over the next two years.“We have taken another step in favor of women’s cycling,” said Tracey Gaudry, UCI Vice President and President of the Women’s Commission. “The UCI Women Road World Cup seminar highlighted the progress already accomplished in 2014, which we are going to build on to raise and expand the platform for a new professional series.”The UCI will continue to focus on increasing the number of televised women’s events in 2015, according to a release. TV coverage was improved dramatically in 2014, with 152 hours of broadcasting largely made possible by investment from the UCI and sponsor The Sufferfest, with a total viewership of about 15 million across 30 channels. The races were followed by nearly 300,000 people on the UCI’s YouTube channel.Proposals for 2016 include a significant increase in the number of available race days through both one-day Classics and stage races. The increase in racing days would take place under “an improved model, designed to increase the professionalism of our sport,” the release states.“I thank the organizers for the quality of their contributions, which reflect the growing professionalization of women’s cycling, one of the priorities of my program,” UCI President Brian Cookson said. “I am looking forward to meeting all our partners again in 2015, so that together we can add a new dimension to women’s road cycling.” https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/14/pf-media/Road-Rage_2.jpgRoad Rage_2As the TUFMED USA CRITS Championship Final, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium promises to be the most exciting sports event to hit the streets of downtown West Chester. See top national professional bike racers push themselves to the max to become the Champion of the 2016 series.The streets of downtown West Chester will explode with excitement as riders navigate challenging circuit at speeds in excess of 35mph. Cheer on these top cyclists as they push themselves to the very limit in their quest for fame and glory.About the routeThe Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania, featuring four 90 degree turns and one short rise. The Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, the title sponsor, at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s CriteriumTIME: 6:45 P.M.As the 2016 TUFMED USA CRITS Women’s Championship Series Finals, this 40K race will attract top pro female riders from around the country and beyond. It’s one of the most important women’s bicycle races on the USA Cycling Calendar so you can count on great racing excitement.This exciting 40K race begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. See top local cyclists race along the downtown streets! Cheer them on as they push themselves to the very limits of their ability. The action begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets, home of the title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.Attention amateur riders:The top Cat 2, 3 and 4 riders in the Rothman Institute Amateur Race Trials held earlier in the day will be eligible to compete in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium.Click here for details and schedule.Registration• USA CYCLING sanctioned event• Racing license required• All finishing racers are factored in PAC BAR point scoring• All USAC rules apply.• Registration closes Friday, August 1, 2015 at 10 A.M.(A $10 late fee added for day-of registration)Race route mapThe .6 race route encompasses 8 blocks with four 90 degree turns and one short rise to the start/finish line. It is the same course that will be used for the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Race. On Saturday, August 20th, 2016, the streets of Downtown West Chester will again host a series of bicycle races.Downtown property and business owners should be aware of the following details:To build the “race course” the town center will be posted with no parking signs on Saturday, August 20th, starting at 1:00pm. Vehicular traffic will be diverted beginning from 1:00pm until 10:30pm.The racing schedule is as follows: 5:00pm (Kids’ Race); 5:45pm (Tolsdorf Express Mile Foot Race); 6:45pm (Amteur Men’s Race); 7:45pm (Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Men’s Race).The race course is as follows: With the exception of the kids race, cyclists will head west on Gay, south on Church, East on Market, north on Matlack and back to Gay Street.Traffic message boards will be installed days before alerting vehicular traffic of the event and road closures. Signs will be located southbound on Pottstown Pike, eastbound on Rt. 322, northbound at Rosedale and High and westbound on Gay St.SPECIAL NOTEThis is a non-alcoholic event. Alcohol is not permitted outside of designated licensed restaurant café areas. Please help us to keep this a family friendly event for all those attending. Also, please be sure to keep a clear passageway on all sidewalks and outdoor cafes to allow pedestrians to pass comfortably.- - - The Twilight Criterium was established and organized as a community initiative by community business people with an enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium remains the only professional sporting event in Chester County. The goal is to continue to create an environment of fun and fitness for families. With the added excitement of the USA CRITS Series, West Chester is again positioned as a destination point for shoppers and diners not only from Southeast Pennsylvania but from throughout the United States.Local retailers and restaurants are encouraged to showcase their businesses with the increase of foot traffic coming for the races. Some downtown businesses have joined together to organize their own block party’s the day of the race. We encourage initiatives like this as well as participating in ThinkShopBuy. . .Local which the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce created to help you, our community leaders, be successful. We want you to take full advantage of the crowds in town on July 6! We are fortunate that Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery and our other sponsors have committed to suppoting the race and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. West Chester Cycling Club (WCCC) has captured the hearts of West Chester as a club of vibrant cyclists and active people since its inception in 2004. Members of WCCC engage in a variety of cycling events, social events and volunteer activities that are infused with a spirit of excitement and community. Cycling events include frequent club rides ranging in speeds from casual rides to energetic group rides to sanctioned races. Social events vary from picnics to Club Socials to serving as host volunteers at the thrilling annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a professional cycling race. WCCC goes beyond cycling by giving back to the community and being involved in special projects. Come and join the fun and spirit of West Chester Cycling Club! OverviewHundreds of cyclists, including nationally ranked professionals and local amateurs, will challenge themselves on the streets of downtown West Chester during the annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.One of the top pro races in the country, the annual event is part of day-long celebration of cycling, community and family-friendly fun. h2(beta). Rothman Institute Amateur TrialsThe day kicks off early with a number of amateur races, held at Bayard Rustin high School, from 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. The events, which are open to the public, determine the field for the Rothman Institute Amateur Men’s Criterium to be held at 5:45 p.m. in downtown West Chester as a precursor to the marquee event: the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.Iron Hill Twilight CriteriumThe day culminates at 7:45 p.m. as racers from around the country take on the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester. Stake your spot early as the Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant at the intersection of Gay and High Streets.Market Street Block PartyMarket Street businesses have banded together to create more fun in the streets with the Market Street Block Party, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Create your own masterpiece in chalk on the sidewalk while enjoying great food, live music and party ambiance.Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of biking events including the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race for children ages 3-10 and the Twilight Trike Challenge featuring grownups attempting to ride tricycles. Awards will be given for three categories: fastest times, best costumed rider and best tricked-out trike.A slew of the other exciting events include the Pro-Am Women’s Criterium, the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, the Market Street Block Party, the Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival, a AAA Travel Kids Zone and performances from BMX stunt riders.Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/iron-hill-twilight-criterium/#sm.001nb270t13wodm6zci15iea382pnFollow us: http://facebook.com/visitphilly | http://twitter.com/visitphilly The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic course is packed with great locations to watch the action and experience the day. Enjoy lunch at one of Manayunk’s great restaurants, join the festive atmosphere on Lemon Hill, experience the East Falls Block Party, or watch the peloton climb The Wall that tops out on Roxborough’s Lyceum Avenue. See below for more details on the best sites to see the race.Between the Expo at the top of The Wall and entertainment around the course there’s plenty to do all day long. We’re putting together lots of race day festivities so be sure to check back here for updates. Follow us on facebook and twitter to keep up with everything that’s going on.Start/FinishThe Start/Finish line for the race is near the top of “The Wall” on Lyceum Ave in Roxborough.Men’s race starts at 8:00amWomen’s World Tour race starts at 12:30pmSprint ZoneCheck out the Sprint Zone located on Kelly Drive and Midvale Ave.Riders will battle for the prize of Best Sprinter keeping the pace high and creating a race within the race.ManayunkGet there early so you can enjoy the unique atmosphere, great restaurants, and shops as you watch the racers jockey for position before climbing the infamous Manayunk Wall to the finish line.East Falls Block PartyThe East Falls Block Party takes place on Midvale Avenue near Kelly Drive with family-friendly activities. It has great vantage points to watch the action of the Sprint Zone.Lemon HillLocated in Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill is a great location for a picnic while watching the pros battle for points to determine the best climber.Feed ZoneEver wonder how pro cyclists stay fueled for a full day of racing? Each lap they ride through the Feed Zone on Reservoir Drive at the Strawberry Mansion softball fields to pick up food and drink from their super-skilled team staff.All Philadelphia International Cycling Classic events take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, events may experience a temporary delay or cancellation. If severe weather occurs on event day, we will post updates to our Twitter and Facebook profiles. The World’s Top Teams to Compete in the 2016 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. Philadelphia, PA (April 4, 2016) – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic (PICC) will return on Sunday, June 5, 2016.The event will be produced by race organizers, g4 Productions, a woman-owned event production company with more than 30-years of experience managing professional cycling teams and producing some of the best races in the country. The PICC features a UCI Women’s WorldTour event and a Men’s UCI 1.1 race and will once again award equal prize money for the men’s and women’s races.“For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the globe to our great city for a day of spirited competition,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, as the highest rated one-day cycling event in the country, showcases our city to the world of cycling enthusiasts and spectators. I would like to thank our event producer, g4 Productions, our public employees, and the citizens of Philadelphia for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the PICC continues to thrive and build upon its legacy as a successful, world-class event.”The men’s and women’s races will compete on the same course, a 12.3 mile circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods, finishing at the top of the famed Manayunk Wall.“Philadelphia is a wonderful cycling city with a rich history in our sport, and history is about to be made again with the inclusion of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic on the UCI Women’s WorldTour,” said USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “The PICC is a wonderful and established event here in the United States, and its prestige, paired with the UCI classification, makes this an international destination for the top cyclists in the world.” Twenty of the top cycling teams from around the world are confirmed to compete in the women’s race. Powerhouse teams such as Wiggle High5 (formerly Wiggle Honda) which ranked second in the world last season, and Boels-Dolman’s, team of the current World Champion and last year’s winner of the PICC World Cup race, boast rosters with some of the most decorated women in the sport.The full list of women’s teams that will race this June includes:Alé CipolliniASTANA-Acca Due OBePink LaClassicaBoels-Dolmans Cycling TeamBTC City LjubljanaCanyon SRAM RacingCervélo Bigla Pro Cycling TeamColavita | BianchiCONADE Visit MexicoCyclance Pro CyclingHagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling TeamHiTec ProductsPark Hotel ValkenbergTeam RallyTeam Tibco-SVBTWENTY16 p/b RidebikerUnitedHealthcare Women’s Pro CyclingVisit Dallas DNA Pro CyclingWeber ShimanoWiggle High5. The men’s race kicks off the competition for the day at the top of the Manayunk Wall at 8:00 am. They will race a grueling 9 laps and over 110 miles, battling for KOM on Lemon Hill and the Manayunk Wall with a Sprint Zone along Kelly Drive. A few returning teams confirmed are UnitedHealthcare, Team Novo Nordisk, and Caja Rural Seguros, team of the winner of the 2015 PICC. A full list of confirmed men’s teams will be announced shortly.In addition to the pro races, the weekend will feature various events, including the Sly Fox Beer Garden, an expo, food trucks and more on Lemon Hill, as well as community festivities in Manayunk, Roxborough, and East Falls. All will feature a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with bicycle raffles, and great vantage points to view the race and cheer for the pros.About the Philadelphia International Cycling ClassicThe longest running UCI sanctioned event in the U.S., the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is a dynamic and selective circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods. It features a women’s UCI WorldTour event and a men’s UCI 1.1 level race, challenging some of the world’s top professional cycling teams to climb the infamous Manayunk Wall. The women’s World Cup will return to the United States in 2015 as part of a global push to develop women’s racing, the UCI announced Friday.The Parx Casino Philly Classic, formerly known as the Liberty Classic, will take place in Philadelphia in June. It will be part of a women’s calendar that will include one-day and multi-day races across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.The news came out of the two-day UCI Women Road World Cup seminar, taking place in Montreux, Switzerland this week, which brought together the major stakeholders in women’s cycling. The UCI used the seminar to lay out its plans for women’s cycling over the next two years.“We have taken another step in favor of women’s cycling,” said Tracey Gaudry, UCI Vice President and President of the Women’s Commission. “The UCI Women Road World Cup seminar highlighted the progress already accomplished in 2014, which we are going to build on to raise and expand the platform for a new professional series.”The UCI will continue to focus on increasing the number of televised women’s events in 2015, according to a release. TV coverage was improved dramatically in 2014, with 152 hours of broadcasting largely made possible by investment from the UCI and sponsor The Sufferfest, with a total viewership of about 15 million across 30 channels. The races were followed by nearly 300,000 people on the UCI’s YouTube channel.Proposals for 2016 include a significant increase in the number of available race days through both one-day Classics and stage races. The increase in racing days would take place under “an improved model, designed to increase the professionalism of our sport,” the release states.“I thank the organizers for the quality of their contributions, which reflect the growing professionalization of women’s cycling, one of the priorities of my program,” UCI President Brian Cookson said. “I am looking forward to meeting all our partners again in 2015, so that together we can add a new dimension to women’s road cycling.” https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/15/pf-media/Road-Rage_3.jpgRoad Rage_3As the TUFMED USA CRITS Championship Final, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium promises to be the most exciting sports event to hit the streets of downtown West Chester. See top national professional bike racers push themselves to the max to become the Champion of the 2016 series.The streets of downtown West Chester will explode with excitement as riders navigate challenging circuit at speeds in excess of 35mph. Cheer on these top cyclists as they push themselves to the very limit in their quest for fame and glory.About the routeThe Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania, featuring four 90 degree turns and one short rise. The Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, the title sponsor, at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s CriteriumTIME: 6:45 P.M.As the 2016 TUFMED USA CRITS Women’s Championship Series Finals, this 40K race will attract top pro female riders from around the country and beyond. It’s one of the most important women’s bicycle races on the USA Cycling Calendar so you can count on great racing excitement.This exciting 40K race begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. See top local cyclists race along the downtown streets! Cheer them on as they push themselves to the very limits of their ability. The action begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets, home of the title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.Attention amateur riders:The top Cat 2, 3 and 4 riders in the Rothman Institute Amateur Race Trials held earlier in the day will be eligible to compete in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium.Click here for details and schedule.Registration• USA CYCLING sanctioned event• Racing license required• All finishing racers are factored in PAC BAR point scoring• All USAC rules apply.• Registration closes Friday, August 1, 2015 at 10 A.M.(A $10 late fee added for day-of registration)Race route mapThe .6 race route encompasses 8 blocks with four 90 degree turns and one short rise to the start/finish line. It is the same course that will be used for the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Race. On Saturday, August 20th, 2016, the streets of Downtown West Chester will again host a series of bicycle races.Downtown property and business owners should be aware of the following details:To build the “race course” the town center will be posted with no parking signs on Saturday, August 20th, starting at 1:00pm. Vehicular traffic will be diverted beginning from 1:00pm until 10:30pm.The racing schedule is as follows: 5:00pm (Kids’ Race); 5:45pm (Tolsdorf Express Mile Foot Race); 6:45pm (Amteur Men’s Race); 7:45pm (Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Men’s Race).The race course is as follows: With the exception of the kids race, cyclists will head west on Gay, south on Church, East on Market, north on Matlack and back to Gay Street.Traffic message boards will be installed days before alerting vehicular traffic of the event and road closures. Signs will be located southbound on Pottstown Pike, eastbound on Rt. 322, northbound at Rosedale and High and westbound on Gay St.SPECIAL NOTEThis is a non-alcoholic event. Alcohol is not permitted outside of designated licensed restaurant café areas. Please help us to keep this a family friendly event for all those attending. Also, please be sure to keep a clear passageway on all sidewalks and outdoor cafes to allow pedestrians to pass comfortably.- - - The Twilight Criterium was established and organized as a community initiative by community business people with an enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium remains the only professional sporting event in Chester County. The goal is to continue to create an environment of fun and fitness for families. With the added excitement of the USA CRITS Series, West Chester is again positioned as a destination point for shoppers and diners not only from Southeast Pennsylvania but from throughout the United States.Local retailers and restaurants are encouraged to showcase their businesses with the increase of foot traffic coming for the races. Some downtown businesses have joined together to organize their own block party’s the day of the race. We encourage initiatives like this as well as participating in ThinkShopBuy. . .Local which the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce created to help you, our community leaders, be successful. We want you to take full advantage of the crowds in town on July 6! We are fortunate that Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery and our other sponsors have committed to suppoting the race and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. West Chester Cycling Club (WCCC) has captured the hearts of West Chester as a club of vibrant cyclists and active people since its inception in 2004. Members of WCCC engage in a variety of cycling events, social events and volunteer activities that are infused with a spirit of excitement and community. Cycling events include frequent club rides ranging in speeds from casual rides to energetic group rides to sanctioned races. Social events vary from picnics to Club Socials to serving as host volunteers at the thrilling annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a professional cycling race. WCCC goes beyond cycling by giving back to the community and being involved in special projects. Come and join the fun and spirit of West Chester Cycling Club! OverviewHundreds of cyclists, including nationally ranked professionals and local amateurs, will challenge themselves on the streets of downtown West Chester during the annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.One of the top pro races in the country, the annual event is part of day-long celebration of cycling, community and family-friendly fun. h2(beta). Rothman Institute Amateur TrialsThe day kicks off early with a number of amateur races, held at Bayard Rustin high School, from 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. The events, which are open to the public, determine the field for the Rothman Institute Amateur Men’s Criterium to be held at 5:45 p.m. in downtown West Chester as a precursor to the marquee event: the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.Iron Hill Twilight CriteriumThe day culminates at 7:45 p.m. as racers from around the country take on the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester. Stake your spot early as the Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant at the intersection of Gay and High Streets.Market Street Block PartyMarket Street businesses have banded together to create more fun in the streets with the Market Street Block Party, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Create your own masterpiece in chalk on the sidewalk while enjoying great food, live music and party ambiance.Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of biking events including the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race for children ages 3-10 and the Twilight Trike Challenge featuring grownups attempting to ride tricycles. Awards will be given for three categories: fastest times, best costumed rider and best tricked-out trike.A slew of the other exciting events include the Pro-Am Women’s Criterium, the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, the Market Street Block Party, the Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival, a AAA Travel Kids Zone and performances from BMX stunt riders.Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/iron-hill-twilight-criterium/#sm.001nb270t13wodm6zci15iea382pnFollow us: http://facebook.com/visitphilly | http://twitter.com/visitphilly The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic course is packed with great locations to watch the action and experience the day. Enjoy lunch at one of Manayunk’s great restaurants, join the festive atmosphere on Lemon Hill, experience the East Falls Block Party, or watch the peloton climb The Wall that tops out on Roxborough’s Lyceum Avenue. See below for more details on the best sites to see the race.Between the Expo at the top of The Wall and entertainment around the course there’s plenty to do all day long. We’re putting together lots of race day festivities so be sure to check back here for updates. Follow us on facebook and twitter to keep up with everything that’s going on.Start/FinishThe Start/Finish line for the race is near the top of “The Wall” on Lyceum Ave in Roxborough.Men’s race starts at 8:00amWomen’s World Tour race starts at 12:30pmSprint ZoneCheck out the Sprint Zone located on Kelly Drive and Midvale Ave.Riders will battle for the prize of Best Sprinter keeping the pace high and creating a race within the race.ManayunkGet there early so you can enjoy the unique atmosphere, great restaurants, and shops as you watch the racers jockey for position before climbing the infamous Manayunk Wall to the finish line.East Falls Block PartyThe East Falls Block Party takes place on Midvale Avenue near Kelly Drive with family-friendly activities. It has great vantage points to watch the action of the Sprint Zone.Lemon HillLocated in Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill is a great location for a picnic while watching the pros battle for points to determine the best climber.Feed ZoneEver wonder how pro cyclists stay fueled for a full day of racing? Each lap they ride through the Feed Zone on Reservoir Drive at the Strawberry Mansion softball fields to pick up food and drink from their super-skilled team staff.All Philadelphia International Cycling Classic events take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, events may experience a temporary delay or cancellation. If severe weather occurs on event day, we will post updates to our Twitter and Facebook profiles. The World’s Top Teams to Compete in the 2016 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. Philadelphia, PA (April 4, 2016) – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic (PICC) will return on Sunday, June 5, 2016.The event will be produced by race organizers, g4 Productions, a woman-owned event production company with more than 30-years of experience managing professional cycling teams and producing some of the best races in the country. The PICC features a UCI Women’s WorldTour event and a Men’s UCI 1.1 race and will once again award equal prize money for the men’s and women’s races.“For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the globe to our great city for a day of spirited competition,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, as the highest rated one-day cycling event in the country, showcases our city to the world of cycling enthusiasts and spectators. I would like to thank our event producer, g4 Productions, our public employees, and the citizens of Philadelphia for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the PICC continues to thrive and build upon its legacy as a successful, world-class event.”The men’s and women’s races will compete on the same course, a 12.3 mile circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods, finishing at the top of the famed Manayunk Wall.“Philadelphia is a wonderful cycling city with a rich history in our sport, and history is about to be made again with the inclusion of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic on the UCI Women’s WorldTour,” said USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “The PICC is a wonderful and established event here in the United States, and its prestige, paired with the UCI classification, makes this an international destination for the top cyclists in the world.” Twenty of the top cycling teams from around the world are confirmed to compete in the women’s race. Powerhouse teams such as Wiggle High5 (formerly Wiggle Honda) which ranked second in the world last season, and Boels-Dolman’s, team of the current World Champion and last year’s winner of the PICC World Cup race, boast rosters with some of the most decorated women in the sport.The full list of women’s teams that will race this June includes:Alé CipolliniASTANA-Acca Due OBePink LaClassicaBoels-Dolmans Cycling TeamBTC City LjubljanaCanyon SRAM RacingCervélo Bigla Pro Cycling TeamColavita | BianchiCONADE Visit MexicoCyclance Pro CyclingHagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling TeamHiTec ProductsPark Hotel ValkenbergTeam RallyTeam Tibco-SVBTWENTY16 p/b RidebikerUnitedHealthcare Women’s Pro CyclingVisit Dallas DNA Pro CyclingWeber ShimanoWiggle High5. The men’s race kicks off the competition for the day at the top of the Manayunk Wall at 8:00 am. They will race a grueling 9 laps and over 110 miles, battling for KOM on Lemon Hill and the Manayunk Wall with a Sprint Zone along Kelly Drive. A few returning teams confirmed are UnitedHealthcare, Team Novo Nordisk, and Caja Rural Seguros, team of the winner of the 2015 PICC. A full list of confirmed men’s teams will be announced shortly.In addition to the pro races, the weekend will feature various events, including the Sly Fox Beer Garden, an expo, food trucks and more on Lemon Hill, as well as community festivities in Manayunk, Roxborough, and East Falls. All will feature a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with bicycle raffles, and great vantage points to view the race and cheer for the pros.About the Philadelphia International Cycling ClassicThe longest running UCI sanctioned event in the U.S., the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is a dynamic and selective circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods. It features a women’s UCI WorldTour event and a men’s UCI 1.1 level race, challenging some of the world’s top professional cycling teams to climb the infamous Manayunk Wall. The women’s World Cup will return to the United States in 2015 as part of a global push to develop women’s racing, the UCI announced Friday.The Parx Casino Philly Classic, formerly known as the Liberty Classic, will take place in Philadelphia in June. It will be part of a women’s calendar that will include one-day and multi-day races across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.The news came out of the two-day UCI Women Road World Cup seminar, taking place in Montreux, Switzerland this week, which brought together the major stakeholders in women’s cycling. The UCI used the seminar to lay out its plans for women’s cycling over the next two years.“We have taken another step in favor of women’s cycling,” said Tracey Gaudry, UCI Vice President and President of the Women’s Commission. “The UCI Women Road World Cup seminar highlighted the progress already accomplished in 2014, which we are going to build on to raise and expand the platform for a new professional series.”The UCI will continue to focus on increasing the number of televised women’s events in 2015, according to a release. TV coverage was improved dramatically in 2014, with 152 hours of broadcasting largely made possible by investment from the UCI and sponsor The Sufferfest, with a total viewership of about 15 million across 30 channels. The races were followed by nearly 300,000 people on the UCI’s YouTube channel.Proposals for 2016 include a significant increase in the number of available race days through both one-day Classics and stage races. The increase in racing days would take place under “an improved model, designed to increase the professionalism of our sport,” the release states.“I thank the organizers for the quality of their contributions, which reflect the growing professionalization of women’s cycling, one of the priorities of my program,” UCI President Brian Cookson said. “I am looking forward to meeting all our partners again in 2015, so that together we can add a new dimension to women’s road cycling.” https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/16/pf-media/Road-Rage_5.jpgRoad Rage_5As the TUFMED USA CRITS Championship Final, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium promises to be the most exciting sports event to hit the streets of downtown West Chester. See top national professional bike racers push themselves to the max to become the Champion of the 2016 series.The streets of downtown West Chester will explode with excitement as riders navigate challenging circuit at speeds in excess of 35mph. Cheer on these top cyclists as they push themselves to the very limit in their quest for fame and glory.About the routeThe Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania, featuring four 90 degree turns and one short rise. The Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, the title sponsor, at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s CriteriumTIME: 6:45 P.M.As the 2016 TUFMED USA CRITS Women’s Championship Series Finals, this 40K race will attract top pro female riders from around the country and beyond. It’s one of the most important women’s bicycle races on the USA Cycling Calendar so you can count on great racing excitement.This exciting 40K race begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. See top local cyclists race along the downtown streets! Cheer them on as they push themselves to the very limits of their ability. The action begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets, home of the title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.Attention amateur riders:The top Cat 2, 3 and 4 riders in the Rothman Institute Amateur Race Trials held earlier in the day will be eligible to compete in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium.Click here for details and schedule.Registration• USA CYCLING sanctioned event• Racing license required• All finishing racers are factored in PAC BAR point scoring• All USAC rules apply.• Registration closes Friday, August 1, 2015 at 10 A.M.(A $10 late fee added for day-of registration)Race route mapThe .6 race route encompasses 8 blocks with four 90 degree turns and one short rise to the start/finish line. It is the same course that will be used for the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Race. On Saturday, August 20th, 2016, the streets of Downtown West Chester will again host a series of bicycle races.Downtown property and business owners should be aware of the following details:To build the “race course” the town center will be posted with no parking signs on Saturday, August 20th, starting at 1:00pm. Vehicular traffic will be diverted beginning from 1:00pm until 10:30pm.The racing schedule is as follows: 5:00pm (Kids’ Race); 5:45pm (Tolsdorf Express Mile Foot Race); 6:45pm (Amteur Men’s Race); 7:45pm (Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Men’s Race).The race course is as follows: With the exception of the kids race, cyclists will head west on Gay, south on Church, East on Market, north on Matlack and back to Gay Street.Traffic message boards will be installed days before alerting vehicular traffic of the event and road closures. Signs will be located southbound on Pottstown Pike, eastbound on Rt. 322, northbound at Rosedale and High and westbound on Gay St.SPECIAL NOTEThis is a non-alcoholic event. Alcohol is not permitted outside of designated licensed restaurant café areas. Please help us to keep this a family friendly event for all those attending. Also, please be sure to keep a clear passageway on all sidewalks and outdoor cafes to allow pedestrians to pass comfortably.- - - The Twilight Criterium was established and organized as a community initiative by community business people with an enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium remains the only professional sporting event in Chester County. The goal is to continue to create an environment of fun and fitness for families. With the added excitement of the USA CRITS Series, West Chester is again positioned as a destination point for shoppers and diners not only from Southeast Pennsylvania but from throughout the United States.Local retailers and restaurants are encouraged to showcase their businesses with the increase of foot traffic coming for the races. Some downtown businesses have joined together to organize their own block party’s the day of the race. We encourage initiatives like this as well as participating in ThinkShopBuy. . .Local which the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce created to help you, our community leaders, be successful. We want you to take full advantage of the crowds in town on July 6! We are fortunate that Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery and our other sponsors have committed to suppoting the race and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. West Chester Cycling Club (WCCC) has captured the hearts of West Chester as a club of vibrant cyclists and active people since its inception in 2004. Members of WCCC engage in a variety of cycling events, social events and volunteer activities that are infused with a spirit of excitement and community. Cycling events include frequent club rides ranging in speeds from casual rides to energetic group rides to sanctioned races. Social events vary from picnics to Club Socials to serving as host volunteers at the thrilling annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a professional cycling race. WCCC goes beyond cycling by giving back to the community and being involved in special projects. Come and join the fun and spirit of West Chester Cycling Club! OverviewHundreds of cyclists, including nationally ranked professionals and local amateurs, will challenge themselves on the streets of downtown West Chester during the annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.One of the top pro races in the country, the annual event is part of day-long celebration of cycling, community and family-friendly fun. h2(beta). Rothman Institute Amateur TrialsThe day kicks off early with a number of amateur races, held at Bayard Rustin high School, from 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. The events, which are open to the public, determine the field for the Rothman Institute Amateur Men’s Criterium to be held at 5:45 p.m. in downtown West Chester as a precursor to the marquee event: the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.Iron Hill Twilight CriteriumThe day culminates at 7:45 p.m. as racers from around the country take on the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester. Stake your spot early as the Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant at the intersection of Gay and High Streets.Market Street Block PartyMarket Street businesses have banded together to create more fun in the streets with the Market Street Block Party, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Create your own masterpiece in chalk on the sidewalk while enjoying great food, live music and party ambiance.Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of biking events including the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race for children ages 3-10 and the Twilight Trike Challenge featuring grownups attempting to ride tricycles. Awards will be given for three categories: fastest times, best costumed rider and best tricked-out trike.A slew of the other exciting events include the Pro-Am Women’s Criterium, the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, the Market Street Block Party, the Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival, a AAA Travel Kids Zone and performances from BMX stunt riders.Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/iron-hill-twilight-criterium/#sm.001nb270t13wodm6zci15iea382pnFollow us: http://facebook.com/visitphilly | http://twitter.com/visitphilly The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic course is packed with great locations to watch the action and experience the day. Enjoy lunch at one of Manayunk’s great restaurants, join the festive atmosphere on Lemon Hill, experience the East Falls Block Party, or watch the peloton climb The Wall that tops out on Roxborough’s Lyceum Avenue. See below for more details on the best sites to see the race.Between the Expo at the top of The Wall and entertainment around the course there’s plenty to do all day long. We’re putting together lots of race day festivities so be sure to check back here for updates. Follow us on facebook and twitter to keep up with everything that’s going on.Start/FinishThe Start/Finish line for the race is near the top of “The Wall” on Lyceum Ave in Roxborough.Men’s race starts at 8:00amWomen’s World Tour race starts at 12:30pmSprint ZoneCheck out the Sprint Zone located on Kelly Drive and Midvale Ave.Riders will battle for the prize of Best Sprinter keeping the pace high and creating a race within the race.ManayunkGet there early so you can enjoy the unique atmosphere, great restaurants, and shops as you watch the racers jockey for position before climbing the infamous Manayunk Wall to the finish line.East Falls Block PartyThe East Falls Block Party takes place on Midvale Avenue near Kelly Drive with family-friendly activities. It has great vantage points to watch the action of the Sprint Zone.Lemon HillLocated in Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill is a great location for a picnic while watching the pros battle for points to determine the best climber.Feed ZoneEver wonder how pro cyclists stay fueled for a full day of racing? Each lap they ride through the Feed Zone on Reservoir Drive at the Strawberry Mansion softball fields to pick up food and drink from their super-skilled team staff.All Philadelphia International Cycling Classic events take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, events may experience a temporary delay or cancellation. If severe weather occurs on event day, we will post updates to our Twitter and Facebook profiles. The World’s Top Teams to Compete in the 2016 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. Philadelphia, PA (April 4, 2016) – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic (PICC) will return on Sunday, June 5, 2016.The event will be produced by race organizers, g4 Productions, a woman-owned event production company with more than 30-years of experience managing professional cycling teams and producing some of the best races in the country. The PICC features a UCI Women’s WorldTour event and a Men’s UCI 1.1 race and will once again award equal prize money for the men’s and women’s races.“For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the globe to our great city for a day of spirited competition,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, as the highest rated one-day cycling event in the country, showcases our city to the world of cycling enthusiasts and spectators. I would like to thank our event producer, g4 Productions, our public employees, and the citizens of Philadelphia for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the PICC continues to thrive and build upon its legacy as a successful, world-class event.”The men’s and women’s races will compete on the same course, a 12.3 mile circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods, finishing at the top of the famed Manayunk Wall.“Philadelphia is a wonderful cycling city with a rich history in our sport, and history is about to be made again with the inclusion of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic on the UCI Women’s WorldTour,” said USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “The PICC is a wonderful and established event here in the United States, and its prestige, paired with the UCI classification, makes this an international destination for the top cyclists in the world.” Twenty of the top cycling teams from around the world are confirmed to compete in the women’s race. Powerhouse teams such as Wiggle High5 (formerly Wiggle Honda) which ranked second in the world last season, and Boels-Dolman’s, team of the current World Champion and last year’s winner of the PICC World Cup race, boast rosters with some of the most decorated women in the sport.The full list of women’s teams that will race this June includes:Alé CipolliniASTANA-Acca Due OBePink LaClassicaBoels-Dolmans Cycling TeamBTC City LjubljanaCanyon SRAM RacingCervélo Bigla Pro Cycling TeamColavita | BianchiCONADE Visit MexicoCyclance Pro CyclingHagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling TeamHiTec ProductsPark Hotel ValkenbergTeam RallyTeam Tibco-SVBTWENTY16 p/b RidebikerUnitedHealthcare Women’s Pro CyclingVisit Dallas DNA Pro CyclingWeber ShimanoWiggle High5. The men’s race kicks off the competition for the day at the top of the Manayunk Wall at 8:00 am. They will race a grueling 9 laps and over 110 miles, battling for KOM on Lemon Hill and the Manayunk Wall with a Sprint Zone along Kelly Drive. A few returning teams confirmed are UnitedHealthcare, Team Novo Nordisk, and Caja Rural Seguros, team of the winner of the 2015 PICC. A full list of confirmed men’s teams will be announced shortly.In addition to the pro races, the weekend will feature various events, including the Sly Fox Beer Garden, an expo, food trucks and more on Lemon Hill, as well as community festivities in Manayunk, Roxborough, and East Falls. All will feature a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with bicycle raffles, and great vantage points to view the race and cheer for the pros.About the Philadelphia International Cycling ClassicThe longest running UCI sanctioned event in the U.S., the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is a dynamic and selective circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods. It features a women’s UCI WorldTour event and a men’s UCI 1.1 level race, challenging some of the world’s top professional cycling teams to climb the infamous Manayunk Wall. The women’s World Cup will return to the United States in 2015 as part of a global push to develop women’s racing, the UCI announced Friday.The Parx Casino Philly Classic, formerly known as the Liberty Classic, will take place in Philadelphia in June. It will be part of a women’s calendar that will include one-day and multi-day races across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.The news came out of the two-day UCI Women Road World Cup seminar, taking place in Montreux, Switzerland this week, which brought together the major stakeholders in women’s cycling. The UCI used the seminar to lay out its plans for women’s cycling over the next two years.“We have taken another step in favor of women’s cycling,” said Tracey Gaudry, UCI Vice President and President of the Women’s Commission. “The UCI Women Road World Cup seminar highlighted the progress already accomplished in 2014, which we are going to build on to raise and expand the platform for a new professional series.”The UCI will continue to focus on increasing the number of televised women’s events in 2015, according to a release. TV coverage was improved dramatically in 2014, with 152 hours of broadcasting largely made possible by investment from the UCI and sponsor The Sufferfest, with a total viewership of about 15 million across 30 channels. The races were followed by nearly 300,000 people on the UCI’s YouTube channel.Proposals for 2016 include a significant increase in the number of available race days through both one-day Classics and stage races. The increase in racing days would take place under “an improved model, designed to increase the professionalism of our sport,” the release states.“I thank the organizers for the quality of their contributions, which reflect the growing professionalization of women’s cycling, one of the priorities of my program,” UCI President Brian Cookson said. “I am looking forward to meeting all our partners again in 2015, so that together we can add a new dimension to women’s road cycling.” https://carlissmillion.com/Road-Rage/17/pf-media/Road-Rage_6.jpgRoad Rage_6As the TUFMED USA CRITS Championship Final, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium promises to be the most exciting sports event to hit the streets of downtown West Chester. See top national professional bike racers push themselves to the max to become the Champion of the 2016 series.The streets of downtown West Chester will explode with excitement as riders navigate challenging circuit at speeds in excess of 35mph. Cheer on these top cyclists as they push themselves to the very limit in their quest for fame and glory.About the routeThe Iron Hill Twilight Criterium is a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester, Pennsylvania, featuring four 90 degree turns and one short rise. The Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, the title sponsor, at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s CriteriumTIME: 6:45 P.M.As the 2016 TUFMED USA CRITS Women’s Championship Series Finals, this 40K race will attract top pro female riders from around the country and beyond. It’s one of the most important women’s bicycle races on the USA Cycling Calendar so you can count on great racing excitement.This exciting 40K race begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets. See top local cyclists race along the downtown streets! Cheer them on as they push themselves to the very limits of their ability. The action begins and ends at the intersection of Gay and High Streets, home of the title sponsor Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.Attention amateur riders:The top Cat 2, 3 and 4 riders in the Rothman Institute Amateur Race Trials held earlier in the day will be eligible to compete in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium.Click here for details and schedule.Registration• USA CYCLING sanctioned event• Racing license required• All finishing racers are factored in PAC BAR point scoring• All USAC rules apply.• Registration closes Friday, August 1, 2015 at 10 A.M.(A $10 late fee added for day-of registration)Race route mapThe .6 race route encompasses 8 blocks with four 90 degree turns and one short rise to the start/finish line. It is the same course that will be used for the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Race. On Saturday, August 20th, 2016, the streets of Downtown West Chester will again host a series of bicycle races.Downtown property and business owners should be aware of the following details:To build the “race course” the town center will be posted with no parking signs on Saturday, August 20th, starting at 1:00pm. Vehicular traffic will be diverted beginning from 1:00pm until 10:30pm.The racing schedule is as follows: 5:00pm (Kids’ Race); 5:45pm (Tolsdorf Express Mile Foot Race); 6:45pm (Amteur Men’s Race); 7:45pm (Iron Hill Twilight Criterium Pro Men’s Race).The race course is as follows: With the exception of the kids race, cyclists will head west on Gay, south on Church, East on Market, north on Matlack and back to Gay Street.Traffic message boards will be installed days before alerting vehicular traffic of the event and road closures. Signs will be located southbound on Pottstown Pike, eastbound on Rt. 322, northbound at Rosedale and High and westbound on Gay St.SPECIAL NOTEThis is a non-alcoholic event. Alcohol is not permitted outside of designated licensed restaurant café areas. Please help us to keep this a family friendly event for all those attending. Also, please be sure to keep a clear passageway on all sidewalks and outdoor cafes to allow pedestrians to pass comfortably.- - - The Twilight Criterium was established and organized as a community initiative by community business people with an enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. The Iron Hill Twilight Criterium remains the only professional sporting event in Chester County. The goal is to continue to create an environment of fun and fitness for families. With the added excitement of the USA CRITS Series, West Chester is again positioned as a destination point for shoppers and diners not only from Southeast Pennsylvania but from throughout the United States.Local retailers and restaurants are encouraged to showcase their businesses with the increase of foot traffic coming for the races. Some downtown businesses have joined together to organize their own block party’s the day of the race. We encourage initiatives like this as well as participating in ThinkShopBuy. . .Local which the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce created to help you, our community leaders, be successful. We want you to take full advantage of the crowds in town on July 6! We are fortunate that Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery and our other sponsors have committed to suppoting the race and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. West Chester Cycling Club (WCCC) has captured the hearts of West Chester as a club of vibrant cyclists and active people since its inception in 2004. Members of WCCC engage in a variety of cycling events, social events and volunteer activities that are infused with a spirit of excitement and community. Cycling events include frequent club rides ranging in speeds from casual rides to energetic group rides to sanctioned races. Social events vary from picnics to Club Socials to serving as host volunteers at the thrilling annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a professional cycling race. WCCC goes beyond cycling by giving back to the community and being involved in special projects. Come and join the fun and spirit of West Chester Cycling Club! OverviewHundreds of cyclists, including nationally ranked professionals and local amateurs, will challenge themselves on the streets of downtown West Chester during the annual Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.One of the top pro races in the country, the annual event is part of day-long celebration of cycling, community and family-friendly fun. h2(beta). Rothman Institute Amateur TrialsThe day kicks off early with a number of amateur races, held at Bayard Rustin high School, from 8 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. The events, which are open to the public, determine the field for the Rothman Institute Amateur Men’s Criterium to be held at 5:45 p.m. in downtown West Chester as a precursor to the marquee event: the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium.Iron Hill Twilight CriteriumThe day culminates at 7:45 p.m. as racers from around the country take on the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium, a 0.6-mile course over 8 city blocks on the streets of historic downtown West Chester. Stake your spot early as the Start/Finish Line is next to the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant at the intersection of Gay and High Streets.Market Street Block PartyMarket Street businesses have banded together to create more fun in the streets with the Market Street Block Party, which kicks off at 4 p.m. Create your own masterpiece in chalk on the sidewalk while enjoying great food, live music and party ambiance.Throughout the day, enjoy a variety of biking events including the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race for children ages 3-10 and the Twilight Trike Challenge featuring grownups attempting to ride tricycles. Awards will be given for three categories: fastest times, best costumed rider and best tricked-out trike.A slew of the other exciting events include the Pro-Am Women’s Criterium, the West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, the Market Street Block Party, the Kinetic Physical Therapy Community Festival, a AAA Travel Kids Zone and performances from BMX stunt riders.Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/iron-hill-twilight-criterium/#sm.001nb270t13wodm6zci15iea382pnFollow us: http://facebook.com/visitphilly | http://twitter.com/visitphilly The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic course is packed with great locations to watch the action and experience the day. Enjoy lunch at one of Manayunk’s great restaurants, join the festive atmosphere on Lemon Hill, experience the East Falls Block Party, or watch the peloton climb The Wall that tops out on Roxborough’s Lyceum Avenue. See below for more details on the best sites to see the race.Between the Expo at the top of The Wall and entertainment around the course there’s plenty to do all day long. We’re putting together lots of race day festivities so be sure to check back here for updates. Follow us on facebook and twitter to keep up with everything that’s going on.Start/FinishThe Start/Finish line for the race is near the top of “The Wall” on Lyceum Ave in Roxborough.Men’s race starts at 8:00amWomen’s World Tour race starts at 12:30pmSprint ZoneCheck out the Sprint Zone located on Kelly Drive and Midvale Ave.Riders will battle for the prize of Best Sprinter keeping the pace high and creating a race within the race.ManayunkGet there early so you can enjoy the unique atmosphere, great restaurants, and shops as you watch the racers jockey for position before climbing the infamous Manayunk Wall to the finish line.East Falls Block PartyThe East Falls Block Party takes place on Midvale Avenue near Kelly Drive with family-friendly activities. It has great vantage points to watch the action of the Sprint Zone.Lemon HillLocated in Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill is a great location for a picnic while watching the pros battle for points to determine the best climber.Feed ZoneEver wonder how pro cyclists stay fueled for a full day of racing? Each lap they ride through the Feed Zone on Reservoir Drive at the Strawberry Mansion softball fields to pick up food and drink from their super-skilled team staff.All Philadelphia International Cycling Classic events take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, events may experience a temporary delay or cancellation. If severe weather occurs on event day, we will post updates to our Twitter and Facebook profiles. The World’s Top Teams to Compete in the 2016 Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. Philadelphia, PA (April 4, 2016) – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney announced the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic (PICC) will return on Sunday, June 5, 2016.The event will be produced by race organizers, g4 Productions, a woman-owned event production company with more than 30-years of experience managing professional cycling teams and producing some of the best races in the country. The PICC features a UCI Women’s WorldTour event and a Men’s UCI 1.1 race and will once again award equal prize money for the men’s and women’s races.“For more than thirty years, the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic has brought a collection of the greatest male and female cyclists from across the globe to our great city for a day of spirited competition,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Philadelphia International Cycling Classic, as the highest rated one-day cycling event in the country, showcases our city to the world of cycling enthusiasts and spectators. I would like to thank our event producer, g4 Productions, our public employees, and the citizens of Philadelphia for their hard work and dedication to ensuring that the PICC continues to thrive and build upon its legacy as a successful, world-class event.”The men’s and women’s races will compete on the same course, a 12.3 mile circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods, finishing at the top of the famed Manayunk Wall.“Philadelphia is a wonderful cycling city with a rich history in our sport, and history is about to be made again with the inclusion of the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic on the UCI Women’s WorldTour,” said USA Cycling CEO Derek Bouchard-Hall. “The PICC is a wonderful and established event here in the United States, and its prestige, paired with the UCI classification, makes this an international destination for the top cyclists in the world.” Twenty of the top cycling teams from around the world are confirmed to compete in the women’s race. Powerhouse teams such as Wiggle High5 (formerly Wiggle Honda) which ranked second in the world last season, and Boels-Dolman’s, team of the current World Champion and last year’s winner of the PICC World Cup race, boast rosters with some of the most decorated women in the sport.The full list of women’s teams that will race this June includes:Alé CipolliniASTANA-Acca Due OBePink LaClassicaBoels-Dolmans Cycling TeamBTC City LjubljanaCanyon SRAM RacingCervélo Bigla Pro Cycling TeamColavita | BianchiCONADE Visit MexicoCyclance Pro CyclingHagens Berman | Supermint Pro Cycling TeamHiTec ProductsPark Hotel ValkenbergTeam RallyTeam Tibco-SVBTWENTY16 p/b RidebikerUnitedHealthcare Women’s Pro CyclingVisit Dallas DNA Pro CyclingWeber ShimanoWiggle High5. The men’s race kicks off the competition for the day at the top of the Manayunk Wall at 8:00 am. They will race a grueling 9 laps and over 110 miles, battling for KOM on Lemon Hill and the Manayunk Wall with a Sprint Zone along Kelly Drive. A few returning teams confirmed are UnitedHealthcare, Team Novo Nordisk, and Caja Rural Seguros, team of the winner of the 2015 PICC. A full list of confirmed men’s teams will be announced shortly.In addition to the pro races, the weekend will feature various events, including the Sly Fox Beer Garden, an expo, food trucks and more on Lemon Hill, as well as community festivities in Manayunk, Roxborough, and East Falls. All will feature a fun and family-friendly atmosphere with bicycle raffles, and great vantage points to view the race and cheer for the pros.About the Philadelphia International Cycling ClassicThe longest running UCI sanctioned event in the U.S., the Philadelphia International Cycling Classic is a dynamic and selective circuit looping through some of Philadelphia’s favorite neighborhoods. It features a women’s UCI WorldTour event and a men’s UCI 1.1 level race, challenging some of the world’s top professional cycling teams to climb the infamous Manayunk Wall. The women’s World Cup will return to the United States in 2015 as part of a global push to develop women’s racing, the UCI announced Friday.The Parx Casino Philly Classic, formerly known as the Liberty Classic, will take place in Philadelphia in June. It will be part of a women’s calendar that will include one-day and multi-day races across Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania.The news came out of the two-day UCI Women Road World Cup seminar, taking place in Montreux, Switzerland this week, which brought together the major stakeholders in women’s cycling. The UCI used the seminar to lay out its plans for women’s cycling over the next two years.“We have taken another step in favor of women’s cycling,” said Tracey Gaudry, UCI Vice President and President of the Women’s Commission. “The UCI Women Road World Cup seminar highlighted the progress already accomplished in 2014, which we are going to build on to raise and expand the platform for a new professional series.”The UCI will continue to focus on increasing the number of televised women’s events in 2015, according to a release. TV coverage was improved dramatically in 2014, with 152 hours of broadcasting largely made possible by investment from the UCI and sponsor The Sufferfest, with a total viewership of about 15 million across 30 channels. The races were followed by nearly 300,000 people on the UCI’s YouTube channel.Proposals for 2016 include a significant increase in the number of available race days through both one-day Classics and stage races. The increase in racing days would take place under “an improved model, designed to increase the professionalism of our sport,” the release states.“I thank the organizers for the quality of their contributions, which reflect the growing professionalization of women’s cycling, one of the priorities of my program,” UCI President Brian Cookson said. “I am looking forward to meeting all our partners again in 2015, so that together we can add a new dimension to women’s road cycling.” https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/1/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_1A.jpgCowboy Up_1AThe Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo has a mystique for promoting the cowboy way across the Texas Panhandle and surrounding areas, which include New Mexico and Oklahoma.It’s mission is to honor the everyday ranching culture and showcase what the cowboys do on a ranch on a day-to-day basis.One cowboy on display this weekend at the annual event is Zack Burson. Burson, who grew up in Silverton and is a 2005 graduate of the school, is now the assistant manager and cow boss of the 290,000-acre Bell Ranch in Conchas Dam, N.M., which is a division of the Silver Spurs Ranches.The Bell Ranch is competing at this rodeo for the fourth year in a row and Burson says it’s one of his ranches favorite weekends.“We love this rodeo,” said Burson, whose Bell Ranch won the Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo in 2013. “We’re in a secluded area so it’s neat to let the cowboys off the ranch and be able to do something that they enjoy. They come can come let loose and it gives them something to compete in. This is stuff we do everyday.”Burson adds that he loves the fact that this rodeo is unique compared to a regular rodeo.You won’t find bull riding, instead you’ll see more of a team sport which brings together cowboys and has them working in unison to rack up points in events like stray gathering, trailer loading and wild cow milking.“It makes a huge difference, ”said Burson, whose favorite event is stray gathering.“It’s cool to have your buddies out there with you. It makes it more fun than just being out there competing by yourself.”This also gives cowboys a chance to compete and come see some of their friends from other ranches across the area.“There is a lot of competition,” Burson said. “We all trash talk each other but that makes it fun.“If you can’t have fun while giving each other a hard time there is no sense in doing it.”Burson hopes this rodeo also educates the public on how hard each ranch works.“A lot of the world doesn’t know what we do or where there beef comes from,” said Burson.“As an agriculture industry I think we need to educate the general public and I think that is what this rodeo does.” https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/2/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_3.jpgCowboy Up_3The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/3/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_4.jpgCowboy Up_4 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/4/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_5.jpgCowboy Up_5The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/5/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_7A.jpgCowboy Up_7AThe Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/6/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_8.jpgCowboy Up_8The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/7/pf-media/Portraits-2_6.jpgPortraits 2_6 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/8/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_19.jpgCowboy Up_19The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/9/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_2.jpgCowboy Up_2 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/10/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_16.jpgCowboy Up_16The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/11/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_15A.jpgCowboy Up_15ATo spectators in the grandstands, the rodeo cowboy might seem the embodiment of a fading American dream, a rugged individual with no bosses to answer to, no time clocks to punch, no rigid workday schedules to follow. All that may be true. But rodeo life is also tough, a long shot at fame and fortune and a better shot at broken bones and long roads. Events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association comprise one of the fastest-growing sports in America. But, to the cowboys and cowgirls who compete, rodeo is more than a sport – it’s a lifestyle that offers heartbreak and reward in equal measures. The cowboy doesn’t compete at rodeo as much as he lives it. The most successful cowboys – those who finish in the Top 15 and qualify for the National Finals Rodeo – might travel to as many as 125 rodeos per year, covering perhaps 100,000 miles. Ask a cowboy why he competes, and he might shrug and answer, “Why not?”Rodeo encompasses the attributes America covets in its sports – explosive action, danger, extraordinary skill and refined talent – and the cowboys who ride are some of the most rugged individualists in athletics. Cowboys still drive pickups, still work cattle, still say “ma’am” and “sir,” and still wear jeans and boots. But today’s cowboy is a businessman as well as an athlete, as likely to have refined his skills at a rodeo school as on a ranch. They pursue glory in the dust and mud of rodeo arenas across North America. But, unlike other professional athletes, the rodeo cowboy must pay to compete. Every rodeo requires an entry fee, which guarantees only a promise to compete for prize money. One missed throw, one slipped grip and the cowboy doesn’t even recoup his entry fee. While many traditions of rodeo remain intact, some innovations by today’s rodeo cowboy have improved competition conditions and the cowboys’ opportunity to make a living in the arena. One of those changes is the PRCA’s buddy system, a concept that allows rodeo partners to travel together and to compete at rodeos during the same performance. Rodeo is demanding. But the life of the American cowboy has never been easy.Professional rodeo is the only American sport that evolved from skills required in a work situation, and it’s one of the most punishing sports in the world. The events of professional rodeo were drawn directly from the tasks of the range cowboy – primarily roping calves and riding broncs. The typical cowboy of the 19th century worked 18-hour days, seven days per week. And on any given day, he might be thrown from a horse or charged by a wild steer. The demands faced by today’s rodeo cowboy are different, but no less daunting. Behind every eight-second ride and every cheering crowd are countless hours of traveling and competing. But the cowboy’s life is a special one, envied by many and experienced by few. https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/12/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_14.jpgCowboy Up_14The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.���I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/13/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_20.jpgCowboy Up_20The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/14/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_9.jpgCowboy Up_9The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/15/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_10.jpgCowboy Up_10The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/16/pf-media/Portraits-2_7.jpgPortraits 2_7 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/17/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_17.jpgCowboy Up_17The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/18/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_12.jpgCowboy Up_12The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/19/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_13.jpgCowboy Up_13The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/20/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_11.jpgCowboy Up_11 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/21/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_18.jpgCowboy Up_18The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Cowboy-Up/22/pf-media/Cowboy-Up_21.jpgCowboy Up_21The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, presented by Polaris RANGER, is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and is widely acknowledged to be the world’s premier rodeo. Held annually since 1959 – and since 1985, every December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas – the Wrangler NFR is ProRodeo’s richest and most prestigious rodeo, and it showcases the very best cowboys, barrel racers and livestock in the world.A new contract keeps the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas for another 10 years (2015-24) and raises prize money signi cantly over that decade. It is telecast to more than 55 million households on CBS Sports Net. New in 2015: Polaris RANGER is the presenting sponsor of the event. Polaris RANGER will award each world champion a brand new Polaris RANGER UTV.The top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping (headers and heelers), saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding – based on money won during the regular season including Wrangler Champions Challenge events, the Justin Boots Playo s and Championships, and for many bull riders, PRCA Xtreme Bulls Tour earnings – qualify to compete at the Wrangler NFR. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings – what they win during the Wrangler NFR added to what they won before the Wrangler NFR.The Wrangler NFR, presented by Polaris RANGER, consists of 10 rounds on 10 consecutive days. Cowboys and barrel racers earn money by placing rst through sixth in any round, and pick up more money by placing rst through eighth in the average (cumulative times or points earned during the 10 rounds). At the end of each Wrangler NFR, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping): the average winner, who won the Wrangler NFR by having the best cumulative time or score for that event over the 10 rounds, and the world champion, who nished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the Wrangler NFR). For each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or di erent people.The 2014 Wrangler NFR was highlighted by a number of remarkable achievements and developments, including these:• All PRCA world champions won the Wrangler NFR average titles as well as their gold buckles (WPRA barrel racer Fallon Taylor did not); it’s the only time this has happened other than 1976-78, when the world title was given to those who won the NFR• Multi-event superstar Trevor Brazile extended his record number of world all-around champion- ships to 12 (clinching that title in Round 3) and broke the record he set last year for total world championships (he now has 21) as well as breaking his own records for most consecutive all-around championships (nine), highest Wrangler NFR/NFSR career earnings ($1,894,187) and highest career earnings ($5,532,121), among others• Bareback rider Kaycee Feild won two rounds and placed in six more, becoming the rst contes- tant to win four consecutive world titles in his event as well as the second contestant to win the average title in any event at the Wrangler NFR four consecutive years (joining team roper Leo Camarillo, 1968-71) . As we approach halftime of the 2016 world championship show, there are a few new sheriffs in town vying for the coveted all-around crown. We’re seeing stepped-up efforts to enter and excel in multiple events, and extra pep in the practice pen directed at second, third and fourth events.Ryan Jarrett—who in 2005 won the world all-around title right before his 22nd birthday to become the third youngest all-around champ ever, behind only Ty Murray in 1989 and Jim Shoulders in 1949—is the current king of the all-around mountain. Jarrett, who’s now 32 and lives in Comanche, Okla., about 100 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, also leads the world tie-down roping race at this time. He’s won $45,323 of his $51,927 to date in 2016 roping calves. The eight-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER tie-down roper, who also bulldogged at the 2005 NFR, has made a mighty splash at Wrangler Champions Challenge presented by Justin Boots events in 2016.“The Champions Challenges have been good to me,” Jarrett said. “We’ve had three of them, and I’ve won two firsts and a second. That’s dang sure a big booster. And I won Tucson (Ariz.), second at Logandale (Nev.), and placed at San Antonio and Jackson (Miss.). It’s been really good.”He’s selective about where he enters the steer wrestling since a 2007 knee injury at Odessa (Texas). “I don’t want to go through another knee surgery, so I’m not going to get out there and run six or eight steers every other day,” Jarrett said. “I probably should try it on a little more and practice more than I do, but I don’t put forth the effort in that event because I’d really dread having to go through that again. I do some checking around before the books close and see what kind of steers they’re going to run and if it’s my kind of setup before I enter. The fast setups are what I grew up doing, so I feel more comfortable at those. But I also get to thinking about the $8,000 go-rounds at places like Cheyenne.”The plan was to keep this conversation to the current top five—Jarrett, Clayton Hass, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt and Josh Peek—for now. But in visiting with them a couple more all-around cowboy curveballs emerged, including reigning reserve world all-around champ JoJo LeMond, who last year roped at both the NFR and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. “You let that young man get on a roll in the team roping and he will blow by me like no other,” Jarrett smiled. “JoJo steer ropes good, too. He’ll be a pretty big threat.”You have to win at least $3,000 in each event for it to count toward the world all-around title. So, RJ, how critical will qualifying for the National Finals in a second event be in this year’s race?“Extremely,” he said. “I’m not saying I can’t get that done, but I’m going to have to do good in the team roping and steer wrestling throughout the year and continue to do good in the calf roping. JoJo will for sure be at the NFSR and the NFR. Maybe if I can finish in the top 25 in the bulldogging and the team roping it’d be great, but I’m going to have to dang sure bear down in those events to have a chance.”Jarrett’s been team roping some with fellow tie-down roper Marty Yates. “It’s tough to enter a second and third event,” Jarrett said. “Another reason I haven’t bulldogged as much as I’d like to the last few years is because I don’t own a steer wrestling horse. With the rodeos back-to-back, there are a few guys in a buddy group on each horse, so getting on a good horse is tough. I will enter the team roping and steer wrestling accordingly—when it works out—but not when it’s too much of a challenge or hassle.”Jarrett’s been traveling by himself, but plans to enter with Yates and Hunter Herrin this summer. The guy who strings from the belt, which started because as a kid growing up on a dairy he didn’t want to put a piggin’ string “covered in everything from snot to you know what” in his mouth (“I decided to just tuck it in my belt and call it good”), would naturally be thrilled to strap on a second gold all-around buckle.“I’ve put more thought into the all-around just here lately than I have in a long time,” Jarrett said. “It’s always been on my mind, but at the back of it. I see a little light at the end of the tunnel now. Getting that done would be spectacular—probably something I never thought would have happened, if it does come true.”Second only to Jarrett in the all-around line at this time is Clayton Hass, a versatile, ranch-raised veteran of the last two NFRs who’s best known as a bulldogger. His top priority for 2016?“Winning all I can,” he said. “I just try to do my job and win as much as I can. The ultimate goal is to win the gold buckle in the bulldogging. But there is also an opportunity in the all-around, if the cards fall right.”His buddy group includes Ty Erickson, Tyler Waguespack and Cody Doescher, who heels for Hass every chance he gets and is ranked ninth in the world all-around race himself right now.“My bulldogging comes first, but if I can work the team roping, too, then I’ll be entered,” Hass said. “It’ll be tougher to team rope over the Fourth (of July run), because it’s so busy.”Hass enters the tie-down roping on occasion also, but “just sporadically, a little bit here and there if they rope big calves, because of my size,” said the 6-foot-3, 235-pound cowboy from Terrell, Texas. Hass also enters the steer roping when he gets a chance, though “not much, because I don’t have a horse and it’s hard to get mounted out in.“I think about the all-around. To be an all-around cowboy is prestigious, and to win it you have to be talented in more than one event. You can’t just try to get by. There are a few guys who are sure enough tough. JoJo does well at all three, and so does Jarrett. Josh Peek works two events all the time, and Caleb heads steers extremely well. It’s going to be who bears down the hardest and takes it the most serious. I think those guys are the biggest threats. And hearsay is that Sage Kimzey’s going to enter some saddle bronc riding to try to get qualified for the all-around, too.”And boom. There it is—that second curveball I promised you. I heard that, too, so I called Kimzey and caught him out on the ranch branding calves. The idea of Sage entering multiple events—and even showing up at both ends of the arena—is no great surprise to me, because I watched him work as a kid at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Gallup, N.M., back when I was there watching my own boys. Kimzey’s bagged back-to-back gold bull riding buckles the last couple years, and has just had $327,178 and $318,631 seasons in his main event.“I rode broncs in high school,” Kimzey said. “I made high school nationals, but it wasn’t ever my favorite event. But I figured I’d give it another shot for the all-around. I haven’t been on any broncs to speak of since high school, but the all-around is definitely something I have in my sights this year. The all-around gold buckle is the one that means the most to every cowboy. To everybody who grew up in a rodeo family, like I did, the all-around means you’re the champion cowboy—not just the champion bull rider or calf roper. It means you’re a true cowboy.”I high school rodeoed with Russell Cardoza’s mom, Lynn, and he’s got some bronc riding blood in his veins, too. The cowboy currently ranked third in the world all-around race, who grew up in California but now calls Terrebonne, Ore., home, is best known as a four-time NFR heeler. But by now it surprises no one to see him entered—and winning in—all four timed events.“Since the all-around is going to be a lot different this year, my goal right now is to try to enter the team roping, calf roping and bulldogging everywhere,” Cardoza said. “To win a gold buckle in the heeling and win the all-around gold buckle would be the ultimate. To make the Finals in the calf roping would be great, but I’ve always done three events, and the other two will be more important than ever this year.”He’s roping more calves in the practice pen right now, and his horse Raindrop is firing. “I’m going to darn sure try to enter the calf roping everywhere, and the rodeos I normally enter in the bulldogging,” he said. “I’ve never entered all three events year-round before. I usually just enter the (Columbia River) circuit and California rodeos and some of the bigger ones, like Reno. It’s not easy to get up right in all three events. Trying to trade in three events is harder than one, for sure.“Ever since I won second in the calf roping at Clovis and moved up toward the top in the all-around standings it’s been on my mind. I’ve been steer roping, too. I’ve been practicing all four events, and will enter the steer roping as much as I can without fouling up another rodeo. I’ll enter four events every chance I get, at rodeos like Ellensburg, Pendleton, Lewiston and Walla Walla. I might as well while I’m young enough and have a chance.”Cardoza is currently second only to Paul Eaves in the world heeling standings. He’s roping with Dustin Bird everywhere but the Champions Challenges, where he’s teamed up with Coleman Proctor. Cardoza considers Jarrett the biggest threat to this year’s all-around throne, and not just because he’s the leader of the pack. “I’d have to say Ryan Jarrett, because he’s won the all-around before,” Cardoza said. “He’s got a lot won in the calf roping, and he bulldogs really good, too. He’s ahead of me, so he’s the one I’m looking at. Being an all-around cowboy means a lot to me. When I was younger I always wanted to do all three events. But I was really small back then. I’m going to go at it this year and see what happens.”When I was sitting there with Joe Beaver watching last year’s NFR team ropers run the steers at the Thomas & Mack Center before the rodeo started, I remember Joe saying how things could have gone differently had Jake Barnes not withdrawn from the Finals so fast after that horse fell with him the week before he was to head to Vegas. Had Jake kept his name in the hat until showtime, there was a possible scenario where instead of JoJo rolling up to head for Junior Nogueira, Junior picked a header already entered in another event at the Finals. Two of the guys in this year’s all-around mix—Jarrett and Caleb Smidt—were on Joe B’s short list of who Junior would have been wise to consider. Reigning World Champion Tie-down Roper Smidt says his No. 1 goal for 2016 is to “win another gold buckle. If it just happens to be in the all-around, it’d be great. But we’re still after this calf roping one. I probably won’t team rope much this summer. I’ll mainly be just roping calves. I don’t really have a horse and it’s really hard and expensive to work two events. It’s also hard to keep a partner, because team ropers want to focus on that event. It’s hard without two rigs and drivers, too. I have one calf horse and one head horse.”Smidt, who lives in Bellville, Texas, headed for B.J. Dugger this winter, and Will Woodfin this spring. “But I won’t be team roping much this summer, just here and there,” Smidt said. “Maybe at a few big rodeos, if somebody wants to rope with me. Calf roping is No. 1, and my wife (Brenna) and kid (baby boy Cru) are going to go with me after the Fourth. “I always think about the all-around, I just don’t think I’m in a position to do it right now. To do that I’ll have to do it to the full extent, and I don’t think I have heading figured out yet. I have a lot of work to do so I don’t embarrass myself and lose.”He’s obviously harder on himself than everybody else is. Smidt says it’s too soon for him to name one name as the favorite in this year’s all-around race. “I think it’s between a lot of guys,” he said. “It’ll have something to do with whoever spends the most money getting around everywhere in multiple events. All it takes is $3,000 in a second event to have a chance, so there are a lot of guys with a chance. Sage Kimzey’s only going to be at the Finals in one event, but he wins $300,000 in the bull riding every year. So making the Finals in more than one event is a big deal, but it won’t be everything. It’ll be good watching.”Peek rounds out the all-around contenders top five at this time, and he’s hardcore in two events. Armed with his bay bulldogging horse, Ace, a couple of sorrel tie-down roping horses, Rio and Thumper, and an ultra-positive buddy group in Dirk Tavenner and Jason Lahr, Peek’s taking aim at three world titles in 2016. “The all-around has been a goal of mine forever,” said Peek, who with his wife, Kori, is expecting a baby in September to join their 6-year-old twins, Emry and Keagan. “Going into this year, my goal was to be in the top five of the steer wrestling and tie-down with a chance at a world title in both events. The way I’ve always thought about the all-around is if it came around it was a blessing. I’ve been strongly going at it this year to be the best bulldogger and the best calf roper in the country. I’m really wanting to focus on individual calf roping and steer wrestling titles. I work hard at both of my events, and my goal is to win the world in both of them.“Most guys practice one event a lot, then kind of play at the second event. I faithfully put the same amount of time into each event. You have to be prepared to be successful. This winter, my roping was more of a trial because my horses are young and a little green. But I’ve been hitting it hard in the practice pen at both events to stay sharp. When I practice hard I expect to win.”Pueblo, Colo.’s Peek sees this year’s all-around field as pretty full and wide open to all sorts of heirs apparent. “There are a lot of two-event guys who have a shot at the all-around this year,” he said. “Ryan Jarrett, Russell Cardoza, Caleb Smidt, Rhen Richard (who’s seventh right now), Marty Yates, Trell Etbauer (the four-time Linderman Award winner)—you’ve got a substantial amount of two-event guys who are really working to develop that second event now. Getting to the Finals in two events is going to be the ticket.”And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I can’t make myself cut this thing off at the top five. Cowboy contender No. 6—JoJo LeMond—is just too dangerous in the team roping and steer roping not to be a tall factor.“I’m focusing on the team roping more than ever this year,” said four-time NFR header and two-time NFSR steer roper LeMond of Andrews, Texas. “I think I’ve got the best horses I’ve ever had and one of the best partners I’ve ever had a chance to rope with.”LeMond is heading for 20-time NFR heeler Kory Koontz in 2016. “I’m really going to concentrate on my team roping and steer roping. I don’t have the rigs and the people to help me that some people have, so I’m just going to go where I can and hopefully do good. I’m going to start entering the calf roping a little bit along the way, too. I don’t have a horse, but a friend of mine’s going to lend me a couple horses. I don’t think I rope calves good enough to make that a priority, but I’ll do it when I can.“I think about the all-around, but not as much as an individual title. I started out the year wanting to win the all-around world championship, but it seems like with the horses that are in my life and the partner I have, I’m being directed more to the team roping. So many things have to go right in two or three events vs one to win a world all-around title. I would love to win it, but a lot of things have to go right to have a shot at that.”LeMond predicts this year’s all-around crown will basically be won in the postseason. “The world all-around championship will be won from October to December,” he said. “The end of the year is going to make the difference. I don’t think guys getting a little bit ahead right now will be able to take down a multiple-event Finals cowboy, and I don’t think there are going to be too many of those this year. It’s too early for serious predictions, but you have to go with the top few guys with a chance to get there in more than one event. Everything’s just got to go right, and only time will tell. I’d like to think I’ll be a threat, but there are more guys trying to win the all-around this year, for sure. Ryan Jarrett, Josh Peek, Caleb Smidt, Russell Cardoza, Clayton Hass—there are a lot of good cowboys out there. Making it in two events will be the difference this year, and you’ll have to have a good Finals when you get there, too. There are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved here.” The 2015 ProRodeo season kicked off October 1, and as everyone is making a game plan for this next year, it seems like prime time to step back and look at all the new money on the table in our sport. The fact that it’s historically unparalleled is very exciting for all of us, as is the fact that it’s going to impact every level of our game. At the very highest level is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, so let’s look at that first. The 2014 Wrangler NFR will pay out a record $6.375 million, with first through sixth in the rounds paying $19,002, $15,018, $11,340, $7,969, $4,904 and $3,085, and first through eighth in the average paying $48,732, $39,537, $31,262, $22,987, $16,550, $11,953, $8,275 and $4,597. With equal money at the NFR, that’s all per man in the team roping, of course.Thanks to the new 10-year contract we negotiated with our friends and partners in Las Vegas, the 2015 Wrangler NFR payoff will spike to $8.8 million. The top six holes in each go-round will pay $26,231, $20,731, $15,654, $11,000, $6,769 and $4,231. The top eight finishers in the average in each event will cash checks for $67,269, $54,577, $43,154, $31,731, $22,846, $16,500, $11,423 and $6,346. In addition, for the first time ever, every Wrangler NFR qualifier will receive a $10,000 qualifying bonus, which will not be taken out of his earnings, as has been the case in years past. If you make the Top 15 cut, you get the 10 grand. That equates to another $1.2 million per year, which takes us to $10 million a year for the NFR. Over the course of the next 10 years, which is the life of the contract, that’s a minimum payoff to PRCA contestants of $100 million. The even bigger money at the Wrangler NFR will only add to the drama of the world championship races in 2015 and beyond, as no lead will be safe. Only two cowboys ever—team roper Allen Bach in 1990 and bull rider Cody Hancock in 2000—have climbed from 15th to first over the 10-day course of the NFR. But we might be seeing more of that moving forward, and the fans will get to see it all unfold right there in Vegas, where it will truly be anybody’s game. Raising the bar so significantly at our crowning event is a big step in elevating our sport, as it amps up the excitement factor in a big-league way.The 10-year Wrangler National Finals Rodeo contract with Las Vegas also allows the PRCA to distribute $1.2 million—$100,000 in new money to each of the 12 PRCA circuits, eartagged for their respective circuit finals rodeos—for the next 10 years, starting in 2015. The bottom line is that the new Wrangler NFR contract is instrumental in making things better for every PRCA member, no matter how hard you rodeo or from which part of the country you’re from. I’ve said a lot in recent times that if you don’t buy your PRCA permit or card in 2015 you’re not really serious about rodeoing, and I mean that. A similar comparison of the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo from 2014 to 2015 illustrates more good news in terms of competitive opportunity for our members moving forward. In 2014, the top six contestants in each of the first two rounds and the average at the $479,878 RNCFR earned $4,525, $3,428, $2,468, $1,645, $960 and $686. First through fourth in both the semifinal and final rounds paid $5,484, $4,113, $2,742 and $1,371. In 2015, when our friends and partners in Osceola County host the RNCFR in Kissimmee, Fla., each of the first two rounds and the average will pay $6,182, $4,683, $3,372, $2,248, $1,311 and $937. The top four finishers in both the semifinal and final rounds will win $7,493, $5,620, $3,747 and $1,873. Every contestant who qualifies for the 2015 RNCFR will receive a first-time-ever $1,000 qualifying bonus, and every RNCFR champion will receive a $20,000 RAM vehicle voucher, which brings the grand total for the 2015 RNCFR to $1,007,651. And that does not include the championship buckles or saddles.The taller dollars at the end of the line will do nothing but help bolster entries at every level of the game year-round, which again is a win-win for all involved—contestants, stock contractors, contract personnel, sponsors and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the folks in Osceola County, who brought a strong Wrangler NFR offer to the table. When they didn’t get that, they came right back with a plan to raise the bar on the RNCFR and got that done. We also just had another successful All American ProRodeo Finals in Waco, Texas, which is another great financial opportunity for our contestant members who compete at 30 or more rodeos with a minumum of $30,000 in total prize money. We’re proud to have so many championships to offer our members, and there is truly something for everyone.We’re all getting ready to head to Mulvane, Kan., for our first world championship event of 2014, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping. This year’s NFSR will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Kansas Star Arena, and we wish all of our steer ropers luck.As we then get ready to head back to Las Vegas to crown our 2014 world champions, it’s a good time to thank everyone in Cowboy Town. Everybody knows negotiations were at times difficult, as we discussed what we felt was best for all involved, but we now all agree that the final outcome was worth the headaches, as it really is what’s best for everyone—most importantly the sport of professional rodeo. Our relationship with Las Vegas Events and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has never been stronger, so please join me in celebrating 30 years in Las Vegas in style. A performer must qualify in his or her regional circuit to move on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo (RNCFR), held every year from 1987-2010 in Pocatello, Idaho, before moving to Oklahoma City in March 2011, Guthrie, OK in 2014 and then to Kissimmee, FL in 2015. The top two contestants in each of the seven rodeo events from the 12 different PRCA regional circuits compete in the four-day championship event. Points are achieved for the top competitors in each of the circuit rodeo events held throughout the year. The winner in each event at the RNCFR is the national circuit finals champion for that event. In addition to the eight individual event winners, there is also an overall champion titled the All-Around Cowboy. All eight winners receive the National Circuit Championship gold belt-buckle. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the title sponsor of the NCFR.. The championship round of the RNCFR is broadcast on CBS Sports Network.Since 2003, the PRCA has sanctioned events that feature bull riding alone called the Xtreme Bulls tour. These events are held in conjunction with less than a handful of the PRCA’s several hundreds of annual rodeos. Forty PRCA bull riders compete in a select rodeo arena in a one-day competition, and the top 12 riders based on scores come back to the championship round. The rider with the most points on two bulls wins the event. The PRCA crowns an Xtreme Bulls tour champion every year. This is the rider who wins the most money on tour. The Xtreme Bulls tour championship event has been held at the Ellensburg Rodeo arena for several years. A bull rider must compete in at least forty complete PRCA rodeos if he wants the money won in the Xtreme Bulls tour to count in the world standings towards the National Finals Rodeo. The Xtreme Bulls events are broadcast on Lucas Oil-owned MavTV.The top 15 money winners in each PRCA discipline (including the top 15 “headers” and “heelers” in team roping) earn a trip to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, commonly called the National Finals or NFR. The NFR is held in Las Vegas, Nevada every December and airs live on CBS Sports Network. Rodeo action is held over 10 consecutive days at the National Finals, with the top money winner for the year crowned the year’s champion in each discipline at the end of the NFR. Because of the large amount of money (10 million dollars) at stake in the NFR, the leaders in each event going into the NFR are often dethroned for the year’s championship at that event. Bull Riding: {no qualified rides} Steer Wrestling: Chris Soto, 8.4 seconds, $451Saddle Bronc Riding: Will Stites, 62 pts on CT Hellzapoppin, $357Bareback Riding: Tim Kent, 74 pts on CT Old School, $418 Tie-down Roping: JR Myers, 17.9 seconds, $406Team Roping: Jose Mota/Chris Soto, 5.1 seconds, $790 eachBarrel Racing: Lorraine Bytheway, 17.34 seconds, $497 All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $1,241, Tie Down Roping, Steer Wrestling and Team Roping Bull Riding: Robert Carter $5,215.40Steer Wrestling: Chad Stoltzfus $3,541.92Saddle Bronc Riding: Matt Bartsch $6,001.58Bareback Riding: Andy Carter $4,044.82Tie Down Roping: JR Myers $3,999.70Team Roping: Jose Mota (header) & Chris Soto (heeler) $4,445.19 eachBarrel Racing: Liz Leonard $5,429.44All Around Cowboy: Chris Soto, $6,519.76 yearly combined winnings Rodeo competition, in the beginning, was a natural extension of the daily challenges cowboys confronted on the ranch - roping calves and breaking broncs into saddle horses. Bull riding, which is intentionally climbing on the back of a 2,000-pound bull, emerged from the fearless and possibly fool-hardy nature of the cowboy. The risks are obvious. Serious injury is always a possibility for those fearless enough to sit astride an animal that literally weighs a ton and is usually equipped with dangerous horns. Regardless, cowboys do it, fans love it and bull riding ranks as one of rodeo’s most popular events. Bull riding is dangerous and predictably exciting, demanding intense physical prowess, supreme mental toughness and courage. Like bareback and saddle bronc riders, the bull rider may use only one hand to stay aboard during the eight-second ride. If he touches the bull or himself with his free hand, he receives no score. But unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to mark out their animals. While spurring a bull can add to the cowboy’s score, riders are commonly judged solely on their ability to stay aboard the twisting, bucking mass of muscle. Bull Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY Size, agility and power create a danger that makes bull riding a crowd favorite everywhere. Balance, flexibility, coordination, quick reflexes and, perhaps above all, a strong mental attitude are the stuff of which good bull riders are made. To stay aboard the bull, a rider grasps a flat braided rope, which is wrapped around the bull’s chest just behind the front legs and over its withers. One end of the bull rope, called the tail, is threaded through a loop on the other end and tightened around the bull. The rider then wraps the tail around his hand, sometimes weaving it through his fingers to further secure his grip. Then he nods his head, the chute gate swings open, and he and the bull explode into the arena. Every bull is unique in its bucking habits. A bull may dart to the left, then to the right, then rear back. Some spin or continuously circle in one spot in the arena. Others add jumps or kicks to their spins, while others might jump and kick in a straight line or move side to side while bucking. Saddle bronc riding is rodeo’s classic event, both a complement and contrast to the wilder spectacles of bareback riding and bull riding. This event requires strength to be sure, but the event also demands style, grace and precise timing. Saddle bronc riding evolved from the task of breaking and training horses to work the cattle ranches of the Old West. Many cowboys claim riding saddle broncs is the toughest rodeo event to master because of the technical skills necessary for success. Every move the bronc rider makes must be synchronized with the movement of the horse. The cowboy’s objective is a fluid ride, somewhat in contrast to the wilder and less-controlled rides of bareback riders. Dan Erickson shows the form and technique that have made him a Wranger NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider. One of the similarities shared by saddle bronc and bareback riding is the rule that riders in both events must mark out their horses on the first jump from the chute. To properly mark out his horse, the saddle bronc rider must have both heels touching the animal above the point of its shoulders when it makes its first jump from the chute. If the rider misses his mark, he receives no score. Saddle Bronc Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DE, NY While a bareback rider has a rigging to hold onto, the saddle bronc rider has only a thick rein attached to his horse’s halter. Using one hand, the cowboy tries to stay securely seated in his saddle. If he touches any part of the horse or his own body with his free hand, he is disqualified. Judges score the horse’s bucking action, the cowboy’s control of the horse and the cowboy’s spurring action. While striving to keep his toes turned outward, the rider spurs from the points of the horse’s shoulders to the back of the saddle. To score well, the rider must maintain that action throughout the eight-second ride. While the bucking ability of the horse is quite naturally built into the scoring system, a smooth, rhythmic ride is sure to score better than a wild, uncontrolled effort.Bareback riders endure more abuse, suffer more injuries and carry away more long-term damage than all other rodeo cowboys. To stay aboard the horse, a bareback rider uses a rigging made of leather and constructed to meet PRCA safety specifications. The rigging, which resembles a suitcase handle on a strap, is placed atop the horse’s withers and secured with a cinch. Bareback riding has been compared to riding a jackhammer with one hand. Jason Jeter can probably attest to that definition. As the bronc and rider burst from the chute, the rider must have both spurs touching the horse’s shoulders until the horse’s feet hit the ground after the initial move from the chute. This is called “marking out.” If the cowboy fails to do this, he is disqualified. As the bronc bucks, the rider pulls his knees up, rolling his spurs up the horse’s shoulders. As the horse descends, the cowboy straightens his legs, returning his spurs over the point of the horse’s shoulders in anticipation of the next jump. Making a qualified ride and earning a money-winning score requires more than just strength. A bareback rider is judged on his spurring technique, the degree to which his toes remain turned out while he is spurring and his willingness to take whatever might come during his ride. Bareback Riding Competitions NJ, PA, DEL, NY It’s a tough way to make a living, all right. But, according to bareback riders, it’s the cowboy way. Fort Worth, Texas — The 119th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo swung to its conclusion on Saturday, February 7 with two performances including the Championship Round on Saturday night.No one, in any event, had dominated the rodeo like 2014 WPRA Rookie of the Year Sarah Rose McDonald’s and going into the final round it was her title to lose. The Georgia cowgirl carried a three-plus tenth lead into the short round. Behind her, the other 11 ladies qualified into the short round were separated by just over three tenths, running from Alexa Lake’s 33.13 to Michele McLeod’s 33.48.The second go wrapped up during the Saturday afternoon performance with Lake taking top honors in that perf. Lake, who is currently ranked sixth in the WPRA World standings, ran a 16.46 second run to finish second in the go round and land second going into the short go round.The short round however was all McDonald, despite running against the reigning WPRA World Champ Taylor and the last two FWSSR Champions Taylor Jacob and Shelly Anzick. Running slowest to fastest in the short round, Kenna Squires and Jana Bean were closest to the young phenom, clocking in at 16.48 seconds followed by a good run by Anzick at 16.60 seconds. However, McDonald, who ran last on the ground as the leader entering the short round, posted the fastest time of the entire rodeo, a 16.32 second effort that ensured that no one outran the Georgia cowgirl and her amazing mare Fame Fling and Bling for the entire duration of the rodeo.McDonald’s three run total of 49.11 was seven tenths better than Bean and Kali Parker, who finished in a tie for second with 49.80 seconds each. Kendra Dickson, who captured her second Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award title, finished up fourth in the average.All totaled up, McDonald won an astounding $20,933 for her clean sweep of the field over three rounds. Bean won $8,873 while Parker banked $8,109.2nd Go Results1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.37, $4,9362. Alexa Lake, Sure Down Dash, 16.46, $4,2313. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $3,5264. Kali Parker, Tuneful, 16.50, $3,0565. Lisa Lockhart, An Okie with Cash, 16.52, $2,3516/7. Shelly Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.53, $1,6456/7. Kendra Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 16.53, $1,6458. CJ Vondette, Cache a Mount, 16.54, $9409. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.56, $70510. Katelyn McLeod, Kellies Chick, 16.58, $470Short Round1. Sarah Rose McDonald, Fame Fling and Bling, 16.32, $3,6562/3. Kenna Squires, Dash to the Flame, 16.48, $2,2852/3. Jana Bean, Dashing Klee, 16.48, $2,2854. Shelley Anzick, Scooten ta Fame, 16.60, $914Ave1. McDonald, 49.11, $7,4042/3. Bean, 49.80, $5,8182/3. Parker, 49.80, $5,8184. Dickson, Dr. Te Hancock, 49.87, $4,5845. Squires, 49.89, $3,5366. Taylor Jacob, EC Flashy Nickbar & Honor Thy Frenchman, 50.05, $2,8217. Anzick, 50.06, $2,1168. Fallon Taylor, Flos Heiress, 50.09, $1,4109. Jill Tanner, Credit ta Fame, 50.32, $1,05810. Michelle Lummus, Mia Bugs Kid, 50.46, $705Other Short Round QualifiersAlexa Lake, Sure Down DashMichele McLeod, Kellies ChickTotal Money WonMcDonald, $20,933Bean, $8,873Parker, $8,109Squires, $6,516Lake, $5,112Anzick, $4,675Taylor, $4,466Romany Gordan, $4,231Jacob, $3,702Mary Buger, $3,426Meghan Johnson, $2,351Lisa Lockhart, $2,351Tanner, $1,939CJ Vondette, $940Deb Guelly, $881Lummus, $705Katelyn McLeod, $470 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/1/pf-media/Life_8-Final.jpgLife_8 Final https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/2/pf-media/EU2A0496_2.jpgEU2A0496_2 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/3/pf-media/EU2A0554_2.jpgEU2A0554_2 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/4/pf-media/EU2A0262copy.jpgEU2A0262copy https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/5/pf-media/IMG_4501.jpgIMG_4501 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/6/pf-media/IMG_4349.jpgIMG_4349 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/7/pf-media/TMG_Intro_nologo.jpgTravel_4 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/8/pf-media/Travel_5.jpgTravel_5 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/9/pf-media/Travel_1.jpgTravel_1 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/10/pf-media/EU2A3396.jpgEU2A3396 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/11/pf-media/Travel_2Z.jpgTravel_2Z https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/12/pf-media/Travel_3.jpgTravel_3 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/13/pf-media/Travel_6.jpgTravel_6 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/14/pf-media/Travel_7.jpgTravel_7 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/15/pf-media/Travel_8.jpgTravel_8 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/16/pf-media/Travel_9.jpgTravel_9 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/17/pf-media/Travel_10.jpgTravel_10 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/18/pf-media/Travel_11.jpgTravel_11 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/19/pf-media/Travel_12.jpgTravel_12 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/20/pf-media/Travel_13.jpgTravel_13 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/21/pf-media/Travel_14.jpgTravel_14 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/22/pf-media/Travel_15A.jpgTravel_15 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/23/pf-media/Travel_16A.jpgTravel_16 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/24/pf-media/Travel_17.jpgTravel_17 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/25/pf-media/Travel_18.jpgTravel_18 https://carlissmillion.com/Travel/26/pf-media/Travel_19.jpgTravel_19 https://carlissmillion.com/Wildcats/1/pf-media/Wildcats_1.jpgWildcats_1At halftime of Villanova's 77-74 win over North Carolina in the national championship game at NRG Stadium on Monday night, Michael Jordan walked through a corridor toward the North Carolina locker room. Media, fans and bulky-armed security personnel hovered as Jordan chatted with Mark Emmert, the NCAA's president.A median divided the pack in the tunnel. Mortals to the left. Jordan and his crew to the right.When the greatest player in the game's history helped the Tar Heels win their second national title in 1982, North Carolina began its stint in college basketball's roped-off VIP room. An exclusive section of the game reserved for teams that constructed concrete brands they preserved with elite talent during decades of dominance.EDITOR'S PICKSVillanova's national championship, Kris Jenkins' heroics conclude instant classicVillanova held off a North Carolina run and punctuated its second national championship with a buzzer-beater from forward Kris Jenkins.Ranking all 78 NCAA tournament championsVillanova captured its second national title when Kris Jenkins hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat North Carolina. Where do the 2016 Wildcats rank on the list of other NCAA tournament champs?How Villanova's sharpshooting delivered a national championshipVillanova won its first title since 1985 thanks to a punishing defense, stars that shone brightest in April and, of course, one more great shot. We break down Nova's path to the win.Entering Monday's game, Kentucky, Duke, Connecticut and North Carolina had won 12 of the previous 20 national championships in Division I basketball.So, the Wildcats won a national title for their alumni, former coach Rollie Massimino, the Big East, Jay Wright and their fans. But they also won a championship for every team in the nosebleeds that has watched the powerhouses control the game for years.College basketball's 68-team, single-elimination tournament comprises one of few arrangements in major sports that still offers the have-nots a fair chance to become kings. The game rarely surrenders the crown, however, to any team outside the blockade of blue bloods.Even the teams that sneaked into the club in the past 20 years -- Syracuse, Louisville, Florida, Kansas, Michigan State, etc. -- do not qualify as true underdogs.But North Carolina represents the 1 percent.Villanova reps a group that lacks the sexy national name and rent-a-player talent to reboot every season.That's why Kris Jenkins' game-winning 3-pointer with fractions of a second on the clock stood for hope. Hope that college basketball's season-long promises of parity and opportunity for all will persist. Hope that we may never again see the monarchy that UCLA manufactured under John Wooden. Hope that the governing clique of the game will still make room for any team that's willing to blast through the wall.Because Ryan Arcidiacono, Phil Booth, Josh Hart, Daniel Ochefu and Jenkins -- the anchors of what could be the first team to win a national title without any first-round picks in its starting lineup since Indiana in 1987 -- came to the fiesta in street clothes, pushed the bouncer aside and crashed the festivities.This is not a Nova squad that feels like a Cinderella, though. The Wildcats were ranked No. 1 for a stretch of this season. They entered Monday's game ranked atop Ken Pomeroy's ratings. And still, the bettors figured the dominant North Carolina of 2015-16 would do what the Tar Heels often do on this critical stage: win.The hot Nova team that shattered offensive records throughout the NCAA tournament connected on 58.3 percent of its field goal attempts against North Carolina to complete the most effective scoring barrage in the expanded era of college basketball.Nova toppled one of the game's titans. Not with a game-winning shot but with a strong unit that ignored the circumstances, the odds and the history that always seemed to favor North Carolina.After the game, fans from North Carolina and Villanova collided in the aisles of the north end zone at NRG Stadium.Tar Heels fans moved to the left and searched for exits and hugs.Villanova's fans pushed right to get closer to the court, celebrate, cheer and take selfies with their favorite team behind them.North Carolina's supporters watched and wished they could join the party -- one even Jordan and the other former UNC stars could not enter. https://carlissmillion.com/Wildcats/2/pf-media/Wildcats_2.jpgWildcats_2No one gave him a chance. He was just the good-looking, perfectly put-together coach with the satchel who couldn't get out of the first weekend.All glitz, no substance.Now Jay Wright, with only one more victory, will have a chance to join Rollie Massimino in the annals of Villanova Wildcats basketball.This was a team that was picked apart and passed over, one without a star, whom few casual college basketball fans were able to rattle off a single player's name until Saturday night's 95-51 annihilation of the Oklahoma Sooners.Now this starless squad from the Main Line will get a chance to join Ed Pinckney's Cinderella group from 1985 with a victory on Monday night in the national championship game."This doesn't mean s---," Villanova's leader and senior point guard Ryan Arcidiacono said as he walked out of the locker room. "Not if we don't win Monday night.""It was just one of those nights for us," said Ryan Arcidiacono, one of six Villanova players in double digits in a game the Wildcats won by a Final Four-record 44 points. "A little surreal." Bob Donnan/USA TODAY SportsIt wouldn't be quite the miracle that Massimino helped orchestrate 31 years ago over Patrick Ewing and mighty Georgetown, but like that one -- no one truly expected this."I didn't see this coming," were the most uttered five words in the arena following the game.Oklahoma boasted the best player in the country -- Buddy Hield. Buddy Buckets was a scoring machine who entered the game averaging 25.4 points and was shooting 50 percent from the field and 47 percent from deep. The Sooners had also completely outclassed Villanova back in December at Pearl Harbor in what had been a season-changer for the Wildcats.Now no one will remember the 78-55 thrashing on Dec. 7 in which Villanova looked as if it were playing AAU basketball, jacking up ill-advised 3 after 3 and finishing the game making only 4-of-32 shots from beyond the arc.That was when everyone wrote off Wright & Co. Sure, the Wildcats were a nice team that hailed from an overachieving Big East, but they couldn't put together six consecutive wins. Not when they hadn't been able to win two straight the last six years following Wright's lone Final Four appearance in 2009.This time though, the stars aligned perfectly. Villanova rotated defenders and made Hield look ordinary, and the Wildcats got contributions from just about everyone down the line. There was the circus shot from Josh Hart as the shot clock wound down, the incredible catch and finish from Mikal Bridges on a full-court pass. Six players, led by Hart's 23 points, finished in double figures.Villanova didn't quite match the 78 percent shooting of Massimino's team in the title game, but the Wildcats did wind up shooting a scorching 71 percent from the field. They made 35 of their 49 shots, and seven of the 14 misses came from beyond the arc.But it was the stellar defense that was the real surprise. Everyone knows that Villanova can score, but Wright's team held a potent Oklahoma offense to 20 percent shooting from the field in the second half, and out-toughed the Sooners for all but the first couple of minutes after halftime.Hield made only four baskets and finished with nine points on 4-of-12 shooting. The future lottery pick made 1-of-8 from beyond the arc."It was just one of those nights for us," Arcidiacono said. "A little surreal."It was such a pasting that walk-ons Henry Lowe and Kevin Rafferty checked into the game for Villanova with 2:39 left."I can't even process this," Rafferty said of his extended stint.But you wouldn't know that the Wildcats had just got done putting the finishing touches on what was the most brutal beatdown in Final Four history when the locker room opened after the win.There was no celebration. No yelling or screaming. Not many smiles to be found around the room. In fact, the scene was eerily similar to when Villanova took care of Providence on the road in early February.Business-like."The journey isn't over for us," Kris Jenkins said."We came here to win two games," Arcidiacono said.Wright is now in his 15th season at Villanova. The 54-year-old has been a hot commodity before with Kentucky making a run at him before hiring John Calipari in 2009. There were many who felt he'd be coaching the Philadelphia 76ers by now, but his star had dimmed in recent years -- and he made no attempt to hide the frustration of the recent tourney struggles. A few more early exits and there might have been some wondering whether it was time to move on from the Wright era.Now, with one more victory, the perception of this anonymous team -- and its coach -- will change forever. https://carlissmillion.com/Wildcats/3/pf-media/Wildcats_3.jpgWildcats_3Philadelphia Threedom: How Villanova became the national championFor Villanova, March 21, 2015, was a hard night in a hotel across a boulevard from the Allegheny River. No one in that conference room of the Renaissance Pittsburgh knew it then, but the water flowing nearby followed a route that would redeem them. A few blocks away the Allegheny, which begins in Pennsylvania and detours through New York, joins the Monongahela to form the Ohio River. From there it rushes south and then west, passing along the backside of the Louisville arena that would host the NCAA tournament’s South Regional one year later, and eventually merges with the Mississippi, rolling on down to empty into the Gulf of Mexico, a short drive from Houston, site of the 2016 Final Four. That evening was not for musing on the hidden meanings of waterways. All the Wildcats could do was survey their latest shipwreck.’Nova’s third straight early exit from the tournament had been its most devastating of all—a 71–68 loss as a No. 1 seed to No. 8 North Carolina State in the second round. The Wildcats ate their postgame meal and listened to coach Jay Wright say, “Inside this program, we won’t let this define us”—but everyone knew that everywhere else, it would: An 82–22 record over the past three seasons would be obscured by the Wildcats’ reputation as First Weekend Floppers. As the clock passed midnight, players trickled out of the meeting room, but a table of juniors—point guard and captain Ryan Arcidiacono and walk-ons Patrick Farrell and Henry Lowe—remained seated. Wright eventually joined them for a conversation that was part postmortem, part seed planting for 2015–16. “We always expected a game to come along where we wouldn’t have our best offense,” he told them, and this had been it: ’Nova could not overcome shooting 31.1% from the field.They discussed what they could do to avoid running aground again. All were in agreement that it was vital for their defense to fuel their attack, and not the other way around. Wright told them that in next season’s practices, he was going to reference this loss whenever anyone wasn’t defensively locked in. Arcidiacono vowed to do a better job of leading when the offense was stagnant and the Wildcats were facing a more athletic team. It would be on him, he said, to keep everyone connected, to make the right decisions.But there was only so much that could be fixed that night. When Arcidiacono showed up at his parents’ room after 1 a.m., the state his father, Joe, found him in was “like a girlfriend-broke-up-with-you kind of sadness.” Seven days later, Ryan’s oldest sister, Sabrina Smith, and oldest brother, Michael, took him to Frankford Hall, a Philadelphia beer garden, to celebrate his 21st birthday, hoping to make it a joyous occasion. Frankford Hall is no sports bar, but it does have a few TVs, and as the Elite Eight thriller between then unbeaten Kentucky and Notre Dame approached its denouement, nearly everyone in the place was watching—except Arcidiacono. “This should be us,” Arcidiacono kept saying to Sabrina, with his back to the tube. “We should be playing in a game like this.”*****One year and eight days later, on a raised court in a dome in Houston, a play was once again developing behind Arcidiacono’s back. This time Villanova, the No. 2 seed in the South region, was tied at 74 in the final seconds of the national title game against the East region's top seed North Carolina, the ball was in his hands, and a voice was screaming behind him. It was so loud, it had so much conviction and it was so familiar that Arcidiacono could single it out in the crowd of 74,340 at NRG Stadium.Arch! Arch! Arch!It was junior Kris Jenkins, the inbounder on a play the Wildcats call Nova—one they saved for a last-second situation, in a game they’d forever longed to be playing in, a game that may go down as the greatest NCAA final of all time. Nova’s first option was Arch himself, driving off 6' 11" senior forward Daniel Ochefu’s screen at midcourt. This had worked for Villanova in the final seconds of the 2009 Elite Eight, with point guard Scottie Reynolds sinking a layup to beat Pittsburgh. The second option was sophomore guard Phil Booth, coming off a screen in the corner. The last option was Jenkins, the trail man and the voice.“They always forget about the inbounder,” Arcidiacono said after the game.“And Arch,” Jenkins said, “always makes the right decision.”COLLEGE BASKETBALLVillanovaVideoTwo Shining Moments: Jenkins one-ups Paige in alltime classicby Michael Rosenberg No one dreams of making the winning pass. But Arcidiacono engaged two defenders—his man, Joel Berry II, and 6' 9" Isaiah Hicks, who was guarding Jenkins—and dribbled diagonally right across the top of the key. He then turned his back to the basket and pitched the ball to a wide-open Jenkins. A formerly overweight and underappreciated recruit from Washington, D.C., Jenkins has grown to embody the Villanova motto:Shoot ’em up and sleep in the streets. In other words, never second-guess an open look and never worry about the outcome. That made him the perfect triggerman in this situation, because there was no time to hesitate. Just 0.6 of a second was left as he released his righthanded jumper.If the outcome had been different, if Jenkins had slept in the street, this still might have been a legendary final. During a media timeout with 11:54 left in the second half and ’Nova up 49–46, the stadium video boards showed highlights from two classic title games: 1982, when North Carolina’s Michael Jordan hit the game-winning jumper against Georgetown, and then ’85, when the No. 8–seeded Wildcats shot 78.6% to pull off a seismic upset of Georgetown that’s still referred to as the Perfect Game. It was as if these back-to-back clips from the vault stirred up magic in the building, and a long glance around the periphery of the court revealed a surprising number of characters from those classics: There was Jordan, a few rows behind the Tar Heels’ bench; Big John Thompson Jr., the Hoyas’ coach in ’82 and ’85, courtside calling the game for Westwood One radio; Rollie Massimino, ’Nova’s coach in ’85, sitting behind the Wildcats’ bench; and nine players from that team, including Most Outstanding Player Ed Pinckney, sitting in section 109. Collectively they looked on as the 2016 versions of Villanova and North Carolina trumped their title-game finishes.The Tar Heels had entered the game No. 1 in offensive efficiency but, like Oklahoma, Kansas and Miami before them, had been thrown completely out of rhythm by the Wildcats’ mix of switching man-to-man, 1-2-2 press and 2–3 zone. ’Nova hit eight of nine shots to open up a 60–53 lead, which grew to 67–57 with 5:29 left. Carolina came back, drawing even with what seemed destined to be the shot of the tournament. Senior guard Marcus Paige’s twisting, leaning trey with 4.7 seconds not only tied the game at 74 but also earned Jenkins’s respect. “[Paige’s] shot was tougher than mine,” he said.But ’Nova ran Nova, Arcidiacono made his read and Jenkins let fly with half a second left and one thought in mind: “Ball game.” The buzzer went off. The ball went in. 77–74, Wildcats.By the time he reached the sideline in front of the team’s family section, Jenkins had a few other thoughts. He had arrived at school weighing around 280 pounds; it had taken him three years of work to mold himself into a 240-pound power forward who could also roam the perimeter. “What can they say about me now?” Jenkins bellowed to the crowd, then pointed to the inside of his right forearm and yelled, “Ice in my veins!”TBS announcer Jim Nantz, who’d just called his 26th final, wandered the confetti-covered hardwood in a partial state of shock. “It was epic, it was Ali-Frazier,” he said. “And I have no idea what I said at the end. I know I completely lost my mind.” So did the 81-year-old Massimino. “I almost jumped on the court,” he said after he’d been helped up onto the floor by a friend to watch “One Shining Moment” play on the big screens. Thirty-one years after the Perfect Game, he had witnessed the Perfect Ending.It was, all at once, a testament to small ball, to team ball and to the ongoing revolution of the three-ball. Villanova used one player taller than 6' 8", and played most of its minutes with the 6' 6" Jenkins at the four. The Wildcats had no singular star—Jenkins finished with 14 points, Booth came off the bench to score 20 and Arcidiacono, the Most Outstanding Player, had 16—and they’re the first champions since Indiana in 1987 without a likely first-round NBA draft pick. They took the highest percentage of their shots as threes (42.7) on the season; only one other title team, Duke in 2001, had a rate higher than 40%, and the average for all champs since the line went into effect in ’87 is 27.1%. The Wildcats dialed back their long-range shooting volume in the NCAAs, taking 14 of their 48 attempts from deep in the title game, but the shot they’ll forever be remembered for is Jenkins’s three.*****Photo: Lance King/GettyWhen Jenkins entered the locker room after the game, the team was in mid-prayer. Rev. Robert Hagan, an associate athletic director who wears the collar of the clergy and goes by Father Rob, was telling them to be proud of their entire journey, not just the outcome. Celebrating Easter while still playing in the NCAA tournament had been a first for these Wildcats, and on Holy Thursday, at Louisville’s South Regional, Hagan had the Wildcats wash one another’s feet before the team meal, as a reminder that everyone, from starters to walk-ons, had equal status. That night Villanova delivered the most efficient offensive performance of the tournament, scoring 1.57 points per possession in a rout of Miami that grew so large—23 points by the end—that the walk-ons received playing time. In Houston, Hagan preached about the skepticism that had followed the Easter miracle. “Not everybody believed,” Hagan said. “And faith is believing before you see, when your ship is on the horizon and you don’t know what’s on the other side.”But in last Saturday’s semifinal against Oklahoma, the Wildcats found themselves in the peculiar position of not being able to believe what they could see: a final score that read Wildcats 95, Sooners 51—the largest margin of victory in the 78-year history of the Final Four, topping the 34-point beatdown Michigan State and Magic Johnson put on Penn in 1979. ’Nova had lost to Oklahoma by 23 on Dec. 7 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam, and the Wildcats were favored by only two points in the rematch. Who could have expected that they would shoot 71.4% from the field?COLLEGE BASKETBALLUNCVideoFor Roy Williams and UNC, taxing season comes to heartbreaking endby Greg Bishop In its first practice after bouncing top seed Kansas in the Elite Eight, Villanova rewatched its loss to Oklahoma and saw a defense that was totally disconnected. This just isn’t us, senior walk-on Kevin Rafferty thought as the tape rolled. Please make it stop. Long before the national semi was over, the Sooners seemed to be saying the same thing: Naismith Award winner Buddy Hield, who bombarded Oregon with 37 in the West Regional final, was held to just nine points, a feat of defensive switching and corralling that called on all eight members of the Wildcats’ rotation—from Arcidiacono all the way up to Ochefu. It was something that Wright said his team couldn’t have done a month earlier, but that no longer mattered. “This tournament isn’t about finding out the best team,” he said after beating the Sooners. “It’s about finding out who’s playing the hottest at this time. And I think we’re . . . getting better and better defensively as we play in the tournament.”Of the 13 million people who filled out brackets on ESPN.com, the most popular national-champion picks were Kansas (25.0%), Michigan State (22.3%) and North Carolina (14.6%). Only 2.6% had Villanova, but one of those was the most famous man in the building on Final Four Saturday. Vice President Joe Biden, a Syracuse law school grad whose wife, Jill, received a master’s from Villanova, told SI after the Wildcats’ rout, “I had Villanova winning it all in my bracket, so I am doing quite well right now.” His boss had Kansas beating ’Nova in the Elite Eight. Obama may be the Hoops President, but Biden schooled him in bracket forecasting. The first Catholic veep saw this coming over the horizon.*****Photo: Ronald Martinez/GettyOn the morning of March 30, Villanova held its final workout of the season at the Davis Center, its practice facility. The Wildcats huddled up at center court and did something traditional, called Attitude, in which they recognized the player with the day’s best stats in (mostly) non-box-score categories that Wright deems essential to winning. And then Ochefu, aka the Attitude King for having the most wins on the season, made a nontraditional demand.“Arch,” Ochefu said to his point guard. “We have to go kiss the V.”“What are you talking about?” Arcidiacono said.“The V!” Ochefu said, pointing to the white-and-blue logo at half-court. After thousands of hours on that floor he felt that ’Nova’s two scholarship seniors needed to give it a proper goodbye. Wright asked a team staffer to take and tweet out a photo of Ochefu and Arch simultaneously bussing the logo, and when the coach was asked about it a few hours later, at the team’s Houston-departure pep rally, a rare crack appeared in his steady-cool demeanor. “I can’t. ... I can’t talk about it,” Wright said, stumbling. “That’s why I’m wearing [sun]glasses.”COLLEGE BASKETBALLKris Jenkins's shot gives Villanova another shining title win VideoKris Jenkins's buzzer-beating three gives Villanova another perfect endingby Pete Thamel Behind his designer shades, the 54-year-old Wright was tearing up over the thought of his final days with the bookends of his starting lineup. One of them had come straight out of casting as a perfect extension of his coach. “It’s amazing—he is me,” Wright said after his team’s second-round win over Iowa, discussing how little he has to instruct Arcidiacono and how much coaching Arcidiacono does unprompted. “He takes care of everything.” Arcidiacono is the player that Wright, a former Bucknell guard, wanted to be, and other Wildcats are so aware of this that they jokingly refer to Arcidiacono as Wright’s son.Arcidiacono’s actual parents, Joe and Patti, met as Villanova students in the late 1970s. Joe was an offensive lineman on the football team; Patti lived on the same freshman-year hall as Wright���s eventual wife, Patricia. Ryan and Wright played for rival Bucks County high schools, 30 miles north of Central Philly, three decades apart. When Ryan attended one of Wright’s Villanova camps as a seventh-grader, the coach pulled him aside at the end of it and said, “Your parents bled blue and white, and so will you someday.”When Arcidiacono was out in the Pavilion’s parking lot, he asked Joe, “Dad, do you think [Wright]’s being serious?”“I think he is,” Joe said. “He didn’t look like he was horsing around.”So naturally, Wright offered a scholarship as soon as Arcidiacono began playing at Neshaminy (Pa.) High, and Arch accepted, right? No. In fact, Villanova slow-played it, Florida’s Billy Donovan recruited Arcidiacono harder, Arcidiacono took a visit to Gainesville in October of his junior year, and the day he returned, he sat in his family’s living room in Langhorne, Pa., and nervously informed the two most important women in his life—Patti and Sabrina, who was about to make him an uncle—that he really, really liked Florida.They tried to be supportive, but when Ryan left the room and they thought he had gone upstairs, both women started crying. What if this really happens and he’s never home? What’s life going to be like without Ryan around? What if my kids barely ever get to see him play? It turned out he was in the kitchen, overhearing everything. He awkwardly reentered the living room. They apologized; Sabrina said they were just being emotional, not tactical. But they did ask him to keep an open mind about Villanova.Photo: Scott Halleran/GettyArcidiacono committed to the Wildcats two weeks later. Five years after that he has become the winningest player in school history, with 117 victories. He started 144 games and has been a captain since January of his freshman year. One other starter from that 2012–13 team remains: Ochefu, whose trip from four-star recruit at Westtown School in West Chester, Pa., to ’Nova was just 14 miles, but whose greater basketball journey took him across the Atlantic Ocean and back.He was born in Baltimore to a Nigerian father, Hassan, and a Cameroonian mother, Elizabeth. When Daniel was 11, Hassan told his four children he had made a decision: “I want you to understand what our background really is. I want you to get grounded at home.” Home meant Nigeria, and getting grounded meant more than visiting on vacation. The Ochefus moved to Lagos, a metropolis of 21 million, and the children enrolled in school while Hassan continued his business of importing American cars. And although Hassan had once been a basketball player—he attended the University of Derby, in England, and played two seasons of pro ball in the early 1980s for Team Discounter Derby, earning a few hundred pounds per week plus lodging and a bus pass—Daniel began playing far more soccer in Lagos than hoops.When Daniel was a 6' 8" 13-year-old, he attended the Big Man Camp in Lagos that was organized by Masai Ujiri, a Nigerian who’s now the general manager of the Raptors. Ochefu was the youngest player there, and Ujiri brought him up in front of the group and said, “This guy is going to go back [to the U.S.] and do big things for us.” Hassan’s plan had been to keep Daniel in Nigeria through high school, and Daniel says had he stuck to that, “I would have become a soccer player, kicking a ball somewhere in Europe.” But Hassan says Ujiri told him, “You’ve got to make a move here. This”—as in, the limited basketball development Ochefu was getting—“is not enough, and unlike these other kids, [Daniel] doesn’t even need a visa to go to the U.S.”Ochefu was back in the States for his freshman year of high school, and he soon got on Villanova’s radar due to his high offensive IQ. On Daniel’s recruiting visit to the school, which was known as Guard U for producing pros such as Kyle Lowry and Randy Foye, Hassan said to Wright, “I hear this is a guard school.”“This is known as a guard school,” Wright said. “But we’ve had some big men that are successful, and I know what to do with [Daniel] if I get him.”Villanova’s coaches did not develop Ochefu to be an afterthought on a backcourt-dominated team; instead, they showcased him as the posting-and-passing cog around which its small-ball offense flows. The shooters space the floor and cut through the wide-open lane when Ochefu posts up, preventing defenses from doubling him down low. After he and Jenkins outplayed Kansas forwards Perry Ellis and Landen Lucas, Ochefu sat in his locker, with the regional-title net around his neck, and tried to get his point guard’s attention.“Everyone knows this is Forward U now,” Ochefu said. “Arch: This is Forward U now, is it not?”“It’s like, Forward-Guard U,” Arch said, trying to placate him. “The forward is definitely in there now.”Kris Jenkins shoots the game-winning three pointer to push Villanova past the North Carolina Tar Heels 77-74 in the national title game.Greg Nelson for Sports IllustratedWithin the Wildcats’ program, the most-used phrase is not Guard U, Forward U or any of its hybrids. It is Villanova Basketball, an all-encompassing term for the team’s ethos that, to an outsider, is used to an almost comic degree. Had media members established a drinking game that required a shot of Jack Daniel’s every timeVillanova Basketball came out of a player’s mouth in a press conference or interview, anyone covering this team would have been hospitalized for alcohol poisoning by the Sweet 16.These are but a few examples: After an 86–56 win over UNC-Asheville in round 1, Ochefu responded to a question about being more active in the second half by saying, “I eliminated everything in my mind and just started worrying about playing Villanova Basketball.” Following the team’s 87–68 victory over Iowa in round 2, Jenkins said, “Our seniors did a great job in leading us and making sure that we stayed on top of playing Villanova Basketball for 40 minutes.” In Louisville, before the Wildcats’ defeat of Miami, junior guard Josh Hart—unofficially, the most frequent offender—said it four times over the course of three questions. Arcidiacono dropped one following the Kansas win, keeping the streak alive, and Hart delivered the extended cut (“playing Villanova Basketball for 40 minutes”) after scoring a game-high 23 points in the Oklahoma blowout. On the off day prior to facing North Carolina in the final, Arcidiacono rained three Villanova Basketballs on the press conference, and freshman guard Mikal Bridges, clearly learning from his elders, used it three times in one three-minute span of locker-room questioning.Villanova Basketball is a dead-serious thing to the Wildcats, who define it as the sum total of the 12 categories that go into their charting of Attitude. On offense: extra passes and assists, screen assists, offensive rebounds, tap-backs, paint passes, paint catches and quick outlets. On defense: defensive boards, contested or blocked shots, charges, dives, and steals and deflections. “Villanova Basketball is mostly the little things that aren’t in the stat sheet that make the difference,” said junior forward Darryl Reynolds, who was the team’s per-minute attitude leader in the Final Four rout of Oklahoma. His reward was getting to pick the song that played over their film-review session of Attitude plays on the day before the Cats faced North Carolina.Reynolds did some deep thinking, and the song he chose was Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over.”The dog days are overThe dog days are doneCan’t you hear the horses?’Cause here they comeIt was Attitude that carried those horses through Monday night’s final. Graduate assistant Ryan Harkins kept his traditional chart of Attitude plays, tallying them in pencil. Hart’s chase-down block of Justin Jackson with nine seconds left in the first half, which was converted into a Booth jumper going into the break and kept the game close, 39–34? That was an attitude play. The Wildcats broke their huddle coming out of halftime saying “Attitude” in unison and got themselves back in the game with their half-court defense: shots contested by Ochefu and Hart, a charge taken by Arcidiacono on Berry. And after they fumbled away their 10-point lead, and after North Carolina’s final possession, when Ochefu gambled for a steal on the left wing, leaving Paige open, and Arcidiacono flew by him and forced him to double-pump to no avail, the Wildcats did not consider the possibility that they were headed to overtime.What they did was go into their timeout huddle and say, “Attitude. Next play.” It did not need to be drawn up. It was Nova, and it produced two final tallies on the Attitude chart. After Arcidiacono drove off the Ochefu screen, the point guard shoveled the ball to Jenkins (for an assist tally) and then obstructed Berry and Hicks from closing out on the shooter (a screen-assist tally). Jenkins did not earn a tally for his three. Instead, he became a legend. https://carlissmillion.com/Wildcats/4/pf-media/Wildcats_4.jpgWildcats_4 https://carlissmillion.com/Speed/1/pf-media/Speed_1.jpgSpeed_1During his years as a Motorsport photographer and journalist has been privileged to visit most of the legendary race circuits and meet many iconic drivers from Grand Prix and Sports Car racing, in addition to reporting on some fantastic motor races.During early years covering Formula One and Endurance Car Racing it was possible for a journalist to have free access to both drivers and team personal, allowing the reporter to build up a very intimate picture of events. Once the action started photographers could work just a few feet from the trackside facilitating the use of short focal length lenses that gives these shots an immediacy which is impossible to achieve today with the mandatory long telephotos.Grand Prix and Sports Car racing has evolved over this time from a sport that was patronised by wealthy privateers and specialist car manufacturers to the multi million pound business that it is today. For much of that time has been there to document those changes.work has been published in many magazines, including F1 News, Classic Cars, Autosport, Virage Auto, Motoring News, Classic & Sports Car, Vintage Racecar, Red Racing Green, Vintage Roadcar, Virage Magazine and Automoveis Classicos, among his commercial clients are Champion Spark Plugs, John Player, STP Oil Treatment, Bonhams, Scalextric and Alfa Romeo.has also spent time working as a newspaper photographer, back in the days when the requirement was not only to take the photographs, but develop, print and caption them as well, providing him with an excellent grounding in photo-journalism. Of course the digital age has made those hours in the darkroom a thing of the past and electronic transfer means that images and articles can now be sent to the other side of the world in seconds, all a huge change from when he first started his work with a camera.now provides not only articles and photographs covering present historic racing, but retrospective features as well, usually illustrated from his own photo archive. Of course many of Roger’s original photographs from the 1960/70’s are of cars that now compete in historic events providing 'in period' images that can be included in reports. All articles, reports and features are tailored to suit the style and needs of the client. With ‘analogue’ material being converted into high-resolution scans and digital material shot in 16bit RAW format to offer the best possible quality for use in ‘top end’ publications. For more specific image supply information use the MEDIA heading. https://carlissmillion.com/Speed/2/pf-media/Speed_2.jpgSpeed_2 https://carlissmillion.com/Speed/3/pf-media/Speed_3.jpgSpeed_3career began with his father sitting down with him to help teach him about photography. At the time was in high school and it was for a class, however early on there was passion for the art. It was at that point that his father gave him his very desk at home to remind him of the humble beginnings of his career. has had the good fortune to shoot campaigns around the globe for a diversified list of clients that range from television shows shot for The Discovery Channel to athletes photographed for Muscle Milk. In August of 2008 he decided to have his hand at photographing autos, not out of a quest for work, but in an attempt to create some images to put on his walls… He began shooting for Chevrolet two months later.Even with the success and recognition that has received in the photographic world, he still holds true that his most important legacy will be helping other photographers to be successful in their careers. On set he constantly pushes the idea that everyone is equally important, from the assistant to the photographer. This demeanor and approach towards comfortable shoots has made for clients that return for years.Often describing his own life as, “quite a random existence,” many his accomplishments have come outside of the photographic field itself. From being chosen as the honorary commander of a US Air Force fighter squadron to becoming an ambassador to his favorite watchmaker (Maurice Lacroix), his life has been anything but ordinary. However, he will always consider his greatest honor to be that of marrying his wife, AWARDS- Communication Arts: Photo Annual- Luerzer’s Archive: Top 200 Ad Photographers- Emmy Nomination- Graphis: Advertising Annual- William Randolph Hearst award https://carlissmillion.com/Speed/4/pf-media/Speed_4.jpgSpeed_4is a freelance photographer in Philadelphia, New York. has posted 19 galleries on MaxPreps.is accepting requests. Make a request or email Steven at Action sport photographer based in Baltimore, MD. Covers events across the country on request. I appreciate the modern methods of producing art through a lens and the blurred definition of a photograph and graphic art. With this in mind, I am drawn to capturing moments of emotion. A proponent of the active live has naturally drawn me towards sporting and active life photography . I have played and coached many sports. These experiences have given me in invaluable feel in aiding me to produce images that are natural and authentic. This is my passion and feel rewarded when I capture a special moment in time. https://carlissmillion.com/Speed/5/pf-media/Speed_5.jpgSpeed_5is a director and photographer based in South Lake His imaginative still and motion work over the last two decades proves that it’s not only possible to achieve Hollywood-grade results with a “small-footprint production” model, but that it often produces better, more authentic visual stories. has worked in everything from photojournalism, to documentary film and television, to high-production commercial projects for major companies, to outdoor lifestyle and adventure still and motion storytelling in some of the wildest and most dangerous locations on the planet. Additionally, is President and co-owner of In addition to being a Canon Ambassador, is a member of the SanDisk Extreme Team, and a professional partner with AquaTech, FreeFly, G-Technology, Kessler, Lite Panels, Lowepro, Manfrotto, and SmallHD. With a passion for teaching and learning, Rich is on the Visual Journalism Advisory Board at Brooks Institute, co-founder and lead instructor of the Summit Series Adventure Photography Workshop, member of the Rowell Legacy Committee and on The Rowell Award for the Art of Adventure judging panel. Some of Rich’s clients include Anheuser-Busch, Apple, Columbia Sportswear, Discovery, Energizer, Ford, Mazda, NBC, New Mexico Tourism, Nevada Tourism, Nike, Nikon, The North Face and Patagonia. https://carlissmillion.com/Speed/6/pf-media/Speed_6.jpgSpeed_6 https://carlissmillion.com/Speed/7/pf-media/Speed_7.jpgSpeed_7 https://carlissmillion.com/Speed/8/pf-media/Speed_8.jpgSpeed_8Photograph The Extreme Like A Red Bull PhotographerBeing an action sports photographer is about more than getting freeze frames of famous athletes. It’s about documenting the experience of people for whom the line between passion and work is blurred. At his or her best, the action photographer tells compelling stories that show us at our most daring, fearless, and adventurous.is one of the world's leading outdoor adventure and action sports photographers, adept at distilling the essence of extreme action sports and adventure travel and lifestyle. In addition to documenting extreme sports for Red Bull, has worked for many of the biggest brands in the world. This is your opportunity to follow as he prepares for a shoot on location, and learn how he evokes powerful brand stories like those he has made for Red Bull. This class will stream live from the location of the shoot in Lake Tahoe. will be shooting Red Bull athletes as they perform at Ski Mountain Terrain Park and at a nearby BMX park. There will also be a live session from a Tahoe cabin to discuss photo theory and experience of building his photo practice and working for Red Bull. https://carlissmillion.com/FDR-Park/1/pf-media/FDR-Park_1.jpgFDR Park_1South Philly’s FDR Park is a concrete, skateboard paradise, designed and built by skateboard enthusiasts. With features like the “Dome,” a four-foot wall of concrete that climbs up into a burly overhang; the “bunker,” a 60-foot long, 11-foot vertical brick coping that grinds real nice and keeps the place private from the road, this park is a serious challenge for skaters of all skill levels, all the way up to pro.The park is situated right under the I-95 highway overpass, right off Broad Street, so it’s protected from rain and snow. It’s also accessible from the Pattison Avenue stop of the Broad Street subway lineCreated by skaters, for skaters, it is considered within the skateboarding community to be an excellent park with endless speed lines. The park has several "areas", including the core park that lies under the aforementioned overpass, the neighboring and connecting pool section, and a mini ramp and vert ramp. South Philadelphia's FDR Skate Park has been described by professionals and in magazine articles such as Thrasher and Skateboarder to be a concrete, skateboard 'paradise', as it was designed and built by skateboard enthusiasts.[citation needed] The original core of the park includes features like the "Bunker," a 60-foot-long (18 m); the "Dome," a 4-foot (1.2 m) wall of concrete that climbs up into a burly overhang11-foot (3.4 m) next to the Bunker with brick coping and provides privacy from the road; a 6 ft patch of humps called the "Amoeba", this park provides a challenge for skaters of all skill levels, even professionals. As mentioned the park is situated right under the I-95 highway overpass, right off Broad Street, so it is protected from rain and snow. https://carlissmillion.com/FDR-Park/2/pf-media/FDR-Park_2.jpgFDR Park_2Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park teems with activity during the summer months. A golf course, hiking paths, tennis courts, skatepark, baseball fields and playground all dot the park’s landscape. Despite massive funding cuts to the Department of Parks and Recreation, the park continues to flourish.FDR is part of the Fairmount Park, which is the largest urban landscaped parks system in the world. The Fairmount Park system, which is overseen by the Department of Parks and Recreation, includes 63 parks, which total 9,200 acres. Since FDR’s construction in 1914, the park has grown from a marsh swamp to a recreational oasis for city-dwellers.swingsetLocal families frequent the park for playdates. The small playground at FDR Park is maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation.In Mayor Michael Nutter’s five-year plan that was released in the 2009 fiscal year, the City of Philadelphia promised a $16.5 million increase to the Fairmount Parks System over the next five years. However, city-wide budget cuts affected the Department of Parks and Recreation as funding was slashed. In the fiscal year 2009, $60 million was pledged to the Department of Parks and Recreation. By the fiscal year 2014, the money provided by the City of Philadelphia dwindled to $51 million.On any given day, visitors both young and old flock to the park. The park’s southern tennis courts, however, are used and maintained by an older generation.On Wednesday mornings, a group of men ranging from middle-aged to elderly occupy the park’s older court. Nestled in the shadow of I-95, the court shows considerable signs of age and disrepair. The fence surrounding it is rusted and the benches around the perimeter have paint peeling off.IMG_0826Older men from South Philadelphia gather at the park on summer mornings to play tennis and converse.According to South Philadelphia resident Joseph Cappella, all of the men at the court know each other and are united by their love of the game.Their camaraderie is what maintains the court.“The front tennis court, [the Fairmount Parks System] takes care of that,” Cappella said. “We take care of this tennis court. Any time something needs repaired or cleaned up, we all pitch in to make it happen.”The men at the courts, despite the lack of funding for their hangout, have a lot of pride in their special spot.“We all know each other, it’s always the same people. Everyone here is friendly,” Cappella said.In comparison, the tennis courts located near the front entrance are clearly newer and well-maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation.The skatepark is a few hundred feet down the path from the older tennis courts. An idea conceived by local skate enthusiasts that was brought to life through volunteer efforts, the skatepark is free and open to whomever. BMX bikers, skateboarders and roller skaters frequent the park that is tucked under I-95.While the tennis courts simply showed age, the skatepark’s aesthetic shows that has been completely taken over by the community with little to no involvement from the city. As the skatepark is maintained solely by volunteers, it is not cleaned regularly. Graffiti covers every inch of the park and alcohol containers are often strewn around the main skating bowl.However, the camaraderie at the skatepark is similar to the community-driven mentality at the tennis courts.“We’re always here,” said Chris McCormack, a local skater. “Especially in the summer, you’ll see the same guys out here every day.”IMG_0812A young skateboarder stumbled while attempting to reach the top of the bowl. The skatepark at FDR is used by skaters of varying ages and skill levels.The skatepark caters predominantly to a younger crowd, yet there are a few older people who frequent the park. Dan Malone of South Philadelphia often brings his 11-year-old daughter to the park. The graffiti and the grittiness of the park do not deter him.“It’s a little rough around the edges but this is our favorite place to skate,” Malone said. “We don’t mind the graffiti. It keeps things interesting.”Arguably the centerpiece of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park is the golf course. In operation since 1940, the golf course is a flurry of activity in the summer months. The course is operated by Golf Philly, a subsidiary of the Fairmount Park system, and is open to the public every day from dawn until dusk.The golf course is unique in that it does not rely solely on the Department of Parks and Recreation for funding. The revenue that the course makes from golfers enables the it to be better-maintained than other parts of FDR.“For the month of June, we’ve increased revenue by about 10 percent from June 2013,” said Erin Bradley, assistant manager at the course.pro shopThe shop at the golf course sells equipment, apparel, food and beverages.Due to its well-maintained grounds and close proximity to Center City, the course sees visitors from all over the country and even the world.“I’m just passing through Philadelphia with some friends from New York,” said Michael Holloway, a resident of London. “Since the course is in the middle of the city, we were surprised by how nice it was,”FDR Park is open year-round and is accessible via Pattison Avenue and Broad Street. https://carlissmillion.com/FDR-Park/3/pf-media/FDR-Park_3.jpgFDR Park_3T13. STACY PERALTA, $10 MILLIONvia skateboardinghalloffame.orgvia skateboardinghalloffame.orgKicking off the list is none other than Stacy Peralta. Peralta is known as one of the founding fathers of modern skateboarding as he was associated with the Z-Boys. The Z-Boys were a group of skateboarders in southern California in the mid 1970s that are largely credited with helping influence the modern, aerial moves in skateboarding. Peralta is currently a director, writer and entrepreneur who has worked on numerous skateboarding films such as “Lords of Dogtown” and “Dogtown and Z-Boys.” He was also the founder and co-creator of the popular skateboard brand “Powell Peralta.”T13. MIKE VALLELY, $10 MILLIONvia socco78.comvia socco78.comMike Vallely is a jack of all trades, but most known as one of the best skateboarders of the 80s and 90s. In addition to his skateboarding prowess, Vallely has taken part in numerous other ventures such as: acting, music, professional wrestling, being a stuntman and being a semi-professional hockey player. Though he has made money and been successful with all of these ventures, skateboarding is his bread and butter. He was originally discovered by pro skater Neil Blender when skating in a car park with his friend and the rest is history.T13. LANCE MOUNTAIN, $10 MILLIONvia ozzieausband.wordpress.comvia ozzieausband.wordpress.comMountain, like Mike Vallely, was one of the most prominent and polarizing skateboarders of the 80s. He was also a member of the “Powell Peralta” brand that Stacy Peralta helped found. Mountain has been in the skateboarding industry for longer than almost anyone else, and his career earnings show how successful he’s been. He has been a pro skater for almost 35 years and still skates professionally now, as a 50 year old man.12. DANNY WAY, $11.5 MILLIONvia huckmagazine.comvia huckmagazine.comDanny Way is a former two time Thrasher magazine “Skater of the Year” and is known for his extreme stunts and jumps. In fact, he is largely credited as pioneering “megaramps” and participating in crazy stunts such as jumping out of a helicopter to a ramp. But his most extreme and publicized jump was his jump over the Great Wall of China in 2005. This was a world record jump in terms of distance and he was the first person to successfully jump over the Wall without the assistance of a motor vehicle.11. WEE MAN, $12 MILLIONvia bookofcool.comvia bookofcool.comYes, Wee Man was actually a professional skateboarder. Wee Man, born Jason Acuna in Italy, is best known for his roles in the Jackass series, but it was actually his role in the skateboarding industry that landed him that role. He was a pro skateboarder and the subscription manager for the skateboarding magazine “Big Brother.” It was this role with the skateboarding magazine that led him to be involved with Jackass. Though he’s made most of his money as an actor, it was his start in skateboarding that gave him the opportunity.T9. ERIC KOSTON, $15 MILLIONvia hypebeast.comvia hypebeast.comKoston was one of the best and most influential skateboarders of all time. In fact, he has even been called the “Michael Jordan of skateboarding.” Koston has also been sponsored by numerous of the top brands in the world and won numerous championships and awards in the early 2000s. Koston was actually born in Thailand, but was raised in San Bernardino, California, where he began skating in 1986 when he was only 11 years old. Koston, like most of the others on this list, has also caught the entrepreneurial bug and owns a clothing line and his own skate park.T9. TONY ALVA, $15 MILLIONvia actress-bollywood-photos.blogspot.comvia actress-bollywood-photos.blogspot.comAlva is most prominently known as one of the original members of the Z-boys, which was a famous skating group from southern California in the 1970s. In fact, people think so highly of Tony Alva that he was voted number 8 on the Transworld SKATEboarding magazine’s list of the 30 Most Influential Skaters of all time. Alva’s style and charisma led him to be a popular pro skater as an early teen and from then he continued to grow and mature both his skating skills and his business sense, which culminated in him making a ton of money throughout his career.T7. CHAD MUSKA, $16 MILLIONvia bkrw.comvia bkrw.comMuska was one of the sports superstars in the late 90s and early 2000s. Muska had a ton of talent, was very marketable and influenced many skateboarders to take the plunge and actually become pro skaters. Muska’s story is particularly inspirational because, as an adolescent who just moved to California, he was homeless for a long period of time and slept on the beach. To go from being homeless on the beach to being a multimillionaire, with numerous sponsors and business ventures, is one of the most inspirational stories in pro skateboarding.T7. RYAN SHECKLER, $16 MILLIONvia lamonomagazine.comvia lamonomagazine.comRyan Sheckler, who is a multiple time X-Games champion, was one of the first skaters who was in the public eye ever since he was a young child. He first touched a skateboard when he was only 18 months old, and the rest was history. By the time he was seven years old, Sheckler was associated with numerous sponsors including Etnies shoes and Oakley. Since then he has been a part of numerous business ventures, had numerous high profile sponsors and created a foundation (called the Sheckler Foundation) that looks to assist children and injured/recovering athletes.6. STEFAN JANOSKI, $20 MILLIONvia nicekicks.comvia nicekicks.comStefan Janoski is a skater, entrepreneur, artist and writer who is perhaps best known for not only his skating skills, but also his popular signature Nike SB shoe. Nike SB is the skateboarding line of the popular shoe brand and Janoski has one of the most popular signature skating shoes in the world. The popularity of his shoe is likely a large reason he has a net worth of $20 Million at only 35 years old. In terms of his skating, Janoski is known for his casual style of skating and the fact that he is able to “switch stance” at ease.5. RODNEY MULLEN, $30 MILLIONvia fuckyeahiloveskateboarding.tumblr.comvia fuckyeahiloveskateboarding.tumblr.comRodney Mullen was an absolutely massive influence in the world of skateboarding. In fact, he is often seen as one of the godfathers of street skating. Mullen is also credited with creating many of the most popular tricks today such as the flat ground Ollie, the kickflip, the heelflip and many more. Mullen has appeared in countless skateboarding videos and is one of the most prolific and successful pro skaters of all time. Mullen has also been a huge part of many of the biggest skate brands in the world such as Enjoi, Almost, Plan B and World Industries.T3. JAMIE THOMAS, $50 MILLIONvia skateboardingmagazine.comvia skateboardingmagazine.comJamie Thomas is not only a talented professional skateboarder; he is also one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the skate industry. Thomas began skateboarding in 1985 at the age of 11 and went pro in 1992. Thomas is a self-proclaimed perfectionist and says that “it’s a curse.” However, his career and notoriety in the industry really took off in the late 90s and the early 2000s. In 1996, he founded Zero Skateboards and in 2003 he started the footwear brand Fallen. Both brands have been ultra-successful and are large reasons why Thomas appears on this list.T3. ROB DYRDEK, $50 MILLIONvia celebritynetworth.comvia celebritynetworth.comRob Dyrdek might be the second most famous skateboarder of all time behind a certain someone we’ll see at the top of this list. Though he began as a skateboarder, and a talented one at that, he is without a doubt most known for being a television and reality tv show personality. His appearances on the show “Rob and Big” as well as “Fantasy Factory” made him one of the most famous, and rich, pro skaters of the 21st century. One very interesting fact about Dyrdek is that he actually set 21 skateboard related World Records on his show “Rob and Big.”2. STAVROS NIARCHOS III, $100 MILLIONvia twitter.comvia twitter.comComing in at number two on this list is Stavros Niarchos III. This is an interesting one as Niarchos is similar to Bam Margera, in that both men are decent skaters and are pros, but are more famous for other things they have done. For Niarchos, he is most famous for being the grandson of a legendary billionaire shipping mogul. That is why Niarchos is worth 100 Million dollars, not anything relating to his skating. Niarchos has also been in major news headlines in the past as he has dated a gamut of Hollywood A-listers such as Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen.TONY HAWK, $120 MILLIONComing in at number one on the list is the most famous skateboarder of all time, bar none. Tony Hawk is responsible for putting skateboarding on the map as he was the best and most influential skater in the world throughout the 80s, 90s and beyond. Despite announcing his retirement form skating in 1999, he has remained the most prominent face in the sport. He has a popular video game series based on his skateboarding and was the first skateboarder to be invited into the White House by a President. He is without a doubt the biggest star in the history of skateboarding. https://carlissmillion.com/FDR-Park/4/pf-media/FDR-Park_4.jpgFDR Park_4The World Skateboarding Federation lists the top 100 best street skaters.World Skateboarding Federation, a governing body for skateboarding, released today its ranking top100system for street skateboarding. The ranking system was one of the key elements of the Skate 20/20 Agenda designed to help skateboarding organize in preparation for a potential Olympic opportunity, set forth at the first ever Global Skateboarding Summit in Istanbul in May 2015. The ranking system was well received by the WSF board members and the summit attendees and was adopted following summit.The ranking system is the first-ever street skateboarding ranking to include all the top contests. Individual skaters are ranked based on their contest performance in the top 10 skate events globally, including Skateboarding World Championships, X Games, Dew Tour, Street League, Copenhagen Pro, Tampa Pro, Simple Sessions, Mystic Cup, PS4 Series, Adrenalin Games, and DC Invitational Sao Paulo.Top 10 Street Skateboarders for 2014 (Beginning July 15, rankings will be updated live for 2015)1. Kelvin Hoefler – Brasil2. Nyjah Huston – USA3. Ryan Decenzo – USA4. Ishod Wair – USA5. Luan Oliveira, Brasil6. Trevor Colden, USA7. Chaz Ortiz, USA8. Alec Majerus, Canada9. Ryan Sheckler, USA10. Shane O’Neill, USAThe street skateboarding ranking system was based on discussions at the Global Skateboarding Summit as well as meetings with key international skateboarding leaders. The ranking system uses multipliers for international broadcasting rights and the size of the contest purse.“This comprehensive ranking system was based on months of research, and finally discussions and meetings among our board and other prominent leaders in the international skateboarding community,” said Tim McFerran, board president of World Skateboarding Federation. “The challenge was how to use the three prominent, invite-only contests — X Games, Dew Tour and Street League — in the ranking system since there are no qualifiers for those contests nor criteria for skaters to be selected. While most sports rankings would not include the invite-only contests, after much discussion, we determined that because of the high profile of these events, at this time, they should be used in the ranking calculations. We hope that some of these contests will convert to an open qualifier or utilize these rankings in their invites, so that skateboarders from around the world are given an equal opportunity to compete. This ranking system will allow skaters tremendous exposure, providing the best competition to challenge skaters and furthering the growth and exposure of the sport and its athletes by offering them a global platform.”WSF has assembled a strong board made up of core international representatives and pro skateboarders from all disciplines and is working to unify skateboarding as part of its five year plan: the Skate 20/20 Agenda. Based on feedback from the global skateboarding community at the summit in May, WSF has been working to provide some of the needed infrastructure within the skateboarding community.The six key initiatives of the Skate 20/20 Agenda are:1) Develop 40 National Governing Organizations over the next two years (WSF is already working with eight countries and will have those governing bodies set up by the end of the year)2) Create a minimum of 17 WSF-sanctioned regional and national contests that feed into national championship events, by 20163) Create and support a global youth development program4) Create a universal scoring system5) Host International Judging Conference (Inaugural contest to be held in October 2015 in Kimberley, South Africa to coincide with Skateboarding World Championships)6) Host annual Global Skateboarding Summit. The 2016 summit host candidates include Glasgow, Montreal and Mexico City. https://carlissmillion.com/FDR-Park/5/pf-media/FDR-Park_5.jpgFDR Park_5Since 1992, master photographer, filmer, skater and cyclist has helped to shape the visual identity of the brands that compose Deluxe Distribution, the current home of Antihero, Real, Krooked, Spitfire Wheels, and Thunder and Venture trucks. Each part of Deluxe has its own distinct personality and aesthetic, but there’s a unified sentiment that binds them, creating something greater than just a home for product. Deluxe is core skateboarding – encapsulating the authenticity that other brands aspire to – and something that can’t be manufactured or recreated.As Deluxe’s official photographer, has focused his lens on some of the most important and creative talents in the business, canonising their contributions to skating. But real ability – more than simply capturing the highest level of skating at the perfect moment – is to translate the spirit and energy of skateboarding on film.It takes a certain kind of personality to get the most out of skateboarding’s nomadic and fiercely independent motley crew, becoming a part of the equation, not just ‘the guy with the camera’. And has perfected the craft – part culled from his teachers and peers, part an intuitive skill that fills each frame with the decisive moment. Both photography and skateboarding have wrestled through significant periods of change in the last decade, but the 42-year-old from Marin County, now based in San Francisco, is not phased. There is no replacement for a life of experience.Were you interested in photography before skating?I was. My parents weren’t professional photographers, but they were always taking photos – family portraits and Cub Scout outings and stuff. Our high school had an open dark room, so my dad would go there and make prints. I was always surrounded by really nice, hand-developed black-and-white prints as a kid… If my Mom shot off a roll of film on her Kodak Instamatic camera, she’d always let me shoot the last six frames. So, I’d tool around, shooting pictures of my skateboard or my cat.What was your first published photograph?It was an A-1 Meats Wheels ad of Ray Simmonds. It was a three-frame sequence and some other stuff. He was riding for H-Street back then too.III.III.Of course, he was “the guy who ollied over the ladder.Ha, yeah he was insane. Ray was so determined – it was really rad. He was one of the first kids to really stress out when he was trying a trick; way before Jeremy Klein focused his board in Rubbish Heap. There was this jump ramp called The Lizard, which was eight-foot-long and four-foot-wide and he used it to try and jump over this car the long way. He couldn’t do it, so he went into this kid’s garage, grabbed an extension chord and a saw, and cut his board in half; right through the rails and everything. It was fucking amazing.IV.IV.So you were in the heart of H-Street then, later, San Francisco when it was the epicentre of street skating. What got you pursuing photography instead of being sponsored for skating?I always brought my camera everywhere and shot anything. I loved doing that… My friends would film for the H-Street videos and we also filmed some stuff for Sick Boys, and they’d premiere those videos at the local college. At those premieres Bryce Kanights would do slide shows of his photographs and talk about them, so that was rad. I skated pretty hard back then, but I wasn’t focused on getting sponsored. Another big influence was going into Fogtown, which later became Concrete Jungle and seeing all the prints on the wall, shot by Luke Ogden and Tobin Yelland; Steve Caballero skating vert in San Jose and stuff. Seeing those images as a little kid was amazing, it made me want to get a fish-eye lens and shoot like them.V.V.Your job is to go out and document skating, but what’s it like when you’re on a trip and you want to shoot a portrait after someone’s slam, after being in a van for weeks?I’m very careful how I do it, because a camera can be very invasive at times. There’s stuff that I’d like to shoot, but I don’t, because people need their space. Other times, I shoot a photo, knowing it’s going to be important later. You can’t just fucking barge – you’ve got to give people space when you feel it’s appropriate. I’ll push it when I don’t think it’s going to be an issue and if it is, they’ll say something and I’ll back off.People are becoming more desensitised to things because everyone’s got their phones. That’s one thing I don’t like on a trip, is everyone using their point-and-shoots and phones all the time, because it wears out their tolerance for having a camera in their face. Even if it’s my job to document, I’m still an outsider, it wears on people. On one day, for one trick, you could have a few photographers, a filmer and someone’s friends, all documenting the same thing. It can be too much, so I try to treat them all like sacred moments, not just take as much as I can from a fucking moment. It’s a team process. https://carlissmillion.com/FDR-Park/6/pf-media/FDR-Park_6.jpgFDR Park_6 https://carlissmillion.com/FDR-Park/7/pf-media/FDR-Park_7.jpgFDR Park_7rodney mullentony hawkeric kostonbam margeraSKATERSTOP 1STOP 2STOP 3STOP 4NYJAH HUSTON2PAUL RODRIGUEZ3CHRIS COLE4LUAN OLIVEIRA5SEAN MALTO6TOREY PUDWILL7SHANE O’NEILL8MIKEY TAYLOR9TOM ASTA10ISHOD WAIR11DYLAN RIEDER12PETER RAMONDETTA13BILLY MARKS14MATT MILLER15BASTIEN SALABANZI16TOMMY SANDOVAL17DAVID GONZALEZ18RYAN SHECKLER19AUSTYN GILLETTE20CHAZ ORTIZFounded by pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek in 2010, Street League Skateboarding (SLS) was created to foster growth, popularity, and acceptance of street skateboarding worldwide. Since then, SLS has evolved to become a platform that serves to excite the skateboarding community, educate both the avid and casual fans, and empower communities through its very own SLS Foundation. In support of SLS’ mission, Nike SB joined forces with SLS in 2013 to create SLS Nike SB World Tour.In 2014, SLS began a new multi-year television partnership with FOX Sports 1 that includes live broadcasts on FS1 and global distribution through the FOX family of networks.New in 2015, SLS announced a long-term partnership with Skatepark of Tampa (SPoT) to create a premium global qualification system that spans from amateur events to the SLS Nike SB Super Crown World Championship. The SPoT partnership officially transitions Tampa Pro into becoming the 2015 SLS North American Qualifier that gives two non-SLS Pros the opportunity to become part of the current SLS roster and compete in the World Tour. Tampa Pro will also serve as a way for current SLS Pros to gain extra championship qualification points to qualify to the Super Crown. SLS is now also the exclusive channel for live streaming of Tampa Pro and Tampa Am.The SLS Nike SB Pro Open in Barcelona, Spain will debut as the first-ever global, independent program on the SLS calendar. 2015 highlights the second year of the SLS Pro Open and marks as the second entry event that introduces two new non-SLS Pros to compete their way into the league. Like Tampa Pro, current SLS Pros gain extra championship qualification points to qualify to the Super Crown.As the premier competitive series in skateboarding, the SLS Nike SB World Tour elevates street skateboarding and showcases an international roster of skating’s elite pros as they compete in an easy-to-follow, instant scoring format.At each stop of the Tour, world-famous arenas are transformed into custom concrete skate plazas, challenging the pros to be innovative and take skateboarding to new highs as they compete for the largest purse in skate history – more than $1 million dollars.The winner of each stop of the Tour, including Tampa Pro, receives a “Golden Ticket” guaranteeing them a spot in the Super Crown World Championship at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois. Only the most elite eight pros qualify for the final event of the 2015 SLS Nike SB World Tour and only one gets the opportunity to claim the title ‘Street League Skateboarding Nike SB Super Crown World Champion’.SLS offers options for fans across the world to tune in and watch skateboarding’s most prestigious competition series. Fans in the United States can watch on FS1 and customers of participating cable and satellite TV providers may access the live stream of the Tour stops through the FOX Sports GO app for iOS, Android, Windows and Kindle devices, as well as on desktops through FOXSportsGO.com. International fans can watch the live webcast exclusively on Streetleague.comIn the spirit of giving back, the Street League Skateboarding Foundation was established with the goal of increasing global participation in skateboarding and to create healthy, sustainable communities by promoting the inherent benefits of skateboarding throughout the world. 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