The rodeo in Burwell has been taking place since 1921. It started without any grandstands, now, it’s a festival for the entire region.

We recently talked with Teresa Seidell, a rodeo spokesperson, about the event.

“The rodeo is July 28 through the 31 this year,” Seidell said. “Saturday night will be the big night.”

Turns out, the rodeo started small.

“There were no grandstands, it was just the rough dirt, and they didn’t even till up the soil,” Seidell said. “Back then, they had makeshift chutes, so when the rough stock bucked out, the riders landed on the dirt, so it was a hard landing for the riders. Today, our standards are that we work up the soil, and there is a nice bed for the horses and bucking stock to use.”

When you go to the rodeo in Burwell, you are going to feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

RELATED: Nebraska’s Big Rodeo 2021 live stream, how to watch, start time, channel

“That is what we are going for,” Seidell said. “Not the old-fashioned, but the traditional.”

The Burwell rodeo offers a number of unique features. For example, there is a track around the arena that allows for more entertainment.

“We have the wild horse race that everybody talks about,” Seidell said. “So between each PRCA event, we have an event on the track. The sky boxes and the crow’s nest were all constructed in 2010.”

The rodeo draws different reactions from different competitors.

“They are often surprised by the vastness of the arena,” Seidell said. “We have a really large arena, and many people are overwhelmed by that. Some contestants like it, some do not. The atmosphere here for everyone is uplifting. Everybody is excited to be here, and everyone is excited to have a celebration. Our town is excited to have a celebration. Half of the people will be from out of town, and the other half will be local people that just come out every night for the rodeo. It’s a festival for our town. We have the Calamus Lake, and that brings in a different clientele of people, but they all come in.”

The Burwell Rodeo is celebrating a “Century of Tradition” this year. Be sure to check it out!

Source: https://www.1011now.com/2021/07/16/nebraskas-big-rodeo-long-history-burwell/

The Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days Rodeo has been one of the top rodeos in America since its inception in 1897.

The rodeo was canceled in 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the nine-day event is back and better than ever this season.

The event draws in nearly 200,000 ProRodeo fans every single year, which means it also brings in the top cowboys and cowgirls the sport has to offer.

The ProRodeo Tour stop will run July 24-Aug.1 taking place at 2:45 p.m. (EDT) each day and will air on The Cowboy Channel and PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App.

One of those cowboys is 2019 Cheyenne Frontier Days bareback riding champion Clayton Biglow. The five-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier (2016-2020) and world champion (2019) will be back at the “Daddy of ’em All” next week.

“It was heartbreaking to see it get canceled last year, it’s one of those rodeos you have circled on the calendar every single year,” said Biglow, 25. “I can only imagine how fun and electric it’s going to be up there this year, I can’t wait.”

Cheyenne will provide Biglow with a big opportunity to continue climbing in not only the PRCA | RAM World Standings, but also on the ProRodeo Tour leaderboard. As of July 22, he sits third in the world standings with $81,397, after a $4,759 win at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo last weekend and is third in the ProRodeo Tour.

RELATED: PRCA | RAM World Standings

“I think I’m in a good spot right now standings-wise, I wish I was first, but third still has me in the hunt,” Biglow said. “A win at Cheyenne would be really nice and that would for sure help my case as we get further into summer.”

Five of last year’s seven World Champions are scheduled to take part in the rodeo, so they know the competition will be fierce if they want to come out with the 2021 title.

“Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo is one of those rodeos that brings in a ton of competitors, both young and old, it’s pretty awesome actually,” Biglow said. “So, that makes the competition just that much tougher, it’s not one of the biggest and best rodeos for nothing.”

Is this your first Cheyenne Frontier Days? Or maybe the first in while? Well, you may have some questions about how the basics of CFD work. So we scoured all our sources and answer some of those questions for you.

The ‘Daddy of ’em All’ happens during the last week of July at Frontier Park in Cheyenne, Wyoming . For 2021, the 125th CFD is July 23 through August 1.

Where Does Frontier Days take Place?

While there are some off-site events like the parades, airshow, and pancake breakfasts, The Daddy of ’em All calls Frontier Park in the heart of Cheyenne home, as it has since 1908. If you need an address for your GPS: 4610 Carey Ave, 82001 Cheyenne, Wyoming. Frontier Park opens at 11:00 AM.

How much does it cost to get into CFD at Frontier Park?

• It costs $5.00 per person to get in the gate. UNLESS you have tickets to that day’s rodeo or concert, then it’s free. Also, if you pay the $10.00 for Park and Ride you’ll get free entrance to the park for everyone in your vehicle.
• CHEYENNE/LARAMIE COUNTY DAY on JULY 28 – FREE gate admission to Laramie County residents with a valid I.D.
• MILITARY MONDAY on JULY 26 – Show your Military I.D. (Active, Guard, Reserve, Retired or Dependent) and get FREE gate admission.
• Be Sure to Take Note of Ticket Protocol for Cheyenne Frontier Days

Who are performing during Frontier Night at Cheyenne Frontier Days?

Coming to Frontier Park in Cheyenne in July 2021 will be Garth Brooks with Ned LeDoux; Cody Johnson; Maren Morris; and Kane Brown. Blake Shelton; Eric Church; and Thomas Rhett with Rhett Akins were rescheduled from 2020 and will be on stage this year.

2021 CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

• July 23: GARTH BROOKS With NED LeDoux
• July 24: THOMAS RHETT With RHETT AKINS
• July 25: CODY JOHNSON With AARON WATSON
• July 26 & July 27: PBR—LAST COWBOY STANDING
• July 28: MAREN MORRIS
• July 29: ERIC CHURCH With ASHLEY McBryde
• July 30: KANE BROWN With RESTLESS ROAD
• July 31: BLAKE SHELTON With JOHN KING
• July 24–August 1: PRCA RODEO ACTION
• Brett Young Added to Star-Studded Lineup for Cheyenne Frontier Days

What about pets, coolers or strollers at Cheyenne Frontier Days? Can they come too?

• No pets are allowed at the park (except for certified service dogs for the disabled). No outside food and beverages are allowed, BUT strollers are allowed.
• Clear Bag Policy In Effect For Cheyenne Frontier Days 2021 Events

Where to Park for Cheyenne Frontier Days, and How Much?

• There’s the Park and Ride option. You park at the Park and Ride lot just off of Exit 10D on I-25. Pay $10.00 to park, take a bus to Frontier Park and get in the gate for free.
• If you want to park at Frontier Park, public parking costs $25.00 per vehicle, with access to the park via Warren Avenue or Carey Avenue.
• There is also a free shuttle running from downtown Cheyenne to Frontier Park.

When and Where are the Cheyenne Frontier Days Parades?

There will be four parades in downtown Cheyenne, on July 24, 27, 29, and 31. All the parades will begin at 9:00 AM and start in front of the Wyoming Capitol building then head down Capitol Avenue and then up Carey Avenue. (PARADE MAP)

When and Where is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Free Pancake Breakfast?

A CFD favorite since 1952, the Pancake Breakfast is served up for free in the Cheyenne Depot Plaza downtown. This year, the pancakes will be cooking on July 26, 28, and 30 from 7:00 until 9:00 AM.

When is Cheyenne Frontier Days Military Monday?

Monday, July 26 is Military Appreciation Monday at Frontier Park. Show your Military I.D. (Active, Guard, Reserve, Retired or Dependent) and get free C Stand rodeo ticket and FREE gate admission.
Also, that day’s rodeo will feature military transportation through the ages and a giant flag in the arena to start the event. Plus, there are military displays throughout the park.

When and Where are the Cheyenne Frontier Days Airshows?

The U.S.A.F. Thunderbird Aerial Demonstration is also Wednesday, July 28 at 10:00 AM over F. E. Warren Air Force Base.

The Calgary Stampede is back and better than ever.

After an extended absence of rodeo in Canada because of the COVID-19 pandemic, top-caliber competition will be back in Calgary, with the Stampede hosting the elite athletes of the sport July 9-18.

There will be 22 athletes competing in every event during the 10-day rodeo, with many of those being Canadian cowboys who consider it an honor to compete in Calgary.

The ProRodeo Tour stop takes place at 3:30 p.m. (EDT) each day and will air on The Cowboy Channel and PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to go to the Calgary Stampede 2021, it’s the biggest rodeo in all of the world,” said steer wrestler Scott Guenthner, a native of Provost, Alberta. “Growing up in Canada, I knew when I was in grade one or grade two that I wanted to win the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association world championships and the Calgary Stampede, following in my dad’s footsteps, of course.”

Guenthner won CPRA world championships in 2018 and 2019 and now will try add to a Calgary Stampede title like his dad.

Guenthner’s father, Ken, won the steer wrestling at the Calgary Stampede in 1983, the first year the event paid out $50,000. But whether you’re a Canadian or not it’s a special place to compete. Just ask Palestine, Texas, bull rider Laramie Mosley, who will be riding in his first Calgary Stampede.

“It’s a dream come true and a bucket-list rodeo for me,” said Mosley, 25. “I’ve always wanted to come here and compete. I really appreciate the committee for making it happen, it really does mean a lot to all of us.”

The rodeo is the single-largest payout on this year’s ProRodeo Tour. It will pay out $1.5 million in 2021, which will have a huge impact on not only the Tour standings but also the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

RELATED: PRCA | RAM World Standings

“It’s going to be a huge boost to some people, especially if somebody got in here that wasn’t in the Top 15, it may put them right into the Top 15 or even the top 10 for that matter,” Guenthner said. “You can go to a lot of two-header rodeos and still not win what you would in a round here at Calgary.”

But they won’t let the large payout north of the border effect the way they go about their business over the next 10 days.

“As always, it will be just one bull at a time, focus on the process and the not the outcome really,” Mosley said. “I know the whole country of Canada looks forward to it, and they worked their butts off to make it happen. So, we’re going to go up there and put a show on for them.”

Along with physical distancing, increased sanitization and other health protocols, the Calgary Stampede will be looking different this time around and that also applies to one of its premiere events.

Officials say this year’s parade will be a broadcast-only experience as bands and horses will make their way along a modified path through Stampede Park.

No in-person spectators will be allowed because the parade will take place before the park is open to the public.

While this is only expected to be the situation this year, the virtual experience won’t have any less magic than the real thing.

“While spectators will experience it differently this year, the 2021 edition brings together everything that makes the Calgary Stampede Parade so special,” said Jennifer Evangelista, chair of the Calgary Stampede Parade Committee in a release.

“A tremendous amount of work has gone into assembling a parade that features the world-famous Calgary Stampede Showband, the dozens of horses, the floats and armoured vehicles which everyone expects to see.”

This year’s parade marshal is Katari Right Hand, a young woman from the Siksika First Nation who is featured on the 2021 Stampede poster. In addition to Katari taking part in the parade, Lexi Hilderman, the artist who created it will also be participating.

GIVING CREDIT TO ESSENTIAL WORKERS

Playing into the event’s theme of Coming Out of the Storm Together, officials say a special entry has been created to ensure those Calgarians who helped keep the city safe during the COVID-19 pandemic are recognized.

That section of the parade will include members of Calgary’s health-care, police and fire services as well as others whose occupations were vital to the continuation of services for all residents such as grocery store workers, transit drivers, truck drivers, care facility staff as well as educators.

“Without these brave souls there would be no Stampede in 2021,” Evangelista said. “We owe a great deal to all of them.”

There will be 59 entries in the 2021 Calgary Stampede, including floats and horses, all led by the Calgary Stampede Showband.

The Calgary Stampede runs from July 9 to 18.

Hoping to visit the 2021 Calgary Stampede without breaking the bank?

Here are some cost-effective deals and discounts to know about as you plan your trip to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth:

1.Children under seven get in free

If you’re planning a visit with a young child, they will get free admission as long as they are under seven years old.

Admission for kids age 7-12 is $12, admission for the general public (age 13-64) is $20 and admission for seniors (65+) is $12.

 2.Frontline and essential workers get in free

The Calgary Stampede is offering free admission to frontline workers and up to three guests for the first five days of Stampede 2021, from July 9-13.

The Stampede says it’s a thank you to the people who have been delivering packages, stocking shelves, keeping the community healthy and safe and teaching in-person and online classes.

“You supported our community, providing us with the services we needed during a time of uncertainty. Our community is so much better because you are part of it,” the Stampede said in a news release.

READ MORE: Multiple PRCA World Champions among Calgary Stampede contestants

No validation or proof of identification is required.

Walk-ups are welcome, but pre-booking is encouraged to guarantee admission.

Find more information you can visit the Calgary Stampede’s website.

3.Visit on a value day

Visitors to the 2021 Calgary Stampede can save some money by heading to the grounds on one of (or all) three value days, including:

4.Sneak-a-Peek – Thursday, July 8

Admission to the 2021 Calgary Stampede is just $9 between 5 p.m. and midnight at Sneak-a-Peek on Thursday, July 8.

Kids aged six and under get in free.

“This is a great opportunity to enjoy some amazing live music, check out all of the attractions, and scout things out for your friends,” the Stampede said.

Walk-ups are welcome, but pre-booking is encouraged to ensure your admission.

Visit the Calgary Stampede’s website for more information.

5.Cenovus Energy Family Day 2021 – Friday, July 9

On Friday, July 9, a limited number of park admissions are being offered at no cost.

Admission on Family Day includes a pancake breakfast.

“The grills will be cooking when the park opens at 10 a.m.,” the Stampede said.

Free park admission can be pre-booked online on the Calgary Stampede’s website.

6.Community Day 2021 – Wednesday, July 14

Kids get in free all day on Wednesday, July 14, starting at 9 a.m. when the gates open.

The Stampede says Community Day is a chance to honour the “incredible spirit that fuels our city.”

There will also be a limited number of pancake breakfasts available.

Walk-ups are welcome, but you must pre-book your pancake breakfast online through the Calgary Stampede’s website to ensure availability.

7.Buy Stampede Bucks at Costco

Purchase $50 in Stampede Bucks for $39.99 at participating Costco locations (while supplies last) and redeem them for rides, games, food, beverages, parking, shopping or rodeo and evening show tickets.

8.Buy a Ride All Day card

Purchase a Ride All Day card for $39.99 (plus GST) from Safeway, Sobeys or IGA and redeem it for 60 coupons or a Ride All Day Wristband.

The Ride All Day card is valid on all North American Midway Entertainment (NAME) midway rides, games and the WestJet Skyride.

9.Take transit instead of driving

Instead of using the public parking available at the Stampede for $25, you can get to the grounds via a CTrain or bus.

Calgary Transit is offering 24-hour CTrain service beginning the evening of July 8 and ending late in the evening on July 18.

10.Buy a discounted transit day pass

You can buy a discounted transit day pass to get anywhere in the city all day long (until the end of service) from July 8 to 18.

An adult day pass is $8 (regular $11) and a youth day pass is $6 (regular $8).

Stampede day passes are available during the 10 days of Stampede on My Fare or from ticket vending machines located at CTrain stations.

Passes are valid until 4 a.m. the following day.

The 2021 Calgary Stampede runs from July 9 -18.

The Calgary Stampede is proud to announce the rodeo superstars set to once again light up the rodeo arena for Stampede 2021, July 9-18. After an extended absence of rodeo in Canada, top-caliber competition will be back in Calgary, with the Stampede hosting the elite athletes of the sport from both Canada and the United States.

Earlier this month, the federal government gave the Calgary Stampede the go-ahead for a modified quarantine that allows rodeo competitors to safely enter Canada. Many of the biggest names in the sport are excited to make the trip, including a number of world, Canadian and Stampede champions.

“The Calgary Stampede is the most prestigious rodeo of the summer,” PRCA World Champion Tie-down Roper Shane Hanchey said. “Anytime I get to back in the box with the Calgary Stampede roping chutes, it’s a privilege I don’t take for granted. I am excited to be back!”

Joining the Louisiana cowboy is a wealth of American and Canadian talent, including a number of local competitors. Canada will be well represented in the hands of many talented athletes, including Calgary’s own Connor Hamilton, two-time PRCA World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider Zeke Thurston of Big Valley, Alberta, and barrel racer, Val Gillespie from the community of Finnigan, who earned her spot last weekend through the first Calgary Stampede Barrel Racing Qualifier.
“The Calgary Stampede has always been a goal of mine since I was a little girl,” Gillespie said. “I’m really looking forward to running in that arena with the electric crowd and being present in the moment to take it all in.”

The stacked roster also includes Canadian rookies Ryan Shuckburg, Ben Andersen and Beau Cooper. Other fan-favorites include bull riding superstar Daylon Swearingen, reigning PRCA World Champion Tie-down Roper Shad Mayfield and five-time PRCA World Champion Steer Wrestler Luke Branquinho.

The Stampede Rodeo will have the largest purse of any PRCA rodeo this season, with the exception of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Prize money of $250,000 is up for grabs in each event, with a total of $1.5 million to be won over the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede.

Beginning daily at 1:30 p.m. (Mountain Time), the 2021 Stampede Rodeo is a must-see experience. Tickets for the rodeo are available and include admission into Stampede Park the day of the event. New in 2021 is a VIP, full-service, outdoor experience that will put you in the heart of the action. To book your Stampede Rodeo tickets, VIP Tarmac experience, or to purchase general park admission for days you are not attending the rodeo or Stampede Evening Show, go to CalgaryStampede.com.

2021 Calgary Stampede Rodeo Contestants

Bareback Riding
Caleb Bennett – Corvallis, MT
Dantan Bertsch – Eastend, SK
Evan Betony – Tonalea, AZ
Taylor Broussard – Estherwood, LA
Richmond Champion – Stevensville, MT
Logan Corbett – Thompsonville, IL
Cole Franks – Clarendon, TX
Mike Fred – Hoyt, KS
Cole Goodine – Carbon, AB
Hunter Green – Bastrop, LA
Connor Hamilton – Calgary, AB
Zach Hibler – Wheeler, TX
Spur Lacasse – Calgary, AB
Kody Lamb – Sherwood Park, AB
Orin Larsen – Inglis, MB
Ky Marshall – Bowden, AB
Tim O’Connell – Zwingle, IA
Jesse Pope – Waverly, KS
Jacob Raine – Mount Pleasant, TN
Michael Solberg – Sunnynook, AB
Anthony Thomas – Houston, TX

Steer Wrestling
Luke Branquinho – Los Alamos, CA
Jesse Brown – Baker City, OR
Cody Cassidy – Donalda, AB
Curtis Cassidy – Donalda, AB
Stephen Culling – Fort St. John, BC
Cody Devers – Balko, OK
Jacob Elder – Alva, OK
Dakota Eldridge – Elko, NV
Joshua Garner – Live Oak, CA
Stockton Graves – Alva, OK
Scott Guenther – Provost, AB
Nick Guy – Sparta, WI
Stetson Jorgensen – Blackfoot, ID
Blake Knowles – Heppner, OR
Eli Lord – Sturgis, SD
Dalton Massey – Hermiston, OR
Tanner Milan – Cochrane, AB
Taz Olson – Prairie City, SD
Tyler Pearson – Louisville, MS
Dylan Schroeder – Waller, TX
Ryan Shuckburg – Innisfail, AB
J.D. Struxness – Milan, MN

Saddle Bronc Riding
Ben Andersen – Rocky Mountain House, AB
Jade Blackwell – Rapid City, SD
Allen Boore – Axtell, UT
Chase Brooks – Deer Lodge, MT
Wyatt Casper – Miami, TX
Logan Cook – Alto, TX
Brody Cress – Hillsdale, WY
Isaac Diaz – Desdemona, TX
Leon Fountain – Socorro, NM
Shorty Garrett – Eagle Butte, SD
Dawson Hay – Wildwood, AB
Lefty Holman – Visalia, CA
Chet Johnson – Douglas, WY
Jacob Kammerer – Philip, SD
Parker Kempfer – Deer Park, FL
Sage Newman – Melstone, MT
Kirk Thomson – Lundbreck, AB
Zeke Thurston – Big Valley, AB
Kolby Wanchuk – Sherwood Park, AB
Jake Watson – Hudson’s Hope, BC

Tie-down Roping
Beau Cooper – Stettler, AB
Marcos Costa – Menard, TX
Cody Craig – Wendell, ID
Erik Dublanko – Thorsby, AB
Morgan Grant – Didsbury, AB
Shane Hanchey – Sulphur, LA
Kincade Henry – Mount Pleasant, TX
Hunter Herrin – Apache, OK
Westyn Hughes – Caldwell, TX
Ryan Jarrett – Comanche, OK
Kyle Lucas – Carstairs, AB
Shad Mayfield – Clovis, NM
Haven Meged – Miles City, MT
Jake Pratt – Ellensburg, WA
Ben Robinson – Red Deer County, AB
Clint Robinson – Spanish Fork, UT
Blair Smith – Wimborne, AB
Justin Smith – Leesville, LA
Ryle Smith – Oakdale, CA
Cory Solomon – Prairie View, TX
Marty Yates – Stephenville, TX
Trey Young – Dupree, SD

Barrel Racing
Brittney Barnett – Stephenville, TX
Lynette Brodoway – Brooks, AB
Lacey Caldas – Exshaw, AB
Toni Dixon – Foothills, AB
Raylee Edwards – Lethbridge County, AB
Justine Elliot – Lacombe, AB
Angela Ganter – Abilene, TX
Jackie Ganter – Abilene, TX
Val Gillespie – Finnigan, AB
Wenda Johnson – Pawhuska, OK
Lindsay Kruse – Fromberg, MT
Vanessa Leggett – Kamloops, BC
Taylor Manning – Yellowhead County, AB
Celeste Montpellier – Stettler, AB
Bertina Olafson – Hudson Bay, SK
Jenna O’Reilly – Millarville, AB
Carman Pozzobon – Aldergrove, BC
Stacey Ruzicka – Bluffton, AB
Jennifer Sharp – Richards, TX
Shelby Spielman – Dalhart, TX
Nikki Vanderlee – Brooks, AB

Bull Riding
Tim Bingham – Howell, UT
Tyler Bingham – Howell, UT
Dakota Buttar – Kindersley, SK
Riker Carter – Stone, ID
Cody Coverchuk – Meadow Lake, SK
Lon Danley – Tularosa, NM
Edgar Durazo – Carsland, AB
Cole Fischer – Jefferson City, MO
Josh Frost – Randlett, UT
Denton Fugate – Niangua, MO
Garrett Green – Meeting Creek, AB
Jordan Hansen – Amisk, AB
Zane Lambert – Ponoka, AB
Gavin Michel – Sulphur Springs, TX
JC Mortensen – Paulden, AZ
Laramie Mosley – Palestine, TX
Matthew Palmer – Claremore, OK
Jared Parsonage – Maple Creek, SK
Shane Proctor – Grand Coulee, WA
Daylon Swearingen – Rochelle, GA
Eli Vastbinder – Union Grove, NC

About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede 2021 programs and facilities.

In 2017, Marcos Costa was on top of the ProRodeo world.

Since, the Brazilian tie-down roper has been battling injuries.

Costa made history by becoming the first native Brazilian to win a tie-down roping world title. He also won the average at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo with an 81.3-second time on 10 head and the RAM Top Gun Award for most money won at that year’s NFR with $195,519.

That season marked Costa’s third consecutive trip to the NFR.

“After 2017, I had an accident on the ranch and broke my left knee,” said Costa, 30. “I had to go back and redo my knee.”

Knee problems unfortunately, have been a way of life for Costa.

RELATED: Bull rider Ruger Piva hopes to use ProRodeo Tour as jolt to make NFR debut

In April 2018, Costa was sidelined following right knee surgery. It was the fifth time Costa had had right knee surgery since 2011, when he initially tore the ACL in his knee after slamming a calf on top of his leg while roping in Brazil.

In 2019, Costa finished 19th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings, and last year, in the COVID-19-marred season, he was 29th.

Costa has continued to persevere. He’s ninth in the latest world standings with $36,756, earning $8,472 at the Reno (Nev.) Rodeo, which ended June 26.

“God has given me the chance to be healthy again,” Costa said. “It has been a long fight. When you feel like you can do what you used to do, it is a great feeling.”

Costa is in the midst of a Cowboy Christmas run that includes stops in Greeley, Colo., Prescott, Ariz., St. Paul, Ore., Red Lodge, Mont., Livingston, Mont., Cody, Wyo., Killdeer, N.D., and Belle Fourche, S.D.

“The dream is to get back to the NFR,” Costa said. “I want to be back up there. It is always in God’s hand. I’m going to try and do my best, and I hope God gives me a chance to be up there.”

Costa, who is from Iretama, a small ranching and farming community in the southern state of Parana, is riding Pouraguaja, the reserve 2016 PRCA | AQHA Tie-down Roping Horse of the Year. Costa rode Pouraguaja, now 13, to the world title.

“She’s still good as ever,” Costa said.

Costa travels the PRCA trail with his wife, Keyla, a barrel racer. They married in 2018.

“She is my best friend, my wife, my right arm, she’s my everything,” said Costa, who lives in Tolar, Texas. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world and blessed because when I travel with my wife it feels like home.”

Keyla praised Marcos.

“He’s an amazing husband,” she said. “Now it’s so good because we travel together. God has been so good to us.”

The heartbreak of barely missing the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo has become a common reality for bull rider Ruger Piva.

Piva finished 17th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings the past two seasons and had to put his Wrangler NFR debut on hold.

“Being so close twice has definitely pushed me a lot harder this year,” said Piva, 26. “It can either be a negative or a positive and I’m trying to make sure it will never happen again.”

Piva is doing his best to not have his NFR bubble burst in 2021, he is sitting 13th in the world standings with $43,028.

Piva’s also been making a point to compete in the ProRodeo Tour rodeos and that decision has paid off as he’s fourth in the ProRodeo Tour standings with 2056.93 points.

“Last year right after San Antonio (in February) I was right up there in the world standings, and I went to the doctor because my hip was hurting really bad,” Piva said. “I had to have reconstructive surgery on most of the muscles on my right hip. Right when COVID hit, it kind of worked out for me, but I came back a little too soon and I had the lowest riding percentage of my career, around 30 percent, and I still almost made the NFR.”

“This year, I’m feeling healthy, that has been part of it, and I’ve just been taking every bull serious, not overlooking anything.”

Piva finished second at the San Antonio Stock & Rodeo on Feb. 27, earning a season-best $12,800.

The ProRodeo Tour is the culmination of the most prestigious tour on the PRCA circuit. The Tour finale will take place at California Rodeo Salinas, Sept. 23-26 and will punch tickets to the Wrangler NFR for a majority of ProRodeo athletes.

Something not lost on Piva.

“I have made a point to go to the ProRodeo Tour rodeos,” Piva said. “There’s going to be a lot of money there in Salinas. It is also good money at the (ProRodeo Tour) rodeos as well so it is just a win-win.”

The Top 24 competitors in each event in the ProRodeo Tour Standings advance to the Tour Finale and will compete in the high-dollar rodeo on the season’s final weekend.

“With Salinas paying a lot of money it can be the difference of a guy being 30th in the world (standings) to qualifying for the NFR if he can win Salinas,” Piva said. “I would definitely like to win it or be in one of the top places in Salinas for sure this year.”

The Tour Finale will air on The Cowboy Channel and will stream on the PRCA on Cowboy Channel Plus App. For more information, visit cowboychannelplus.com.

The ProRodeo season ends Sept. 30. The Top 15 athletes in the PRCA | RAM World Standings in each event will qualify for the Wrangler NFR.

CASPER, Wyo. (June 13, 2021) — After two years of ups and downs, the 72nd edition of the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) got off to a rousing start at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper.

Last year’s events were cancelled due to the pandemic and this year contestants, fans, coaches, the state of Wyoming and Casper community are all excited to be celebrating college rodeo again. The competition started off with the Bulls Broncs and Breakaway Sunday afternoon which saw the first round complete in four events.

The first round of bareback riding featured some of the best that the CNFR has ever seen. Cole Franks from Clarendon (Texas) College won his signature event with a score of 83.5 points. Franks is also in the top 20 in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and won the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Association. He is making a bid for the all-around here competing in the saddle bronc riding as well where he got 73.5 points to finish in the 11th spot.

– Sophomore Cole Franks from Clarendon College won the first round of bareback riding at the 72nd CNFR on Sunday with an 83.5-point ride. CNFR photo by Jackie Jensen.

Franks is the son of Bret Franks who qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in saddle bronc riding. Franks has been coaching at Clarendon College and has had two national saddle bronc riding champions to his credit. Wyatt Casper won the CNFR in 2016 and Riggin Smith was the 2019 champion and helped their men’s team finish in third place.

There were only six points separating the top eight in the bareback riding and among those was champion Lane McGeHee from Sam Houston State University who won the title here in 2016 as a freshman. McGeHee tied with Ty Pope from Missouri Valley College for the fourth spot with 80 points each.

The popularity of breakaway roping has always been high here, but with the addition of the event at pro rodeos across the country competition is getting tougher. A time under two seconds got the top spot on Sunday. Winter Williams from Southwestern Oklahoma State University stopped the clock in 1.9 seconds for the win.

Williams just earned her degree in allied health sciences and is also competing in the barrel racing here. She will have her first run in that event on Monday morning during slack and will be in contention for a women’s all-around title.

Another degree earning senior got the win in the saddle bronc riding and while he calls Craig, Colorado home, he is a Wyoming Cowboy. Garrett Uptain, who got his bachelor’s degree in ag business from the University of Wyoming scored 79.5 points to edge out Clarendon College’s Weston Patterson and Western Texas College’s Dylan Schofield who each had 79 points for second place.

The 2018 National High School Rodeo Association champion bull rider Cole Skender was the most successful contestant here in the first round. Skender, who won his high school title for his home state of Arkansas now attends Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was one of seven successful riders on Sunday and earned the top spot with a 84.5-point ride.

Competition at the 2021 CNFR continues with slack on Monday, June 14 beginning at 7 a.m. The first round of barrel racing, goat tying, steer wrestling, tie-down roping and team roping will be completed then. The bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding and breakaway roping will be in the second round.

 

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CASPER, Wyo.—The following are results from Bulls Broncs and Breakaway at the College National Finals Rodeo, June 13, 2021, courtesy of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. Complete results are available at www.collegerodeo.com.

Breakaway Roping: (first-round winners) 1, Winter Williams, Southwest Oklahoma State University, 1.9 seconds. 2, (tie) Grace Felton, Lassen College, and Zoie Bedke, Idaho State University, 2.1. 4, Harley Lynn, Southern Arkansas University, 2.2. 5, Abbie Shofner, New Mexico State University, 2.3. 6, Alli Masters, Northeastern Oklahoma State University, 2.5, 7, Courney Peters, Black Hills State University, 2.7. 8, (tie) Tanegai Zilverberg, Mitchell Technical Institute; and Jade Boote, Dickinson State University, and Catherine Clayton, Cochise, College, 2.8 seconds.

Bareback Riding: (first round winners) 1, Cole Franks, Clarendon College, 83.5 points. 2, Jacob Lees, Western Texas College, 83. 3, Waylon Bourgeois, McNeese State University, 81.5. 4, Lane McGehee, Sam Houston State University, and Ty Pope, Missouri Valley College, 80 points each. 6, Dean Thompson, Western Texas College, 79.5. 7, Kolt Dement, Panola Junior College, 79. 8, Nick Pelke, Missouri Valley College, 77.5.

Saddle Bronc Riding: (first round winners) 1, Garrett Uptain, University of Wyoming, 79.5 points. 2, Weston Patterson, Clarendon College, and Dylan Schofield, Western Texas College, 79 points each. 4, Jake Barnes, Tarleton State University, 77.5. 6, (tie) Cash Wilson, Clarendon College and Cash Wilson, College of Southern Idaho, 76 points each. 8, Quinten Taylor, Casper College, 75.

Bull Riding: (first round winners) 1, (tie) Cole Skender, Three Rivers College, 84.5 points. 2, Quinten Taylor, Casper, College, 79.4. 3, Cullen Telfer, Tarleton State University, 78. 4, Hunter Tate, Coffeyville Community College, 77. 5, Trey Holston, Fort Scott Community College, 73.5. 5, Chris Villanueva, Sam Houston State University, 73. 7, Holden Moss, Three Rivers College, 69.5.