Clovis, CA - Mired in a slow start that put him No. 42 in the Crusher Rentals PRCA World Standings, Marcus Michaelis resorted to a little monkey business to possibly resurrect his season and hopes for a second consecutive Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualification later this year.
Michaelis, of Caldwell, Idaho, rode Burch Rodeo Company’s 20-Inch Monkey for 84 points and the title worth $5,615 at the Clovis (CA) Rodeo, which concluded April 27 after a three-day run.
Michaelis finished one point ahead of Dave Samsel of Haslet, Texas, another cowboy who made his Wrangler NFR debut in 2007 with aspirations of making a return trip in December.
Bareback rider and two-time Wrangler NFR qualifier Jason Havens of Prineville, Ore., earned $5,949 after his title-winning 85-point ride on Growney Brothers Rodeo’s Moulin Rouge.
Another two-time Wrangler NFR contestant, saddle bronc rider Bradley Harter of Weatherford, Texas, won Clovis after riding Burch Rodeo’s Tokyo Massage for 84 points, earning $6,006. Three weeks ago, Harter took top honors at the Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco.
Steer wrestler Ken Lewis of La Junta, Colo., is quietly putting together his best season and added to it with the title in Clovis. Lewis, seeking his first Wrangler NFR qualification, moved into fourth place in the Crusher Rentals PRCA World Standings after turning three steers in 17.4 seconds, good for $4,983.
A pair of ProRodeo rookies, team roping (header) Joel Bach of Millsap, Texas, and tie-down roper Kelsey Garrison claimed titles in their respective events. Bach, with veteran roper Cody Cowden of Merced, Calif., earned $5,271 each after roping three steers in 19.6 seconds. Garrison, of Channing, Texas, scored his first ProRodeo victory by recording a three-head time of 28.1 seconds, good for $4,406.
Clovis Rodeo Champions
Bareback Riding
Jason Havens (Prineville, Ore.), 85 points, $5,949
Steer Wrestling
Ken Lewis (La Junta, Colo.), 17.4/3, $4,983
Team Roping
Joel Bach (Millsap, Texas)/Cody Cowden (Merced, Calif.), 19.6/3, $5,271 each
Saddle Bronc Riding
Bradley Harter (Weatherford, Texas), 84 points, $6,006
Tie-Down Roping
Kelsey Garrison (Channing, Texas), 28.1/3, $4,406
Bull Riding
Marcus Michaelis (Caldwell, Idaho), 84 points, $5,615
