Reno, NV---It was a hot and muggy June night under the Reno skies Saturday at the 2009 Reno Rodeo Finals but that didn’t stop J.W. Harris from taking home $17,214.00 in cash. On the eve of what is known as the unofficial “Cowboy Christmas”; cowboys and cowgirls vie to win thousands of dollars during the advantageous 4th of July run. With approximately 34 rodeos taking place in one week and the enormous cash pay-outs, for some, it will truly be “Christmas”.
“A great night” said Harris while rushing to get on the road to the next rodeo but not before picking up his check. Several of the winners and contestants were on hand to sign autographs and meet with the fans including Steve Woolsey from Payson, Utah. Woolsey who appeared on the hit television show “Toughest Cowboy” on Spike T.V. was the only other rider to successfully cover his bull with a 94 point effort coming in second to J.W. Harris. Hawaiian Ivory raised on the island of Oahu, snorted, kicked and bucked but was unable to shack Woolsey off.
The British Columbian native Lindsay Sears proved to be what a true cowgirl is all about riding with a broken leg and winning the barrel racing event with 51.1 points. Collin McTaggert of Las Vegas, Nevada who was nursing a hand injury from Thursday night’s long go round said he was looking forward to summer. “The warmer weather seems to work in my favor, I normally have not done real well during the winter months,” said the two-time NFR contestant who came in third. The loan officer from Riverside, California, Sean Case gave impressive rides this week after recently taking a leave of absence to spend time with his father who is battling a brain tumor. When asked if he carries some of the worry and heartache of his father into the ring, he said he really tries to ride for him. “He is still here fighting and I feel so proud he is able to see me ride, my family is a huge support for me, especially my dad. I really try not to let his illness effect me in the ring, but I do focus on the positive and bring that in.” May was a great month for Case and he looks forward to rodeo when he can and spend more time with his dad.
The real star of the show turned out to be the best darn “bull dog” in the west, Miss Diamond Lil. The pooch proved that she could keep things moving along by getting the bulls back to the chutes in no time flat.
The next generation of cowpokes gave the crowd a wonderful show during the mutton bustin performance, only to walk away with just a few bumps and bruised egos. Several were even on hand to sign autographs after the show and talk to fans about their rides.
These cowboys were equally enjoying “Christmas Eve” with the following wins for the 2009 Reno Rodeo Finals:
All-Around, B.J. Campbell, won in steer wrestling (competed in team roping)
Bareback riding, Kaycee Field, 168 points
Steer Wrestling, B.J. Campbell, 14.2 seconds
Team Roping, Travis Tryan, Billings, Mont., and Michael Jones, Stephenville, Texas,
16.8 seconds
Saddle Bronc Riding, Dusty Hausauer, Dickinson, N.D., 255 points
Tie-Down Roping, Landon McClaugherty
Not to let their reputation down, the 2009 Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West proved to kick off an exciting summer.
For more information on the latest standings please log onto www.prorodeo.com
Photographs by Mark deFabry
