RENO, Nev. --- Nevada native and veteran all-around hand Preston Williams came from behind to win the 2009 World’s Greatest Roper event, held June 21 in conjunction with the Reno Rodeo.
The 34-year-old former college national all-around champion headed, heeled and tied 15 head of stock in just under 79 seconds to edge second-place Randon Adams for the $25,000 paycheck from Lazy E Productions.
The dramatic last round saw leaders Chad Masters, Pat Boyle, Jake Cooper, Marty Becker and Bret Fleming all relinquish the lead at various times. Williams and several others that made the final round were beneficiaries of a new format.
For the first time, Lazy E Productions opened the $88,000 World’s Greatest Roper event to the world, so ropers that weren’t invited could enter and compete in qualifying rounds. Williams was one of 17 ropers who qualified to compete alongside a group that included last year’s champ, K.C. Jones, and world champs like Chad Masters, Trevor Brazile, Randon Adams and Matt Sherwood.
Williams, who doesn’t compete in rodeo nationwide, preferring circuit rodeos and Indian rodeos, isn’t entered in the Bob Feist Invitational. That means he’s not eligible for the annual “Reno Triple Crown,” which is an extra $100,000 bonus for a roper who wins the World’s Greatest Roper, the BFI, and the average of a roping event at the Reno Rodeo.
For complete results, visit www.lazye.com.
