CARD ROUND — MARCH 21, 2009 — HOUSTONFriday night’s Wild Card Round set the final contestants for the RodeoHouston BP Super Series Championship, where only one from each event will be named Champion and receive $50,000.
After an upsetting no-time in Semifinal 1, Hunter Herrin had a run of 8.8 seconds in the Wild Card; putting him in first place for the night and earning him a spot in the Tie-Down Roping Championship. “My greatest influence is definitely my step-dad, Bob Nunn,” he said. “He has taught me everything, from life in general to roping.” Also advancing to the Championship is fellow roper Ryan Jarrett, with a 9.7-second run for the night.
Super Series IV Bareback Champion Bud Munns advanced to the Championship after his 82-point ride. “How many times to do you get to ride for $50,000,” he said. “This one [Rodeo] is a lot different!” Dusty LaValley also advanced to the Championship, scoring 81 points on his Wild Card ride.
Team roping partners Derrick Begay and Cory Petska came out on top after a 4.6-second run, winning $8,650. “I try to worry about myself when I’m out there” Begay said. “Because I know my partner is behind me doing what he does best.” Roping partners Keven Daniel and Martin Lucero also advanced to the Championship with a run of 4.6 seconds, winning $5,800.
Brothers Heith and Cody DeMoss dominated the Saddle Bronc Riding Wild Card, with separate scores of 82 and 77.5 points, respectively. “I’m sure our mom is freaking out right now,” Heith DeMoss said. The Heflin, La., cowboys will try for $50,000 today at the BP Super Series Championship.
Dane Hanna advanced to the Steer Wrestling Championship after a four-second-flat run. “I missed my steer the last time, so it was nice to have that second chance,” he said. Hanna is joined by Matt Reeves, who had a time of 4.1 seconds for the night.
Long-time barrel racer Jill Moody won the Wild Card Round after her 15.19-second run. “I started barrel racing through a 4-H program when I was around 10 years old in Central South Dakota,” she said. California native Sheena Robbins also advanced to the Championship after her 15.29-second run.
“This is my hometown rodeo and I just wanted to do well; it all paid off,” said bull riding Wild Card winner Douglas Duncan. This is the first time to ride at RodeoHouston for the Alvin, Texas, native, and after an 85.5-point ride, Duncan will have another chance at $50,000 in the Championship. Also advancing to the Championship is fellow bull rider Tate Stratton, who scored an 82.5 on his Wild Card ride.
In total, 10 contestants from each event will compete in the RodeoHouston Championship Round today at 3:45 p.m. The top four will compete again in the Shootout after round 1, where $50,000 will be awarded to each RodeoHouston event Champion.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $235 million to the youth of Texas. The 2009 Show continues through March 22.
For complete results and highlights, visit the Show’s Web site at www.rodeohouston.com.
