MARCH 20, 2009 — HOUSTON — Final results of the RodeoHouston BP Super Series Semifinal 2 sends 28 more hopeful contestants on to the Championship and a chance at $50,000.
Randall Carlisle roped his way into the Championship with a first place time of 8.2 seconds. “I really don’t get excited about much,” the tie-down roper said. “If I win that $50,000, I’ll get excited.” Carlisle is joined by Scott Kormos, Ryan Watkins and Brad Goodrich in Saturday’s Championship.
Kelly Timberman held on for 8 seconds in the bareback riding to earn the spot with a score of 83 points. “You have to put all your hard work into one package and give ‘er hell,” he said. Clint Cannon, Bobby Mote and Cody DeMers also will ride in the Bareback Riding Championship.
New team roping duo Chance Kelton and Rich Skelton took first place in Semifinal 2 with a time of 4.8 seconds. The two just started roping together this winter and have worked their way into the RodeoHouston Championship. Also advancing to the Championship are fellow team ropers Kelsey Parchman and Richard Durham, Charly Crawford and Ruddell Cardoza, and Matt Funk and Bucky Campbell.
Only his first time to compete at RodeoHouston, saddle bronc rider Wade Sundell advances to the Championship with an 83-point ride. “I’m very excited to get this far,” he said. “If you come in thinking it’s a big one, you are just going to get nervous, so I just think of it as another ride.” Joining Sundell in the Championship are Dusty Hausauer, Chet Johnson and Cody Wright.
Stockton Graves, BP Super Series V Steer Wrestling Champion, continued his streaks by qualifying for the Championship with a Semifinal 2 time of 4.8 seconds. “It’s been great being here all week and now getting to continue on [to the championship],” he said. Graves is joined in the Championship by fellow steer wrestlers Luke Branquinho, Zane Hankel and Jon Ragatz.
Veteran barrel racer Lisa Lockhart finished the night with a time of 15.26 seconds, sending her the Championship and a chance at $50,000. “It’s the greatest job in the world when you’re doing what you love,” she said. Mary Burger, 2008 RodeoHouston Champion Lindsay Sears and Stephanie Fryar also will ride in the Championship.
Bull rider Bobby Welsh will move on to the Championship round after his ride, scoring 78.5 as his family watched. “My two boys ride their ponies around like buckin’ broncs, roping the dummies,” he said. “And my 8-year-old daughter has already won some buckles goat tying and running barrels; we’re a rodeo family.” Joining Welsh in the Championship are fellow bull riders Cory Melton, Danny McDowell and Howdy Cloud.
The remaining six contestants from Semifinal 1 and 2 will proceed to tonight’s Wild Card Round, for their last chance at the $50,000 Championship payout.
In total, 10 contestants from each event will compete in the RodeoHouston Championship Round March 21. The top four will compete again in the Shootout that same day, 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.
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