Twenty eight riders in seven events advanced to the semifinal round by placing in the top four in their events in Super Series II at RodeoHouston on March 4.
The Super Series II Championship Round ended three nights of competition, the second of five opening rounds in the new Super Series format. Each event featured 10 contestants competing three nights for go-round money and the top four places in their respective events.
Although rodeos tend to be very traditional, most of the winners in this week’s Series said that they enjoyed the new format.
“I like the new layout because it’s the same every night,” said Tee Woolman, one of the Team Roping Champions. “It is the same 10 guys every night, everything is laid out, and you can just rope and know what you’re up against.”
Hunter Herrin, Super Series II Tie-down Roping Champion, said, “I like the new format. The way they are doing the money, there is more of it and it is better for the cowboys.”
He went on to say that regardless of the money, Houston is worth the trip.
“This is my second year to come,” Herrin said. “Competing in a building this size, it’s the largest on the circuit, and with the crowd going, it gets your adrenaline flowing and gets you really pumped.”
Several of the second Series champions are veterans at Houston, but they said even having competed at the Rodeo in the past, it is still an incredible experience.
Super Series II Bareback Champion James Boudreaux said, “I’ve been competing here since 1996, but it’s still awesome. I love it; there is nothing else like it.”
The competitors said they also love RodeoHouston because of how the contestants are treated.
“We get fed well here — we get treated well here,” Darlene Kasper, Super Series II Barrel Racing Champion, said. “Houston takes good care of the contestants.”
Jake Rinehart, Series II Steer Wrestling Champion summed it up best. “Here at Houston, they really take care of us cowboys,” he said.
Super Series Champions received $6,000 in additional prize money, a 75th anniversary Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ watch and a garment bag.
Champions in Super Series III will be announced Wednesday, March 7, at a 6:45 p.m. performance featuring entertainer Sheryl Crow.
For complete results and highlights, visit the Show’s Web site at www.rodeohouston.com.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, and supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since 1932, the Show has committed more than $200 million to the youth of Texas.
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