As the athletes get closer to the semifinals, many competitors are still hitting their stride to win the $50,000 payout.
TIE-DOWN ROPING
Brazilian tie-down roper Marcus Costa clinched the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series IV Championship. He said RODEOHOUSTON is a great place to compete.
“RODEOHOUSTON is one of the best,” Costa said. “They treat us so good and the committee is amazing.”
Advancing to the Championship Round:
Marcos Costa, Tolar, Texas – $6,500
Tuf Case Cooper, Decatur, Texas – $4,875
Beau Cooper, Stettler, Alberta, Canada – $4,750
Reese Riemer, Stinnett, Texas – $3,000
BAREBACK RIDING
Experienced Bareback rider Will Lowe swept the competition and secured his spot in the semifinals.
“At the end of the day it all comes down to riding,” Lowe said. “It’s just what I do.”
Advancing to the Championship Round:
Will Lowe, Amarillo, Texas – $6,250
Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas – $4,750
Orin Larsen, Inglis, Manitoba, Canada – $3,375
Jayco Roper, Oktaha, Oklahoma – $2,875
TEAM ROPING
Team roping partners Kreece Thompson and Caleb Hendrix had the fastest run of the night with a time of 5.7. Caleb Hendrix said the most challenging factor is mentality.
“It’s all mental,” he said. “Knowing what to do is important at a rodeo this big.”
Advancing to the Championship Round:
Kreece Thompson, Munday, Texas; and Caleb Hendrix, Fallon, Nevada – $12,000
Riley Minor, Ellensburg, Washington; and Brady Minor, Ellensburg, Washington – $9,000
Kolton Schmidt, Barrhead, Alberta, Canada; and Jake Minor, Milton-Freewater, Oregon – $5,500
Bubba Buckaloo, Kingston, Oklahoma; and Cole Davison, Stephenville, Texas- $5,000
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
Ryder Wright was able to snag the top spot and secure the Super Series IV title.
“Winning is awesome, but losing sparks something to do my best each ride,” Wright said.
Advancing to the Championship Round:
Ryder Wright, Beaver, Utah – $5,000
Wade Sundell, Coleman, Oklahoma – $4,000
Rusty Wright, Beaver, Utah – $3,250
Jacobs Crawley, Stephenville, Texas – $3,250
STEER WRESTLING
Clinching his spot in the semifinals with a good run was Josh Garner. He said competing at RODEOHOUSTON is a chilling experience.
“It’s chilling,” he said. “The noise and crowd gives you a chill down your back.”
Advancing to the Championship Round:
Josh Garner, Live Oak, California – $5,750
Nick Guy, Parker, Colorado – $4,000
Trell Etbauer, Gruver, Texas – $3,500
Blake Knowles, Heppner, Oregon – $3,000
BARREL RACING
Paige Jones managed to stay on top with one of the fastest times around the barrels.
“Houston has a big stadium, and my horse loves big open pens, so this has been pretty amazing so far,” Jones said.
Advancing to the Championship Round:
Paige Jones, Wayne, Oklahoma – $8,000
Summer Kosel, Glenham, South Dakota – $5,000
Emma Charleston, Reeds, Missouri – $4,500
Sarah Rose Waguespack, Gonzales, Louisiana – $2,250
BREAKAWAY ROPING
After a successful run at the Super Series IV Championship, Samantha Fulton came out on top. She said she and her horse performed better than expected.
“I got a good start,” Fulton said. “The calf was better than I thought.”
Advancing to the Championship Round:
Samantha Fulton, Miller, South Dakota – $5,500
Rickie Engesser, Spearfish, South Dakota – $5,250
McKenna Hickson, Lipan, Texas – $4,000
Shai Schaefer, Lake Creek, Texas – $2,500
BULL RIDING
Hometown hero Trey Benton III was the only one to cover all three bulls and clutched Super Series IV title.
“Just do your job,” Benton said. “If you don’t win, you don’t get paid,” Benton said.
Advancing to the Championship Round:
Trey Benton III, Huntsville, Texas – $8,000
Brady Portenier, Caldwell, Idaho – $4,000
Cole Wagner, Valier, Montana – $2,000
Jace Trosclair, Chauvin, Louisiana – $2,000
The top four from each event, from each Super Series will advance to a Semifinal Round. The top four from each event in the Semifinal rounds will advance to the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship, Sunday, March 19. The remaining six from each event in the two semifinals will compete in the Wild Card Rounds, Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18 where the top two from each event will advance to the Championship. Each event champion will walk away with a $50,000 payout, in addition to previous winnings.
More about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $575 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2023 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 19. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.