Nine athletes secured their spots in the RODEOHOUSTON® Championship on Thursday night, advancing out of Wild Card 1 at NRG Stadium.
Wild Card rounds at RODEOHOUSTON offer athletes one final opportunity to qualify for the Championship. Contestants who do not place in the top four of their semifinal round advance to one of two Wild Card rounds, where only the top athlete in each event earns a spot in Saturday’s Championship.
For many competitors, the Wild Card round represents a final chance to extend their RODEOHOUSTON run — one ride, one run and one opportunity to advance.
Bull rider Clayton Sellars was among those who secured a place in the Championship. Reflecting on his performance, Sellars said his mindset made the difference after a challenging week. “It was a boost after a long week,” Sellars said. “I decided I was going to do everything I could and just go for it. I think that’s what will carry me through the rest of the season.”
Earlier in the week, Sellars said he was uncertain whether he would advance out of the Wild Card round. “At one point this week, if you had told me I’d be here, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Sellars said. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
Wild Card 1 Athletes Advancing:
- Tie-Down Roping — Tuf Cooper, Decatur, Texas – $8,250
- Bareback Riding — Jess Pope, Garnett, Kansas – $6,375
- Team Roping — Coy Rahlmann, Ellsinore, Missouri and Logan Medlin, Stephenville, Texas – $7,250
- Saddle Bronc Riding — Rusty Wright, Datil, New Mexico – $6,375
- Steer Wrestling — Chance Howard, Sallisaw, Oklahoma – $7,750
- Barrel Racing — Lauralee Ward, Fort Lupton, Colorado – $6,500
- Breakaway Roping — Haiden Thompson, Yoder, Wyoming – $7,500
- Bull Riding — Clayton Sellars, Fruitland Park, Florida – $5,000
For others, it’s their first time at RODEOHOUSTON – and they are making sure to make their presence known. Barrel Racer Lauralee Ward is one of them.“Rodeo Houston is on Mount Rushmore of Rodeos,” Ward said. “So, to be here is so surreal, and to be moving to the finals is unimaginable.”
Path to the Championship
These champions will advance to Saturday’s Championship round, where they will compete for one of rodeo’s most prestigious titles. Additional athletes will continue their journey in the Wild Card rounds, where only the top athletes in each event will earn the final remaining spots in the Championship.
The RODEOHOUSTON Super Series is a 20-day tournament-style competition that ultimately crowns champions in bareback riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, women’s barrel racing and breakaway roping. Each event champion receives $65,000, in addition to winnings earned in earlier rounds, along with a custom-made saddle and belt buckle. Champions also receive an invitation to compete at RODEOHOUSTON the following year.
RODEOHOUSTON is an official PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) (NFR) National Finals Rodeo money event, with earnings from RODEOHOUSTON counting toward qualification for the NFR and the PRCA World Standings. For information about RODEOHOUSTON athletes, click HERE.