Super Series I came to an end on Thursday, Feb. 29. The rodeo athletes will continue to compete for the $50,000 championship prize.
Roping partners Lighting Aguilera and Jonathan Torres took the winning spot in Team Roping with a time of 4.5 seconds.
Aguilera and Torres started roping together this year and said, “It feels amazing [RODEOHOUSTON®] is the best rodeo to be at.”
Lefty Holman, the Saddle Bronc champ of the night, walked out of the arena after earning a score of 85. Holman said that it feels amazing to be in Houston. His favorite part about being here is, “family and being around friends that are like family.”
Bull Rider Jeff Askey, with the only scored ride of the night at 79, walked away all smiles and feeling great about being one step closer to $50,000. “It feels amazing,” Askey said.
After a successful run, Tie-Down Roper Caleb Smidt was one step closer to securing his chance at $50,000.
“It feels good competing, beating these guys and moving on,” Smidt said.
Skilled Bareback rider Nick Pelke scored an 83 and will be moving on to the semifinals. “The size of the arena is not intimidating at all because when you’re in the zone everything is silent,” Pelke said. “I checked in with my emotions and made sure to keep them intact.”
Stephen Culling claimed the top spot in Steer Wrestling and will move on to the next round.
“It’s a job. You gotta back in and do what you need to do,” Culling said.
With a time of 14.57, Lisa Lockhart swept the Barrel Racing competition. “Houston has a unique flare. People are here to see the performers and we are performers with the thrill of competition,” said Lockhart. “The arena is harder because it adds adversity and adventure.”
Last night’s winners advancing to the Semifinal round (winnings to date):
- Tie-Down Roping: Caleb Smidt, Bellville, Texas – $6,500
- Bareback Riding: Nick Pelke, Mondovi, Wisconsin – $5,375
- Team Roping: Lightning Aguilera, Athens, Texas, and Joathan Torres, Ocala, Florida – $13,000
- Saddle Bronc: Lefty Holman, Visalia, California – $5,250
- Steer Wrestling: Stephen Culling, Fort St. John, British Columbia – $5,000
- Barrel Racing: Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, South Dakota – $6,750
- Breakaway Roping: Tiada Gray, Portales, New Mexico – $4,750
- Bull Riding: Jeff Askey, Athens, Texas – $6,500
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