As Super Series II came to an end, the athletes were more eager than ever to get their chance at the $50,000 prize.
Tie-down roper Riley Webb had a successful night with a time of 8.4 seconds. Webb felt great about his performance and spoke about why he loves RODEOHOUSTON®. “It’s the biggest besides the NFR.”
Leslie Smalygo swept the competition in barrel racing with a time of 14.61 seconds. “Less is more with Guss [her horse]. I just got to warm him up and he’ll do his job,” Smalygo said.
Team Ropers Jr. Dees and Coleby Payne also experienced a great night of roping. Dees said, “It feels good to know that we can keep coming back and keep advancing. Advancing is the goal.”
Steer wrestler Ty Erickson spoke of how he felt with his advancement saying, “The atmosphere here makes RODEOHOUSTON unique. The committees and hospitality are great. We don’t get to compete in many football stadiums so when you put that together, it’s the best.”
Shea Fournier held on to the top spot in Saddle Bronc with a score of 86.5. “Competing at Houston is awesome,” Fournier said. “The crowd, the facility, it’s one of the best rodeos.
RC Landingham walked away as the top cowboy in Bareback Riding. “It’s second nature to me now,” Landingham said. “I just need to warm up and keep my mind sharp.”
Despite a no-score run, Breakaway Roper Maddy Deerman held on to the top spot and will advance to the semifinals. “It is my first year being here, and Houston is an awesome show,” Deerman said.
Tristen Hutchings secured his spot in the semifinals with the highest score of the night in Bull Riding with an 85.5. “Today was amazing,” Hutchings said. “It feels good competing at RODEOHOUSTON because it has the biggest payout.”
Super Series II Champions advancing to the Semifinal round (winnings to date) include:
- Tie-Down Roping: Riley Webb, Denton, Texas – $5,250
- Bareback Riding: RC Landingham, Hat Creek, California – $5,125
- Team Roping: Jr. Dees, Aurora, South Dakota, Coleby Payne, Stephenville, Texas – $9,000
- Saddle Bronc: Shea Fournier, Raceland, Louisiana – $6,250
- Steer Wrestling: Ty Erikson, Helena, Montana – $6,750
- Barrel Racing: Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, Oklahoma – $6,000
- Breakaway Roping: Maddy Deerman, Roswell, New Mexico – $4,000
- Bull Riding: Tristen Hutchings, Monteview, Idaho – $6,000
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 $600 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2024 Rodeo is scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 17. The 2024 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, is scheduled for Feb. 22 – 24. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and follow @RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.