RODEOHOUSTON® SEMIFINAL 1 RESULTS LEAD ATHLETES CLOSER TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP AND $50,000 AWARD
Competition in the NRG Stadium arena was fierce in the Semifinals 1, as each participant competed for the top four spots in their event to advance to the Championship on Saturday.
TIE-DOWN ROPING
Zack Jongbloed was able to secure first place in Semifinal 1 Tie-Down Roping, as well as a spot in the RODEOHOUSTON Championship on Saturday with a time of 7.6 seconds. Kincade Henry was close behind with a time of 7.8 seconds.
Going into the Championship Round, Jongbloed said, “It’s the same mindset. It’s a tough set of guys; you just go out there and hope for the best.”
Advancing to the Championship Round (with total winnings to date):
- Zack Jongbloed: Iowa, Louisiana — $6,000
- Kincade Henry: Mt. Pleasant, Texas — $5,000
- Tyler Mulligan: Bartlesville, Oklahoma — $7,750
- Ty Harris: San Angelo, Texas — $4,750
BAREBACK RIDING
Bareback riders battled a tough set of broncs in the Semifinal 1 Round. Chad Rutherford advanced to the RODEOHOUSTON Championship with an 85-point ride on a Calgary Stampede horse, Bigtimin Houston.
Advancing to the Championship Round (with total winnings to date):
- Chad Rutherford: Itasca, Texas — $7,125
- Orin Larsen: Inglis, Manitoba, Canada — $6,375
- Rocker Steiner: Weatherford, Texas — $7,850
- Tilden Hooper: Fort Worth, Texas — $2,750
TEAM ROPING
The Minor brother duo, Brady and Riley, came out on top with a run of 4.9 seconds in Team Roping.
Brady Minor talked about his brother, saying. “It’s been an advantage roping with him so far. I know what he’s going to do, and we get to practice together all the time.”
Advancing to the Championship Round (with total winnings to date):
- Riley Minor: Ellensburg, Washington; and Brady Minor: Ellensburg, Washington — $12,500
- Kaleb Driggers: Stephenville, Texas; and Junior Nogueira: Lipan, Texas — $13,000
- Tanner Tomlinson: Angelton, Texas; and Patrick Smith, Lipan, Texas — $10,500
- Colby Lovell: Madisonville, Texas; and Shay Carroll: Stephenville, Texas — $7,000
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
The Wright family continues their success at RODEOHOUSTON with Stetson placing first in the Semifinal 1 Round in Saddle Bronc Riding.
Having to compete in two events at such high levels, Wright explained that Saddle Bronc Riding and Bull Riding are very different from each other.
“It’s all muscle memory,” he said. “When riding broncs, you have to be cool, calm and collected. With bulls, you have to have a killer attitude. You just go out there and give it your all.”
Advancing to the Championship Round (with total winnings to date):
- Stetson Wright: Beaver, Utah — $6,500
- Leon Fountain: Socorro, New Mexico — $7,375
- Damian Brennan: Snyder, Texas — $5,750
- Dawson Hay: Visalia, California — $3,750
STEER WRESTLING
The last steer wrestler of the night, Hunter Cure, was able to surpass his competitors’ times. His 4.6-second run secured a spot in the RODEOHOUSTON Championship on Saturday.
“I feel like once you reach the Semifinals, you have to bring your ‘A’ game. There’s no playing it safe,” said Cure.
Advancing to the Championship Round:
- Hunter Cure: Holliday, Texas — $7,000
- Tanner Brunner: Ramona, Kansas — $8,000
- JD Struxness: Perrin, Texas — $7,000
- Will Lummus: Byhalia, Mississippi — $6,250
BARREL RACING
With a run of 14.59 seconds, Hailey Kinsel and her horse, Sister, were able to out run the competition.
Advancing to the Championship Round:
- Hailey Kinsel: Cotulla, Texas — $8,000
- Molly Otto: Grand Forks, North Dakota — $5,000
- Lois Ferguson: West, Texas — $5,750
- Wenda Johnson: Pawhuska, Oklahoma — $3,750
BULL RIDING
With tight competition, Parker Breding will advance to the RODEOHOUSTON Championship Round with a score of 91 points on the bull Farmers Only, from Big Rafter Rodeo.
“91 points definitely boosts the confidence,” said Breding. “I had a good bull, and I just need to keep drawing good bulls.”
Advancing to the Championship Round:
- Parker Breding: Edgar, Montana — $9,000
- Roscoe Jarboe: New Plymouth, Idaho — $5,750
- Jordan Hansen: Amish, Alberta, Canada — $4,500
- Sage Kimzey Steel: Salado, Texas — $5,750
The top four from each event in the Semifinal rounds will advance to the RODEOHOUSTON Super Series Championship, Saturday, March 19. The remaining six from each event in the two semifinals will compete in the Wild Card Round, Friday, 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.
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 $550 million to the youth of Texas and education. The 2022 Rodeo continues through March 20. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news.
