ARLINGTON, TEXAS (March 12) – As the dust settled inside Globe Life Field at The American Rodeo, powered by Teton Ridge on Saturday, March 11, less than 10 seconds across two disciplines turned into the biggest single-day payout for breakaway roping winner Jackie Crawford and tie- down winner Ty Harris, both Texas natives.

“You can play out a million different scenarios in your mind, but the odds of it coming true just always seem so far,” Jackie Crawford said following the nationally televised western sports event. “We prepare for it, we work for it, and we are just thankful for the opportunity that has been given to us and to be able to capitalize on it, I truly cannot believe that this just happened.”
Hailing from Stephenville, Texas, breakaway roper Jackie Crawford is no stranger to world titles in the rodeo world as the second most decorated member in the WPRA and now two-time American Rodeo breakaway roping winner. But this is her first time taking home a winning title as a contender at The American Western Weekend – and the first time a cowgirl has also carried the title. 24-year-old Ty Harris, a San Angelo, Texas native, recently finished 11th in the tie-down roping world standings and qualified for his fourth straight NFR. This is his first American Rodeo win.  
Celebrating its 10th year, The American Rodeo features competitors in all eight traditional rodeo disciplines: barrel racing, breakaway roping, steer wrestling, team roping (heading and healing), tie down roping, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Fans could root for the underdog “Contenders” chasing a $1 million bonus or the professional athletes defending their champion status in the ultimate high-stakes showdown.
Other champions from The American Rodeo 2023 included: Stetson Wright (bull riding and saddle bronc); Kaycee Field (bareback); Tyler Waguespack (steer wrestling); Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira (team roping); and Lisa Lockhart (barrel racing).
The American Rodeo’s exhilarating evening kicked off with The National Anthem performed by “American Idol” alum Pia Toscano, followed by five Contenders up against five Champions. A halftime performance by award-winning singer-songwriter Cody Johnson brought a fast-paced, upbeat energy to the sold out 42,000-seat Globe Life Field before the winners of each discipline competed, with one overall The American Rodeo winner crowned.
For the first time ever during The American Western Weekend, the top five year-end money earning professionals from the NRCHA, NCHA and the NRHA came together for The American Performance Horseman inaugural event on Friday, March 10. The competitive exhibition format fused the elements of history and competition in an ode to the past, present and future of western performance horse sports. The Royal Blue Team, as drafted in early February, of cutter Adan Banuelos, reiner Fernando Salgado and reined cow horse professional Sarah Dawson, swept the night.  

For more information on The American Rodeo or Teton Ridge, please visit www.americanrodeo.com and follow @theamerican.tr on Instagram.

Story and Photos
by Kristen Spinning

  CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA – Ropers perservered through cold and wind to win big in Casa Grande, at the Mike Cervi Memorial Pro Classic February 22. Riley Minor and Jake Long showed without a doubt that they were playing to win from the moment they broke out of the box. As the field of 174 narrowed through 4 rounds and challenging conditions, the pair stayed consistent, capitalizing on every opportunity they had.
  The Cervi has a storied history of running rain or shine. “The weather threatened us,” admitted roping producer George Aros. “I tossed and turned for a week ever since I saw the forecast. We had a back up plan. The Volken Academy Ranch offered their covered arena. We weren’t going to rope in the rain again like last year. I promised myself that. But I’m pretty happy we didn’t have to use it.”
As dawn broke, the showers moved on and the Cervi stayed at the Casa Grande Rodeo Grounds. Diehard roping fans bundled in blankets in the grandstands. The deep sandy footing drained well and didn’t slow the action one bit. Aros commented, “The ground at this arena is amazing. Especially when it is wet. Despite a good soaking, it held up tight and solid. There’s a bottom to it, a firm surface to grip a hold of.” With that in mind, the score was set for the horses to run as fast as possible. Fresh, Mexican branded steers provided by Taner Baldwin and crew ran consistently strong. Aros added, “No one has to worry about running their horse in that arena, even when wet. These guys went full-on all day long.”
  The Cervi short go never disappoints in delivering some stunning action. With a field peppered with roping legends chasing a guaranteed minimum 90% payback over 6 monies, plus a fast time bonus, every team pulled out all the stops. Despite the pressure and speed on display, the top 12 teams all caught.
  Sitting in the 6th call back, Riley Minor and Levi Lord had 27.68 on 4 and needed a 6.42  to vault to the top of the leader board. They got the flag at 5.51 putting them briefly in the lead but they knew they were being chased by 5 great teams.
  Paul Eaves and Erich Rogers were up next, and clocked a 5.94, but that wasn’t enough to get ahead. Levi Lord was back with Dustin Egusquiza carved a little more off that time with 5.85 to find themselves in the money with just a few teams left. Two time World Champion Matt Sherwood roping with Logan Spady was 4th high call. They needed 6.15 for no less than a 4th place finish. They stopped the clock at 5.64 for a 32.67 total, putting them at the top.
  Pedro Egurrola  and 14 year old sensation Little Michael Calmelat had a 26.41 on 4 and needed a 6.25 to take lead. A 6.24 head shot just barely got them there. Garrett Tonizzi and Kaden Profili sat comfortably in the second high call back with 26.03 and needed a 6.61 to stay there at the least. A 6.21 gave them a sliver of breathing room, but everyone knew the final team was a looming threat.
Riley Minor was already winning 4th with Levi Lord as he settled into the box. He had one shot left with Jake Long to secure another check. But Long had an additional challenge to overcome. His horse fell down with another partner in the fourth round, jamming his foot into the ground. It left him sore, a little crippled up and effectively only able to use one leg coming out of the box. At 25.6 on 4, they only needed a 6.63 but this team didn’t play it safe. Riley caught quick and set up Jake to close the deal in dominating fashion at 6.08, winning $34,140. Reflecting on the day, Riley Minor commented, “I don’t get to rope with Jake very often, but he’s one of the best there is. He throws fast, I love it.” Riley was on a new horse he bought from Kaleb Driggers and seems to be getting with him in quick fashion. Holding his big $17,070 check at the awards presentation he quipped, “Maybe this will start paying for him right here.”
  Second went to Garrett Tonizzi and Kaden Profili splitting $28,250. Pedro Egurrola  and Michael Calmelat held the third hole for $22,360. Matt Sherwood and Logan Spady landed in fourth for $16,480. Fifth money of $10,594 went to Riley Minor and Levi Lord, and Levi struck again with Dustin Egusquiza in 6th for $5,885. There was a tie for fast time in the short go with two teams posting a 5.68. Delon Parker and Sid Sporer, along with Clint Summers and Cory Petska won $1,500. In addition to money, the champions received Gist Buckles and Yeti Coolers. All six teams received Bex sunglasses and other prizes.
Another big winner of The Cervi is Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. “We raised $18,000 for them this year,” said Aros. “Mel Potter started the fundraising aspect of this roping as soon as it became the Mike Cervi Jr. Memorial. Since then, we’ve raised over $300,000.”
  The Cervi Pro-Am Roping started the day with amateur headers and heelers teaming up with Cervi Pro ropers for three full rounds. Header and heeler winners received a champion Gist buckle and go round buckles were also awarded. Header Chip Giles had Chris Young heeling for him for the overall win. Amateur heeler Steve Mikitish was well set up by Clint Summers to win the average.  All the Amateurs also receive an embroidered Wrangler jacket and team photo. Aros always admires the enthusiasm of the amateurs and generosity of the pros, “Thank you to all the pros, and we sure appreciated the young pros who volunteered their time to rope in the Pro-Am this year.  We saw some future NFR contenders out there, no doubt about it. Pedro Egurrola, Denton Dunning, Nicky Northcott all participated in the Pro Am. Then we had some veterans like Jake Long, Cory Petska, Matt Sherwood and Clay Smith
  The Cervi has often been a place where young ropers shine. “We have guys who were watching this roping when they were little, thinking what would it be like to win. Then they’re walking away with a check. We saw Little Michael Calmelat make a spectactcular catch in the Pre-Roping the day before to land him in 4th,” said Aros. “He was third call back with all the pressure in the Cervi and just fired another great catch to put him in the lead. The final two teams moved him but he still got a third place check. It’s a phenomenon how this kid can win. You’ve got to watch those South Tucson boys. That’s where I came from. That’s where Cesar came from. There’s a whole bunch of guys who came from that little neighborhood who went on to become world class ropers.”
  In addition to the roping superstars who make The Cervi a regular stop on their schedule, it takes a dedicated team behind the scenes to make this such a stand out roping each year. Aros is always quick to acknowledge their hard work. “I want to give a shout out to Tony Ybara and crew for outstanding job preparing the arena,” said Aros. “Also Joyce Sewell and our office crew who keep everything running efficiently and write all those checks. We are always honored to have Reed Flake in the announcer’s booth. And of course we couldn’t do this without the City of Casa Grande and all our wonderful sponsors. It all started in 1982 by having a jackpot for the pros when they came to town for the Tucson Rodeo. It has evolved from there and we’ll just keep going!”

Results follow, payout per team:
Cervi Memorial Pro Classic: $400/man
Fast time short go: 1/2. Delon Parker and Sid Sporer; Clint Summers and Cory Petska, 5.68, $1,500.
Average: 1. Riley Minor and Jake Long, 31.68, $34,140. 2. Garrett Tonozzi and Kaden Profili, 32.24, $28,250. 3. Pedro Egurrola and Michael Calmelat, $22,360. 4. Matt Sherwood and Logan Spady, 32.67, $16,480. 5. Riley Minor and Levi Lord, 33.19, $10,594. 6. Dustin Egusquiza and Levi Lord, 33.68, $5,885.
Cervi Pro-Am
Headers Average: 1. Chip Giles and Chris Young, 26.17.
1st go: 1. Jay Varela and Dakota Kirchenschlager, 7.16. 2nd go: 1. John Ludwig and Denton Dunning, 7.27. 3rd go: 1. John Teigen and Paul Eaves, 5.98.
Heelers Average: 1. Clint Summers and Steve Mikitish, 35.03.
1st go: 1. Clay Smith and Matthew Trainer, 7.99. 2nd go: 1. Levi Simpson and Craig Skubleny, 9.25. 3rd go: 1. Matt Sherwood and Hayden Vondrak, 7.25.

By Kathy Branco
Special To Ropers Sports News

  CHOWCHILLA, CALIF. – The 66th Chowchilla Western Stampede barrel race went off March 11-12 with predictions of an atmospheric river. Thankfully the storm hit Friday, March 10 and then the sun shined through Saturday and Sunday, which was total opposite from what the forecast called for. The original count for the race was 391 runners. Due to flooding the day before the race, 60 had to draw out, most were unable to leave their driveways due to flooding. Prayers to those who were unable to attend and many thanks to those who pulled their hats down and braved the mud outside to run in a great covered arena.
  Saturday’s race had 331 Open entries with a one-day payout between the Open, Futurity, Derby, Jr. and Sr. divisions, of $41,124.
  The Stampede kicked off the race with a special opening honoring our two yearly memorial honorees. Dan Branco, (Dan Branco Memorial Open) one of the original founders of the Chowchilla Stampede and Dean Flenniken (Dean Flenniken Memorial Futurity and Derby). Dean was the first woman in California to produce Futurities. Also honored in our opening was our 2023 Chowchilla Stampede Grand Marshall, Dr. Ed LeTourneau. Doc is a Chowchilla Stampede committeeman, veterinarian, Sr. World Champion bull rider and has many other accomplishments to his name. Doc has made a tremendous impact on the Chowchilla/Madera community for years.
  The Stampede also honored the late great Charlene Jespersen, whom we lost July 16 of 2022. Charlene was the very first Chowchilla Stampede barrel racing champion in 1958. The Stampede considered Charlene the “First Lady” and first champion. Charlene was honored with a riderless horse with a bouquet of flowers on the saddle that was lead in by Kathy Branco, followed by Lyndee Stairs, Stacy Hampton and Kimberly Naffzinger. All ladies were dressed in outfits of Charlene and her mother, Alma Evetts, who were always dressed to the nines in fancy chaps, shirts and hats and admired by all. Lyndee Stairs also wore a fur vest for Dean Flenniken (Dean always referred to it as her “road kill”).
  The Dan Branco Memorial Open 4D Barrel Race was also a Patriot Qualifier Race this year. 331 entries competed for the $10,000 added purse and a Patriot qualification that was won by champion Miley Bunting of Red Bluff, Calif., aboard “Click,” running a speedy 17.382. The awesome duo won $1,560, a Stampede buckle and Branco Ranch bench and a Fast Pass to the Vegas Patriot Million Dollar Short Go.
  The 2D Champion was Shelley Holman on Red Hot N Burnin, winning $1,404, a Stampede buckle, Branco Ranch bench and a Fast Pass to the Vegas Patriot Million Dollar Short Go.
  3D Champion was Taryn Bruener on Pay Cash For Gold, winning $1,196, winning a Stampede buckle, Branco Ranch bench and a Fast Pass to the Vegas Patriot Million Dollar Short Go.
  The 4D Champion was Gigi Forgnone on Ima Partee Cowboy winning her first ever buckle which happened to be a Stampede buckle, a Branco Ranch bench, $1,040 and a Fast Pass to the Vegas Patriot Million Dollar Short Go.
  The Dean Flenniken Memorial Futurity with 50 entries competing for $3,000 added purse, 100 percent payback was won by Shelby Bates aboard SH Famously Smooth, running a 17.722 and winning $1,584, a Stampede buckle and bag of Symphony Feed. The 2D champion was Alanna Bobsin on Plain Radio Flyer, running an 18.733 for $1,056, a Stampede buckle and bag of Symphony Feed.
  The Dean Flenniken Memorial Derby with 47 entries and $1,000 added was won by Vicky Cook on Blazin More Cash winning $832, a Stampede buckle and bag of Symphony Feed. The 2D Derby champion was Emma Osburn on Midnight Beauty DR, running 18.550 and winning $555, a Stampede buckle and Symphony Feed.
  The Stampede was honored to be chosen this year to be a Patriot Qualifier race in which all D division winners will receive a Fast Pass to the December Vegas Patriot Race  Short Go where they will run at a million dollar purse. All other money earners in each D will receive an invite to the December Patriot race in Las Vegas, to run for the million. Many thanks to the Patriot for choosing the Chowchilla Stampede.
  Sunday following the main Stampede race, the Stampede produced a $1,500 added Open race. The race turned out 176 entries and was won by Kelsey Hayden of Oakdale Calif., aboard her fabulous mare, “Buhbye” running a 17.399.
  The two day Average was won by Miley Bunting on her great horse “Click,” winning the Chowchilla Stampede Memorial Charlene Jespersen average buckle and the Teri Duetsch Memorial travel safety bag. Miley ran a 17.382 and 17.687 to win the two-day Stampede average.
  The Stampede total two day payout was $52,746 to those who braved the weather.
  Our sponsors are a huge part of the Stampede and we cannot thank them enough. Generous Ray Barragan Jr. with Golden Memorial Insurance, and Rockin JR Ranch @ $5,000 sponsor. The Patriot, Stacy and Todd Hampton, Hall Management Corp., Orchard Bar & Grill, Ashleys Journey Barrel Bash, the Zanoli kids in memory of Jim and Betty Zanoli, Christie Wood Gumb, Jade and Jeff Flenniken, Ken and Linda Woods, Kimberly Naffzinger and DeWayne Brawley, Symphony Feed and Tami Kelly,  Running F Quarter Horses and Janel Flook, Charlene Ornellas and Just By Design, Platinum Performance, WPRA PESI Stallion Incentive, Deb Mann with Double Shot Darling, Wyatt and Lacy Bourdet and Isaac Starlight, Stephanie Cosca, N and S Tractor, Kendra Williams with Sterling On Steel, Branco Ranch Furniture, and the Chowchilla Stampede Committee.
  The Chowchilla Stampede would also like to thank “the Dream Team” crew who is second to none and ran a flawless race. Secretary Sheanna DeForest; announcer Steve Smart, office staff Patti Silva, Sheila Ragsdale, Teri Silva; Jodi Branco, stall and RV manager; Jeff and Stacey Freitas with JF Video; Deb Mann photography; Dana Luther and Candy Forsburg, gate hostess; and the Chowchilla football team who set barrels all weekend.
  The 66th Chowchilla Stampede was a bit of a challenge with weather but is in the books and will be one to remember.

Miley Bunting was the Saturday Open Dan Branco Memorial Stampede Champion and the two-day Average winner. Miley receives her buckle and Branco Ranch bench from Kathy Branco and Dr. Ed LeTourneau, 2023 Stampede Grand Marshal. – Deb Mann Photo

Kelsey Hayden was the Sunday $1500 added Open winner on Buhbye. – Deb Mann Photo

Shelby Bates, Dean Flenniken Futurity Champion, on SH Famously Smooth. – Deb Mann Photo