Competitors love new rodeo format

Times Reporter   

 

Strathmore Stampede’s new rodeo format, first introduced last year, is making Canada’s third largest rodeo a must-stop on the professional tour.

The new format, which features a Finals Monday, is quickly becoming a huge draw for the Strathmore Stampede.

“We started with rodeo finals (last year) and I think that is starting to catch on,” said Brad Walls, president of the Strathmore & District Agricultural Society. “Next year is only going to get bigger.”

“The event has been a very successful. First of all we want to thank our sponsors, our volunteers and spectator base for coming out and supporting us.”

The first-time steer rider Coy Robbins will not forget his first trip to the Strathmore Stampede. 

Robbins really felt that he could have been better, but his 79 points were good enough for the winning earnings of $1462.76

“It felt alright, I thought I could have rode a little better, but nothing is better than winning three events in one rodeo,” said Robbins

Robbins was awarded with the Jack Hartell Memorial Belt Buckle and he could not have been more honoured.

The time of 3.6 seconds is what got steer wrestler Dru Melvin a shiny new belt buckle and an earning of $2,775.25 

“This is the first time I have entered here, a really great rodeo and a lot people showed up for the short round. It was a great experience,” said Melvin.

Bull rider Tyler Thomson was able to sustain control on his bull, ‘I’m a Gangsta,’ long enough to earn him a winning point total of 86.75 and earnings of  $2,800.

“(I had) a good bull that had not been ridden too many times – that was the second time he has been rode,” said Thomson. “I knew I had to have everything firing on the right cylinders. It worked out good, he bucked really hard (which played) into my hands … really strong bull and we got along.”

Ladies Barrel racer Rebecca Paradis showed a strong ride weaving around the barrels and the results showed with a time of 17.564 seconds and a prize pot of $2,800.

“I am so excited. This is the biggest thing I have ever won in my life, so it is pretty awesome,” said Paradis.

Jake Vold used a 90.25 point ride on Monday to claim the bareback competition, winning $2,800. Jeremy Buhler and Rhen Richard each collected $1,400 after winning the team roping event.

Rylan Geiger used an 88.5 point ride on ‘Pedro’ to win the saddle bronc competition, while Clint Robinson needed 8.5 seconds to win the tie-down roping.

Linden Woods claimed the novice bareback with a 73 point ride, good enough for $942.26. Keenan Reinhardt scored an 81 point ride in novice saddle bronc, earning him $928.29.