Wacey Schalla is back, Rocker Steiner is hoping to follow soon, and the race to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo is about to hit its September pressure cooker.
Schalla has returned to competition after suffering a broken femur at the Music City Rodeo in Nashville in May. Despite the time away, Schalla remains 15th in the PRCA bareback world standings, putting him right on the NFR bubble with Garrett Shadbolt among those chasing from behind.
Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Rocker Steiner remains sidelined following neck surgery. Steiner had initially hoped to return by mid-August, but doctors delayed his comeback. He is expected to return soon, potentially in time to make a September push toward Las Vegas.
With September arriving, here’s a look at this week’s Territorial Rodeo Update Top 5 Countdown, brought to you by Gingerich Structures and Sioux Steel Company.
Bareback Riding
Bradlee Miller continues to hold a commanding lead in the bareback riding standings with more than $248,000 won.
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- Bradlee Miller
- Jacob Lees
- Jess Pope
- Kade Sonnier
- Cooper Cooke
The race farther down the standings may be just as interesting. With Schalla back in action and Steiner hoping to return, the battle around the 15th and final NFR qualifying position could get wild during September.
Steer Wrestling
Time to go Bulldoggin’!
Tyler Waguespack remains atop the steer wrestling world standings with more than $184,000 in earnings.
- Tyler Waguespack
- Jesse Brown
- Cash Robb
- Ty Erickson
- Riley Duvall
Team Roping
It’s a razor-thin race at the top among the team roping headers.
Kaleb Driggers leads Korbin Rice by only about $200, leaving virtually no breathing room heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Headers:
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- Kaleb Driggers
- Korbin Rice
- Tyler Tryan
- Jake Smith
- James Arviso
On the heeler side, Junior Nogueira holds down the No. 1 position, while South Dakota’s Levi Lord remains inside the Top 5.
Heelers:
- Junior Nogueira
- Cooper Freeman
- Nicky Northcott
- Levi Lord
- Douglas Rich
Saddle Bronc Riding
The Wright family has apparently decided to rent the penthouse in the saddle bronc standings.
Rusty Wright leads the world, followed immediately by Ryder Wright and Stetson Wright, giving the family a clean sweep of the top three positions.
- Rusty Wright
- Ryder Wright
- Stetson Wright
- Kade Bruno
- Sage Newman
Tie-Down Roping
Riley Webb has opened up some daylight in the tie-down roping race, leading the world with nearly $280,000 in earnings.
- Riley Webb
- Haven Meged
- Kincade Henry
- Joel Harris
- Shane Hanchey
Barrel Racing
Hayle Gibson-Stillwell continues to lead the WPRA barrel racing standings, while four-time World Champion Hailey Kinsel sits fifth.
- Hayle Gibson-Stillwell
- Carlee Otero
- Kassie Mowry
- Emily Beisel
- Hailey Kinsel
Bull Riding
Noah Lee continues to put together a monster season, leading the bull riding standings with more than $328,000 won.
- Noah Lee
- Tristen Hutchings
- Luke Mackey
- Hudson Bolton
- Stetson Wright
With September knocking on the door, the NFR bubble is getting tighter and every check matters. The next several weeks will determine who punches a ticket to Las Vegas and who is left just outside the Top 15.
That’s this week’s Territorial Rodeo Update with Derek Beck, brought to you by Gingerich Structures and Sioux Steel Company.