The spotlight isn’t just reserved for the bright lights of the PRCA this week. It’s shining squarely on home ground.
Across what host Derek Beck calls “The Territory” — stretching from the Dakotas through Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota, and west into Wyoming, Colorado, and Kansas — rodeo talent runs deep. From small-town arenas to national stages, cowboys and cowgirls across the region continue to prove they belong among the sport’s elite.
In this week’s Territorial Rodeo Update, Beck rolls out a special “Best of the Territory” edition, highlighting top regional athletes making noise in the PRCA world standings. The feature serves as both a nod to local grit and a reminder that rodeo’s backbone still lives in hometown arenas and county fairgrounds.
- Bareback riding sees strong representation from the region, led by Cole Reiner of Buffalo, Wyoming, currently sitting just outside the Top 5 in sixth place. Nebraska’s Jess Pope holds down the No. 10 spot, while Colorado’s Keenan Hayes checks in at 11th.
- In steer wrestling, also known as bulldogging, the Territory continues to flex its muscle. North Dakota’s Bridger Anderson leads the regional charge in eighth place, followed closely by Minnesota’s J.D. Struxness in ninth. South Dakota’s Eli Lord remains in the hunt at 16th, knocking on the door of National Finals Rodeo qualification.
- Team roping talent from the region is also making its presence felt. On the header side, Iowa’s Corben Culley leads the way in seventh, with Kellan Johnson at 21st and South Dakota’s Logan Olson in 33rd. On the heeling end, Colorado’s Trey Yates sits 10th, South Dakota’s Levi Lord is 11th, and Wyoming’s Carson Johnson continues to hold a Top 10 position.
- Saddle bronc riders from the Territory are pushing toward the NFR cutoff as well. Shorty Garrett of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, sits 11th as he eyes a return trip to Las Vegas. Wyoming’s Brody Wells is 13th, and Kansas cowboy Weston Patterson is close behind in 17th.
- Tie-down roping is one event where Territory athletes are still working to climb into the Top 15. Kansas’ Luke Potter, a three-time NFR qualifier, leads the regional pack at 38th, followed by Nebraska’s Riley Pruitt at 39th and South Dakota’s Bodi Mattson at 46th.
- Barrel racing remains highly competitive, with several Territory standouts just outside the top tier. South Dakota’s Summer Kosel sits 16th, veteran Lisa Lockhart is 19th, and Colorado’s Loralee Ward is currently 30th in the standings.
- Bull riding may be where the Territory shines brightest. Colorado’s Luke Mackey leads the charge in fourth place, with South Dakota’s Mason Moody right behind in fifth. Wyoming’s Hayden Welsh rounds out a powerful regional trio in sixth.
As the season pushes deeper toward NFR qualification, the “Best of the Territory” edition underscores a simple truth: the road to rodeo’s biggest stage still runs through small towns, hardworking communities, and athletes who carry the western lifestyle with them every time they nod their heads.
Beck will continue the regional focus next week with a featured conversation on the Indian National Finals Rodeo, including a preview of its upcoming Nebraska stop — the only Midwest appearance on the tour.