Derek Beck/Territorial Rodeo Update
The first weekend of June has arrived, and with it comes a reminder of just how tough life can be in professional rodeo.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s roughstock events suffered a pair of major blows over the past week as two of the sport’s top competitors sustained serious injuries that will sideline them during a critical stretch of the season.
Defending PRCA Bareback Riding World Champion Rocker Steiner recently underwent neck surgery and is expected to miss approximately three months. Steiner, who set a single-season earnings record in 2025 and currently leads the 2026 world standings, has publicly stated he intends to return in time to make a push toward qualifying for another National Finals Rodeo.
Just days later, three-time NFR qualifier Wacey Schalla suffered a broken femur after being bucked off during competition at the Music City Rodeo in Nashville. Schalla was transported from the arena floor and is also expected to be sidelined for several months.
The injuries serve as another reminder of the physical demands placed on professional rodeo athletes as the summer rodeo season begins to heat up across the country.
Territory Cowboys and Cowgirls Holding Their Own
With June underway, the Territorial Rodeo Update takes its monthly look at how competitors from the Midwest and Great Plains region are faring in the PRCA world standings.
Bareback Riding
Colorado’s Keenan Hayes leads the Territory contingent in seventh place in the world standings. Buffalo, Wyoming’s Cole Reiner sits ninth, while Kansas cowboy Jess Pope remains in NFR contention in 12th.
Steer Wrestling
Carrington, North Dakota’s Bridger Anderson is seventh in the standings. Minnesota’s J.D. Struxness is 11th, and North Dakota’s Seth Peterson currently occupies the 15th spot.
Team Roping Headers
Oklahoma’s Bubba Buckaloo leads Territory headers in eighth place. Iowa’s Corben Cullen sits 11th, while Sapulpa, Oklahoma’s Jake Clay is ranked 17th.
Team Roping Heelers
Missouri cowboy Cooper Freeman tops the Territory rankings among heelers, followed by Herrick, Illinois’ Douglas Rich in second. Pueblo, Colorado’s Trey Yates rounds out the top three Territory heelers in 10th place.
Saddle Bronc Riding
South Dakota’s Shorty Garrett made one of the biggest moves of the week after winning the Music City Rodeo with a 91.5-point ride. Garrett climbed to 12th in the world standings. Powell, Wyoming’s Brody Wells follows closely in 13th, while Weston Peterson of Waverly, Kansas is 17th.
Tie-Down Roping
Missouri’s Tom Crouse leads Territory ropers in eighth place. Oklahoma’s Hunter Herrin sits 22nd, while Luke Potter of Maple City, Kansas currently ranks 39th.
Barrel Racing
Bemidji, Minnesota’s Austyn Tobey leads the Territory cowgirls in ninth place. South Dakota’s Summer Kosel sits 20th, while veteran standout Lisa Lockhart remains in contention in 22nd.
Bull Riding
Gillette, Wyoming’s Hayden Welsh leads the Territory bull riders in fifth place. Colorado’s Luke Mackey is ninth, while Mason Moody of Letcher, South Dakota remains firmly in the hunt in eighth place.
Summer Push Underway
As rodeo season enters its busiest stretch, competitors across the country are battling injuries, chasing world standings points and working toward a coveted trip to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo.
While the spotlight often shines on the top five in each event, the Territorial Rodeo Update continues to track the cowboys and cowgirls from the heartland who are making their mark throughout the PRCA season.
The Territorial Rodeo Update is sponsored by Gingerich Structures and Sioux Steel Company. Fans can follow the latest rodeo news and standings updates on the Territorial Rodeo Update’s social media platforms and podcast channels.