The bulls had the better of the cowboys for most of the Farm-City Pro Rodeo’s opening night, but the contestants in the other events fared better on Wednesday night.
J.R. Vezain notched the top score of the night in bareback riding with a mark of 86. And while it was just the opening night of the rodeo, the cowboy from Cowley, Wyo., stands a good chance of taking home some money when it’s all said and done, as a score of 86 was good enough to win the event last year.
There was a three-way tie for the top score in saddle bronc riding Wednesday night as Louie Brunson of Interior, Idaho, Troy Crowser of Whitewood, S.D., and Cody DeMoss of Heflin, La., all earned 80s. Kaleb Asay of Greybull, Wyo., notched a 79, and Wade Sundell of Coleman, Okla., and Ty Atchison of Colony, Okla., scored 74s.
Only two cowboys earned scores in the bull riding event on Wednesday. Shawn Proctor of Toole, Utah had the high mark with 79, while Chase Robbins of Marsing, Idaho scored a 77. Seven cowboys failed to make it to the bell.
In the tie-down roping event, Cody Ohl of Hico, Texas had the top combined time with 18.2 seconds after two goes. He was followed by Marty Yates of Stephenville, Texas, who had a combined time of 20.2 seconds, while Shane Henchey of Sulpher, La., who had a time of 22.3, followed by Clint Cooper of Pasa Robles, Calif., who clocked in at 22.6 seconds, followed by Trevor Brazile of Decatur, Texas, with a time of 23.1 seconds.
It was a tough night for the steer wrestlers, as well, as six of the contestants failed to record a time on at least one of their two goes on Wednesday. Among those who did clock two times, Billy Bugenig of Ferndale, Calif., had to top combined times of 25.5 seconds, followed by Walla Walla’s B.J. Taruscio’s 27.7.
In barrel racing, Carlee Pierce swept the top times of the day with a 17.13 time in her first run, followed by a 16.92 for her second run for a combined time of 34.05.
In the team-roping event, Coleman Proctor and Jake Long had the top combined times after two goes with 9.9 seconds.
The Farm-City Pro Rodeo continues tonight at 7:45 p.m.
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