MARCH 12, 2013 — HOUSTON — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — As future cowboys and cowgirls and nearly 70,000 fans watched from the stands, RodeoHouston BP Super Series V competitors showed they have the edge and move forward to the Semifinals. Tonight’s winners are one step closer to winning the $50,000 and being named 2013 RodeoHoustonChampions.
TIE-DOWN ROPING
Six-time World Tie-Down Roping Champion, Cody Ohl, is chasing down another title this year, one rodeo at a time to give himself a better shot. “I’ve given 120 percent every time I’ve ever practiced,” Ohl said. “When I was growing up, I practiced every day, even weekends. It takes full effort every time to be the best.”
Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Cody Ohl — Semifinal 2 — $4,900
Clint Cooper — Semifinal 1 — $4,500
Jeremiah Peek — Semifinal 2 — $3,800
Shane Hanchey— Semifinal 1 — $2,500
BAREBACK RIDING
Steven Dent is possibly on his way to a second RodeoHouston Bareback Riding Championship, with his first being in 2008. He said his strategy is to start the momentum early in the series to make it easier to keep the pace until the Championship Round. “If this is something that you want to do, it’s not something you can do halfway. You have to work harder than everyone else to win,” Dent said to aspiring cowboys.
Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Steven Dent — Semifinal 2 — $7,000
Ryan Gray — Semifinal 1 — $3,000
Casey Colletti — Semifinal 1 — $2,500
Josi Young — Semifinal 2 — $2,5000
TEAM ROPING
Duo Brandon Beers and Jade Corkill each have a RodeoHouston Team Roping Championship buckle, but this is their first run at the $50,000 together. “It would be awesome to be a two-time champion just because it is such a prestigious rodeo,” Beers said. Corkill has some simple advice to future ropers, “Practice, practice, practice and never give up.”
Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Brandon Beers and Jade Corkill — Semifinal 2 — $16,600
Erich Rogers and Cory Petska — Semifinal 2 — $8,400
Cody Graham and Monty Joe Petska — Semifinal 1 — $6,400
Trevor Brazile and Patrick Smith — Semifinal 1 — $3,600
SADDLE BRONC RIDING
Wade Sundell has been eager to ride at RodeoHouston and credits his success to his attitude of “going for first every time.” Sundell said he is not one to give up, and that aspiring saddle bronc riders should follow suit. “If you want to do something, don’t give up on it. Keep driving until you accomplish it,” Sundell said.
Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Wade Sundell — Semifinal 1 — $10,000
JJ Elshere — Semifinal 2 — $4,000
Dustin Flundra — Semifinal 1 — $3,300
Louie Brunson— Semifinal 2 — $2,200
STEER WRESTLING
A good steer draw and great horse won Luke Branquinho the BP Super Series V Steer Wrestling title. “Practice hard and work at it to help things work out in your favor,” Branquinho advices young steer wrestlers.
Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Luke Branquinho — Semifinal 2 — $5,500
Les Shepperson— Semifinal 2 — $3,850
Trevor Knowles — Semifinal 1 — $3,800
Clayton Moore — Semifinal 1 — $2,500
BARREL RACING
Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Jody Sheffield — Semifinal 2 —$8,300
Jane Melby —Semifinal 1 — $3,200
Sydni Blanchard —Semifinal 1 —$3,000
Linda Vick — Semifinal 2 —$1,600
BULL RIDING
Travis Atkinson came out on top with the BP Super Series V Bull Riding Championship. “It takes a unique person to ride bulls for a living,” Atkinson said. “If you want to ride bulls, chase your dreams and give it all you’ve got.”
Advancing to Semifinal Round:
Travis Atkinson — Semifinal 2 — $5,000
Steve Woolsey — Semifinal 2 — $3,700
Tate Stratton — Semifinal 1 — $3,300
Cody Whitney — Semifinal 1 — $1,450
The top four from each event of the Semifinal rounds will advance to the RodeoHouston BP Super Series Championship, Saturday, March 16. The remaining six from each event in the two semifinals will compete in the Wild Card Round, Friday, March 15, where the top two from each event will advance to the Championship. Each event champion will walk away with a $50,000 payout in addition to other winnings.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $330 million to the youth of Texas. The 2013 Show continues through Sunday, March 17. For tickets and more information, visitwww.rodeohouston.com.