Earlier this year at the beginning of the 2016 Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association’s season there were many questions as to how the Wrangler National Finals would be and which young up and coming rodeo athletes would step up to the plate. Now that the season is winding down the picture is becoming just a little bit more clear but there are also many questions that remain unanswered as to how the final contestant roster was going to look come this December in Las Vegas.
Now that there is less than two weeks remaining in the regular season all the cowboys that are on the bubble or within striking distance of the top 15 places in the world standings are making a last minute push. Trying to break the bubble is the name of the game for many of those rodeo athletes that have always dreamed of one day making it to the WNFR. That being said the contract personnel were also voted on and finalized earlier this week. Some of these faces will be veterans to those that follow rodeo and some will be working inside of the Thomas & Mack Arena for the very first time.
Now that the long rodeo trail is nearing its end in just over a weeks time the members of the PRCA are trying to earn every last penny they can. in a race that is as close as it has been in many years there were a couple of athletes that have stood out among the rest in the last few days. This year could very well be, once again, the Wright time to be in that family. After a huge week and wins across the country that include a huge win in Pendleton by Jesse Wright. After picking up $10,014 in prize money he moved up from 18th to 11th in the standings. Along with Jesse’s move his nephew Ryder Wright moved up to the number 13 spot making 6 family members currently sitting in positions to qualify for this year’s WNFR!
The Grand Coulee, Washington bull rider Shane Proctor made his mark to widen his lead from the number 16 man in the world standings, Bayle Worden. These two have been in a heavy battle as they sit number 15 and 16 and the race is on to see who will be the one to make their way to the Thomas & Mack Arena for the 2016 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Proctor leads the way just a mere $6,272 ahead of Worden with one weekend’s worth of rodeos remaining in the 2016 season.
Once the opening night of the 2016 Wrangler National Finals begin the spirit of competition will reign throughout the speakers as the WNFR Musical Director Benje Bendele cranks up the tunes. As the time approaches for the opening ceremonies to begin the fans in the arena will notice a familiar sound as the dynamic duo will mark their 4th straight year working together throughout the 10 night run at the Thomas & Mack Arena. These three announcing legends will combine for another exciting year of rodeo action to determine who will be crowned world champion!
Behind the microphones again will be Boyd Polhamus who will be the booming voice for his historic 18th straight year and 21st year overall. Along side of him will be Randy Corley who will be making his 16th appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Both will join Wayne Brooks who will be announcing his 6th WNFR who will provide all of the in-arena commentary throughout the exciting and action packed event! Along with this great group will be John Barnes who will act as Livestock Superintendent once again. Other categories will be announced shortly as the list for the 2016 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo gets set for this coming December!
It is quite easy to follow all the breaking news and excitement with the Rodeo Round Up simply by copying this website into your favorites in your web browser for easy one-click access to event statistics. You can also like and follow us on Facebook here, or by liking and following us on Instagram and/or Twitter at @therodeoroundup. Jason has also made it easy for you to be a part of his interviews by opening up a listener comment line. If you have a question for a certain rodeo star simply call in and leave your name, where you are from, who the question is for and what your question is and he will do his best to get it answered for you during his interviews!
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