Filippini Takes Birthday Victory Lap at RCRCFR
YAMIKA, Wash. – Saddle bronc rider Max Filippini gave himself a rather special birthday present Saturday night – a RAM Columbia River Circuit Finals Rodeo title.
Filippini, who turned 32, won his first ever Circuit Finals Rodeo title and as a result, punched his first ticket to the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo April 7-10 in Kissimmee, Fla.
“This was the best birthday present I could’ve hoped for, and I couldn’t have asked for a better day,” Filippini said. “I think we’re going to go out and have a little bit of fun tonight.”
The fun was well-deserved. The Battle Mountain, Nev., native won the average title with a score of 227 points on three head. He was the only man to ride all three of his horses during the Nov. 6-7 event.
In doing so, Filippini – who’s a true circuit cowboy – earned a total of $4,658. He had pocketed just $4,747 for the entire season coming into the RCRCFR.
“I drew really well, and some of the other guys fell off or didn’t use their horses as well as I did,” he said. “I rodeo for a hobby, but my goal is always to make it to my Circuit Finals, and I’ve always wanted to make it to the National Circuit Finals.
“I’m definitely a circuit guy, and I’ve never really gone full time. I don’t think I’ve ever been to more than 50 rodeos in a year, so these events are something to look forward to if you’re a weekend warrior.”
Although he spends most of his time working on the family ranch near Battle Mountain, Nev., Filippini is no stranger to rodeo success.
He attended Central Wyoming College (Riverton), where he qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo all four years.
“My dad rode saddle broncs, and when I went to college I did all the timed events, but then after college I took up saddle bronc riding,” Filippini said. “I think I ended up in the top 10 one year at the College Finals, but could just never put it together and win there.”
Filippini entered the RCRCFR fifth in the year-end standings, and knew that if he was to make it to Kissimmee he would need to win the average. He tied for second in the first round and was third in the third round.
“I knew I had some nice horses drawn, and I was just happy to be here,” he said. “I went with the flow and tried to have fun. I’m very excited to be going to Florida, and I’ll be texting my parents soon and they’ll be equally excited.”
Other winners at the $173,752 rodeo were all-around cowboy Russell Cardoza ($8,544 in tie-down roping, team roping and steer roping), bareback rider Steven Peebles (241 points on three head), steer wrestler Trevor Knowles (12.4 seconds on three head), team ropers Spencer Mitchell and Cardoza (22.5 seconds on three head), tie-down roper Taylor Santos (25.0 seconds on three head), steer roper Doug Bean (37.3 seconds on three head), barrel racer Callahan Crossley (38.29 seconds on three head) and bull rider Zeb Lanham (158 points on two head).
For complete coverage of the RCRCFR, check out the Nov. 20 issue of the ProRodeo Sports News.
Courtesy of PRCA