For The Record: All American ProRodeo Finals
ProRodeo cowboys of all skill levels compete in the All American Series, but only the Top 30 qualify for the All American Finals, which kicked off Oct. 7 and end Oct. 14 in Waco, Texas.
The All American ProRodeo Series serves two primary purposes: providing opportunities for newly professional and part-time cowboys to win more money at smaller rodeos and offering them a chance at a large purse at the All American Finals. Rodeos within the All American Series have added money of $30,000 or less, but the All American Finals is worth nearly half a million dollars.
The PRCA includes many members who rodeo in addition to working their day jobs, and as a membership organization, wants to make it potentially more profitable and prestigious for those cowboys to compete. The series also provides young and part-time cowboys with opportunities to compete alongside the top pros.
Contestants in the All American Series earn 50 points for each All American ProRodeo Series rodeo where they compete in at least one go-round. They earn a point for each dollar they earn at a series rodeo. Only those who traveled enough to enter at least 30 All American ProRodeo Series rodeos that season are eligible to be named All American ProRodeo Series champions – and 550 cowboys did so in 2016.
The All American Finals’ worth isn’t limited to just the money won at that rodeo. A win at Waco also counts toward qualifying for limited-entry rodeos in the next season.
During the 2016 season, the series had 413 rodeos across the U.S. and Canada. The All American Series became even more important during the 2017 season because money won at the All American ProRodeo Finals counts toward the WEATHER GUARD® PRCA World Standings, the 12 RAM Circuit Finals Rodeos and the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeos.
With all of that in mind, a diverse group of cowboys compete at the All American Finals – but only the best leave their mark in the All American ProRodeo Finals record book.
In 2010, tie-down roper Scott Kormos set the All American Finals record for most money won with $15,488. The following cowboys hold the highest scores and fastest times at the All American Finals:
• Bareback riding: 92 points, set by Clint Cannon on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Top Flight during the final round in 2013.
• Steer roping: 3.2 seconds, set by Tommy Cook during the second round in 2010.
• Team roping: 3.5 seconds, set by Cody Snow and Dugan Kelly during the semifinal round in 2016.
• Saddle bronc riding: 89 points, originally set by Wade Sundell on Universal Rodeo’s Whiskey during the first round in 2009. Sundell made another 89-point ride during the final round in 2009. His record was matched by Cody Wright on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Ginger Snap during the quarterfinal round in 2011. Wright made a second 89-point ride during the final round in 2011 on Andrews Rodeo’s Lock ‘n’ Load.
• Tie-down roping: 7.1 seconds, set by Shane Hanchey during the second round in 2015.
• Barrel racing: 15.72 seconds, set by Mary Walker during the final round in 2012.
• Bull riding: 92 points, set by Jacob O’Mara on Andrews Rodeo’s Black Cat during the final round in 2011.
• Steer roping: 8.5 seconds, originally set by Trevor Brazile during the first round in 2009. Brazile repeated the time during the third rounds in 2009. His record was matched by Scott Snedecor during the fourth round in 2013
Courtesy of PRCA