Rodeo’s Top Athletes Set for 2017 Calgary Stampede
Calgary – The Calgary Stampede is excited to announce the names of the exceptional athletes who will be competing at the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, July 7-16, 2017. 120 superstars of the sport will ride, rope and race during the 10 days of competition in hopes of capturing a share of more than $2 million in prize money.
22-year-old Zeke Thurston, two-time defending Calgary Stampede Saddle Bronc Champion and 2016 World Champion, leads a strong contingent of Canadian athletes into this year’s competition. Also among those proudly wearing the maple leaf in Calgary will be fellow Saddle Bronc rider Jake Watson, who was hot on Thurston’s heels in Las Vegas at last year’s National Finals Rodeo.
“These two young men are a great example of the home-grown talent rodeo fans will get to see competing in Calgary this year and they demonstrate the ongoing growth and strength of the sport within Western Canada,” says John Rule, chair of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo committee.
All of the 2016 Calgary Stampede Champions will be returning in 2017 to defend their titles, including 68-year-old Mary Burger, who won the hearts of the huge Calgary crowds with her talent, determination and sheer grit. Burger and her horse Mo raced the barrels in 2016 with thunderous cheers urging them on. The dominant performance will be hard to top, but you can bet their fellow competitors in Barrel Racing won’t be holding back. Nearly half of the field are new to Stampede competition, and will be looking to make their mark.
“We’re proud to have the opportunity to showcase the best-of-the-best at the Calgary Stampede,” says Rule. “That’s why we call it the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. We invite the greatest rodeo athletes and animals in the world.”
Known as a family-friendly event, the 2017 Calgary Stampede’s contestant list is also a family affair, especially in Saddle Bronc. Cody Wright will compete with two of his brothers, Jake and Jesse, as well as two of his sons, Rusty and Ryder. Brother-in-law CoBurn Bradshaw will also ride. Jacobs and Sterling Crawley are another pair of brothers competing in the Saddle Bronc lineup. In Steer Wrestling, Canadian brothers Curtis and Cody Cassidy hope to go head-to-head for $100,000 in the finals.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2017 Calgary Stampede, and can be purchased at CalgaryStampede.com
2017 Calgary Stampede Rodeo Contestants
Saddle Bronc Riding
Jim Berry – Rocky Mtn. House, AB |
Bareback Riding
Tanner Aus – Granite Falls, MN |
Ladies Barrel Racing
Mary Burger – Pauls Valley, OK |
Steer Wrestling
Bray Armes – Gruver, TX |
Tie Down Roping
Logan Bird – Nanton, AB |
Bull Riding
Dakota Buttar – Kindersley, SK |
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
See more at calgarystampede.com