Southern California Rodeos Award over $12,000 in Bonus Money
Nick LaDuke receives his check and buckle from members of the San Dimas, Norco, Poway, and Sheriff’s Rodeo committees
The So-Cal Rough Stock Series, a program initiated for the 2016 PRCA season, by five Southern California Rodeo Committees culminated last week with the announcement of the winners following the Poway Rodeo. Contestants had to compete in each of the five rodeos to be eligible for the bonus money. The five participating rodeos were the San Dimas Western Days Rodeo, The Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo, The Norco Mounted Posse Rodeo, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo and the Poway Rodeo.
Two of the Categories, the Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding, came down to the final rides. Only five points separated Nick LaDuke of Livermore CA, and Alex Wright of Milford UT, in the Saddle Bronc Riding. LaDuke pulled off the win with a qualified ride on Snake River Rodeo’s Indian Tom. The win resulted in a $3,000 payday for LaDuke. Wright won a $1,000 bonus for taking second place in the series, and Andrew Steiger of Dubbo, SW won $500 for third.
The Bull Riding came down to Christopher Byrd of Compton, CA and Will Morris of Reno, NV. Byrd wasn’t leaving anything to chance with an 83 point ride on Snake River Rodeo’s Bad Habit. Good enough to clinch the win at the rodeo as well as the rough stock series. Byrd received $3,250 for the victory. Morris received $1,250 for finishing second.
Chris Byrd of Compton, CA is recognized as the So-Cal Champion Bull Rider
All Teddy Athan, of Oakdale, CA, had to do was show up at the Poway Rodeo to clinch first place for Bareback Riding in the Series. Athan did more than that. He clinched second place in the rodeo with a 78.5 point ride on Snake River Rodeo’s Smokey. His Series win paid $3,250 in bonus money. Zack Brown of Red Bluff, CA finished second and won $1,250.
The So-Cal Rough Stock series is scheduled to kick off 2017 at the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo in June. More information can be found at rodeosocal.com.