Four-Time World Champ Scott Snedecor Leads at NCFSR
By Matt Naber
Scott Snedecor has won just about everything there is to win in steer roping since his rookie year in 1996.
With more than $1.3 million in career earnings, four world titles and 18 trips to the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping, the Texas cowboy has a ProRodeo résumé most could only dream of.
He’s won the Texas Circuit steer roping year-end title three times (2008-09, 2016) and the average at the NFSR three times (2005, 2011, 2016).
One of the rare things he hasn’t won is the National Circuit Finals Steer Roping, but he might be on his way to changing that.
The COVID-19 pandemic postponed the annual Torrington, Wyo., competition from late April to July 19-20 with four rounds on Sunday and the final two set for Monday.
Snedecor’s runs got progressively faster as the temperature rose in the mid-July heat.
He tied for second in Round 1 with a 12.4-second run, placed third in Round 2 in 11.2 seconds, tied for third in Round 3 in 10.5 seconds and placed second in Round 4 with a 9.4-second run to lead the average by 10.4 seconds with 43.5 seconds on four head.
“There’s some great competition here, and it’s dang sure not a day off,” laughed Snedecor, who won world titles in 2005, 2008, 2017 and 2018. “There are guys in every circuit that are tough.”
Snedecor’s Sunday success came aboard Possum, the same American Quarter Horse he won his last world titles on.
“I have so much confidence riding that horse,” Snedecor said of the 11-year-old owned by Stephen Stransky. “And you have to draw good, that’s essential in this event, but they do a good job with the steers here.”
When the dust settled after Round 4, Snedecor was the only cowboy to be in the money in all four rounds.
“My family’s here too, and that makes it that much better,” said Snedecor, 45. “Anytime you’re winning it’s good, but to go from no rodeos for a few months to good ones like this is really good.”
Before his July 19 runs, Snedecor was eighth in the 2020 PRCA | RAM World Standings with $19,612 thanks in part to the $4,482 he scored at the M.M. Fisher, Jr. Memorial Steer Roping in Andrews, Texas, March 8 and $3,605 at the RAM Texas Circuit Finals Steer Roping in Waco, Jan. 4.
So far in Torrington, Snedecor’s won $3,442. If he can hold onto the lead in the average, he’ll add to that total.
“It’s been great, and I’m glad to come rope here,” Snedecor said. “My hat’s off to the committee and everyone out here who makes these events happen, we really appreciate it.”
The semifinals kick off at 8 a.m. Monday with the finals immediately after to determine the winner of the NCFSR. Check back with ProRodeo.com for full results and coverage. Fans will also see additional coverage in the July 24 edition of ProRodeo Sports News.
Courtesy of PRCA