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Jordan Spears Etches Name in Sheridan WYO Rodeo History

By Kacee Willbanks Colletti
Special to ProRodeo.com

SHERIDAN, Wyo. – Rich in tradition and deep in history, the Sheridan WYO Rodeo has hosted many past champions that were among the original petitioners to help form the Cowboys’ Turtle Association. This year, bull rider Jordan Spears, added his name to the list with the cowboys of yesteryear.

Spears has entered the Sheridan WYO Rodeo every year that he has been competing, but this is the first year he walked away the champion.

“I’ve always done pretty good here,” Spears said. “I’ve had some decent luck, but I’ve never been lucky enough to win first – this time it worked out.”

The Redmond, Ore., cowboy was “lucky” enough to claim the title. Aboard Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ 410 Ghost Rider, Spears posted an 86.5-point trip to top the field by 3.5 points at the ProRodeo Tour stop.

“I’ve seen a couple videos of 410 Ghost Rider, but I’ve never been on him or seen him in person,” Spears said. “He’s a great bull that has a couple different trips, but luckily he had the trip that fit me.”

In the arena, with him, was clown and barrelman J.J. Harrison.

“I like to say he’s my lucky charm,” Spears joked. “He’s from up there in Oregon and knows my and my girlfriend’s families really well. I always seem to do pretty well at the rodeo’s he’s at – J.J. is kind of like family.”

Spears’ last big win came in April at the Clovis (Calif.) Rodeo.

“It’s been a little slow drawing really good bulls, but I’ve been slowly plucking away and winning a little bit more money, but it’s picking up,” he said. “Any win is big especially a bigger rodeo like Sheridan, but this is a good booster just starting out the summer run.”

The Sheridan WYO Rodeo is known as a homecoming for many locals and visitors that gather year after year to celebrate the west.

“This is one of my favorite rodeos,” Spears said. “The rodeo takes a while, but it’s fun because they have the Indian Relay Racing and little kids wild pony races. It’s entertaining and different – it’s not your typical rodeo.”

After his Cowboy Christmas run, Spears was sitting 24th in the PRCA | RAM World Standings.

“My Cowboy Christmas run – I can’t complain,” he said. “I rode pretty good and drew pretty good but didn’t win as much money as I wanted to. When I had the opportunity to have a good bull and a chance to win, I did a pretty good job of capitalizing.”

With about two and half months left in the 2019 regular season, and the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo eluding him, this win will move Spears $5,635 closer to qualifying for his fourth Wrangler NFR.

“Everybody’s plan at the beginning of the year is to be at the NFR – that’s a given, but my plan is to stay healthy and win as much money as possible,” Spears said. “I feel pretty good for this time of the year, with as many bulls as I’ve been on. And I’m blessed to ride bulls and do what I do for a living.”

Other winners at the $252,757 rodeo were all-around cowboy Tanner Green ($2,341, tie-down roping and team roping); bareback rider Steven Dent (86 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Sozo); steer wrestler Blair Jones (9.1 seconds on two head); team ropers Riley Minor/Brady Minor (10.8 seconds on two head); saddle bronc rider Stetson Wright (86.5 points on Sankey Pro Rodeo & Phenom Genetics’ Robin Hood); tie-down roper Caleb Smidt (17.9 seconds on two head); barrel racer Mary Walker (17.35 seconds); and steer roper Trevor Brazile (68.6 seconds on four head).

For more coverage of the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, check out the July 26 issue of ProRodeo Sports News.

Courtesy of PRCA

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