News & Notes from the Rodeo Trail, January 25
Bull rider Daylon Swearingen, who qualified for the National Finals Rodeo in 2019, is out the rest of the winter and much of the spring with multiple injuries. Bareback rider Leighton Berry, who made his Wrangler NFR debut in 2020, is likely out even longer with a back injury. Swearingen suffered a right shoulder injury during a ride at a non-sanctioned PRCA event in the fall. Dr. Tandy Freeman operated on the shoulder Nov. 25. The 21-year-old is also expected to undergo arthroscopic hip surgery. He’s aiming to return to competition in May or June. In 2020, Swearingen finished 21st in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with $43,798. In 2019, he finished ninth in the world standings with $179,799 – $67,962 of which he earned at the NFR. Berry suffered a back injury, tearing ligaments between his T12 and L1 vertebrae at the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo in Odessa, Texas, Jan. 8. Berry, 21, will have surgery in Austin, Texas, Jan. 27, and expects to be out between six and eight months. Berry finished ninth in the 2020 world standings with $132,065. He earned $78,679 at the 2020 NFR at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
On Jan. 22, Rodeo Austin (Texas) announced the rodeo, scheduled for March 13-27, would not take place. “Currently, the Ludecke Arena and other portions of the Expo Center are being utilized for the distribution of essential items in support of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” a press release from Rodeo Austin reads. “Because of these circumstances, Rodeo Austin will only be permitted to host private youth competitions in March.” The rodeo could be held at a later time this season.
“Rodeo Austin is working closely with Public Officials to determine which events can be rescheduled for alternative dates in 2021,” the release states. For more information, visit https://rodeoaustin.com/news/2021-update-from-rodeo-austin/
A silent auction was held for bull rider Tyler Bingham Jan. 23. The fundraiser was held at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds in Tremonton, Utah. The Utah cowboy was seriously injured during Round 7 of the 2020 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Dec. 9 in Arlington, Texas. Bingham suffered a concussion, fractured sternum and multiple rib fractures while riding Big Stone Rodeo Inc.’s Spotted Demon. There were 141 items auctioned, and it brought in $13,173. The total also includes direct donations to the Bingham family. The items that brought in the most money were the shadow boxes of rodeo gear from Stetson Wright and Sage Kimzey.
Courtesy of PRCA