PRCA World Champion Wade Sundell Released from Hospital

By Tracy Renck

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Reigning PRCA Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion Wade Sundell was released from Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif., Sept. 20.

Sundell was injured Aug. 24 while competing at the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

Sundell was aboard The Cervi Brothers’ Living The High Life when the horse reared up in the chute and smashed Sundell in the chest. The impact lacerated Sundell’s liver, according to Rick Foster of the Justin Sportsmedicine team. Sundell was taken to the hospital and had surgery that evening.

On Sept. 23, a spokesman for the Justin Sportsmedicine team told ProRodeo.com that Sundell is staying at the legendary Cow Camp in Rancho Mission Viejo, a ranch that traces its roots about 140 years. The Justin Sportsmedicine spokesman said Sundell has been walking and is trying to regain weight after his lengthy stay in the hospital.

Sundell is headed in the right direction for a full recovery, but the process is slow.

There are upcoming fundraisers for Sundell’s medical expenses, including proceeds from Rodeo Elevate School in Vinita, Okla., Nov. 8-10, going to help Sundell. For information about the Rodeo Elevate School, email info@bigrafterrodeo.com.

Sundell, 34, won his first world title last year after finishing the season with $280,636. He earned $177,327 at the 2018 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

This season, the Iowa cowboy has been battling to secure a spot in the Top 15 PRCA | RAM World Standings. Following splitting the win at the Range Days Rodeo Xtreme Broncs Finale in Rapid City, S.D., Aug. 22, Sundell had climbed to 12th in the world standings with $83,329. In the Sept. 23 world standings, Sundell was 17th. The regular season ends Sept. 30.

Sundell is an eight-time qualifier for the Wrangler NFR – 2009-15 and 2018.

Courtesy of PRCA