Steer Wrestler Dakota Eldridge Snares Big Win at San Angelo Rodeo
By Tracy Renck
SAN ANGELO, Texas – Rodeo success has been commonplace for steer wrestler Dakota Eldridge in his career.
The Elko, Nev., native has qualified for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo eight times – 2013-17, 2019-21 and won the NFR average twice in 2015 and 2017.
Eldridge is eyeing trip No. 9 to the NFR, and he took a step in that direction by winning the average at the San Angelo (Texas) Rodeo with an 11.1-second time on three head.
Eldridge clinched the win with his 3.5-second effort Saturday night before a sellout crowd at the Foster Communications Coliseum.
“Oh man, this feels awesome,” Eldridge said. “It feels really good when you can come down here and do your job. This kind of still feels like a winter rodeo to me even though it is spring now I will be off to California (Saturday).”
Eldridge departed San Angelo after earning $12,379, including $9,354 for capturing the average. The rodeo was a stop on the NFR Playoff Series presented by Pendleton Whisky.
“This is huge boost to a guy’s confidence and a huge boost financially, and I can’t thank the San Angelo (rodeo) committee enough for making this one of the best rodeos out there.” Eldridge said. “This gives me a lot of confidence to keep things rolling.”
Eldridge, who was riding Clayton Hass’ standout horse Benz, has been in numerous high-pressure moments in the arena in his career and he welcomes the challenge.
“I crave them,” Eldridge said about high stakes runs. “This is what we do for a living. When I get to the short round, the hard part is done. (In the short round), I just get to go out there and have fun and do my job and let it all hang out and make the best run I can.”
Eldridge entered April 15 just outside the Top 20 in the PRCA | RAM World Standings and will climb up near the top five in the standings after his performance in San Angelo.
A year ago, Eldridge finished 11th in the world standings with $131,409. He finished a career-best second in the world standings in 2015.
Other winners at the $660,746 rodeo were all-around cowboy Zachary Jongbloed, ($7,048, tie-down roping and steer wrestling); bareback rider Keenan Hayes (176 points on two head); team ropers Derrick Begay/Colter Todd (12.8 seconds on three head); saddle bronc rider Spencer Wright (175.5 points on two head); tie-down ropers Tuf Cooper and Tyler Milligan (23.5 seconds each on three head); barrel racer Dona Kay Rule (43.72 seconds on three runs); and bull rider Toby Collins (166.5 points on two head).
Courtesy of PRCA