Super Saturday Kicks Off National Western Stock Show
By: Susan Kanode
Colorado Versus the World winners, left to right – Stetson Wright, Colorado; Amanda Welsh, World; Wyatt Casper, World; Don Payne, Colorado; and Tanner Aus, Colorado; and Miss Rodeo Colorado, Ashley Baller. NWSS photo by Ric Andersen.
DENVER, Colo. — The National Western Stock Show Rodeo’s 10th Super Saturday showdown between contestant representing Colorado rodeos and world-renown rodeos saw some very happy fans and contestants.
Events included in each of three performances were bareback riding, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Competition started in the Denver Coliseum at the morning performance featuring world contestants. The matinee performance saw Colorado representatives and the evening performance was head-to-head competition between the two.
With contestants being invited to represent the various rodeos, many of the world’s best were on hand to test their skills. Fan favorite and five-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world champion Stetson Wright was among the Colorado contingent in the bull riding and the World contestants in saddle bronc riding, showing off his all-around talent. Wright has won world titles in both disciplines and because of his success has garnered all-around buckles the past three years.
He was most successful in bull riding advancing to the semifinals. He didn’t ride his bull in that round, but advanced as the Colorado rider that rode the longest. In the Final round, he was up against Tim Bingham from the World team who went first and failed to make the whistle. Wright had fans on the edge of their seats as he was matching the bull jump for jump. Then, midway through the ride, the bull fell with Wright still on him. The bull got up and Wright still was in the middle of his back and had never touched the bull with his free hand. He made a qualified ride and was the winner of the $8,000 prize.
It was team Colorado’s turn to be victorious in 2022 as they collected championship spurs in three of the five events. Other winners were, bareback rider, Tanner Aus World; steer wrestler, Don Payne, Colorado; Saddle bronc rider, Wyatt Casper, World; and barrel racer Amanda Welsh, World.
The 116th National Western Stock show will see a cross-cultural event in the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza in the Denver Coliseum on Sunday. Performances are at 2 and 6:30 p.m.