In The Arena
Bob Feist
Here it is another year gone by and the January issue of Ropers Sports News is again going to press as we start our 48th year in reporting the happenings in the roping, barrel racing and rodeo world. It has been fun and with the great staff continues to be fun. We look forward to keeping you informed again this year and to get the word out by advertising your events and products. Thanks to all who have been loyal subscribers and advertisers over the many years.
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The Wrangler National Finals will once again showcase the top 15 in the PRCA in the great city of Las Vegas. This year brings many new things to light at the Finals and the most noticeable is the payoff, which has risen from a total figure of $6,375,000 to $8,800,000. This is the first year of the new payout and it will be affecting the year-end dollars of all the contestants. This has been a long time coming and my Resistol Hat’s off to all of those involved in getting this increase.
September is a busy month and the last big month for those trying to make the top 15 in the PRCA. Many of the events are close and as of this writing Cody Snow of Los Olivos, Calif., is leading for the Resistol Rookie of the Year in the Heading by quite a margin. He is sitting 22nd in the standings heading for Dugan Kelly, who is in the 15th spot for the heeling. In the old days, Dugan could have invited Cody to rope at the NFR if he makes it, but Cody will have to move up at least seven notches to make it on his own. As I write this, he will have a good chance as he is entered in the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo where the payoff is huge and could give him the money he needs to do it.
It’s a great time of year with all of the Spring rodeos in the west and the BFI just around the corner, June 22, held in conjunction with the Reno Rodeo. What a great week of rodeo and ropings, starting with all of the pre-ropings prior to the BFI, then following the BFI is the Reno Rodeo Invitational hosted by Perry DiLoreto and family, followed by the Reno Rodeo Ladies Invitational. Man, that is some kind of week with the headquarters hotel again being the Silver Legacy. Be sure and get your room reserved so you can hang out with the BFI ropers and enjoy the great food and fun at the Silver Legacy. Call today and ask for the special BFI rate, 1-800-687-7733.