Semi Finals 2 Sends More Contestants to Championship Saturday Night in San Antonio

As the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo continues, the second semi finals is complete. The top 5 money earners after each semi final advanced. Every event came down the wire as these are the best rodeo athletes there are competing in San Antonio. 

The biggest stories of the night included all four of the Wright brothers advancing in the saddle bronc. They will all climb in the chute on Championship Saturday night. Both of the Harris brothers in the tie down roping also have their chance at the title. Anita Ellis is making a comeback for the history books in the barrelrace. 

In the bareback riding, Cole Reiner advanced out of bracket 4 in third place. He knew he needed a big ride to make up some ground. Many of the other guys had won more money than Reiner going into the semi finals. He took advantage of a great horse by Cervi Championship Rodeo they call Mike Honcho. Cole was 87 points to win just over $5,500 in the semi final round and advance in the number 1 spot.

"This is one of the best rodeos of the year. I have been here 6 times, and made the short go 6 years now. It is definitely a favorite, and one of the best stops of the year." Reiner said in his winning interview.

Also advancing from Semi Finals 2 in the bareback riding is Leighton Berry, Bronc Marriott, Orin Larson, and Dean Thompson. 

The steer wrestling Tyler Waguespack and Holden Myers tied atop the round with a pair of 4.2 second runs. A three way tie for 3rd-5th made the money interesting to determine the guys advancing.

Tyler made a business man run on a stronger steer. He gave credit where credit was due in his interview. "Horsepower and getting a good start," Waguespack said. 

Holden was first out and started it strong. He said, "I don't really care when I go, I just try to hit the barrier and do my job." 

Stetson Jorgenson came out with the most money after the semis. He leads these 5 headed into the finals. Tyler Waguespack, Dakota Eldridge, Holden Myers, and Rowdy Parrott follow in money earned. 

There was several textbook runs in the team roping. Jaxon Hill and Jessen James came out on top of the round with a 4.0.

Jessen talked about the tough field they are roping against in his interview. He said, "We don't really have a game plan. These guys all rope so good you just got to go as fast as you can." 

A lot of young talent in the team roping as well. Coming out as the top money earners is James Arviso and Rance Doyal. Hill and James were close behind. They are followed by 2x World Champions Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira. Nelson Wyatt and Jonathan Torres came out in fourth, and the reining World Champions Andrew Ward and Jake Long slipped in the fifth and final advacning spot. 

The saddle bronc right now is so tough, and any one of these guys on any given day can be 90 points. The guys have said it many times, that it is a good time to be a saddle bronc rider right now. 

Topping the second semi finals round was Zeke Thurston and Sage Newman with 88 points. Zeke rode Pete Carr Pro Rodeo's Secret Agent. Sage was paired up with The Cervi Brothers' Guns Blazing. 

Zeke talked about this amazing horsepower underneath them. "Nothing better. Especially when you get into these semi finals and they start stacking the horses up. You got a pretty good chance of getting on a good one and it makes it a lot of fun." 

Sage agreed that the horses made it easy. "That is a really good horse. Just lift on my rein, set my feet, and do my job." 

Zeke and Sage came out on top as high money earners to advance. Behind them was Rusty Wright, Statler Wright, and Kade Bruno. With two more Wrights advancing in Semi Finals 2, all four brothers will be in the San Antonio finals. 

The breakaway roping was fast per usual. Rookie cowgirl, Jaci Hammons broke the ice with a 2.0. But the last girl to go had something to say about that 2 second mark. Jordi Edens Mitchell came out firing to be a flawless 1.9 and win the round. 

In Jordi's interview she said, "I have never made the semi finals in San Antonio, let alone the finals, so just thankful to be here." 

Jordi came out the high money earner but behind her are four other ladies within striking distance come Saturday night. Jaci Hammons was right behind her. Cadee Williams, Kinlie Brennise, and Josie Connor round out that top 5.

The Harris brothers aboard Peso have been on fire in San Antonio. Ty has not been beat yet, with one more calf to rope on finals night. Younger brother Joel made his way to the winning circle in the second semi finals with a 7.1. Both of them give a ton of credit to the amazing Peso underneath them. Now the brothers will go head to head in the finals. 

Joel was behind in money a little bit going into the finals and knew he had some ground to make up. 

"I had a great calf. That horse is just working amazing. Wow what a run, on an amazing calf. Couldn't be happier about it," Joel said. 

Although Joel won the semi finals round, Haven Meged is still ahead on money earned by slim margins. Haven and Joel take the top two spots followed by Bo Pickett, John Douch, and Shane Hanchey.

The barrel race has had some big stories. The most talked about lady might be Anita Ellis, who is now finals bound. In December, she had to sit out of her very first NFR qualification after a major head injury. Now she is back doing what she does best, winning. 

In Semi Finals 2 no one was faster than Hayle Gibson Stillwell with a 14.19. Anita was right behind her getting another good check.

Katie Jo Halbert, Latricia Duke, and Wenda Johnson all earned their way to the finals as well. 

In the bull riding, Trey Benton III was 89 points on Pickett Pro Rodeo Co's Party Zone to take the round win. Trey has won over $10,000 already in San Antonio. 

Following Trey was Tristan Mize, Colton Byram, Luke Mackey, and Cimarron Rucker. 

All of these contestants will join the other 5 from Semi Finals 1 along with 1 wildcard contender to compete for the coveted San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo title. We are nearing the end, but the excitement has just begun.