Champions are Crowned as the Fort Smith Pro Rodeo Closes Another Strong Year

Fort Smith, ARK. recently finished up a tough weekend of competition. 

The Old Fort Days Rodeo joined PRORODEO back in 1934 and this rodeo is full of tradition. Athletes from all over the country make the trip to be there.

 The steer wrestling and the tie-down roping are the only two events that gave their athletes two rounds which means they had multiple chances to win money.

The round winners in the steer wrestling were both lightning fast with three second runs. Riley Duvall, 3.8, took home the win in the first round as well as the average after also placing in the second round. He won over $3,500 with his two runs.

 McKade Wickett was the overall winner in the tie-down roping with 19.2 seconds after two rounds of competition. Zane Kilgus showed the fastest time of the weekend with an 8.5 second  run in the second round. 

Andrew Rodeo had great success as a stock contractor. Their stock took home both the win in the saddle bronc riding as well as the bull riding. Their horse “Lil Brother” teamed up with saddle bronc rider Weston Patterson for an 88 point ride. Creek Young jumped on the bull “No. 101” for 87 points and a $4,662 payday.

 Arkansas native Taycie Matthew’s took home the win in the barrel racing. She beat out break-out star Jordan Driver by .05. First place through 13th were separated by less than three tenths of a second. 

The barrel racers weren’t the only women there competing. Breakaway roper Kelsie Domer was the only cowgirl under two seconds. She earned over $3,500 for her lightning fast 1.8 second run. Fans saw two 2.2 second runs, two 2.3’s, two 2.4’s, and another pair of 2.5’s. You had to be fast there to earn a decent check. 

The Harper Stadium that houses this rodeo is a truly unique set up. This is a great rodeo to go to and truly a bucket list win with the tough competition and an incredible fan base that shows up each and every year.  

Photo Courtesy of Lee Pigott on Unsplash