American Rodeo contenders qualify at East Regionals

The American Rodeo Contender Tournament series rolled on with the semifinals from the East Region.

Contestants competed at the Alltech Arena in Lexington, KY looking to punch their ticket to The American finals in April.

Five contestants from each event advance to the tournament finals on April 11th at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX. That leads into The American Rodeo on April 12th, where contenders can compete for a chance at winning $1 million in prize money.

In the format of The American, “contenders” are those contestants that progress through a regional tournament to eventually qualify for The American Rodeo in April.

The “contenders” are eligible for the $1 million prize money. Not eligible for the million are invited contestants, like the top five from the 2024 PRCA world standings.

Some contenders qualifying from the East Region had good fortune throughout, like team ropers Tanner Tomlinson and Travis Graves. The new pairing in team roping already proved fruitful, as they each won over $13,000 over the weekend in Lexington.

Other competitors, like breakaway roper Lydia Townson, qualified for the tournament finals after working their way through the “redemption” round.

In the redemption round, contestants are able to basically enter the rodeo again with a “buy back” for another chance. But they still have to win or place to move on.

The long rounds from the East Regional streamed on Teton Ridge+, and the short go was televised live on FS1.

The next American Contender series is February 14-15 in Tulas, OK at the Tulsa Expo.

More information on The American at americanrodeo.com.

AMERICAN RODEO EAST REGIONAL SHORT GO RESULTS

Bareback Riding

1. Richmond Champion – 85.25 points ($10,000)
2. Kade Sonnier – 84.75 ($5,500)
3. Jacob Lees – 83 ($ 2,500)
4. Anthony Thomas – 80 ($1,500)
5. Bryce Eck – 79.75 ($ 500)

Breakaway Roping

1. Kelsie Reininger – 2.26 seconds
2. Hali Williams – 2.44
3. Lydia Townson – 2.45
4. Corlee Massey – 2.61
5. Ashley Henderson – 2.65

Team Roping

1. Tanner Tomlinson & Travis Graves – 4.2 seconds
2. Shay Carroll & Logan Moore – 4.43
3. Erich Rogers & Kollin VonAhn – 4.45
4. Andrew Ward & Paul Eaves – 4.65
5. Jr Dees & JC Flake – 4.94

Steer Wrestling

1. Kyle Irwin – 3.85 seconds
2. Jesse Brown – 4.33
3. Matt Fisher – 4.76
4. Tucker Alberts – 4.77
5. Tristan Martin – 4.99

Saddle Bronc Riding

1. Rusty Wright – 85.75 points
2. Darcy Radel – 84.25
3. Sage Newman – 84.25
4. Dawson Hay – 83
5. Lefty Holman – 81.5

Tie-down Roping

1. Brodey Clemons – 8.11 seconds
2. Zack Jongbloed – 9.06
3. Andrew Burks – 9.08
4. Joel Harris – 9.24
5. Bobby Abernathy – 9.87

Barrel Racing

1. Taycie Matthews Wynne – 14.946 seconds
2. 13 Jodee Miller Santo – 15.191
3. 1 Rylee Jo Maryman – 15.23
4. 4 Randee Prindle – 15.258
5. 12 Dale Long – 15.474

Bull Riding

1. Garrett Tribble – 88.75 points
2. Chase Dougherty – 84.25
3. Brandon Ballard – 80
4. Dustin Boquet – 60.5

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More results and recaps from Rodeo Lariat:

• Champions crowned at National Western Stock Show in Denver
• Brady Fielder leads PBR world standings after event win in Pittsburgh
• Last rodeo ever at former home of the NFR in Oklahoma City