ProRodeo Sports News - August 24, 2018

CALDWELL NIGHT RODEO

for the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour’s Justin Finale in Puyallup, Wash., Sept. 6-9. The top 24 cowboys in the Tour standings in each event qualify for the Justin Finale. As of Aug. 20, Hamilton was 23rd. “I was talking to Jake (Vold) on the phone on my way home from Caldwell,” Hamilton said. “He said, ‘I think you’re in the top 24 (of the Tour standings), so we’ll go and enter Puyallup.’ It didn’t even cross my mind. That would be a pretty unreal opportunity.” So how does Hamilton think his choice has worked out to leave hockey for rodeo? “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” Hamilton said, “especially if I keep getting opportunities to win rodeos like Caldwell.”

qualifier and fellow Canadian Jake Vold as the one to really help guide the young rider through the trials of figuring out the rodeo trail. His success at Caldwell was unsurprising to travel partner Jake Stemo. “To see him have that success was very well deserved,” Stemo said. “He

puts it all out on the line. I knew it was going to happen with the way he was riding and the way he improved the last two years. It was only a matter of time before that type of success came.” The past couple years have come to a head with the win at Caldwell, Stemo said. “He’s gone through a couple years where you spend all your money and you travel your butt off and you don’t really reap any benefits,” Stemo said. “He’s gone through that part. That’s probably the toughest part to do, get your name out there and show them what you can do. You’ve got to pay your dues before you get rewarded. He’s already gone through that. So, I think he can go and do what he wants to do from now on.” Hamilton’s success this year also includes wins at Belt, Mont., and Great Falls, Mont. As of Aug. 20, he was sitting in second place in the PRCA | Resistol Rookie of the Year standings with $20,957, about $18,000 behind Zach Hibler. Hamilton ranked 40th in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings. “After this big win in Caldwell, I’m kicking myself in the butt to get after it for the Rookie of the Year,” Hamilton said. “I think that’s one of the most important things a guy can do in his young rodeo career, go for the Rookie of the Year in the PRCA.” While Hamilton is likely out of the race to make the Top 15 for the Finals, he’s in the thick of it to qualify KEEP GETTING BETTER

Steer wrestler Ty Waguespeak took a victory lap in Caldwell, Idaho, after winning the average with a time of 12.8 seconds on three head. Kirt Steinke photo

Complete results on Page 63

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. (tie) Ryder Wright.........176 pts. on two Hardy Braden...................................176 3. Bradley Harter.................................173 4. Three tied at ................................171.5

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Trevor Brazile............ 27.3 sec. on three 2. Rhen Richard..................................27.5 3. Ty Harris.........................................28.8 4. Marty Yates....................................30.7

BARREL RACING 1. Stevi Hillman.......... 51.32 sec. on three 2. Ivy Conrado..................................51.61 3. Teri Bangart..................................51.75 4. Amberleigh Moore........................51.99

BULL RIDING 1. Derek Kolbaba............................89 pts. 2. Garrett Smith..................................88.5 3. Eli Vastbinder....................................86 4. Two tied at .....................................85.5

ProRodeo Sports News 8/24/2018

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