ProRodeo Sports News - August 24, 2018

“Having that success on that first steer, being 3.4, I felt like that momentum played into that night and helped me capitalize.” Knowles’ second steer wasn’t exactly the one you wanted to draw. Knowles got to watch Sterling Lambert run him in the slack and knew he was going to be a little harder to get by than his first steer. “Sterling’s a real

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good competitor and dang sure knows what he’s doing, so I knew I had my work cut out for me,” said Knowles. “The steer’s not bad to throw down, but he stops. And Hermiston’s set up to go fast, and that makes it a little tougher. “But man, I was fortunate just to kind of make a plan and it worked out for me.” Knowles gave credit to his horse for helping him capture the win, even on a tough steer. “I was riding a horse I purchased this spring named Smoke,” Knowles said. “He has proved to be a pretty good asset for us. He is easy, anyone can ride him, and definitely has worked out well.” Trevor Knowles – Blake’s cousin, and a 12-time Wrangler NFR steer wrestler – hazed for Blake at the Farm-City Pro Rodeo. “He was in good shape after the first round,” Trevor said. “Man, if he got him caught fast he was going to win good money. He got him tipped over fast enough to really dominate the rodeo.” Blake and Trevor also travel together. Traveling with family can be difficult at times for some, but Blake and Trevor have traveled together for as long as both can remember. “We have been traveling together, well forever,” Trevor said. “It’s great. I can’t really say anything bad. It’s pretty smooth and easy. “It’s always good when your crew or your family does good. Rodeo is not the easiest sport out there. It’s nice to have things go your way and capitalize on your opportunities. He (Blake) has done a really good job of that this year.” HOMETOWN SUCCESS Blake Knowles grew up in Heppner, Ore., about 20 miles outside of Hermiston. Knowles has always considered the Farm-City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston his hometown rodeo. Which is understandable considering his dad, Butch, is one of the founding members of the rodeo. “This is definitely a rodeo I cherish for a lot of reasons,” Blake said. “I have a lot of fond memories from being younger and being around it. It’s one of the first rodeos I remember being young and getting to go behind the scenes and getting to meet some of the contract personnel, like Randy Corley.

“There is a lot of personal feelings that go with that win. It’s definitely one that is a pretty high point in my career.” The win was even more special considering Corley was calling the action and all of Blake’s friends and family were there to support him. “It seems to be a tough dynamic to get past your hometown rodeo,” Blake said. “I don’t know if you try harder or what, but you always want to excel in front of your home crowd. I have not had a lot of luck here in the past. I may have placed in a few rounds, but nothing big. This was my first time really having luck here. It was enjoyable for sure.” FINISHINGTHE SEASON Blake Knowles is keeping the mindset to stay committed and continuing to try to win at every rodeo to finish the season. “I look at the standings and look at the amount of money that is coming up in the next few weeks,” Knowles said. “I don’t feel like I am there yet, as far as the qualification (for the Finals) goes. There is a ton of season left to play out. Depending on how guys do, you just never know what that 15th spot may look like.” Knowles was ninth in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings and was leading the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour standings as of Aug. 20, which would qualify him for the Justin Finale in Puyallup, Wash. “I think it (Puyallup) is really big,” Knowles said. “It’s a huge stepping stone or will be for some guys to get on into December to the National Finals. “I’ve been fortunate this year; I have had a lot of luck with the Tour. Hermiston probably solidified my spot in Puyallup. I am just looking forward to that opportunity.” Knowles is looking forward to finishing out the season strong and continuing to capitalize on as many opportunities as possible. “That is my career in a nut shell – there has been some successes there with NFR qualifications, but there were a couple of years I found myself a couple out,” Knowles said. “It can go either way pretty easy.”

Complete results on Page 53

SADDLE BRONC RIDING 1. Chase Brooks ........................ 87.5 pts. 2. Kolby Wanchuk ............................. 85.5 3. (tie) Isaac Diaz .............................. 84.5 Steven Dent .................................. 84.5

TIE-DOWN ROPING 1. Cimarron Boardman .. 17.8 sec. on two 2. Dane Kissack ................................ 18.5 3. Jason Minor ................................. 18.9 4. Roger Nonella ............................... 19.9

BARREL RACING 1. Jennifer Barrett ................... 16.83 sec. 2. Jessie Telford ............................. 16.89 3. Jessi Fish .................................... 17.10 4. Amanda Lewis Waller ................. 17.12

BULL RIDING 1. Wyatt Covington .................... 86.5 pts. 2. Brady Portenier ............................ 85.5 3. Derek Kolbaba .............................. 84.5 4. Two tied at .................................... 83.5

ProRodeo Sports News 8/24/2018

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