ProRodeo Sports News - July 12, 2019

RENO RODEO RENO, NEV.

BY MATT NABER

Matt Cohen photo Steer wrestler J.D. Struxness attributed a large part of his Reno success to Freeway, owned by Struxness’ hazer, Stockton Graves. Steer wrestler Struxness jumps into Top 15 Ty Harris takes tie-down crown The 2018 PRCA | Resistol Rookie Steer wrestler J.D. Struxness leaped from 32nd to 14th in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings thanks to winning $12,725 at the Reno Rodeo. With Stockton Graves as his

of the Year in tie-down roping scored the biggest win of his ProRodeo career in Reno. Ty Harris, 21, raked in $8,094 by clocking in at 27.5 seconds on three head. “With a heritage like Reno has, it’s an amazing feeling,” Harris said shortly after receiving his other prize, a pair of Reno’s Silver Spurs. “I grew up watching this rodeo, and to think I’m holding these spurs is amazing.” The Texas cowboy hit the Reno arena atop El Gato. “He’s really athletic and has a great feel,” Harris said. “I didn’t name him, but I like it.” Harris’ Reno run pushed him from 14th to 11th as he pursues his first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualification. “I won about $6,000 last Cowboy Christmas, and I was tired and sore, and my truck broke down, but this year is fresh, and everything is going good,” Harris said.

hazer and Graves’ horse, Freeway, as Struxness’ mount, the Minnesota cowboy placed fifth in the first round, tied for first in Round 2 and placed third in the finals to win the average with 14.3 seconds on three head. “Whenever you can get on a good horse, it makes it easier for you,” said Struxness, 24. “We’re going to ride him all summer, we’re a good fit. They (Graves and Freeway) played a huge role. To get on a good horse and have a guy like Stockton hazing gets my confidence up.” Struxness and Graves hit the road with a slew of rodeos on their summer run schedule. “Cowboy Christmas takes a lot of strategic planning,” Struxness said. “We take it all in line with not too many all-night drives.”

Kirt Steinke photo

Tie-down roper Ty Harris picked up more than $8,000 at the Reno Rodeo, which pushed him from 14th to 11th in the world standings.

ProRodeo Sports News 7/12/2019

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