2017 World Champions

Team Roping

Cory Petska (heeler) new world champions round as just another round of rodeo. He spent the earlier part of the afternoon with his inner circle. “It was just another good day,”said the Round Rock, Ariz., resident. “My family and friends were in town, so I got to go have lunch with them. One of my best friends showed up too, and he’s kind of the one that pumps me up and gets me going in the right direction. He makes me feel a lot better and lets me know that I can do my job.” Rogers said having a partner such as Petska makes his first gold buckle that muchmore special. “It’s a great feeling to win a championship with (Cory),” said the 31-year-old. “He’s a veteran, he’s been here longer than me, and all the hours and roping that we put into it, I’mglad to be a part of it.” Petska followed that theme, praising his team- mate. “It’s awesome, because he’s like my best friend and brother,” Petska said. “We spend so much time together that you want to win it with someone you like and want to be around. We spend hours together and we’re really good friends, so to win it with one of your

best friends is definitely better thanwinning it with someone you don’t like.” After the final round at the 2017 Wrangler NFR, Rogers accepted his first-career gold buckle on stage, in the middle of the Thomas & Mack Center. There, he discussed with CBS Sports not only what a world championship meant to him, but also his Navajo roots. “This world championship is going back to the reservation,” Rogers said. “My friends, fans, and all the sponsors behind me, without them, I wouldn’t be here. To everybody back home on the reservation –‘We’re bringing the gold (buckle) home.”’ Petska kept his emotions in check as he made his way to the championship platform. Neverthe- less, he knew just who to thank for a fulfilling journey that has spanned two decades. “There are no words to describe this,” Petska said.“We couldn’t be here without our friends and our family, and we appreciate everybody.” – Nick Cicere

2017 WORLD CHAMPIONS

Team Ropers Erich Rogers (right) and Cory Petska

entered the NFR ranked second in team roping, performing their way to the top after 10 rounds and collecting their first gold buckles.

PRCA ProRodeo photo by Greg Westfall

2018 PRCA MEDIA GUIDE

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