January 2018 36 RANCH & RODEO By Kimmie Dillon ARIZONA ROPERS SHINE AT THE WNFR The 2017 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas continues to feature the best in the world of professional rodeo. 3 cowboys from Arizona competed in 10 intense team roping rounds at the Thomas and Mack Arena. Congratulations on a job well done from AZ Real Country! Team ropers Erich Rogers (Heading) and Cory Petska (Heeling) were a big factor throughout the WNFR. The veteran ropers continued to step up in the world standings, crediting their mounts and draws. “Good horses and drawing good steers,” Rogers said. “That’s what we do. That’s what Cory and my run is (all about). We make good runs and we try to make sure we don’t make any mistakes, so that’s how we like to do it”. The pair finished first overall in the 2017 PRCA World Standings. Erich Rogers highlights: Joined PRCA: 2006 WNFR Qualifications: 7 (2011-2017) Round Rock, Arizona Cory Petska highlights: Joined PRCA: 1998 WNFR Qualifications: 14 (2003-2011, 2013-2017) Marana, Arizona Header Tom Richards started off 2017 at the top of the standings after winning $4,241 at the Turquoise Circuit Finals and $6,410 at the All American ProRodeo Finals. While that position didn’t hold, it set him up for his second NFR qualification. Richard’s early season earnings came with different heelers. He then partnered with Ryan Motes through part of the summer. Motes finished outside of the top 15 so Richards was partnered at the WNFR with reigning world champion heeler Jeremy Buhler. Tom Richards highlights: Joined PRCA: 2009 WNFR Qualifications: 2 (2014, 2017) Humboldt, Arizona Tom Richards finished 15th overall in the 2017 PRCA World Standings. WEDNESDAY DAY (AND NIGHT) BARREL RACES AT DOUBLE T Double T Ranch (formerly Dunns Arena) plays host to double races every Wednesday! Can’t make it on Wednesdays? Check out the Dunn’s Arena Facebook page to see the latest news and to learn about their Monday $25 jackpots and other events. www.facebook.com/dunns.arena/ Barrel Race results: December 6, 2017 (day) 1D Placings 1st 17.592 $111.00 KATHY RUBY on DAISYS CRAZY SISTER 2nd 17.800 $ 91.00 JACKIE LYNCH on FRENCH DOCS FROST 2D Placings 1st 18.199 $100.00 LORNA JONES on TRULY 2nd 18.402 $ 82.00 TERRI GOLD on SLICK SHI GUY 3D Placings 1st 18.631 $ 85.00 MARY RAINWATER on SUE ROCKS CORONA 2nd 18.647 $ 70.00 TAYLAN JAMES on CLOVER 4D Placings 1st 20.003 $ 74.00 LISA BONTECOU on FLYIN TA FIRST 2nd 20.226 $ 60.00 KAREN KUCHLER on MS PEPPY HIBROW Barrel Race results: December 6, 2017 (night) 1D Placings 1st 17.462 $ 84.00 LORNA JONES on HUCKLEBERRY CREEK 2nd 17.548 $ 64.00 SHELBY JO PEREZ on GATOR 2D Placings 1st 18.074 $ 76.00 AMBER MOORE on MOON 2nd 18.119 $ 58.00 TIMBER WIMBERLY on BLURR 3D Placings 1st 18.517 $ 64.00 CARI ZENKAWICH on PERKS OF FIRST 2nd 18.540 $ 49.00 SONYA WALZ on BAMBI 4D Placings 1st 19.730 $ 56.00 LAUREL SELLERS on CISCO 2nd 20.258 $ 43.00 JESSICA KENNEDY on FAMOUS SON OF GUN This just in: Amberley Snyder will be hosting 2 clinics at the Double T (Dunn’s) Arena. Mark your calendars for March 3th and 4th. This is an opportunity to learn from a talented rodeo competitor with a very inspiring story. Wishing you all the best in 2018! Photos by PRCA/ Phil Doyle Photo by Dan Hubbell