Uncategorized Archives - Bob Feist Invitational

Wyoming native Julie Mankin has roped for three decades, and in her 25-year career as a former newspaper editor, PRCA publicist and freelance writer, her work has been published in Western Horseman, American Cowboy, AQHA Journal, True West, Cowboys & Indians and more.

Wrangler BFI Week Breaks Records, Pays Out Nearly $4 Million

Posted on by Julie Mankin

Wrangler BFI Week, anchored by the 46th annual Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping on April 1, paid out a record $3.88 million to ropers and drew more than 2,000 teams. The event, running March 29 through April 4, was comprised of 13 separate ropings over seven days in Guthrie, Oklahoma’s Lazy E Arena. Aired live on the Wrangler Network, 112,000 viewers at home watched more than 3.3 million minutes of team roping.

On April 2, Treyton Peterson of Plainview, Texas, and Lance Sippy of Canyon, Texas, roped four steers in 30.79 seconds to split a whopping $200,000 cash in the largest-ever 12.5 roping during BFI Week. The pair bested the field of more than 350 teams from seventh callback, including reserve champs Zac Watson and Milton Aguilera by about a tenth of a second over all four steers. The second-place team still earned $160,000 cash, plus Watson also placed sixth with Ben Winters for another $30,000 a man. He took $110,000 back to Burleson, Texas.

“These cattle were great, I thought,” said Sippy, who got back into team roping after a few years away. “I kind of needed to stay out to see that corner and Treyton made it easy. It’s easy for us to rope together.”

The pair practice and work together for Sippy’s business. The heeler gave a special shout-out to horse trainer Jason Thomas, who helped both men improve their roping and horsemanship recently.

On April 3, longtime team ropers and good friends Samuel Livingston of El Paso, Texas and Danny Zuniga of German, Texas, combined to finally win the 11.5 Businessman’s roping and cash checks worth $75,000 apiece.

The pair, who finished two-tenths of a second behind the champs just a year ago for third, had each entered the lucrative 11.5 for about a dozen years in Reno, Nevada. Livingston has previously heeled in the 11.5, but was heading for Zuniga this time – and knew to urge his horse across the pen to keep the steer out in front of Zuniga.

“Danny’s pretty trusty back there,” said Livingston. “There’s some pressure. You don’t want to drop the ball for a guy who catches all the time.”

 
Zuniga, who hat-flogged his horse and did a spin during the victory lap, works cattle and trains rope horses when he’s not roping. Livingston’s career has been in real-estate construction.

“Win or lose, it’s so great to have this opportunity,” said Zuniga. “It’s been fun to watch the event evolve over the years. We are so grateful to finally take home this big win; it’s been a bucket-list thing for us.”

Also on April 3, former top professional steer wrestler-turned construction foreman Tooter Silver of Quitman, Arkansas, hit pay dirt in the 10.5-Over-40 event with electrician Cole Mott of Kansas, Oklahoma, to split $108,000. The pair edged reserve champs Tammy Ellerman and Jim Matlack of Colorado by a whopping five seconds over four rounds to get the win.

On the final day of BFI Week in the 9.5-Over-40, longtime friends Steven Hinson and Tom Bridges of Arkansas said they drew good cattle and, from second callback, made a clean run to edge 165 other teams for the win – and a split of $100,000 cash.

“You don’t get to rope for that kind of money very often,” said Hinson of Jonesboro. “We had to take it one steer at a time and it just worked out for us today. It’s always fun to turn around and see your heeler smiling. This win feels great!”

Also on April 4, Nick McClelland of Roswell, New Mexico and Cody Hill of Tahoka, Texas, out-roped the field in the brand-new 8.5 event to split $45,000 for their time of 43.07 seconds on four steers.  Roping from sixth callback, the crop adjuster and oilfield worker met in a prior Texas roping where they drew each other. McClelland told Hill if he ever wanted to rope somewhere, to call him. Hill called and said, “Let’s go to the BFI.” And their first-ever trip to the Lazy E Arena was worth $24,500 apiece.

In the final roping of the week, neighbors Dustin Shelton and Shawn McCalister of Henrietta, Texas, split $16,000 for winning the average of the first-ever 7 roping. Shelton, who manages wheat-pasture cattle, and McCalister, a former bull rider from Louisiana who made the PBR Finals, only needed to be 17-some seconds to win the roping. They came tight in 7 and change on a great steer to stomp the field by more than 11 seconds on four.

“I always wanted to go to BFI Week when it was in Reno, but the schedule never worked out,” said McCalister. “When it came here, I figured we had to give it a shot.”

McCalister, who always headed until a couple of years ago, heeled on a cow-bred mare that cost him $2,500. With this check, she’s earned $38,000 for him thus far.

“You always dream of coming and doing this, so when you have success here, it kind of makes you tongue-tied,” admitted Shelton, a husband and father of four.

2023 BFI Week 7 Results

Posted on by BFI

Aggregate Results (on four head)

  1. Dustin Shelton and Shawn McCalister, 40.77 seconds, $16,000
  2. Stephanie Kinderknecht and Terry Kinderknecht, 52.11 seconds, $9,000
  3. Jennifer Thompson and John Thompson, 35.40 seconds, on three, $5,000
  4. Sade Noblitt and Makiah Horton, 36.33 seconds on three, $3,000
  5. Billy Ross and Kendall Stacy, 38.53 seconds on three, $2,500
  6. Marcus Cartright and Robert Cartright, 39.52 seconds on three, $2,000
  7. Rey Mata and Randy Herman, 43.86 seconds on three, $1,500

Round One Fast Time

  1. Alan Martin and Casey Martin, 7.81 seconds, $3,000
  2. Alan Martin and John Thompson, 7.65 seconds, $2,000
  3. Joe Metcalfe and JK Kinsey, 8.15 seconds, $1,500

Round Two Fast Time

  1. Ward Wiggins and Shawn McCalister, 6.49, $3,000
  2. Greg Perry and JK Kinsey, 7.44, $2,000
  3. Cecely Cantu and Billy Lopwz Sr., 8.23, $1,500

2023 BFI Week 8.5 Results

Posted on by BFI

Aggregate Results (on four head) 

  1. Nick McClelland and Cody Hill, 43.07, $45,000
  2. Steve Taylor and Shannon Killingsworth, 44.65, $28,000
  3. Jeff VanPetten and Jack Morris, 44.66, $18,000
  4. JW Meyer and Gary Brownd, 45.18, $12,000
  5. Russ Cook and Derwood Hopson, 45.66 $9,500
  6. Brandy Lloyd and Robin Bland, 48.17, $7,500
  7. Todd Kimble and John Garcia, 48.98, $5,500
  8. John Johnson and Becky Cannizzaro, 49.32, $3,000
  9. Josh Lilley and Doug Hall, 49.42, $2,500
  10. Tia Danker and Clay Armstrong, 54.50, $2,500

Round One Fast Time

  1. Shawn Campbell and Robby Wilson, 7.43, $3,000
  2. Aaron Bond and Billy Lopez Sr., 7.46, $2,000
  3. Craig Moore and Kenny Meeks, 7.48, $1,500

Round Two Fast Time

  1. Rick Gravell and Glen Guthrie, 6.13, $3,000
  2. Tim Henry and Rick Batson, 6.74, $2,000
  3. Jana Smith and Melvin Gentry, 6.75, $1,500

Short Go Fast Time

  1. Tish Luke and Ricky Bolin, 14.32, $2,000

2023 BFI Week 9.5 Over 40 Results

Posted on by BFI

Aggregate Results (on four head)

  1. Steve Hinson and Tom Bridges, 34.24, $100,000 
  2. Josh Johnson and Ricky Bolin, 34.74, $57,000
  3. John J Thompson and Chan Peters, 35.07, $37,000 
  4. Mike Carrell and Robin Bland, 35.36, $28,000
  5. Mel Coleman and Robert Lever, 36.63, $22,000
  6. Kirby Hill and Doug Holt, 37.42, $15,000 
  7. Shawn Sullivan and Tommy Payne, 39.00, $13,000
  8. Brandy Lloyd and Cory Lloyd, 40.27, $10,000
  9. Billy Hines and Ronnie Atchley, 40.72, $7,500
  10. Jerry Herring and Tommy Payne, 41.25, $4,000
  11. Kelly Cheatham and Jason Mouton, 41.32, $4,000
  12. Gabe Volf and John P Fowler, 41.50, $4,000
  13. Ryan Benton and Kelly Tuley, 42.01, $4,000

Rotation One Fast Time 

  1. Jerry Herring and Tommy Payne, 7.18 seconds, $4,000
  2. Clay Armstrong and Aaron Harrell, 7.26 seconds, $3,500
  3. Steve Taylor and Michael Angell, 7.33 seconds, $3,000
  4. Mike Booth and Brock Middleton, 7.40 seconds, $2,500

Rotation Two Fast Time

  1. Lance Mudd and Scottie Primeaux, 7.22, $4,000
  2. Craig Moore and Tony Lang, 7.36, $3,500
  3. Mel Coleman and Robert Lever, 7.46, $3,000
  4. Josh Johnson and Ricky Bolin, 7.55, $2,500

Fast Time Short Go

  1. Jerry Chandler and Tooter Silver, 8.21, $3,500
  2. Ricky Schultz and Mike Booth, 8.93, $3,000
  3. Bruce Nitschke and Chan Peters, 11.02, $2,500

2023 BFI Week 10.5 Over 40 Results

Posted on by BFI

Aggregate Results (on four head)

  1. Cole Mott and Tooter Silver, 30.85 seconds, $108,000
  2. Tammy Ellerman and Jim Matlack, 35.88 seconds, $71,000
  3. Randy Barnes and Richard Hughes, 37.48 seconds, $50,000
  4. Barry Berg and Brock Middleton, 38.39 seconds, $40,000
  5. John Wiggins and Eddie Cole, 39.87 seconds, $30,000
  6. Dave Wingo and Bobby Pugh, 39.91 seconds, $22,000
  7. Cole Mott and Justin Nowlin, 40.03 seconds, $18,000
  8. Jimmy Garcia and Perri Sanchez, 40.18 seconds, $14,000
  9. James Whitlow and Gilbert Porras, 42.33 seconds, $12,000
  10. Randy Barnes and David Miller, 42.89 seconds, $9,000
  11. Cliff Emmons and Jim Baker, 43.62 seconds, $7,500
  12. Kent Latta and Rob Lauer, 43.95 seconds, $6,000
  13. Mike Chandler and Tom Bridges, 44.13 seconds, $5,500
  14. Lynn Easterwood and Don Bay, 45.04 seconds, $5,000

Round One Fast Time

  1. Kent Nixon and Cory Lloyd, 6.13 seconds, $4,000
  2. Mel Smith and Michael Angell, 6.31 seconds, $3,500
  3. Jason Cagle and Trenton Tucker, 6.97 seconds, $3,000
  4. Tyler Thompson and John Robert Anderson, 7.66 seconds, $2,500

Round Two Fast Time

  1. Lance Mudd and Glen Terrell, 6.34, $4,000
  2. Tarrant Stewart and Travis C Beck, 6.39, $3,500 
  3. Kevin Pierce and Clint Sorrell, 6.74, $3,000
  4. Cole Mott and Tooter Silver, 6.81, $2,500

Fast  Time Short Go

  1. Nicky Delgado and Earl Purcella, 14.18, $4,000
  2. James Whitlow and Gilberto Porras, 7.77, $3,000
  3. Jimmy Garcia and Perri Sanchez, 8.07, $2,500

2023 BFI Week 11.5 Businessman’s Results

Posted on by BFI

Aggregate Results (on four head)

  1. Samuel Livingston and Danny Zuniga, 32.16 seconds, $150,000
  2. Lynn Dale Toon and Chris Lance, 36.24 seconds, $100,000
  3. Tarrant Stewart and Rhett Nelson, 37.15 seconds, $66,000
  4. Matt Lister and Terry Cox, 40.20 seconds, $39,000
  5. Ryan Richardson and Miles Baker, 41.33 seconds, $23,000
  6. Raymond Kerr and Rick Steed, 42.09 seconds, $15,000
  7. Jarett Rogers and Casey Lambert, 42.21 seconds, $13,000
  8. Mike Cullen and Justin Crist, 42.54 seconds, $12,000
  9. Kirby Hill and Brice McGehee, 43.78 seconds, $11,000
  10. Brother Campbell and Keith Coleman,  43.79 seconds, $10,000
  11. Shane Boston and Shank Stephens, 44.16 seconds, $8,500
  12. Kent Latta and Jess Tierney, 44.82 seconds, $8,000
  13. Travis Regensberg and Lyndsey Padilla, 46.78 seconds, $8,000

Consolation Aggregate Results (on three head)

  1. Cliff Emmons and Jesse DeBord, 24.10 seconds, $7,500
  2. B Rad Lands and Rusty Rankin, 25.04 seconds, $6,000
  3. Ryan Reeves and Paul Freed, 25.30 seconds, $4,000
  4. Rusty Goforth and David Miller, 25.74 seconds, $3,000
  5. Belo Wiley and Trey Alegria, 25.78 seconds, $2,000

Round One Fast Time

  1. Hannah White and Wil Whiddon, 7.17 seconds, $5,000
  2. Clay Armstrong and Nick Nolte, 7.31 seconds, $4,000
  3. Dennis Moore and Glen Terrell, 7.59 seconds, $3,000

Round Two Fast Time

  1. John P Fowler and Chase Harris, 6.62 seconds, $5,000
  2. Joshua Bray and Daniel Chartney, 6.69 seconds, $4,000
  3. Ty Miller and Hunter Stanley, 6.97 seconds, $3,000

Round Three Fast Time

  1. Randy Barnes and James Watson, 6.15 seconds, $5,000 
  2. Chance Reppond and David Walker, 6.53 seconds, $4,000
  3. Dusty Beene and Jamie Pohnert, 7.17 seconds, $3,000 

Short Go Fast Time

  1. Dylan White and Brennon Seely, 7.85 seconds, $5,000
  2. Lane Roberts and Jason Jones, 8.23 seconds, $3,500
  3. Larry Rice and Jimmi Jo Montera, 8.68 seconds, $1,500

2023 BFI 12.5 RESULTS

Posted on by BFI

Aggregate Results (on four head)

  1. Treyton Peterson and Lance Sippy, 30.79 seconds, $200,000
  2. Zac Watson and Milton Aguilera, 30.91 seconds, $160,000
  3. Jim Bob Fritz and James Watson, 31.50 seconds, $120,000
  4. James Lockhart and Wesley Andrews, 31.81 seconds, $100,000
  5. Craig Moore and Hayden Powell, 32.09 seconds, $80,000
  6. Zac Watson and Ben Winters, 32.52 seconds, $60,000
  7. Cole Harmon and Joseph Hammett, 32.57 seconds, $45,000
  8. Kayelen Helton and Shawn Vargas, 32.87 seconds, $30,000
  9. Heath Hardman and Taylor Mitchell, 33.15 seconds, $20,000
  10. Lincoln Lewis and Dylan Gordon, 33.22 seconds, $15,000
  11. Chad Ramer and Willy Gasperson, 33.91 seconds, $10,000
  12. Troy Herring and Trenton Tucker, 33.92 seconds, $9,000
  13. Brian Gregg and Bill Cody Johnson, 33.95 seconds, $8,000
  14. Samuel Livingston and Barry Gentry, 34.14 seconds, $7,000
  15. Erica Krantz and Austyn Ford, 35.59 seconds, $6,000
  16. Chase Bierma and John O’Conner, 36.44 seconds, $5,000
  17. Johnny P Garcia and Adrian Martinez, 36.73 seconds, $5,000
  18. Cody Wheeler and Miles Baker, 37.25 seconds, $5,000
  19. Cory King and Jay Shaffer, 40.15 seconds, $5,000
  20. Grayson Dykes and Any Anaya, 40.64 seconds, $5,000

Rotation One Fast Time

  1. Caleb Estep and Tracy Estep, 5.49 seconds, $7,500
  2. Jarett Rogers and Jared Gipson, 5.74 seconds, $6,000
  3. Ryan Richardson and Speed Williams, 6.19 seconds, $4,500
  4. Adrian Martinez and Logan Wengert, 6.25 seconds, $3,000

Rotation Two Fast Time

  1. Casey Lambert and Dustin Noblitt, 6.01 seconds, $7,500
  2. James Lockhart and Wesley Andrews, 6.12 seconds, $6,000
  3. Chase Bierma and John O’Connor, 6.18 seconds, $3,750
  4. Heath Hardman and Taylor Mitchell, 6.18 seconds, $3,750

Short Go Fast Time

  1. Samuel Livingston and Barry Genry, 6.39 seconds, $4,000
  2. Troy Herring and Trenton Tucker, 6.56 seconds, $3,000

Kirchner & Thompson Take $160,000 Career Win at BFI

Posted on by Kendra Santos

The BFI win is in a league of its own for 2023 champs Curry Kirchner and Tyson Thompson.

BFI Photo by Andersen CbarC Photo

By Kendra Santos

Curry Kirchner and Tyson Thompson had the biggest day of their young roping careers at the 46th annual Bob Feist Invitational Team Roping Classic, and thanks to the unprecedented 100% 2023 payback have a record $160,000 to show for it. Kirchner, 24, and Thompson, 25, roped six steers in 45.38 seconds to take center stage at the fabulous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma at BFI’s end on April 1. After braving the BFI marathon, both were borderline speechless. 

“The BFI is the biggest roping there is,” said Kirchner, 24, who works alongside his dad, Robert, at Myrl Mortenson’s cattle operation about an hour and 15 minutes northwest of Guthrie in Ames, Oklahoma. “To just be able to compete in this roping is great. To even think about winning it is crazy. 

“Winning the BFI is everything. This is the first big roping I’ve ever placed at, let alone won. What’s funny is that I didn’t feel any pressure in the short round. I felt super calm, like just go out there and do my job and see what happens.”

Kirchner and Thompson—who were awarded Coats Saddles, Gist Buckles, Resistol Hats and Hat Pacs, YETI Coolers, Best Ever Pads, Justin Boots, B&W Hitches, Equinety and BFI Wine on top of that cool $160,000—were the fourth callback behind the high team of Clint Summers and Cory Petska, Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin, and Brandon Beers and Daniel Braman. 

Biggest Win by Far

“This is absolutely my biggest win by far,” said Thompson, 25, who lives in tiny Munday, Texas about an hour north of Abilene. “The biggest one before this was winning the #11 Shootout heeling for Wesley Thorp at the 2012 USTRC Finals. Wesley headed for me at the high school rodeos, too.”

Kirchner and Thompson were rock solid all day long.
BFI Photo by Andersen CbarC Photo

Kirchner and Thompson were 6.66 on their last run to take their six-steer total over the 21-foot BFI scoreline to 45.38 seconds. Beers and Braman were 7.80 on their last one, and finished the reserve champs at 46.43 on six. Proctor missed. Then Summers and Petska ran down a runner in 8.70, which with 46.63 on six landed them third in the average at roping’s end. 

“I wanted to make sure I saw plenty, and to just go rope the steer for what he was,” said Kirchner, who had his lucky-charm girlfriend, Callie Hill, in the house. “I wasn’t real worried about what we won. I just wanted to do my job. We were sitting down at the back end when the last three teams roped. I didn’t even realize we’d won it when Tyson’s two brothers (Chace and Kreece) came running up and mobbed us, and told us we’d won it. I didn’t believe it.” 

“About the only thing we said to each other today was ‘Good job’ after every run,” said Thompson, whose cheering section was headed up by his mom, Kelly, and girlfriend, Y’leigh Yarborough. “We didn’t talk before the short round. We just kind of did our deal. We kept our heads down, and roped what they gave us.”

The Rodeo Road

Kirchner’s rodeoed the last couple years, and had a top-30 finish in 2021 and a top-40 finish in 2022, which included fourth at RodeoHouston with Austin Rogers. 

Team Kirchner and Thompson proved unstoppable from every angle.
BFI Photo by Andersen CbarC Photo

“Tyson and I have roped off and on at some jackpots since high school,” Kirchner said. “He texted me about roping here, and we’ve roped at a few rodeos, too. I don’t know how hard I’ll rodeo this year just yet. It’s been a little slow, but a win like this one definitely helps keep it rocking and rolling. I’d dang sure like to get in the top 30 to get into the winter rodeos next year. My good horse got hurt, but I hope to have him back by June.

“You have to ride that fine line here at the BFI, because you have to stay aggressive without stepping on your own toes. I’ve learned from past experience that safetying up is not the answer. I never worry about Tyson when we rope, and I wasn’t worried about him all day long here today. I know if I do my job there aren’t going to be any issues back there with Tyson.”

Thompson is entered up at the California spring rodeos with fellow Texan Jace Bland, but sure has fun roping with Kirchner. 

“Curry and I have entered together a handful of times, and have had really good luck,” Thompson said. “We won second twice together at the Junior Patriot a few years ago. It seems like we just win every time we enter together. I love roping with him.”

Breaking Through

Thompson’s having a breakthrough season all the way around in 2023. He got to heel for his brother Kreece at San Antonio, and won a little money in his bracket with his other brother, Chace, in his RodeoHouston debut. And this was the year the Thompson Ranch won it all at the RodeoHouston Ranch Rodeo. 

The short-round run that closed the deal for Kirchner and Thompson.
BFI Photo by Andersen CbarC Photo

“This has literally been a fairytale year,” Tyson said. “My family’s Thompson Ranch team—my brother Chace, Uncle Tyler, Chad Williams, Colton Burnett and me—finally won the ranch rodeo at Houston. Houston is the biggest ranch rodeo, and the greatest ranch rodeo by a ton. And now I get to win the BFI? Wow.”

BFI Horsepower 

With his horse temporarily sidelined, Kirchner’s been gratefully bumming a ride on a 13-year-old sorrel from his friend Jeff Tebo since December. 

“I call him Memphis, and he’s a big running-bred horse,” Kirchner said. “Jeff’s been kind enough to let me ride him this winter, and he was outstanding here today. He caught up so fast, and was so easy to handle steers on. These long setups fit him really good.” 

Thompson rode his 7-year-old sorrel horse Shoppa.

“Shoppa’s so calm and easy to rope on,” Thompson said. “He acts like he’s an old horse. He’s never in my way. He did a great job today.”

BFI Blessings

This was not the first time the BFI has blessed the Thompson family in a big way. Tyson’s dad, Todd, won $90,000 at last year’s BFI #12.5 Oilfield Classic heeling for Chick Wilfong, who won $90,000 of his own. 

“I don’t even know how to narrow down how big a deal winning the BFI is to me,” Tyson said. “When we got to the short round, that was a big deal. I thought if we could just catch one at a big roping like the BFI and finish in the top four, that would be a major accomplishment. To actually win it against guys like Cory Petska, Kory Koontz and Wesley Thorp—I can’t believe I’ve won a roping they’ve won.

“Cory Petska is a hero of mine. I give all the credit for my heeling to my dad and Wesley. I’ve gotten to spend some time with Kory the last couple years, and that guy can teach you stuff even when you golf with him. He’s just a cool person, and is always there to help you, even when you aren’t asking for it.”

Horses of the BFI

Clint Summers’ 11-year-old bay Joe and Logan Medlin’s 7-year-old bay Cantina were named Head and Heel Horse of the BFI, respectively. Powered by Dixon Flowers Rope Horses, the Horse of the BFI winners’ sculptures were created by Steve Miller of Lost Prairie Art & Bronze. The winners also received Dixon Flowers horse blankets, Best Ever Pads and $500.

Clint Summers was proud of his horse Joe for taking Head Horse of the BFI honors.
BFI Photo by Andersen CbarC Photo

“Joe always scores and runs super hard, and he worked outstanding today,” said Wrangler National Finals Rodeo switch-ender Summers. “He’s very easy to handle cattle on, and I’m planning to ride him outside this summer. Ever since I started heading, I looked up to Trevor (Brazile). I knew when I started heading that I needed the best head horses. To win this award is a pretty special deal to me.” 

Medlin has a pair of bay aces with stars on their foreheads and snips on their noses. There’s his 2020-21 Heel Horse of the Year, Drago, and then there’s his 2022 Heel Horse of the BFI, Cantina. Medlin bought Cantina, who’s 7 now, from the Tongue River Ranch the end of his 4-year-old year. Cantina looks just enough like Drago that even some of the Top 15 didn’t notice when he subbed him in during last December’s NFR from Round 4 on, when Drago needed to take a break. 

“Cantina’s still a little green, but he’s really stepped up,” Medlin said. “It’s hard to get off of a horse you know so well to get on a green one, but I actually like to jackpot on Cantina better than Drago. Cantina’s answered the call. 

And the Heel Horse of the 2023 BFI award goes to Logan Medlin’s Cantina.
BFI Photo by Andersen CbarC Photo

“Cantina winning this award gives me some peace of mind that I’m not crazy. It choked me up a little bit when they called his name. I didn’t expect to win it. I was very proud of Cantina today. It’s kind of cool to know that other people thought he did as good as I did.”

Life-Changing Money at the Lazy E  

“Everything about the BFI sets it apart from all other ropings,” Kirchner said. “It’s a horse race here at the Lazy E, and this is a wonderful place that’s been good to me over the years. The BFI is the top of the top roping. There’s just something special about it. I grew up watching BFI tapes, and still watch them today. 

“We won life-changing money here today, and everything about the BFI is just top class. I’m trying to build a place and get more head horses. This hasn’t really all sunk in just yet, but I have plenty of places to go with this money.”

“I still have tags on a pickup I just bought,” Thompson added. “I’m ready to put a bunch of rodeo miles on it, and now I can get it paid for, too. Between that and my horse addiction, this money will come in very handy. 

“There’s so much hype and prestige at the BFI, and the way they make you feel at this roping is unlike any other. They use spotlights, and the announcers know all the stats. The radio is blaring. This roping feels like a rodeo, and you’re in it every run. They get you in the zone at the BFI, and it’s a pretty fun place to be.”

Full Results from The Feist

2023 BFI The Feist Full Results

Posted on by BFI

Aggregate Results (on six head)

  1. Curry Kirchner and Tyson Thompson, 45.38 seconds, $160,000
  2. Brandon Beers and Daniel Braman, 46.43 seconds, $100,000
  3. Clint Summers and Cory Petska, 46.63 seconds, $76,000
  4. Chad Masters and Trey Yates, 47.95 seconds, $55,000
  5. James Arviso and Nicky Northcott, 48.27 seconds, $34,000
  6. Logan Olson and Seth Smithson, 48.67 seconds, $20,000
  7. Wyatt Bray and Josh Patton, 48.86 seconds, $18,000
  8. Jake Cooper Clay and and Kollin VonAhn, 49.40 seconds, $12,000
  9. Shay Carroll and Evan Arnold, 49.71 seconds, $10,000
  10. Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira, 50.59 seconds, $9,000
  11. Andrew Ward and Buddy Hawkins, 56.65 seconds, $8,500
  12. Erich Rogers and Paul Eaves, 57.40 seconds, $7,500
  13. Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin, 37.97 seconds on five, $7,000
  14. Peyton Walters and Kory Koontz, 40.55 seconds on five, $6,500
  15. Bubba Buckaloo and JR Gonzalez, 42.31 seconds on five, $6,500

Round One Fast Time

  1. Ty Blaingame and Brandon Bates, 6.41 seconds, $8,000
  2. Tyler Wade and Travis Graves, 6.94 seconds, $6,000
  3. Coleman Proctor and Logan Medlin, 7.29 seconds, $4,000
  4. Brandon Beers and Daniel Braman, 7.45 seconds, $2,000

Round Two Fast Time

  1. Paul David Tierney and Tanner Braden, 6.14 seconds, $8,000
  2. Guy Howell and Riley Curuchet, 6.41 seconds, $6,000
  3. Ben Jordan and Scott Lauaki, 6.50 seconds, $4,000
  4. Cash Duty and Sid Sporer, 6.69 seconds, $2,000

Round Three Fast Time

  1. Justin Pruitt and Gralyn Elkins, 5.53 seconds, $8,000
  2. Trey Begay and Cody Lansing, 5.60 seconds, $6,000
  3. Cory Kidd and Lane Mitchell, 5.64 seconds, $4,000
  4. Cyle Denison and Cole Curry, 5.74 seconds, $2,000

Round Four Fast Time

  1. Clint Peverley and Levi Pettigrew, 5.27 seconds, $8,000
  2. Matt Sherwood and Billie Jack Saebens, 5.68 seconds, $6,000
  3. Kolton Schmidt and Max Kuttler, 5.93 seconds, $4,000
  4. Casey Hicks and Steve Orth, 6.02 seconds, $2,000

Round Five Fast Time

  1. Coy Brittain and Colton Brittain, 5.10 seconds, $8,000
  2. Dustin Egusquiza and Levi Lord, 5.36 seconds, $6,000
  3. Manny Egusquiza and JC Flake, 5.41 seconds, $4,000
  4. Rowdy Jones and Gage Wiliams, 5.73 seconds, $2,000

Short Go Fast Time

  1. Kaleb Driggers and Junior Nogueira, 6.59 seconds, $4,000
  2. Curry Kirchner and Tyson Thompson, 6.66 seconds, $3,000
  3. Shay Carroll and Evan Arnold, 6.69 seconds, $2,000
  4. Chad Masters and Trey Yates, 6.78 seconds, $1,000

First-Half Wrap-Up with Full Results from Wrangler BFI Week

Posted on by Julie Mankin

Teens land big windfall; ladies, legends bank tens of thousands

GUTHRIE, Oklahoma, April 1, 2023 – Southeastern Oklahoma  State University’s Levi James and Murray State College’s Garrett Hughes combined to out-rope nearly 400 teams in the biggest Hooey Jr. BFI on record in Guthrie, Oklahoma’s Lazy E Arena, splitting a cool $50,000 cash plus huge array of prizes. James of Atoka, Okla., and Hughes of Sulphur, Okla., caught four steers in 29.44 seconds for the windfall on March 30.

Then, in the Hooey Jr. BFI Open for higher-ranked ropers, it was Weatherford College standouts Jett Stewart and Cashton Weidenbener who took home $42,000 plus Cactus saddles, Resistol hats, Gist buckles, Hooey backpacks and Smarty dummies, among other prizes. The pair had left their Texas home at 2:30 a.m. to make it to Guthrie for the day’s ropings, then took off to Snyder, Texas for the next evening’s college rodeo.

Weidenbener of Payson, Arizona, is the defending National High School Finals Rodeo heeling champion. It was only the second jackpot for the young horse ridden by Ione, Oregon’s Jett Stewart, who is the son of former NFR heeler Jason Stewart. The latter had called his father before that final steer for $42,000 and gotten this advice:  “It’s not that hard. Just score, ride and rope.” 

Earlier in the week, Arkansas heeler Whitney DeSalvo won her fifth Charlie 1 Horse team roping championship in six years, this time with Arizona’s Kenzie Kelton. The pair split $20,800 on March 29 for roping four steers in 37.50 seconds. 

DeSalvo, the highest-rated female heeler in the world, also placed seventh and eighth in the roping to earn $13,900 on the day. It was only her second time to rope with Kelton, a freshman at Central Arizona College in Coolidge. Kenzie’s dad, Chance, is a former NFR header and her brother, Ketch, won the Jr Ironman Title at the Timed-Event Championships of the World in the same arena less than a month earlier. 

Dana Markham and Kelly Snow combined to win the 9.5 Incentive on three steers, worth $7,500.

The Charlie 1 Horse Breakaway title went to Sarah Angelone of Lipan, Texas (the defending Women’s Professional Rodeo Association all-around champion originally hails from Virginia). For catching all three calves in 9.73 seconds, she earned $14,000 cash and several prizes – plus another $2,760 in the rounds. 

“I was focusing on just roping one calf at a time and doing my job each round,” said Angelone, who also had a good callback with her other entry, but broke out. 

She explained it was important to maintain a strong mental game throughout the long day of roping.

“Having a short-term memory mindset helped me clear my mind after that breakout and be able to focus on my next calf,” she said.  

Arizona native Brett Woolsey won about $5,000 in the team roping and breakaway to clinch the all-around title and prizeline including two Smarty dummies.

On March 31 in Guthrie, Jaret Freeman and Scott Lauaki bested 142 teams to split $60,000 cash and the BFI prizeline for winning the 15.5 roping. The field they beat included NFR greats Trevor Brazile (heeling), Brandon Beers and Matt Sherwood.

Later that day, wildfires in the Guthrie area postponed the latter half of the BFI Legends roping, but Cory Petska and Seth Smithson hung tight for the $19,000 win. They roped five steers in 37.70 seconds. In its second year, the jackpot for former BFI contestants over 40 draws legends such as Tee Woolman and Rich Skelton. Petska was heading, but he’s a world champion heeler and former BFI champion heeler.

Wrangler BFI Week continues with the BFI itself on April 1, followed by the 12.5 on April 2, the 11.5 Businessman’s and 10.5-Over-40 on April 3 and the 9.5-Over-40, 8.5 and 7.5 on April 3. 

Wrangler BFI Week Results

Charlie 1 Horse All-Girl Team Roping

Round One:  1. Kayelen Helton and Becky Cannizzaro, 6.49 seconds, $1,000; 2. Kenzie Kelton and Whitney DeSalvo, 7.49 seconds, $800; 3. Quincy Sullivan and Brett Woolsey, 7.97 seconds, $400. Round Two:  1. Danielle Lowman and Arena Ben, 6.27 seconds, $1,000; 2. Hope Thompson and Kennlee Tate, 6.97 seconds, $800; 3. Quincy Sullivan and Casey Jo Hodge, 7.23 seconds, $400. Short Round:  1. Stevens and Rylee Stokes, 8.72 seconds, $1,000; 2. Kelsey Pepion and Annette Stahl, 9.32 seconds, $800. Average:  1. Kenzie Kelton and Whitney DeSalvo, 37.50 seconds, $20,000; 2. Dana Markham and Kelly Snow, 38.19 seconds, $14,000; 3. Connie Harris and Megan Gunter, 39.49 seconds, $11,000; 4. Carsyn Tharp and Kennlee Tate, 42.59 seconds, $8,000; 5. Jessica Montgomery and Jackie Crawford, 43.13 seconds, $6,000; 6. Martha Angelone and Danielle Roper, 43.86 seconds, $5,000; 7. Kenna Francis and Whitney DeSalvo, 44.71 seconds, $4,000; 8. Decca Gagan and Whitney DeSalvo, 45.05 seconds, $3,000.  9.5 Incentive Average on Three:  1. Dana Markham and Kelly Snow, 27.76 seconds, $7,500; 2. Emma Carrell and Courtney Crites, 29.45 seconds, $4,500; 3. Connie Harriss and Megan Gunter, 31.21 seconds, $3,000; 4. Avery Goegelle and Kelly Snow, 32.62 seconds, $2,500; 5. Sydney Ball and Kennlee Tate, 33.52 seconds, $2,000; 6. Carsyn Tharp and Kennlee Tate, 33.71 seconds, $2,000

Charlie 1 Horse Breakaway

First Round:  1. Quincy Sullivan, 3.03 seconds, $1,000; 2. Sarah Angelone, 3.04, $750; 3. Baylee Barker, 3.06, $500; Second Round:  1. Sarah Angelone, 3.05, $1,000; 2. Janae Todacheenie, 3.35, $750; 3. Cheyenne Guillory, 3.36, $500; Short Round Fast Time (Not Placing in Average):  1. Sarah Angelone (other entry), 12.61, $1,000. Average:  1. Sarah Angelone, 9.73 on three, $14,000; 2. Taylor Hanchey, 10.98, $10,000; 3. Hali Williams, 11.32, $6,500; 4. Janae Todacheenie, 11.75, $5,500; 5. Brandi McDowell, 12.14, $4,500; 6. Brett Woolsey, 12.4, $3,500; 7. Jackie Crawford, 12.42, $3,000; 8.  Bailey Jay, 12.68, $2,500; 9. Kennedy Buckner, 13.01, $2,000; 10. Danielle Wray, 13.21, $1,500; 11. Lexey Williams, 15.37, $1,250. 18-And-Under Incentive:  1. Brett Woolsey, 12.4, $1,000; 2. Summer Williams, 8.73 on two, $750; 3. Kamey Kennermer, 10.22, $500.

Hooey Jr. BFI 10.5

First Rotation:  1. Wesson Parker and Rowdy Payne, 6.33 seconds, $2,500; 2. Levi James and Garrett Hughes, 6.67, $2,000; 3. Mason Cross and Wyatt J Howell, 7.31, $1,500; 4. Jacob Rush and John David Daniel, 7.46, $700. Second Rotation:  1. Preston Ivey and Brayden Morris, 5.45, $2,500; 2. Landon Dasilva and Wyatt J Howell, 5.70, $2,000; 3. Trigger Hargrove and Wiley Breeze, 6.23, $1,500; 4. Aaron Raulston and Brayden A Israel, 6.24, $700. Third Rotation:  1. Colton Williamson and Layne Rogers, 5.88, $2,500; 2. Briar White and Tate Barton, 6.36, $2,000; 3. Taton Salazar and Colton Devore, 6.56, $1,100; 4. Holland Roukema and Teagan Roukema, 6.56, $1,100; Fourth Rotation:  1. Kade Gierisch and Tanner  Tomlinson, 6.23, $2,500; 2. Bridger Ketcham and Cole Wilson, 6.53, $2,000; 3. Maverick Lozano and Cross Ringelstein, 6.68, $1,500; 4. Bobby Vaughn and Traven Todd, 7.03, $350; 4. Bridger Ketcham and Trey Toft, 7.03, $350. Short Round that didn’t place in the average:  1. Casper Ringelstein and Zane Starns, 13.00, $2,000; 2. Mattox Moyer and Keaton Kellum, 13.90, $1,500; 3. Tanner Evans and Lucas Willeford, 14.22, $1,000.  Average:  1. Levi James and Garrett Hughes, 29.44 seconds on five, $50,000; 2. Kaitlyn Torres and Cross Ringelstein, 30.44, $30,000; 3. Jaxon Stoker and Noah Vasquez, 31.59, $18,000; 4. Jadon Bailey and Junior Jose Corpus, 32.20, $12,500; 5. Raesh Casebolt and Brodie Boyce, 32.77, $10,000; 6. Foreman Casebolt and Sid Harvey, 33.92, $9,000; 7. Joseph Villareal and Maverick Lozano, 34.17, $8,000; 8. Jaycus Hill and Garrett Hughes, 34.31, $6,000; 9. Bridger Ketcham and Trey Toft, 34.38, $5,000; 10. Colter Reed and Snook Traden Lauer, 34.80, $4,500; 11. Brody Mathiews and Ryan Davis, 35.01, $4,000; 12. Blaine Coates and Wylie Morgan, 35.91, $3,500; 13. Conner Wright and Trentyn Hurst, 36.61, $3,000; 14. Rendon Powledge and Ryan Davis, 37.20, $3,000; 15. Bill Cody Odell and Junior Jose Corpus, 38.79, $3,000; 16. Blaine Coates and Cole Denny, 39.87, $2,500; 17. Weston Lakin and Jaxon Reynolds, 40.63, $2,500; 18. Easton Lakin and Blaine Caldwell, 41.56, $2,500; $1,250; 19. Jhett Vanderhamm and Colter Reed Snook, 41.67, $2,500; 20. Rachel Kittle and Beau West, 41.95, $2,500.

Hooey Jr. BFI Open

First Round:  1. Brayden Schmidt and Logan Cullen, 6.50 seconds, $3,000; 2. Cutter Cain and Dodge Hare, 6.65, $2,000; 3. James Arviso and Nicky Northcott, 7.31, $1,000. Second Round:  1. Cole Smith and Landen Glenn, 6.0, $3,000; 2. Cole Smith and Michael Eugenio Calmelat, 6.51, $2,000; 3. Casper Ringelstein and Scout McElroy, 7.03, $1,000. Short Round:  1. Cole Smith and Michael Eugenio Calmelat, 7.09, $3,000; 2. James Arviso and John Hisel, 7.91, $2,000; 3. Jett Stewart and Cashton Weidenbener, 7.96, $1,000.  Average:  1. Jett Stewart and Cashton Weidenbener, 41.09 seconds on five head, $42,000; 2. Mason Appleton and JR Gonzalez, 41.27, $25,000; 3. Damian Jr Padilla and Michael Eugenio Calmelat, 43.24, $15,000; 4. Denton Parish and Denton Dunning, 45.27, $11,000; 5. Mason McDaniel and Sammy Saunders, 45.85, $8,500; 6. James Arviso and John Hisel, 45.86, $6,000; 7. Cole Smith and Michael Eugenio Calmelat, 47.33, $5,000; 8. Ketch Kelton and Logan Cullen, 48.42, $4,500; 9. Cason Richey and Will Smith, 49.60, $4,000; 10. Eli Green and Porter Bryant, 49.61, $4,000; 11. Brayden Schmidt and Logan Cullen, 50.89, $3,500; 12. Brennen Wilson and Brayden Morris, 56.75, $3,500.

15.5


First Round:  1. Brandon Farris and Shawn Crockett, 6.82 seconds, $4,000; 2. Jimmy Harrison and Derrick Jantzen, 7.24 seconds, $3,000; 3. Jaxon Hill and Hayden Sanders, 7.53 seconds, $2,000. Short Round (Not Placing In Average):  1. Kevin Williams and Brad Newberry, 8.47 seconds, $3,000; 2. Race Meliman and Daniel Braman, 9.92 seconds, $2,000; 3. Peyton Walters and Luke Miller, 10.47 seconds, $1,000.  Average:  1. Jarett Freeman and Scott Lauaki, 31.83 seconds on four head, $60,000; 2. Brandon Farris and Shawn Crockett, 32.56 seconds, $40,000; 3. Brandon Beers and Bobby Alexander, 33.75 seconds, $30,000; 4. Bobby Mote and Trevor Brazile, 34.33 seconds, $23,000; 5. Brad Freeland and Matt Sherwood, 34.61 seconds, $18,000; 6. Brandon Farris and Braden Harmon, 34.63 seconds, $16,000; 7. Miles Baker and Shawn Crockett, 35.75 seconds, $12,000; 8. Walker Smith and Brady Kyle, 35.89 seconds, $8,000; 9. Matt Sherwood and Chase Helton, 36.0 seconds, $6,000.

BFI Legends 

First Round:  1. Vic Morrison and Steve Orth, 6.70 seconds, $2,000. Second Round:  1. Cory Petska and Seth Smithson, 6.09 seconds, $2,000. Short Round:  1. Chris Francis and Josh Patton, 7.34 seconds, $2,000. Average:  1. Cory Petska and Seth Smithson, 37.70 seconds on five steers, $19,000; 2. Troy Fischer and Boogie Ray, 42.65 seconds, $11,000; 3. Logan Olson and Seth Smithson, 42.99 seconds, $7,500.