The 2016 world all-around race has been good watching, with mostly traditionally single-event guys doubling and even tripling down on events.
What’s most unique about it, of course, is that without Trevor Brazile in the mix this is the first all-around title in recent memory that wasn’t all but sewn up before the run of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER. That—and the fact that no one has qualified for the Finals in a second event—has added an extra element of intrigue to the NFR fan experience, for sure, and it’s shining a bright new light on some familiar faces.
The top five cowboys in contention for the all-around crown are Junior Nogueira, Josh Peek, Dustin Bird, Clay Smith and Russell Cardoza. Russell’s voluntarily removed himself from the all-around conversation by sticking with Bird at the Finals, simply because he can’t pass him. And with $26,231 go-rounds and the average paying $67,269 at this year’s $10 million NFR, it’d be foolish not to mention the rest of the top nine in this race, who include Clayton Hass, Caleb Smidt, Ryan Jarrett and Shay Carroll. Remember, nobody has two bullets at the Super Bowl, and there’s only $39,710 between leader-of-the-pack Nogueira and Carroll, who’s ninth.
Lucinei Nunes Nogueira Jr. stole my heart and a lot of others when he showed up from Brazil a couple years ago. There was a language barrier between us that reminded me of the early going of my friendship with bull riding great Adriano Moraes. I might have a Portuguese last name, but I don’t speak their native language. I did find some of my Spanish close enough to come in handy in bridging the gap, and that Junior—like Adriano and world tie-down roping leader Marcos Costa—being so sweet and eager to learn English made it easy to go out of my way to try and communicate with him. It says a lot about their manners that the first Portuguese word both Adriano and Junior taught me was “obligado,” which means thank you.
Bu hikaye Spin to Win Rodeo dergisinin December 2016 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Spin to Win Rodeo dergisinin December 2016 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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At Home With
Whether he’s home in his native Brazil or here in America, Lincoln Figueiredo ropes all day every day. Heeling is his favorite—he’s an 8.5 on the back side—but he’s packed all kinds of roping into a very full 46 years. Figueiredo lives in Presidente Prudente, Sao Paulo, Brazil, with his wife, Marina, and baby girl, also Marina.
Zane Tisdale's Leather & Life
Although header Zane Tisdale has a lot of pride in his leatherwork, it’s a passion that shares space with a full-time job, roping and, most importantly, his growing family. —G.R. Schiavino.
Torres Brothers Missing Main Mounts
The Torres Brothers—Joshua and Jonathan—have consistently been Top-30 team ropers in recent years.
What Pro Heelers Prefer And How To Get Your Horse To Drag It The Right Way
Here’s a glimpse of what pro heelers prefer and how to get your horse to drag it the right way.
How Smoothing Out Your Start And Your Handle Will Speed Up Your Runs
How smoothing out your start and your handle will speed up your runs.
Remembering the “Answer Man”
This spring, the rodeo and roping world lost a man who spent his life in its folds, shaping its functions: Hugh “Rooster” Chambliss.
Randy Lewis: Horse Vet
For heeler Randy Lewis, DVM, becoming a horse doctor wasn’t a choice he made. Instead, it was just a fact of life since as long as he can remember.
Disciplining Yourself Is Key To Regaining Your Horse's Composure In The Box
Disciplining yourself is key to regaining your horse’s composure in the box.
Luke Brown On Earning His Spot Among The Best
Luke Brown on earning his spot among the best.
The Battle Of The Bubble Boys
The bubble. It’s not the place anyone wants to be right now, but it’s inevitable that there are teams put in that position every season.