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A MESSAGE FROM

BOBBY MOTE

elcome to the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo. The World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) is proud to partner with Days of ’47 and bring athletes to the City of Saints for the fourth straight year.

WCRA’s base of athletes is larger than any one rodeo organization in the world. From schoolteachers, to minister, to retired Las Vegas trick riders mixed with the most accomplished rodeo processionals, WCRA is able to deliver the most diverse collection of athletes the industry of rodeo has ever seen. Where else in the sports world, can you see a 17-year-old athlete Going for a $1 million prize and a 54-year-old bull rider in the same arena? You can’t and it just doesn’t happen anywhere else in sports. WCRA is proud of what it has built, and we only foresee continued growth in the community.

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WCRA is the only rodeo organization on network television with over 2.5 million viewers in 2020. Fans will be able to relive the action of the Gold Medal Round on A CBS Network Broadcast on July 31 at 11 a.m. MDT. We hope you enjoy your night at the rodeo as you witness the best collection of athletes in the world who have Climbed the WCRA Leaderboard by competing in thousands of qualifying events across North America to earn a position in this event. We appreciate you and we look forward to entertaining you in one of the best arenas built for rodeo in the heart of Salt Lake City. WWW.WCRARODEO.COM | 800.XXX.XXXX | JULY 2021 | 5

WCRA PRESIDENT - 4X WORLD CHAMPION BAREBACK RIDER

CONTENTS JULY 2021

2 President’s Welcome 5 About Days Of ‘47 6 About WCRA 8 Teen Aims At $1 Million Dollar Triple Crown of Rodeo 24 Bareback Riding 28 Steer Wrestling 32 Team Roping 36 Saddle Bronc Riding 42 Breakaway Roping 46 Celebrating Extraordinary Cowgirls 50 Barrel Racing 54 Bull Riding 62 Calendar of Events

FEATURES

Texas Teen Takes Aim at $1 Million WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo Riley Webb is a roping gunslinger on the hunt for a million dollar prize during this week’s Days of Rodeo competition.

The Rest Of The Women’s Rodeo World Championship Story Turning the page on Women’s Rodeo.

HISTORY OF DAYS OF ‘47

The Days of ’47 Rodeo is one of Utah’s longest-standing traditions – celebrating Utah’s heritage since 1857.

14-23 Published by: Cowboy Publishing, a Morris Communications Company Magazine Group John Lunn / Publisher & Vice President, Morris Enthusiast Group mobile/text: 512-470-7447 | office: 817-569-7116 | John.lunn@morris.com Kyle Jones / Editor / Director of Communications World Champions Rodeo Alliance Phone: 512.306.3310 Email: kjones@wcrarodeo.com On the Cover: Triple Crown of Rodeo Contender Riley Webb (Photo by Bull Stock Media)

Triple Crown of Rodeo Eligible Athletes

Welcome to the World’s Only Gold Medal Rodeo in the heart of Salt Lake City. We are thrilled that you have joined us. The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo has become a must stop on the summer rodeo schedule for contestants from the junior high level all the way to the pros of the sport as they vie for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals awarded to the top three, setting this rodeo apart from any other rodeo in the world. The 2021 rodeo will mark the sixth time in the history of rodeo where riders will have an opportunity to compete for Gold, Silver or Bronze Medals. The first two times were in conjunction with the Olympic Winter Games in Calgary (1988) and Salt Lake City (2002), when rodeo was part of the Cultural Olympiad and the other three times being the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo in 2017-2019. The medals awarded at the Days of ‘47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo are produced by OC Tanner, the same company that made the Olympic medals for the champions of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo will once again be a stop on the WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo (TCR). The TCR is an annual bonus that pays $1 million to any one athlete or collection of athletes who wins the Event Championship of the same discipline in any three consecutive WCRA Major Rodeos. Tie-down roper Riley Webb has a chance to make rodeo history at this year’s Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo. After winning the Stampede at the E in Guthrie, Oklahoma and Rodeo Corpus Christi in Texas, he is the only athlete eligible to cash in on the TCR

additional shading for the Fun Zone activities that is open and free to the public. The Young Guns Rodeo will take place in the main arena beginning at 4:30 p.m., and a rodeo ticket will be required for admission. Rodeo action begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly followed by fireworks. bonus in Salt Lake City. If successful, Webb, just 17 years old, would make history as the first victor of the WCRA Triple Crown Rodeo $1 Million Bonus and would become the youngest millionaire in the history of the sport of rodeo. In addition to the Gold Medal Rodeo, fans are encouraged to enjoy the historical exhibits, commercial exhibitors, great food, carnival and pony rides and preshow activities in the area including the Young Guns Rodeo featuring the future stars of the sport. New this year is an air-conditioned vendor space and

We also invite everyone to visit the larger-than-life Lewis Feild Bronze at the Days of ’47 Arena, saluting Feild’s significant impact on the state of Utah and Professional Rodeo. While in town be sure to experience all the amazing things Utah has to offer like world class golf, hiking, fishing, rafting and much more. You won’t be disappointed. For more information visit www. daysof47cowboygames.com and follow Dayof47Rodeo on social media.

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WORLD CHAMPIONS RODEO ALLIANCE

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ince launching in May of 2018, the World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) and its partners have awarded over $9 million in new money to rodeo athletes. Qualifying is based on points, rather than dollars won, through our world ranking points system. he WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity, created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with PBR, WCRA produces major rodeo events, developing additional opportunities for rodeo industry competitors, stakeholders and fans. WWW.WCRARODEO.COM | 800.XXX.XXXX | JULY 2021 | 9

Webb at Rodeo Corpus Chrisiti in May 2021

TEXAS TEEN TAKES AIM AT $1,000,000 WCRA TRIPLE CROWN OF RODEO Riley Webb is a roping gunslinger whose rodeo resume includes his current reign as the 2020 National High School Rodeo Association tie-down roping titlist. Webb’s been busy climbing the rodeo ranks from an early age. And later this month—when Riley rides into the World Champions Rodeo Alliance’s July 20-24 Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo in Salt Lake City—he’ll take a swing at becoming the youngest cowboy millionaire on rodeo record. “For anybody to get to rope for a million dollars is amazing—to have this opportunity at my age is unbelievable,” said Webb, who calls Denton, Texas, home. “To even be included in the talk of being the youngest millionaire in rodeo is just incredible.” Webb put himself into prime position

to pounce on the WCRA’s Triple Crown of Rodeo—a $1,000,000 bonus awarded to any rodeo athlete of any age who wins three straight WCRA majors—by taking back-to-back titles at last summer’s Stampede at the E in Guthrie,

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Oklahoma, and this spring’s Rodeo Corpus Christi, which was held beachside in May in the Lone Star State. Webb plans to purchase his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

WEBB HAS HIS SIGHTS SET ON SUPERSTARDOM.

By: Kendra Santos

permit when he turns 18 next month. Meanwhile, he’s been mixing it up with the men, including some of his cowboy heroes. Webb worked his way into the spotlight through the WCRA’s DY Division Youth, which is open to kids 13-17 and is one of many new opportunities available to today’s young guns. “The WCRA has allowed me to compete at the highest level at an early age,” said Webb, whose rodeo accolades also include qualifying for The American in Arlington, Texas, the last two years. “For me to be able to nominate open jackpots and rodeos to earn points to get into the WCRA majors, and rope against the top guys in the world for life-changing money is outstanding.” The only child of roping producer dad Dirk and roping secretary mom Jennifer, Riley’s commitment to his roping craft is no coincidence.

Riley’s been going to ropings with his parents since he was born.

“When I was a little kid, my parents were putting on ropings (Dirk also now serves as rodeo manager at The American), which they still do, and I went with them to all of the ropings and rodeos,” said Riley, who just wrapped up his academic year, and is now officially a home-schooled high school senior. “I was always around it, and watching the best guys rope.

anything that took time away from his roping had to go.

“To have my parents’ full attention, and them be all about it when it comes to my roping has been amazing. All three of us are 100 percent into this goal I want to accomplish. I want to rope for a living, and hopefully become a world champion one day.”

Young Riley started entering the goat tying and all the roping events when he was about 7.

Riley played baseball until he was 11. But he figured out early on that

“When I quit baseball at 11 is when I went all-in with my roping,” he said. “I was never serious about baseball or any other sports. I only wanted to rope, and I knew I wanted to rope the rest of my life. So doing anything else started to seem like a waste of time.”

“When I was 12 or 13, I started to have success and realize I was kind of good,” he said. “I was sort of selftaught. I always roped, and I always loved it. We were at ropings and rodeos all the time, and I had a rope in my hand 24-7. Handling my rope came naturally from countless hours messing with it. And we spent a lot of hours—just me and Dad—roping and tying calves, and trying to figure it out.”

I’ve had a lot of people in Roy “Super Looper” Cooper’s oldmy corner who’ve helped est son, Clint, was another important in Riley’s corner as a kid. Clint, me get here. It takes lots person Clif and Tuf Cooper are a rare trifecta of of hard work and a good Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier brothers. attitude. - Riley Webb

Webb grew up in the saddle on several ponies.

“When I was 11 or 12, Clint helped me get going with my roping and helped me with my horses,” Riley remembers. “He boosted me up when I was a little boy trying to get going. “I’ve had a lot of people in my corner who’ve helped me get here. It takes lots of hard work and a good attitude—no matter what happens, good or bad—to

make it in this world. My mom and grandma have helped me a lot with that. When you mess up, it’s over and you have to just move on to the next one.” Clint’s not the only Cooper who’s watched Riley grow up. The eight-time Champ of the World Super Looper has seen it coming, too. “Riley grew up roping fast, so when the conditions suit him, look out,” said roping revolutionary Roy. “He’s fast, and he’s got a future. He’s a good kid, too.” Roy and Shari’s baby boy and fourtime World Titlist Tuf Cooper, who owns three gold tie-down roping buckles and one all-around model, made rodeo history in 2013, when he became the youngest cowboy millionaire in rodeo history a few weeks after turning 23. “I’ve known Riley since he was 2 or 3 years old, so I’ve gotten to watch him rope all his life,” Tuf said. “And I think it’s the coolest thing ever for a 17-yearold kid to get to rope for a million dollars. That this industry has come up with a way for someone that young to win that much money—wow. “I’ve expected Riley to perform at every level along the way, and he continues to get it done. If he doesn’t get it done this time, there will be a lot of next times for Riley. His success inspires me, and how he’s able to keep figuring out how to improve is quite impressive. I love watching him rope. Riley earned

this chance. And bravo to our industry for giving it to him.”

underrated. He’s one of the best horses going right now.”

But is he tough enough to withstand $1,000,000 worth of great expectations from the cowboy crowd?

Another current cowboy contender Riley looks up to these days is 2019 World Champion Tie-Down Roper Haven Meged.

“Without a doubt,” Tuf said. “That’s not a problem. And no matter what happens, it’s going to make him better. What would I do to get ready to rope a calf for a million dollars? The better questions is what wouldn’t I do? Riley will look at it the same way, and will do everything he can to give him the best possible chance.” World Champion Tie-Down Roper Shane Hanchey finished second to Webb in Corpus Christi and, like Cooper, plans to rope in Salt Lake City. That’s two tough guys right there who stand between Riley and that Triple Crown finish line. And they’ll have company. “Riley’s grown up with a rope in his hand, so he handles a rope phenomenally,” said 2013 Champ of the World Hanchey. “He’s an unbelievable combination of big and strong, and also really fast. Riley’s also strong in the horsepower department right now. That sorrel horse of his (Titus) is very

“Haven’s a great guy in and out of the arena,” Webb said. “He’s great at using his rope, he’s a great horseman and his ground work is outstanding. He’s just an all-around great guy.” Haven’s also a rodeo rarity who took Resistol Rookie of the Year honors the same year he won the world. Riley will blow out 18 candles on his August 4 birthday cake, and plans to hit the professional rodeo road running. Then and now, he’s on a mission to take advantage of all the additional WCRA money up for rodeo-athlete grabs. “It’s a no brainer when you can nominate any rodeo you go to, win, earn points and get to go to WCRA majors and rope for all kinds of money,” Webb said. “The plan is to get my permit when I turn 18, and get it filled so I’ll be ready for the 2022 rodeo season. I want to try and win rookie of the year, make the Finals and make a living roping. But I’ve

happens. All you can do is your job, like any other day.” Wise words for one so young. Still, he’s human. And there’s no containing the thrill of this particular possibility. “I’m just going to keep practicing hard, so my horses and me can show up in shape and prepared,” he said. “I’m going to show up with a good attitude, and do the best I can.” Webb has his eye on the prized pot of gold, and seems to be doing a fine job of maintaining big-picture perspective while he’s at it. “A lot of people never win a million dollars in their whole career,” he said. “I don’t feel nervous. I’m excited. This is unbelievable. To even be talking about a chance like this is amazing. When you’re competing at any big event, you just have to have confidence in your practice and all the hard work you’ve put into it, then just go make your run. All you can do is your best. gotta take it one day at a time.” At press time the first of June, Webb was headed to the Texas High School Rodeo Association State Finals, June 7-12 in Abilene, with the hopes of returning to the National High School Finals Rodeo to defend his title. In keeping with his “one day at a time” way of thinking, Webb was not stressing about potentially facing some daunting decisions. The NHSFR will run July 18-24 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo is set for July 20-24 at the Utah State Fairpark in Salt Lake City. The game plan was to first see how state finals played out, and take it from there. “Cowboys have to make choices all the time,” Webb said. “There’s no sense worrying about it just yet. We’ve got to make the high school finals first, then see how it all goes. There are a lot of rodeos in the world, and no one gets to go to them all.” He has a million reasons to show up in Salt Lake City. Meanwhile, how’s a 17-year-old high school kid handling the

pressure cooker of possible history in the making? “I’m looking at Salt Lake as just another rodeo,” Webb said. “I have to. I’m not going to change anything I’ve been doing that’s been working. I have to show up prepared and do my deal. All I can do is treat it like another rodeo, and if I win it, that’ll be an awesome bonus. You can’t count on anything until it

“I don’t like losing, and that pushes me harder to try and be faster. I’m always trying to get better at my roping. If you want to win, you have to figure out how to be faster than everyone else. I’m coming off of a high from winning Corpus Christi, and I can’t wait to get to Salt Lake. Everything’s clicking right now. I’m ready.”