Big Time CPRA Success at National Western (Denver)

-Courtesy of Barb Poulsen with the CPRA.

The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo wrapped up in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, January 23 and it was an outstanding day for CPRA athletes.

Two of those competitors, Carstairs, Alberta tie-down roper, Kyle Lucas and Sherwood Park saddle bronc rider Kolby Wanchuk won their respective events in the Mile High City while World and Canadian Champion team roper, Jeremy Buhler, from Arrowwood and his Utah roping partner, Rhen Richard, finished second overall, a result that was duplicated by Longview barrel racer, Bradi Whiteside.

For the second-generation Lucas, who posted a blistering 7.5 second run in the championship round, the moment was especially sweet as the biggest regular season win of his career ($6402) was capped off when he was interviewed by his sister and Cowboy Channel broadcaster, Katy Lucas, a former Miss Rodeo Canada.

“I had a great calf and I’ve got a new horse,” the second generation talent told the Denver audience. “I’ve always thought this was one of the best crowds; it’s sure loud in here. I sure love it in Denver!”

Kolby Wanchuk’s win in the bronc riding came via the highest marked ride of the rodeo, a spectacular 89-point effort on Cervi Brothers Vitalix Womanizer. The CFR-NFR qualifier took home a sizeable $8222 in Denver earnings.

Buhler and Richard collected $7621 each courtesy of an earlier 4.9 second semi-final winning run and their second place 4.7 on Sunday.

Whiteside was aboard her Slick By Design mare, Slicks Sweet Legacy (Sis), and split second place with Emma Charleston (who rides a half sister to Whiteside's horse) with her 15.07 second run. Only former World Champion Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi was faster on championship Sunday with a 14.89 for the win. Whiteside rolled out of Denver with $5774 to add to her rodeo bank account.

Several other CPRA athletes found their way to the lucrative Colorado pay window as well. See complete results at ProRodeo.com