Former CC cowboy claims world title

A Clarendon College alumni is the number one saddle bronc rider in the world after winning The American in Arlington Sunday.

Wyatt Casper secured the Saddle Bronc Champion title on the horse, Get Smart, scoring 91.25 and claiming half of the The American’s $1 million prize in AT&T Stadium.

The day before, Casper secured his spot in the championship round with a 91.25-point ride on Onion Ring. His total winnings for The American came to $600,000.

CC’s rodeo program was also represented by sophomore Riggin Smith, the current college national champion. Smith made the final eight round but double grabbed and was bucked off, said CC rodeo coach Brett Franks.

“He did an outstanding job,” Franks said, noting that both Smith and Casper met his expectations.

“When you put in the work and have the desire, it’s doable,” Franks said, “and those two are the most devoted I’ve had come through here. Both have great futures.”

Although Franks has coached both young men, he takes no credit for their successes.

“They did it,” he said. “They got to be on the biggest stage in rodeo, and he [Casper] got the biggest payday in rodeo.”

The cowboys’ performance is also a huge boost for CC’s rodeo program. Smith rode with the Clarendon College logo on his back, and Franks said Tuesday he’s already had four recruits call him already.

“They saw it and want to be a part of it,” he said.

It’s much the same way that Smith was attracted to Clarendon because of the reputation that Casper made while he was riding for CC.

“When you have a dream and then visit a place where it’s been done, it seems more possible,” Franks said. “That’s good advertisement.”

With Casper’s finish and Smith’s performance, Franks expects to have 10 to 15 bronc riders at CC next fall, but he emphasizes that his program works hard at every event, not just saddle bronc riding.

“I gear toward making professionals and not everyone will make that,” he said. “I want to make a well-rounded person… someone who will be a great employee or a great boss. What it takes to be a professional is the same thing it takes to be a good employee or a good citizen.”

Franks said Clarendon College is unique because it’s small.

“The people in this community support us well, and that’s a big part of what it takes to make our kids good people.”