Casper has strong finish at NFR

By Ted Harbin, TwisTed Rodeo, & Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Clarendon College alumnus Wyatt Casper finished his appearance at the National Finals Rodeo in Arlington in with a tie for eighth place in the 10th round last week.

Casper tied with Shorty Garrett with 83.5 points in that round; however he remained second in the average behind ultimate saddle bronc champion Ryder Wright. Casper was also second in the world standings with $320,984 behind Wright, who had $348,471, according to the NFR website.

The world standings leader for most of the year, Casper watched his advantage slip away after Thursday’s eighth round, when he finished in sixth place while Ryder Wright won the night and moved to the No. 1 spot on the saddle bronc riding money list.

“I enjoy nights like this, not the one last night,” said Casper, who rode Calgary Stampede’s Xena Warrior for 88 points to win the ninth round Friday at the National Finals Rodeo. “I think she could have won Horse of the Year for the last two years. She is just an outstanding bronc. She gives it all she’s got every time and bucks hard. She is pretty fun to ride. I’m lucky to draw her.”

For his efforts, Casper pocketed $26,231 and took a big leap back toward Wright, who finished in a tie for second place. Casper trails by just $1,314 with one night remaining. And, truthfully, he has had an amazing NFR. He has placed in seven of nine rounds and earned $121,270 in just nine days.

On Friday, Casper was second in the average with 290.5 cumulative points on eight rides – he was bucked off in the fourth round – but he had virtually no chance to catch Wright for the average title. The best he could do was stay second in the aggregate, which will pay $54,577.

“It’s a nail-biter. It helps bring out the better in me, and I think the same goes for Ryder,” Casper said.