Rodeo Fame Winter 2016 WNFR Special Edition | Page 48

RFM

What to Watch • WNFR 2016

History Could Be Made This Year

WHAT
TO
WATCH

Rodeo Fame is dedicated to bringing you
the best the world of rodeo has to offer
and we couldn’t do that without great
people. Jim Bainbridge, PRCA’s Senior
Public Relations Coordinator, is one of those
people who goes above and beyond to be
sure that we are armed with the facts and
inspiration to do our jobs beyond the best
of our abilities.
We believe in the wisdom of ‘surrounding
ourselves with greatness’. Jim Bainbridge
is a shining star in professional rodeo
journalism’s sky. We couldn’t do it without
him.

Written by Lori O'Harver

At the first National Finals Rodeo in
1959, every contestant was a first
time qualifier. This year, a record
setting 39 contestants will compete
for the first time in professional
rodeo’s post season.
Sage Kimzey is poised to enter the
history books as the first to win three
consecutive world championships
starting with his rookie year. Kimzey
heads into the 57th WNFR with a
$55,495.48 lead over the #2 bull
rider, Joe Frost. With $27,800 purse
money in every round, he’ll have to
ride hard and stay healthy to reach
that milestone.
The great cowboys of Brazil are in
position to make history for their
home country. Junior Nogueira
leads the all-around standings and
WNFR rookie, Marcos Costa leads
the tie down roping. Success for
either would be the first PRCA World
Championship for a Brazilian.
With eight WNFR contestants hoping
to bring world titles back to Canada,
the representation north of the 49th
parallel is stronger than it’s been
since 2001.
Looking forward to 2017 at the RAM
National Circuit Finals Rodeo, for
the first time in history, the Mexican
Rodeo Federation’s regular season
and finals champions will compete
as part of a co-sanction agreement
with PRCA.

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Photo by JackieJensenPhotography.com

Photo by JackieJensenPhotography.com