The Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) has yielded an excellent crop of athletes worthy of buckles, titles and more.
For local East Central Alberta, the area was full of big names and first-timers all making a large impression on the rodeo industry.
High Point winner went to Riley Warren of Stettler for the second year in a row.
“It’s pretty awesome to be able to win it twice in a row,” began Warren.
“There is a lot of guys in the High Point race this year in different events. No one made it in tow events so there was no advantage that way and I was just lucky enough to come out on top. I was watching right down to the bull riding to see if I was going to get it.”
Although closely paying attention to the scores, Warren didn’t let the numbers alter his performance in the arena.
“I mean it was in the back of my mind but I wasn’t thinking about that. I was trying to do my job in the arena and I mean we didn’t have a good week but I guess it was enough to win high point so it turned out alright,” he said.
Warren added, “There are a lot of guys who are doing two events or more now. I mean to come out on top against those guys, it feels amazing. It’s a dream come true really, I’ve been at it a long time and the last two years I’ve been able to come out of it on top. Back to back is awesome so hopefully, we will be back next year.”
Also in the big presentation on Sunday was defending champion steer wrestler Scott Guenthner of Provost who placed first in Performance #4 and took home total earnings of $55,013.78.
Big Valley’s famous saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston had a stellar year as well securing two go-rounds during CFR46 and breaking the monetary record of most money won in a single year by event, finishing with $110,785.68.
Rising Stars, the future of rodeo Athletes from all over western Canada were front and centre, showing off their developing skills with determination and heart at the Rising Stars event at the 46th annual Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer.
For local East Central Alberta cowboys and cowgirls, four made an appearance.
Hailing from Youngstown, Alta., Dixon Tattrie stuck on the bull ‘Tidal Wave’, a bull he has had a few encounters with before the national event.
He scored a solid 72 points in the anticipated bull riding event, allowing him a third-place finish behind Auzyn Corr with 77 points and Cole Harris with 74.5 points.
Colton Ward and Garrett Cullum of Three Hills were also in attendance.
Ward rode horse ‘Last Chance’, setting the tone for the rest of the Saddle Bronc event as he was the first to stick.
He scored 55 points.
Cullum participated in the steer wrestling, making 6.8 seconds which was a close second behind Zane Jones.
Breakaway Roping, a new event added to the rising stars this year, was won by Cessford local Kendal Pierson.
She racked in a whopping $19,200 after her 2.4 second run on Fri. Nov. 1 during the Canadian Finals Breakaway event.
“It feels unbelievable to be the first-ever Canadian Finals Breakaway Roping Champion! Words can’t even describe how happy I am to be able to have this title,” said Pierson.
“I am so grateful that us breakaway ropers were given this opportunity to rope on the same dirt as CFR qualifiers.”
Alicia Erickson of Trochu was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada 2020. Read more here.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
