Two Rounds Complete in Timed Events at American Semi-Finals

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Nashville, Tenn.; February 20, 2015 – Nearly 600 contestants hoping for a chance to advance to RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN, presented by PolarisRANGER, were whittled to just 110 in timed events during preliminary rounds of the American Semi-Finals on February 18-19.

 

The $500,000 American Semi-Finals in the Fort Worth Stockyard’s Cowtown Coliseum continues February 20-21, during which the fastest 20 entries after two rounds in steer wrestling, tie down roping and team roping compete once to determine top-10 short-round qualifiers on February 22. In barrel racing, the fastest 30 competitors advanced after one round and 10 each will compete in performance Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

The rodeo offers a clean slate for third-round action. Except in barrel racing, once the top 10 advance to Sunday’s short round, they once again compete with a clean slate. On Sunday, just five teams in team roping; six steer wrestlers, six tie down ropers and 10 barrel racers will punch their tickets to RFD-TV’s The American in AT&T Stadium on March 1.

 

Last year, defending American champion Tyson Durfey earned $100,000 for winning The American in AT&T Stadium because he was an invited contestant who had been ranked in the top 10 in the world in 2013. This year, he’s qualifying the old-fashioned way and has advanced to the third round. He has four calves ahead of him to tie down if he wants to repeat his championship in AT&T Stadium – but this time, he’s eligible for the $1 million bonus. Also, in barrel racing, Shelly Anzick has taken a step toward returning to The American, where last year she suffered a penalty during her final for $1 million.

 

Unlike sanctioning rodeo associations, RFD-TV’s The American has no age, gender, or earnings limitations. The top 30 barrel racers this weekend include three kids 9, 10 and 12 years old, respectively, as well as two male racers. Five former NFR barrel racers are also in the mix, including Taylor Jacob, who holds the arena record at the NFR.

 

The roughstock events Friday and Saturday will feature more than 15 former NFR qualifiers including rising star Joe Frost, who is a cousin to late rodeo legend Lane Frost. In tie down roping, Brazilian Marcos Costa made the cut, as well as his mentor, world champion Stran Smith, and six other former NFR ropers. The field includes Rhen Richard, who has also advanced in team roping. The other two-event cowboy trying to get two chances at $1 million – and the $25,000 bonus in the all-around at AT&T Stadium – is Steven Dent in bareback and saddle bronc riding.

 

Seven more NFR qualifiers will compete in steer wrestling including Cash Myers, who came out of a five-year retirement to try his luck at winning $1 million. In team roping, legendary Hall-of-Famer and four-time world champion Tee Woolman is in the mix with his 18-year-old partner, as well as 10 other former NFR ropers who include former world champion Kollin VonAhn.

 

Tickets for the American Semi-Finals at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, Feb. 20-22, are available at the Cowtown Coliseum box office, by calling (800) COWTOWN, or at stockyardsrodeo.com.

 

Tickets for RFD-TV’s The American, presented by Polaris Ranger, and the Iron Cowboy VI are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo.com.

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February 23, 2015 |

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