Rodeo Daily

San Antonio Rodeo Field Becomes Clearer After Uvalde Qualifier

The San Antonio Rodeo qualifier in Uvalde took place over the weekend as athletes fought for their spot in one of the richest rodeos of the season.

Kade Kistner

San Antonio Rodeo Field Becomes Clearer After Uvalde Qualifier
San Antonio Rodeo Field Becomes Clearer After Uvalde Qualifier /

The San Antonio Rodeo qualifier was held in Uvalde, Texas, from Jan. 8-13, with the final performances taking place over the weekend. This is the second time the qualifier has been held at the arena in Uvalde. 

The top 10 athletes in each competition booked their ticket to the San Antonio Rodeo to join the top 35 athletes who already qualified based on last season's standings as well as the current top 5 athletes in the world. 

In Uvalde, over 50 athletes entered into each rough stock event, 100 tie-down ropers and steer wrestlers fought for one of those 10 spots, and over 208 barrel racers competed for the shot to run in San Antonio. 

However, it wasn't just about qualifying for San Antonio. Uvalde had over $235,000 on the table that the competitors fought to earn to add to their early season earnings.

Here is a look at the top two and average champions in each event:

Bareback Riding           

  1. Jade Taton, $1,003
  2. Kade Berry/Cole Hollen, $877
  3. Kade Berry, 169.5, $1,003 (average)

Steer Wrestling

  1. Cody Cabral, $1,693
  2. Boyd Sawyer, $1,693
  3. Laramie Warren, 9.6s, $2,539 (average)

Team Roping

  1. Manny Egusquiza/Evan Arnold, $2,622
  2. Chris Francis/Cade Passig, $2,622
  3. JR Gonzalez/James Arviso, 10.4s, $3,933 (average)

Saddle Bronc Riding

  1. Jesse Wright, $1,355
  2. Keene Justesen, $1,355
  3. Keene Justesen, 165, $1,355 (average)

Tie-Down Roping

  1. Carsyn Sunvison, $2,173
  2. Reid Zapalac, $2,173
  3. Cole Walker, 16.2s, $3,260 (average)

Barrel Racing

  1. Katie Halbert, $4,819
  2. Jymmy Cox, $2,040
  3. Katie Halbert, 30.32s, $4,819 (average)

Bull Riding

  1. Jeter Lawrence, $1,592
  2. Justin Houston, $1,737
  3. Scott Wells, 164.5, $1,592 (average)

In addition to the well-run rodeo, the board of Uvalde also visited a local library on Saturday morning ahead of the performance. There, the board showcased horses and the lifestyle to children and provided an opportunity for the kids to interact with the equines. 

This type of outreach is instrumental in helping preserve and ultimately grow the way of life and the sport. Making this lifestyle accessible is a key tenant for Uvalde's board.

With the qualifier now behind us, all eyes will be turned towards the San Antonio Rodeo, where the best 50 athletes in each competition will go head to head for a piece of the $1.5 million at stake. 

San Antonio will run Feb. 8-24. For more information, visit sarodeo.com. 

Published
Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.

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