Smidt Ties Down Title At Cinch Roping Fiesta

Caleb Smidt soars to the top at the Cinch Roping Fiesta in San Angelo, Texas.

Kaleb Kistner | Oct 30, 2023

Smidt Ties Down Title At Cinch Roping Fiesta /

The Cinch Roping Fiesta took place in San Angelo, Texas, giving athletes an opportunity to rope before their journey to the National Finals Rodeo. With many professional cowboys capitalising on the event, Caleb Smidt took it into his own hands to put himself at the top.

The first round was a close one by all regards, Smidt won the first round with an exceptional 9.6-second run for $4,218. In pursuit of first, Sam Lewis fell short with his 9.7-second go, but still took home $3,516. There was a three-way tie for third place between Marcos Costa, Joel Harris, and Zach Jongbloed for 10.7 seconds.

The second round was a little bit quicker with Westyn Hughes leading the pack with a 9.2-second run and taking home $4,218 as well. Shad Mayfield took the second place spot with a 9.5-second go. Third place went to Brush Minton and his 10.1-second effort. Joel Harris took home the fourth place spot with his 10.4-second go. Fifth place was tie between Ty Harris and Caleb Smidt for 10.6 seconds.

Brush Minton won the final round with a 9.5-second run earning a check for $4,000. Chance Thiessen came in second place with his 10.3-second go and went home with $3,000. Marcos Costa and Haven Meged tied for third with an impressive 10.4-second run.

As far as the average goes, Caleb Smidt blew away the field with a phenomenal 30.7-seconds on three head, earning $6,330. Haven Meged walked away second in the average with 32.0 seconds on three head, earning himself $5,275. Chance Thiessen took home third in the average with his mixed runs of 32.5-seconds, paying out $4,218.

The four time world champion finished the 2023 PRCA season off seventh in the world standings to qualify for his tenth NFR, and having also won four average titles (2015,2018,2021,2022).

You can watch Smidt compete at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas Dec. 7-16.

Published Oct 30, 2023

KALEB KISTNER

Kaleb Kistner is from New Braunfels, a small community nestled in the Texas Hill Country. There’s only one “s” in Braunfels! Growing up in Comal County, it was an annual tradition to attend the Comal County Fair and Rodeo. Down the road was the San Antonio Stockshow and Rodeo, that his grandparents would religiously take him to each year. Along with the annual rodeos, Kaleb was an active member in FFA throughout high school. Showing rabbits and pigs, assisting with steers and goats, and participating in leadership development events, Kaleb received a well-rounded, basic education in agriculture. On top of that, Kaleb earned his Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Kaleb has a strong work ethic and love for agriculture and the great outdoors. He hopes to be able to spread his knowledge and bring a better understanding of the Western way of life to those who may not understand. Kaleb has pursued a career in plumbing, continuing to achieve each possible license as quickly as he can. Kaleb has a beautiful fiancée Makayla and his sweet daughter Kinleigh. During his down time, he and his family enjoy going to their parents’ ranches to spend time with the family.