Tuf Cooper Makes a Significant Jump in PRCA Tie Down Standings

Tie-down roping standings make a shift going into the final week of competition as Tuf Cooper makes bug moves.

Alex Cawthon | Sep 25, 2023

Tuf Cooper Makes a Significant Jump in PRCA Tie Down Standings /

With just five days left in the regular season, it is crunch time for PRCA calf ropers.

By this time next week the stage will be set for the 2023 National Finals Rodeo in December. After a long, record breaking season and after the dust settles, the cowboys on the bubble hope to be sitting inside the top 15.

Less than 10 days ago four-time world champion, Tuf Cooper, sat 20th in the world standings, $8,000 away from 15th. Today, he sits at 15 with $109,702.

Cooper won San Bernardino, Springhill, Poway, and placed at Omaha and Albuquerque this past week. Cooper has turned up the heat and won $20,000 this week as he inches his toward his 15th NFR, missing just one since his rookie year in 2008.

The problem is, Tuf Cooper is not in the lineup for the Cinch Playoff's in Sioux Falls this coming week. However, Luke Potter is just $9,000 behind Cooper in 16th, will be competing in Sioux Falls.

Although this puts the pressure on Cooper, he still has four rodeos to compete in this week before the last day of the season on Sept. 30. One of those rodeos being Pasadena Livestock and Rodeo on Tuesday night.

As for the other tie down ropers on the bubble, Zach Jongbloed is currently no. 17 just $700 out of 16th, but Jongbloed is also not on the roster for Sioux Falls. Aside from Luke Potter the other 11 athletes competing in the Governor's Cup sit safely inside the top 15.

The large payout in Sioux Falls has added pressure to everyone at the end of the season, not just tie down ropers. The Governor's Cup will undoubtably shake up the standings before the end of the season is official.

There is no doubt, the Cinch Playoff's will be an intense rodeo to watch.

Published Sep 25, 2023

ALEX CAWTHON

Alex Cawthon is a writer for Sports Illustrated's Rodeo Daily. She is also an accomplished rodeo athlete and business leader driven by the desire to achieve greatness. Born and raised in Rockwall, TX where she learned the importance of family and enjoying the simple things in life. Growing up Alex focused on her academics as well as fine-tuning her abilities as an athlete, which led her to a rodeo scholarship at Tarleton State University. She competed in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) in the Southwest Region during her time in college rodeo. In addition to a long list of rodeo accomplishments, Alex’s reputation for excellence as well as her grit and determination garnered awards and high-profile brand deals. When not competing full-time as a rodeo athlete, Alex applies her intense work ethic to thrive in the classroom. She graduated from Tarleton State University with a bachelor's degree in Agribusiness in 2022 and will graduate in December 2023 with a Master's in Business Administration. Now based in Stephenville, Tx, Alex continues to make her mark as she establishes a career in the oil and gas industry. In addition, Alex utilizes her expertise and connections to support the sport she loves, as she joins forces with Sports Illustrated as a writer for their acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily. Beyond Alex’s accomplishments in and out of the arena, to her core, she is tenacious, focused, and driven. Her deep roots in the Western industry have not only shaped her professional journey, but also instilled an unwavering commitment to tradition, excellence, and innovation.