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.
