Alex Riley

Joined: Dec 3, 2023

Alex Riley is a writer for Sports Illustrated's feature, Rodeo Daily. Formerly working at news outlets in South Carolina, Texas, Wyoming and North Carolina, Alex is an award-winning writer and photographer who graduated from the University of South Carolina.

Shad Mayfield got a boost in his NFR and circuit earnings by winning the West Texas Fair and Rodeo in Abilene over the weekend.

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Shad Mayfield’s Unexpected Pivot Results in Victory at West Texas Fair and Rodeo

From left, Tim O'Connell got the chance to work alongside barrel man Kyle Lamon, center, and veteran announcer Andy Seiler, right, at the inaugural Timber City Pro Rodeo in late August. It was O'Connell's PRCA debut as an announcer.

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Mic Man: Tim O’Connell’s Time to Heal Leads to New Venture in Rodeo Announcing

In honor of his mother's two bouts with breast cancer, Shane O'Connell has a pink ribbon proudly displayed on his chaps.

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Tough Enough to Wear Pink Has Personal Meaning for NFR Bareback Rider

A two-time qualifier for the College National Finals Rodeo, Denton Oestmann picked up one of the biggest wins of his PRCA career over the weekend, taking home the Tri-State Rodeo tie-down title in Fort Madison, Iowa.

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Last Minute Drive to Tri-State Rodeo Pays Off Substantially for Tie-Down Roper

Bailey Bates nearly tied the Lewiston Rodeo breakaway roping record with her time of 2.1 seconds during slack. She still picked up the championship and more than $5,000 in earnings.

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Bailey Bates Narrowly Misses Lewiston Breakaway Record in Needed Victory

The significant payday from the win was crucial to keep the up-and-coming cowgirl in the race for a spot at the National Finals Breakaway Roping.

Trevor Reiste is one step closer to his first NFR appearance since 2017 after a win in Puyallup.

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Puyallup Payday Puts Bull Rider Trevor Reiste on the Verge of Return to NFR

The veteran cowboy hasn’t been able to get back to Las Vegas since his first appearance in 2017, but a big win in Washington has him close to locking up a spot in the top 15.

If he's going to reach his 14th NFR, tie-down roper Hunter Herrin will need to continue adding on to his earnings and avoid missing the cutline. A win in Ellensburg over the weekend certainly helped.

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Ellensburg Win Helps Veteran Tie-Down Roper Stay on Right Side of NFR Cutline

Hunter Herrin’s third victory of the season came at the right time as the 13-time NFR qualifier picked up some much-needed earnings to remain in the top 15 of the World Standings.

After meeting three times in 2023, Rocker Steiner faced off with Sankey Pro Rodeo's Irish Eyes for the first time in 2024 at the Magic Valley Stampede in Filer, Idaho, resulting in a big victory.

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Magic Valley Stampede Win Has Bareback Phenom Focused on Climb Atop the Rankings

Rocker Steiner played the waiting game at the Magic Valley Stampede in Filer, Idaho. The three-day event featured plenty of the best bareback riders in the Pro

Tucker Allen just missed out on his first trip to NFR in 2023. This year, the steer wrestler has used that shortcoming to fuel his rise to the top 10 of the PRCA World Standings

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As Regular Season Winds Down, Rodeo Athletes Zone in on Securing First NFR Berth

After a lot of hard work to reach the top 15 in the World Standings, competitors like Tucker Allen, Jace Trosclair and Dylan Hancock are focused on remaining there with a month left to go.

Sam Petersen was forced to sit out three months of action to heal a broken collarbone but has gotten himself back in NFR contention thanks to results like a win at the Golden Spike Rodeo.

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Golden Spike Win Gives Bareback Rider More Momentum In Comeback Journey

Every chute gate presents an opportunity. And Sam Petersen isn’t taking any of them for granted. Before settling onto the back of Macza Pro Rodeo bucking horse

Coleman Proctor is running about 10 horses between his two events, team roping and steer roping, with a focus on returning to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for fourth-straight year.

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For Veteran Roper, Balancing Horsepower Simply Comes With The Job

Between 10 horses across the country and competing in two events, Coleman Proctor finds a way to make everything work while remaining in contention for a World Championship.

Jess Pope picked up more than $16,000 in earnings over the weekend, including a victory at the 100th anniversary Caldwell (Idaho) Night Rodeo.

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Whirlwind Saturday Journey Pays Off In Big Way For Bareback Riding Superstar

The veteran bareback rider picked up two victories on the same day, inching closer to securing his position for a fifth-straight NFR appearance.

Sarah Angelone got a late start on the 2024 season but has certainly made up for it in the last few weeks, climbing into the WPRA top 15.

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Breakaway Roper Making Up Ground After Late Start To 2024 Season

Following a spring decision to kick things into gear, Sarah Angelone has bolted in the WPRA top 15 putting her in position for another trip to the National Breakaway Roping Finals.

After traversing the country, Jake Gardner's first visit to New Jersey paid off big as he came away with a crucial victory at the Cowtown Rodeo Xtreme Bulls event on Tuesday.

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Canadian Bull Rider Building Momentum on Quest to First NFR Qualification

The bull rider made his first trip to the Northeast United States count, securing another big payday as he continues to inch his way up the PRCA World Standings

After two wins over the weekend, Andrea Busby is inching closer to her own appearance at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

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Winding Road Puts Barrel Racer on the Verge of First NFR Appearance

The longtime quarter horse breeder has produced world champions and NFR qualifiers, but following two weekend wins she’s now closer to reaching Vegas herself.

Following her win at Cheyenne (Wyo.) Frontier Days in late July, barrel racer Jordon Briggs has vaulted into the top 20 of the WPRA World Standings, giving her a shot at making the NFR for a fifth straight year.

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After Setback Jordon Briggs and Rollo Continue to Mount Comeback Climb

A few months ago, the barrel racing tandem weren’t even competing. Now, they sit inside the WPRA top 20 with a chance to rally for an NFR spot.