Rodeo Daily

Paden Bray's Last Minute Push Towards National Finals Rodeo

Paden Bray opens up about his game plan going into Cinch Playoffs Governor's Cup and the pressure of the NFR bubble.
Alex Cawthon|
Paden Bray's Last Minute Push Towards National Finals Rodeo
Paden Bray's Last Minute Push Towards National Finals Rodeo

The two-time NFR qualifier finds himself in the hot seat going into the last days of the season.

Luckily for Bray, he and his partner Brenten Hall just squeezed into the Cinch Playoff's  by winning the West Texas Fair and Rodeo in Abilene, Texas.

"Getting into Sioux Falls was a miracle, the cards had to fall just right for us to even get to go," said Bray. "It ended up working out in our favor."

With just four days left in the regular season and only $3,000 separating No. 14 and 17, the pressure is on for Bray.

Behind Bray in No. 17  is Coleby Payne who will also be competing in Sioux Falls.

"Coleby and I grew up roping against each other," said Bray. "We are close in age and he ropes great, I know what he's capable of. I know I better bring my A-game, he's had a great year."

Round one of the Govenor's Cup will kick off Thursday.

"The pressure is off going into round one of Sioux Falls. I don't feel like I was meant to be there anyway, so the fact that I get to go, I'm going to just enjoy it and be grateful for the opportunity. I'm going to focus on roping one steer at a time."

Bray plans to bring out his "ole faithful" for the Cinch Playoffs. A dun he calls "Hugh" helped him get the win in Abilene. 

"[Hugh's] been home all summer so he's rested and relaxed. He feels really good right now."

Through the year Paden Bray has enjoyed traveling and competing with his little brother, Wyatt Bray. Bray says it has been a dream come true for them to chase their dreams together. However, Bray claims it has been more thrilling to watch Wyatt find his groove in his rookie year, and overcome the loss of both of his head horses from a  tragic wreck in July. 

After such a life changing event, Bray has a different his outlook.

"As much as I would like to say it doesn't change anything, the pressure is always going to be there. The unknown and uncontrollable is very consuming sometimes, but I try to look at the big picture and keep everything simple. This is what I do, not who I am. I'm at peace with either way this goes after the year I've had."

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Alex Cawthon
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. 

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