Sep. 5—The bareback riders opened Family Night at the Lewiston Roundup with performances that look like job security for chiropractors across rodeo country.
Wacey Schalla had a spine-cracking ride on Overserved. The 19-year-old cowboy from Arapaho, Okla., laid back as the horse kicked, jumped and somehow sprinted at the same time. Schalla snapped like a whip off the steed's back and scored an 88 to win the contest.
"I was excited to draw that horse, and I like this rodeo. The Roundup is definitely one of the rodeos we look forward to going into the end of the season."
Schalla's performance just edged out Mason Payne and his wild ride on Mustard. Wearing green chaps, Payne, from Wellpinit, Wash., waved his arm high as the horse whiplashed Payne and ejected him just after the bell, flipping him up backward off his hind quarters.
Payne scored 86 points.
"That horse is so cool. That was an awesome ride," said the Rearden High School grad.
Schalla's night wasn't over. By a long shot. He's one of the highest ranking bull rider in the world and had a chance to prove it. The bulls were ornery and dislodged nearly every cowboy. Schalla needed an 85 or better to win the night. Devil's Eye gave it to him.
"I'm making a run for all-around cowboy, so I'm going to do the best I can. Right now, I just feel blessed to be healthy and safe."
A 25-year-old cowboy from Challis, Idaho took home a Pendleton blanket for winning the Jackson Sundown Saddle Bronc Contest. Kade Bruno drew Marquis, a National Finals Rodeo horse. Rodeo announcer Will Rasmussen called it a dream match-up.
Weston Patterson from Waverly, Kan., the 12th ranked Saddle Bronc rider in the world, had just scored 86 points for his ride on Great Reflection to take the lead. But Bruno, a five-year pro, is ranked seventh and he had a money horse.
Great Reflection kicked his hind quarters high and Bruno spurred with fury while waving his free hand above his head. He scored an 88 and won a Pendleton Blanket from the Nez Perce Tribe, sponsor of the event.
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"This is a special rodeo. Nothing beats getting a win in your home state," Bruno said. "I just want to thank my family and friends from the bottom of my heart because it's a long year out here and it means a lot to me."
The professional barrel racers finished in a tight pack, all within .47 seconds of each other. Hayle Gibson-Stillwell of Redcrest Ca. had the fastest time, a blistering 17.09 seconds. That was 9 one-hundreds of a second quicker than Page Jones of Wayne, Okla.
Cancer survivor Kendra Cook from Newman Lake won the amateur barrels.
Some 4,300 people attended Thursday's event.
Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2273. Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
IF YOU GO
FRIDAY: Tough Enough to Wear Pink
SATURDAY: Patriot Night
TIME: Gates open at 4:59 p.m. every night; main rodeo starts at 6:59 p.m.
LOCATION: Idaho Central Credit Union Outdoor Arena at the Lewiston Roundup Grounds, 2100 Tammany Creek Road.
ROUNDUP PARADE: The parade on Main Street in downtown Lewiston is scheduled for 9:59 a.m. Saturday. The theme is "She's Wild and Fun at 91!"
TICKETS: Little Red Barn, North 40 parking lot, 2981 Thain Grade, or online at lewistonroundup.com.
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