Calgary – Cody Nance had a long drive to Calgary, but his eight second Flight Plan on day two of the Calgary Stampede rodeo proved to be a quicker way to cash. Nance matched up with a bull of that name for an 89.5 point score, earning himself a day money win in the Bull Riding.
“It was a lot of fun. It seems like the harder they buck, the easier they are to ride, as long as you’re in the right spot. Keep your hand shut, keep your faith up, and just believe, and see what happens.”
It took Nance and his family more than 24 hours to drive from their Tennessee home, but being able to spend time together is an added bonus of competing at the Stampede.
“I love the family oriented events like this. It just brings everybody closer together.”
There was a tie in the Tie Down Roping on Saturday, when Jesse Popescul and Caleb Smidt both wrapped up their runs in just 7.3 seconds.
“This is awesome, as good as it gets right here,” grinned Popescul, who hails from Wood Mountain, Saskatchewan, clearly enjoying his first Stampede.
In Bareback Riding, there was a serious case of déjà vu on day two. Airdrie’s Jake Vold earned a second win in two days after an 86 point ride. Vold came into the Stampede hungry for some good rides, after having to sit recently due to a sore shoulder. Two great rides and $11,000 in winnings later, his appetite is far from satisfied.
“It feels good to get a couple wins, that’s for sure. But I still have my eye on the prize here. I haven’t won Calgary yet and that’s something I’d love to win. We’ll see what happens.”
For the second day in a row, Craig Weisgerber also got to make a victory lap after taking the top time in the steer wrestling, sharing the honor with Texan Hunter Cure who had a matching time.
“Right now, how do you not feel great?,” bubbled the Ponoka cowboy about his second straight win, now leading Pool A with $10,500. “I’ve been having fun everywhere in Calgary. This is the best thing.”
The third man to make it two in a row was Chase Brooks in the Saddle Bronc Riding.
“I think Calgary likes me. It’s a good place to have on my side,” said the Montana rider, now leading Pool A in his event with $10,500. “That was just a really good horse. I got on her actually when I was on my permit my first year rodeoing, and she made pretty short work of me so it was nice to get a little rematch.”
In Barrel Racing, Nellie Miller and her great horse Sister were in fine form Saturday, speeding around the pattern in just 17.32 seconds for the biggest payout of the day at $5500, giving them first in the Pool with $9000.
“The ground dried up from yesterday and my horse just really felt confident in the ground and she really worked hard today,” said Miller, from California. “The crew here just works their butt off on the ground every year and we really appreciate that.”
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
