Tryan, Jones break roping record

LAS VEGAS – Clay Tryan of Billings, Mont., and Michael Jones of Stephenville, Texas, broke the Thomas & Mack Center team-roping record with a 3.7-second run in the seventh round of the National Finals Rodeo.

“We just try to go as fast as we can with whatever steer we draw,” said Jones, the heeler, after Thursday’s run. “Last night, our steer ran a good pattern. Tonight, the steer was a touch faster, but that made the run faster.”

Tryan and Jones, who broke the record of 3.8 shared by five teams, also won Wednesday night with a 3.9-second run.

“The steer left harder than the one the day before,” said Tryan, the header. “I had to take a little more of a chance tonight and it worked.”

Trevor Brazile of Decatur, Texas, and Wayne Folmer of Justin, Texas, finished second in 4.0 seconds. Shain Sproul of Benson, Ariz., with Kinney Harrell of Brady, Texas, third in 4.4.

In bull riding, Cody Buller of Glendive, Mont., placed first with a score of 89 points. Matt Austin of Wills Point, Texas, was second at 88.5, and Zack Oakes of Tonasket, Wash., finished third with an 85.5.

In saddle bronc, Cody DeMoss of Crowville, La., finished first with 83.5 points. Ira Slagowski of Plain City, Utah; Billy Etbauer of Edmond, Okla.; and Steve Dollarhide of Wikieup, Ariz., tied for second with 83s.

Larry Sandvick of Billings, Mont., won the bareback round with an 87.5-point ride. Tom McFarland of Forepaugh, Ariz., was second with an 87, and Wes Stevenson of Kaufman, Texas, was third with an 86.