Graves makes the most of second chance
Steer wrestler called as alternate finishes fourth to advance
The streak was over. For the first time in 16 years, 2011 RodeoHouston champion steer wrestler Stock Graves didn’t qualify for Houston.
But then he got the call-up every alternate eagerly awaits.
The rodeo was short a competitor and needed someone to step in quickly — and just like that, the Oklahoma native was back.
“It was neat,” Graves said. “I got a text from (managing editor for sports presentations) Catherine (Schultz), and she was like, ‘Hey, would you like to go in Super Series IV?’ And I said, ‘Heck yeah I would.’ ”
He’d like to win the whole thing again, too.
Graves, who turns 40 in December, showed he still has what it takes, clinching another series win after only two rounds and moving on to the semifinals with $6,750 Saturday at NRG Stadium.
“It feels real good,” Graves said. “After the first round, I knew I’d probably made it through, so it’s a little easier on your mind to know that you’re in next week.
“So then you don’t worry about mistakes and you can go bulldogging.”
Money the name of the game
And even with a spot in the semis assured, Graves didn’t alter his approach.
“You’ve got to go win money,” he said. “That’s the name of the game.”
He played it well in 2011, cinching his first Houston title on his ninth try, and he took home $58,450 for his efforts.
“RodeoHouston’s one of my biggest — if not the biggest — rodeo win,” he said. “It’s always been a goal of mine to win Houston, and then I actually accomplished it in ’11, but now it’d be nice to do it again.”
Of course, that’s easier said than done.
Wade Sumpter was the last repeat bulldogging champ in 2012. He also won in 2008.
Curtis Cassidy won Houston in 2003 and 2009, and before that it was Brad Gleason winning in 1992 and 2002.
Brazile, Cox win team roping
No one has done it back-toback, and 2017 champ Tyler Waguespack is already out.
“It is tough,” Graves said. “There aren’t too many repeat champions. There are a few guys, friends of mine … and I’d like to be part of that crew. But it’s tough. You’ve got to have a lot of things go your way. I’ve been in the finals four or five times in my career, and I took second a couple times, and third, but only won it once.”
Trevor Brazile, the 23-time world champion and winningest cowboy in rodeo history — with more than $6 million in career earnings — joined up with Wyatt Cox to win the team roping series with $10,000.
Brazile also advanced to this week’s semis in tie-down roping, placing second overall with $4,000.
He won Houston twice in tiedown, in 2001 and 2006, but never in team roping.
Jake Pratt ($4,750) took the tiedown series win.
Devan Reilly was the high earner in bareback riding, making $4,875, Coburn Bradshaw ($7,500) emerged in saddle bronc, Carley Richardson ($6,000) placed first in barrel racing and Dalan Duncan ($4,000) was the top bull rider.
On to the semifinals
The Houston semis are Wednesday and Thursday — and Graves is raring to go.
“I don’t rodeo as much as I used to, I don’t make the NFR anymore, but I like to come to these big rodeos,” he said. “I have a lot of friends down here, met a lot of people over the years, and it’s exhilarating to compete in RodeoHouston, so as long as I can. As long as I’m competitive, I’ll keep coming.”