Steer wrestling boss wins all-around

GANADO, Ariz.

Garrison Begay and Donovan Yazzie are considered two of the better cowboys in their profession.

Between the two they have won several titles in multiple events with Begay having a career-defining moment by winning several world titles.

They were in the running for the all-around race at the 48th annual Ralph Johnson Memorial Rodeo held over the Memorial Day weekend in Ganado, Ariz.

The two veteran cowboys were within striking distance of picking up rodeo’s most coveted prize during Sunday afternoon’s final performance.

In the end though, it was Mexican Springs, N.M. boss Michael Bates, who emerged as the men’s all-around winner despite placing in one event.

The three cowboys competed in two events with Bates winning the steer wrestling on a draw that was projected “to run a little bit harder” than the rest of herd.

“I had to get out of the box just right,” Bates confessed. “I didn’t want to be late or break the barrier. I knew from previous rodeos that steer was pretty good on the ground.”

And with his timing just right, Bates rolled his steer in 4.8 seconds, which was more than one second faster than Saturday night’s leader Brandon Bates (5.9)

Three-time INFR champ Garrison Begay came in a close third with a time of 7.3 seconds.

In the tie-down event, the three cowboys locked horns with Yazzie placing second with an 11.8 effort behind event winner Malachai Pablo, who posted an 11.5 run.

“I could have had a better run,” Yazzie said, “but I had a small calf and he was too little to tie.”

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