Thursday, March 28, 2024

Steer wrestling boss wins all-around

Steer wrestling boss wins all-around
Derrick Begay, right, pulls the steer to his left to give his partner James Begay Jr., a chance to rope his end on Sunday at the 48th annual Ralph Johnson Memorial Rodeo in Ganado, Ariz. (Times photo – Donovan Quintero)

Derrick Begay, right, pulls the steer to his left to give his partner James Begay Jr., a chance to rope his end on Sunday at the 48th annual Ralph Johnson Memorial Rodeo in Ganado, Ariz. (Times photo – Donovan Quintero)

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.”


 To read the full article, pick up your copy of the Navajo Times at your nearest newsstand Thursday mornings!

Are you a digital subscriber? Read the most recent three weeks of stories by logging in to your online account.

  Find newsstand locations at this link.

Or, subscribe via mail or online here.




About The Author

Quentin Jodie

Quentin Jodie is the Sports Editor for the Navajo Times. He started working for the Navajo Times in February 2010 and was promoted to the Sports Editor position at the end of summer in 2012. Previously, he wrote for the Gallup Independent. Reach him at qjodie@navajotimes.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Weather & Road Conditions

Window Rock Weather

Fair

23.0 F (-5.0 C)
Dewpoint: 21.0 F (-6.1 C)
Humidity: 92%
Wind: Calm
Pressure: 30.18

More weather »

ADVERTISEMENT