The 104th Days of ’76 Rodeo wrapped up Saturday night with champions representing five states, Australia and Canada claiming titles during one of the Black Hills’ premier PRCA events.
Oklahoma competitors led the way with two event championships. Kamie Crouse of Cushing captured the breakaway roping average title with a two-head time of 4.7 seconds, while Emily Beisel of Weatherford won barrel racing with a time of 17.18 seconds.
Louisiana cowboys also earned a pair of championships. Dustin Boquet of Bourg claimed the bull riding title with an 89.5-point ride aboard Cookies & Cream, while Shane Hanchey of Sulphur secured the tie-down roping average championship with a two-go-round time of 15.6 seconds.
The saddle bronc riding title was shared by two international competitors. Australian rider Jake Finlay of Queensland and Canadian cowboy Dawson Hay of Alberta each posted 85-point rides to split the championship. Finlay scored aboard Candy Coated, while Hay matched the mark on Bordertown.
Wyoming’s Donny Proffit delivered one of the top performances of the final night, scoring 87.5 points on Hell’s Fire to win the bareback riding title. Colorado’s Logan Kenline captured the steer wrestling average championship with a two-head time of 8.7 seconds.
The team roping average title went to Arizona partners Ketch Kelton and Denton Dunning, who completed two runs in 9.9 seconds.
Several South Dakota athletes posted strong finishes. Piper Cordes of Wall finished fourth in barrel racing, while Alyssa Gabrielson of Gary tied for fifth. In bull riding, Jeff Bertus of Avon tied for second with an 86.5-point ride.
South Dakota also placed three riders among the saddle bronc riding leaders, as Shorty Garrett of Eagle Butte and Eastan West of New Underwood tied for sixth with 83-point rides. In tie-down roping, Myles Kenzy of Iona tied for third in the average standings with a two-head time of 16.9 seconds.
The week-long rodeo once again attracted top competitors from across North America and abroad, concluding another successful chapter in the storied history of the Days of ’76 Rodeo.
