By Kacie Albert
MILL SPRING, N.C. – SPORTS – After three days of competition at the inaugural Rodeo Carolina, the richest rodeo event east of the Mississippi, the WCRA (World Champions Rodeo Alliance) has announced the final list of athletes who will compete in the Triple Crown of Rodeo Round on October 8 at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort in Mill Spring, North Carolina.
Saddle Bronc rider Isaac Diaz (Desdemona, Texas) has emerged victorious throughout the event in pursuit of the WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo. Diaz, who has won two WCRA TCR events, has become the chief contender for the bonus and goes into the final round of competition with the top average, earning an 83.5 score in night one and an 85.5 in night two.
Should Diaz, who has won consecutive Majors in December in Fort Worth, Texas, and in May in Corpus Christi, Texas, prevail at Rodeo Carolina, he would be crowned the second champion of the coveted WCRA Triple Crown of Rodeo, presented by Lazy E Ranch, winning the substantial $1 million bonus.
The Triple Crown of Rodeo round contender was the first WCRA Saddle Bronc Champion, winning during the organization’s first event, the Windy City Roundup in Chicago in 2019. The Texas Cowboy has more than $120,000 across WCRA competition.
The TCR roster consists of 72 athletes from all over the globe competing for their piece of the historic $470,800 across nine disciplines – Bareback Riding, Women’s Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping (Heading and Heeling), Tie-Down Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding.
Five athletes remain in Triple Crown of Rodeo contention en route to their second consecutive WCRA victory. Should any of the following TCR-eligible athletes and Diaz win Rodeo Carolina, the $1 Million cash bonus will be paid out at the end of the 2023 TCR series at the Stampede at The E January 4-7. If multiple athletes have won three consecutive events, the $1 million bonus will be split equally between the athletes.
The five remaining athletes are:
Mason Clements (bareback riding),
Riley Kittle (team roping header)
Jace Helton (team roping heeling)
Kelsie Domer (breakaway roping)
Shad Mayfield (tie-down roping)
Four athletes (Trisyn Kalawaia, Jackie Crawford, Martha Angelone, and Cheyenne Wimberley) have been eliminated from TCR eligibility due to either not competing in the event or not earning a top time in the aggregate.
To view the complete roster, please click HERE.
Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort is one of the most picturesque equestrian facilities in the country and is located within the Blue Ridge Foothills of Mill Spring, North Carolina. The year-round event venue features multi-discipline international and national equestrian competitions, live music, arts and entertainment, and holiday events.
With onsite shops, diverse dining options, and a robust entertainment calendar, non-equestrian visitors are equally marveled by the Tryon Resort experience.
Tryon International Equestrian Center and Resort spans 1,600 acres and boasts 13 competition arenas, 1,400 permanent stalls, and various restaurants, shops, and lodging options. A nearby sporting clay course completes the Tryon Resort family of brands at Cleghorn Gun Club and the Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club.
Tickets for Rodeo Carolina are on sale now and can be purchased online at tryon.com or etix.com or via the phone to PBR Customer Service at (800) 732-1727.
Since launching in May 2018, the WCRA and its partners have awarded more than $15.7 Million in new money to rodeo athletes. All rodeo athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA or the VRQ should be directed to wcrarodeo.com.
About WCRA
WCRA is a professional sport and entertainment entity created to develop and advance the sport of rodeo by aligning all levels of competition. In association with the PBR, WCRA produces major rodeo events, developing additional opportunities for rodeo-industry competitors, stakeholders, and fans. To learn more, visit wcrarodeo.com. For athletes interested in learning more about the WCRA Virtual Rodeo Qualifier (VRQ) system, visit app.wcrarodeo.com.
