Xtreme Bulls kick off Reno Rodeo action

RENO - The Xtreme Bulls event, which annually kicks off the 10-day Reno Rodeo, is scheduled for today at 7 at the Reno Livestock Events Center.

More than 150,000 spectators are expected to enter the gates for one of the most prestigious stops on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit. The rodeo brings in approximately $40 million yearly to local casinos, restaurants, hotels and retail outlets.

The event has a local flavor, as more than 20 Northern Nevada cowboys and cowgirls will compete for more than $500,000 in prize money, making it the fourth-richest rodeo on the West Coast.

Forty of the top bullriders are in town for tonight's one-night event, including defending champion Clayton Foltyn, who scored a 95 in the finals last year. Wesley Silcox, who had an 83 in the final round, also returns.

Also in this year's field is Fred Boettcher, the reigning bulls champion at the Reno Rodeo; diminutive Jake Wade, J.W. Harris, Jesse Bail, Colin McTaggart, Chance Smart, Douglas Duncan and B.J. Schumacher.

Here is a look at the rest of the events:

Bareback - The defending champion is Bobby Mote, who averaged 85 on three rides en route to the title. Mote is third unofficially in the world this year, trailing Clint Cannon and Heath Ford, Kaycee Feild, Justin McDaniel, D.V. Fennell, Will Lowe and Kelly Timberman roun d out the top 10.

Saddle bronc - Jesse Kruse set a new arena record last year with a 91-point ride last year and has moved into the top spot in the world over Bryce Miller this year. The duo enjoy a commanding money lead over Heith DeMoss, Bradley Harter, J.J. Elshere, Cody DeMoss, Taos Muncy, Dusty Hausauer, Wade Sundell and Cody Talon.

Team roping - Nick Sartain and Rhen Richard won a year. totaling 17.6 seconds on three rides. Kelsey Parchman is the top header, just ahead of Chad Masters, who has paired with Fallon's Jade Corkill most of this year. Sartain is ranked third in the world followed by Keven Daniel and defending all-around champion Trevor Brazile is fifth. Corkill has won nearly $35,000 in 19 events.

Bulls - Boettcher scored 176 on two rides to win here last year. Duncan currently leads all bullriders thus far, followed by Harris, Steve Woolsey, Bail, Karrin Asay and Clayton Savage.

Tie-down roping - Peek, the defending champion, is currently 12th in the world. Ryan Watkins currently is No. 1 followed by Clint Robinson, Ryan Jarrett, Tuff Cooper and Brazile.

Steer wrestling - Defending champion Wade Sumpter is coming off a pectoral muscle injury. Curtis Charles Cassidy currently is No. 1 in the world followed by Reno favorite Luke Branquinho, Dean Gorsuch, Jake Rinehart, Darrell Petry and Todd Suhn will challenge for the top spot.

Barrel racing - Mary Burger is back to defend her championship. Jill Moody and Brittany Pharr will push Burger for the title.

Rodeo tickets range from $12 to $27 depending on seating and performance date. Channel 8 will televise the finals on June 27. For more information, go to www.renorodeo.com.