A total of 23 Southwest competitors have qualified for the Canada Cowboys Association Finals in Swift Current next week. 11 Southwest communities will be represented in Swift Current as local competitors have qualified in 11 of the 12 events, including seven from Maple Creek.
Maple Creek’s Adam Gilchrist will lead the Southwest into the Saddle Bronc competition after he finished third in the season standings. Piapot’s Casey Bertram will join him after placing sixth and Maple Creek’s Mike Gordon earned his spot in eighth in the season standings.
The 11-cowboy Bareback field will feature two Maple Creek cowboys. Brady Bertram was third in the season standings, while Blake Link was eighth to earn a trip to the Finals.
The Bullriding field will also feature two Southwest cowboys after Hazenmore’s Chanse Switzer placed fourth and Lancer’s Chad Hartman finished 10th in the season standings.
Tie Down Roping will certainly be one of the most intriguing events for local fans at the Finals. Mankota’s Shawn Williamson led all cowboys in the season standings to enter the Finals as one of the cowboys to beat. Waldeck’s Tuftin and Tyce McLeod finished in third and fourth place and Swift Current’s Blaine Switzer will make another Finals appearance as a Tour contestant.
Three Southwest cowboys qualified for the Finals in Steer Wrestling. Swift Current’s Travis Munro was sixth in the standings, Waldeck’s Tee McLeod was ninth, and Kyle’s Chad Hantelman earned a Tour spot.
Four Southwest cowgirls will provide a local injection of speed into the Ladies Barrel Racing field. Cadillac’s Brooke Lang finished in second spot in the season standings. Shaunavon’s Haley Glasrud was seventh, Eastend’s Bailee Humphrey finished eighth, and Waldeck’s Mallory Mallert was 10th.
Three members of the McLeod family will be in Team Roping action in Swift Current. Tuftin and Tyce lead all Team Ropers, while Scott McLeod was the eighth ranked Heeler and will work with Dawson Graham (Wainright, AB).
Maple Creek’s James Perrin placed second in Junior Steer Riding in the season standings to earn a spot at the Finals in the six-cowboy field.
The Junior Girls Barrel Racing field is comprised of six cowgirls, including Maple Creek’s Cassidy Gordon, who was third in the season standings.
Kyle’s Kade Cheney led the Novice Bareback field this season to earn one of three spots at the Finals.
Maple Creek’s William Perrin also finished atop the Novice Saddle Bronc standings to earn a trip the Finals.
Novice Bullriding is the only event that does not feature a Southwest entry.
The CCA Finals will begin on Wednesday at the Innovation Credit Union iplex.
