Race for All-Around Cowboy Title Far from Over Ahead of WNFR
By Megan Hanchey

Over the past 14 years, not many cowboys have gotten the chance to say they are a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association all-around champion at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

In fact, only two have captured the all-around gold buckle in that time span.

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Since 2002, Trevor Brazile has held a stranglehold on the title with 13 wins -- the lone exception coming in 2005 when the Decatur, Texas, cowboy and PRCA world record holder for most championship victories was unseated by Ryan Jarrett.

Junior Nogueira heads into the Thomas & Mack Center atop the standings with $123,786.02 in earnings. Also the leader in the team roping heeler category, Nogueira is in position for his first all-around title in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 1-10.

But it won't come easy.

Although Nogueira is favored to win the title, there will be stiff competition from eight other cowboys. Josh Peek is sitting in the second position with $116,603.15 and will be competing in the steer wrestling, which may be a shock to some fans. Peek is more commonly known as a tie down calf roper, and he has multiple WNFR qualifications in the event. Jarrett is still in the top 10 for the all-around title as well, and he is hoping to leave Las Vegas with a second title.

In years past, Brazile was often a two-event qualifier at the WNFR, giving him a considerable advantage at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. However, this year none of the cowboys are competing in multiple events at the WNFR, which will considerably level the playing field. Nogueira added tie down roping event to his well-known team roping expertise throughout the year to be able to compete for the all-around title.

With the money up for grabs, it could be anyone's game as Nogueira hopes to walk out of the Thomas & Mack with two coveted world titles.

All-Around World Standings
1. Junior Nogueira, $123,786.02
2. Josh Peek, $116,603.15
3. JoJo LeMond, $112,623.01
4. Dustin Bird, $109,693.86
5. Clay Smith, $104,808.56
6. Russell Cardoza, $100,232.90
7. Clayton Hass, $97,319.29
8. Caleb Smidt, $89,968.84
9. Ryan Jarrett, $85,127.29
10. Shay Carroll, $84,075.53
11. Rhen Richard, $81,497.06
12. Ryle Smith, $72,798.31
13. Paul David Tierney, $64,003.77
14. Morgan Grant, $61,963.36
15. Jordan Ketscher, $54,009.92

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