DAVID MAYBERRY Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Monday, November 27, 2006 12:00 am
Saddle bronc rider Bryce Miller feels no pressure heading into the National Finals Rodeo. He's already endured what he called "a pretty stressful" time earlier this month in Dallas.
On the final day of the season at the Tour Championship, the Kaycee native had to sit back and watch as Steve Dollarhide tried to buck Miller out of the 15th and final spot for the NFR.
Miller placed high enough in a preliminary round at the event to finish with $55,690, but Dollarhide was consistent enough to qualify for the knockout rounds on the final day and a chance to overtake Miller in the money standings. Each of Dollarhide's rides in the semifinals and finals scored 83, good enough for third place at the event but just two points out of the money.
"If I hadn't placed in that round, I wouldn't be here," said Miller, competing in his third straight NFR. "If Steve'd been second instead of third … I had to wait through that whole Sunday. That was hard."
So when the rides begin Thursday in Las Vegas, Miller says he'll be as relaxed as he's been in months. He spent most of the summer and fall just above, at or below the NFR qualification line.
"Havin' to rodeo on the bubble makes it harder, more expensive," said Miller, who added that he's rode in more events this year to secure his spot at the NFR. "I'm lucky enough to be back, but it makes it all worthwhile.
"Now, I just want to have fun and hope things fall into place. I've got no where to go but up."
Former Sheridan College rider Rod Hay also qualified for the saddle bronc riding competition in Vegas. The Canadian national champion stands sixth in the standings - $48,000 behind leader Cody DeMoss.
Contact sports editor David Mayberry at (307) 266-0573 or david.mayberry@casperstartribune.net
NFR Tracker
n WHAT: National Finals Rodeo.
n WHEN: Thursday through Dec. 9. Most of the rounds will start at 8 p.m. each night; performances on Dec. 2-3 and the finals on Dec. 9 begin at 7 p.m.
n WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas.
n TV: ESPN2 will broadcast all 10 rounds, three of them live - Dec. 2-3 and the finals on Dec. 9, each at 7 p.m. Other broadcasts will be on a tape-delayed basis (Thursday, Friday, Dec. 4, Dec. 7-8, 10 p.m.; Dec. 5-6, 10:30 p.m.).