Barrhead’s own Darcy Miller has been named the World Senior Pro Steer Wrestling Champion in the age 40 division after competing in the Senior National Finals Rodeo at the beginning of Nov.
The rodeo, which is held in Las Vegas, is the highlight of the year for National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA) members.
In order to qualify, competitors are required to take part in five rodeos on American soil. There are only about five or six guys who go down to take part in the States, said Miller, and just over double that to compete against at the final rodeo.
“The steer wrestling, for people my age, there are still a lot of guys going to the amateur rodeos and pro rodeos,” said Miller. “ I think through the summer there are about 15 guys between Canada and the States that go.”
Miller did well this year, and ended up leading the season heading into the finals.
Unlike Canadian rodeos, which start competitors off at zero points when they enter a final, cowboys and cowgirls carry over all their points from the season when they compete in an American event.
Despite getting some tough cattle at the rodeo, Miller was still able to claim the title because of his successful season.
“When it was all said and done I still had enough points from the season and ended up the champ,” said Miller. “So they gave me the world champion buckle, which is pretty cool.”
Although the rodeo is quite small in comparison to the National Final Rodeo, Miller said the Vegas event was still a great experience.
“You meet some neat people and some past champs you used to watch on TV, and now you’re rubbing shoulders with them,” said Miller. “It’s kinda neat.”
This year, Miller said Canada was represented well. Out of the 26 championship buckles handed out, 11 went to Canadian competitors.
Miller also participated in the Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Finals this year, which were held in Claresholm in Oct. Although he was the season leader heading into the event, Miller said he ended up placing fifth or sixth.
Last year was quite the opposite for Miller, as he took home the championship in Canada but didn’t do well in American rodeo.
“I didn’t have much luck in Canada this year and good luck in the States, and last year I had no luck in the States and good luck in Canada,” said Miller.
With men over the age of 70 still competing in the roping events, not to mention former Canadian champions and people who have competed in the NFR, Miller said the rodeo offers an opportunity to be around a great group of people.
Does he plan on taking part in the event next year? As long as he stays healthy, Miller said he thinks so.
“I think the way it was best explained to me was when I first started, it kind of gives you a chance to wear out before you rust out,” laughed Miller. “All kidding aside, when you go to compete you’re still going to be as fast as you can possibly be.”
Miller added he would like to thank his brother, as well as the staff of All Around Oilfield Services for allowing him to take the time he needed to travel to his rodeo events.
