Youngsters beat world champs to bank $60K; Petska switches ends

Julie Mankin for the Bob Feist Invitational

GUTHRIE, Okla. – On March 31 in Guthrie, college boys Jarett Freeman of Tolar, Texas, and Scott Lauaki of Springville, Utah, bested 142 teams to split $60,000 cash and the BFI prizeline for winning the 15.5 roping. Freeman is on the Weatherford (Texas) College rodeo team; Lauaki, of Hawaiian descent, competes for Utah State University. The field they beat included NFR greats Trevor Brazile (heeling), Brandon Beers, and Matt Sherwood.

Later that day, wildfires in the Guthrie area postponed the latter half of the BFI Legends roping, but Cory Petska of Marana, Ariz., and Seth Smithson of Liberty Hill, Texas, hung tight for the $21,000 win. They roped five steers in 37.70 seconds. In its second year, the jackpot for former BFI contestants over 40 years old draws legends such as Tee Woolman and Rich Skelton. Petska was heading, but he’s a world champion heeler and former BFI champion heeler. He and his world-champion-barrel-racing wife, Sherry Cervi, run yearlings in Wisconsin when they’re not at rodeos.”

“The BFI Legends roping was a full-on roping reunion,” said Petska, a 15-time NFR heeler. “When they had to shut the roping down for a little while for the smoke to clear, we all had so much fun visiting and telling stories. I only wish more guys would come, even if only to socialize because it was just like old times. Great roping, and so good to see so many old cowboy friends.”

Full results from the 15.5:  First Round:  1. Brandon Farris and Shawn Crockett, 6.82 seconds, $4,000; 2. Jimmy Harrison and Derrick Jantzen, 7.24 seconds, $3,000; 3. Jaxon Hill and Hayden Sanders, 7.53 seconds, $2,000. Short Round (Not Placing In Average):  1. Kevin Williams and Brad Newberry, 8.47 seconds, $3,000; 2. Race Meliman and Daniel Braman, 9.92 seconds, $2,000; 3. Peyton Walters and Luke Miller, 10.47 seconds, $1,000.  Average:  1. Jarett Freeman and Scott Lauaki, 31.83 seconds on four head, $60,000; 2. Brandon Farris and Shawn Crockett, 32.56 seconds, $40,000; 3. Brandon Beers and Bobby Alexander, 33.75 seconds, $30,000; 4. Bobby Mote and Trevor Brazile, 34.33 seconds, $23,000; 5. Brad Freeland and Matt Sherwood, 34.61 seconds, $18,000; 6. Brandon Farris and Braden Harmon, 34.63 seconds, $16,000; 7. Miles Baker and Shawn Crockett, 35.75 seconds, $12,000; 8. Walker Smith and Brady Kyle, 35.89 seconds, $8,000; 9. Matt Sherwood and Chase Helton, 36.0 seconds, $6,000.

Full Results from the BFI Legends:  First Round:  1. Vic Morrison and Steve Orth, 6.70 seconds, $2,000. Second Round:  1. Cory Petska and Seth Smithson, 6.09 seconds, $2,000. Short Round:  1. Chris Francis and Josh Patton, 7.34 seconds, $2,000. Average:  1. Cory Petska and Seth Smithson, 37.70 seconds on five steers, $19,000; 2. Troy Fischer and Boogie Ray, 42.65 seconds, $11,000; 3. Logan Olson and Seth Smithson, 42.99 seconds, $7,500.

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