“It’s one of the most cowboy things you can do.”
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s (PRCA) Linderman Award recognizes the top cowboy who earns at least $1,000 in three PRCA events during the season—one of which must be a roughstock event and another a timed event.
It’s a feat few attempt, and even fewer accomplish. But for Darcy Kersh, it’s a reflection of his all-around cowboy grit.
The Queensland, Australia, native finished the 2025 season with $46,564 in the steer wrestling, $3,576 in the tie-down roping and $1,720 in the saddle bronc riding, securing the prestigious honor. Kersh is the first Australian to win the Linderman Award since Bernie Smyth Jr., who claimed it in 1990 and 1992.
“This award means a lot to me,” Kersh said. “I’ve always thought it’s one of the most cowboy things you can do—working both ends of the arena. I’ve always wanted to be a true cowboy, so it’s really special to accomplish this goal.”
Kersh grew up on his family’s cattle station in Queensland, where he spent his youth roping and riding roughstock, providing him with the foundation to be a successful all-around cowboy. At 18, he moved to the United States to pursue a professional steer wrestling career, armed with only a suitcase and a saddle.
“It was really challenging moving to a new country and starting from nothing,” Kersh said. “I didn’t know anyone. It’s hard to describe all the challenges I had to overcome to start a new life and career here.”
His first stop in the U.S. was Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla., where he competed on the rodeo team before transitioning to full-time PRCA competition.
Kersh’s determination ultimately led him to dust off his tie-down rope and saddle bronc rigging in the 2025 season, after years of focusing mainly on steer wrestling.
“This past year was challenging because I wasn’t winning as much as I’d hoped in bulldogging,” he said. “But it allowed me to focus on other goals, like the Linderman. It’s been really fun to work other events again.”
These days, it’s hard to find many Linderman cowboys– and for good reason. The logistics, planning and support that go into competing in three events, on both ends of the arena, and at a professional caliber, is a daunting mountain to climb.
“It was definitely challenging to balance all three events,” Kersh said. “I’m really grateful to everyone who let me hop on a calf horse or helped me out at both ends of the arena.”
Reflecting on the journey, Kersh credits his faith for helping him through moments of adversity.
“There have always been challenges, but everything works out how it’s supposed to,” he said. “I really relied on my faith when I didn’t feel prepared. Getting on broncs again was kind of scary when I didn’t feel prepared, but I had to rely on God. I give all my glory to God.”
Looking ahead, Kersh aims to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo and earn an invitation to the prestigious CINCH Timed Event Championship.