Bull Rider Cooper James Talks PRCA Success, 2024 Rookie Class and More from Pendleton

James is one of three rookies in the Top 10 in the PRCA Bull Riding World Standings

Cooper James is only 19-years-old and has had a fantastic start to his ProRodeo career.

He has made $148,623 already and is currently No. 10 in the World Standings and No. 3 in the Resistol Rookie Standings after a win in Round 2 at the Pendleton Xtreme Bulls Finale. It is very likely James is heading to Las Vegas alongside fellow first-year cowboys Wacey Schalla and Jeter Lawrence.

“At the start of this year, I was just kind of rodeoing where I could,” he said. “I bought my card for a reason and knew I had a shot (to make the NFR). It’s so crazy watching it come into reality. It’s just a dream come true.

That Go-Round win on Monday paid him more than $8,000, which greatly helped the young cowboy’s confidence.

“It feels awesome, but you don’t want to let the highs get too high and the lows get too low,” he said. “Riding that confidence, that momentum definitely helps, especially this late in the season. We’re all sore, all banged up.”

James is no stranger to tough competition, he competed often against No. 1 ranked rookie Schalla and No. 2 rookie Lawrence growing up, since the three of them were getting on steers.

“It’s just cool to have them be a part of this as well,” he said. “It’d be awesome (to have the Rookie of the Year race come down to the NFR), we’re all looking forward to it. I think it’s going to keep us riding even better through the Finals.”

The rodeo action continues at Frost Bank Center.
Texas’ Dr. Gregg Veneklasen forever changed and enhanced the breeding of bucking horses.
Wacey Schalla is a rising star and his first out in San Antonio proves it.
World Champion Bareback Rider Jess Pope hits the gas in San Antonio.
The kick off of Bracket 4 in San Antonio brings the best of the best.
Bull rider Jess Lockwood is hitting the rodeo road for the regular season in the PRCA.
Katelyn Scott has returned to the Winter Run with a bang.
California cowgirl Rylee George is cashing in at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.
Team Ropers Clay Smith and Coleby Payne cash in on all three go-rounds.