Derrick Begay is no stranger to the bright lights of Vegas. The now nine-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier has been before, his most recent time being in 2018. He’s your No. 11 Header in the World Standings going into this year’s NFR.
DERRICK BEGAY AND MATT SHERWOOD AT THE AMERICAN SEMI FINALS
Begay’s year got started when he was a Qualifier at AT&T Stadium for the American while heading for Matt Sherwood. He made it to the Shootout Round after roping a 5.0 in Round 1, a 5.5 in Round 2 and a 7.9 in the Shootout. This gave Begay $10,000 to jump start his 2021 regular season.
At the end of May, Begay and his regular season partner, Cory Petska, hit a hot streak in Arizona. The team made raking in $3,676 look easy after roping a 4.0 at the Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo and a 5.1 at Cave Creek Rodeo Days.
DERRICK BEGAY AND CORY PETSKA AT RENO RODEO
The summer kicked off with Reno Rodeo where Begay pulled a check in all three rounds. They roped a 5.4 in Round 1, a 4.7 in Round 2 and a 6.4 to finish third in the Finals Round. Begay and Petska kept the fire going through their Fourth of July run.
At the Greeley Stampede, Begay roped a 4.1 to get a second-place finish and cash in more than $5,000. He then went to the World’s Oldest Rodeo and placed in both rounds before he finished the swing by picking up a check at the St. Paul Rodeo.
DERRICK BEGAY AND CORY PETSKA 4.1 AT THE GREELEY STAMPEDE
Begay and Petska were at the top of their game through out the summer. Their final check of the regular season came from the Pro Rodeo Tour Finale that was held during California Rodeo Salinas. During Round 2, Begay caught two feet to be a 7.7 to win it and bring in $2,300.
Although Begay roped most of the regular season with Petska, he will not be roping with him at the NFR. Petska finished just outside of the Top 15 in the world. Begay’s NFR Team Roping partner is now No. 14 Heeler Brady Minor. They are both seasoned veterans inside the Thomas and Mack and will be a force to be reckoned with.
