NRA/NWRA post first-round winners

Kaleb Norstrom of East Helena was a first-round winner in bareback, and Andrew Evjene of Two Dot had the top score in saddle bronc riding at the Northern Rodeo Association and Northern Women’s Rodeo Association Finals Thursday night at Majestic Valley Arena north of Kalispell.

The finals, which run through Saturday, determine the 2019 year-end champions. The top 10 in each event qualify.

In bull riding, Riley Barg of Lewisville edged out Cole Wagner of Valier for the top spot in the first round.

Brady Tryan of Huntley and Sid Sporer won the first round of team roping Thursday night with a time of 6.4 seconds. Jack Graham of Lakeview took over the team roping heading standings by placing second with partner Sam Levine.

Other first-round winners were Austin Anderson of Gillette in steer wrestling; Hank Hollenbeck of Molt in tie-down roping; Lindsay Kruse of Winston in barrel racing, and Ryland Lufkin of Menan in breakaway roping.

Northwest Montana competitors saw some action on Thursday. Gerald Eash of Trego placed second in saddle bronc riding and fourth in bull riding to push his all-around cowboy earnings to $11,351.

Dallas Von Heeder of Thompson Falls and partner John Vermedahl took fourth place in team roping; Payton Fitzpatrick placed fifth in bull riding; Tammy Jo Carpenter of Kalispell was 10th in the first go-round in barrel racing; and Cassie Jumper of Kalispell was fourth in breakaway roping. Chance Paradis of Eureka and Rich Carpenter took third in team roping with a time of 8.1 seconds.

Rodeo performances continue at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday) and Saturday at Majestic Valley Arena. Doors open to the public at 5:30 p.m. every evening.

Country music artist Glen Templeton performs at 6 p.m. tonight.

The events will be followed by an after-party at the Blue Canyon Tavern each night.

The Northern Rodeo Association’s regular season consists of more than 25 events from June to September throughout Montana and North Dakota.