The bright young talents in rodeo are set to light up Fort Worth again as the 2025 Resistol Rookie Roundup kicks off this weekend at Cowtown Coliseum.
The 2024 event Champions left their mark and proved they had more than just potential—they delivered under pressure, and set the bar for this year’s Resistol Rookie Roundup.
Weston Timberman (Bareback Riding), after winning the 2024 event, said, “I’m so excited for my Rookie year and to see where it goes.” His momentum carried him through the 2024 season, where he qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo and finished No.7 in the world.
In the Steer Wrestling, Parker Sandstrom embraced the underdog role and delivered. “I knew I was the underdog coming in here,” he said, “It’s an incredible feeling.” after making a 4.3-second run to take the event title.
Ben Jordan and Scott Laiaki lit up the arena in the Team Roping, clocking the fastest time of the event at 4.5 seconds. “We made a good run out of it, it’s amazing—We’re very happy,” the team shared
Carter Sandberg (Saddle Bronc) made the most of a draw that most cowboys dream of— Pete Carr’s legendary “Dirt Jacket”. “What a blessing to get on such a good bucking horse,” he said. “Very blessed—God’s kept me healthy throughout the season. Very thankful for the opportunity to be here.”
In Breakaway Roping, Nikayla Brill stood out not just for her event runs but for her relentless work ethic. She had gone to more rodeos than any of her competitors and came in ready. “I wanted to make the best of it,” she said, and she did exactly that.
Tie Down Roper, Chance Rodriguez, came into Fort Worth ready, and it showed. He laid down a clean 7.7-second run— one of the fastest of the event to get the Resistol Rookie Roundup win.
Oceane Veilleux (Barrel Racing) ran the fastest barrel time of the event at 13.19 seconds, and it was clear how much it meant. “I am just so proud of him.” She said of her horse, Vegas. “My goal this year is to put all the work forward.”
The Kentucky cowboy, Brandon Ballard, in the Bull Riding finished out the event with an impressive ride on “Old School” of Pete Carr Pro Rodeo to be the last champion crowned of the 2024 Resistol Rookie Roundup.
The future of rodeo will return to Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum and The Cowboy Channel this weekend, April 25-26.