BY BRETT NIERENGARTEN @PRORODEOBRETT
Kollin VonAhn hadn’t made the NFR since 2015 and with one weekend left in the season, it looked like that drought would continue. He was No. 21 in the World entering the Governor’s Cup and with his new partner Andrew Ward already safely in the field in Las Vegas, it was all about getting VonAhn there.
In the Finals, they delivered. It was a 3.9-second run to win $30,000, and it sent the 41-year-old heeler up to No. 12 in the World Standings, and back to the NFR, where he has won three Average titles in his career.
La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros, $10,332
Teaming up with Andrew Ward paid off quickly for Kollin VonAhn, as the duo claimed second at Tucson’s Playoff Series Rodeo. Their 5.7 in Round 1 tied for fifth, and a 5.8 in the Finals earned second, with an overall time of 11.5 on two, trailing Cody Snow and Hunter Koch by 1.2 seconds.
Reno Rodeo, $17,124
Ward and VonAhn made their presence felt in Reno, placing second in the Long Round, dominating the Short Round, and claiming the Average by half a second. The win marked their first PRCA Playoff Series title together.
Western Stampede, $3,209
Ward and VonAhn may have picked up just two checks during Cowboy Christmas, but one was a big one—co-champions in West Jordan, Utah with a 4.9-second run. It marked his first win in Utah since 2015.
Horse Heaven Roundup, $5,767
Ward/VonAhn methodically made their way to an Average title in Kennewick. Despite placing no better than fourth in any of the three rounds, their 19.5 second time on three was enough to win the rodeo by two tenths over reigning World Champions Tyler Wade/Wesley Thorp.
Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup, $30,000
It all came down to Sioux Falls for VonAhn and after runs of 4.4, 9.4, and 4.0 seconds, he and Ward had to be third or better in the Four-Man to punch his ticket. They went ahead and won the rodeo, netting their biggest payday of the season on their final run.
Meet the NFR Athletes is presented by Montana Silversmiths #EveryBuckleHasAStory #BrandOfChampions #FromGreatToGold
