BY BRETT NIERENGARTEN
Even though he’s a Texas cowboy, Westyn Hughes dominated in California in 2021.
Of his nine rodeo wins this season, four of them came in the Golden State. Hughes won the Stonyford Rodeo, Folsom Pro Rodeo, Sonoma County Wine Country Rodeo and Lakeside Rodeo.
In addition to his wins in California, Hughes also tied for second in the Average and won $7,600 at April’s Clovis Rodeo won two rounds at September’s ProRodeo Tour Finale in Salinas, where he banked a total of $10,339.
Hughes’ September as a whole was very profitable. He won about $22,000 and jumped from No. 5 to No 2 in the PRCA Tie-Down Roping World Standings. He is about $42,000 behind No. 1 Shane Hanchey.
WESTYN HUGHES IN SALINAS
HUGHES IN CLOVIS
His other wins in 2021 included two in Colorado and one apiece in Oregon, Montana and Texas. In his homestate, he claimed the title at the San Angelo Cinch Chute Out in April and that paid him $7,500. He was 8.1 seconds in the Long Round and 8.7 seconds in the Short Round.
HUGHES IN SAN ANGELO
Hughes was also helped by a big Cowboy Christmas. He placed in St. Paul, Cody, Eugene and Oakley City and won the Home of Champions Rodeo (Montana). Overall, he earned about $13,000 from July 1-4.
Hughes won a career-high 16 Go-Rounds and registered an average time of 10.16, the fastest of his career and second-best among PRCA tie-down ropers in 2021. He also tied five calfs in 7.5 seconds, which is more than he had his entire career entering the season.
In his first NFR a year ago, Hughes placed in five rounds and won Round 8. He was No. 6 in the final PRCA World Standings.
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