The RAM Texas Circuit finals in Waco, Texas was Oct. 10-13. After four days of rigorous competition, twelve qualified steer wrestlers battled it out on the dirt for the top spot.
Justin Shaffer, the ultimate champion, absolutely took Waco by storm. Not only did he turn in the fastest time with a 3.2-second go, but placed in the money in three of the four rounds. Shaffer won a grand total of $8,295. Topping the leaderboard as the Texas Circuit Finals Champion as well as the Year End Champion. Shaffer qualified for the National Finals Rodeo Open in Colorado Springs in July 2024.
Two competitors, the Circuit Finals champion and Year End champion from each rodeo event, qualify for the NFR Open. Since Shaffer earned both of those designations, the Year End Reserve Champion took the second qualifying spot for the NFR Open.
Don Payne won the Year End Reserve Champion added qualifying for the NFR Open to his resume along with qualifying for his first NFR in Las Vegas.
Payne also had a great circuit finals placing in two of the four rounds and landing in third position in the average. Payne won $5,253 at the conclusion of the Circuit Finals.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!