Four SD cowboys earn winnings at national rodeo

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LAS VEGAS — Four South Dakota cowboys won earnings for their efforts at the National Finals Rodeo, which was a 10-day event, in Las Vegas.

The NFR took place from Dec. 6 to Saturday and each contestant participated in 10 rounds.

All four contestants are from West River, and two competed in saddle bronc, one in steer wrestling and one in bull riding.

Cole Eshere, of Faith, participated in his first NFR event and brought home $36,514.42 in the saddle bronc. Elshere took first place in the fifth round, earning $18,257.21 for his performance. He also placed fourth twice and had one sixth-place finish.

Chad Ferley, of Oelrichs, also won earnings in the saddle bronc. Ferley won $9,128.60 for his efforts at the NFR. He had one fifth-place finish and two sixth-place finishes.

Of all four contestants, Todd Suhn, of Hermosa, came away from the NFR with the most winnings with $39,753.60. Suhn placed in five rounds, taking a first place, two fourths, a fifth and a sixth. He is 11th in world standings in steer wrestling.

Ardie Maier, of Timber Lake, competed in the bull-riding event. Maier earned $14,429.09 for his second-place performance in the fourth round. He only recorded a score in that round.

Tags: sports, updates, rodeo, nfr