13 Nebraska rodeo athletes to compete at Badlands Circuit Finals

The Badlands Circuit Finals are set to take place October 10-13 in Minot, North Dakota. The Badlands Circuit is one of 13 circuits recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Comprised of North and South Dakota, the Badlands Circuit also hosts cowboys and cowgirls who opt out of their local circuit for competition. This year, 13 Nebraska rodeo athletes will be making the trip. The rodeo will consist of three performances featuring the top 12 contestants in each event.

This year’s roster of Nebraska contestants bring with them a winning tradition in Minot. Austin Hurlburt of Norfolk is the defending calf roping average champion and all-around cowboy. This year, he enters the finals ranked #3 in the all-around race and 4th in the calf roping.

Hurlburt’s traveling partner, Grant Turek, had an impressive showing last year as well. He placed first and second in the second and third rounds, respectively. Turek ended the 2023 season narrowly missing out on the calf roping year-end title.

Breakaway roper Danielle Wray is also returning to Minot. She left the circuit finals last year second in the average and named the 2023 Rookie of the Year.

Hershey, Nebraska team roping brother duo Cooper and Tucker White ended 2023 4th in the average. They return in 2024 both ranked #3 as a header and a heeler.

The rodeo will consist of three performances featuring the top 12 contestants in each event. View the full schedule of events here: https://www.rodeominot.com/fall-schedule

Listen to our interview with breakaway roping contestant, Danielle Wray:

Listen to our interview with calf roper and all-around cowboy, Austin Hurlburt:

Listen to our interview with calf roper Grant Turek:

Below is a full list of Nebraska Badlands Circuit Finals Contestants and their positions prior to the start of the finals:

All Around 

• 3^rd – Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk 

Bareback Riding 

• 10^th – Tyler Graf, Chadron 

Bull Riding  

• 7^th – Koby Jacobson – North Platte 

Team Roping Headers 

• 3^rd – Cooper White, Hershey  

• 7^th – Clay Holz, Niobrara 

• 8^th – Clay Bauer, Arcadia 

Heelers 

• 3^rd – Tucker White, Hershey 

• 10^th – Butch Levell, Ft. Calhoun 

Calf Roping  

• 4^th – Austin Hurlburt, Norfolk  

• 6^th – Grant Turek, St. Paul  

• 8^th – JT Adamson, Cody  

Steer Roping  

• 5^th – Tanner Stec, Bassett 

• 9^th – Evan June, Broken Bow 

Breakaway  

• 10^th – Danielle Wray, Ord