Citizen Staff Writer
TUCSON RODEO
RODNEY HAAS
sports@tucsoncitizen.com
After winning his first world championship in 2007, bull rider Wesley Silcox endured an injury-plagued 2008 that saw him finish 11th at the National Finals Rodeo.
This year, Silcox, 23, is healthy and looking for a repeat of 2007.
“You always try to have a better year from the year before, but I’m healthy now and I hope to have a good year,” he said. (Last year) “I had a really good winter and then at the end of summer with extreme bulls and broncs I hurt my lower leg so I was out until right before the NFR.”
Silcox advanced to the semifinals of the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo last week after scoring a 92 in the first round.
Sunday, he positioned himself for a run at the finals of the Tucson Rodeo with an 81-point ride.
“It’s been kind of a slow year,” Silcox said. “I’ve been to a few places but it’s been OK. I was in San Antonio last week and won a little bit of money there.”
Silcox, of Payson, Utah, started riding bulls when he was 16 years old. Seven years later, he’s earned himself four trips to the NFR.
He’s competed in Tucson for five years and enjoys it because it’s one of the first outdoor rodeos of the year. “It’s a good rodeo and it’s nice to come out here and be outside,” Silcox said. “The fans are great and it’s just a great rodeo.”
Bull rider looking for second world title
84th ANNUAL LA FIESTA DE LOS VAQUEROS
Where: Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave.
Wednesday: Pro barrel racing slack competition, 8 a.m.; Gold Card team roping, 10-11:30 a.m.; Mike Cervi Jr. Memorial Team Roping, noon-5 p.m.
Thursday: Tucson Rodeo Parade, 9 a.m.; Pro competition, 2-4:30 p.m.
Friday: Pro competition, 2-4:30 p.m.
Saturday: Pro competition, 2-4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Pro competition finals, 2-4:30 p.m.
Tickets: Advance, $12-18, call 520-741-2233 or 800-964-5662
Web: tucsonrodeo.com