UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR), sponsored by Toyota, Ariat, Crown Royal and Yeti, completed its 2022 tour, consisting of the Texas Connection Series and Legacy Tour, and crowned its 2022 Champions Saturday night at the sold-out Show Place Arena, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
The 2022 BPIR circuit consisted of 16 events comprising the Texas Connection Series and the Legacy Series. The Texas Connection Series was produced in partnership with PBR (Professional Bull Riders) and included nine rodeo performances in Fort Worth, Texas, at the world-renowned Cowtown Coliseum in February, May, June, and August. The Legacy Series included seven rodeo performances in Denver, Colorado; Oakland, California; Los Angeles, California; and Atlanta, Georgia.
The Top 10 money-winning cowboys and cowgirls, who traveled across the country and participated in the required BPIR rodeos, were invited to the BPIR National Rodeo Finals on September 24, 2022, to compete for more than $100,000 in money and prizes, including custom-made buckles, saddles and other items.
“Under the bright lights in front of a very robust crowd, our next set of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Champions were crowned,” said Valeria Howard Cunningham, President of BPIR. “It’s been such an exciting and rewarding season for entertaining enthusiastic fans while educating and connecting communities across the country through showcasing the skilled black cowboys and cowgirls, who not only compete in the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo but historically have made significant contributions to American history.”
The 2022 BPIR Champions are:
Bareback/Ranch Bronc Champion: Marcus Verser - Spencer, OK
Calf Roping Champion: Chris Rolling - Huntsville, TX
Bull Dogging Champion: Tony Aska - Tulsa, OK
Ladies Steer Undecorating Champion: Kanesha Jackson - Hempstead, TX
Ladies Breakaway Champion: Breanna Meyers - Austin, TX
Ladies Barrel Racing Champion: Krishaun Adair - Pointblank, TX
Jr Breakaway Champion: Jermaine Walker - Hempstead, TX
Jr Barrels Racing Champion: Paris Wilburd - Austin, AK
Bull Riding Champion: Jacoby Richard - Beaumont, TX
2022 BPIR All Around Cowboy: Dontre Goff - Tulsa, OK
2022 All Around Cowgirl: Kanesha Jackson - Hempstead, TX
2022 BPIR Rookie Cowgirl: Breanna Meyers - Austin, TX
2022 BPIR Rookie Cowboy: Blaine Dever - Houston, TX
Additionally, as a result of joining the WCRA as a Silver Alliance Member in 2021, BPIR’s Leaderboard Champions will receive an exemption to the WCRA Cowtown Christmas Championship Rodeo (CCCR). The CCCR will be the fourth 2022 WCRA Major Rodeo and the final stop of the 2022 Triple Crown of Rodeo. The event will pay out over $360,000 and will be held at the historic Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 14-17, 2022. Tickets are available at cowtowncoliseum.com.
The following winners have earned an exemption to the WCRA Cowtown Christmas Championship Rodeo:
- Saddle Bronc – Marcus Verser
- Bareback – Blaine Devers
- Ladies Breakaway – Breanna Meyers
- Steer Wrestling – Tony Aska
- Calf Roping – Eddie Devers
- Ladies Barrel Racing – Kanesha Jackson
- Bull Riding – Anthony Smith Jr.
During Saturday night’s competition, BPIR paused to pay tribute to their beloved friend and bull rider, Ouncie Mitchell, who was recently killed as a result of domestic violence in Utah.
“In one way or another, all of our champions were inspired by Ouncie, and the BPIR is dedicating this season to his impact and memory, which will live forever,” Howard-Cunningham said.
