With the end in sight, competitors at the 2009 Y's Men's/Badlands Circuit Finals were pulling out all the stops in Saturday night's third go-round at the All Seasons Arena.
Trips to Pocatello, Idaho and the Regionals Finals are on the line with the season money and weekend average winners earning spots.
A few of the events have clear front runners for the money totals, but it's a tight race in the Steer Wrestling.
Heading into Saturday, less than $1,000 separated money leader Tyler Haugen and second place Dustin Harvey. Harvey turned in a no-time and Haugen seized the opportunity. The Sturgis, S.D. bulldogger tied for second Saturday with Clay Schaack with a time of 4.5 seconds. The quick time went to Ivan Tiegen, who turned in a 4.4.
Mandan's Britany Fleck also held a slim lead over Jessica Routier in the Barrel Racing overall money standings, but Routier closed the gap with a third place time of 13.27 Saturday. Fleck was on a quick run but she hit a barrel and finished with a time of 17.92, which leaves her looking for a solid time in this afternoon's final round.
Scott Montague came in with a solid lead in the Bareback Riding, and solid rounds so far have the Rapid City, S.D., cowboy poised for yet another Badlands title.
Tigh Anderberg and Cleve Schimdt tied for first place money in the Bareback Riding with both scoring 83 points in the round.
Defending aggregate Bull Riding Champion Cole Hermanson had his best ride of the weekend as he looks to attain a year-end title.
Hermanson, a Mandan native, rode the Mossbrucker Co. bull Horns and Halos for a score of 85 to win the third round. The bull didn't come out of the chute initially but when Hermanson called for the door to be closed it took off bucking in a hurry and he was able to hang on for a solid ride.
Barry Blair turned in the fastest Tie-Down Roping time of not only the night but also of the rodeo with a time of 8.5 seconds.
Ryan Elshere, who is one of many Elsheres competing, made the most of a last chance opportunity as he scored an 81 on the last ride of the round to steal some first place money.
The fastest Team Roping time of the night went to Mark Brockmueller and Dustin Harris. The duo headed and healed their steer in a blazing 5.2 seconds to win the round.
Today's final round of the Badlands Circuit Finals is set for a 1:15 p.m. start time at the All Seasons Arena.
