Rising Stars: 2023 Resistol Rookies of the Year Heading to NFR

Professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls compete for Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifications, big rodeo wins and world championships their entire career, but there is a title they only have one shot at – Resistol Rookie of the Year. With so many fresh faces breaking into the competitive world of professional rodeo, this title is not easily earned; but these talented and dedicated contestants made it happen in 2023!

All Around – Dylan Hancock

Bareback Riding – Keenan Hayes

Saddle Bronc Riding – Ryder Sanford

Bull Riding – T Parker

Steer Wrestling – Cash Robb

Team Roping (Header) – Cole Thomas

Team Roping (Heeler) – Kaden Profili

Tie Down Roping – Dylan Hancock

Barrel Racing – Kalli McCall

Breakaway Roping – Braylee Shepherd

This honor is given to first-year PRCA and WPRA card holders who are the high-money earners of their event during the regular season. Each winner will be honored during the NFR in Las Vegas, regardless of if they qualified for the big show!

However, out of all these outstanding athletes, three will also be competing under the bright lights of the Thomas & Mack Center at the NFR for the first time. Keenan Hayes, from Hayden, Colorado, is rolling into the 65th Annual NFR number one in the bareback riding world standings with more than $265,000 won in the regular season. Sulphur, Louisiana saddle bronc rider Ryder Sanford took the last hole to get to this year’s NFR with just over $125,000, coming in number 15 behind Lefty Holman. Number eight in the bull riding world standings, T Parker has qualified for his first NFR with nearly $153,000 in earnings.

Looking ahead, we know these cowboys and cowgirls will continue to make their presence known, both at the Super Bowl of rodeo and in years to come throughout their rodeo career. Check out some of these athletes’ episodes from this year on the ‘Where Rodeo Meets the Road’ podcast to get to know them a little more!

About the Author

Hannah Crandall, Originally from Earth, Texas, a small town in the Texas panhandle, I was raised around rodeo, agriculture, and the western lifestyle. With a degree from Texas A&M University, I have found a passion for promoting the lifestyle that made me who I am today. I am an experienced writer, marketer, and event professional with a strong desire to share the stories of those in our industry. When I’m not busy seeking out ways to promote the western way of life, I enjoy following those I care about around to rodeos, hunting, and going on runs with my blue-eyed, blue-merle Australian Shepherd.