Bobby Welsh Captures 2019 LFC Title

VERNAL, UTAH – Fifty bull riders filled the arena floor, under the cover of smoke and fire. Anticipation began to build in the crowd as Vernal’s most exciting event of the year kicked off an action-packed weekend. This yearly event is in honor of the one and only Lane Frost and the sport he loved. The following young men truly took to heart the words of Frost “Don’t be afraid to go after what you want to do, and what you want to be. But don’t be afraid to be willing to pay the price.”

The first night supplied the crowd with an extra dose of adrenaline, as JorDee Nielson scored an 83, the highest score of the night. This allowed him a chance at a second ride on Friday night, in the Glenwood Shootout. With $2,500 dollars on the line, the bull Hou’s Jacket remains unridden.

For the second year in a row, the crowd witnessed an all Wyoming winner’s podium. Thirty four-year old Bobby Welsh (Gillette, Wyoming) was one of the oldest contestants at the event and already well established in his sport, having been to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo seven times. Welsh showed he still has what it takes by claiming the coveted Lane Frost Challenge champion title. He gained a combined score of 159.5 riding two out of his three bulls, earning him a payday of $6,000. Welsh’s first time at the Lane Frost Challenge turned out to be quite the experience as he went on to say “This is no different than any events you will watch on television. The production is amazing. The bulls all bucked. The fans that come here and watch get to see as good of bull riding that there is in the nation. I can say that because I have been around the whole nation.”

The weekend, presented by Young Living Essential Oils, had a record high attendance displaying some of the toughest up and comers in the sport of bull riding. Newcomer to the Lane Frost Challenge, seventeen-year-old Dalton McCaslin (Grover, Wyoming), was off to a great start, finishing in the top three after the first night’s ride with a score of 78.5 His enthusiasm escalated as he finished the final round in second place with a total score of 157. McCaslin earned $4,000 in winnings. “I couldn’t be a part of anything bigger than this. I’m so grateful to my friends, family and fans for being here to support me.”

Twenty four-year old Bryce Burnell (Dixon, Wyoming) is no stranger to the Lane Frost Challenge, having won first place in 2018. He returned in an attempt to defend his title, but fell short. With spirits still high, he finished in third place with a score of 156.5 on his two bulls. Burnell shared “It’s pretty awesome coming back to support such an amazing dream. I’m going to put my winnings towards a new car!” Burnell walked away with a $2,000 paycheck.

In all, over $40,000 in cash and prizes was awarded during this two-day event. With the top 10 spots being paid out, this event is truly unique in not just its heart for the sport, but also its determination to increase these young rider’s ability to continue.