CBC-Sports

Friday July 16, 2010

Young Canadian wins Stampede's 1st title

Posted by Kristina Rutherford

The 2010 Calgary Stampede has crowned its first champion. 

Dayton Johnston of Milk River, Alta., won junior steer riding, the event open to 10-14 year olds that serves as training for future bull riders. 

"This means quite a bit," a smiling Johnston, 14, said after the award presentation Friday. "Lots of good cowboys have come through the Stampede, and hopefully I can come through it too."

johnston.jpg

Johnston walks off stage after the award presentation Friday.

The young cowboy was sitting third overall heading into Friday's final. He managed to ride into the No. 1 spot when the top two riders were bucked off.

"She kicked really hard, and the cowboys here said if I rode her, I'd win," Johnston said. "That was my goal."

Bryce West led the field heading into Friday's ride, but was bucked off and stayed on the ground for more than a minute as medical staff tended to him. West managed to get up and walk away.

West's brother Lonnie won the Stampede's junior steer riding championship, and his father, Kevin, is a former Stampede champion bull rider.

Johnston is a second generation cowboy, but the first in his family to compete at the Calgary Stampede.

Asked how much prize money he'll be taking home, and Johnston shrugged.

"I'm not too sure," he said. "I didn't really check."

The total purse: $1,334.   

As for a celebration, Johnston doesn't have much time to relish in the championship title. He's off to Peace River, Alta., this evening for another rodeo.  

johnston-ride.jpgJohnston comes out of the gate during his championship ride.

johnston-ride-2.jpg

 

Get your Stampede Twitter updates here.

  | Bookmark and Share

  •