Great Lakes Circuit veteran Jesse Alsup took the average championship with a time of 9.2 seconds on three head while Resistol Rookie of the year Summer Williams captured the year end with $17,886 earned.
The action played out at the North American International Livestock Expo center, where three packed performances lent electrifying energy the Great Lakes Circuit Finals is known for.
Great Lakes Circuit Year-End Champion: Summer Williams
Williams is the 2024 Resistol Rookie of the Year—and between pulling big checks to secure that title, she rounded up $17,886 at Great Lakes Circuit rodeos and co-sanctioned rodeos including Claremore, OK, ($1,875), Farmington, MO, ($1,527) and Belle Fourche ($1,411).
What was your plan headed into the Circuit Finals?
I really wanted to win the year end and I wanted to catch all three of my calves to get it done. My first round was a little wonky. I lost my spoke and ended up being like, 9 seconds on my calf. But I’m glad I caught him. I tried to stay confident and remember that God had a plan.
Which of your runs at the Circuit Finals was the most memorable?
My last run was really memorable. It wasn’t my best run—but I’ve been working on performing better when I put myself into [high pressure] position. I usually get nervous in short gos, but in this run I wasn’t nervous at all. I was really proud of myself for keeping my head down and not getting in my own way. I knew I needed to do well on that run if I was going to win the circuit.
And your rode your gelding Keeper, is he your long score or short score horse?
He’s more of my long score horse. I couldn’t decide between him and Cali for the longest time and had peace when I chose Keeper. I felt like that was who God wanted me to take, and he couldn’t have done any better. It’s a building, small arena, 15,000 people and sold out every night.
So, Colorado springs is on your schedule now, what are your other plans for next year?
Yes! I’m planning on going pretty hard. I’m designating the Wilderness Circuit next year—which makes me kind of sad because the Great Lakes people are so great. But I’m excited to go out West and watch Gus [Mosley] go for his Rookie title. I’m going to do my best to get into the Finals or the Winter rodeos
Great Lakes Circuit Finals Champion: Jesse Alsup
Alsup is a multi-event cowgirl with more than a decade of experience on the Great Lakes Circuit. The 39-year-old from Fairgrove, MO, is a full time teacher, barrel racer and breakaway roper.
To earn the average championship, Alsup roped in 2.7, 3.3 and 3.2 seconds. In all, she earned $9,525 in Louisville, KY.
This is your first Circuit title, right? What does that mean to you?
Yes, it is. I’ve come in twice leading the year end, and it hasn’t worked out. I did get to go to Colorado Springs one year, because Alli Masters won both titles, but it’s nice to feel like I really earned my spot.
What was most memorable for you about the Circuit Finals?
I drew three calves on the stronger end, which is my preference because I like to rope them out in front of me. Round 3 was the most memorable for me, because my calf hadn’t been caught. I knew he was strong and had to keep telling myself to be aggressive.
What’s your history been on the Great Lakes Circuit?
This is my fourth year rodeoing on the Great Lakes Circuit. The first year we didn’t have a Circuit Finals, but I’ve made the Circuit Finals every year we’ve had breakaway there. Before this I roped at our amateur associations; the Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Association and the other is the United Rodeo Association.
I’ve made the Great Lakes Circuit Finals twice in the barrel racing—in 2010 and 2013. I still barrel race, it’s just hard to get up at the same times for both events so I usually compete earlier in the season for barrels, because my horse likes the indoor pens. I hope to qualify for the Circuit Finals in both events one day, we just have some really tough girls in the barrels.
What horse did you ride at the Circuit Finals?
His name is Chip. He’s grade, about 13 or 14 and he’s cutting bred. He came out of Texas—from the Clayman family. He always tries really hard. I have a few good horses but he’s the one that’s gotten me to where I’m at today. He’s a little quirky but I know he’s always going to give me the best shot. And if it doesn’t work it’s because I messed it up.
North American Championship Rodeo Breakaway Results
First round: 1. Shyanne Allen, 2.6 seconds, $2,931; 2. Jesse Alsup, 2.7, $2,198; 3. Alli Masters, 2.8, $1,465; 4. Austee VonAhn, 4.1, $733.
Second round: 1. Layni Masters, 2.4 seconds, $2,931; 2. Summer Williams, 2.7, $2,198; 3. Shyanne Allen, 3.0, $1,465; 4. (tie) Anna Brisbane and Keeley Senn, 3.2, $366 each.
Third round: 1. Jesse Alsup, 3.2 seconds, $2,931; 2. Austee VonAhn, 3.6, $2,198; 3. Summer Williams, 3.7, $1,465; 4. (tie) Shyanne Allen and Lindsey Kraus, 4.0, $366 each.
Average: 1. Jesse Alsup, 9.2 seconds on three head, $4,396; 2. Shyanne Allen, 9.6, $3,297; 3. Austee VonAhn, 11.9, $2,198; 4. Summer Williams, 15.9, $1,099.
