RODEO NEWS

WPRA Names Contract Personnel for Wrangler WPRA National Breakaway Finals

By Ann Bleiker

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO (September 24, 2026) – The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association has selected their contract personnel to work the 2026 Wrangler WPRA National Breakaway Finals slated for December 18-19 at Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

Returning for a third time will be announcer Garrett Yerigan having previously announced the 2025 and 2020 events held in the Lone Star State. Joining Yerigan will be Steve Kenyon, who will be making his second appearance having previously announced the event in 2024 with Bob Tallman in Las Vegas. This duo will no doubt keep the fans entertained and informed as we crown a 2026 world champion breakaway roper.

The WPRA National Breakaway Finals is the only event in the world where professional breakaway ropers can earn the title of World Champion Breakaway Roper, the ultimate honor in professional rodeo. The top 15 at the end of the regular season on September 30th will punch their ticket to this prestigious event.

Amanda Sanders returns for her third time as official event secretary, handling one of the most critical roles at the championship. She will manage the final calculations that ultimately determine who takes home the gold buckle.

Joining her team for the first time will be timers Shawna Ray and Jayme Pemberton, who were both recently selected to also work the National Finals Steer Roping in November in Mulvane, Kansas. Both ladies bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and fast reflexes to accurately time the fastest event in professional rodeo.

While this will be his first time playing the tunes at the WPRA National Breakaway Finals he is no stranger to championship events or to the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Benje Bendele has been selected as the official music director for 2026.

Another individual who is at home in Fort Worth is photographer James Phifer, having served as the official photographer of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo for a number of years at Will Rogers and continues today at Dickies Arena. This marks Phifer’s second WPRA National Breakaway Finals selection having previously held that position in 2023 in Las Vegas.

Rounding out the list working his first WPRA National Breakaway Finals will be Bronc Boehnlein as the official chute boss and PRCA All-Around World Champion Ryan Jarrett will be supplying the calves for this year’s event.

Get your tickets TODAY at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets range in price from $44 to $87 plus tax. Come support the WPRA Breakaway Ropers in Fort Worth as they compete for a gold buckle.

(719) 447-4627
(719) 447-4631 (fax)