CALGARY - Shelby Boisjoli-Meged will go down in the history books as the inaugural winner of the breakaway roping competition at the Calgary Stampede rodeo.
Boisjoli-Meged was one of three Albertans who won championship titles on Showdown Sunday.
“It’s been a crazy 24 hours,†said Boisjoli-Meged, who won in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Saturday. “I’ve been extremely blessed. It’s unbelievable. Last night I won the NFR Open at the Pikes Peak or Bust (Rodeo) and then coming here today and winning the Calgary Stampede, this is the biggest week I’ve ever had in my life.â€
Saddle bronc rider Zeke Thurston of Big Valley and steer wrestler Scott Guenthner of Provost also finished first in their events to take home the winner’s share of $50,000.
As the first breakaway roper out of the gates in the final round, Boisjoli-Meged set the standard of 2.2 seconds that Texans Hali Williams (12.2) and Bradi Good (12.5) weren’t able to beat as they were both penalized 10 seconds for breaking the starting barrier.
“Having my family all here watching me, it’s the best feeling in the world,†said Boisjoli-Meged, whose husband Haven Meged of Miles City, Mont., won the tie-down roping title in Calgary last year. “He wasn’t able to compete this year due to an injury, so it kind of sucked not having him (compete) here, but getting the win and having him here in the box with me was awesome.â€
Thurston added his fourth Stampede title to the three others he won consecutively from 2015 to 2017. He scored 92.5 points atop Virgil in the final round to beat fellow Albertan Dawson Hay of Wildwood for the top prize.
“My hat’s off to that horse,†Thurston said. “That’s a once in a lifetime kind of animal and to be able to get on him a couple of times like I have is very special, so you really cherish those moments and that’s a very cool animal.â€
Hay, the 2023 Stampede champion, celebrated his 28th birthday by earning $20,000 for finishing second after a 90-point performance on Yesterday’s Delivery.
Meanwhile, Guenthner added his second Stampede title to the one he won in 2023.
“It’s still surreal,†he said. “I still can’t believe I won the first time, let alone now.â€
Guenthner posted a time of 3.7 seconds in the final round to beat the clocking of 4.1 that 2022 Stampede champion Will Lummus of Byhalia, Miss., set earlier.
Shortly before winning the steer wresting event, Guenthner also went up to the stage in front of the fans at GMC Stadium to accept the prestigious Guy Weadick Award that is presented annually to the rodeo or chuckwagon competitor who best embodies the cowboy spirit and typifies the spirit of the Calgary Stampede.
“It was a big shock the first time, and then to go up (on stage) twice, it’s a big day,†Guenthner said. “I mean it’s a dream come true to win Calgary and then on top of it to win that award, it’s such an honour.â€Â
Nine competitors in each of the seven events qualified to compete on Sunday and only the top three from the first go-round advanced to the finals. The winner of each event was awarded $50,000, while the second- and third-place finishers received $20,000 and $10,000, respectively.
Shad Mayfield of Clovis, N.M., won the tie-down roping title in a time of 6.8 seconds to edge out Tom Crouse of Gallatin, Mo. (7.3).
“It’s so special to win this rodeo especially because my dad (Sylvester) won it 40 years ago,†Mayfield said. “I’ve come to this rodeo six times now and I’ve never had just the best of luck here. Just to come here this time and get the win, I’m truly blessed.â€
Thanks to his 94-point ride atop Disco Party, Cooper Cooke of Victor, Idaho, won the bareback event.
“I’m just so excited,†Cooke said. “My parents got to come up to Calgary today and they got to watch me and that’s probably the most meaningful win I’ve ever had, especially because my family was there to watch it.â€Â
Weston Timberman of Columbus, Mont., finished a close second after his 92-point performance on Agent Lynx.
Aboard her horse Rico, Anita Ellis of Blackfoot, Idaho, won the barrel racing championship in a time of 16.956 seconds to edge out 2022 Stampede champion Kassie Mowry of Dublin, Texas, by .189 seconds for top spot.
“I think he loves the crowd and I’m going to keep running him in these big rodeos,†Ellis said. “He did great.â€
Wacey Schalla of Arapaho, Okla., was the lone bull rider to stay on for eight seconds in the final round. His score of 86 points atop Haunted Hotel earned him a $50,000 payday.
“I haven’t felt a feeling like that yet,†said Schalla of his accomplishment. “One of the most legendary rodeos and to end up on top is a thrill.â€
Grady Young of Leader, Sask., and Trey Benton III of Richards, Texas, earned $15,000 each even though they were bucked off their bulls.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 13, 2025.
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