By Mariah Steadman
Photos by Donovan Becenti / Becenti Photography
PAYTON NELSON CLAIMS THE WIN AT 20th ANNIVERSARY LFC VERNAL, Utah – The Lane Frost Challenge produced a historic 20th year anniversary event. As expert pyrotechnics lit up the arena, fifty of bull riding’s toughest riders looked on with anticipation. This was their chance to prove they had what it takes to win the coveted Lane Frost Challenge title. In the end, Utah natives reclaimed the podium, with Payton Nelson coming out the victor. Payton Nelson is no stranger to the Lane Frost Challenge. Nelson started the weekend with a score of 70.5. He was offered a re-ride Friday night, but declined. This talented rider went on to score an 80.5 and an 83-point ride on Rockin’ B All In
Left to right - Hayes Weight, Payton Nelson, Adam Lucero
Pro Rodeo’s bull, Rambo in the short round, bringing his final score to 234 points. When asked what advice he would give to new riders Nelson said, “Don’t get discouraged. Try hard. Keep going when it gets bad, no matter what, because it will pay off, if you work hard. Hard work will beat talent when talent is not willing to work.” Following his own advice, Nelson solidified his place as our 2020 LFC champion, taking home a hefty winning of $6,000. Second place winner, Hayes Weight, is a long-time competitor at the LFC, having been our 2018 LFC Champion in Mona, Utah. After riding three bulls over the weekend competition Hayes gained a total score of 223.5 points. Weight went home with a check for $4,000 and offered this advice to those hoping to make it to the LFC podium, “Just have fun. Don’t let that stress get to you. Just take it one bull at a time. They say that bull riding is 90% mental and 10% physical and I believe it.” Adam Lucero, rounded out the winner’s podium. Coming in at third place, newcomer to the LFC, Lucero rode two out of his three bulls and claimed the highest point ride of the weekend, with an extraordinary score of 92. Lucero started his weekend strong by earning the chance to test his grit on the bounty bull, Rockin’ B All In Pro Rodeo’s, Harper’s Pet. Lucero dominated Harper’s Pet and had the fortune to draw the same bull in the short round, which increased his total earnings to $4,000. When asked if Lucero would come back and compete again in the LFC he enthusiastically said, “I will dang sure be back!” As the dust settles over the empty arena the LFC staff has
Humps-Horns.com · 34 · March 2020
