Four-Time World Champion Steer Wrestler, Scott “Ote” Berry Accepts Exemption Invitation to Compete at World’s Richest One-Day Rodeo, RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN presented by Polaris RANGER Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer comes out of retirement to compete in the steer wrestling event OMAHA, Neb. – Four-time world champion Ote Berry has accepted an exemption invitation to get back in the arena to compete in the steer wrestling event during RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN, presented by Polaris RANGER, on March 2 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Berry’s career started at the age of six competing in the steer-riding event and later graduated onto steer wrestling. He joined the PRCA in 1982 and competed in his first National Finals Rodeo in 1985 where he won his first world title. He has qualified for the NFR World Finals a total of fourteen times and won four world titles in 1985, 1990, 1991, and 1995. Berry is revered for his sportsmanship and has been given the nickname the “Quiet Champion.” In 1998 Berry was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. “I was inspired to get back into shape and into the saddle after retiring in 2006 and the exemption invitation gives me the opportunity to do just that,” said Berry. “THE AMERICAN is stepping up the game of rodeo and could change the way athletes participate in the sport. I’m excited to be part of this history making event.” Ote is the fourth athlete chosen by THE AMERICAN’s sanctioning bodies as one of the limited exemptions. The latest exemption announcement came in the form of a head-to-head match-up between Eight-time World Champion, Joe Beaver and Eight-time World Champion, Fred Whitfield. The two will compete at the semifinals for the tie-down roping exemption. Other exemptions awarded include; Eleven-time World Champion, Charmayne James for barrel racing, Two-time PBR World Champion, Justin McBride for bull riding and Seven-time World Champion, Dan Mortensen for saddle bronc. Additional exemptions will be announced leading up to March 2. “To have Ote on the roster as one of our exemption athletes, speaks to how special this event truly is; we are honored to have him join us on March 2” said Randy Bernard, Rural Media Group CEO and president. “Ote has always been a great ambassador to the sport of rodeo and to the state of Oklahoma. The fact that he is coming out of retirement to compete proves that THE AMERICAN is about the fans and the athletes.” THE AMERICAN will take place on March 2 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas. With a $2 million payout, it will be the richest one-day rodeo in history. Of the qualifiers, the Top-five winners in each rodeo event at the semifinals will advance to compete in THE AMERICAN against the best in the world. “Ote is one of those guys you look up to and want to be like, he’s a legend. He was always really good to me and sometimes when you’re competing, you need that athlete you admire to inspire you,” said Sid Steiner, 2002 World Champion. “For him to compete in THE AMERICAN, shows what an exciting time it is for rodeo and for the cowboys competing for a big payday and exposure.” Tickets for THE AMERICAN semifinal being held in Mesquite, Texas, Feb. 21-23, are available for $14, $20 and $30, not including taxes. They can be purchased at the Mesquite Arena’s box office and at americanrodeo Tickets for RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN, presented by Polaris RANGER, and the Iron Cowboy V are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo. Prices for each event range from $20 to $150, not including taxes.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 18:05:54 +0000
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