Ted Harbin, Media Director, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo
SAN ANGELO, Texas – Joel Harris is a little biased toward his hometown event, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo.
It’s the best rodeo in the world in my opinion,” said Harris, 23, a two-time National Finals Rodeo tie-down roping qualifier from this city of 100,000 folks. “It definitely has the best rodeo fan. I’ve witnessed it firsthand, rodeo after rodeo. I know what the fans are about. For it to be my hometown is pretty special.”
He brought the audience to its feet during Friday’s opening performance at the CRC Roofers Coliseum, taking the third-round lead with a 9.4-second run. The cowboys with the top 12 three-run cumulative scores will advance to Championship Friday, where winners will be crowned April 17.
He stopped the clock in 8.3 seconds the opening round, which took place this past Monday at Spur Arena. All tie-down ropers, team ropers and steer wrestlers competed in two go-rounds at the first of the week, and the top two-run cumulative times advanced to the progressive rounds, which take place over the 10 preliminary performances at the coliseum.
Harris, who is 18th in the world standings, finished 2025 at the No. 4 tie-down roper in the world standings with nearly $335,000 in earnings.
Of that, $193,931 came during the NFR. He won $149,095 at the 2024 finale; his two combined trips to rodeo’s Super Bowl were worth more than $340,000. He averaged $17,151 per round he has roped inside the storied Thomas & Mack Center.
Maybe his years of being inside the tiny confines of San Angelo’s coliseum have helped. What has spurred him on this week has been Django, a powerful bay he owns with his brother, Ty, a seven-time NFR qualifier.
Australian and recognized horseman/entertainer Dan James made his return engagement appearance during Friday night’s opening night. James’ horse, Apple Jack was making his first “rodeo” pun intended, live performance.
Sonora Bank Mutton Bustin’ Friday, April 3, 2026 competitors
- William Doss
- Zayvian Escobar
- Ezra Hathorn
- Jackson Sefcik
- Possie Glass
- Michael Garcia
- Samuel Vignes
- Magnolia Franks (San Angelo) scored 90 points to win this year’s Mutton Bustin’ belt buckle
- Lighton McCrea
- Harlow Post
San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo
April 3-18
Bareback riding leaders: 1. Taylor Broussard, 84.5 points on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Lonestar; 2. Ethan Mazurenko, 82; 3. Carson Hildre, 80.
Steer wrestling: First round: 1. Cimarron Thompson, 3.8 seconds, $4,794; 2. Colin Fox, 4.0, $4,169; 3. (tie) Cody Devers and Jude Leonards, 4.1, $3,231 each.
Team roping: First round: 1. Stefan Ramone/Kelby Frizzell, 3.9 seconds, $3,842 each; 2. J.C. Yeahquo/Logan Moore, 4.3, $3,341; 3. Jayse Tettenhorst/Belden Cox, 4.5, $2,840.
Saddle bronc riding leaders: 1. (tie) Wyatt Casper, on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Indian Summer, and Darcy Radel, on Macza Pro Rodeo’s Rock Island Express, 83.5 points; 3. Cooper Lane, 81.
Tie-down roping: First round: 1. Ryan Thibodeaux, 8.2 seconds, $4,828; 2. Bodie Mattson, 8.3, $4,199; 3. (tie) Cole Clemons, Joel Harris and Bo Pickett, 8.4, $2,939 each.
Breakaway roping: First round: 1. Danielle Lowman, 1.9 seconds, $4,300; 2. (tie) Delani Kay Beatty and Cadee Williams, 2.0, $3,117 each;
Barrel racing: First round: 1. LaTricia Duke, 15.69 seconds, $5,923; 2. Michelle Alley, 15.71, $5,077; 3. Kassie Mowry, 15.76, $4,231
Bull riding leaders: 1. Tristen Hutchings, 87 points on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Ringo; 2. Brad Moreno, 78.5; no other qualified rides.
This year’s Amusement Midway Providers is the Dairy Queen Carnival. DQC will be in town through Sunday April 19, 2026.
CARNIVAL HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. – midnight
Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
For ticket prices go to, https://www.sanangelorodeo.com/p/generalrodeo/midway