Proctor to defend world title

Grand Coulee’s Shane Proctor will defend his world championship bull riding title Dec. 6-15, at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

This year’s rodeo will feature 10 nights of the best of the best as bull riders and others compete for some $6 million in prize money.

Competitors will face off in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, women’s barrel racing and bull riding.

Proctor got off to a slower start this year after breaking his arm in the final night of competition last year. But he still won the world championship on points.

He enters this year’s competition 10th in national standings with earnings of $76,376. To compete in the WNFR you have to be in the top 15 in your category.

Each competitor will participate in 10 rides with a purse of $18,257. On Dec. 15, their total scores will be added together for an average placing and a prize of $46,820, and the winner’s saddle.

The world championship is determined by adding the contestant’s WNFR and regular season earnings together. Those champions have the honor of wearing the traditional gold buckle that signifies that they are the world’s best in their category.

Proctor and his wife Jessi now live in Troutman, N.C.