Oklahomans collect cash, championships
International Finals Rodeo

By Ed Godfrey

Published: January 22, 2007

The 37th annual International Finals Rodeo concluded Satuday night, and it was a memorable event for several Oklahomans.

Three of the top four money-winners at this year's IFR were Oklahomans. Two rookies, including a saddle bronc rider from Yukon, won world titles.

Saddle bronc rider Jet McCoy of Ada, who won the average, earned $9,895 and was the top money-winner at the IFR.

He was followed by barrel racer Tiffany Teehee of Claremore ($9,375); Ohio bull rider Troy Carnes ($8,854); and Krebs steer wrestler Colby Stufflebean ($8,333).

Stufflebean and Teehee won the IFR average in their events.

Stufflebean's performance at the IFR allowed him to claim the 2006 International Professional Rodeo Association world championship in steer wrestling, overtaking runner-up Cody Brecheisen of Wynadotte.

Carnes captured the IFR average and the IPRA world championship in bull riding.

Saddle bronc rider Tanner Daugherty, 21, of Yukon, and barrel racer Mesa Leavitt, 11, of Bluegrass, Iowa, won world titles in their rookie years as a pro.

Each earned more than $30,000 in the 2006 season to claim world championship belt buckles.

Leavitt became the youngest barrel racer to win a world title since 1975.

Trent Creager of Stillwater captured the IPRA world championship in tie-down roping.

The All-Around Championship was won by Shawn Minor of Camden, Ohio, who earned $61,541 during the season. Healso claimed the bareback bronc world title.