Steer Wrestler Shaffer Wins All At Texas Circuit Finals

The RAM Texas Circuit finals in Waco, Texas was Oct. 10-13. After four days of rigorous competition, twelve qualified steer wrestlers battled it out on the dirt for the top spot.

Justin Shaffer, the ultimate champion, absolutely took Waco by storm. Not only did he turn in the fastest time with a 3.2-second go, but placed in the money in three of the four rounds. Shaffer won a grand total of $8,295. Topping the leaderboard as the Texas Circuit Finals Champion as well as the Year End Champion. Shaffer qualified for the National Finals Rodeo Open in Colorado Springs in July 2024.

Two competitors, the Circuit Finals champion and Year End champion from each rodeo event, qualify for the NFR Open. Since Shaffer earned both of those designations, the Year End Reserve Champion took the second qualifying spot for the NFR Open. 

Don Payne won the Year End Reserve Champion added qualifying for the NFR Open to his resume along with qualifying for his first NFR in Las Vegas.

Payne also had a great circuit finals placing in two of the four rounds and landing in third position in the average. Payne won $5,253 at the conclusion of the Circuit Finals.

Texas Circuit Finals Round 1 Results

1. Justin Shaffer, 3.5 seconds, $2,212
2. Don Payne, 4.3 seconds, $1,659
3. Termaine Debose, 4.4 seconds, $1,106
4. Ty Baurele, 4.5 seconds, $553

Texas Circuit Finals Round 2 Results

1. Paul Melvin, 3.3 seconds, $2,212
2. (tie)Jay Williamson, 3.9 seconds, $1,382
3. (tie)Cade Staton, 3.9 seconds, $1,382
4. Justin Shaffer, 4.0 seconds, $553

Texas Circuit Finals Round 3 Results

1. Cade Stato, 3.2 seconds, $2,212
2. Matt Reeves, 3.3 seconds, $1,659
3. Justin Shaffer, 3.7 seconds, $1,106
4. Remey Parrott, 3.8 seconds, $553

Texas Circuit Finals Round 4 Results

1. Denard Butler, 3.6 seconds, $2,212
2. (tie)Don Payne, 3.8 seconds, $1,382
3. (tie)Paul Melvin, 3.8 seconds, $1,382
4. Cade Staton, 4.3 seconds, $553

Texas Circuit Finals Winners-Times After 4 Rounds

1. Justin Shaffer, 15.7 seconds, $4,424
2. Cade Staton, 16.4 seconds, $3,318
3. Don Payne, 26.7 seconds, $2,212
4. Sam Powers, 28.5 seconds, $1,106

Total Money Won

1. Justin Shaffer, $8,295
2. Don Payne, $5,253