It’s hard for many in the game to realize that this is just the second time in his 15-year career that Mike Chase has earned the right to play on the biggest stage in this event, the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping.
The McAlester, Okla., cowboy just missed the mark a season ago, finishing the 2010 campaign 16th in the world standings. He was so close competing inside the Lazy E Arena that he could almost taste it.
This year, the flavor’s a lot sweeter. Chase, who competed in collegiate rodeo at Pratt (Kan.) Community College and Oklahoma Panhandle State University, has been considered one of the best in the business most of his career, but this marks the first time in eight years he’s actually played in this championship.
Chase has shown plenty greatness ever since he joined the PRCA in 1996. Now he gets another chance to do so on the biggest stage in Steer Roping. He’ll need to take advantage of every opportunity, but that’s why he’s here.