Cody Graham might’ve had one of the best stories of all the $50,000 winners from this past weekend’s finale at RodeoHouston.

You see, Graham’s partner was unable to compete at the event, so he was paired with veteran Monty Petska. The two had never roped together before their first round inside Reliant Stadium. Graham told announcer Boyd Polhamus during the post-championship interview that the two had never really met, either.

Obviously talent carried them a long ways.

Graham, of Everton, Mo., is scheduled to rope with Jason Thompson as they represent the Great Lakes Circuit at the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo, set for Thursday, March 29-Sunday, April 1, at Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.

He’s one of three Houston champs who will be part of the elite field of contestants. Other $50,000 winners from this past weekend are bareback rider Kaycee Feild, who matched moves with Carr Pro Rodeo’s MGM Deuces Night for a whopping 93-point ride to win the title, and fellow Utahan Cody Wright, a two-time world champion saddle bronc rider.

Feild is also the reigning world champion bareback rider and the son of Lewis Feild, a five-time world champion.