Three-time world champion steer roper Rocky Patterson had already clinched the year-end championship in the Prairie Circuit before he even nodded his head Friday morning.

He padded his lead during the Chisholm Trail Ram Prairie Circuit Finals Steer Roping by winning the average championship. He roped and tied down three steers in a cumulative time of 36.2 seconds. In all, he won $3,029.

Steer roping: First round: 1. Rocky Patterson, 10.6 seconds, $932; 2. Justin McKee, 13.0, $699; 3. (tie) Dee Kyler Jr. and Mike Chase, 13.1, $349 each. Second round: 1. Brodie Poppino, 9.7 seconds, $932; 2. Rocky Patterson, 10.7, $699; 3. Chet Herren, 10.9, $466; 4. Rod Hartess, 11.1, $233. Third round: 1. Chet Herren, 10.6, $932; 2. Mike Chase, 11.1, $699; 3. Roger Branch, 11.4, $466; 4. Rod Hartness, 11.9, $233. Average: 1. Rocky Patterson, 36.2 seconds on three runs, $1,398; 2. Rod Hartness, 38.9, $1,048; 3. Cecil Wilson, 46.0, $699; 4. Justin McKee, 46.9, $349.