Hermosa, S.D.

When Jess Tierney earned his first qualification to this magnificent championship, he was just continuing a family legacy handed down to him by his hall-of-fame father, Paul.

Now that he’s at the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping for a second time, he’s making quite a name for himself. The first time around, he took advantage of earning a big paycheck for winning the San Antonio Stock Show Rodeo.

This year’s qualification is even more impressive. Tierney has been toward the top of the money list all season, and he’s stayed among the top 15 without the assistance of giant paydays like the one he earned in south Texas a year and a half ago.

He’s consistent and driven, and now Tierney is proving to the rodeo world why he’s ready to claim a gold buckle, just like his father. Having the legacy and the bloodlines are part of the equation, but consistency is the mark of a champion.