Texas cowboy Rocky Patterson takes title at National Finals Steer Roping

Patterson, out of Pratt, Kan., dominated Saturday night in the final five rounds of the two-day competition.

Patterson had held the world standings lead since the fourth go-round, but had two no-times on Friday night. That nearly took him out of contention to place in the top five in the 10-round aggregate race. Brazile, who won the average with 131.7 seconds on 10 runs, held a distinct advantage – as the average winner, the Decatur, Texas, cowboy pocketed a bonus of $15,231.

Patterson was the last roper to compete Saturday night knowing he needed to win the final go-round and hope he earned an average check if he were to catch Brazile. Patterson's 10.3 did both – he finished fifth in the average – making that single run worth $8,308.

“A guy always dreams of winning the first one,” said Patterson, 46, who won his first Montana Silversmiths gold buckle in 2009. “Anytime you get to compete in the same arena as Trevor Brazile is a privilege and to be able to come out on top is unbelievable.

“I think knowing how fast I had to be helped, because I don't rope as fast as some of the guys normally, so I knew I had to go at him.”

Patterson placed in seven go-rounds and won three. Of his $29,731, more than $21,000 came on the final night.