Updated 1/30/2006

Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Barrel Race Round One Recap

by Kenneth Springer

Ft. Worth, Texas - Wendy Schuller, 24, a Waller, Texas WPRA barrel racer and recent graduate of Sam Houston University in Huntsville, Texas topped the first go round at Fort Worth with a 17.06. Schuller, a second year card holder, had never before competed at Fort Worth. She purchased her card following the college finals in 2005 with the hope of winning enough money to qualify to compete at the major building rodeos like Fort Worth in 2006.

Her next goal is to qualify for Rodeo Houston.

"Waller is a suburb of Houston so it's like my hometown rodeo," said Schuller. "It's always been my dream to run there. I'm hopeful that what I win at Fort Worth will put me in."

Schuller, who graduated last month with a degree in elementary and special education, rode her gray gelding Stony to the first go round win at Fort Worth that paid her $3,571.

Second place finisher Linda Vick made her first official run for 2006 after giving her gelding, Hollywood, a rest following the Wrangler NFR. "I went to my Circuit Finals and did well, but I wanted to wait until Fort Worth to start my 2006 year."

With the first go round complete, the second go round started on Sunday night, Jan. 29 with Maben taking an early lead with a 17.19 for a total on two runs of 34.31. Vick sits a close second with 34.38 on two.