LAS VEGAS — Two of Montana's most experienced National Finals Rodeo contestants again proved their mettle Thursday on pro rodeo's biggest stage.

Ty Erickson and Lisa Lockhart, who have qualified for the NFR a combined 28 times, each pocketed more than $20,000 at the Thomas & Mack Center, as the 2025 Wrangler National Finals got underway with the first round.

Erickson, a 35-year-old Helena cowboy, tied for second in the steer wrestling with a 4.2-second run. Kyle Irwin and J.D. Struxness also posted 4.2s, and all three guys won $22,080. Tyler Waguespack, the No. 2 bulldogger in the world standings, won with a 4.0-second time.

Jesse Brown, a former Montana State University steer wrestler from Baker City, Ore., tied for sixth to earn $2,957.

Lockhart, 60, placed third in the barrel racing

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