Lanham earns sixth in world standings

Zeb Lanham is only two years past his rookie season on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit, but he’s performing more like a seasoned veteran.

Lanham, who hails from Sweet, will finish his third year on the PRCA circuit in sixth place in bull riding in the 2006 world standings. After earning sixth in the average at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Nov. 30 through Dec. 9 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Lanham’s 2006 earnings were $138,529.10. Lanham was also sixth in last year’s world standings.

Of that total, the Sweet cowboy pocketed $39,278.84 for riding four of his 10 draws at the NFR. Lanham won the second round with a big 94.5 aboard Smokeless Wardance, the 2005 PRCA Bucking Bull of the Year.

He lost his rope when he was on the bull last year.

“I figured if I could keep my hand in the rope long enough I would ride,” Lanham said of Smokeless Wardance.

The 2006 bull of the year is Buloxi Blues, who Fred Boettcher rode for the 8-second count in the 10th round at Las Vegas.

Lanham won third in the fifth round at the NFR with an 85.5 and was fourth in round 7 despite a poor draw. His average was 324 on 4 head.

B.J. Schumacher capped a great year by winning first at the NFR and finished well ahead of the competition in the world standings. His 2006 earnings topped $248,000.

A key for Lanham in 2006 was staying healthy — something difficult to do for a bull rider. He was thankful for that

“I felt I did pretty good. I didn’t draw the best... I didn’t get the best bulls,” Lanham said while en route to a rodeo last weekend in Billings, Mont. “I always want to do better, and winning is the best you can do. For some guys it’s not their year... I’ve got plenty more years in me. Next year I hope I get it right.”

Lanham lives with his parents, Keith and Laurie. His brothers, Klay and Tylee, are also PRCA members.