Starting the 2026 ProRodeo season with a win at one of the sport’s most prestigious ropings is no small feat, but Bryce Derrer made it look like business as usual in San Angelo, Texas, on October 26.

The Portales, New Mexico, native pocketed $16,176 at the Cinch Roping Fiesta after winning rounds one and two with matching 9.6-second runs, then clinching the average with an 11.7 in the short round for a 30.9-second total on three head.

“It feels amazing,” Derrer said. “I can’t thank the Lord, my family or my sponsors enough. The Lord has blessed me in so many different ways, starting the year strong like this.”

Faith Through Fire

A few months ago, Derrer’s 2025 season had fallen apart in a way few could imagine. Both of his good horses went down with injuries early in the year, leaving him scrambling to stay on the road. Then his girlfriend stepped in, loaning him her standout gelding, Tippy.

The pair clicked fast and Derrer seemed back on track, until heartbreak hit again.

“During Kennewick, Tippy had an aneurysm and passed away right there on me,” Derrer said. “It was rough. Just trying to get through things after that was hard. It tests your faith a little.”

A New Start on “Bauhnie”

When Derrer got home, the Young family reached out with an offer that changed everything.

“They told me they had a mare that might fit my style,” Derrer said. “I went down there, swung a leg over her, and after a couple practice runs I knew she was special.”

That mare, Lil Jo Bahn, “Bauhnie,” is just six years old, and the Fiesta was only her second ProRodeo.

“She got a little rattled being in that big of a setting, but she stayed with me,” Derrer said. “She’s got a bright future.”

The Fiesta Stage

The Fiesta itself—one of calf ropings most prestigious ropings—proved to be a fitting stage for Derrer’s redemption.

“It’s one of the pristine ropings of the year,” Derrer said. “All of the best guys have roped there for years and being able to put my name beside theirs—it’s pretty dang cool.”

He also praised the San Angelo committee for their all-out effort to repair the arena conditions after days of heavy rain leading up to the Fiesta.

“They worked their butts off,” Derrer said. “Bulldozers, graders, tractors, they had everything in there. They care about the ground and the ropers, and it shows. That’s why it’s one of the best ropings out there.”

Yellow Arena Dreams

With his confidence renewed and Bauhnie under him, Derrer’s focus is locked on the next step.

“I ended up 38th last year,” Derrer said. “This win helps tremendously. I’m headed to Brawley, California and Las Vegas next, then the winter rodeos. The goal’s to be in the top 15 by December and ready for the yellow arena.”

After two full years of learning on the ProRodeo trail, Derrer says he’s bringing a more seasoned mindset into 2026.

“You have to be mentally tough,” Derrer said. “You’ve got to be positive, stay focused on one run at a time, and believe in yourself no matter what happens.”