16-year-old James Crowley, Aurora, has been crowned the 2024 National Little Britches World Champion Bull Rider! The National Little Britches Rodeo was held at the famous Lazy E Arena in Guthrie OK, June 30 – July 6, 2024. The stock contractor for the event was Lee Sherman, Louisiana, and James came into finals 20th in the world standings. “He was in the last performance July 2nd and rode for 79 points on bull C115 to win the first round. He turned around and rode his second bull July 3rd scoring 78 points on bull #5, then had to watch four more performances to see how his score would hold. He ended up 3rd in Round 2. This combined score set him 1st in the average and leading the world standings. The top 20 come back for the short go on July 6th. James drew H94 for the Short go. He came down a little early along with 18 others but held onto the average Championship and accumulated the most points to become the 2024 NLBA World Champion Bull Rider,” said Jennifer Quarnberg, Blackhawk Arena NLBA Coordinator.
The finals hosts 1647 contestants from 33 states over seven days and Crowley was one of 7 world champions Utah brought home this year!
“Typical years Utah might come home with one world championship, but this year we brought home seven!” said Quarnberg. “It was pretty fun.”
James said he rides bulls because it is fun; it’s all about the adrenaline rush, and he’s only been doing it for four years. He works on his footwork at home and rides his horse bareback for additional training and exercise and travels to participate in Bryce rodeos at least once a week.
“To qualify for nationals, you have to place in the top seven, six times throughout the NLBA season, which runs August – May,” said Crowley. “I qualified at the Blackhawk and in Panguitch, the two associations in Utah. I also ribbon rope.”
Each round he wins, Crowley is awarded buckles, cash, and as champion, a saddle, and notoriety. Now that the NLBA season has ended, he competes in the RMPRA, a pro-amateur association, throughout the summer.
“He’s just a good kid,” said Kelly Quarnberg. “We’re extremely pleased to have him at our house and he’s worked hard for this.”
Four additional athletes also competed with Crowley at Nationals including Kade Harwood and Tucker Wasden who placed second in the first round, Bentley Gurney who competed in ribbon roping and team roping, and Addie Quarnberg who participated in barrels, poles, and trail course.
