Midway’s Tanner Tomlinson aims for repeat glory

On Thursday, Dec. 7, the ten biggest days of rodeo begin. The 2023 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosting the top 15 cowboys and cowgirls in the world at the Thomas and Mack Arena.

The WNFR is a dream for many rodeo athletes and is one of the most prestigious rodeo events that is held throughout the year.

New Midway resident Tanner Tomlinson hopes to make another mark at this year’s finals.

Moving to Midway a couple of months ago has been a huge game changer for Tanner; he’s closer to friends and family, plus getting to work on his skills daily.

“I’ve always wanted to live around Madisonville. Some of my closest friends live in this area, so I have people to rope with every day. I love everything about Midway and the people that are here.”

At the 2022 WNFR, Tanner showed up and showed out. Tanner and partner Patrick Smith not only won the average title in the team roping but were the only team to stop the clock in all ten rounds, including a new Round 3 record at 3.6 seconds.

After spinning ten out of ten steers with no barriers, Tanner and Patrick set the NFR aggregate record at 53.00 on ten head.

Placing in seven go rounds and winning Rounds 3 and 10, Tanner left Las Vegas with a team-roping NFR record of $199,727 in his pocket.

As a two-time World Champion and 14-time WNFR qualifier, Patrick is no stranger to the winner’s circle.

Smith took Tomlinson under his wing a couple of years ago, teaching him the way around the rodeo world and becoming a mentor in all aspects of life. Almost 20 years ago, Patrick won his first world title.

“My goal is the same as it was when I left Las Vegas a year ago: defend my average title and win a gold buckle with Patrick so he can retire on a high note,” said Patrick Smith.