Minnesota Proud: Tanner Aus claims sixth Hawley Rodeo Championship
Small Town, Big Tradition: Hawley Rodeo celebrates 65 years
HAWLEY, Minn. – Minnesota’s own Tanner Aus, 8x Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Qualifier, won his sixth American Heroes PRCA Rodeo with an 82-point ride aboard Universal Pro Rodeos’ Blueberry Special. The Granite Falls native secured a $1,173 payday. Aus won Rodeo Austion (Texas) earlier this year, repeating his title in back-to-back wins and making it his third overall since 2017. Aus, a veteran cowboy with a rodeo resume including career wins at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Calgary Stampede and The American is a home state favorite. He was a featured interview during the weather report with Russ Thomas on Valley News Live.
“Some of the best memories of my career have been made at rodeos in my home state. This was a big win for me and thank you to the fine fans of Hawley,” stated Aus.
Tanner Aus and Universal Rodeo’s Blueberry Special win the bareback riding at the 65th American Heroes PRCA Rodeo in Hawley, Minnesota on June 6, 2025.
Three other Minnesotans claimed event championships. Pemberton, Minn. cowboy Chance Oftedahl was the All-Around Cowboy, earning $1,638 in tie-down roping and team roping alongside Brent Miller from Greenville, Wis. The duo stopped the clock at 6.2 seconds to secure the top spot in team roping during Friday night slack.
Saddle bronc standout from Newell, South Dakota matched up with a South Dakota raised bucking horse. Lane Schuelke spurred an 81-point ride on TK Pro Rodeo’s Final Flower, earning $1,545 for his efforts. This was a repeat Hawley Rodeo win for Schuelke. He won in 2022 on the bucking horse Western Pearl for 81 points.
The Aus kids cheered loudly when their father’s bareback riding score was announced.
Sawyer Strand from Sioux Falls, South Dakota threw his steer in just 4.7 seconds, claiming the top prize of $1,452. Meanwhile, tie-down roping champion Cody Huber from Albia, Iowa showcased speed and control, stopping the clock at 8.9 seconds to earn $1,472. Huber’s wife, Shayla, is the granddaughter of ProRodeo Hall of Famer Bob Barnes, founder of Barnes PRCA Rodeo Company. The Barnes family started Hawley Rodeo back in 1959 with Hawley residents. Today Shayla’s brother Westin runs the family business with their father Marty.
Barrel Racer Austyn Tobey from Bemidji, Minn. blazed through the cloverleaf pattern, clocking an impressive 15.22 seconds to lead the pack. She won $1,269. Katie Chism from Tiskilwa, Ill. finished second with a 15.55 second run. She was the last barrel racer out on Saturday night. The rain didn’t slow her down at the bottom of the ground. Her husband, and young children were all smiles walking back to the trailer.
Nearly 20 cowboys entered the bull riding in 2025. The most electrifying moments of the weekend matched cowboys and animal athletes for $8,000 in prize money. Kentucky native Cody McElroy from Loretto scored 87-point ride on Rafter G Rodeo’s Money Pit, securing $4,476 on Saturday. The only other qualified ride of the weekend was Friday. Tucker Merten, from Veblen, South Dakota rode for 81 points. He took home a $3,890 check.
Full results can be found on prorodeo.com