Gray battles back into National Finals picture

Ryan Gray was on his way back to Calgary, Alberta this past Monday to try to collect a little Canadian cash at the Stampede.

Dealing with the issues crossing the border sure beat where he was a year ago. That's when Gray was sidelined after undergoing abdominal surgery, having to deal with paying medical bills his Pro Rodeo Cowboy's Association insurance did not, and arguing with his insurance company.

"I had a decent, decent week," Gray said of a span that started with a win at Pecos, Texas, June 30. "We got some points (money) on the board so that was good." All together, Gray has won about $16,000 the past couple of weeks.

That moved him into the top-10 in money, from 11th to sixth with current winnings of $46,696. That's a far cry from his 59th place in 2014 and $13,000 in winnings. That was the first time since 2003 Gray had failed to qualify for the National Finals in Las Vegas.

Gray's season got an early jump-start on 2015 when he won in Kissimmee, Fla., last October collecting $5,780. The new season starts Oct. 1 each year in Pro Rodeo.

It has carried on ever since.

"I won Pecos with a 92 (point ride), placed at Reno, I went to Ponoka (Alberta) and didn't do anything there," Gray said.

He followed with a third place at Greeley, Colo., split third and fourth at Prescott, Ariz., and won at Window Rock, Ariz., July 4, the conclusion of a very busy day for Gray who turns 32, July 11.

"We did the short round at Greeley the afternoon of the Fourth, got on a jet and flew down to Window Rock that night and rode there," Gray said.

The next few weeks will be equally as full as following Calgary, Gray will compete at the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, Idaho and in Salinas, Calif. along with Salt Lake City and Cheyenne, Wyo., among others.

He then returns closer to home, now in rural Lincoln County, where he will rodeo much of the rest of the season that ends Sept. 30.

That will keep him closer to wife Lacy and son, Ransom, who just turned 18 months-old.

A year ago, Gray was in a battle outside of the rodeo arena. He was fighting with his insurance provider who thought his 2014 surgeries were not really necessary.

It wasn't a medical necessity, underwriters ruled. "I agreed to disagree with them," Gray said.

Paul Delaney can be reached at [email protected].